Koala Club have released their new single ‘So Long’. After a streak of songs released earlier this year, Koala Club were set to hit summer 2020 with an explosion of new material. After securing a slot supporting indie idols Swim Deep, the band continues to establish themselves in their hometown of Brighton, whilst continuing to expand their online audience. The band have received support from Spotify gaining them over 1000 monthly listeners, support from local radio and praise from BBC introducing.
Wrapped in glorious sun kissed indie ‘So Long’ is a radiant gem from Koala Club. While providing witty lyrical content the band keep the song upbeat with light jangly guitar injecting tropical tones into the tracks buoyant foundation. With smooth vocals and a catchy fun melody ‘So Long’ is that instant pick me up we all need. A rooted elastic bass oozes a hip moving groove while the melody and jubilous guitar exude positive vibes. Ready for repeat listens, ‘So Long’ is a delightful gem from Koala Club. Looking forward to hearing more from this talented bunch.
Frontman James Grimsdale said of the track: ‘Nobody likes being taken for granted. This song is a celebration. It’s about moving on from toxic people and looking after no.1. We wanted the song to reinforce the idea that positive outcomes do occur from letting go, even when you think you can’t.’
We caught up with lead singer, Ophelia (Fee) Booth from BLOXX to talk about the release of their debut album ‘Lie Out Loud’ and their huge UK tour scheduled for spring 2021.
‘Lie Out Loud’ has been a long time coming for the Uxbridge four piece, and follows a glorious ascent since BLOXX exploded onto the scene four years ago with their definitive brand of confessional, relatable indie pop. The album features the huge singles ‘Go Out With You’, ‘Coming Up Short’, ‘Thinking About Yourself’, ‘Off My Mind’, alongside a wealth of new material that showcases the band’s journey so far, which has seen them play huge shows, build an army of fans and amass over 30 million Spotify plays.
You guys have released your debut album Lie Out Loud. You guys burst onto the scene four years ago. Why did it take four years to bring out an album, were you crafting your sound, readying for this release to make it as cohesive as possible?
We really just wanted to build a bit of a name for ourselves with singles and Ep’s. Crafting an album can be a long thing when you’re brand new to the industry. It feels good to not have rushed it all.
Talk to us about the title, why did you choose to call the album ‘Lie Out Loud’?
It came as a bit of a shock when i said it out loud, and I didn’t actually think it made much sense until I dwelled on the idea that it actually does. We spend, as humans, a lot of time convincing ourselves that we’re being honest with ourselves, when we can just be lying. The act of lying out loud is the idea that we’re so unaware that we’re lying, we’re doing it out loud. A lot of the tracks on the record deal with personal things for me, and the feeling of the above.
It’s an album of cracking energetic indie tunes with shredding guitars, driving rhythmic sections and oodles of energy. How did you guys approach the writing for this album?
I think it’s important for me to write as if I’m trying to write a song for the stage. I love the idea of a crowd in my mind when I’m writing.
You have a wonderful knack with writing earworm melodies. Talk us through how you come up with these melodies. Do you spend time ruminating on them or does it just come naturally?
A lot of it is patience, listening and feeling the music. But I am always singing to myself, sometimes around supermarkets I’ll have to grab my phone and record a melody that I’m singing. I listen back most of the time and it’s absolute nonsense.
To coincide with the album release, You have unveiled a new single ‘5000 Miles’. It’s an unconventional love song that perfectly encapsulates the feelings of love, lust and growing up in a British satellite town. Tell us about that song and what sparked you to write it?
It is about my girlfriend at the time whom I met in the US. When I left I was really upset and penned half of the lyrics for this tune on the flight whilst drinking red wine. The music came later in this case, which is unusual for me.
Do you write your songs from personal experiences? If so do you ever feel anxious that the people you are singing about will know the song is about them?
Yes sometimes but I usually send a text explaining that there’s no hard feelings. In some cases people think it’s about them when it’s not at all. I find that quite funny, but if the glass slipper fits I say!
How did you choose which tracks you were going to put on the album?
It was a bit hard but most of them were no brainers. I rarely hate a song that I write. Except for ‘Lay Down’. Bin that one.
‘It Won’t Work Out’ is one of my favourite songs on the album. Tell us about that track and how you crafted it?
Oh right, amazing! Me and Steph Marziano spent a hot hot day in the studio just writing and this happened! The four on the floor really makes that tune for me, and the way it opens up with guitars in the second part. It’s a cool one.
Do you have a track that you are particularly proud of?
I think it has to be ‘Coming Up Short’. We were totally able to completely capture my energy and my song writing style in that song. I’d love to think that’s my sound down to a T.
Fee your vocals are strong and emotive while oozing attitude and swagger have you always been a confident singer?
Oh no, I used to be awful really. Confidence is so key to performance, and I didn’t have any, but I’ve taught myself that feeling strong makes you act stronger so I’m not nervous anymore.
You have constructed a solid reputation through touring extensively with the likes of indie giants Two Door Cinema Club and The Wombats, hitting up major festival stages and rapidly churning out anthemic crowd explosive tunes. I bet you were gutted that you haven’t been able to tour the album this year?
Yeah! We’ve been really lucky actually! We were really gutted yeah. Having to cancel loads of shows really hit us hard, and I’m sure it’s hit everyone! Just can’t wait to get back on the road.
What tips have you picked up playing these shows with Two Door Cinema Club, The Wombats and Sundara Karma, as well as the festivals like Reading, Leeds and The Great Escape?
I think it helped us grow up a lot. We got to live on the road for a bit and being away from home and family when you’re young is how you learn to be independent I think. All of the bands we’ve toured with have been amazing to us, and it’s been so great to learn things like etiquette and also how to perform better!
You are set to celebrate the album’s release with a huge UK tour scheduled for spring 2021. What have you got planned for the shows?
So many great things. We want to make those shows the best we’ve ever played. Getting to play album tracks for the first time in front of people will be the best feeling. I penned some of these tunes to be live anthems, so we want to bring everything to the table next year for all the fans.
Do you have any advice for anyone watching who wants to start a band or career in music?
Keep going, write a load of music, stay true to your ideas and your sound, and never stop dreaming big.
What’s next for you guys?
More music, more shows, energy and some cool surprises early next year!
‘Lie Out Loud’ is a tight, vigorous album and an impressive debut. BLOXX pack oodles of energy into these passionate tunes and the result is a hook laden album which evokes the raw energy of a live gig as well as providing a refined satisfying body of work locked and loaded for repeat listens.
BLOXX are set to head out on tour in 2021. Check out the dates below
Nashville Indie-pop, alternative band Nightly have released their debut album ‘night, love you’. In true Nightly manner ‘night, love you’ overflows with genuine, heartfelt warmth and refined musicianship. These guys write infectious earworms oozing lush intricate arrangements that create wonderfully melodious tunes.
Synths wisp and soar through the tracks creating an ethereal atmosphere which exudes sweet hues and lush textures that flourish through ‘the car’, ‘mess in my head’ and ‘not like you’. Indie jaunty guitar bursts add a dash of vigor through the tracks as the band allow each song show a new facet of their musicianship. The 80’s shimmering disco ball of ‘time online’ is a lonely bop with elements of auto tune on the vocals. The tracks bittersweet infectious melody is an instant hook which entices the listener into submission while a danceable shuffling beat coupled with cinematic production makes ‘time online’ a memorable track on the album.
A number of interludes embellish the album providing a The 1975 vibe for ‘(howitfeels)’ – exuding sparkling synths, bubbling beats and audio clips, this darker number displays a unique facet to the bands sound while the short ‘turnpike’ showcases Nightly’s heavier electronic side as they layer deft beats over an electronic soundscape. ‘whiskey’ displays the light-hearted and fun element of the album while paving the way for the ultimate summer tune, ‘summer’. This upbeat ditty is the gem. Though all the songs warrant a memorable place on the album there’s something special about ‘summer’. Maybe it’s the nostalgic vibe, radiant atmosphere or dreamy melody, the song emcompasses everything youthful and free. The band continue this knockout melodic flow through their slower ballads. ‘older’ which is my favourite track is an earnest account of growing up and the fear and expectation associated with it. A relatable theme set to beautiful music, it’s the most moving track on the album. The song is honest and filled with weaving electronics, soft beats and bubbling soundscapes which caress Jonathan Capeci’s soft coos as he perfectly delivers the lyrics with passion and tenderness. With warm guitar accompanying his voice this emotional tune is a captivating example of how well Nightly capture emotion within their lyrics and music.
The band build on natural emotion, expertly crafting it through this album to provide an incredibly powerful collection of sonic beauties. However they keep the tempo bubbly and bright with ‘so sly’ and ‘lose a friend’ while ‘the movies’ returns the album to that dreamy nostalgic melancholy that could make your heart bleed. The album comes full circle with ‘i got so much to tell you’. A minimalist track with reverb vocals and echoed soundscapes; the song builds tension ever so carefully. Themes of love, confusion and fear all flood through the song’s lyrics while the swirling electronics and lofty soundscapes create space between the clicking and pulsing beats.
There is a magical quality to Nightly’s melodic wizardry. Their ability to pull passion, sadness and love out of every note is masterful. The band have nurtured their sound and allowed it blossom into something beautiful and passionate. Emotion drives this collection of tracks. ‘night, love you’ is a catalogue of life and a journey of the heart set to intricate, cinematic sounds and emotive vocals – a wholesome, wholly consuming listening experience.
Irish Pop Singer/Songwriter Taylor Mas has released his new single ‘Bad News’.Despite ‘Bad News’ being Taylor Mas’s debut single as a solo artist, she has had many years of experience in the music scene in Ireland. Having completed a level 8 Degree in Songwriting at BIMM Dublin she has performed vocals for many different artists and bands across Dublin in multiple different recording studios as well as performing at Electric Picnic, Longitude, Knocken Stocken and many more Irish music events and gigs.
Exuding lyrical depth, ‘Bad News’ isa moving number which displays Taylor Mas’ ability to express emotionally powerful songwriting through beautiful musicianship. The delicate melody gracefully glides through an atmospheric backdrop of elegant keys and wispy synths creating a haunting and time stopping effect within the tune as Mas’ soft vocals give a tender earnest delivery on a heart-wrenching theme. With pop sensibilities weaving into powerful ballad-esque soundscapes Mas announces herself with a meaningful and utterly gripping number sure to pull a tear from your eye.
About the track Taylor Mas said: ‘’Bad News was written at a time in my life where I felt absolutely everything was going wrong for me. My career, my health, my relationships were all treading on thin ice and I was simply waiting for what would happen next to push me over the edge. I saw hope in nothing and felt like everyone was fine except me. I believe there are moments and times like this in every person’s life. I hope many people will relate to the song’s lyrics, especially now with how uncertain the world is. This song really highlights the importance of mental health and I hope people will listen and realise they are not alone in how they feel.’’
Jonny Taylor is set to release his debut single ‘Walk Along The River’ on November 5th. Jonny Taylor is a singer/songwriter from Liverpool.His distinctive style echoes the magic and mysteria of the Mersey sound while remaining fresh and exciting for 21st century tastes.
This charming track is a laid back listening experience. Oozing smooth vocals and a psychedelic vibe ‘Walk Along The River’ is surrounded in a relaxed flower power atmosphere while a strident guitar riff provides edge and rock swagger to the song. Taylor layers and crafts the track superbly sprinkling a Beatles-esque tone into his own radiant infectious sound, accompanied by an infectious melody which melts upon a bubbling beat and zest-filled guitar licks with ease. Well crafted and displaying slick instrumentation ‘Walk Along The River’ is a sublime debut from Jonny Taylor.
Multi instrumentalist and singer songwriter Liam Geddes has released his new song ‘Bad Best Friends’. His previous single ‘I’m Her’s’ has passed 230k streams since August completely independently and Geddes has amassed 88k monthly listeners. This will be his 4th single of the year with an EP set for release early 2021.
‘Bad Best Friends’ is an infectious pop number doused in sunkissed soundscapes. The track pivots around a light key and guitar refrain as Geddes builds soaring synths and finger clicking beats around this hypnotic refrain. With a charming whistle feature catchy chorus and effortlessly chill production this fun track is a laid back sun soaked indie pop delight. Zesty bursts on guitar and electronics create a refreshing bite to the song’s rich and full flavoured soundscape while a dreamy melody and shimmering synths add sweetness to the warm soothing tone of Liam Geddes vocals. With relatable lyrics and compelling arrangements ‘Bad Best Friends’ is a well crafted, infectious gem from Liam Geddes.
Thom Southern has released his highly anticipated second single ‘Perfect Someone’. The song was co-produced by the legendary Adrian Bushby (Muse, Foo Fighters, Feeder).After recently bursting onto the scene with the fuzzy debut single ‘Shivers’, the Belfast based artist is already making a powerful and unforgettable first impression.Thom Southern also co-writes and produces for his sister Lucy Gaffney. Following the success of their previous joint ventures Southern and MMODE, the pair are both now simultaneously striking out with exciting solo projects.
‘Perfect Someone’ is a sweet slice of shoegaze. Thom Southern has created a song doused in rich textures and lush tones, he builds the track superbly creating soundscapes so pure and passionate it holds your heart in suspense for each note. With pulsing beats and dreamy melody this chillwave pop tune is saturated in sweet nostalgia. The flashing synths create a mystifying wall of sound as Southern’s velvety vocals coo through the rush of sonic flurries to soothe the scorching backdrop. Exuding tight production and superb musicianship ‘Perfect Someone’ is a beautifully crafted track from Thom Southern.
Thom Southern elaborates on the lyrical sentiment for the new single…“Perfect Someone is a bittersweet story of nostalgia and young love. I wanted to write a song about that moment when out of the blue an old romance pops into your head and takes you straight back to a specific time and place. The lyrics are about finding an old coat that hasn’t been worn in years with a photograph inside one of the pockets. You remember how good that day was but inevitably you know it will never be the same again. I wanted to embody the track with repetitive melodies which create the immediate atmosphere of nostalgia. I used an 808 drum machine to make the track hypnotic to take you through the story in a quick, simple way just like when a memory flashes into your head and then it’s gone.”
Bristol indie folk singer songwriter Joe T. Johnson has released his new single ‘English Elegance’. This sweet retro hued ditty drifts upon Johnson’s 60’s melodies while he subtly builds a psychedelic hued backdrop. The song weaves between eerie moments with light pop elements glimmering throughout while a dreamy melody, upbeat rhythm and sweet vocals contrast the sinister, lamenting spaghetti western-esque guitar whines throughout. With harmonica moments and march-like drum elements Johnson wonderfully layers ‘English Elegance’ to create a fantastic pop delight to listen to.
Bristol band HEKA have released their new single ‘Club 1980’. HEKA recently released their debut single ‘Fake Smile’, it reached 20,000 plays on YouTube within the first 3 weeks of release and has been backed by BBC Introducing and BBC Bristol.
Saturated in wonderfully dark and expressive electronic soundscapes, ‘Club 1980’ is a passionate melodically rich number from HEKA. With surging electronics weaving sinister undertones through a sticky beat and consuming soundscape the band build tension from the get go as HEKA blend eerie soundscapes with dark, intoxicating electronics superbly to provide a wholly immersing and rich listening experience.
The listener is treated to a banquet display of musical prowess as HEKA showcase their deft ability to creates pockets of space and brief moments of stillness between the flowing, chiming guitars and synth refrains. These momentary tranquil moments beautifully contrast the fluidity of the track and are a joy to experience.
With lush backing vocal coos and sublime passionate vocals teamed with an infectious bitter sweet melody ‘Club 1980’ is a fine example of why HEKA are an exciting band to keep an eye on. Their ability to blend sinister, brooding electronics, and raw indie with prismatic sparkles of synth pop is masterful.
Irish glam-pop artist Jack Rua has released his new single ‘Isolation’. Writing music at the age of 15, first for a rock band and then as a soloist, he renamed himself Jackal in 2013. Backed by an 8 piece band, his theatrical and energetic stage show saw him perform at venues such as Whelans, The Academy, The Mercantile and Vicar Street. Graduating with a BA in Commercial Modern Music from BIMM Dublin, Jack took a hiatus from performing in 2017 and moved to New York City where he immersed himself in the cultural scenes of drag, burlesque and theatre – shaping his sound around these creative concepts.
‘Isolation’ is a glorious display of Jack Rua’s shimmering pop as he takes an emotive theme and shrouds it in infectious glittering electronics and bubbling rhythms.The song is glowing with Rua’s refined musicianship and impressive songwriting prowess as light verses simmer while entwining synths and ethereal elements contrast the thematically darker undertone. The track has invigorating bursts of release between the coiling beats while Rua’s smooth warm vocals ooze swagger and charm.
‘Isolation’ is a richly textured track exuding finger clicking elements and catchy soundscapes. Rua’s ability to provide a danceable catchy tune with relatable lyrics and conflicting sonic twists is masterful. Jack Rua is an artist to keep an eye on.
About the track Jack Rua said : “It was written about how I was separated from my boyfriend for 2 months because of the COVID pandemic. We had only just gotten into a relationship and were enjoying the throws of the infamous honeymoon period, so to be separated from each other for such a period of time for reasons beyond our control was very difficult.I love this song because it really captures what I was experiencing. I was trying to remain positive and remind myself that things were only temporary, but still feeling a sense of hopelessness and a complete lack of control of the situation. I knew what I was doing was right morally in the context of a pandemic, but it felt so incorrect personally and all of these conflicting emotions and ideas were driving me crazy.”
Stream ‘Isolation’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
