Dublin-based singer/songwriter Pastiche has released her debut single, ‘Chasing Down the Fame’. Though Pastiche performs with a live band, this track was completed remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic with producer Fergal Mullen (Jupiter Parks). The vocals were tracked at Beardfire Music.
With building fiery electronics and power pop might ‘Chasing Down the Fame’ is a compelling debut from Pastiche. Using swirling synths, dynamic drums and a dark progressive wall of sound the track is an invigorating listening experience. The sultry synths weave between flashing and pulsing beats while Pastiche exudes power and emotion through her mesmerising vocals. With glittering pop sensibilities the track is an explosive debut and an exciting glimpse into Pastiche as an artist. Looking forward to hearing more.
About the song, Pastiche says, “The song addresses the idea of achieving fame as a subjective journey; it almost never looks the same. I also think there’s a difference between fame and significance. Fame is usually an accident, but you can claim your own significance. I think this track is me doing that: showcasing my sound and trying to prove myself. I wanted to address not only where I hope to go but also where I came from. The line “I’ll show them what they made of me” is about all the rejections and “no’s” that have led me to where I am, developing thick skin, and needing to rely on my own self-belief.”
Five Days North have released their new single ‘Heaven Hold Us’. Since winning the 2017 Best Unsigned Band at the UK Unsigned Music Awards, Five Days North have steadily evolved into the encompassing and emotionally charged outfit they are today. Bringing with them their heart-on-their-sleeve lyricism, the band have released a smattering of singles and EPs that have turned heads and broken hearts both in their native Manchester and further afield. Festival appearances at the likes of Dot2Dot Festival and Kendal Calling have seen their fanbase widen; their anthemic indie-pop the perfect soundtrack to a weekend in the fields.
An uplifting anthemic gem ‘Heaven Hold Us’ is a smashing track from Five Days North. The band spread a heartfelt melody over an ethereal synth pop backdrop to create the perfect passionate indie pop delight. The track is laden with hooks and beautifully buoyant instrumentation as Five Days North build their timeless euphoric sound into something truly mesmerising. Filled with shimmering synths, glistening guitars and punchy drums teamed with an elastic bassline; this glorious earworm is a must listen.
The Waah-Kin Tribe have released their new single ‘Now You’. Hailing from ‘Sunny’ Scunthorpe, The Waah-Kin Tribe are an energetic Alt/Indie Rock 3 Piece. After releasing and debuting their first single ‘Holding Up The Mirror’ in Paris, the lads have continued to gig far and wide bringing their punk influenced experience to centre stage. With support from BBC Introducing the trio have been electrifying audiences with their songs and are looking forward to bringing back their notorious live performances.
‘Now You‘ is a vibrant indie rock track saturated in groove-laced instrumentation and The Waah-Kin Tribe’s energetic songwriting. The band flesh out their jaunty indie sound with funky guitar riffs, buoyant drums and a elastic spring on bass to create a full bodied and dynamic sound. Using bubbling radiant soundscapes to contrast the lyrics which metaphorically depict life today in its current climate this danceable ray of sunshine is driven by an infectious, strut-ready rhythm and smooth catchy melody. ‘Now You’ is a doozy sure to brighten your day. Looking forward to hearing more from The Waah-Kin Tribe.
Bio : Alex Luca returns with his new single ‘Freedom’, the second single from his upcoming EP ‘How Real Life Feels’.
Track: Freedom
Why We Like It: Luca spreads his emotive songwriting over soft building instrumentation to create an evocative tender tune. A delicate piano arrangement weaves between lush laments on string as the song blossoms into its cinematic crescendo. Well crafted and exuding a laid back tone ‘Freedom’ is a beautiful new song from Alex Luca.
Bio : Ragerra is an Alternative Rock trio from Dublin. 2019 saw the release of their debut EP “Big Men, They Fall” as well as numerous headline shows across Ireland & the UK. Ragerra is now about to release their much-anticipated debut album Primal Features in April 2021, they will celebrate the release of Primal Features with a launch party on April 9th in Lost Lane Dublin, Ireland.
Track: Brutal
Why We Like It: It’s a riff-driven, gritty alternative rock track shrouded in distortion as the band flesh out their acute brawny sound with raw pummeling drums. The song is about the public’s obsession with men who committed a series of Brutal acts back in the 1960’s & 70’s. Ragerra present this through crazed instrumentation and dizzying soundscapes. ‘Brutal’ is an uncompromising whack of raw rock.
Bio : Despite only forming in 2019, the Wrexham four-piece have already self-released an EP and amassed 700,000+ Spotify streams, sold out their first vinyl run, and sold over 1,000 tickets for their debut headline tour planned for Spring 2021. They are fast-becoming the new indie band to watch, with support slots with the likes of The Lathums already secured and support from the likes of The Coral.
Track: Mrs Narcissistic
Why We Like It: It’s an upbeat gem that surges with vigor and youthful adrenaline while the bubbling instrumentation glides over the angsty lyrics with a joyous bounce. The track is an instant shot of sunshine filled with jaunty light indie soaked guitar, punchy drums and dynamic bass. The band have created a song about a relationship breakdown through danceable, fun and irresistible musicianship. Showcasing witty lyrics and a radiant soundscape ‘Mrs Narcissistic’ is a sublime ear worm.
Bio : Irish singer-songwriter Sorcha Richardson has released her new single ‘The Starlight Lounge’ and its accompanying video. The track follows 2019’s brilliant debut LP ‘First Prize Bravery’, and continues a burgeoning creative relationship with James Vincent McMorrow, who co-produced the single. ‘The Starlight Lounge’ also follows Sorcha’s recent success with ‘Out The Gaff’ where she collaborated with Denise Chaila, MuRli, God Knows, and again with producer James Vincent McMorrow.
Track: ‘The Starlight Lounge’
Why We Like It: Exuding soft production, warm jazz-like keys, and constant beat the track is a laid back gem which showcases how diverse and exciting Sorcha Richardson is as an artist. This intricately layered number oozes lonely vibes as the keys jangle through a dreamy soundscape and mellow melody. Richardson’s vocals are almost nonchalant as she pierces hazy sonic textures with a sweet tone while warm guitars meander around the hypnotic beat. The track subtly shifts from synth pop to melancholic psychedelic pop with ease creating a lulling and weary atmosphere for the verses before the catchy bubbly chorus lightens the mood. ‘The Starlight Lounge’ presents a new facet to Richardson’s talent.
Bio :The Kecks are truly an international affair – their members come from Germany (drummer Kai Weidle), Australia (guitarist Samuel Telford), Great Britain (bassist Joel Phillips) and Austria (lead singer, Lennart Uschmann). Having initially been founded on the back of a FlixBus on their way to see The Growlers play in Berlin, The Kecks have since established a reputation for writing brutally honest and somewhat unconventional indie-rock that has landed them on Radio X, BBC Radio 6, Amazing Radio, and Spotify editorial playlists.
Track: All For Me
Why We Like It: Lennart Uschmann’s voice crawls out from under a sprawling brooding soundscape of twinkling guitars and soft drums with a whisper and almost Bowie-esque quality. Exuding a sombre, sway-like tempo and lamenting guitar refrain the track builds, becoming more expressive and dramatic as Uschmann pines and almost cries over the bittersweet melody. ‘All For Me’ is a stylish retro rock sad banger from The Kecks.
Aaron Spencer has released his new single ‘Flower’.’Flower’ began life as a bedroom demo during lockdown that Aaron Spencer created, bringing in his band members to record on with the final sessions taking place at Oscillate Recordings. A proud Cumbrian, Aaron Spencer is now based in Liverpool as he pursues his dream of a music career. After short spells of being in bands, Aaron Spencer launched himself as a solo musician with the successful release of his 2020 solo debut ‘Sticky Dancefloor’ which received praise from CLOUT and Reyt Good Magazine
Aaron Spencer spreads punchy punk over an anthemic indie rock backdrop to create an upbeat vibrant track with ‘Flower’. The jaunty guitars jab through a stomping drum beat and elastic bass rumble while Spencer spits out the striking lyrics. There is melancholy behind the melody while the lush backing vocals add a hint of innocence and vulnerability. ‘Flower’ is a dynamic new single from Aaron Spencer.
Taking inspiration from observations made on nights out, Aaron explains “I wrote the song when I started going out to pubs and clubs in Whitehaven. Nights out have always been influential for my songwriting. There’s an air of escapism, remedy and even desperation.The song digs below the surface and states that there’s more of a sombre reason behind people’s actions. You shouldn’t judge unless you are willing to spend some time in their shoes.”
Brighton alt/indie band Thrillhouse return with their new strut worthy single ‘The Tin Man’. This radiant anthem prances in on Thrillhouse’s infectious musicianship.The band have created a luscious irresistible tune exuding a hip moving beat, jaunty guitar, and funky bass groove with a vibrant backing vocal and fruity pop melody providing the sugary coating on top. Thrillhouse craft fun, energetic and exhilarating tunes laced in charm which compel you to put the track on repeat. Their tunes will put a smile on your face and coax you to the dance floor. I’m becoming a big fan of these guys.
Fast Trains has released his new single ‘The English Way’ taken from his upcoming EP ‘ourWorld Volume 1′ set for release in 2021. Fast Trains is the solo project of songwriter and producer Tom Wells. Combining inventive alternative pop with a cryptic visual space known as ourWorld, the project has received backing from BBC Introducing and BBC 6 Music, and its videos have been shown at film festivals all over the world.
‘The English Way’ is a refined, sonically lush number filled with the melodic and emotive songwriting of Fast Trains. The track pivots around a shaky rhythm, sharp lonely guitar strides and precise production as Fast Trains builds his unique soundscape meticulously. Boasting tense keys and sweet melodies the song broods and simmers while Wells coos the warm melody. The song is a call for men to move away from that British trait of keeping a stiff upper lip, highlighting the dangers of bottling up one’s emotions through cinematic and catchy musicianship. ‘The English Way’ is a sublime and gripping new track from Fast Trains.
Dublin multi-instrumentalist Sam Ludlow is set to release his new single ‘Summertime Somewhere’ on 20th of November. The song was recorded during the Summer with producer/friend, Mateusz (Shaky Shack), and Andrea Louise Jones on sax in a small house outside Dublin.
‘Summertime Somewhere’ is a wonderfully melodic track as Sam Ludlow spreads mellow alt pop over infectious grooves and intricately crafted soundscapes. The track’s soothing atmosphere and relaxed vibes seep into the listeners ears with ease as Sam’s velvety vocals cruise over the laid back melody and bubbling beat. The sunkissed haze on guitar is perhaps the most interesting aspect on the track, it exudes warmth through a soft beat which ventures slightly into reggae territory without fully committing to the genre. Sprinkles of jazz provided by a sultry sax give that final touch to create an all consuming listening experience.
‘Summertime Somewhere’ is a delight to listen to. Sam Ludlow is honing in on his sound and perfecting his craft. Looking forward to hearing more from this artist.
‘Summertime Somewhere’ is set for release tomorrow 20th of November for more you can follow Sam Ludlow on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/samludlowartist
I caught up with London-based singer songwriter AJ Wander to chat about his debut single ‘Time Out’ and how he managed to turn his life around during the pandemic. We discussed how sometimes the Wi-Fi gods cannot be appeased, the relief that we no longer live in the times of Nokia 3310 and if we did there would be no hope.
‘Time Out’ is a passionate and captivating new single which introduces Wander’s pop songwriting magnificently. However Wander didn’t instantly know when writing the song that it would make for a fantastic debut single
”I didn’t, no. I wrote the song a while ago, maybe three years ago, perhaps. It was after the breakup with my first real love.I had no idea it would be the first song I would release. It was one of those songs that almost wrote itself. It was just there after an hour of sitting at the piano and it was complete.It was a very easy song to write and that probably means that it, you know, it really did come from the heart and it’s honest.”
”So, yeah, in terms of deciding that it should be the song to release, I guess, it was just going through all of my back catalogue of tracks that I had and all the demos. I had a version of that from a few years ago, when we wrote the song and we sort of clicked with it straight away and were like, yeah this is where we need to start”
‘Time out’ has a progressive cinematic soundscape. Warm guitars, elegant piano twinkles and lush harmonies on backing vocals build alongside pulsing beats. In the studio, Wander explains the creative process was an organic experience.
”Yeah, I think it is an in the moment kind of thing. I didn’t know what I was gonna sound like going into the studio and it was an experiment. The song naturally lends itself to a certain sound whether you know or not, and you just have to find what that should be. Again that sound came together pretty quickly and naturally, and it seemed like it wouldn’t be right to fight and that’s just how it happened, It wasn’t premeditated at all. It just happened like the writing of the song did really.”
‘Time Out’ is an emotional song written soon after an explosive breakup and Wander offers an intimate take on a universal topic – relationships. Writing such passionate songs can be therapeutic but I wondered is it difficult for Wander to hear or sing the song now – do all those emotions resurface?
”It’s sort of taken on a new meaning for me I guess. I suppose if I forced myself to get my head back in that space where I was when I wrote it can be painful. But I think you know naturally, we all move on, we all want to move on.”
”For me when I sing, it means something else and it’s more positive, When I wrote it I was trying to be positive and trying to put a spin on this breakup as in, it’s a new beginning…so I think I apply it to just looking onwards and upwards right now and again that meaning will probably change for me, as my frame of mind changes. I’m sure it’ll mean other things to other people too, but I try to make it positive and more uplifting.”
Wander explains to me that he has plenty of songs written and how he plans to vary his songs and genres for his upcoming tracks
”Well, I think I might be covered for the next few, but in about six months time I might be panicking. I’m writing every day, and you naturally go through phases of not being able to write or not having as much to write about but then at times you’ve got too much to write about. So far, I haven’t struggled too much with writer’s block. I’ve managed to find things whether that be in my own life, or the people’s lives around me or just in the world around me and again in the studio.I think you’ll always find it, whether that does come naturally or not.”
” I’ve been writing since I was 14/15. The ones that I wrote between 14 and 18, I’m not going to be playing them. I’ve tried to forget them. But, yes I have definitely kept a hold of all those songs and I still go back and look through them.I don’t necessarily use the whole song…I don’t know how many I’ve got – a fair few, and I dive in and sometimes tune in to a certain part…so it’s nice to have that sort of backlog of material that a lot of people starting out don’t, so I feel pretty lucky to have that for sure.”
”No artist wants to be a one trick pony. But it’s cool to at least stick with a theme for a little while, rather than just dipping your toe in and leaving it there. So at least topically it’s centered around relationships, love and the fallout from breakups etc for these first releases.”
”With respect to the mood of them ..there’s a range.They were written from very different places emotionally, and I hope that comes across in the songs”
The pandemic has been a productive time for Wander, he managed to turn his life around in this crazy time gaining signings with the US-based Elevation Group and UK-based BDi Music during the pandemic. I wondered did he see this time as an opportunity or was it all just a happy coincidence?
”I definitely did lots of drinking wine and eating for sure. But it was a conscious decision in terms of minutes. I’ve always been trying to do it and I’ve always been wanting to do it. Prior to the lockdown I drifted into playing piano bars, and hotels, etc for a living, to pay my rent, and that definitely started getting in the way of me actually throwing everything into my own music, and just being all on the line and saying ‘look, this is what I’m gonna do, I’m either in or I’m out’.”
”Yeah so it was a combination of always having that desire and that dream of doing it, and then lockdown sort of eliminating all the work that I was doing. It just made me reevaluate and reset and say in 10 years, if I look back and I didn’t give it my all then I know I’ll forever regret it.. It forced my hand into going all in and start to release music.”
A lot of artists when they release music they plan how they are going to perform the tracks live and Wander like many artists is craving the live setting. He has been performing for years and to be unable to see people react in real time and connect with his songs is difficult for him.
”It’s sort of craving nothing more than to get out and play the songs live and actually see people’s faces. So, yeah, I think about it all the time.”
”I’ve not done live streams, but I believe that is going to be coming very soon. I just need to get better Wi-Fi in and I’ll be out there live streaming to the world.”
We have all become painfully aware of how one thing can affect work, entertainment and our nerves…. Wi-Fi. Live streams totally depend on this sometimes fickle creature
”I know, and it’s let me down this morning. But, yeah, it’s crazy the amount of time I spent on zoom in writing sessions, what a weird thing that is. I’m just glad that this happened now and not in 2002 when I had a Nokia 3310…Actually no, I didn’t…I was seven years old. What am I talking about, 2005 I got my first phone. Yeah, I think I’d be pretty bored of snake by now.”
Wander has been doing zoom writing sessions. I wondered can the mood and craft of songwriting really be captured in zoom with time lapses and glitches as well as that annoying inaudible moment when two people talk at the same time and they both stop and say nothing due to the awkwardness.
”Yeah, I think it’s very different. It’s less organic. It’s hard to cultivate this electric atmosphere that you often get in a room when you’re writing with people because you have to do your thing, you have to play your idea and then wait a minute, wait for the delay, and then wait to see what they think and then they’ll bounce back with another idea rather than it happening in the moment. So it can be a bit of a barrier for sure, but I guess it’s better than nothing. Some people love it. Some people hate it.I prefer being in person and being in the room, which we can actually do now, so hopefully I don’t have to experience another zoom writing session for a little while.”
Wander’s lyrics are rich and filled with depth and emotion, however the goal of a poetic lyricist is not something he seeks out intentionally.
”Depends on what I am writing about I think.There are some songs where you’re writing about something that isn’t personal to you then, I think it puts more pressure on you to be more poetic and say something in a new way, that hasn’t been said before, because you’re observing something that other people can observe. But if it’s something personal. Then you just say how you feel. If it’s something about you and something you’re actually experiencing then I think there isn’t as much pressure to put a twist on it because I think you want to be honest.”
The music industry is a tricky business to navigate through. It can be difficult to learn your craft and focus on the music with so much going on. The rewards can be little. I asked Wander if he had any advice he would like to give to budding young artists.
”I think just stick it out. It’s a long road.It doesn’t happen overnight and it hasn’t, you know..happened for me yet but I think you will never regret sticking it out and putting your all into it, and it’s easy to get distracted from it, responsibilities of life and living that responsible life but you’d never get more satisfaction than seeing your songs out there, and seeing how people react to them and knowing that you did what you’ve always dreamed of, which is to put the music out there, and give it your all.”
Hearing your song on the radio for the first time is a huge and special experience. I explained to him another artist I was in conversation with, when they were notified their song was going to be played on radio they actually went out and bought a radio for the occasion because they didn’t have one at the time. I was intrigued as to how Wander reacted the first time he heard ‘Time Out’ on the radio.
”I wish I bought a radio, that’s way cooler.I just put it on my phone. I think the first time it got played I was in the studio. Maybe I didn’t give it as much focus. I mean it’s definitely very cool.I think I’m a bit of a pessimist.I always find it hard to be like, oh that’s it, like I’ve done it, which I think is definitely not a good trait, because it is so cool and nice to be excited about achieving something in the moment, but I guess I’m always chasing the next thing. I think I’ve always found it hard to stand back and give myself a pat on the back for seeing something cool that I’ve done.But it was cool to hear it,and maybe I will buy a radio for the next one.”
So what can we expect from AJ Wander in the coming months ?
”Good question.I guess up until January, I’m going to be writing. I’ve got a host of writing sessions booked in, and in between those I’ll be writing by myself and hopefully get back in the studio with the songs that click with me most early next year. I’ve got a bunch of tracks that I recorded at the same time as I did ‘Time Out’, so I’ve got the next three tracks already lined up. Which, I’m actually a bit disappointed about because I love being in the studio and I wish I had a deadline to get something else recorded, because it’s my favorite place to be. But sadly, they’re already recorded. So I’m not sure when I will be back in the studio, hopefully next year and planning for the releases after this EP. But yeah, I think the next song to get released will be in early next year, maybe January/February.”
AJ Wander is a talented musician. His ability to capture emotion within his music is captivating. ‘Time out’ is a solid debut and a special gem to behold. I can not wait to hear more from him. Keep an eye on AJ Wander
Edinburgh singer songwriter Jonnie Wallace has released his new single ‘I Talk Too Much’. Rich percussion and warm guitar create a vibrant atmosphere as Wallace uses fluctuant bass lines to flesh out the track’s backdrop. This charming tune takes a quirky and honest view on a date gone wrong as Wallace admits he talks too much. The song builds superbly as the catchy chorus and instrumentation bounce behind Wallace’s vocals. He layers and builds the track superbly creating tension for the bridge. The playful verses and tight chorus showcase Wallace’s ability to create rich multi textures within his songs while exuding a comical tone of self loathing; camouflaged by the infectious pop melody, funky rhythm and glittering indie soundscape. ‘I Talk Too Much’ is an enjoyable well crafted track from Jonnie Wallace.
Stream ‘I Talk Too Much’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
