Barcelona indie pop band Hola Chica have returned with their latest album, ‘Marbella’. The five piece have been on tour since the release of their first album ‘Magnetism’ in 2016. Playing at Taubertal Festival and BIME Festival, as well as all over Spain they have been creating an energetic and psychedelic live show that is communicated through their latest release.
‘Marbella’ is a wonderfully colourful display of Hola Chica’s indie psychedelic pop as the band ease you into their smooth sound with intricate musicianship which leads effortlessly into their massive bag of sonic tricks. The band conjure disco funk and snappy beats to create a clean polished sound. With beautifully manicured synths weaving between floaty melodies and zesty radiant guitars, tracks like ‘Asleep’,Off My Mind’ and ‘Feels Like’ rush with a danceable groove that is infectious while velvety vocals coo through prismatic soundscapes and dreamy melodies.
‘Free Your Soul’ wraps layers of shimmering synths over catchy pop melodies while scorching guitars and humid beats intoxicate and smother the buoyant and vibrant background.The band glitter the album in 70’s disco elements and 80’s pop sheens as they inject a hazy shade of hippie splendour and trip hop hues through ‘Same Old Thing’ and ‘Falling Apart’. Hola Chica have managed to create a psych album that is so drifty and light however, they use dazzling soundscapes and adrenaline rushing instrumentation to keep the album rushing along.
‘Never Gonna See You Again’ slows the pace a little as brooding melodies float over a subtle bubbling soundscape and chiming light atmosphere. The lamenting guitars pine over the dreamy backdrop with a piercing sting while the keys twinkle through a steady beat creating a rich and wistful number brimming with emotive qualities.The detailed production and rich instrumentation throughout the album adds a dash of sunshine in each track. From the soft rock groove and elastic bass line of ‘Make It’, the glistening epic guitar in ‘Your Time’ to the glimmering suave charm of final track ‘Fade Away’, Hola Chica make sure you are bouncing and swirling in their trippy soothing sounds and lush instrumentation all the way through.
‘Marbella’ is a luminous album laced in fresh, sun kissed vibes, good times and utterly mesmerising instrumentation as Hola Chica blend, refine and brew their fruity, floaty psychedelic pop with a dash of indie and a hint of funk to create a euphoric and vibrant listening experience.
On Wednesday afternoon I spoke to singer songwriter Miles Graham (who was sitting having a cuppa in sunny Sligo) about his new single ‘Don’t Change’ and upcoming EP. Originally from Dublin, Miles Graham is a musician & Indie Soul Singer/Songwriter that has been described as a talent rarely found, possessing a warm, magnetic voice and songwriting talent reminiscent of early Van Morrison. What sets Graham apart is that he marries this with the commercial appeal of James Morrison and Ray LaMontagne.
Miles has been establishing his reputation relentlessly since first hitting BBC Radio 2’s playlist in 2015 with ‘I Can’t Love You Again’ and then with high profile Billboard Dance hits with Don Diablo and L’Tric. His new release ‘Don’t Change’ is quite the step away from the dance tracks. I wondered if he approached the writing process differently
“I think it’s definitely evolved to a certain extent. The dance music was totally out of the blue. I didn’t expect to do that at all. If you listen to the record that we put out ‘I Can’t Love You Again’ it was just a ballad-y love song and I got a call from Neon Records in Australia when the record was doing the rounds in the UK and they wanted to do a dance version of the song and they wanted to use the vocals. So I sent over the vocals and they asked me to re-record it in a different tempo, which I did but it just wasn’t really working for that particular song.So they ended up sending me some other music and asked me to write for that music. So I ended up doing that and I came up with a record called ‘1994’ for L’Tric and they released that.It was like number 2 in the UK club charts and number 3 in Australia and it was all very much a surprise. It was a side track to what I do but it obviously led me on to recording with Don Diablo and other DJ’s . It was fun and exciting. House music and dance music is such an interesting genre of music with so many different genres within it. It opened my eyes I think. The melodies that they use sort of changed my thought of melody.. Maybe because I knew I was writing for a young audience who are into pop melodies and just listened to the house and dance music that was going at the time, but it was a very fun experience but I’m not sure whether it has affected my own music that much, maybe a little bit, yeah.”
It can be daunting for an artist to release music to the public especially as a singer songwriter, (as it’s just you there is no band or other band members to share the load with).With the success of previous tracks Graham feels pressure with this new release
“Yeah absolutely. I always knew that with the likes of Don Diablo they have huge fan bases so there is less worrying about how well the track is going to do initially. You are just kind of putting yourself out there and because I’ve been doing the dance records I’ve come away from my own material quite a bit. But I do feel the pressure, I’m terrified, I’ll be honest with you I am nervous because it’s the most personal record that I’ve put out.Even like back with ‘I Can’t Love You Again’ and other songs I would have released and written back then, my writing would come from stories I might have heard of other relationships and put them into a fictional narrative, but this time around it’s definitely more personal.”
‘Don’t Change’ has a retro soul vibe and sleek presence, the funky groove in the track is extremely infectious
“It’s just something that came up in the studio. I started the song in Dublin with a guy called Greg Malocca who I worked with for many years now and we just got the groove together and we thought yeah lets do something a bit different and we got this Niall Rogers type of guitar line that we really liked and I had the rhythm guitar over it and then the melodies start coming and it just stemmed from that really. Lyrically it’s a bit more close to the bone but I wasn’t even thinking of the lyrics starting off, it just all comes out in melody initally.You don’t really know what you’re writing about until it’s done but it wasn’t a conscious decision, it just kind of came about.”
One stand out aspect about ‘Don’t Change’ is how Graham puts an upbeat and colourful perspective on the melancholic theme of a break up. It gives the track the ability to cheer up a possible saddened listener?
“Thats nice. That’s lovely to hear. It’s my one goal as a songwriter you know, because that’s what I get from music. If I listen to a song and it lifts me or inspires me or makes me want to dance or if you have that hair standing on the back of your neck – it’s those moments within songs that I’d aspire to have as a songwriter.So it’s great hearing that. This song in the chorus is basically saying don’t change who you are. Obviously the verses are about heartbreak and relationships and they are toing and froing between that but as it gets to the chorus it’s like look, whatever happened happened and I hope that you don’t change and that I don’t change in the process of the turmoil that comes with it, It’s that kind of positive feel. There is one lyric at the start of the song, “kept the colours of the moment” it means you can focus on the bad stuff in a heart break or in a relationship but you can also focus on the colourful things and I think that helps.It helped me through a breakup situation and I hope it helps other people.
When writing songs sometimes the initial idea an artist has in their head can be difficult to achieve in the recording process. Graham tries to keep things simple when approaching the producer etc with his ideas to get them just how he imagines them
“ It can be difficult, yeah. That’s probably the first thing that comes to mind when you have this vision in your head and nobody else knows what it is. The producer doesn’t know what it is, if your writing with someone else they don’t know what it is, so you have to get your point across.I think the best way of doing that is just strip everything right down to just sitting at the piano or with your guitar or whatever and just have the root notes. You might have a bass line or a guitar lick or just some chords and just be honest with the melody and with your idea. The production can go around full 360 with whatever way you want to produce it.But it can be difficult to get your imagery or idea across.”
‘Don’t Change’ was recorded in London with producer Paul Herman (Emeli Sandé, Dido, Corinne Bailey Rae) someone Graham has alway been a fan of and someone who shares his love for soul music
“ I’ve always been a big fan of Pauls.I know he did the Dido record and co writes but what really drew me to him as a producer was his work with Corinne Bailey Rae. It had that more soulful side and then I discovered the Dido music as well.I’ve always been a fan and I actually met him about 5 years ago. He was over doing an IMRO talk and I was heading to London the week after so he invited me down to the studio and very kindly gave me some good advice and I went on my journey and funny enough 9 years later I ended up working with him. Fortunately, since I’ve been working with peermusic London he was introduced to my music again in the form of a few demos and he said he wanted to work with me. He has definitely brought something to the table. In his work that he has done he focuses a lot on backing vocals and harmonies and he is really good at that. In the studio he was really pushing me to get a performance out of me.We were on the same page from the start because we both have a lot of soul music influences so I think those influences have become part of the EP as a whole.”
Graham has a velvety soulful tone to his vocals however at the start he wasn’t particularly happy with how his voice sounded
“I think melodies come naturally to me because I’ve been listening to soul music from a young age. The only singing lessons I’ve ever had was from a famous jazz singer Honor Heffernan, that was way back maybe 15 years ago. I was singing a little bit not like myself before that.I think everybody is starting to kind of sing the music that they like.Whether it be Ed Sheeran or whatever. You know people who are just starting and in their teens they just sing like who they listen to. I didn’t have a deep voice, I had a mid tone, a kind of high register and I didn’t like that about my vocal. I wanted to be a more low tone soul singer. She brought that out of me a bit and I began to use my natural tone and natural voice.I didn’t like it at first but it wasn’t until I put out some music and I was getting some good feedback and that, so it seems to be going ok. I was in no way confident at all to start.I had a lot of confidence in the song writing.I knew I could tell a story, write a lyric and I was pretty good rhythmically with lyrics and making them flow and I got a lot of fun out of that. I had a lot of belief in myself as a songwriter but as a singer that’s another thing and as an artist and putting yourself out there.It was a bit more personal. It’s not something that I really wanted to do from the start.I was just looking for publishing or whatever but it was when the publishing companies, record companies and just general audience gave positive feedback about my voice that I started to pursue a career as an artist.”
The connection an artist gets at a live show is incomparable and for Graham it is an important experience. So to achieve this everyone has to adapt with the current lockdown times.
“I love the connection with people and live is the best way to play the music and experience the music.Even if you listen to records of live performances they are the ones that really get you.I do miss the live connection, obviously with the lockdown and everything. I have been doing some personal gigs on zoom and instagram live for fans that have connected with me and are in their homes in Germany, Scotland and America from back a few years ago and have stuck with me. I just go on and play a few songs and whatever. It’s been a bit of fun actually.I did one with Hot Press last friday. It’s amazing how quickly the industry has adapted. Everyone is on live stream now.The internet where I am isn’t that great. Actually just before lockdown I went to get new broadband. The one I had wasn’t great but I’m still waiting on it so I’m just using the hotspot on the phone at the moment.”
Graham’s advice to budding young artists displays both the dreamer perspective and reality of the occupation as uses his experience in the industry so far to conjure some wise words
“Get ready for a really hard road.Believe in yourself. I know it sounds very cheesy but I think be as true to yourself as possible and try to connect with your audience. There are so many different genres of music and music is like food. You either like salt and pepper or you don’t, you know?. It’s important to channel into the right audience.Which is not easy to do but if you can manage to do that from the start hopefully you can build a fan base.Just be true to your music and don’t try to be anyone else.”
Miles Graham is gearing up to release his EP in the coming months with tracks that “are all very different”.
“ Choosing the songs for the EP was very hard.I have written so many songs but to get them all on an EP and to give people an idea of myself as an artist. There is one, kind of R&B soul tune, the melodies are quite R&B and then there is a ballad where I’ve got some lovely strings orchestrated by Sally Herbert in the UK who has won an award for orchestrating strings for the Plan B record The Defamation of Strickland Banks and shes amazing.I’m very lucky to have her talent on the record .There is another track called ‘All The Right Things’ which is the title track of the EP. I’m really excited about that track.It tells a story of my musical journey.It’s kind of funky and upbeat but it’s very different to anything else that’s out there at the moment I think.It will be interesting to see what people think of it.”
Sounds like Graham has something special planned for his upcoming EP. I can’t wait to check it out.
Off the back of ‘One Day’ being named BBC Introducing in the south ‘Track of the Day’ and their latest release ‘No Surprise’ gaining them over 1000 monthly listeners on Spotify, Brighton’s indie rock quartet Koala Club have released their newest Single ‘City Lights’. Koala Club have been establishing themselves in their hometown and have started to gain a following across the country with their feel good tracks, ear-catching riffs and singalong choruses.
‘City Lights’ is an adrenaline packed juicy burst of indie rock as Koala Club use biting bright guitar lines and an infectious buoyant backdrop to create a glowing track ready for repeat plays. This vibrant tune drifts joyously on a bubbling rhythmic bed as the band drizzle tasty guitar riffs and dynamic elastic bass over the teasing verses while the chorus eruption rushes with the bands signature vibrancy and indie bite. Well crafted the track builds superbly capturing an atmosphere of exhilarating youthful indie while the smooth vocals coo over the effervescent backdrop. ‘City Lights’ is another irresistible tasty delight from Koala Club.
About the track frontman James Grimsdale said : ‘‘City Lights is a song about moving away from home to follow a passion but falling short and losing yourself. It focuses on how this can lead to addictions in your life to mask your emotions, leaving you feeling trapped in an endless cycle.’‘
Lady Landscape have released their new single ’25’. Founded by Alex Harrison and Ryan McDonnell in late 2018, Meath-based five-piece, Lady Landscape embrace a lo-fi sound that combines rich synth textures, dreamy guitar rhythms and nonchalant vocals. Their mid-tempo, spacey anthems have led them to play some of Dublin’s top venues alongside bands: Sprints, Bullet Girl, and Isaac Jones.
’25’ is a light velvety coating of Lady Landscape’s melancholic hued dreamy sound as the band delve into their rich creamy musicianship with a striking lyrical content. It’s a silky, smooth number as airy synths wisp about a spongy supple beat to create a soft mousse-like texture. The lo fi vocals caress the sombre melody with a monotonous tone as the moany lyrics discuss the effects of aging. With zesty stings on guitar the band inject a radiant sweet tone with a biting dash of indie into the lush dream pop soundscape. ‘25’ is another sublime mellow track to indulge in from Lady Landscape.
Following the success of her first single ‘Birthday’, Trophy Wife has released the second single ‘Beauty Queen’ off her upcoming EP ‘Art’. Trophy Wife (Ruby Smyth) is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer from Ireland.
‘Beauty Queen’ is a sweeping indie pop number that slips into a groovy jazz hued mellowness as Smyth contemplates female beauty standards over a slinky smooth backdrop. Her vocals coo and float atop beds of sparkling guitar flourishes and a soft buoyant rhythm. The track swells gracefully over a lush indie pop soundscape as the subtle intricacies drift between the smooth melody creating a rich laid back chic number. The song has a rhythmic bounce that is infectious without becoming over-powering allowing the chic classy soul pop elements to sparkle and soothe. ‘Beauty Queen’ is a charming, sophisticated, honest listening experience.
New wave indie band Hook have released their self titled debut EP. Hook are a three piece band from Dublin, Ireland comprised of Eoin O’Donnell (vox, guitars) Danny Spelman (bass) Morgan O’Brien (drums).Formed in early 2019 Hook spent the year writing and recording. The EP is just some of the songs created in that time. The EP was mixed and mastered by Grammy award winner Ciaran Byrne and produced by the band.
With jaunty catchy tunes swirled in an edgy indie coating Hook’s self titled EP is a short snappy enjoyable collection of tracks.The band inject perky light guitar lines into their music which creates wonderful, ethereal and zest stricken qualities in tracks ’The Light’ and ‘Fancy Dress’ as the punchy drums and intricate bass groove lay down the tight foundation. There is a messy fun atmosphere and sun kissed glow about each track that is quite infectious while the dreamy sweet melodies charm their way onto repeat. This trio blend in some grunge and gritty elements into the EP as well. ‘Spoiler Alert’ hints at the bands darker side. With jagged sharp guitars slicing through a rough bass line and relentless drums the band smother darker elements into their sound. Hook’s ability to create acute raw riffs and melodies with majestic flurries on guitar is impressive and they display these wonderfully throughout the EP. ‘I love the world because you’re in it’ brings the EP to a sweet upbeat end. With a warm wholesome melody and country hue this vibrant indie ditty is a charming finale.
Hook have presented a fine well rounded EP brimming with proficient musicianship and delightful catchy melodies. With tight layering, intricate instrumentation and witty lyrical content Hook have created a strong collection of tracks.
VELVET are an up and coming five piece indie band from County Durham.The band have just released their debut E.P ‘Brother’. With luscious summer vibes, sweet melodies and intricate instrumentation ‘Brother’ is a compact and delightful EP from VELVET. The band have managed to capture a laid back summers day vibe in this sublime EP. One particular glorious element throughout each track is the light tasty guitar lines which weave zesty refreshing qualities into the rock n roll swagger of ‘Ride’ and vibrant indie jangle of ‘This Wave’. The mellow tones and soft rasped vocals ooze marshmallow softness into the tracks. With shredding solos, cushioned rich rhythms and sweet melodies, each song is a breezy ethereal delight. The buoyancy of the tracks is infectious as the punchy drums and entwined bass lines create a charming fluctuant foundation.With the golden glow of ‘Happy Place’ and zealous radiance of ‘Brother’ the EP is a sweet concoction of breezy sublime musicianship as VELVET create the perfect collection of tracks to chill and dance to. The band showcase their fine ability to blend some gritty rock elements into their sun kissed psychedelic hued sound to create a satisfying listening experience.
Norwegian cult pop icon Dagny has released a special acoustic version of her track ‘Come Over’. Dagny is one of Norway’s most exciting artists, live performers and songwriters with over 450 million streams amassed, sold out tours, and critical acclaim by everyone from Nylon and Billboard to The Guardian and Harpers Bazaar. Among her achievements this year, Dagny also co-wrote Katy Perry’s ‘Never Really Over’ – racking 300 million streams on Spotify alone.
Dagny takes her sparkling pop number and strips it back to create an elegant and wholesome acoustic rendition of ‘Come Over’. Lush harmonies lift the track into an ethereal atmosphere while the twinkling guitar embellishes the backdrop in warm delicate tones. Dagny’s vocals are allowed to shine through this version. She coos with a honeyed tone as her whispered rasp creates a sultry lull that caresses the smooth melody with a soft tenderness and vibrant bounce. This acoustic version is still wonderfully layered and cultivated adding cosy tones on electric guitar with the rich vocal harmonies and beautiful backing vocal coos. Dagny presents a charming and joyful version of ‘Come Over’ that is both clean, crisp, utterly charming and sweet.
The British indie rock outfit Sidetracked have recently released their debut single ‘City’. Sidetracked consists of bassist Cohen Radcliffe, lead guitarist George Wolstencroft, drummer Lewis Flynn and Alex, the lead singer, rhythm guitarist & songwriter
With jangly guitars slicing through a laid back bouncy indie rock backdrop ‘City’ triumphantly announces Sidetracked’s infectious sound. The band melt a catchy smooth melody over a bubbling indie soundscape to create one radiant zest filled gem. With punchy drums providing a dynamic springboard, the track soars with adrenaline pumping stamina and a hint of surf rock fun. The ethereal bite on guitars creates a twinkling refreshing burst of energy while the groove riddled bass and spongy rhythm maintains a feathery lightness and upbeat charm. Sidetracked showcase their slick ability to create a polished clean and jaunty number sure to have you bopping along in no time. A sublime debut.
Bristol-based, Drowzy Rock and Roll, quartet Hush Mozey have released their new single ‘Trim The Roses’.Last year the band released their second EP, “Pretty Little Seance”, with a sold out release show at Rough Trade Bristol, leading to multiple Glastonbury appearances, performing at O2 Academy Bristol and being featured on Steve Lamacq’s “Recommends” show on BBC 6 Music.
‘Trim The Roses’ wisps and drifts with soft dreamy tones, sweet melodies and lush textures as Hush Mozey create an anthemic laid back track to submerge the listener in. Chiming guitars weave between a buoyant beat while the psychedelic hued backdrop provides subtle bursts of scintillation throughout. It’s a charming soothing number. The band melt a velvety sun kissed melody over the bubbly sweet soundscapes to create a Utopian glowing track brimming with rich intricacies and glorious tones. Elegant strings swoon between the jangly guitars and vibrant rhythms as ‘Trim The Roses’ lifts you into a cosy cloud of ethereal indie pop bliss. Well crafted and wonderfully written this track is a vibrant and dreamy song filled with timeless blossoming instrumentation as Hush Mozey mark themselves as a band to keep an eye on.
Stream ‘Trim The Roses’ below
Author : Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
