Tag Archives: indie

MYA Project ‘It’s All About Imagination’

MYA Project is the alternative, electronic/acoustic pop creation from Dalila Mya. Originating from Europe, now based in Los Angeles, this musical creativity comes from a background of classical training combined with a Sound Engineering Degree. MYA Project is a fusion of electronic and acoustic music, where Trip-Hop meets World Music and Pop Rock. Dalila’s background has seen her work as a Live Sound Engineer, working with artists such as Tool, Depeche Mode, Alabama Three and Massive Attack. Besides her live work, she has worked as a Studio Sound Engineer for several studios in England and the U.S.A., including Abbey Road in London and The Village Studio in Los Angeles. Dalila has her own recording studio in LA where she produces all her works including the new release ‘MK’. MYA Project released the 10-track debut, ‘MK’ on the 3rd of March through Milky Bomb Records and has now released the video for the single ‘It’s All About Imagination’.
‘It’s All About Imagination’ is haunting goosebump inducing euphoria. Subtle electronics seep in with eerie tones while the enchanting luring melody seduces, fused with slow groovy dance influenced beats. Swirling interweaving electronics create a dizzy narcotic effect while a captivating bassline and sting on guitars add a razor sharp edge and rock influence. Funky sway-like rhythm adds an elasticity and malleability to this bewitching track while spacey futuristic electronic flashes add a chilling obscurity. Velvety smooth sweet enticing vocals lead you down a musical rabbit hole of hazy spiralling delirium. With a mind numbing illusion rippling effect ‘It’s All About Imagination’ is an experience that will have you in a trance.

You can watch the video for ‘It’s All About Imagination’ on MYA Project’s facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/myaprojectmusic/videos/10154340559705777/
Stream  ‘It’s All About Imagination’ below

 

Bare Knuckle Parade ‘Every Other Heartbeat’

Five piece alternative rock outfit Bare Knuckle Parade have released their new video for single ‘Every Other Heartbeat’. Released through Dirty 38 Records ahead of a UK tour in March, ‘Every Other Heartbeat’encapsulates the band’s’ spirit, verve and intensity in its every detail. Recorded live and produced by the band, the song leads the way for the group’s highly anticipated debut album, teased to be released in late 2017. Conceived out of a drunken conversation around a bar table, the indie folk-rock powerhouse from Bath quickly gained a reputation for their ‘packed out’ energetic and compelling live performances around the country, which has been described as “Sweat drenched, beer-soaked pandemonium” and has gained support from the likes of Steve Lamacq, Dermot O’Leary, John Kennedy and Chris Evans.
‘Every Other Heartbeat’ is infectious peppy indie rock at its best. Perfectly placed sing along features and catchy chorus backed by snappy bass zealous guitars and punchy drums, its a bouncing ball of delight that will have you dancing and bopping uncontrollably. Upbeat bright and animated this track has it all. Its a crowd-pleaser and brightens everyone’s day. Its instantly likeable and insanely catchy with a sweet melody,its honey to the ears and a much needed spirit lifter while maintaining punch and grit.
The music video for the song was filmed by Chris Porter of LifeisArtVisuals at a warehouse in Basingstoke using a mixture of digital and old-school VCR footage.
Bare Knuckle Parade will be touring throughout the UK in March and April – all details can be found below.
10TH MAR – DOG & PARROT, NEWCASTLE
11TH MAR – THE MATRIX, GRIMSBY
12TH MAR – NIGHT & DAY CAFE, MANCHESTER
15TH MAR – THE JUNCTION, PLYMOUTH
16TH MAR – CROFTERS RIGHTS, BRISTOL
17TH MAR – FROG & FIDDLE, CHELTENHAM
18TH MAR – BOCABAR, GLASTONBURY
19TH MAR – FULL MOON, CARDIFF
23TH MAR – REDD, DUNDEE
24TH MAR – HENERYS CELLAR BAR, EDINBURGH
8TH APR – THE OLD FIRESTATION, OXFORD
Watch the video for ‘Every Other Heartbeat’ below

Indie Quick Picks

The Dangerhounds

Genre: Punk indie-pop

Bio: Since forming in 2015, The Dangerhounds, Brad Moorcroft (Bass) Tris Ellis (Drums) Adam Hume (Rhythm Guitar/Vocals) and Obi Davis (Lead Guitar) have been busy playing a series of riotous live shows and making a name for themselves on the fertile Leeds indie rock scene. Their debut EP and 2016 singles led to airplay with BBC Introducing, who were quick to spot their knack for Saturday night indie-disco melodies and energetic riffs. With celebrated local producer Ed Heaton at the controls, their new material builds on the punch and swagger of their earlier recordings and offers more examples of their high-octane, pop-punk thrills.

Track: Nobody Gets Hurt

Why we Like It: Its a snappy infectious slice of indie pop with punchy drums vigorous guitars and rapid tempo. The rhythm will have you dancing in no time its finger clicking good
Stream ‘Nobody Gets Hurt’ below

https://soundcloud.com/saintinthecitypr/the-dangerhounds-nobody-gets-hurt/s-ZK8Jz

 Useless Cities

Genre: Indie Rock

Bio: Since arriving fully formed in 2016, Useless Cities, Tom Argent (Vocals & Guitar) Conny Bent (Vocals & Keyboards) Clare Caldwell (Bass) and Sebastian Brebu (Drums) have been busy playing a string of live shows around London (including gigs at renowned venues The Sebright Arms, The Monarch, The Good Ship, O2 Islington Academy, The Black Heart and The Amersham Arms) and building a fanbase for their unique take on nineties and noughties-influenced indie rock. Their debut EP ‘Stay’ quickly turned heads at radio with Hoxton FM, Croydon Radio and Spark Sunderland playlisting tracks, while the band’s songwriting and intricate soundscapes were praised by Wolf In A Suit, Music Is My Radar and Independent Music UK in a series of glowing reviews.

Track: New Feelings
Why We Like It: Its a uniquely chilling piece of indie rock with icy guitar lines, alternating and weaving male/female vocals all bound together with relentless drum patterns. Its smooth and delicate with the right amount of raw edge and grit to keep it fresh and breezy.

Watch the video for ‘New Feelings’ Below

Cherry Head, Cherry Heart

Genre: alt-pop

Bio: Cherry Head, Cherry Heart, Andy Johnson (Vocals, Guitars, Drums, Bass) and Naomi Lowehave (Vocals ) picked up BBC Radio 2 and BBC Introducing airplay with the ultra-catchy Road To Rome, been selected as Track Of The Week on BBC Radio Tees and won over new fans all over the UK with their live performances. Following their lo-fi 2015 debut LP ‘Chihuahua Deluxe’, Tarred & Feathered leaps from richly-detailed indie-pop arrangements to Spaghetti Western inflections (and most places in between) without losing their core personality and gift for melody.’So Much More’ is taken from their recently released second album ‘Tarred & Feathered’.

Track: So Much More

When asked about the album co-frontman Andy Johnson said: “Tarred and Feathered” is held together by a loose narrative about a young couple travelling around Europe trying to escape something or someone unspecified. The songs talk about being an outsider, displacement and also the romance of the underdog as well as the inevitable desire for a home. Musically the album is a love-letter to pop music in its many forms. Influences include – Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood, Taylor Swift, The Shadows, Ennio Morricone and The Beautiful South.

Why we Like It: Its smothered in timeless Britpop songwriting. Its upbeat bopping fun with sweet sublime melodies, genre-hopping musicality and effortless charm.

Stream ‘So Much More’ below

 

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Worth A Listen

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Cassia

Cassia

 

Macclesfield indie trio Cassia have released their new single ‘Weekender’.Band members Rob (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Lou (Bass, Vocals) and Leff (Drums, Vocals) have become known for their sun-soaked grooves combining their trademark tropical pop with raw guitar melodies and ‘Weekender’ does not disappoint. Cassia have given us the perfect track to lay on the beach with some refreshing drinks and watch the sun go down. Its woozy and dreamlike as it drifts in and out of consciousness with spikes of zesty melody and energy. Edgy interjections on guitar and punchy drums keep the track refreshing while the sweet catchy melody, sing along chorus and lush harmonies keep the track flowing with easy going cool vibes and an overriding sense of bliss and tranquillity. Once that guitar kicks off the track you are instantly taken to sunshine and good times with smooth vocals easing you into a state of calm and paradise. With elastic bass and rubber bounce on drums it skips along with a peppy spring and contagious liveliness. Cassia will inject some well needed sunshine into your dull week almost instantly. These guys are fast becoming one of my favourite bands.
Stream ‘Weekender’ below

https://soundcloud.com/wearecassia/weekender

Beau + Luci ‘Fire Dancer’

Hailing from the swamplands of Southern Georgia, raised on a heady blend of rock-and-roll, blues and classic country, sisters Beau + Luci have released their debut EP ‘Fire Dancer’ which along with drawing from real-life experience weaves in elements of visionary storytelling throughout. Inspired by a central character from Cornelia Funke’s Inkheart trilogy—a fire-eater named Dustfinger—the intensely charged title track ‘Fire Dancer’ explores what Luci refers to as “the idea of taking something that could be used for destruction and instead using it to give hope”.
‘Fire Dancer’ starting with almost a cappella vocal harmonies, Beau + Luci demand attention with tight sweet toned vocals backed by rumbling drums. Its instantly catchy. This track twangs in all the right places without too much country in your face. Attitude soaked and bursting with sass and swagger these girls give us earthy yet lush rich textured folk-rock that packs a punch. Smoothly fluid and sleek with immaculate captivating harmonies teamed with elements of bluesy Americana rock thrown in and of course a shredding sharp guitar solo. Its elegantly and daintily lean and mean.
Produced by Dan Hannon (Manchester Orchestra, Aaron Shust), Beau + Luci’s debut EP finds the duo collaborating with a host of esteemed musicians, including guitarist Scott Sharrard and keyboardist Peter Levin (both members of the Gregg Allman Band) as well as keyboardist Rami Jaffee (best known for his work with Foo Fighters and the Wallflowers). Throughout the EP, Beau + Luci show a sharp sense of songcraft honed through their near-lifelong studying of legends like Joni Mitchell and Johnny Cash. At the same time, the two channel pure passion into each track, instilling the EP with powerful energy.
Stream ‘Fire Dancer’ below

VACAY ‘Shoes’

VACAY is the current musical project of young Toronto-based singer-songwriter and actor Levi Randall. He has released his new single ‘Shoes’ which blends delicate indie with heartfelt lyrics. From the start this track flows with crooning tenderness. Effortlessly laid back and dainty this track elegantly and honestly drifts with wistful tones and heart pining yearning. Honeyed gentle melody, warm whisper-like vocals and touching lyrics give the track a Bryan Adams feel. Building into a catchy chorus which displays Randall’s higher vocal range this sweet track is hum along ready. Soaked in melancholic longing tones with feathery light instrumentation it sits easily in your mind and definitely creates a moment of pause and reflection. ‘Shoes’ is a pure track without fuss its honest and virtuous while wrapping you in a hazy daydream.
When asked about the track Randall said :
“The inspiration for “Shoes” came from a girl that I worked with. I had a massive crush on her and we connected really well, but she was getting married. I wrote this song to get the jealousy and pain off of my chest.The silver lining to going through pain is what you learn through the situation and of course, the honest songs that come from it. Based on my past experiences, the songs that speak the most to me are the ones that are saying the words I felt but couldn’t find. My hope is that this song will relate to many people’s situations. If they are going through something similar, that they’d find comfort in knowing they are not alone.”

Stream ‘Shoes’ below

Atlanta Snow ‘Perfect Symphony’

Atlanta Snow (formerly Stefansson) are a new project, fronted by Singer / Songwriter / Producer; Matt Woodruff, who’s sound showcases a vibrant, contrasting and expressive approach to Electronic / Pop music. Atlanta Snow’s attitude is all about connecting with listeners through high-energy release, uplifting melodies, and fat low end that makes the floor shake. Mixed by Dave Darlington in NYC (Avicii, Bob Sinclar, Sting), the new single ‘Perfect Symphony’ is full of catchy pop hooks with ambition flowing throughout. It is an uplifting anthem that features a sublime vocal performance by Woodruff. Its edgy pop synth-heavy alternative rock that is exhilarating. Breezy synths laced over soaring vocals and ethereal melodies make this track a sublime piece of musicianship. Heavy beats give this track a dance feel, its inspiriting and invigorating with enough rawness to create a razor sharp edge and bite.
‘Perfect Symphony’ is Atlanta Snow’s second single from their upcoming album and is the first track of what is to be an exciting year for the project.

Stream ‘Perfect Symphony’ below

Stacey ‘First Move’

Toronto singer songwriter Stacey has released her new single ‘First Move’. This delicate melodic track oozes and seeps unadulterated romance with wispy synths and sultry silky vocals in an endless haze of dreamy bliss.Laced with casual soft percussion that portrays the monotonous waiting, the track is submerged in a laid back urgency and steamy mellow euphoria while holding an air of elegance and poise. Graceful keys gently simmer and glide through the track as it floats into an ethereal wistful daydream. With hints of Lana Del Rey charm and beauty its a must listen.

Stream ‘First Move’ below

Iron Islands ‘Contrails’

London trio Iron Islands have released their new single ‘Contrails’. Consisting of members Martin Andrew (Vocals and Piano), Al Baker (Bass) and Olly Brown (Drums), Iron Islands have made a name for themselves for their melodic compositions with the right amount of hooks, heartfelt lyrics and addictive instrumentation.
‘Contrails’ is a fine example of this with elegantly flowing piano running along an elastic bassline and a steady beat which sets the perfect busy back drop for the catchy melody. The track is instrumentally bustling and flutters rapidly while the soft yet dynamic vocals highlight the tender lyrics. The piano feature is playful and feathery light as it dances in between the flexible nimble bass creating a rich texture with a fluttering delicate and graceful quality. This track is light bright with an exquisite amount of intelligent instrumentation creating a beautiful delicate treasure of melodies weaving and playfully interacting.
Stream ‘Contrails’ below

Olly Flavell ‘Back to Life’

Olly Flavell a Manchester-based singer-songwriter currently studying at British and Irish Modern Music (BIMM) Institute, has released his new single ‘Back to Life’. With wisdom beyond his years and a youthful flair, carefully crafted material naturally flows from this talented 20-year-old making him stand out from the crowd. In combining influences from the realms of pop, country and rock Olly creates a contemporary sound with nuances of classic melodies and traditional lyricism. Olly obtained slots at festivals such as 2000 trees and has played iconic venues such as Birmingham’s Genting Arena and the ICC Symphony Hall. Olly’s skillfully crafted songs have earned him the opportunity to write toplines for Swedish dance music and also write for the likes of Little Mix. Collaborations with Tim Lord and Ben Newbury, stylist and video director to artists such as James Bay, also feature on his list.
‘Back to Life’ warms with country glowing qualities and emotionally charged lyrics. This track gleams with sweet melodies and cosy reassurance. Twinkling guitar and a cushioned beat adds a fluffy bounce and vitality while Olly’s soothing vocals  flood with passion and emotion. This gentle tender track builds to an anthemic sing along chorus that is heart warming and sway worthy. Bursting with positive chord progressions and beaming tones its a track that will settle your soul.
Olly Flavell is set to record and release a five-track EP in May entitled ‘Indigo Sunrise so keep and eye out for that.
Stream ‘Back to Life’ below

https://soundcloud.com/ollyflavell/back-to-life