Tag Archives: Dead Ceremony

KYOTI – Citadel

KYOTI

British art-pop trio KYOTI, share ‘Citadel’, the sixth single from their expansive ‘Project Twelve’, which sees the band release one track every month for a year.

Their disparate and captivating storytelling collides into rich soundscapes of jazz, folk, and pop-inspired synths and beats, interlaced with thoughtful lyricism.

Lyrically ‘Citadel’ considers personal issues and broader political ideas, both continuing themes throughout KYOTI’S work to date.

Lead singer, Ed says of the track, “In the turbulent times we are currently living through it can be so easy to shut ourselves off. Rather than engage with what is going on across the planet and in society, whether that’s climate change, homelessness, or mental health issues – instead people tend to seek comfort and shelter from those closest to us.

“The phrase “I need a citadel” sits at the heart of this song. I was thinking about how bombarded we all are in the modern world – by the news, social media, and constant expectations of success and progress – but that sometimes you just want to hang out with mates and loved ones, safe in the knowledge that there’s no judgement. For me that feels like a citadel and I think a lot of people are probably in need of that too.”

‘Project Twelve’ will be showcased in its entirety via a string of London shows early 2020 ahead of the final release completing the series in September.

Sounds like: Hot Chip, SOHN, James Blake, Two Door Cinema Club, Death Cab For Cutie, Honne, Dead Ceremony

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Weekly Gems 43

Beacon – On Ice

Beacon - On Ice

Beacon is NYC-based duo Thomas Mullarney III and Jacob Gossett.

The new single, ‘On Ice’ showcases Beacon’s signature sound of melodic yet mysterious pop music with a cathartic edge.

Like a beacon of light, the duo use multiple instruments to portray a journey from darker places to those of colour and spirituality.

‘On Ice’ is out now on Ghostly International.

Sounds like: Matthew Dear, Nimmo, Solomon Grey, Junior Boys, Kyson, Hot Chip, Cut Copy, Aquilo

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The Rungs – King of Books

The Rungs - King of Books

The Rungs is a female-fronted, alt-pop, bedroom-based project from Brooklyn NY.

Their new single, ‘King of Books’, is a dreamy, melancholic indie synth song that explores a toxic relationship, capturing that moment when the rose tinted glasses are lifted.

Sounds like: Men I Trust

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ORKID – NoNoh

ORKID

ORKID shares ‘NoNoh’ and it’s every bit of tuned electro-pop you’d expect from a young Swedish act.

Offering sweet fragiity with commanding vocals, it’s beauty will instantly captivate you.

Speaking about the track, ORKID says,

“”NoNoh” is about that moment when you feel you’ve had enough of someone’s bullshit. Singing this song is literally a release for me. It’s an aggressive yet awesome feeling of strength. The song kind of speaks for itself; with the melodies and track combined, “NoNoh” gives you exactly that sense of self-empowerment”

Sounds like: Rihanna, Rita Ora, Harlee

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Tanjier – Lights

Tanjier

Irish trio, Tanjier create perfectly crafted indie pop with a sophisticated attitude about modern day pressures on Generation Y.

Their new single, ‘Lights’ explores the challenges of breaking the typical parental expectations of going to college, getting a 9-5 job, and making enough money to buy a house. It tells the story of someone who has gone through all of these so-called life goals successfully but, ultimately, isn’t happy.

Sounds like: Dead Ceremony, The Kite String Tangle, Foals, George Michael

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ANNALIA – Cycles

ANNALIA - Cycles

Los Angeles-born singer/songwriter ANNALIA has some serious talent.

Described as “organic pop”, she distinguishes herself from the crowd by discussing important topics and using real instrumentation over catchy beats. In her new single, ANNALIA considers the cycles of emotional abuse in a relationship.

If anyone can help you through this, it’s ANNALIA, her killer pipes and “You’ve Got This!” attitude.

Sounds like: Linney, VÉRITÉ, Carly Rae Jepsen

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Twin XL – Good

Twin XL

Meet five kids who go by the name of Twin XL.

Their glistening and gorgeously retro single ‘Good’ maybe a debut, but between the lads, the three have written and produced for artists such as All Time Low, Lindsey Stirling, and Life of Dillon, and have had their music featured in commercials and trailers like Disney’s Christopher Robin and ABC’s Lucifer

Sounds like: Portugal, The Man, Titanics

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Hydromag – P.J.R

Hydromag

Hydromag is the dream-pop project of Falmouth-based producer and multi instrumentalist Josh Best-Shaw.

He has just released an uplifting and almost freeing track called ‘P.J.R’, which unfortunately covers the sad topic of suicide.

Speaking on the release, Hydromag says “It was not easy task to write this song, it took a lot out of me and I spent far longer on it than any other song I’ve written. I’m still not sure that I’m fully happy with it, but it was a good way to address the issues I had locked away.”

Sounds like: Summer Heart, Washed Out

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Gregory Dillon – Painted Blue

Gregory Dillon - Painted Blue

We’ve had a lot of NYC-based artists on this week’s gems, however each of them have something unique to offer us.

Last but not least is Gregory Dillon and his new single, ‘Painted Blue’.

With a driving 80’s backbeat, considering a backdrop of the New York skyline, Gregory explores the city and all its musings.

Sounds like: Du Tonc, Captain Kidd

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Weekly Gems 34

Sam Frankl – Patina

Sam Frankl

Brixton-based Sam Frankl is making waves with his groovy new number ‘Patina’.

Also a thin layer that forms on various metals due to oxidisation, ‘Patina’ is a song about a girl inconspicuously enquiring about her ex-boyfriend’s new relationship, scraping away at the surface to discover the boy’s true emotional state.

Sounds like: Alt-J, ISLAND

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Bit Funk – Getting Worse Feat. Oktavian

Bit Funk - Getting Worse Feat. Oktavian

We’ve all been there, minding our own business listening to a hot new nu-disco track, then suddenly bam! It happens. We fall. Hard.

Well, that’s what happened to us when we first played ‘Getting Worse’ by Bit Funk featuring Oktavian. Listen below!

Sounds like: The Him, Le Youth, Pat Lok, Goldroom, Penguin Prison

Bit Funk
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Oktavian
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Brett Castro – Much About Sadness

Brett Castro

Wow, does this 21 year old have natural soul or what!

Brett Castro fuses folk music and timeless R&B to tell stories about growing up in a small town. His new single ‘Much About Sadness’ is written to a girl in his hometown who was diagnosed with depression, letting her know she is never alone.

Sounds like: Fleet Foxes, Tame Impala, Bon Iver, Prince

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Mountain Bird – The Wolf

Mountain Bird by Gustav Wiking

Swedish project Mountain Bird (aka Adam Öhman) shares his interpretation of speaking to a lover suffering with mental illness.

Taking a very different musical approach to Brett Castro, Mountain Bird draws on Scandinavian melancholy with synth heavy melodies.

Sounds like: Dead Ceremony, The Kite String Tangle

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LANNDS – Legends

LANNDS - Legends

Time to listen to the soothing vocals of LANNDS on their new single ‘Legends’.

Proving to be legends themselves, Memphis-born artist Rania Woodard and producer/songwriter Brian Squillace have racked up over 2 million streams to date under the project.

“We’re all legends in this town, we don’t sleep through the night,” Woodard slurs over a serene, buoyant synth bed, before teasing, “oh we’ll burn this city down, make room for the fire.”

Sounds like: Björk, Vök, Låpsley, The Japanese House, Daughter, TENDER

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Pizzagirl – Coffee Shop

Pizzagirl

Bedroom pop producer Pizzagirl (aka Liam Brown from Liverpool) shares his floozy track ‘Coffee Shop’, ahead of the release of his debut EP, titled ‘An Extended Play’, set for release on 13 April.

Ironically, Liam doesn’t have any affiliations with pizza, but this pizzaboy likes it that way – quirky, introspective electronica with a DIY atttitude.

Oh and his best mate shoots his videos and his mum takes his press shots.

Sounds like: Roosevelt, Summer Heart

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CAPYAC x MOONZz – Afterhours

CAPYAC

A lot of exciting things happen ‘Afterhours’ and that includes the creation of quirky musical project, CAPYAC, featuring P. Sugz and Potion.

Their new single is a story of unrequited love bouncing around an array of pulsating electronics and percussion rhythms, and features the soulful vocals of MOONZz.

Sounds like: Kudu Blue, Jorja Smith, Flume, Hotel Garuda

CAPYAC
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MOONZz
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The Kite String Tangle – This Thing We Got

TKST

Time to start cruising with The Kite String Tangle‘s unusually upbeat new single, ‘This Thing We Got’.

It’s a song about the butterflies you feel when you first get with someone, cleverly represented by the rosy horn section (think Mark Ronson, Rudimental). Originally planned to be 30 b.p.m slower than it now is, the slower melody is sampled in the chorus as a “song within a song”.

Watch the live video below.

‘This Thing We Got’ can be found on The Kite String Tangle‘s self-titled debut album which is available everywhere now via Exist Recordings.

Sounds like: RÜFÜS, Dead Ceremony, M83, TDeL2, Vancouver Sleep Clinic, The Weeknd, Active Child, Mount Kimbie, Fever Ray, James Blake, Cloud Boat

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Weekly SubmitHub Gems 5

CENTVRIES – Tension

CENTVRIES

Born in 2015, CENTVRIES create explorative electronica, pushing the boundaries of standard indietronica sounds with techno beats and vivid lyrics.

Their new single ‘Tension’ is out now via Beans & Bacon.

Sounds like: Dead Ceremony, The Kite String Tangle, The Aston Shuffle, Tube & Berger

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Men I Trust – Tailwhip

Men I Trust

Finally, a song has been written about the most epic BMX trick known to man, the ‘Tailwhip’! Thank you Men I Trust!

Now based in Montreal (previously residing in Québec), this mellow song is full of bittersweet nostalgia.

Sounds like: Tame Impala, Wet, MUNA, Lucius, The Japanese House

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Lolahiko – Alone

Lolahiko

Ambient electronic duo Lolahiko share brooding new number, ‘Alone’.

They remind us of an early Broods or GEMS with a melancholic edge.

Listen below.

Sounds like: Broods, GEMS

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The Franklin Electric – Burning Flame

The Franklin Electric

Another Montreal-based band to be included in this week’s SubmitHub gems.

Meet indie folk band, The Franklin Electric, who have shared their video for ‘Burning Flame’, a cinematic showpiece filmed in Toronto.

“This was a spontaneous last minute addition to the record about the fire that feeds us and brings us to do all the things we do, or ignore the things we don’t do but wish we had. A voice inside most of us that can easily be ignored but the burn is a constant reminder. This video was all about the casting! I walked in the day of the shoot and met George, who plays the main role in this music video. He is the most endearing, honest, pure, yet driven 17 year old kid I have ever met. From that moment I was sold on the director’s story & concept. I invite you to meet George for yourself.”

It’s taken from their sophomore album, ‘Blue Ceilings’.

Sounds like: The Lumineers, Vance Joy, Ben Howard

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Ava Raiin – Tree

Ava Raiin

Brooklyn-based singer Ava Raiin may have worked closely with the likes of Blood Orange, Carly Rae Jepsen and Solange, but what we are really interested in is her solo material.

‘Tree’, taken from Ava’s self titled album, has a sentimental R&B sound throughout, with modern vocal libs – a theme that runs throughout the album, and the main reason why she grabbed our attention.

Her self-titled album is out now.

Sounds like: Blood Orange, Solange, Jessie Ware

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Tennis – No Exit

Tennis

Dreampop husband and wife duo Tennis ramp up the b.p.m on new single, ‘No Exit’.

It’s one of those songs that catches your breath upon first listen – woozy synths and vocals that are just about sensual enough to get you hot under the collar…no more, no less.

Sounds like: Niki & The Dove, Stevie Nicks, Alvvays, Beach House

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Sam Setton – Luv U Right

Sam Setton

New York singer Sam Setton shares ‘Luv U Right’, as featured on his ‘Renegade’ EP, which explores the end of his most recent relationship.

Speaking about ‘Luv U Right’, Sam explains, “This song is about the feeling I had when I realized I was in love, but at the same time conflicted, because I’m not sure she realizes it and if she’s ready or not. I’m asking her to let me in, and letting her know I’m the one for her… I wrote this song in hopes it can be an anthem for people who think they aren’t valued enough in the eyes of their lovers.”

Sounds like: Sam Sure, Honne, Canvas, Boxed In, Autograf, Denny White, LIVI, Dead Ceremony

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The Kite String Tangle – The Prize Feat. Bridgette Amofah

The Kite String Tangle

Taking more of a contrasting RÜFÜS kind of vibe, singer/songwriter/producer The Kite String Tangle shares ‘The Prize’ featuring Rudimental’s vocalist, Bridgette Amofah.

Full of belated energy, this track explores the intense relationship between two falling lovers, but the question of what if? appears too late.

Expect the release of his debut self-titled album for 14 July on his own newly founded label, Exist Recordings.

Sounds like: RÜFÜS, Dead Ceremony, M83, TDeL2, Vancouver Sleep Clinic, The Weeknd, Active Child, Mount Kimbie, Fever Ray, James Blake, Cloud Boat

TKST
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Bridgette Amofah
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Vasser – To The Wolves

Vasser

The glitchy guitar-based electronica of 2015 (think Ben Khan) never quite made it into the mainstream, but Vasser might be about to change that.

Vasser is the bedroom project of an 18 year old Kent local. His latest release, ‘To The Wolves’, is about an unequal relationship that Vasser struggled with for a year, with the spotlight being on his vocals, as opposed to the production.

Sounds like: Boxed In, James Blake, Dead Ceremony, Jon Hopkins, Ben Khan, Mura Masa

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James Droll – Wall

James Droll

James Droll

Some more indietronica coming out of Nashville, from musician, James Droll.

After playing in bands across the US, James finally settled to write music under a solo project. ‘Wall’ was his debut release in November 2016, and to celebrate how well the track has done, we’ve asked James to put a playlist together for us.

James Droll – ‘Wall’
I don’t know what it is about this track.. but it just gets me.

Bien – ‘Crowd Goes Wild’
Recent find/favorite. I love the energy of it and it’s the perfect song to hype you up for the day ahead.

Sinclair – ‘CLRBLND’
Sinclair is a good friend of mine and total sonic wizard. Rad track, rad person.

Maxwell Young – ‘Spark’
Vibez 4 dayz and I really wanted to include an instrumental track as they’re a big part of my day to day listening.

Rainbow Kitten Surprise – ‘Devil Like Me’
I’m such a huge fan of minimal and RKS does it best. Spooky, minimal, soulful.

Ehiorobo – ‘Heir to the Sugar Honey Queen’
I have no idea what this song is about in the slightest, but it’s dope and I can’t help but jam it.

Carly Rae Jepsen – ‘Your Type’
Favorite song off one of my favorite albums of the last few years. Perfect breakup/pity party song.

Matt Woods – ‘Ain’t No Use’
The literal catchiest song. Smooth vocals and has such a great build to it.

Whitaker – ‘5,000,000,000 Years’
The tones used on this track are like the comfiest blanket. Another case of minimal but impactful, and chill as all get out.

Honne – ‘Warm On A Cold Night’
The effortless quality of his voice is so ridiculous. This is my night driving soundtrack, for sure.

Sounds like: Dead Ceremony, James Blake, Honne, Lauv

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#Blogtober 29 October 2016

Indietronica #blogtober

Indietronica #blogtober

That’s right, you heard it correctly. Indietronica is going to be part of Lost In The Manor’s #Blogtober at The Finsbury on 29th October!

Read more to find out who is playing for us.

Petrie (Live) – 10:30pm

Petrie

Petrie

Hertfordshire’s finest musical boundary pusher, Petrie, will be headlining our evening of music.

Petrie creates stories within composition, through the medium of off-kilter R&B sounds.

Sounds like: James Blake, Tom Bem, Dead Ceremony

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White Kite (Live) – 9:45pm

White Kite

White Kite

White Kite are a four piece from London. Their music combines looping, falsetto vocals with synthesisers and drum machines, creating a sultry minimal electronica.

Sounds like: Honne, Foals, Hot Chip

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AMETHYSTS (Live) – 9:00pm

Amethysts

Amethysts

BBC favourites, AMETHYSTS, create heartwarming indietronica with a pop tinge.

Skilful in beautiful slow burners, which we don’t think can be offered from any other combo than a male-female duo, we think this will be a very special performance indeed.

Sounds like: OH Wonder, Paperwhite, IYES, Fickle Friends, Meadowlark

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Tickets are free. Head over to the Facebook event page for more info or register for free tickets here.