The Du Tonc disco boys have finally put together a playlist for us!
Du Tonc are still one of our favourites, which is handy as their new single, ‘Wonderland’ (which also features on the playlist), is one of their favourites too.
V – La Nouvelle Epoque
It’s pretty apparent we love the 80’s, can’t get enough of this gem. Modern 80’s vibes (if that makes sense).
Severed Heads – Dead Eyes Opened
If there is one track we’ve love to get the parts for and re work, it’s this.
Beyond The Wizards Sleeve – White Cow (Erol Allan Rework)
We’re big Wizard and Erol fans. This is stunning.
Charlie – Spacer Woman (Vocal)
More 80’s spaced out funkiness.
The Cure – A Forest
Think this tracks still get’s better overtime you listen to it.
Du Tonc – I’m On Fire (Bruce Springsteen Cover)
The only cover we’ve done and possibly our our favourite track.
Tears For Fears – Head Over Heals
Tears for Fears are a big inspiration to us, this track is genius (also featured in a rather awesome film).
Johnny Cash – Personal Jesus
Love the Depeche Mode version, but this is just filthy.
Du Tonc – Wonderland
Our favourite song we’ve written.
Midland – Final Credits
Effortless perfect dance floor record.
Sisterhood – Tunnels (Bicep Remix)
Still cane this, get’s better with each listen.
Sounds like: Kavinsky, ROOSEVELT, Summer Heart, MGMT, Day Wave, Washed Out, Yeasayer, Miike Snow, RAC, Goldroom, Set Mo, Luke Million, Neon Indian, Classixx, Holy Ghost!, Blood Orange
Partners working together is generally not advised, except when a pair can create incredible music.
Cue husband/wife duo, Flora Cash.
Initially living apart, Flora Cash now reside together in Stockholm. We’re not entirely sure where the couple lived prior to Stockholm, but their music could be described as Western tinged folk meets atmospheric Scandi.
Sounds like: Laurel, Lana Del Rey, Lucius, Bon Iver, Johnny Cash
Young Summer is a talented artist from Washington, US.
The tracks on her upcoming EP give us a glimpse into the many facets of her music, and with that in mind, we asked Young Summer to put together a playlist for us, featuring the artists that influence her the most.
Björk – Stonemilker
This song is such a work of art and stretches the traditional framework of song structure. I revisit her and this song whenever I feel I need inspiration.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra – Multi-Love
I love the lyrics in the beginning, “checked into my heart and trashed it like a hotel room”. The vocals and how they’re layered and affected are perfection. The drum fills are brilliant, I love how they punctuate and separate sections of the song.
Miguel – Waves
This song has one of the best bridges and falls in line with that old songwriting rule that you don’t put an active bridge in a song if it isn’t better than the entire song, otherwise it can ruin it, and this song and its bridge are incredible!
Niki & The Dove – So Much It Hurts
The title alone had me the moment I read it. The song is so emotional but has a groove that doesn’t quit. I am a huge fan of theirs and loved their record “Instinct.” This song and their new album are amazing. Malin Dahlström’s voice has elements of Stevie Nicks but is still all her own and I could listen to it all day long.
Anohni – 4 Degrees
She’s incredible for a myriad of reasons and this song is one of them. There’s a delicate synth and a menacing brass section, which make it so beautifully dynamic. And of course, her vocal is so mesmerizing.
Father John Misty – Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings
I love this song’s gritty, raw guitar tone. His lyrics are direct and unambiguous which is one of many reasons to love him. He brings a direct narrative to his songwriting which I haven’t loved this much since Johnny Cash did it. I have mountains of respect for him and if you get a chance to see him live, do it.
Caribou – Can’t Do Without You
This is a song that feels like you’re living inside a lush breeze for three minutes and 56 seconds. The sentiment is explained immediately and washes over you. It is perfect and beautiful. If you’re paying attention and listen to the entire song you get the reward of a confession at the very end, “And you’re the only thing I think about. It’s all that I can still do. And you know you’re the one I dream about. I couldn’t do without you.”
Maybird – Turning into Water
They’ve got a psychedelic sound and I am so down with that. The guitar tones and ambient vocals are on point. It feels classic but new all at the same time.
Radiohead – No Surprises
It wouldn’t be a playlist without Radiohead. I am a massive fan of theirs. This song is beautifully dark just the way I like ‘em. He [Thom Yorke] sneaks the most desperate of lyrics into a beautiful, shiny almost childlike sounding song. I love to disguise sadness with melody.
Spoon – Inside Out
I love the percussive undercurrent of this song and how it feels as though it dictates its movement and evolution. Britt Daniel’s vocals are just perfection as always.
Listen to the jazzed-out and laid back ‘Paused Parade’ below.
Sticking their middle fingers up to social media, rising four-piece October Drift are causing a stir amongst the gigging scene.
Kiran from October Drift has put together a really great playlist together for us.
Nick Drake – Hazy Jane II
Got this album (Bryter Layter) for a birthday sometime in my early teens. Took me a couple of years to really get into it, I don’t think it was instant enough for me to appreciate its subtleties at the time. Nick Drakes music gets better the more you hear it – which is the right way round, obviously.
The Velvet Underground & Nico – Sunday Morning
Easily one of the most important records of all time in my opinion. And this track is the go to for me. Not sure what it is about it but its so warm and dreamy. I’ve found myself the owner of one of the early editions of the vinyl where Andy Worhols banana peels. Apparently it could be worth some money, although I’ve accidentally ripped it a little trying to peel it!
Bob Dylan – Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright
Bob Dylan’s songwriting constantly surprises and impresses me with every listen (not ALL of his stuff, I have to say). The intricacy to his story telling from song to song and the imagery and descriptions can blow my mind and make me smile.
Simon and Garfunkel – America
Simon and Garfunkel have such a clarity and innocence in their style and again are instantly recognisable. The imagery and story of this young couple hitchhiking their way across the states is full of hope and optimism and as the song progresses maybe a sense of disillusionment creeps in as they try to ‘Look for America’ – trying to chase a false American dream perhaps.
Neil Young – Down By the River
Neil Young – Also extremely nostalgic for me, Neil Young got played a lot in the house while I was growing up. His voice is thin and kind of winey but its really emotive, the same goes for his guitar playing – he’s not the best in the world but he’s got a really distinctive sound and style which is far more important than being technically good. That’s important. His songwriting and melodies seem really natural and not over thought if that makes sense.
David Bowie – Five Years
The opening track to one of my favourite albums by one of the most inspiring, iconic and important artists ever.
Leonard Cohen – Suzanne
Leonard Cohen’s baritone voice and sad songs have without question directly influenced us and many more of our biggest musical influences (NickCave, TheNational to name a few).
The Beach Boys – I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times
A look into the messed up genius head of Brian Wilson. It’s a really sad song, but its got The Beach Boys happy sheen on it. I think there’s something really interesting in that – the juxtaposition of the care free surfer kid image and the troubled reality. I read his autobiography a few years ago, it’s really sad.
Steve Harley – That’s My Life In Your Hands
I heard this song for the first time in years and years not too long ago and it really took me back to my childhood, my dad used to play this album and this song I particularly liked. Really great melodies and an emotive chorus.
Sammy Davis, Jr. – Mr. Bojangles
I really like the story telling of this song. I don’t think it is originally Sammy Davis Jr’s but it fits perfectly with his character. It’s a sad story really of an old alcoholic dancer or entertainer Mr. Bojangles who from within a prison cell tells the story of his life and does a dance. I guess it could be a worry of most performers, be it bands, musicians or whatever that they’ll end up washed up, telling story’s of what they used to be.
Johnny Cash – I Walk the Line
The man in blacks influence on modern rock and pop music is un-chartable. There’s something so sincere and confident about this particular song. His work with Rick Ruben too at the last part of his life is so powerful and cemented that he will never be forgotten.
Syd Barrett – Baby Lemonade
I loved Pink Floyd growing up and they certainly have an influence on what we do, although it may not be as direct as other artists. They can be at times a bit too cliche druggie stadium-y but that came much later than Syd. This song is from after he left the band and put out some solo records. His story is very sad, yet has this (false) romantic side – the tortured artist kind of thing. He was very out there and original for the time and at the forefront of psychedelia.
JULY 2016 9th / LIVERPOOL CALLING FESTIVAL, LIVERPOOL
15th / HUDDERSFIELD, THE PARISH
16th / HARWORTH, THE BLACKSMITHS
17th / BLACKPOOL, BOOTLEG SOCIAL
18th / EDINBURGH, THE ELECTRIC CIRCUS
19th / HULL, THE ADELPHI
21st / DERBY, THE VENUE (Radar Love Club Night)
22nd / NOZSTOCK FESTIVAL, THE HIDDEN VALLEY
23rd / TRAMLINES FESTIVAL, SHEFFIELD (Crystal Stage)
24th / THE SUMMER WESTIVAL, ALDERSHOT
25th / TUNBRIDGE WELLS, THE FORUM
26th / LONDON, THE LEXINGTON
28th / ST ALBANS, THE HORN
29th / PLYMOUTH, UNDERGROUND
30th / READING, OAKFORD SOCIAL
AUGUST 2016 6th / KAYA FESTIVAL, PORT TALBOT
Sounds like: Interpol, The National, Editors, White Lies, Future Islands, Spector
Like many modern electronic artists, their influences include the Beastie Boys, M83 and The Knife. We are sure there are some Nine Inch Nails influences somewhere there too.
‘Funn’ is a simple but effective juxtaposition between garage rock beats and echoey synths.
The beautifully shot video for new single ‘Funn’ is geared around a dance battle between Johnny Cash & David Bowie lookalikes.
You can purchase the single on iTunes from 10 March.
Sounds like: M83, Sleigh Bells, BOY, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Nine Inch Nails, Death Rattle
