Tag Archives: Spector

Weekly Gems 22

Georgi Kay – Guilty Pleasures

Georgi Kay

Singer Georgi Kay is warning us about guilty pleasures in her new single.

Quintessentially indietronica-based, ‘Guilty Pleasures’ is a song about falling in love with someone who, despite the deep emotional connection being mutual, is romantically tied down by another.

Sounds like: Fjer, Alpines

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Satin Jackets – Mirage

Satin Jackets - Mirage

The story goes something like “when we’re good, we’re good. And when we’re low, we’re low”. Sound familiar?

Satin Jackets is tapping into our relationship insecurities with a strangely upbeat melody in ‘Mirage’. I guess that’s kind of the definition of a mirage!

It’s out now via Eskimo Recordings.

Sounds like: Goldroom, RAC, Le Youth, Pink Feathers

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Slenderbodies – Amnesia

Slenderbodies

Exciting new Californian-based duo Slenderbodies share their new single, ‘Amnesia’.

Their music shares intricate guitar melodies and breathy vocal work that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking at the same time.

This is definitely one act you won’t forget in a long time.

Sounds like: Glass Animals, Alt-J

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LANNDS – Words

LANNDS by Jesse Brantman

LANNDS is Memphis-born artist Rania Woodard and she shares her exciting slow-burner called ‘Words’.

There is nothing brash about this type of music, it’s soothing in its intent as well as thought-provoking.

‘Words’ is the second song off her forthcoming EP, ‘LEGENDS’ (expected March 2018), released on Kobalt/Kitsuné.

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

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Von Sell – Hell No

Von Sell

We have been huge fans of Brooklyn-based artist Von Sell for a long time, and we are extremely happy he is back well and singing again after a six month break due to vocal chord issues.

Von Sell takes more of a funky attitude in the production techniques of ‘Hell No’ but we dig it – we’re gonna call it his come-back track!

Sounds like: Summer Heart, Hazel English, Teen Daze

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Jayce Cantor – Done For Now

Jayce Cantor

Singer/songwriter/producer Jayce Cantor shares his radio-ready single ‘Done For Now’.

The song has elements of catchy R&B blended with modern indietronica-influenced production that works brilliantly with Jayce’s soulful vocals as he sings about love and heartbreak.

Sounds like: Craig David, Le Youth

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Bliss Nova – Now

Bliss Nova

…And finally, it’s time for some blissed-out music from Toledo-based duo, Bliss Nova.

Their second single called ‘Now’ hits you instantly with its chilled pop sensibilites and dreamy vocal harmonies.

Some exciting times ahead for these guys.

Sounds like: Summer Heart, Washed Out, Neon Indian, Porches, Cut Copy, Toro y Moi, Caribou, Wild Nothing, Phoenix, Tame Impala, Tuska

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Playlist: October Drift

October Drift

October Drift

Who needs online fans?

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 (Nick Cave, The National 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

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Graveyard Club – Nightcrawler

Graveyard Club

Graveyard Club

Graveyard Club are a dreamy, yet dynamic four-piece from the US who like to write gothic-romantic music that tackles bittersweet themes of nostalgia, love, and death.

The band originally started as a duo, comprised of founding members, Matthew Schufman (vocals, synths) and Michael Wojtalewicz (guitar). The twosome began the project, inspired by a unique list of shared interests; the classic short stories of sci-fi author Ray Bradbury, the music of Ryan Gosling’s little-known band Dead Man’s Bones, and a fascination with both 50’s crooners and 80’s pop music.

Listen to the anthemic ‘Nightcrawler’ below.

Sounds like: Editors, White Lies, Spector

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Mystery Jets – Bubblegum

Mystery Jets - Bubblegum

Mystery Jets – Bubblegum

New raw material continues to be released by the Mystery Jets. This time it is the second track from their self-produced album, ‘Curve of the Earth’, and it’s called ‘Bubblegum’.

‘Bubblegum’ will be released via Caroline International on 25 March 2016.

2016 Tour Dates

12 Feb – Dublin – Whelans
16 Feb – London – Electric Brixton (NME Show)
18 Feb – Birmingham – 02 Institute 2
19 Feb – Manchester – Gorilla
20 Feb – Glasgow – The Art School

Click here to order the album, which was recorded by the foursome in a disused button factory in London.

Sounds like: The Cribs, Lucy Rose, Phoria, Tribes, The Maccabees, Spector, Young Knives, Basia Bulat

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Smash Williams – Astronaut

Smash Williams

Smash Williams

Music is in the blood of Glaswegian Smash Williams; a brand new project from Gordon Skene (Frightened Rabbit) and Stuart Dougan (French Wives).

Smash Williams is reasonably new onto the music scene, yet the duo have been received praise from some top dogs in the industry. Their latest track ‘Astronaut’ has heartfelt vocals synonymous with their former music lives, but the “folkness” seems to have diminished, and replaced with a happier prowess.

Smash Williams will be making their live debut tomorrow night for Line of Best Fit’s Five Day Forecast at London’s Lexington.

Sounds like: Editors, White Lies, Interpol, Maxïmo Park, BLØSH, Spector

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Tradiio Exclusive: Interview with Empathy Test

Empathy Test

Empathy Test

Giving us a glimpse into their musical world, we chat with UK electronic duo, Empathy Test, and find out whether they are human or really androids.

Why did you start making music, and where did the name Empathy Test come from?

We’ve known each other since we were kids and both come from creative backgrounds. For us, music was a natural progression from other forms of expression like drawing and writing. We taught ourselves to play guitar in our teens and started writing and recording our own songs. Empathy Test came about many years later, after we’d both worked separately on some other very different projects. One day we just finally found a way for us both to collaborate and a style that suited us both. It probably took us a year from then to find a name that worked for the project. We wanted it to say something about our mutual love of Sci-Fi and the influence that it had had, both on the music and the artwork, which Adam does for us. Isaac was re-watching Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner for the fourth or fifth time, when he heard Tyrell say “Is this to be an Empathy Test?” and there it was. It’s what they use in the film to work out whether someone is a human or an android.

Describe your sound in three words.

Mesmerising future pop.

Despite writing critically acclaimed songs, and having a large fan base, Empathy Test remains unsigned. Has this been a conscious decision?

We’ve always wanted to be described as “critically acclaimed” – thanks! Has it been a conscious decision to remain unsigned? Yes and no. Our game plan was always to release two EPs, then an album. The first EP would be a self-release, the second we’d release via an independent. Then, fingers crossed, we’d release the album via a major. So far, so good. Three month’s after self-releasing Losing Touch (February, 2014) we caught the attention of Stars & Letters Records on Twitter. S&L agreed to release our second EP, Throwing Stones in December 2014. A year later, the album is nearly finished and we’re about to start pitching it to labels. We’ve had a few offers already but as we see it, there’s no point in being “signed” unless the label can do something you can’t do yourself. For us, it’s providing us with a much bigger audience than we already have. Once you’ve made a big enough name for yourself, you may as well just do it yourself.

Why did you decide to release a remix EP?

As a place holder really. We’d released two EPs and people were already hungry for more. We needed to record the album but didn’t want to keep people waiting too long. Over the course of 2014 we’d made a lot of new friends in electronic bands and we thought it’d be fun to get them to remix tracks from the second EP. We asked more people than we needed to, in case they didn’t have time or didn’t come up with anything, and ended up with way too many remixes. Then we felt we couldn’t reject any of them so we ended up putting out a ten track EP, which let’s face it, is basically an album.

Stars & Letters said they’d release it and that we should try and get as much press as possible in order to sell more copies of the original EP, so we planned this insane schedule of fortnightly premières for almost all of the remixes. Midway through the promo period S&L informed us they didn’t have the time or resources to see it through, leaving us to finished the promotion and release it ourselves. The irony was, after all that we had a few fans, particularly in Russia, grumbling that we should stop “rehashing our old tracks” and give people what they wanted – an album – or two!

Your album ‘Demons’ is out this year, as well as securing support slots with DE/VISION. It sounds like you have a good year ahead. Are you excited?

We’ve actually changed the name as we’ve dropped the title track, Demons, for the time being. New working title is ‘Shadows’. There’s no release date as yet because we don’t yet know who is going to release it. We’ve started working with German booking agency Pluswelt, which is home to some pretty big alternative acts like Clan of Xymox, Combichrist and Grendel. DE/VISION are on there too and so yeah, excited to be performing with them at their two pre-album launch shows in Germany in April. There’s also some big shows planned for the end of the year and the possibility of a support slot on a European tour too with another Pluswelt band, fingers crossed. So yeah, it looks set to be another big year for us and we are very excited to finally share some new material with you.

Where do you cite your musical influences from?

In a nutshell,’80s Pop and Sci-Fi soundtracks, ’90s guitar bands and UK underground dance music. More recently, Black City Lights, Electric Youth, Chromatics, Chvrches, Purity Ring, FKA Twigs, Avec Sans, Gems, Mt. Wolf.

We love new music at Indietronica. What new music are you listening to?

We both loved The Japanese House when we played with them at Camden Barfly at the end of last year. ‘Still’ was one of the best tracks of 2015; an amazingly well-crafted track. ‘All The Sad Young Men’ by Spector is also up there, and ‘Leave A Trace’ by Chvrches. Two great albums last year were Agent Side Grinder‘s ‘Alkimia’ and Lord Huron‘s ‘Strange Tails’. Guitar music is definitely making a comeback and there’s a lot of very ’90s sounding bands appearing, which we’re all for, by the way. You can check out Isaac’s top tracks 10 of 2015 here.

We’ve invested in Empathy Test. Have you? Listen to more of their songs and support them at tradiio.com/empathy-test.

Sounds like: School of Seven Bells, Chvrches, Purity Ring, The Chain Gang of 1974, Avec Sans, Cut Once

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Mystery Jets – Telomere

Mystery Jets

Mystery Jets

We’ve been waiting years for their return, and the new number by Mystery Jets doesn’t disappoint.

Directed by James Copeman and produced by Ria Hanish-Oaks, the highly personal track ‘Telomere’ is taken from their new album ‘Curve of The Earth’, which was recorded by the foursome in a disused button factory in London.

Will Rees commented “For us we’ve been through quite a lot in the last couple of years and there have been certain realisations that come with playing in a band that has been together for over two decades, I think these songs have real feeling about them.”

‘Curve of The Earth’ will be released on 15 January.

2016 Tour Dates

12 Feb – Dublin – Whelans
16 Feb – London – Electric Brixton (NME Show)
18 Feb – Birmingham – 02 Institute 2
19 Feb – Manchester – Gorilla
20 Feb – Glasgow – The Art School

Click here to pre-order the album and get your priority access to tickets.

Sounds like: The Cribs, Lucy Rose, Phoria, Tribes, The Maccabees, Spector, Young Knives

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The Maccabees – Marks To Prove It

The Maccabees

The Maccabees

Some would say all grown up. We would hope not.

Back with a bang after three silent years is The Maccabees!

The Maccabees is comprised of Orlando Weeks, Hugo White, Felix White, Rupert Jarvis and Sam Doyle.

Produced by Hugo, recorded with Laurie Latham at their own Elephant Studios and mixed by Cenzo Townshend, the new single, ‘Marks To Prove It’, is a frenetic burst of late 60’s psychedelia.

“These new songs are a reminder of why we started the band,” says Hugo. “With the enthusiasm to play music that’s exciting and makes us excited.”

The artwork for the single is by British artist Andy Goldsworthy.  “We’re thrilled to say that artwork for the singles from our new album will again feature the work of Andy Goldsworthy” say the band. “This is the first in the ’Midsummer Snowballs’ series – we hope you like it as much as we do.”

Watch the Joseph Connor-directed video below:

‘Marks to Prove It’ is out on 11 May via Fiction.

Sounds like: Mystery Jets, Bombay Bicycle Club, Foals, Spector, Palma Violets, Jamie T, Jagwar Ma, The Cribs

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Spector – Don’t Make Me Try

Spector

Spector

London based Spector has just revealed ‘Don’t Make Me Try’, which has been produced by none other than Dev Hynes (aka Blood Orange).

The catchy new anthem is full of yearning with a catchy bass line. It is the first taste of their new album, due next year on Fiction Records.

Sounds like: The Editors, Foals, Blood Orange

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