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Online music publication based in Brighton, UK. [email protected] @drvinylmag

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INTERVIEW: NUUXS airs her Laundry, her latest release.

Words by Charlotte Christie  

Whether it’s Daniel Day Lewis, Don Henley or Dot Cotton; if there’s an important conversation to be had, it’ll be in the laundrette. Equally, they are places where you can sit in silence while reality is muted by spin cycles and steam. However, French born NUUXS’s new single, Laundry, tells a different story. In just under 3 minutes she captures one mother’s sacrifice, stress and thin skin. I caught up with her to chat about her new single, Shania Twain and future projects.  

For those discovering NUUXS for the first time, where does the name come from?  

NUUXS is actually my nickname which I’ve adopted through my friends and is short for my given name “Anouck”.  

Every artist has their own reasons for why they do what they do, but what is it that drives you to make music? Do you remember what first inspired you?

I remember singing to myself as a child and always making melodies in my head, writing poetry on scraps of paper, performing in front of my big sister and also with friends in school. It always was something that’s was a part of my identity but it wasn’t until I got into my late teens that I decided I wanted to be a songwriter and a singer. I started off in an indie band and also wrote books for MC’s that I went to school with. Later I sang covers in jazz clubs and sang backing vocals for a few people. Becoming my own artist was a journey and I didn’t get there straight away.  

Your latest release Laundry is brilliant. Can you tell us more about the track? How is it personal to you? Is there a particular story that inspired it?  

Thank you so much- it’s so great to hear such amazing feedback. This song is very personal to me because it touches base on my personal upbringing but also lots of other people who find themselves lost growing up, money issues, divorced parents and seeing them work insanely hard jobs for next to nothing. Life is tough but we can turn it around and it’s all about community and how we can help each other collectively. It’s so important we all understand the responsibility we all have to one another as human beings.  

Who or what is your greatest influence?

I have so many but I would have to say my life experiences of going through so many crazy things I have so much to draw from. I’m influenced by strong women, I love Lizzo, FKA Twigs, Sia, Robyn and I love Amal Clooney too.  

What do you hope people will take away from your music?  

I hope that people can relate to what im saying in my music even though sometimes we feel disconnected through our differences, we all feel the same things, we laugh and cry and we doubt, dream, we are heartbroken and we fall in love, each song has a personal experience but in the end there is always hope and I think that’s what will connect the most and give a sense of togetherness.

What band/artist would you like to cover one of your songs?  

Nice question! I’ve never been asked that before- I would love to hear “Laundry” sung by The Weeknd.  

Best piece of advice you have received?  

Shania Twain once told me to try everything and always give it your best shot.  

Future plans? Any ongoing projects? Has The pandemic affected your plans?  

Well my album is being released in March 2021 so it hasn’t really been affected however I had to work with an animator Charlie Cross to create my music videos. I’m so glad I did because I love the creativity and uniqueness of his style. I’m really looking forward to singing live again so watch this space. I also have a few more singles up my sleeve. To add to that I played one of the leads “Maya” in a new cult classic called “Clay’s Redemption” directed by Carlos Boellinger-my debut acting role along side Akie Katobe known for “Mad Men” and “Everly” with Salma Hayek. I also played alongside Magdalena Sverlander who is known for “The Crown Witness” and “Treadstone”. Lots of more exciting things coming up which I can’t share yet!

Finally… Fancy a spot of word association? Let’s use your work to inspire it. Right..here goes…

Water? Hot Tub

Laundry? Bubbles

SPF? Hot

Safe? Lock

Patient? Love

Alive? Kicking  

Snowflakes? Christmas

Red? Lipstick

Listen to Laundry now: https://slinky.to/Laundry

[drvinyl]

Interview: Alice D discusses Summer Release ‘Closer’.

Words by Charlotte Christie. 

Warm nights. Listening. Laughing. Debating. Discarded bottles, sticky from wine. Heady, barefoot dancing. Strawberry-stained lips. The glimmer of dawn in the distance. All of this is underscored by one song: The Sound of Summer. These anthems capture the excitement of possibility and nostalgia for days gone by. It’s fair to say that no one is more aware of getting this balance right than Alice D. It’s in her blood: her mother is Sara Dallin, a founding member of Bananarama and co-writer of ‘Cruel Summer’, one of the greatest summer tunes of all time. Therefore, I was particularly interested to catch up with Alice and find out more about her new release, Closer. 

Firstly, I just want to say: Closer is brilliant. It's a perfect summer track. You’re a great storyteller. 

Ah thank you so much! The backing track definitely made me think of summer when I first heard it & I wanted to write something a little light hearted that people could dance & feel good to.

I’m interested to know if you always wanted to follow in your mum’s footsteps? Do you feel that growing up around some of Britain’s greatest musicians has influenced your work?

I think music has always been an integral part of my life. I grew up experiencing things that most kids didn’t- seeing my Mum writing songs at the kitchen table, going to her shows, travelling on the road with her & meeting inspiring people along the way. I feel those experiences shaped me as a person. I’ve always known I would go down a creative path & I’ve always loved to sing, so it felt like a no-brainer.

I find your songs to be so consistently catchy! Without referring to a genre, how would you describe your music?

Authentic...I make music I want to make & don’t really try to sound like anyone else.

On that note, how is your new single personal to you?

“Closer” tells the tale of a couple taking a risk & a chance at love, which I’m sure a lot of people can relate to, myself included. I’m really happy with the way the track has come together as it was all written & recorded at home.

It’s even more personal as it was [producer] Big Pretty and my lockdown project. Being in quarantine was intense & having “Closer” to focus on really helped me get through it. 

I have to say, Closer is a great follow up to Lioness (April 2020). This year has been really creatively rich for you. Can you tell me about what the process of creating has been like? 

Thanks so much! I love writing music so it’s been wonderful having the time to be creative & write freely. Being an independent artist (with no team) you are constantly pushing yourself. You have to make things happen. It’s rewarding as once you achieve something, you know YOU did that by yourself- of course with the help of others- but you orchestrated & funded it all yourself. You just have to keep it moving & making music!

Your recent music has covered romance, self-love, and rebirth. I was wondering what you hope your music will accomplish?

I like to write meaningful songs that often have a message.Things that affect me and society, I think that’s important for people to hear. I’ve always said that the overriding feeling/message for most of my songs is one of strength- to know you can overcome any situation life throws at you.

Are there any subjects that you haven’t made music about that you are itching to tackle? 

I often write from experience or when something really affects me. I don’t always have subjects lined up that I want to tackle, I just let whatever is on my mind pour out of me. I posted an idea for a song called “Patience,” the other day that was about celebrity culture & how everyone wants to be famous for achieving nothing. How children are forced to grow up so fast due to this unattainable lifestyle we see online. I’d love to see that song come to fruition.

[Besides music or other musicians] What else inspires you creatively at the moment?

I studied History of Art at University & have always loved the arts. I feel like I’m influenced all the time by what I consume. Reading, going to exhibitions & immersing yourself in film/theatre allows you to open up your mind & gives you ideas for songs as well as your artwork. For the artwork for “Closer” I took inspiration from the surrealist artist, Salvador Dali & got Nick (my boyfriend) to make my vision come to life. There will also be a surrealist style lyric video to accompany the single, which I’m very excited about.

Thanks for your time, Alice! Before you go, let’s finish with some Quickfire. Here goes…

Your worst habit? 

(Mild) OCD so everything has to be perfect/

organised at all times!

If you could jump into a pool of something what would it be? 

Water- currently desperate for a holiday & a swim!

What/Who do you consider to be underrated? Contagious laughter or laughter when you shouldn’t be laughing, makes it 10x worse & uncontrollable.

Is there something everyone else loves and you can’t understand why?

Game of Thrones- not into it.

Is there anything that you look back on and think ‘What was I thinking’? 

My eyebrows at age 15.

Who would you sit next to on a 10 hour flight and why? Michaela Coel- I’m just in awe of her- such a fantastic actress/writer, I feel like we’d have lots to talk about. Also we randomly had a dance together on a night out once and she was hilarious.

The one thing you wished they taught you at school? Black British History.

Do you have a favourite word?

 “Brilliant” - my friends & I say it like Will from “The Inbetweeners” haha!

Best piece of advice you’ve received?

“If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.” - Milton Berle. I’ve always been told that persistence is key & to make your own luck in life. 

Closer is available on all digital platforms now. Check out the lyric video here.  

[drvinyl]

Y Not Festival Goes Virtual

With festival season well and truly cancelled this year, organisers far and wide have been rallying to ensure music-lovers still get a taste of live entertainment. The inevitable cancellations of pretty much every festival this year has definitely left some music fans idle and having to resort to HomeFest™. The latest festival to take things virtual is Y Not Festival - one of the great UK festivals that usually takes place in Derbyshire and due to have taken place this month. The organisers are pulling out all the stops to bring Y Not to your home, so get out your camping chair and get involved!

Taking place this weekend on the 24th and 25th July, there will be exclusive performances from the likes of Ash, The Sherlocks, The Amazons, Beans on Toast and Jaws to name a few. As well as the performances, there will be fitness classes, quizzes, book reads and the return of Barrioke with Shaun Williamson! 

Be sure to check in as the (virtual) festival will be streamed live all weekend on their Facebook page!

Full line up:

Ash, The Amazons, The Sherlocks, Eve, Vistas, Beans on Toast, Lauran Hibberd, Shed Seven, The Hara, Mr Motivator, King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys, Jaws, Raised By Owls, Pabst, Patawawa, Terrorvision, Barrioke with Shaun Williamson & many more. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ynotfestival/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ynotfestival Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ynotfestival/

[drvinyl]

Maya Delilah’s ‘Oh Boy’

Words By Charlotte Christie  

She makes her own trousers. She plays her own guitar. She gives to charity. And she’s just released a brilliant new EP, Oh Boy. If you haven’t heard of Maya Delilah before, you will. 16 minutes of her sultry slow jam magic is just long enough to allow you to discover a sound which feels like the good witch Glinda version of Billie Eillish.  

However, it’s not fair to say she’s like anyone else. This is because Oh Boy’s lead single, Tangerine Dream, discovers a different space all together. Namely, a new niche in the cross-section between R&B, pop and soul. Maya’s unhurried vocals drip over a guitar riff with which Prince could easily have been found noodling. It is her wonderful guitar playing that sets Maya Delilah apart from other singer-songwriters. Well, that and her sense of humour. The Follow up(s), Gato - is a playful love song for a missing cat (“Woke up, can’t find my cat again / Wonder if he’s met his end”) while I’m Just Stupid (the inspiration for the EP’s title) tackles ‘fuck boy-ery’ in a way that is so deceptively charming, it will have all the F.Bs tapping along in their Addias sandals. In this respect, the closing tracks U R U (my personal favourite) and Breathe Easy are more vulnerable. The former is not only catchy but dependably cool if someone hands you the aux and asks you to control the playlist. Honestly, whether you’re making brunch in your bubble or drinking Prosecco in a park, choose this one to underscore the experience. The solo on Breathe Easy is clean and melodic, with a phrasing so perfect your features involuntarily curl up into one of those ‘guitar faces’. And I don’t even play the guitar.  

Oh Boy’s musicianship combined with witty lyrics makes it the perfect accompaniment to a summer where we have time to appreciate all the small good things.  

[drvinyl]

INTERVIEW: FINISH FLAG ON THEIR NEW ALBUM, SWIMMING POOLS

Words by Charlotte Christie

From Greek Mythology to David Hockney, there’s something about swimming pools. With the taste of summer on the tip of my tongue, I long for a place where I can float: stretched out, eyes closed, ears submerged. A place where time would magically stand still; just for a moment. I also quite like the idea of being in a space of self-reflection and rebirth. Particularly as we are halfway into a year that has been so raw it has demanded long awaited social change. Bring on the new dawn, I say. Perhaps that’s why Finish Flag’s new album caught my imagination. I caught up with their lead singer, Dexter, about Swimming Pools.  

For those getting to know Finish Flag for the first time, can you tell me about how you started making music together? Was there a defining moment?

Finish Flag was originally a solo project while I was singing and playing synths in a band called Native Birds. After that band dissolved I started working a lot more on FF and it snowballed from a lo-fi, bedroom pop kind of thing into a full band, with some of the members of Native Birds and Sophie playing guitar and writing with me. Sophie joining was the defining moment - I’ve not classically been an amazing collaborator so learning to not be an intense control freak and to write collaboratively has been the journey of Finish Flag.  

I thought that lyrically there’s a really interesting thread between FF’s albums. Both have this evocative story-telling quality. I know that the track Pisces is inspired by Melissa Broder’s 2018 novel by the same name. Can you tell me a bit more about where you typically draw your lyrical influences from?  

The lyrics are definitely the element of songwriting I spend the most time on, and think about the most. I read a lot, and I’m constantly writing ideas down in the notes app on my phone. For all of 2018 and a lot of 2019 I decided to exclusively read books by women and non binary people and I read some incredible books that massively informed all of the lyrics on the album - ‘The Pisces’, ‘My Year of Rest and Relaxation’ by Ottessa Moshfegh, ‘The Idiot’ by Elif Batuman. They were a big influence in terms of tone, and language, but obviously the content of the lyrics tends to be very personal and specific to my experience. I’m a real pretentious, writing-lyrics-on-the-nightbus-home kinda guy. I don’t think of them as being narrative or anything, they’re often more about loosely trying to capture a ‘mood’ whatever that means.  

Does the title ‘Swimming Pools’ mean anything personal to you? If so, what? 

It’s difficult to explain really, but yeah it definitely does. A swimming pool feels like an apt metaphor for someone’s psyche, in that for some people it can be a comfortable, warm environment, and for the others it can be scary and challenging. There’s something about the way you are seeing a distortion when you look at something underwater that reminds me of how your mind warps what you are experiencing. Sometimes I become aware of the fact that my own anxiety can have a distorting effect similar to that, and it makes it hard to trust my perception of what I experience on an emotional level a little bit.  

Is there any music that has been released recently (2019-2020) that you feel significantly influences the music you create?

There’s so much great stuff around now it’s almost impossible to talk about. I find so much new music constantly inspiring and jealousy-inducing. There’s a few American bands currently that I find super inspiring - the most recent Sandy Alex G album is incredible, ‘Heavy Lifter’ by Hovvdy is amazing, ‘Happy To Be Here’ by Barrie. Also lots of our friends on bands have been hugely inspiring- Jake from Keroleen (the label who put our album out) has a band called Supermilk who’ve made an incredible album this year that really inspired us and made us a little jealous. I also find as I get a little older I’m enjoying and drawing inspiration from a lot more folky, genteel music that’s super simple and melodic - Mount Eerie, Phoebe Bridgers, Matt Kivel, Christian Lee Hutson.  

The sound of Swimming Pools differs from your first album, it has more of a classic American indie sound - can you tell me a bit more about how you came to create that sound? Do you have any creative processes that you swear by? 

The difference in creative process is why the album sounds the way it does, and why it’s different from the first album or the early bandcamp stuff. That stuff was all semi improvised, spur of the moment bedroom pop that I made on my own with a few instruments and as little deliberation as possible. These new songs were worked on a lot more, first just by me, or just by Sophie and I, and then later as a four piece playing them live. I’ve always been very into, and influenced by, American indie rock stuff like Elliott Smith, Pavement and The Breeders, as well as more electronic stuff like Caribou and Burial. Obviously this album is a lot closer in sound to that indie rock stuff just by virtue of it being the four of us in a room playing guitars, but there’s definitely influences from both of those worlds on some level. I’ve recently been thinking a lot about how just showing up is a big part of the creative process - just wake up every day and sit where you write and write away. Just making sure you’re in work mode is most of the battle, and just getting stuff down without being too self critical is key. You can decide it’s shit afterwards but you’ve gotta get it down.  

Is there a specific audience that you are trying to reach with Swimming Pools? 

Definitely very specifically the Pitchfork reading mid 30s music supervisors of American teen dramas. We’re all about that lucrative sync money.

What is your favourite part of this album, and why?  

The chorus of the final song, ‘Over My Dad Body’ is definitely my favourite moment on the album. After a quiet verse, the guitars smash in super loud. It’s something I probably wouldn’t have managed when I was self recording simply because I don’t know what I’m doing enough. Rich (the producer) made it sound BIG and LOUD which really chimes with the emotional stuff in the lyrics. I remember listening back in the studio when we recorded it and we all kicked the air when the chorus came in and I just felt like ‘we did it. We made a banger’. 

This one is for your guitarist, Sophie: I understand you play in a number of other bands (Cheerbleederz, Supermilk and Painter). How does being in Finish Flag differ to working with them?

Sophie: Hello! They are all great and I love playing in all of them!! Finish Flag was my first band so in many ways it’s where I feel the safest! I got better at writing and playing music because of this band, so I’m comfortable messing up and introducing the weirder ideas I guess. 

RIGHT! I always like to finish with something niche.

We're going to play a game: You're trapped in a room for as long as it takes to write a song with one of these two famous musicians. Pick one:

Robert Smith or Siouxsie Sioux? Robert Smith  

David Bowie or David Byrne? David Byrne  

Thurston Moore or Kim Gordon? Kim Gordon  

Thom Yorke or Johnny Greenwood? Johnny Greenwood

Morrissey or Alanis Morrisette? Definitely Alanis. I don’t wanna be trapped in a room with a member of Britain First.

Mick Jagger or Mick Hucknall? Ugh, pass

Keith Richards or Little Richard? Little Richard  

Liam Gallagher or Noel Gallagher but Noel gets pissed off about something Liam has tweeted every five minutes. Also, Liam is in a shit mood? Damon Albarn   Noel then.

Puddle of Mudd or an actual puddle of mud? Definitely an actual puddle of mud

Teenage Fanclub or your own fan club? Definitely my own fan club. All 2 of them!

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[drvinyl]

Review: Havelock - Oh My Word

Words by Defne Calbay

If you’re ready for the weekend and can’t wait to enjoy the sunshine, we have the perfect song for you: 

British singer Havelock (whose debut EP “TRY B4U BUY” came out earlier this year) released his new single “Oh My Word” and we are absolutely loving the mixed 90’s vibes! While his previous works are more along the lines of the chill electro indie-genre, this short and sweet 2 minute tune combines an upbeat yet light hearted drum’n’bass rhythm with an oh so charming soft rapping.

Havelock sings about a new love affair he’s having a blast with. Clearly, they are at the honeymoon phase of the relationship and he can’t wait to reunite with the girl while at work, counting down the minutes until then. Not only can we tell his impatience by the funky lyrics, but also the beautifully chaotic beat. The music video as well looks like a cartoon straight out of MTV or Comedy Central from the good old days - which adds massively to the authenticity of the whole song.

With this song, Havelock has proven that he is not stuck or categorizable in only one specific genre of music and can deliver different sounds as well - which makes it even more exciting to see what he will be releasing next! All in all, “Oh My Word” is a great song to put you in a good mood - and if you ask me also sounds like it’s straight out of the iconic 90’s Playstation game Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater soundtrack!

And without over analyzing the fun out of this new banger, we hope you enjoy it as much as we did. And while you’re at it, also make sure to check out the guy’s EP and previous singles! You won’t regret it! 

Instagram | Website

[drvinyl]

Interview: D E L A N I L A

Words by Charlotte Christie 

Back when lockdown was a mere twinkle in BoJo’s eye, I was experiencing a mild existential crisis. I look back and can’t help but wonder: if someone had linked me to Delanila’s CV, would it have tipped me over the edge? Trust me, it’s that impressive. 

 As an established classical composer, Danielle Eva Schwob, has worked on projects ranging from Darren Aronofsky’s Mother! to David Attenborough documentaries. As Delanila, The New Yorker has  heralded her as a “notable cross-genre composer” and she even locked-down before ‘lockdown’ was a thing! Last week, we talked a bit more about her musical evolution and the making of her new record, Overloaded. 

Before we start, I just want to say that I really loved your album. I thought it was so unique. The Philosopher is my favourite.

 That’s such a lovely compliment. Thank you!

You’ve done some really interesting projects but Overloaded is a step in another direction. What inspired the transition from classical composer to alternative pop-punk? 

Again, thank you. Honestly it wasn’t really a transition since I’ve been writing songs and playing in bands since I was a teenager.  For whatever reason my composing work started moving along publicly first so I’ve been following that train, but really I’ve always done both.  I think what might appear outwardly to be a departure is actually more of a moment of coming full circle and finally connecting all the dots.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced as a musician moving between genres? (If at all.)

That’s a great question. And there are lots. I think it’s mostly just a challenge to feel as though I’m constantly growing on all creative fronts, as you can only focus on so many projects at one time.  I think they do all feed in to and inform one another, especially as I get deeper and deeper with each one, but at the end of the day different genres are different art forms. It’s like keeping up with multiple foreign languages. The more you know, the easier they get to learn, but you still have to keep them active to hold on to them.

Beyond that, marketing in the alternative world drives me mad. It’s so image and social media driven. I hate taking pictures of myself all the time and the way that the ‘algorithm’ basically forces women to objectify themselves.  I find it challenging to navigate in a way that doesn’t turn my stomach.

Overloaded’s second single is “It’s Been a While Since I Went Outside”. I’m interested that you made this album during a period of voluntary isolation (before we knew COVID-19 existed). Could you tell me a bit more about the album’s creation? 

Sure. I am a workaholic, and being a workaholic as a composer and independent musician means spending a lot of time writing alone in your studio.  On top of that,  at one point I also had mono for six months and was so fatigued that I could barely stand up.  All I could do was watch TV, and so I think the song naturally grew from the isolation of both of those circumstances. Especially the line “I’m never alone, I’ve got friends in the shows, and they’re not going anywhere.”

Do you feel that it prepared you for the current situation?

I do actually feel it prepared me quite well for lockdown, as much as anything could ever really prepare any of us to be isolated for this long.  My ‘work from home’ lifestyle hasn’t changed so that’s been easy, but the things I do to offset that isolation - seeing friends, going to restaurants, browsing a bookstore etc. - I’ve been missing a lot. Especially as I live alone so it’s hard to break the mood.

Was there a non-music related activity that got you through self-isolation? If so, what was it?

Yes. Cycling. Along with many in NYC, I’ve been taking to the bike lanes! Hopefully not to the danger of other cyclists! After sitting still and being cooped up for so long, it’s great to feel the air moving and cover some distance.

I read that you have bases in LA, NYC and London. How does where you are influence the art you make? 

Well, sort of. I’ve lived and worked in all those cities, bounce around and have friends and family all over, but it’s not like I have three apartments.  As far as their influence, I think the place you live informs so much of who you are that it comes out in your music whether you want it to or not. For me, NYC in particular I think has been very formative. The album is called Overloaded, and in many ways I can’t think of a better way to describe New York.  It’s dense, intense, overstimulated, at times fun and others lonely. Plus there’s always this feeling of being amidst people yet detached from them. Even just the look of the skyscrapers, with people stacked on top of one another and so frequently depicted in film, I think has been impactful. While working on the record I actually often played the tracks back against movie trailers with dramatic city scapes to see how they held up.  The record basically is life in NYC, to me at least.

Who or what inspires you the most?

Probably visual art and film.  Whenever I’m stuck on something I’m writing, I go to an art museum. Cildo Meireles, Hito Steyerl and Louise Bourgeois are some that have floored me over the years. I like immersive pieces and installations. I think because they often feel like film sets.

Beyond that, just the other creative people I know. It’s an amazing thing to be part of a community where you’re all building careers at the same time, watching each other’s voices expand.  More specifically, the other composers I went through the Sundance Labs with, every single one of whom I think is great, and also my brother, who is an experimental glassblower.

As an artist: do you think it is more important to be true to yourself or to be liked by the masses and why? 

Well, I write classical music, which is hardly cracking the top 40, so as a surprise to absolutely no one, I’m going to say…to be true to yourself.  Because authenticity speaks to people and I think if you do that you can also be liked, or at least understood by most.  While if you shoot to be liked by ‘the masses,’ it’s hard to be true to yourself, and you may not be liked by anyone. I think there’s the potential to do both one way, but not the other.  To me the best artists check both boxes, and I think the only way to get there is by creating something unique, that comes from a truthful place and expresses a singular perspective. There can be universality in that specificity.

Complete this sentence: If I could change one thing about technology it would be… It would never crash.

Where do you hope music takes you in the future?  I would like to work with more filmmakers and score a deep, dark drama of some kind.

Your lyrics are very poetic. Would you be up for trying something other than music? I mean, like...now! Could you describe D E L A N I L A in a Haiku?  I’m stumped by that right now but I’m hungry, so here’s one about that:

Lockdown in mid-June

Hunger grows yet fridge is bare

Wherefore art my lunch?

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[drvinyl]

Interview: Two Weeks in Nashville

Words by Charlotte Christie  

On a white square sat the words: ‘Do not mistake my kindness for weakness’. I liked it. I scrolled on. I didn’t think about it again until I got a chance to interview Two Weeks In Nashville.  

As part of an industry which has its ups and downs, it can be hard to keep positive, let alone actively positive. Similar to the Instagram Post, T.W.I.N’s bright outlook is not the easy route, but nevertheless it’s a simple statement which defies the norm. Last week, I discovered that their glass-half-full attitude is certainly as catchy as their hooks, something that resonates with people in a way 2020 has so far yet to.

For those just discovering Two Weeks In Nashville, how did you all meet and start making music?  

Billy and Jonny first met playing football as young lads. Discovering a shared passion for music, they set out to find a full band line up. After months of auditions, Ian was given the drumming role even though he auditioned for keys and had never played drums before in his life. After seeing videos of the trio, Marc got in touch and the final lineup was cemented.

I hear that you are isolating together - that’s unusual! How do you keep your creativity flowing on a day-to-day basis?  

Yes we feel very lucky to have been isolating together. With the sudden lack of all distractions due to Corona, we’ve never been so productive! Creating music, videos etc for the band has always been our passion, and luckily that has not changed now that there is little else to do.]

I loved your latest single: The Truth Is Just Counterfeit. Can you tell me how is it personal to you?  

Thank you! ‘The Truth Is Just Counterfeit’ was written to point a finger at all the takers out there. In a climate of fake personas, how do you know who to trust?

Before COVID hit, you guys were selling out venues left, right and centre! Are there any pre/post gig rituals that you have and miss?  

Each of us have our own pre gig routine: Marc will only speak in French for two hours before the set time. He believes he channels the fighting spirit of the 'Révolution française’. Billy likes to be called “Young Sting” around the venue for obvious reasons. Jonny likes to smoke a coffee and drink a cigarette, and Ian has to have his forty winks. Post gig it’s every man for himself.

Sounds very Rock and Roll. Speaking of which… If you could go back in time and play music in any other era, when would it be and why?  

The 60s and 70s as our sound and style is heavily influenced by the bands of that generation.

Besides music or other musicians, are there any books/movies/paintings/places/poems or plays, which have inspired you creatively?  

We are fans of Absurdist art and poetry- increasingly it feels like life is turning into an irrational dystopian play, and we have no control in the audience.

Where do you hope music takes you in the future?

After two months of staying at home social distancing, literally anywhere!

Ha! Good answer. Right. One more question. (Sort of).  

Finish these sentences:  

We believe that Humans...  

Should listen to 'The Truth Is Just Counterfeit'.

We wish people would ask us about...  

'The Truth Is Just Counterfeit'.

At the end of the rainbow there is...  

'The Truth Is Just Counterfeit'.

But when no one else will listen...  

We know that lyric, it’s from 'The Truth Is Just Counterfeit' which you can check out on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, SoundCloud, Amazon Prime.

Our biggest hurdle has been...  

Recording 'The Truth Is Just Counterfeit'.

Aliens are…

Listening to 'The Truth Is Just Counterfeit'.

If we were cartoon characters, we’d be...  

The Winnie the Pooh Gang listening to 'The Truth Is Just Counterfeit'.

The thing we want everyone to feel when they listen to our music is…  

Wow, I need to watch the music video to 'The Truth Is Just Counterfeit’, out now.

[drvinyl]

Review: Notes on A Conditional Form by The 1975

Words by Charlotte Christie.

Empty your mind. Imagine you are somewhere outside of your room. COVID-19 doesn’t exist and you are able to go anywhere you wish. You are now in a wood. You come across a nest. It belongs to a Magpie. It is heaving with stuff: bottle tops, strips of foil, coins. You almost miss a diamond ring tucked neatly to one side. It’s an odd experience seeing these objects entirely decontextualised and disordered. It’s hard to tell if the additions make the nest delightfully unique, or the individual items worthless. Whatever it is, it’s an experience akin to listening to Notes on a Conditional Form by The 1975.  

The 1975 have released an album which feels like a wad of [scattershot] footnotes to go with 2018’s A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships. However, the album’s lack of cohesion and sprawling influences stay true to the band’s preoccupation with Postmodernism. At 80 minutes & 22 tracks, it’s perhaps not unfair to think that the record could have benefitted from a hefty edit. However, had Matty Healy and co. released a more concise and commercial album, I would have been considerably disappointed. I found that on my third listen I had developed a unique relationship with the songs on an individual basis, rather than viewing the album as a whole. I started playing a sort of crossword puzzle with the tracks, whereby I jotted down the names of the artists, albums and songs that I felt could have influenced their work. I started to see the record in a new light.  

Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America brought back memories of a family holiday where I listened to a lot of Surfjan Stevens (2003’s Michigan) and made Romulus my MySpace song. The acoustic guitars on this track are also reminiscent of another MySpace-era favourite: yolky emo-folkers (motherfolkers?) Death Cab For Cutie. The Birthday Party allows for us to move further back in time to the 1990s. Its sound and storytelling echoe Counting Crows whereas Then Because She Goes bears a resemblance to 90s shoegaze grand-uncles Ride. There are moments of humour which stop this album from being snobby or self-indulgent. On the Bustedesque Me and You Together Song, Healy croons about changing nappies, while the cheesy John Waite-inspired Guys is unashamedly sentimental. There are some more modern, ‘cooler’ influences too. Tonight (I Wish I Was Your Boy) will have you telling anyone who’ll listen how much you miss ‘old Kanye’ and Don’t Worry (written by Healy’s father) had me reaching for my copy of Bon Iver’s 22, A Million. If you love music [and puzzles], this is the album for you.  

Notes on A Conditional Form doesn’t necessarily work as a piece of pop music. Similar to the magpie’s nest, it’s hard to determine if it’s a wildly unique collage or if the ensuing chaos is less than the sum of its parts. Either everyone will have a different favourite on this record or weaker tracks like Yeah I Know will reduce the diamond ring (If You’re Too Shy) to the same value as the bottle tops and foil. However, as a work of postmodern art, Notes undoubtedly succeeds.  

[drvinyl]

Interview: Full Colour

Words by Charlotte Christie. 

These days, it’s difficult to avoid Quentin Tarrantino 2020 T-shirts and thinking wouldn’t it be great if 2020 could be cancelled. This is not the case for the five piece, Full Colour. For them, 2020 has marked the beginning of something special. The West Yorkshire boys’ latest single,Times Change, prompts a nostalgia for times gone by where classic british indie reigned and infinite possibility lay ahead in the best possible way. I chatted to lead singer Conrad about leaving home, good timing and his top isolation tracks.

So tell me… For those discovering Full Colour for the first time, how did the band come about? What sparked you getting together to create music?

We came together when I (Conrad) realised that myself and Will’s musical project wouldn’t be able to play live without a band. So, me and Dillon got talking over social media and when we were looking for a bassist, he coincidentally went to school with Henry. We then asked Alex to join shortly after when we decided we needed another guitarist.

Your new single ‘Times Change’ talks about moving away from home and the people you love. What was the biggest shock you had when you initially moved away? Did that inspire the song? Or is there a memory or emotion that drives your live performances of the track?

The thing that hit me immediately after moving away was the fact that I was leaving all my friends behind and the ambiguity surrounding how we’d stay in contact, if at all. It was this that fundamentally inspired the song and drives our live performance, which tends to be a rather emotional point in our set.

The video for the ‘Times Change’ is classic British indie at its very best. Was there a particular concept that inspired the music video? I noticed a lot of it was shot inside a bedroom... Very in-keeping with the nation’s mood…

We knew that we wanted the band to be playing in a relatively confined space to reflect the sense of anxiety present in the track along with an energetic performance that’s reminiscent of our live show. The timing is impeccable really considering the entire nation’s cooped up inside, probably feeling the exact same emotions that Times Change is based around. Hopefully it gives people some reassurance that they’re not alone in the way they’re feeling.

You’ve worked with some amazing people who have collaborated with some of the very best (The 1975, Nothing But Thieves). If two musicians/bands were to come together to create the Full Colour dream band who would they be and why?

That’s a difficult question. For me, it would probably have to be Fleetwood Mac and Vampire Weekend. I’m not sure how it would work logistically but, in theory, bringing Christine McVie and Stevie Nick’s sense of melody and Ezra Koenig’s lyrical ability and rhythm together would be a match made in heaven!

Have you been listening to any album/single/musician to get you through lock down?

I’ve been really into Clairo recently - her new album’s absolutely fantastic, along with Sea Girls - their most recent single’s brilliant! I’ve also been diving pretty deep into the 80s - The Cars have been on repeat along with The Blue Nile and The Cure.

Describe what 2020 means to Full Colour in 3 words?

Finally new music.  

Finally... I always like to finish with some ‘Quick Fire’. Don’t think, just answer…!

Cats or Dogs? Dog’s (specifically pugs)

Instagram or Tiktok? Instagram (we’re still refraining from getting involved in TikTok!)

Summer or Winter? Summer

Honesty or Others’ Feelings? Honesty

Robert Smith or Morrisey? Robert Smith

Video Games or Netflix Binge? Video games

Deodorant or Toothpaste? Toothpaste

Prince or Michael Jackson? Michael Jackson... by an inch

Distortion or Reverb? Reverb

Follow Full Colour: INSTAGRAM I TWITTER I FACEBOOK I SPOTIFY

[drvinyl]

ONLY: single review

Words by Defne Calbay.

If you are looking for a track to make you feel good and get you excited for the weekend - you don’t have to look any further!

On Friday, the talented singer/producer ZHU released his single ONLY in collaboration with alternative R’n’B singer Tinashe. The song has an ongoing melodic synth-sound that can be easily identified as ZHU’s typical touch. Normally focusing on a purely electronic sound, this collaboration gives ZHU the space to swift over to a more commercial side of music. 

Meanwhile, Tinashe has dipped into many different styles over the years - reaching from hip hop to pop and trap. With ONLY, she takes a big step towards the deep house genre while adding her individual touch of dark R’n’B to the mix. 

The lyrics express an intense back and forth between the two artists - while ZHU portrays the lonely, greedy and selfish only child, a desperate seeker of romantic love and attention, Tinashe is the one ready to caress and spoil her potential lover with exactly that. 

Both artists manage to mix and combine their not so similar art at where they overlap: a cool, nocturnal aura making you want to dance and/or sing along without it being too much. 

And oh! If you’re a visual person, you also won’t be disappointed in the music video for ONLY. Produced by LA based Jack Murgatyord. the clip is a dark and mysterious setting where the lovers are only able to see each other through binoculars - singing and dancing on their own, in isolation, partly even with a mask on. Murgatyord himself describes the atmosphere of the video as “uncertain and uneasy”, which we can all surely relate to during the madness that is happening in 2020. 

So - hopefully the song motivates you as much as it gives me energy and makes you dance and sing regardless of the lockdown like in the video!

[drvinyl]

Isolation Interviews: Bedroom/Boredom

Words by Charlotte Christie. 

Observing a band in lockdown can be as revealing as an interview. Bedroom / Boredom certainly haven’t disappointed. Their Instagram cover of Roxanne by Arizona Zervas and Facebook Live performance at Sucker Quarantine Fest exhibited their boyish charisma, great musicianship and instant likability. Slipping in two new releases, How Did You Get Up There and Car Lights (Front Yard) just before we entered the new world of one hour walks and clapping for carers, it’s clear that nothing will stop these boys putting their foot on the gas. The 5 piece band burst on to the indie scene in 2015, stating that their “catchy riffs and depressing vocals are enough to make you sack off taking the kids to school, stay at home and contemplate the meaningless nature of your existence”. I couldn’t help thinking that here is a band who are ahead of their time... So I caught up with them [virtually] to chat about all things from covers to Covid. 

C: Right. So, let’s start! For those discovering Bedroom/Boredom for the first time, where does the name come from? It very much encapsulates how we are all feeling at the moment... 

B/B: Yeah this is a weird one actually - never thought the name would be relevant but here we are! The name comes from.... Absolutely nothing at all. It's part of the charm I think - kind of sums us up as people. The name was randomly chosen and settled on at a band rehearsal in college and we've stuck with it. It would have taken us months to settle on anything different otherwise.

C: Every artist has their own reasons for why they do what they do, but what is it that drives Bedroom/Boredom to make music? Do you remember what first inspired you?

B/B: I’d say there’s 2 major aspects that drive us to do what we do. The first is touring/gigging quality shows. The adrenalin of being on stage with mates & making sure the crowd love it is unrivalled by any other feeling. The second is knowing that there’s people listening to our music and enjoying it. Being able to make someone feel something (or escape from what they’re feeling) for even the length of a song is awesome, kind of an out for people. 

C: Your latest release How Did You Get Up There is brilliant. Can you tell us more about the track?

B/B: Good question! So Dan wrote this track late at night, super tired in that kind of mood where your mind wanders. It bounces around from his own personal feelings of aimlessness at that moment, and a view of someone else (made up) who's drifting through life aided by drink, lost and wandering. What's weird is that it goes from 1st to 3rd person too - I guess that makes no sense but that's why I like it so much. The tracks through-written too which is kind of cool, so there's one verse, one chorus and then just a long swelling outro. It's not been "constructed" deliberately in an afterthought, it's just exactly the feelings felt at the time of writing. Of course bringing it to the guys and having everyone add their own little flares made it even sweeter.

C: What do you think is next? Can we expect another EP? Or will you be using your time to focus on your tour later in the year?

B/B: Honestly I think the best plan sometimes is no plan. I want us all to be writing, playing & releasing and that's sort of it I guess. Although, this year there's a real shift in motivation. We want to release and write as much as we possibly can. That said, we can't wait to get back playing on tour - it's just the absolute biggest laugh you can have with your mates.

C: Thanks for keeping us entertained during the lockdown. I have been loving your Instagrams, especially the cover of Roxanne. What band would you like to cover one of your songs? 

B/B: Thanks! More covers & videos to come. We all have a pretty different taste in music but as a collective we’d probably have to say Bombay Bicycle Club or Everything Everything. Some of our tunes we’re definitely influenced by them. 

C: Finally, I know that you guys are all about having fun - your gigs are great. So… Fancy a spot of word association? Great journalism, right here! 

B/B: Different journalism is the way forward, here goes...

C: Right..here goes… Paul McCartney?  B/B: Boring.  C: Nicholas Cage  B/B: "NOT THE BEES" C: Happiness  B/B: Beans C: Marmite.  B/B: Twiglets

Follow Bedroom/Boredom: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | 

[drvinyl]

Bruno Major releases new single ‘The Most Beautiful Thing’

Words by Defne Calbay. 

Over the last years, we have seen the rise of soulful indie music from great artists giving us beautiful melodies telling us heartbreaking stories. No stranger to that genre is British singer and songwriter Bruno Major. We know him from previous projects such as “A Song for Every Moon”, where he released a new single every month for a year. 

With this new song called “The Most Beautiful Thing”, Major gives us yet another glimpse of his soon to be released album “To Let A Good Thing Die”. This song was co-written by Finneas - the just as talented brother of Billie Eilish - when Bruno was spending some time in Los Angeles in 2019. (To find an acoustic version of the two performing the song, check out @mrbrunomajor on Instagram!)

Typical for the singer’s style, the song is a jazzy tune with dreamy guitar riffs, making you think you are sitting at a bonfire by the beach as you are listening to some sweet and sincere lyrics filled  with raw thoughts and emotions.

In time for the new single’s release, Bruno was one of the many singers to go live and connect with his listeners. He talked about the irony of writing love songs while not even being sure if true love exists. In “The Most Beautiful Thing” he explores different circumstances where he could meet the one - maybe on Baker Street or Melrose Avenue? Is it “… someone they unexpectedly met when they were 14 or someone from the same village. And what if the true love person lives on the other side of the world and you never meet them. Or what if they’re walking down the road right now and all you have to do is run outside and say ‘Oh my God, you are my person. I love you.” ( YouTube livestream )Eventually, he comes to the conclusion that love probably is a powerful chemical reaction of emotions to develop over time. 

Maybe the fact that not only his personality but also his lyrics are so real and relatable is what makes Bruno Major instantly likeable.

Give his new single a listen and enjoy as he takes you on a journey to tiptoe around the idea of true love and soulmates.

[drvinyl]

“You really are too precious, James”

Words by Defne Calbay.

James Blake, the prince of dazzling electro R&B is back with his new single “You’re Too Precious” and we are loving it. Compared to his initial and more famous works such as his albums “Overgrown” and “The Colour In Anything” (which you should go listen ASAP if you haven’t already!) this single has a more soothing and soft sound to it. 

Taking a step back from his heavy, dark yet melodic tunes telling us melancholic stories, he switches it up and now presents a love song with high pitched vocal loops playing throughout the song, accompanied by smooth instrumentals and a calming aura. As Blake repeats phrases like “I don't think they deserve you, I don't think anyone could” and “It’s ok not to be ok” it feels as he is speaking directly to the listener - which can especially work as a great self-esteem boost during times of lockdown!

So - if you are looking for a dreamy lo-fi song to enjoy the sun to while reading your favourite book, you won’t be disappointed in this one for sure. Make sure to give it a listen.

[drvinyl]

Lacuna Bloome’s Lockdown Mix

Follow Lacuna Bloome on Instagram. 

[drvinyl]

Alice D Releases ‘Lioness’

Written by Charlotte Christie. 

Feisty, Funky and full-bodied. Alice D’s 2nd EP, Lioness, presents a woman who has found her pride and learned to love herself. On this release, she asserts herself as an artist who writes hooks so catchy they demand you ‘Add to playlist’. Holding nothing back, she grabs you with her confessional lyrics and reads you your [Personal Bill Of] Rights. 

Lioness’ opener and lead single, Forever Mine, is a hymn of self-love, asserting one’s right to be uniquely themselves. Follow up Karma has prominent 90’s R&B influences: a cool, calm and collected response to online trolling, which exercises one’s right to be treated with respect. All for You empowers further & captures the right to express your own feelings. Alice is at her most vulnerable on You Were Never Really Here, but it is on closing disco anthem, Brand New, that she really shines. The track’s pulsing bassline and resilient lyrics celebrate the right to change and grow, a hit song waiting in the wings that resonates especially in the current ‘reset’ culture.

Lioness is only 5 tracks long, but it’s able to capture so much. Its storytelling combined with good production (Big Pretty, Oscar Scheller) and a wonderful voice make it a particularly exciting new release. 

[drvinyl]

New Music Friday!

As we continue through the weird and new normality of lockdown, one thing that hasn’t changed is great music. We’re here to kick off our weekly New Music Friday recommendations. 

Featuring:

The 1975 - If You’re Too Shy (Let Me Know)

Dermot Kennedy - Lost In The Soft Light EP

James Blake - You’re Too Precious

Earl Sweatshirt - WHOLE WORLD (Ft. Maxo)

Kali Uchis - To Feel Alive EP

SG Lewis - Chemicals

Travis Scott and Kid Cudi - THE SCOTTS