SoundScapes

sound·scape [saʊndskeɪp] noun: a piece of music considered in terms of its component sounds SoundScapes is a creative project & a way to share new music This blog is an extract from beatthevoid.com

[soundscapes-creativeproject]

Amber Run • Haze

Haze [noun]: a state of mental confusion. After one month of teasing and about one year since the release of their debut record, Amber Run have finally shared the first track of their sophomore album. ‘Haze’ is a simplistic masterpiece, characterized by the band’s natural ability to deliver an intimate, emotional track with soul-soothing vocal harmonies. The song, accompanied by a stunning music video, is only 2 minutes long and we certainly wished for it to last forever. The band have revealed what ‘Haze’ is about:

“It’s about seeing the world through a veil of distrust and sadness. An apology for feeling that whatever you do, you’ll inevitably end up failing; that whoever you love will inevitably end up leaving, and that in whichever direction you walk, you’ll inevitably end up at the same place. It’s a plea for someone or something to come along and get you back on your feet.”

Studio album number two is expected to be released later this year via Sony Music. Alongside the release of ‘Haze’ came an announcement confirming the departure of their drummer, Felix Archer, due to personal reasons.

Find Amber Run on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

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Charlotte Carpenter • Am I Alone In This?

We’ve been following Charlotte Carpenter for a while now and we’re proud to present to you her latest offering. ‘Am I Alone in This?’ is the title track from her upcoming EP ‘How Are We Ever To Know?’, which will be released on the 10th of June via Carpenter’s own label - Let It Go Records. With its bluesy guitar riff and dark drum beats, ‘Am I Alone in This’? is a very personal song about the demise of Charlotte’s first serious relationship.

“This song was the beginning of a journey; a first glimpse of a relationship where cracks and strains were beginning show. I was very much inside my own head, I was too scared to voice my worries, doubts and fears and it left me feeling lonely and isolated. I was frustrated with myself for not being brave enough to speak up.” - Charlotte Carpenter

EP Tracklisting:

Am I Alone in This?

Contracts

Electric

Last Love

Burn

Pre-order ‘How Are We Ever To Know?’ here and get ‘Am I Alone in This?’ straight away.

Ahead of the new EP, Charlotte will be playing a few show around the UK

03.06 Red Rooster Festival, Suffolk

04.06 Red Rooster Festival, Suffolk

05.06 Oporto, Leeds

06.06 Sticky Mike’s, Brighton

08.06 The Islington, London

09.06 Hare and Hounds, Birmingham

Find Charlotte Carpenter on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and SoundCloud.

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Meet Tiny Giant, Future Rock with a hint of Dream Pop

About 2 years ago Tiny Giant first came on our radar and we quickly realised it was a name to keep in mind. Now that they’ve announced their first official release, it’s time for a proper introduction.

Tiny Giant are Chloë Alper and Mat Collis. Alper launched her music career at the age of 13 fronting the cult Riot Grrl punk band Period Pains and later helped form the critically acclaimed prog rock group Pure Reason Revolution. After the band split, she began working on a solo project and teamed up with Robert Coudert from Phoenix to write the title track for the cult horror remakes of Elijah Wood’s ‘Maniac’ and ‘Amityville: The Awakening’. Multi-instrumentalist Mat Collis is a MOBO and Grammy nominated engineer who has worked with the likes of Jay Z, Charli XCX, Mr Hudson, Yelawolf, The Noisettes and Steven Wilson. Together the pair make music they describe as “Dream Pop meets Future Rock”, a fitting title for their creations.

Citing their influences as Cocteau Twins, Battles, Weezer, Kate Bush, Fleetwood Mac, Biffy Clyro, Talk Talk and Genesis, resulting in Tiny Giant’s rich, multi-layered sound. Their SoundCloud page currently consists of only 2 tracks, ‘Heavy Love’ and ‘Seeing Everything As Though It Is Real’. 2 songs laced with sweet vocals, massive riffs and soothing ambience.

Tiny Giant are currently in the studio working on a debut EP and album. Their first official single ‘Joely’ will be out on the 9th of May, a release we eagerly await.

Find Tiny Giant on Facebook, Twitter and SoundCloud.

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Nerve Leak • DR34M5

We recently got introduced to 23-year-old Brooklyn-based producer and singer-songwriter Nerve Leak, AKA Sam Friedman, who immediately captured our attention with his latest single. Following his self-released debut EP ‘Disconnected’ from last year, ‘DR34M5’ is an effortless mixture of experimental pop music with trap influences, filled with haunting vocals and honest words. Friedman explains what ‘DR34M5’ is about:

“It’s about being caught up in the intimacy of a new love, but ultimately pulling away to mend unhealed wounds. I found myself falling for someone new, shortly after leaving an unhealthy relationship that really changed the lens through which I saw love. It was no longer this intoxicating, affirming experience. It felt full of stress, fear, and manipulation. I wrote the lyrics as a way of admitting that I shouldn’t give myself to someone new if I haven’t yet taken the time to re-learn who I am on my own. But it’s also about confessing that you can’t turn off feelings of lust, loneliness, and inner-conflict; it’s just the first step in trying to put yourself first”

Drawing on inspiration from artists like FKA twigs and James Blake, Nerve Leak manages to create a sound that makes him stand out from the mass. Listen to ‘DR34M5’ here:

Find Nerve Leak on Twitter, Instagram and SoundCloud.

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San Felu • Quantum Entanglement

Two weeks ago we wrote about San Felu’s stunning track ‘Sanctuary Blues’ and today we share it’s captivating B-side. ‘Quantum Entaglement’ is an uplifting, summery song, layered with drifting drums, haunting guitar riffs and playful piano chords. PJ Pearson manages to deliver another heartfelt track, defined by his mysterious lyrics and charismatic voice.

“I started Quantum Entanglement whilst living in a state of flux, it was in fact one of the first pieces I wrote under the name San Felu. I was in a fragmented relationship at the time, and the piece has become a talisman, living in the box at the foot of my bed with all the other potions and spells.”

Find San Felu on Twitter, Facebook and Soundcloud.

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Kudu Blue • Vicinity

‘Vicinity’ is the latest release from five-piece Kudu Blue. The band, hailing from Brighton, show off their ability to blend a variety of sounds into one eclectic, catchy track.

Following up previous singles ‘Bones’ and ‘Fallin´ Away’, ‘Vicinity’ combines upbeat guitar riffs and electro-pop vibes topped off with soulful vocals and beats that have a slightly dark edge to them.

This feel-good song is the perfect soundtrack to cruise around town with the windows down. Now all we have to do is pray for higher temperatures and more sun.

“The track is about how we begin life as a child full of love, passion and intrigue. The freedom of expression often gets stripped from us as we grow older. This in turn, inhibits our individuality. We develop into humans that go through the daily grind of life; eat, work, gaze at computer screens (a false reality), socialize with friends via the internet, eat, stare at screen, sleep, repeat. We become numb to the essence of life, our emotions too often influenced by media outlets. ‘Vicinity’ is about breaking out of this state of being.”

We can’t wait to see what the future brings for Kudu Blue, but in the meantime you can listen to ‘Vicinity’ here:

Find Kudu Blue on Facebook, Twitter and SoundCloud.

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Forced Random • I May Believe in Me

Following on from last year's ‘Go Get It’, described via Gold Flake Paint premiere as “a mightily sweeping, endlessly compelling creation”, Forced Random shares an oddly uplifting serenade.

‘I May Believe in Me’ is a beautifully cracked ode to self-belief and determination in the 21st century. Punctuated by broken elegance and a genuine tenderness that comes through clearly in the lyrics: "I've been told I should change, / Give it all don't complain. / Here I am this is me, / Move on up wait and see." The track, which spans to just over five minutes, packs an overwhelming emotional punch within it's lush, layered and lo-fi walls. Building on their early work of stripped-back bedroom gems, Forced Random expose the tension between longing and restraint through their experience songwriting.

Over the past couple of years, this London collective built around multi-instrumentalist and producer Oliver Girdler, have quietly built up a faithful following amongst music fans and critics alike. Since Autumn 2013, Forced Random have released two EPs of elegantly twisted and sparse music and have been praised by NME as "a somnolent and heavily anaesthetised trip down the sinkhole of introspection...thrilling".

Find Forced Random on Facebook, Twitter and SoundCloud.

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Lew Low • Addicted Lover

22-year old singer, songwriter and producer Lex Low delivers the first track from his forthcoming 'Mystery' EP. ‘Addicted Lover’ is a soulful and sensual R&B track, characterized by Lex Low’s smooth vocals, funky bass riffs and catchy electro beats. In other words, all the ingredients for us to fall in love with this song and listen on repeat.

Check Lex Low out on Twitter, Facebook and SoundCloud.

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Mannequins on 7th Street • Superblue EP

Mannequins on 7th Street, a synth pop duo hailing from Belgium, have recently dropped their debut EP ‘Superblue’. The EP consists of 5 dreamy, hip swaying tracks characterized by melancholic vocals and a captivating minimalistic sound. Songwriter/vocalist Alexandre Lambrechts and producer Tim de Fontaine met at the Antwerp jazz studio and are currently pursuing their musical ambitions in London.

Tracklisting:

Who Are You

In Two

Out of Sight

Paris

Free From Real

Find Mannequins on 7th Street on Twitter and SoundCloud.

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Lisbon • Vice

Newcastle four piece Lisbon have unleashed another vibrant single, following their debut EP ‘Life Is Good’ last year. ‘Vice’, produced by Dan Austin (Doves, Pixies, The Enemy), reflects summer vibes with its funky guitar riffs and catchy drum beats.

The track showcases Lisbon’s evolving talent to maintain an original pop/rock sound. ‘Vice’  is about being young, in love, troubled, drunk sober and a little bit crazy, explains Matthew Varty:

" Lyrically I wanted the song to sound like a diary entry, like some sort of confession. When you’re under pressure and you start juggling all these vices, it makes a recipe for an incredibly fun disaster."

So… what’s your Vice?

Find Lisbon on Twitter, Facebook and SoundCloud.

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SAN FELU • SANCTUARY BLUES

Following his debut track ‘Cape of Good Hope’ San Felu, otherwise known as PJ Pearson, is back with a stunning second release. ‘Sanctuary Blues’ brings you to an emotional climax led by cryptic lyrics, suspended synths and Pearson’s characterising low-toned vocals, inevitably comparing him to The National’s Matt Berninger.

For his sophomore single, PJ worked with James Bragg, the producer of Gengahr’s LP ‘A Dream Outside’. Alongside solo project San Felu, Pearson is also one half of Liu Bei, a live performer for Waylor and co-writer, as well as featured musician on Grace Lightman’s ‘Vapour Trails’.

“It’s a soundtrack for people on the edge, wherever that edge may be…” – San Felu

Find San Felu on Twitter, Facebook and Soundcloud.