#piney gir

[jungleindierock]

Piney Gir - Peanut Butter Malt Shop Heartthrob

Video for latest single from Piney Gir, Peanut Butter Malt Shop Heartthrob. This video was filmed by Poppy Illsley with help from Penny Andrea, starring Piney Gir, Tomas Greenhalf and Lily The Fish (the star of Lynwood Aquatics).

Piney Gir, often shortened to Piney, is an American musician and singer, born in Kansas but based in London, England since 1998.

Links: Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud

[manitat]

MahnitAt predstavlja: Piney Gir

[musicforstowaways]

Piney Gir - Peakahokahoo

Piney Gir – Peakahokahoo

Following her brief cult success as half of Vic Twenty, singer Piney Gir reappeared with the delightfully lo-fi Peakahokahoo, released fifteen years ago this week. It’s a short album – so short, in fact, that it’s difficult to review, as each track disappears before you’re really able to start writing anything.

Vic Twentyhad been a wonderful act, for the short time that they lasted. A couple…

View On WordPress

[shemakesmusic-uk]

INTERVIEW: Piney Gir.

London-based Piney Gir originally hails from Kansas and has for many years been a prolific and prodigious musician, spanning various genres from electro to alt-country to folktronic to 60’s retro pop to krautrock. She is currently working on album number seven and her new material lands at art pop with angles and spaces creating a real world of sound with deliberate spaces and spikes. There are still echoes of the signature Piney sound, with strong melodies, tuneful riffs and twisted lyrics that sound sweet at first listen and evolve to some kind of dark twisted storytelling. Piney’s inner Laura Palmer emerges with a tender bitter-sweetness, reminiscent of post punk basement bars and cherry martinis.

Piney recently revealed the video for her latest single ‘Dreamcatcher’ created by animator Geoff Howell and featuring a penguin enjoying the freedom of the open road and encountering some interesting characters, a little bit of violence and trouble along the way. Watch it below! ‘Dreamcatcher’ follows previous single ‘The Great Pretend’ which was released earlier in the year. Piney has also been touring the US and UK supporting Gaz Coombes and is also about to embark on another UK tour in support of shoegaze stalwarts Ride for their 30th Anniversary Uplugged Tour.

We were lucky enough to have a chat with the singer-songwriter all about what she’s been up to, the new material, the pros and cons of the music industry, tour life and so much more. Read the interview below.

Hello Piney! How have you been?  

"Hi there, yes I've been great!  Been super busy, but that's how I like it.  After the Ride tour Nov/Dec, I'll be making some YouTube videos for my Drunk Cookery book and then preparing to release the full album next year.  Lots of fun stuff to do, videos to make, b-sides to record, artwork, etc... I love making music and all the stuff that goes with it.  Can't wait to take the show on the road again."

You've just released your latest single and video 'Dreamcatcher'. Please tell us a bit about what inspired the track and the visuals.  

"The track comes from a dark place, but from a place of hope.  I was having a really hard time when I made this album, and the dark themes are woven in the lyrics.  I think people should talk more openly about when they are having a hard time.  It's okay not to be okay and it's easier when you share that with someone, a friend, family, partner, therapist, whoever.  My outlet is music, it helps me find the silver linings.  So this song is ultimately about pain and escaping that pain, "I want you to take me anywhere..." like anywhere but here, we've all felt that way sometimes right?  Restless and eager for change but that change feels out of reach; waiting for the wind to blow.  

"To me this song has a twang of desert rock to it, so when Geoff Howell made the video for it, he went with a penguin-themed cops 'n' robbers, Thelma and Louis thing, I love it!  He's such a talent, I genuinely trust him to do anything, I know he can interpret my music in a way that has a dark/light twist that I relate to."

I don't know about anyone else, but to me 'Dreamcatcher' has some Gary Numan/Talking Heads-esque vibes. Is this a sound that will feature heavily on future material?  

"Oh my gosh, I'll take that!  I love Gary Numan, and Talking Heads are great, I saw David Byrne in concert recently and it blew my tiny mind!  It changed the way I view concert performance, the layers in his music are incredible, definitely his songs are like the sum of their pieces, fascinating to see!  And I once met Gary Numan backstage at The Cure, so maybe I soaked up some of his synth-god aura, I hope so!  But yes, the new album I think has a hint of this organic/synthetic fusion.  I feel like my many albums have been a journey leading to this one, as if I finally may have found 'the Piney sound' (I guess I'm known for changing it up, so I'm not saying that won't happen again!  We'll see about that).  Meanwhile, yes the new album has synths, and saxophones inspired by Roxy Music and lots of drums and percussion (which might be the Talking Heads influence).  'Dreamcatcher' has 2 basses on it!  We played around in the studio, using space echo (v. Flaming Lips!) and Eventide (as heard on the David Bowie Berlin Trilogy), there's a song with layers and layers of synths on it, a bit like the Top Gun soundtrack, which is a duet with Sweet Baboo, there is also a guest appearance from Willie J Healey on the new album.  I love collaboration.  Basically we just had a lotta fun and took time to play with stuff and savour the experience, using the studio as an instrument."

Speaking of the new album, you're currently working on your seventh! What else can you tell us about it? Have you learned anything new during the creation process compared to your previous LP releases?  

"Sure, one thing about my albums is that they span many genres (synth pop, country, folktronic, retro 60's garage, dream pop, low-fi slacker rock and now this angular art pop/rock thing).  I guess for me it's been a journey and I love all types of music so why not write all types of music?  I do think it might lose me as many fans as I win, but I have to be true to my process and my inner songwriting voice, so it is what it is.  I just do my best, if you prefer the country stuff, then thank you for enjoying my music, if you like the synth pop more, then great, I'm happy that makes you happy.  It's all music I'm proud of and worked hard on.  I think the thing that unites the albums is my way with words and melody; as everything is quite melody-led and I try to tell a heartfelt, unpredictable story with lyrics, and that is consistent on every album.  This new album features the synths of my first synth-pop record, with a pinch of low-fi for good measure, the Eventide makes it dreamy, the sax, guitars, drums and arrangements make it spiky!  I'm so pleased with how it turned out, and while you can pin-point its influences, to me it doesn't really sound like anything else and that is something I strive to do, go where no man/woman has gone before.  I hope I've achieved that."

You've also been on tour this year with Gaz Coombes. What has that been like? Do you have any interesting/funny stories?

"I had the pleasure and privilege to support Gaz around America and the UK (and a few shows in Europe too).  He has been personally very supportive of what I do, and I'm so grateful for that.  Creativity can be subject to self-doubt, so encouragement from a hero is so validating!  His fans seem to get what I do, perhaps we share a similar songwriting fabric?  We also share a band, and I am a backing singer in his band, so we stem from the same band family tree, it's nice!  I feel so lucky to have that sense of community.  

"Funny stories?  There are many!  Sometimes I wonder if they are more like band in-jokes and don't translate well to people outside of the circle.  Here's one though... We had just performed with Gaz on Later with Jools Holland and the Gaz BV girls (me included) were hanging out by the band dressing rooms when Nile Rogers walked up to us (and we just giggled like schoolgirls 'cause what do you say to total legend Nile Rogers?), and he pointed at each of us exclaiming "Roxy, Roxy and Roxy music, who knew sleigh bells could be so sexy?"  (we do play sleigh bells on Gaz's song 'Deep Pockets') so we swooned and have been called "Roxys" every since.  Thank you Nile for naming us!"

What is your absolute favourite thing about being on tour and performing live?

"There is a great sense of gratitude I have when I get to share my music with people, I love seeing how it connects.  Some people sing along, some people will look me right in the eye, some people smile really big, some people cry at the sad songs.  I get emails saying they played one of my songs as their first dance at their wedding which is such an honour, or even at funerals, which is sad, but powerful.  That means a lot to me because these are milestones, confirming that my music means something to them.  It brings a tear to my eye sometimes, to feel that energy, that connection with the crowd and knowing that something I made can make people feel something like that.  I also love playing with my band, I am so lucky to have those lovelies on Team Piney!  There is an intimacy that comes with touring and we are all so close."

You've been in the music industry a long time. What struggles have you faced and how have you overcome them?

"Good question!  I could write a 500 page book about the struggle if anyone would read it.  In a nutshell, It's really hard, I'm pushed out of my comfort zone all the time.  I have made music and released albums, and played in a touring band, while the landscape of the music industry has morphed and changed significantly.  Where I started is unrecognisable to where I am now.  I never want to be one of those people that says 'it was better in the old days' because I'm not sure that it was, it was simply different then, and I embrace change.  I love that making music is accessible to people now more than ever; it's a gift we should all experience if driven to do so.  I guess for me, my challenge is that I'm not super techy so I've had to learn about websites and digital content and social networking and all that.  It's not enough to be a band or solo artist, you have to be a marketeer and build your brand.  I have signed a publishing deal, which in theory will help (early days - we'll see!) and finding a label is tough as there is less money about to spend on developing acts.  I'm not sure how Kate Bush or Kurt Cobain would have fared on X factor for example, but the music biz used to take more chances on artistry, which seems to be rare these days.  I daresay the major label offerings we are presented with are a lot more watered-down, trying to appeal to lowest common denominator and that's a shame for me as a music fan, let alone as a musician and songwriter, I also think it underestimates the public who historically do love Kate Bush (who is pretty out there!) and PJ Harvey, Tom Waits heck even David Bowie might not have got signed in today's current clime.  A lot of artists self-release now and that's great the ability to do that is there, but it hurts my heart thinking of my music as a commodity or interpreting statements from my digital distributor about units and what not.  I don't always know what it means or what to do with it, but these days you have to figure it out, and perhaps it's good to understand your business as well as your craft; one comes more naturally than the other for me.  Making music, making art, making videos, that's the easy part, what to with it is the hard part.  I've been a DIY artist working with tiny labels for a long time and I'm still figuring it out.  A couple years ago I actually thought perhaps my skin wasn't thick enough and I couldn't handle this business anymore, but I just kept writing songs and if I don't share those songs I feel blocked and frustrated.  I have to put them out there so those songs can have a life of their own, they need to connect to feel complete.  And so my attempt to walk away was foiled by my own strange brain."

What advice would you give to someone trying to make it in this industry?

"If you get too caught up in the industry side of things it can poison you.  Validation from heroes, peers and fans is one thing, validation from 'the system' is fickle, if you manage to gain that validation it comes at a price OR it may never come good at all, so that can't be your reason for doing it.  Don't form a band to 'get signed', form a band because the music is in you, or if you wanna play loud guitars with your friends for fun, or make retro drum 'n' bass because you like it, then go for it!  Of course, it's important to understand the system so you can make the most of it; social media is a useful tool, understanding your royalty statements is important, but first and foremost concentrate on the music and on how you want to present yourself.  If you are a smash success at the top of the charts, good for you!  If you are true to your inner songwriting voice and your freedom of expression, you will be happy with your music career no matter what course it takes.  Success and everything else is just the cherry on top. How do you even define success?  That answer will be different for everyone."

Which new artists/bands are you listening to right now? Is there anyone you would love to collaborate with?

"I have already ticked some amazing collaboration boxes with my forthcoming album, singing a duet with Sweet Baboo and also Willie J Healey sings on one of my songs, I love both of those guys.  Sweet Baboo put out an album this summer called Wild Imagination and it's great!  Willie J is constantly releasing stuff and I love his vibe, the newest single is '666' and it's great.  I'd LOVE to collaborate with someone like Cate Le Bon or Hannah Peel they are both such awesome musicians with a refreshing approach to music-making, I once toured with Erasure and I think it would be really fun to make synth pop with Vince Clarke sometime.  Dolly Parton is my actual hero (just saying!) and I'd love to go to upstate New York and record with Dave Fridmann one day, his studio sounds like a playground; Steve Albini would be fun to work with too, well maybe not 'fun' but inspiring to learn from him and use all his fabulous analogue gear.  I've had the joy of working with a lot of great people over the years (Rob Campanella from Brian Jonestown Massacre & Andy Ramsay from Stereolab) and would happily revisit working with those guys too!"

Finally, other than the new album and upcoming tour, what's next for Piney Gir?

"After tour I will promote my Drunk Cookery book with some online videos I've been working on, I already did a live cookery demonstration at a gallery in Soho, and there will be more of those to come.  I am a monthly host of The Other Woman show on Soho Radio, so that'll keep on ticking.  I am recording b-sides for singles next year, creating artwork for the album and the singles, filming videos to promote next year's singles and gearing up for more gigging... There's a lot to prepare for!  I'm also working on a little grunge-rock supergroup with 2 other girls you may have heard of, but I'm not allowed to say who or what it is just yet, but I'm playing the drums this time, so that's fun."

That sounds awesome - we're so excited to find out!

‘The Great Pretend’ and ‘Dreamcatcher’ are available now.

[shemakesmusic-uk]

Piney Gir announces new single ‘Dreamcatcher’

Piney Gir follows up her recent single ‘The Great Pretend’ with another dose of bittersweet pop delight in ‘Dreamcatcher’. Written at a difficult time, it was inspired by the wilderness and freedom, using driving desert rock to celebrate dreams and warn of dangers ahead. The song is about taking risks and living life on the edge. Swirling psychedelic synths are punctuated by twanging guitar, riff-led basslines and punchy saxophones featuring dreamy vocals spinning to infinity. The track features members of Gaz Coombes’ band, with whom Piney has been touring over the past year, as well as Tom Greenhalf (Man Without Country) and Sweet Baboo on saxophone.

Piney explains more about the track: “I wrote ‘Dreamcatcher’ when I was in a dark place, it seemed like absolutely everything had gone wrong, love, work, health, family “best friends” not being good friends, just general hard knocks and feeling pretty isolated while facing some pretty big life stuff. Outwardly I was projecting the usual cheery Piney because that’s what everyone expects from me, but I was the lowest of the low; the lowest I’ve ever been, pretending to be happy was making that isolation even worse. The only way I know how to cope with that emotion is to channel it into something creative and my default setting is hopeful, I am always looking for the silver lining no mater how dark the clouds are.

“Music is a healthy outlet for me. I feel the most myself when I’m doing music stuff. When I said this album was about mental health, it really was. Without wanting to sound dramatic, I think making this album saved me from utter breakdown. Music is my mental health stabiliser, I feel very lucky to have it as an outlet.”

[gregcphotography]

Gaz Coombes & Piney Gir Photos From March 25, 2016

Gaz Coombes & Piney Gir Photos From March 25, 2016

Gaz Coombes

Gaz Coombes and Piney Gir photos from March 25, 2016 at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC are now online and available for purchase.

View and buy Gaz Coombes photos here or view on Flickr.

View and buy Piney Gir photos here or view on Flickr.

Click here to contact us now and hire Greg C as your photographer.

View On WordPress

[buzzbandsla]

Photos: Gaz Coombes at the Masonic Lodge

Photos: Gaz Coombes at the Masonic Lodge

[nggallery id=1193] The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever Cemetery filled in for ex-Supergrass frontman Gaz Coombes during the last show of his U.S. tour.  Having taken some time to get across the pond for solo shows in support of his early-2015 album :Matador,” Coombes was finally able to satiate an audience full of excited ex-pats and mature fans. Usually with a four-piece band in tow, Coombes…

View On WordPress

[crapyeahsummerjams]

Here's Looking At You by Piney Gir http://ift.tt/1WHp1vd This is my new summer jam!