ZIMBALAM FEATURES...

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Charlotte Church

This weeks featured artist is the sensational Charlotte Church. It is hard to write a biography for someone whose story (or at least a version of it) is very well known. There doesn’t appear to be much to tell beyond the obvious, the redundant restatement of what everyone has already internalised; child opera star, TV host/pop songstress, gutter-media prey. This is the narrative that everyone knows, the narrative that has been created and restated, brassy and brittle. It’s shiny. It obscures a lot. This is Charlotte Church. Charlotte is 26 years old. She is making music. The music is a synthesis of things she loves and would like to try, things she wants to hear and would love to play and sing. As a human being she has ever evolving tastes. As a person she has a desire to create things she enjoys and to enjoy the things she creates. Consequently, rather than releasing an album, Charlotte intends to release a bunch of 5 EP’s, short collections of work that contain what she considers freshest and best. It is constant, liberating. Charlotte has some experience with the music industry. The EP's will be self released on Alligator Wine Records. ‘ONE', the first EP was released in September 2012 and 'TWO' will follow in March 2013. They sound like heart-break and hope, jubilation and righteousness. They probably sounds like some bands you’ve heard of. They also sounds like nothing you’ve heard before. This is the sound of 26 years of learning, listening and living. This is Charlotte Church.

Charlotte's 'Glitterbombed' is a single from the album 'Two' and will be available for download on Thursday 21st December. 'Two' will be available from March 2013

You can keep up to date with Charlotte here:

Facebook

Twitter

Youtube

Store  

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Those Makeshift Hereos

Formed in early 2012, Those Makeshift Heroes are a pop-rock three piece with a sound as big as their personalities.  Twins Chris (Guitar) & Mike (Bass) Ransome have together terrorised musicians from an early age. Over the driving, melodic rock, Chris and Mike use their mindreading powers (that only twins possess) to harmonise catchy and melodic choruses left, right and centre. Chris the drummer (yes another one!) although seemingly quiet on the outside, is a whirlwind of hair behind an unnecessarily large drum kit that seems to gel with the madness of the rest of the band. 

Together, the band sounds like the structural intricacies of Biffy Clyro meeting the raw energy of Blink 182 and the stadium rock sound of Nickleback.  Their first single, Whispers, was released in November 2012. Their debut EP “To Capture the King” will be released on December 21st. INFLUENCES INCLUDE: Reuben, Biffy Clyro, Hundred Reasons, Incubus, Paramore, Nickleback, Coheed & Cambria, Freeze The Atlantic.

Check them out here:

Facebook

YouTube

Soundcloud

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Corey Mitchell

Not just a singer; and beyond the typical measure of an R&B artist today, Corey Mitchell is a singer- songwriter and producer that uniquely blends all of his talents to display every aspect of his personality. 

Spanning the spectrum of mainly Pop, Hip-Hop, and R&B, Corey Mitchell, has an uncanny ability to captivate his listeners with ingenious melodies and rhythm driving production. A Crooner by nature, Mitchell started chasing musician-hood at the early age of five. Years later he began taking classical piano lessons. At 16, he placed first in a singer/songwriter competition at Berklee’s School of Music Summer Program. This fueled the fire that would propel him into making music the focal point of his life. Raised in the city of Baltimore, Mitchell quickily understood the importance of connecting with his listeners. This ability still drives him today.

Throughout his journey to stardom, he has worked with many established artist and production teams including a stint with Irv Gotti, Darkchild producer Domwan, Mel Smith (VP of Marketing and Promotion at Cash Money Records) and Q from the platinum selling group 112. Now, Corey Mitchell has his own production company called “Forever Musik” and a power team called “Team-Forever” that are poised to break his highly anticipated project. With a solid foundation of experience and a vigorous work ethic, Corey Mitchell is prepared to capitalize on every opportunity to share his music with the world.

Check him out here:

Facebook 

Twitter 

Youtube 

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Tich

         Pop sensation Tich is a 19 year old singer songwriter from the UK, who's heading for success! 

2012 has seen Tich become an online sensation. As well as picking up fans the world over, she has also caught the ears of the world’s biggest pop-group One Direction who have shown massive support for this rapidly growing, and talented artist.

And they’re not alone. Olly Murs, JLS, Nick Jonas & The Wanted have all voiced their support for Tich, who has now amassed over 2.5 million views on YouTube, 20,000 YouTube subscribers, 23,000 Twitter followers and 7000 Facebook likes in just over 6 months!

‘Breathe in Breathe Out’, co-written with Nick Jonas (Jonas Brothers), is just one of the songs that has propelled Tich to such an incredible online position.

With support shows for JLS, Little Mix and Olly Murs, Tich has played well over 100 shows since June 2012, to audiences in excess of 100,000.

Stooshe were the next act to request Tich to support them; and Tich will be joining them on their UK tour this December visiting cities including Glasgow, Manchester, Oxford, Brighton and London.

Tich’s fanbase continues to grow rapidly while she co-writes her debut album with world-renowned songwriters including Mat Prime (Eliza Doolittle), Wayne Hector (The Wanted), Andrew Frampton (The Script) and Ki Fitzgerald (Lawson).

Tich’s debut release ‘The Candle Light EP’ is available to pre-order now, and will be out digitally on the 25th December.

      Check her out here:

Website

Facebook 

Twitter

Youtube

For all enquiries please contact Alex Katter at Twenty First Artists –

[email protected]

Tel: [phone]

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Rough Citizen

                                                                                                                       This weeks featured artist is the Brighton based Rough Citizen, the musical project of Bob Duffield. With 3 albums to date, Rough Citizen has a broad range of music released, from stripped down folk to electronica. A must see live act! 

                                                        Check out Rough Citizen here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roughcitizen?fref=ts

Gigs: https://www.facebook.com/roughcitizen/app_308540029359 

Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/broken/id558793103

Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/0Wri2Rglvz22KJHL2Cqpj5

Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/roughcitizen

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/roughcitizen?feature=results_main

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Jack Adaptor

                              Jack Adaptor are Paul Frederick and Christopher Cordoba. Paul Frederick was once the singer and main songwriter in The Family Cat, a band fondly remembered by many. Christopher Cordoba is a prolific musician and producer with his own unique guitar style and two solo LPs to his name, resonant of Richard Thompson, Bill Frisell, Robert Fripp, David Torn. Together they nurture Jack Adaptor for the unique opportunity it presents for song.

Jack Adaptor are a musical whirlwind of style, intention and lifelong bravado. No one album sounds the same, no one track sounds like another. Fast-moving, deliberate and celebratory, diversity being the sound of NOW, this is modern, literary music, reassuringly touching base with the all the muses of song-writing. Jack Adaptor love the creative moment, the electric reaction of music and words, the unpredictable beauty of a certain syllable arriving on a certain chord. Making music for themselves which other people will take to their hearts, dance to at their weddings, talk about with their friends as a lively, lovely secret. “I Saw A Ghost” tracks:                                                                                                    The up-tempo Socratic discussion of “Last Minute Gifts” is accompanied by an incredible stop-motion video by promo guru John Sadleir. The liquid prophecy of “Burmah Gold” recently reached the Top 30 of the Amazon Download charts, and also has a video directed by John Sadleir in which Jack Adaptor themselves make a rare appearance. String arrangements are provided by Audrey Riley (Muse/Coldplay). “Born Wise”, a Mississippi-wide excursion into superstition, knowledge and fate, is one of two tracks mixed by producer Phil Vinall (Radiohead)

Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/jackadaptor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jackadaptor

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/jackadaptor

Website: http://www.supplepipe.com/

Spotify: Jack Adaptor

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BIM

2008 saw the much loved, fun two Bim break onto the scene with their debut single ‘Stay In My Memory.’ Within two years they independently wrote, recorded and released a debut album - Scatterheart - a unique fresh pop sound, that glided effortlessly between the fragile piano duets and soaring electro.

Bim went onto to become one of Peter Robinson’s top five underground pop bands in NME and featured as Band of the Day in The Guardian. Since gathering over 1 million hits on YouTube, (and still counting!) They sat between Mark Ronson and Faithless at no.6 in the iTunes electro chart, and shared bills with Yasmin and I Blame Coco.

And now they have returned!! 2012 saw them release singles Scream in April – Popjustice’s song of the day and Lights Out  in August. They are releasing a brand new EP, Lifelines which features their new single Burn (November). Their second album is due out in Feb 2013, and the guys here at Zimbalam reckon these guys are ones to watch!

Pre order their EP here!

"A little bit Saint Etienne, a little bit Massive Attack" Q magazine

“Deliciously dramatic electronic mid-tempo melancholia” – Scandipop

“The album isn’t your usual electro-pop fodder, it’s mixed with shimmery ballads and real songs that warm the soul and touch the heart." Electroqueer

 “It’s cinematic, emotional and, in a year of ballad-less albums, pushes beneath the surface" Instinct Magazine

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Morain

The last couple of years the UK’s alternative rock has been a sea of competition for new bands eager to get on the seen but  Morain are one of the few bands with raw talent that stand out from the crowd and hope to be the leaders in their genre.

Leeds band, Morain have stormed the UK seen and attracted the attention of Futures record label Indigo – and are now signed to them!

Their debut EP ‘Are We Lost’ creates a musical beauty with sentimental grandeur every time you listen.

Songs like ‘Animals,’ ‘the World We Live In,’ and ‘Between the Lines’ employ a balance of emotional lyrics yet adding a striking melodic musical approach creating exciting chords. Morain capture their listeners into lyrical hooks that will make them a house hold name before you know it.

Check out their debut single here....

  “With a debut this strong, Morain are quickly going to find themselves racing towards their destination.” – Rock Sound (8/10)

“Morain can definitely put a hook together.” – Artrocker “For a debut EP, Morain have shown here that they’re a band not to be taken lightly. They have all the aspects of a band who could go on to much bigger things and if they keep this impressive level of musicianship up on their full-length, it’ll be hard to argue against them breaking out of the scene any time soon.” – What Culture (4/5) “Are We Lost makes me want to know what more Morain have to give.” – Popped Music “I’m sure we will be hearing a lot more from Morain “ – Glasswerk “This EP is a definite must-download and it may be free, but I will happily fork out the money for a full LP from Morain when the time arrives.” – Vulture Hound “Morain have a lot going for them on the evidence of this.” – Indie London (4/5)

  Download their EP for FREE here.

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Kate Daisy Grant

Enchanting toy folk Brighton based singer songwriter Kate Daisy Grant delivers twisted pop lullabies and bittersweet fairy tales straight from “the junk shop of her heart”. Signed to London’s Telescopic Baby, Kate has grown from strength to strength, most recently releasing ‘Live at the Latest’ through us here at Zimbalam.

Her most recent energetic set at Edinburgh Fringe captured the dynamic DIY spirit of the festival, whilst being amazingly well rehearsed and professional. Kate’s unique an exciting music  continues  throughout by  using home-made instruments creating some of the most electrifying music. Kate evokes the spirit of Zola Jesus in her ethereal and soulful vocals, though with a lot of q

uaint British charm.

Kate Daisy Grant  is as intriguing as is impressive; a true original artistry.

'Mesmerising...with natural talent and fearless creativity..' - Clash 'Fresh, engaging and gorgeous' - Tom robinson, BBC6

'One to watch' - Ruth Barnes, XFM 'This is bombastic and beautiful music, deep, delicate and slightly demented – the perfect soundtrack for an offbeat evening.' ****

'Three Weeks ‘2011 Edinburgh Fringe Show 'Kate Daisy Grant with Nick Pynn'

You can buy Live at The Latest here. Check out her Facebook and Twitter too!

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OLIVIA BROADFIELD

                 Olivia Broadfield is an amazingly talented singer songwriter, who has had a very successful career, her music has been featured on shows such as The Hills, Ghost Whisperer, 90210, in fact she has racked up over 50 TV syncs just with her first album! Olivia has many celeb fans too, among them are Perez Hilton and Jessica Simpson

2011 was an exciting year for Olivia, her debut album, eyes Wide Open reached number three on the iTunes Electronica chart, selling thousands worldwide since 2009. Following her success, she went on to release her second album, ‘The Beautiful War.’ A new collection of ten beautifully written, personal songs recorded in her studio in the heart of the English Countryside.

Her second album goes back to her roots, she says “I grew up playing the piano and it felt right on the second album to make it all a bit more real…there’s still the odd swirl and squawk from my synths, but the heart of this album is in the songs where it’s just me and a piano”.  

She has now signed a publishing contract with Sony ATV, and the first single taken from the album is Daydreams, which has been heard on 90210 already!

Keep updated with all things Olivia on her Facebook, Twitter and her website.

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The Low Suns

The Low Suns are a five piece guitar band, who soulful cinematic songs use orchestral riffs to create exciting ambitious music that has become their signature sounds.

Heavily influenced by Jeff Buckley, The Flaming Lips, 1940s Gospel and sci-fi soundtracks The Low Suns create stunning compositions that erupt from the heart and soul with an infectious melody and exciting style.

They have already achieved number ones in Asia, and are storming the UK with hits and have even toured with Coldplay!

 The Low Suns are definitely ones to watch!

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Mouth of Ghosts

2011 saw the rise of this exciting London based band, Mouth of Ghosts. Their fusion of alternative rock and trip-hop, with plenty of atmosphere and tension in their work. The five band members come together to create a decidedly passionate, textured sound, fueled by ragged guitars and distant electronics. The Mouth of Ghosts, named after a song by Dilinger Escape Plan, are made up of Alla Seydalieva on vocals, Simon Langford on guitar, Marco Italia on bass, Phil Page on drums, and Valerie Deniz on vocals and synth. Alla’s stunning voice – which would be cast upon a backdrop of haunting guitar melodies and moody bass. Their alt-rock-trip-hop fusion, is oddly juxtaposed with the soft parts sweet and pure and the louder parts are intense and full.

In August 2012 they signed to a Bournemouth based record label Red Dragon Records. The single 'When The Sun Sets' will be released on 29th October 2012 (with 'Close' as a B-side), and has already received support from BBC Radio 6 and numerous regional radio stations.

“Effortless, etheral, and frankly gorgeous title track. Seydalieva's soaring, sensuous vocals are underpinned by an irresistible groove and Italia's bassplaying is simply the best I've heard all year” Tom Robinson: Fresh On The  Net Blog

“Mouth of Ghosts embrace their style beautifully: sparse but powerful guitars and solid rooted drums, often mysterious keyboard folds and runs with ethereal synth sounds, plus the lambent.” Jam Sphere: The Indie Rock Magazine and Radio Network

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MICCOLI

Twin brothers Adriano and Alessandro and their sister Francesca who are Italian/English create Miccoli. A hugely exciting band that echoes the classic melodic sounds of the 70’s with the contempory feel of today. Their music is truly eclectic in that it brings together different genres and with their amazing harmonies creates the ‘Miccoli’ sound.

  Over the last four years they have toured the US and UK and have been compared to Snow Patrol and Coldplay.

  After many adventures and stories, from turning down a gig for Kevin Costner, to hanging out with Motley Crew and having an altercation with Paris Hilton in a toilet (We won’t ask!) and being really seriously ill, they have decided it’s time to get serious and release music.

  Their debut single ‘Idle Stranger’ is relased on 9th September with the promise of an album in 2013 – and us guys at Zimbalam HQ really cannot wait!

Keep updated with all things Miccoli on Twitter: @Miccoliofficial

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Teitur

Teitur is an jaw dropping, beautiful singer, songwriter originally from the Faroe Islands who now lives in  Copenhagen. He has the ability to turns music into magic, beautifully and effortlessly. He has had already had an extremely successful career; signing with Universal Music and winning the 2007 Best Male Singer at the Danish Music Awards.

  With the former British Phonographic Industry (BPI) executive Christian Ulf- Hansen as his manager, his career was never going to be slow or without hits.

John Mayer is no secret fan either, after touring with him, John described his debut album as ‘one of the best albums to come around in the last five years. His music like this is jet fuel on the fire of a broken heart. Even if you think the flame has died, there's at least one lyric that'll hit that last hot spot, and then you'll find yourself as fucked as you were the day you lied and said you never wanted to see her again. Enjoy!’

It is not only John Mayor who is a fan; Seal recently heard Teitur’s track ‘You Get Me’ of the forthcoming album; ‘Let the Dog Drive Home’ and recorded it for his new album which went top 20 worldwide.

Teitur new’s EP ‘Four Songs’ is released on Monday 3rd September! But while you are waiting have a listen to an older track here.

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The Shortest Night

This exceptionally beautiful charity album was created in aid of the Dublin Simon Community, who help the homeless or at risk of being homeless. The community run a successful soup group whichruns continuously for 365 days a year, in addition to his they provide a range of services such as a safe place to stay for the homeless or at risk, counseling, treatment, however they also prepare people for life after being homeless by teaching them skills to get them back on track.

This album was recorded by second year students at the Sound Training Centre and features some of the most exciting artists; from Mercury Award nominees Villagers, to recently signed singer songwriter Gavin James covering classics such as Marvin Gaye’s ‘Mercy Mercy Me’, Staple Singers’  ‘Why Am I Treated So Bad’ and the Dramatics’ ‘In The Rain’.

his amazing album is only £8.99 on iTunes. Go on, buy a copy today and give yourself a treat but help out a good cause…  http://bit.ly/QBCUYt

*Dublin Simon Community would like to thank all of the bands and artists that contributed songs to the album as well as everybody at the Sound Training Centre and Temple Lane studios.*

Written by Freya Houlding. Find me on Twitter @freyahoulding

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LEAVING ATLANTIS

Three years ago Leaving Atlantis were born, a collaboration between Danish singer and lyricist Signe Gry Thorup and Finnish drummer/producer Vesa Haapanen created the sound of progressive electro-acoustic pop. Their music has grown from strength the strength with now the full support of BBC Introducing behind them and shortlists for Glastonbury Festivals, there is no stopping for Leaving Atlantis! The debut album Strange New World was recorded in various studios in Copenhagen, Helsinki, London and even Zimbabwe over two years. The result…  ‘an ethereal yet soulful voice, and it helps to create very deep and atmospheric songs’ Tight Music ‘With its crestfallen strings, soothing sultry female vocal and weighty electronica this dramatic ballad grabbed us instantly.’ Breaking More Waves

Buy Strange New World here: http://bit.ly/PLMAmB

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GAVIN JAMES

From the heart of Dublin, singer songwriter Gavin James is one of the best new artists to come out of Ireland in 2012. Since this release on Zimbalam, Gavin has signed to Believe Recordings, he is destined for big things and at only 20 years old, he has an exciting career ahead of him. Gavin’s main influences are Damien Rice, Ray Lamontagne and Ray Charles. Gavin has had many other successes, winning several singer and battle of the bands competitions as a student. “This gifted songwriter who boasts phenomenal song writing abilities and a golden voice,” A&R Worldwide