MISTREE capital cities| youth club| laura welsh| MISTERWIVES | TOVE STYRKE
issue 04 | FEBRUARY ‘15
Lindsey Stirling 1
MISTREE magazine
As for the rest of our Feb issue, we chatted to some wonderful people from all over the world such as Capital Cities and Laura Welsh, getting their perspectives on music and what they hope to achieve. We also reviewed some of the latest albums and found some artists for you to discover. Let us know what you think!
editorial editor: bekka collins bekka@mistreemagazine.co.uk writers: bekka collins, melina scarfo photography: dylan razo
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HELLO IT’S 2015 AND WE ARE BACK! Thank you for sticking with us while we ended up on an unplanned hiatus. If you’re wondering where we went, we moved to London! So now we have team members in London, Australia and America - crazy right! In order to celebrate the past year, we focused hugely on the festivals that our photographer, Dylan Razo, attended including Austin City Limits and Summer Ends. We wanted to make this issue as visual as we could.
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#np: RAE MORRIS - UNGUARDED
MISTREE MAGAZINE is an independent publication that is solely published on issuu.com. All material is copyright. All rights reserved. The views of our contributors do not necessarily represent the views of the MISTREE Magazine team. At the time of writing the information published in this publication is known to be correct, but changes can occur bringing the accuracy of copy into question. We do not accept responsibility for these changes. info@mistreemagazine.co.uk
Don’t forget to TWEET us at @mistreemagazine using #unravelthemystery to let us know what you thought of this issue.
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special thanks Thank make have help
you to everyone who helped this issue possible, we wouldn’t been able to do it without from the following people:
Summer Ends Music Festival, Austin City Limits Festival, Chuff Media, Dylan Razo, Laura Welsh, Capital Cities, Ashley Matthews, Harriet Brampton, Atlantic Records, Beth Heath Netherton and most importantly the featured musicians and contributors. We would also like to give a big thank you to you, for joining us on our journey into unravelling music mysteries.
CO N T EN T S 40
LINDSEY STIRLING
VIOLINIST PERFORMER
AND
Lindsey Stirling spoke to us about the challenges she has faced trying to transition from YouTube into the real music world. We also learned about where she gets the ideas for her music videos, touring, and what we can expect from her across this next year. We were also lucky enough to catch her perform at London’s O2 with renowned opera singer Andrea Bocelli. Carry on reading to find out what we thought of her performance.
discover 04 05 09 20
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TOVE STYRKE JOSEF SALVAT LANKS SIMMER
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misterwives
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LAURA WELSH
AMERICAN AUTHORS OAR VIOLENT FEMMES AFI NOSTALGHIA + MORE!
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A BEAUTIFUL LIE
check out what else is in this issue!
opinions
visual
08 YOUTH CLUB 34 ALBUM REVIEWS 38 LINDSEY STIRLING LIVE
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IGGY AZALEA
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capital cities
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INTERPOL 3
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the replacements
TOVE STYRKE
Tove Styrke may not be the most common of names, but it is not one of the newest either. The Swedish singer-songwriter began gaining support in 2009 when she finished third place on Swedish Idol, and since then the fan base in her hometown has grown dramatically. With her music securing spots on commercial adverts, and the release of her EP and albums continuing to surprise and excite, Sweden was holding onto a gem of an artist that is only just beginning to break across into the UK now, a mere six years later. Combining synth-pop with Euro-disco, Tove seems to have a clear grasp on her electronically fueled sound. Simplistic but clever, her lyrics are relatable and her beats are dance worthy. She released her Borderline EP in November of 2014, and it has already taken the online world by storm. 6
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tracks that don’t differ too much from one another, Tove seems to be developing a signature sound and style for herself that suits all occasions. Her sophomore album ‘Kiddo’ is due to be released in March of this year, and is fronted by the incredibly popular “Ego”, which is a delicate electronic track that throws a few nods in Robyn’s direction. On track to slowly build up her UK fanbase, Tove Styrke has the potential to be Sweden’s next big success story. It is clear that 2015 is set out to be a defining year for her musically, and we can’t wait to see what comes from her second album. Join us, and keep up to date with Tove’s journey at the links below. FACEBOOK.COM/TOVESTYRKE TWITTER.COM/TOVESTYRKE
PHOTO BY: REID ROLLS
D I S C O V E R LOOK OUT FOR OUR DISCOVER HEADINGS WHICH FEATURE UP AND COMING ARTISTS.
@josefsalvat
Josef Salvat is a bit of a mystery. His vision towards music is so clear and constructed, despite the fact that he seems to have just appeared out of nowhere. Born in Australia but residing in London, Josef’s 80s synth-pop became popular across blogs last year, and this only strengthened when he released his debut EP ‘In Your Prime’ later on in 2014. He has hit the #1 spot on Hypemachine four times, embarked on a national tour with Banks, and has announced his own tour for this year. We may not know too much about this young singersongwriter, but what we do know is that he’s bloody good. He seems to have worked out where he fits, and we hope this means that you’ll be seeing a lot more of him soon. We suggest taking a listen to his cover of Diamonds by Rihanna, but also lend your ears to “Open Season” and “Hustler”, both show Josef’s strong potential as an artist.
@kimberlyanneiam @MYLITTLEAF @ALEXBUREY South Londoner Kimberly Anne is someone who has captivated our attention for quite some time now. After accidentally falling into songwriting - a mere extension of the poetry she was already performing, Kimberly unearthed a voice that is deep and demanding, while rich and soulful. Her songwriting is more like tales and stories, with inside jokes and anecdotes that make the listener feel at home. The track she is most known for is “Liar”, which is manages to pack Kimberly’s addictive personality, clever lyrics and indie-driven beat all into 3 minutes of pure bliss. How? We’re not entirely sure. Currently supporting First Aid Kit, she’s an artist under our spotlight and we don’t think that will be changing any time soon. Take a listen to her music and discover for yourself why everyone is falling in love with Kimberly.
Alex Burey is a 19-year-old multiinstrumentalist and producer. His debut EP ‘Inside World’ is due to be released on February 9th via his own record label, Pling Recordings. Written and self-produced at his home studio, the EP is a great introduction to Alex’s sound, which is a combination of psychedelic riffs, upbeat percussion and soft vocals. His songs are a product of his stories from the fringes of London life and make Alex a relatable artist. His DIY approach to music is endearing, and is a great indicator of his passion towards music. Keep an eye out for this youngster.
Self-defined “Gothic-Pop” act Jape recently released their 5th studio album ‘This Chemical Sea’. I was shocked myself to find that after five albums I had not heard of the band, but their latest single “Seance of Light” soon allowed me to catch up and get educated. The song was written after frontman Richie Egan asked fellow band member Glenn Keating for creative input for the first time. Having won best Irish Album twice at the Choice Music Awards, it’s no surprise that Jape are making a move in the industry. It sounds like their 2015 is going to be one hell of a year, so make sure you don’t miss out.
@IAMDANIELJAMES
@richiejape
Daniel James grew up in Bangor, Northern Ireland, surrounded by the voices of David Bowie, Van Morrison and Diana Ross. Though almost forging a career in art and design, Daniel’s career into music is one that has been filled with twists and turns. After the death of his grandmother he penned his first song at the age of 19, which had such a deep sense of narrative and personal significance that Daniel always aims to forge a personal connection within his songs. His approach to music is intense, and when you listen to his voice you can’t imagine him doing anything else.
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AMERICAN AUTHORS
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PHOTOS BY: DYLAN RAZO
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YOUTH CLUB LUSCIOUS INDIE-POP SOUNDS can be found coming from Youth Club, a lively quartet made up of brothers Danny and Joe, alongside Gerry and Rees. Speaking about their formation, they noted that they’re “all good friends who’ve been writing music together for years. We launched Youth Club to the public in mid 2013, and when we’re playing live we’re joined by Silas on keys and backing vocals, and Davey on bass.”
tough to define your sound. We often describe it as tropical indie pop, like the sound of summer. But we take influence from a range of genres due to us all having varying backgrounds in music. Vocally, Gerry takes influences from the likes of Sam Cooke to Julian Casablancas, and musically you can hear nods in our music to artists like Phoenix, Bruno Mars, Two Door Cinema Club and The Strokes.”
with the label they told us that they were originally introduced to LAB through ex label mates Natives. “From there we got together with the label to discuss working together and our relationship. They’re massively supportive of the whole process and we love the way the guys work. We’re all massively excited our end for the new release and can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”
The bands debut EP ‘Colours’ was well received, and its follow up ‘Brothers’ was just released a few days ago. “Since playing lots of festivals last year our sound has definitely grown and feels a lot bigger. We’ve tried to get that across on the new EP, and for the songs to feel a bit more This lively party vibe is certainly spacious, anthemic and emotive.” created because of their infectious sound, which we broadly defined ‘Brothers’ was released through as indie-pop – yet there is so much Manchester based label LAB more to it than that. “It’s always Records. On the bands partnership
The band are very humble in their approach to music, simply wanting to produce music that’s colourful and makes people feel good. As their new EP has just been released, their goals for 2015 are simple. “We can’t wait to hear the response to ‘Brothers’, and we also just want to play as many gigs and festivals as possible. Nothing beats the summer Festival season!” Catch them in London on February 6th for their EP launch party.
Playing live is one of the most exciting aspects for Youth Club, who believe that their live shows bring a big party vibe with loads of energy and dancing. “We really want the audience to enjoy the show as much as we love playing.”
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FACEBOOK.COM/WEAREYOUTHCLUB TWITTER.COM/WEAREYOUTHCLUB WORDS BY: BEKKA COLLINS
D I S C OVER @LANKSMUSIC
@YNGFRNCO
LANKS Lanks is the solo project of Melbourne musician Will Cuming. The 24 year old multiinstrumentalist and producer creates folk inspired soundscapes with interplays between dark and light. When he is not going it alone as Lanks he fronts the seven piece alt-rock band Farrow. Last year Lanks released his debut EP ‘Thousand Piece Puzzle’ which was inspired by a blog shared with his housemate. Each day they posted a visual or musical sketch and this process led him to writing,
producing and recording a six track EP. Influenced by the likes of Bon Iver and James Blake, the tracks boasts clean, electronic beats, delicate guitar and vocal layering. Evocative vocals and clever use of dead space helps to tell his intricate narratives. Playing his first gig of the year supporting Halfnoise in his hometown last week, we hope to hear more soothing music from Lanks soon. FACEBOOK.COM/LANKSMUSIC WORDS BY: MELINA SCARFO
EMILIE NICOLAS @Emilienicolas
Feisty and dramatic, Norwegian vocalist and composer Emilie Nicolas is certainly a girl you want to keep on your radar this year. Her debut album ‘Like I’m A Warrior’ was released in the Nordics in September of last year, and since then she has been picking up some heavy support online. Though I have only heard a couple of her songs, it’s already apparent that Emilie has a voice that is recognisable and diverse. Melodically she still seems to be experimenting with her sound, with deep beats, atmospheric soundscapes and sharp notes. We’re looking forward to seeing how the UK responds to Emilie across the rest of the year. FACEBOOK.COM/EMILIENICOLASOFFICIAL
WORDS BY: BEKKA COLLINS
YOUNG FRANCO Fresh faced and funk loving, Young Franco can do no wrong. Also known as Joey Da Rin, the 20 year old producer from Brisbane first started DJ’ing when he was just 15 and has now toured with Australian talents such as Flight Facilities and Alison Wonderland. Known for giving almost all of his music away online for free, Young Franco has released countless mixtapes, remixes and a few EPs. He first made waves early last year with his ‘Futurefunk’ EP. With old school vibes, groovy baselines and tropical synths you can’t help but bop your head along. His latest offering is a bootleg of Jamie xx’s “Far Nearer” which keeps the euphoric feel but adds some hefty basslines. With plenty of festivals and tours already under his belt expect more from Young Franco in 2015. He certainly could be one to watch and we don’t want you to miss out on what exciting things are in store for this young artist. FACEBOOK.COM/YFMCO
WORDS BY: MELINA SCARFO
GAL L ERY
OAR
PHOTOS BY: DYLAN RAZO
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MISTERWIVES Misterwives are an indie-pop act from New York. Originally the band began as a duo back in 2012, made up of Mandy Lee Duffy and Etienne Bowler. The pair started playing 80s covers, but their chemistry and passion for music meant that their part time roles as musicians soon became a full time job. Before they knew it, William Hehir, Marc Campbell and Jesse Blum were on board, making their current line up complete. After playing their first live show in February 2013 at the Canal Room in New York, the band were signed to Photo Finish Records, a subsidiary of Island Def Jam. After their signing they spent a lot of time honing their sound and polishing off their live shows before touring with Half Moon Run and appearing at the CMJ Music Marathon. They then hit the road with American Authors, all while penning songs for their debut EP, ‘Reflections’. ‘Reflections’ was released in January of 2014. The 6-song EP explores the depth of the band, going much further than their blissfully sweet pop music, which layers the surface of every track. Just by listening to this EP you would never know that it was the bands first, as it is crafted with such confidence and security it sounds like they have been doing it for years. The praise kept on coming after their track “Vagabond” made the opening of Finding Carter, and soon after Misterwives were asked to support Twenty One Pilots on their world tour. Despite only existing for a few short years, the band have already performed on VH1’s Big Morning Buzz and Jimmy Kimmel Live. They have since announced that their debut album Our Own House will be released on February 24th, and they will be heading out on tour to support their new material. We really think that Misterwives are offering something truly unique and urge you to have a listen to their music if you’re into feel-good tunes. FACEBOOK.COM/MISTERWIVES TWITTER.COM/MISTERWIVES
WORDS BY: BEKKA COLLINS
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violent femmes PHOTOS BY: DYLAN RAZO
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childish gambino PHOTOS BY: DYLAN RAZO
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I’ve learnt to always go with my instincts 16 | MISTREEMAGAZINE.CO.UK
laura welsh A WHILE AGO, WE HAD THE chance to chat to singer-songwriter Laura Welsh. From fronting a band to going solo, working with Dev Hynes, Gorgon City and John Legend, Laura had already racked up a bunch of notable achievements when we spoke to her. Now, her debut album Soft Control is out and receiving all sorts of praise and she even has a song in the upcoming 50 Shades of Grey movie. It seems like 2015 is already off to a great start for Laura, and a well deserved one at that. “I grew up around music” she states boldly. “My mum was a musician and singer so there was always instruments and music in the house. I remember going to a lot of shows when I was younger and it just set me off thinking. I started writing quite late, but I would work out ideas and parts on a guitar and record them on a little 8 track.” Since then, Laura’s approach to music has come on leaps and bounds. But that is partly to do with her previous experience in bands, and the addition of stepping back from the music world for a year and assessing herself and the industry. “I spent a while in a band and it was an education, working with four guys and playing shows really helped me find me feet. After a period of time things just kind of started to dissolve creatively, and we all went our separate ways. I felt like I needed to step back from everything and clear my head, and do exactly what I wanted to do musically. I found a small group of people I thought I would connect with and I started writing. No pressure or expectations, so I was free to do what I wanted without any opinions.” Laura explained that she writes from personal experience, rather than relying on fictional events. “I find it easier to say how I’m really feeling through writing as opposed to having conversation about them with people.
I write in an emotional and reactive way to situations going on around me.” With that in mind for tackling future songs, Laura was becoming known for her work with Dev Hynes. “Dev was over in London during Christmas break,” she began. “And our managers put us together. We just went in the studio for a couple of days and out of that session came Unravel. I felt really relaxed making music with him. He was totally about getting what I wanted on record while he produced it. I have so much respect for him as an artist. He just does what he wants regardless of opinions.” Laura has also worked with John Legend and Gorgon City, two acts that took the charts by storm last year. “I was in LA working on my album and we [John Legend] just went into the studio together late one night. We just sat around the piano and wrote and recorded a demo of the Hardest Part in a few hours. It came out really quickly and was good to just keep it simple writing wise with just a piano. He’s an incredible musician so I loved working with him!” As for working with Gorgon City, things came together pretty easily too. “I went to write with Matt and Kye back in December,” explains Laura. “We did a day together at their studio along with MNEK and Here For You was what came out of that session. We pretty much wrote the track and laid down the vocals in one day. I just clicked with them to be honest and liked where they were coming from musically. They create a really relaxed environment to write, and that’s how I like to work too. Musically, it’s a different world to my own music, but I enjoyed stepping into their world for a little while.” Laura’s brand new album Soft Control came out last month, and she talked us through defining moments and learning how to create without expectations. “Ghosts was one of
the first songs I wrote on my own, and it was quite a defining moment direction wise for me. It was written during a period of time where I needed to take a step back and just have the freedom to write without any opinions or expectations. I wrote the other songs for the EP over in New York and LA and recorded them out there. The approach for me was not compromising at all with these songs and that included the shape and feel of the production too. I had a really clear vision of what I wanted the album to sound like and I guess the more people you work with the more you find out what you actually like to hear and what you don’t like, which is really important! Everyone I collaborated with on the album were people I really respected musically and clicked with, so it just felt creatively right. I’ve learnt to always go with my instincts regardless of opinions.” With summer-festival season fast approaching, and a handful of new material to perform, Laura has been refining her live shows. “I’ve recently been putting together a set of visuals for each song in my live show. It’s a projection of imagery and video clips that I collected and put together with the help of my friend Babysweet. For me the live shows are about having the freedom to do whatever you want, letting go.” Laura has stated that as long as she continues to make music, she’ll be happy. So make sure you keep an eye out for her this year and pick up a copy of her brand new album Soft Control. She has a lot of talent and promise, and we are really looking forward to joining her and she builds up a musical career for herself.
FACEBOOK.COM/ LAURAWELSHOFFICIAL TWITTER.COM/_LAURAWELSH WORDS BY: BEKKA COLLINS
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outkast PHOTOS BY: DYLAN RAZO
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THE GLITCH MOB PHOTOS BY: DYLAN RAZO
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DI S COV ER
simmer
AN AMBIENT-PUNK QUARTET WITH A REFINED SOUND AND FRESH APPROACH
WORDS BY: BEKKA COLLINS
Simmer are an ambient-punk group who got together in early February of last year. The quartet from Winsford, Cheshire are made up of Julius Schiazza, Karl Stockall, Gary Twigg and Jake Plumb. They formed out of a mutual love and appreciation for Sunny Day Real Estate and Fugazi, and once they got started, they didn’t waste any time developing their sound and style. In May they released their debut EP ‘Your Tonal Mess’ which packed a punch with gritty guitars and pounding drums. Through online support and touring the band began 20 | MISTREEMAGAZINE.CO.UK
to build a solid following, which fueled each member’s individual passion for music. Their second, forthcoming EP ‘Yellow Streak’ is set to be released in March of this year through Brighton-based label Dog Knights productions. The band are said to have pushed their sound, incorporating more noise and shoegaze qualities, with the aim of stretching their niche as far as it can go. Our latest taster of their refined sound can be heard by listening to their newest single “Head Trip”, which premiered on Noisey. “Head Trip” evokes a powerful
vibe, with thrashing percussion, drawn out riffs and solid vocals. It already sounds like the band have matured, and with this new found maturity they have been able to create a sound that is more central to them. With lots of touring in their future and preparing for the release of their forthcoming EP, Simmer are in a really great place musically. 2015 may not be their breakthrough year, but it is certainly a chance for them to make one heck of an impression. FACEBOOK.COM/SIMMERCHESHIRE TWITTER.COM/SIMMERUK
D I SC OVE R
a brilliant lie
A POP-ROCK ACT WHO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX, AND OFFER SOMETHING MORE
WORDS BY: BEKKA COLLINS
Tara Lightfoot, Chris Lane, Zach Teman, Jason Lemrond and Matthew Movens make up A Brilliant Lie, a pop-rock act from Florida. The band formed back in 2010 with the ambition to create melodic rock and defy the stereotypes of typical alt-rock bands. Their first release ‘Regarding Harry’s Lime’ came out in 2012 and after gaining a ton of radio play, the band soon found themselves with a solid local fan base. They began to tour, allowing themselves to understand their scene while continually increasing their reputation. When it was time to create
a new record, the band were floored with choices on who to work with, but in the end they recruited the help of James Paul Wisner known for his work with Dashboard Confessional and Paramore. Their second release ‘Waking Vessels’ allowed the group to grow closer and become more in-sync, establishing a cohesive sound with undeniable energy. This energy was not only apparent in their recordings, but it unravelled on stage too, inserting itself into their live performances with such power and directness. Becoming firm favourites with promoters for continually bringing in a crowd,
A Brilliant Lie soon showed they could handle their own on a bigger stage, as they went on to support acts such as Hawthorne Heights, Passion Pit and The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. Now that we’re in 2015 the band are aiming to come back better then ever, ensuring that this year will be their biggest year to date. With an array of new music and live shows to look forward too, A Brilliant Lie are only just getting started. Keep up to date with them via the links below.
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CAPITAL CITIES ARE AN electro-pop duo from Los Angeles, California. Consisting of founding members Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian, the pair first worked together commercially creating adverts and jingles. In 2010 they formed Capital Cities, stating that their commercial background “gave us lots of practice” on how to approach their own music. When playing live the band transform into a five piece, with the addition of Manny Quintero, Spencer Ludwig, Nick Merwin and Channing Holmes. As with every band, their methods towards creating music are different. “We create a beat or melody, add harmonies and basslines, come up with clever lyrics, sprinkle some bells and whistles, scrutinize the mix, play it live, revisit the production and fix things, and possibly start the process all over again until we get it right.” Capital Cities attention to detail and understanding of their creative process is something to be admired, and led to their first single “Safe and Sound” reaching the top ten charts. Though it was released back in 2011, it has since secured many promotional slots and remains to be a fan favourite. To me, their music is an interesting blend of electropop. On one hand it can be, and is consumed by the mass media as something new and fresh, but at the same time I can sense those subtle nods to the 80s. The band said that their biggest influences are “Chopin, Depeche Mode and Quentin Tarantino.” After singing to Capitol Records, the band released their debut album ‘In A Tidal Wave of Mystery’ in 2013. They then embarked on their first-ever North American tour with special guests Gold Fields. Their shows bring a “sweaty
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pumped up crowd and pure joy”, and generally offer an escape allowing people to just get lost in the music. From spending so much time together on the road, the band say “the more we play together, the better we get. Which should be expected but when you really feel it happening it still feels likes a noteworthy surprise.” Capital Cities were becoming bigger than they had ever imagined, and after the success of their first single, Safe and Sound they soon found themselves nominated for a Grammy. To be recognised so early on in their career was a real achievement and a “pleasant confidence-boosting surprise.” It also certainly helped put the band on the map, and draw attention to their fun-loving, easy-going tracks. Since then things have been on the up, as the band supported Katy Perry as part of the North American leg of her Prismatic World Tour. Sebu went on to tell us his highlights from last year. “Aside from the birth of my son, the highlight of 2014 was writing and performing with Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys. His forthcoming solo album will include our collaboration “Runaway Dancer”. In 2015, in addition to planting some vegetables in my garden, I am looking forward to releasing a collaboration with Serj Tankian.” As a band who are constantly giving their all to music, we have a feeling that 2015 will be as equally, if not more successful than 2014. There is just something about their approach to music that we can’t get enough of. Keep up to date with the band below. FACEBOOK.COM/ CAPITALCITIES TWITTER.COM/CAPITALCITIES
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INTERPOL PHOTOS BY: DYLAN RAZO
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zoe
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albums
REV IEWS
SLEATER-KINNEY
‘NO CITIES TO LOVE’
4/5 Sharp, bold and addictive is the definition of Sleater-Kinney’s new release. Despite their hiatus their music feels more relevant than ever, pumped with adrenaline, raw vocals and extra added edge. Ten tracks which all do justice to the punk-rock tag, sitting profoundly where they belong in SleaterKinney’s catalogue. Conceptually sound and sonically punchy it is a great release from an act who still seem to be on top form.
ENTER SHIKARI
‘THE MINDSWEEP’
3.5/5 Enter Shikari have tried something completely different with The Mindsweep. Still built on foundations of electronic elements and angsty, apocalyptic backdrops, the band have refined their approach to breakdowns incorporating lyrical poetry and a softer side. It’s Enter Shikari like you’ve never heard them before. 36 | MISTREEMAGAZINE.CO.UK
RAE MORRIS ‘UNGUARDED’
4.5/5
For example, “Closer” is an ambitious pop track that shines in the chorus with it’s repetitive nature and subtle electronic keys, while “Cold” is a track that builds up through enhanced production, providing extra depth to the track.
Rae Morris’ debut album ‘Unguarded’ is something that has been created with precision and control. Each song sounds like it belongs, and as we bask in the melancholy bliss we are able to see just how talented Miss Morris is. With that being said, there is not a bad song on this album, but some The album begins with the are presented more strongly that somber “Skin”, which is delicate others. Within all of the songs, and almost haunting. Rae’s raspy you can sense Rae’s need to be vocals fit perfectly alongside honest and emotive within her the gentle percussion, while the writing. This purity seems to be uplifting keys add a sense of most effective in the simple, serenity to the track. As “Under stripped back moments allowing Rae The Shadows” transforms we can a genuine chance to be sincere. see that Rae is also able to create more playful electronic soundscapes A lot of work has clearly gone into that are addictive and inviting. ‘Unguarded’ and it shows. It is an almost spell-bounding release that reminds us Throughout the album while Rae just how important the foundations of seems confident in her vocal a track are, and that you can achieve delivery, there is an overwhelming so much even when you’re only sense of vulnerability embedded into working with the basics. Though some the tracks, and instead of being off may feel that this is an over-polished putting I find it charming. It seems to release, I think it offers a great work because the basic foundation introduction to Rae’s sound, switching of each track has been executed from simplistic tracks to diverse and perfectly, leaving Rae with the chance dynamic numbers. It is an excellent to experiment however she pleases. debut that will get people talking.
LITTLE BOOTS ‘BUSINESS PLEASURE’
LAURA WELSH
‘SOFT CONTROL’
FALL OUT BOY
‘AMERICAN BEAUTY/AMERICAN PSYCHO
2.5/5
4.5/5
3.5/5
Little Boots latest four track EP Business Pleasure is a fine example of how someone can reinvent their sound, and themselves. She opens with “Taste It” which is a sickly sweet track and seems to somewhat hold back on the grit and power that we would have heard in Little Boots’ older material, identifying a key shift in the way she is approaching music. “Heroine” is backed by danceworthy beats and more confident vocals, but as the EP continues it seems to be awash within a dream like state. The title track, “Business Pleasure”, is the most dynamic, combining multiple elements to offer a little bit of an edgier side which in turns works really well. To close, “Pretty Tough” simmers through an atmospheric. electronic soundscape that circulates through a whirlwind of repetition. I am into the Little Boots’ new sound, it is chill and elegant, but I miss the edginess and raw execution that she used to pull off so well. ‘Business Pleasure’ seems to be a fragment of what Little Boots once was and it’s a great shame.
Emotions are at the very core of Laura Welsh’s debut album ‘Soft Control’. From the title track, to “Unravel” and “Hardest Part” it is clear that Laura has a talent for sharing her thoughts and painting mental pictures of her feelings. The album is laced with atmospheric build ups and bursting with upbeat percussion. She can glide so easily between big anthemic pop songs to heartfelt, soulful tracks in an instant that it’s almost like we’re seeing two sides of Laura. Her sensual tone lingers between timid and confident, but never unsure. She has crafted an album with such care and precision that you almost don’t doubt her decisions. ‘Soft Control’ is compelling and intriguing, it draws you in with it’s pop-laden choruses and clever lyrics, but offers something new with each listen. Some tracks draw similarities to those that have been in the charts, but Laura, for the most part remains original and interesting. As a debut, this is an incredibly exciting album that holds so much promise for Laura and her future.
Say hello to the sixth studio album by Fall Out Boy, American Beauty/American Psycho. The album doesn’t stray too far from ‘Save Rock and Roll’, but this time they have a cleaner, more refined commercial sound. Opener, “Irresistible” sounds like an addition of Macklemore’s “Can’t Hold Us”, while other parts of the album sound somewhat familiar and overused. The thing is, Fall Out Boy have found a method of creating feel-good, anthemic pop-rock songs that fit both the underground and commercial markets. Their lyrics, as always, allow us to draw deeper into the bands motives behind each song, and so even though tracks like “Novocane” may not work on the surface, when you break down the elements it somehow all seems to make sense. Fall Out Boy are continuing to experiment with new genres, techniques and are adapting to their mainstream success. Though American Beauty/ American Psycho may not be the most cohesive album, it is bold, creative and well worth a listen.
BELLE & SEBASTIAN
‘GIRLS IN PEACETIME WANT TO DANCE’
4/5
Belle & Sebastian are an act I’ve been fascinated with for quite some time. They have the ability to make their songs sound like the simplest of creations, but they contain so much depth that it always takes me by surprise. Their nine album, ‘Girls In Peacetime Want To Dance’ is an extension of the Belle & Sebastian that we already know. It doesn’t matter what approach they take, they always seem to execute their sound perfectly. “The Party Line” for example incorporates thudding drums and enticing electronics, not the go-to elements of a Belle & Sebastian song, yet they have managed to work in their 60s production aesthetic, and so the song comes out recognisable as their own. Not many bands have this talent, but it filters through each song beautifully. As ever, lyrically the band are on top form with their personal stories, comparisons and observations. Their clever delivery is always a bonus. This is by far one of the most self-assured albums from the band and makes a perfect addition to their discography.
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REV IEWS
REVIEW: NEWCASTLE, UK || FEBRUARY ‘14
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LINDSEY STIRLING LINDSEY STIRLING IS AN act we’ve had our eyes on for a few years now. She is a violinist, composer and performer, and is known for combining classical elements with untraditional dubstep foundations to create a sound that is truly unique. Having amounted a mass following online, Lindsey is a true breakout artist crossing over into the mainstream industry. We had a brief chat with Lindsey a few months ago, but we were also able to see her at London’s O2 in support of opera star Andrea Bocelli. Lindsey was a special guest on Andrea Bocelli’s tour, meaning her appearances on stage would be few and far between, and the material she performed most likely wouldn’t be her own. I’ll be the first to admit that classical is not my favourite genre of music, but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate it. The first half of the show went down well, but it wasn’t until the second half that Lindsey made her stage debut for the night. The moment she joined Andrea on stage the mood throughout the arena instantly changed. All eyes were on Lindsey as she graced the stage
with such elegance and maturity. For most people tonight’s show would act as an introduction to Lindsey, who proved that her abilities as a violinist go far beyond the covers of classic tracks that she’s known for, as she adapted to playing some of the most complex, classical pieces with what seemed like such ease. As an accompanying act, Lindsey was more reserved than normal until she was able to play one of her own tracks “Shatter Me”. During “Shatter Me” Lindsey had the stage to herself, and this was where she unlocked her real power, passion and dynamic performance. She glided across the stage on her tip-toes, jumped into spins and captivated the audience while never missing a note. She has the ability to wow audiences with not only her unique take on classical music, but within her delivery too. As this was only a taste of what a Lindsey Stirling show could be, I highly recommend seeing her live. She’s onto something truly special. WORDS BY: BEKKA COLLINS
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We’re curious to learn about your writing process as most of your songs don’t have lyrics, yet they’re so emotionally-fueled by sharp and sudden structural changes. How do you craft a song usually? “I love diversity and I like my song to feel like a journey. I want the listener to end up somewhere different from where they started. Structurally I usually write songs in 4 parts: verses, pre chorus, choruses and a bridge and I try to make every section of the song feed a different emotion and grow.” There are a few songs on your latest album ‘Shatter Me’ that include lyrics. Was this your first time writing lyrics and how did you find it? “It was the first time I’ve ever written lyrics and it was really cool to be able to bluntly say what I wanted to express rather than just creating the emotions. Also...it’s really hard. I used my own life experiences to draw from to write. I feel like I dug a lot deeper on this album. I went back to the hard, darker places from my past and re-experienced those so that I could write about them. This helped the lows be lower and in turn it made the highs sound even more victorious.” What was the recording process of ‘Shatter Me’ like, did you face any challenges in the studio?
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“I recorded demos when I was writing the album but it was then hard because I fell in love with the demos. When I went in and recorded the songs for real, in nice studios, at first I hated all the recordings because I had gotten too attached to the demos.” You actually self-released this album, have you found it as a more advantageous option? “I LOVE being independent because it means that I have 100% creative control. I choose what songs go on the album, I pick the album artwork, I design the tour, the music videos. Some people would hate that because it’s a lot of pressure and constant work, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Also, I can connect directly with my fans.” We the the did
read that the album art of ballerina is a metaphor for person you once were, how you shatter your own shell?
“I had to realize that I was unhappy. I had to start from the beginning and re-learn who I was. What did I like, what was I good at, what made me special. I’d built a shell around me that was made up of everything I thought everyone else wanted me to be. I looked in the mirror and even though I didn’t believe it I would tell myself that I was beautiful; that I loved myself. And sometime I would say it through tears because the lie hurt. But I practiced loving myself.”
A lot of your songs sound cinematic and always sound like they would compliment a narrative well. Do you ever come up with video ideas before the song itself? “Absolutely. At heart, I am a film maker so there have been several times that I’ve had an idea and written a song specifically to fit an idea: Shadows, V-pop, and Shatter Me. Then there have been times while I discover the music video as I’m creating the song: Master of Tides, Roundtable Rival, and Elements.” What could we expect from one of your live shows, what is your live set up like? “I love to take people on a journey. It’s a high, high energy loud show. I’m dancing, jumping and twirling all over the stage, I have 2 back up dancers that I dance with, there are costume changes, a band, and we even have a pirate number. I have so much fun doing the show every single night.” What is one thing you would like to achieve as an artist? “I want to make history by being one of the first YouTube artists that used YouTube to cross over into the ‘real world.’” FACEBOOK.COM/ LINDSEYSTIRLINGMUSIC TWITTER.COM/LINDSEYSTIRLING WORDS BY: BEKKA COLLINS
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PHOTOS BY: DYLAN RAZO
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PHOTO BY: DYLAN RAZO
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GAL L ER Y
the replacements PHOTOS BY: DYLAN RAZO
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nostalghia PHOTOS BY: DYLAN RAZO
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M ISTREE
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