Music News Monthly - February 2022

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February 2022

REVIEWS INTERVIEWS INDIA ARKIN EOIN DEVEREUX NEW MUSIC

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THIS MONTH'S MUSIC NEWS MONTHLY?

INTERVIEW WITH EOIN DEVEREUX P18

SKUNK ANANSIE REVIEW P23

INTERVIEW WITH INDIA ARKIN P32

SHOUN SHOUN REVIEW P23

Page 4 - Palace Page 5 -Religion Of Tomorrow review.

Roftang And The Reptilians Page 6 -Kiss Page 7 -Kawala Page 8 - Johnny Marr Page 9 - Soul II Soul Page 10 - Saxon Page 11 - Saxon. Stereoptyped Page 12 - The Blinders Page 13 - The Blinders. Hermit's Maze review Page 14 - Carsten Kranzer Page 15 - Vona Vella Page 16/17 - Music News Monthly Awards Page 18/19 - Eoin Devereux interview Page 20 - The Timeouts Page 21 - Paul Draper. Mik and Maxi Page 22 - Skunk Anansie review Page 23 - Jon Capus Page 24 - AWOLNATION Page 25 - BB. Green Page 26 - Poploader Page 27 - Salvation. Asgard Raven review Page 28 - Shoun Shoun review Page 29 - Now-EX Page 30 - Stacey Jackson Page 31 - TruSoul Davis. Prehistoria.

Page 32/33 - India Arkin interview Page 34 - Yard Act review Page 35 - The Neptune Power Federation Page 36 - Eden Hunter Page 37/38 - Ones To Watch

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PALACE ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM ‘SHOALS’ OUT JANUARY 21ST VIA FICTION

and RELEASE NEW SINGLE ‘LOVER (DON’T LET ME DOWN)’ ​PLUS 2022 UK TOUR - PLAY O2 ACADEMY BRIXTON FEBRUARY 11TH

London-based Palace released their third album ‘Shoals’, on January 21st via Fiction. The album announcement is accompanied by a new single and video ‘Lover (Don’t Let Me Down)’. The band will also play their biggest UK, European and US tours to date next spring, including a date at the O2 Academy Brixton on February 11th.

‘Shoals’ is a profound and pensive album, boldly exploring some of life’s greatest questions over its 12 mesmerising tracks. The album deftly explores the interplay of three central existential dilemmas against a broader backdrop of wonder at the vastness and power of the ocean, concluding its arc with the stunning opus ‘Where Sky Becomes Sea’.

Through diving into themes of the subconscious, dreams and existentialism, ‘Shoals’ is broadly a record about living with and processing fear.

As frontman Leo Wyndham explains: “‘Shoals’ is a record about confronting our own fears and anxieties. Through the pandemic we were confronted more than ever with ourselves with little distraction, suddenly seeing who we are in the rawest of forms. It held a mirror up to our flaws and imperfections and forced us to see the real 'us'.

The record symbolises how our minds can have beautiful yet dangerous depths, like the ocean, and how our fears and thoughts are like shoals of fish that move and shift constantly from place to place; chaotic, often untameable and unpredictable.”

2019’s sophomore album ‘Life After’ is a stunning record with a clear message; hope. Its eleven tracks, that include the heartwrenching ‘Heaven Up There’, are full of the melodic warmth and rich textures that have come to define Palace’s sound. It is an album in equal parts about loss as well as a manual to moving on, stronger than before.

Having built a dedicated live following through mesmerising shows at some of the country’s finest venues, Palace played some of the world’s biggest festivals in 2019 including main stage slots at Mad Cool, Latitude and Glastonbury’s Park Stage before an autumn tour culminating at their biggest show ever at a sold-out Camden Roundhouse. The band kicked off 2020 by selling out their debut USA tour ahead of returning to the studio to start work on their third album. With a host of new 2022 tour dates confirmed and an incredible 1.4 million monthly listeners on Spotify, Palace are set to continue their enviable trajectory upwards through the best venues the world over. See below for the full list of new tour dates.

Leo Wyndham, Matt Hodges and Rupert Turner released their acclaimed debut EP ‘Lost In The Night’ in 2014, followed by the ‘Chase The Light’ EP the following year, their debut album ‘So Long Forever’ in 2016 and sophomore album ‘Life After’ in 2019.

UK & IRELAND TOUR 2022 FEBRUARY 3RD, GLASGOW, SWG3 FEBRUARY 4TH, MANCHESTER, O2 RITZ FEBRUARY 5TH, BRISTOL, O2 ACADEMY FEBRUARY 6TH, LEEDS, UNIVERSITY STYLUS FEBRUARY 8TH, DUBLIN, VICAR ST FEBRUARY 10TH, NOTTINGHAM, ROCK CITY FEBRUARY 11TH, LONDON, O2 ACADEMY BRIXTON

ROTFANG AND THE REPTILIANS

Religion Of Tomorrow Fit The Pieces With Heavy Rock Single ‘Gaslight’

BY AMY WRIGHT – ‘BE YOU MUSIC PR’ Finland alternative rock newcomers "Rotfang and the Reptilians" are thrilled to present their debut single "Breakneck" released in January on all major music platforms. ​"Breakneck" debut single is an explosive, unapologetic rock tune with a touch of punk. With sounds redolent to bitter caffeine and high-speeds, the track is made for the road. The debut single comes with a B-side, featuring "Summer Haze" where the band introduces their sensitive side with impassioned melodies and catching guitars.

​ hitehaven Band Religion Of Tomorrow, closed out 2021, with their aggressive second single of W the year, ‘Gaslight’. With the intense build-up, heavy guitar riffs, the oomph of the drums, it’s easy to say that ‘Gaslight’ will put Religion Of Tomorrow in the forefront of Cumbrian Rock Bands to watch out for! The band wrote ‘Gaslight’ from the perspective of an individual living in a controlled relationship, focusing on the realisation of being ‘Gaslighted’, where it can lead to one doubting their own sanity.

The emotional, yet powerful lyrics, make you feel like this heavy burden has been released from your mind, with the knowledge that you have the strength to overcome anything. The soaring vocals by lead singer Karl Christian, really shine through, especially when it comes to the chorus: “That It’s Never Enough For The Friend That Keeps On Giving. The Pieces Fit Cos You Know Just How To Bend Them. How Would You Feel With The Gaslight Shining Upon You? The Pieces Fit Cos You Know Just How To Bend Them”.

The band has a clear vision for bringing hard-hitting real-life subjects into their songwriting, and it’s going to be exciting to see where 2022 takes them.

The New Single was officially released across all major streaming platforms Thursday, December 16, 2021, with the Official Video available on YouTube!

Religion Of Tomorrow are: Karl Christian – Lead Vocals/Guitarist Richard Gill – Bass Jordan Charters – Lead Guitarist ​Sam Hunter – Drums

Rotfang and the Reptilians is a group of five established in early 2021 — four Finnish guys with entirely different backgrounds, finishing up with an Italian bassist recently moved to Finland. The band was formed of the members' common desire to make authentic and raw rock music, and to share it with the people in energetic live performances: "We want to make our own unique rock tunes in a modern way, while cherishing the roots of strong old-school rock'n'roll".

The band has received praises from the critics with their "strong guitar and loud volume" tracks "full of energy, but also with a beautiful sensitivity". The pandemic has made concert-booking challenging especially for a new band, but few gigs are still in the calendar. Right now, the band is working with their upcoming releases and seeking a label: "We have been working hard with new tunes and can't wait to share them with our fans!"

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KISS

MULTI-PLATINUM LEGENDS KISS release NEW ARCHIVAL TITLE WITH ‘KISS – OFF THE SOUNDBOARD: LIVE IN VIRGINIA BEACH’

KISS are globally recognized as one of the greatest live bands of all time and are the creators of what is universally considered the best live album ever, 1975’s gold-certified and No. 9 Billboard charting Alive!.

The KISS – Off The Soundboard series continues their storied legacy of groundbreaking live albums with a document of the spectacular, larger-than-life extravaganza that is a KISS concert.

Known for their trademark performances, KISS has proven for decades why they are hands down the most iconic live show in rock n roll. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers have sold more than 100 million albums worldwide and are America’s #1 Gold Record Award winning group of all time in every category. Peerless as a live act, the band’s illustrious legacy has been marked by record breaking global tours during a remarkable 48-year career.

CLASSIC 2004 PERFORMANCE FROM VIRGINIA BEACH IS AVAILABLE ON TRIPLE VINYL, 2-CD & DIGITAL On March 11, rock icons KISS will release the next installment of their Off The Soundboard official live bootleg series with KISS – Off The Soundboard: Live In Virginia Beach, recorded live at the Virginia Beach Amphitheatre on July 25th, 2004. This is the second in a series of live releases by the band and will be available to stream and download, with a 3-LP standard black vinyl set, a 2-CD set, and a limited edition 3-LP set pressed on 180g opaque green vinyl, all available exclusively through the Official KISS online store, here.

Off The Soundboard: Live In Virginia Beach finds the legendary band in the midst of their Rock The Nation Tour, which is notable for being the first full U.S. tour of the longstanding Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer, and Eric Singer lineup. The career-spanning 20-song set includes classic KISS tracks such as “Lick It Up,” “I Love It Loud,” and the worldwide smash and No. 11 1979 U.S. Billboard charting “I Was Made For Lovin’ You,” as well as perennial KISS fan favorites “Makin’ Love,” “King Of The Night Time World,” and “100,000 Years” that dig deep into the band’s astonishing 40+ year back catalog.

Order yours at www.kissonline.com

KAWALA

KICK OFF 2022 WITH BRAND NEW SINGLE 'JESSE C'MON' DEBUT ALBUM 'BETTER WITH YOU' OUT MARCH 4TH, 2022

KAWALA are back and starting out 2022 with their exuberant new single 'Jesse C'mon' out now via EMI Records.

A slice of vibrant, danceable pop, 'Jesse C'mon' sees the band layering their trademark harmonies and chiming guitars to create a sophisticated, yet instantly accessible song dealing with those people in the world who have a little issue with the truth: "Jesse is a character we made up who represents and embodies all the people in the world who intentionally lie all the time" the band explains. "Everybody knows a Jesse."

On their forthcoming album, "Better With You" (out 4th March) tracks like previous single 'Searching' and the (cheekily named, non-cover) 'Ticket To Ride', along with new tracks 'Marathon' and 'Echoes' are filled with an intoxicating hopefulness that unfurls into bright, pop moments, sure to stir minds and bodies.

While On the flip side of the coin, songs like 'Hypnotized', 'Jesse C'Mon' and 'Good Like This' provide a more immersive musical landscape that offers a contemplative, personal vibe.

Ultimately, anyone who hears 'Better with You' will be immediately aware of the bigger spirit that drives everything this band does. KAWALA's debut is an album that offers a strong, vivid connection as its irresistible rhythms ripple around a yearning, emotional core. This might be a record about life's journeys, but it is also one full of songs that will illuminate the road ahead.

The album marks the culmination of years of work which has seen the band grow from humble beginnings to the world class act they are today. Along the way they have done everything from play socially distanced shows in UK parks (after the first easing of restrictions in 2020), appear on FIFA 2021, write and perform in their own YouTube sitcom (the mad-cap Paradise Heights), become ambassadors for the Music Venue Trust and perform an emotional sold-out show at the O2 Kentish Town Forum, the venue at the heart of the London community where the band spent their formative years.

To celebrate the album's release, the band have announced a series of instore shows at record stores around the country, before heading out on their headline tour in April.

2022 INSTORE ACOUSTIC TOUR Thurs 3rd March – Rough Trade Bristol (6pm) Fri 4th March – HMV – Liverpool (12.30pm) Fri 4th March – HMV – Manchester (5pm) Sat 5th March – Crash Records – Leeds (1pm) Sat 5th March – Beyond Vinyl – Newcastle (6pm) Mon 7th March – HMV – Birmingham (12.30pm) Mon 7th March – Rough Trade – Nottingham (6pm) Tues 5th March – Rough Trade East – London (6pm) Thurs 10th March – Banquet Records – Kingston (6pm) 2022 HEADLINE TOUR Thurs 7 Apr – Stylus – Leeds Fri 8 Apr – The Caves – Edinburgh Sat 9 Apr – Saint Luke's – Glasgow Mon 11 Apr – O2 Institute – Birmingham Tues 12 Apr – The Marble Factory – Bristol Wed 13 Apr – O2 Ritz – Manchester Fri 15 Apr – O2 Shepherds Bush – London

JOHNNY MARR Johnny Marr releases new single 'Night and Day' New Double Album 'Fever Dreams Pts 1-4' Due February 25th via BMG

Fever Dreams Pts 1-4' will be available on CD and double vinyl with the official store offering exclusive limited edition white vinyl and cassettes, alongside merch bundles with signed prints. HMV and independent record stores will also be stocking a limited edition turquoise vinyl pressing. Preorder/presale at johnnymarr.lnk.to/feverdreamspt1-4PR.

NOISY

'Fever Dreams Pts 1-4' Track Listing 1. Spirit Power & Soul 2. Receiver 3. All These Days 4. Ariel 5. Lightning People 6. Hideaway Girl 7. Sensory Street 8. Tenement Time 9. The Speed of Love 10. Night and Day 11. Counter-Clock World 12. Rubicon 13. God's Gift 14. Ghoster 15. The KIDWhirl BRUNSWICK 16. Human

NOISY

2022 UK Tour Dates (with Blondie)

Johnny Marr has released 'Night and Day', the brand new single taken from the 'Fever Dreams Pt 3' EP - the third quarter of forthcoming double album 'Fever Dreams Pts 1-4', due February 25th via BMG. Watch the official music video for 'Night and Day' HERE. Featuring backing vocals and bass from Primal Scream's Simone Marie, 'Night and Day' encapsulates the confusion, the torpor and the entropy of the way we've all been living.

Speaking about the new single, Johnny said: "I need songs after all the news, news, news. It gets too real in the hotspots."

Most importantly, 'Night and Day' and the themes of 'Fever Dreams Pts 1-4' also look to the future, and the idea that even in the most trying times, hope endures. "I'm trying to be positive, for me and my audience, really," Johnny adds. "My personality is such that it occurs to me to think that way. I'm not just writing with positivity for the sake of a song. It's real, and it's also very necessary."

April 2022 Fri 22 The SSE Hydro, Glasgow Sat 24 Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff Tues 26 The O2 Arena, London Thurs 28 The Brighton Centre Fri 29 Bonus Arena, Hull May 2022 Sun 1 AO Arena, Manchester Mon 2 Liverpool M&S Bank Arena Wed 4 First Direct Arena, Leeds Thurs 5 Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham Sat 7 Birmingham Utilita Arena

Early previews of 'Fever Dreams Pts 1-4' have been met with widespread acclaim. New single 'Sensory Street' has been a mainstay on the BBC Radio 6 Music A-List, the album's electro-soul opener 'Spirit, Power and Soul' was also playlisted by 6 Music and BBC Radio 2, described as "his strongest solo composition yet" by the Evening Standard, "an exercise in progressive creative ambition" by DIY, "invigorating" by Uncut, with "defiance in its DNA" by CLASH and simply "banging" by The Telegraph. 'Fever Dreams Pt 2' has seen Johnny heralded as "a master songwriter" by The i Newspaper and, "a project unlike anything he's done before" by Music Week.

2022 will see Johnny Marr return to the live stage, joining Blondie as a special guest on their 'Against The Odds' headline tour through April and May, including London's O2 Arena, before heading out on The Killers' headline US arena tour, beginning in August through to October.

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Photo:Andy Cotterill

The 'Fever Dreams Pt 3' EP features four brand new songs from Johnny Marr's anticipated first double LP - 'The Speed Of Love', 'Night and Day', 'Counter-Clock World' and 'Rubicon'. The EP will be released on limited edition gold vinyl on May 20th, preorder HERE.

SOUL II SOUL ‘CLUB CLASSICS’ UK TOUR RESCHEDULED DATES ANNOUNCED

With huge hits including ‘Keep On Movin’ (which sold over a million copies in the US alone) and the UK number one single ‘Back To Life (However Do You Want Me)’, Soul II Soul progressed from being one of the leaders of the 1980s warehouse scene to pioneering British black music around the world, and securing commercial success for themselves and the huge amount of artists they have influenced.

Remaining tour dates: FEBRUARY 2022 12th – Hull, Asylum 18th – Brighton, Dome 19th – Portsmouth, Guildhall 25th – York, Barbican 26th – Nottingham, Rock City MARCH 2022 4th – Liverpool, Eventim Olympia 5th – Birmingham, O2 Institute 18th – Norwich, UEA 19th – Cambridge, Corn Exchange APRIL 2021 18th – London, Royal Albert Hall Soul II Soul have announced rescheduled dates due to the global Covid-19 restrictions for their forthcoming ‘Club Classics’ tour.

They will complete a 15-date UK tour in 2022 starting on January 21st at the Tramshed, Cardiff and will finish at with a career-defining show at London’s Royal Albert Hall on April 18th. Tickets for the tour are available via bit.ly/SoulClubClassics Regarding the tour Jazzie B says, "Who would have thought that after thirtyodd years later we’d still be on the road with this thing? It’s been a helluva journey – literally! – and I feel truly blessed. Now, I’m looking forward to going back to some of the familiar venues where we’ve made a lot of friends, I’m just as pumped about testing out places we’ve never been before but I'm seriously excited about playing the Royal Albert Hall. I want to thank to the fullness everybody who’s given their support up until now, and I’ll see you along the way – a happy face, a thumpin’ bass for a lovin’ race."

The double Grammy Award winning and five-time Brit Award nominated British band tour the UK as they pay tribute to their legendary debut album Club Classics Vol. One. It follows from the phenomenal success of their tour of the album in 2018 with sold out shows across the country.

www.soul2soul.co.uk

Photo: Steph Byford

SAXON

UNMASK NEW SINGLE, "REMEMBER THE FALLEN" FROM THE UPCOMING ALBUM CARPE DIEM PRE-ORDERS CAN BE PLACED AT WWW.SAXON747.COM

BRITISH HEAVY METAL LEGENDS SAXON HAVE RELEASED THE SECOND SINGLE, "REMEMBER THE FALLEN", FROM THEIR NEW ALBUM, CARPE DIEM – RELEASED FEBRUARY 4TH VIA SILVER LINING MUSIC. "I wanted to write a song about Covid, about the people that have died, and give my perception of how it seemed to happen" offers Biff Byford. "Certain aspects of it all are quite mysterious, and of course, it hasn't finished yet, has it? We should all remember those who have died as a group of people not really knowing why they died, because the information wasn't there."

The release of "Remember the Fallen" is also accompanied by a reportage-style video montaged with footage of the band's individual recording sessions. Listen To/Watch "Remember the Fallen" here Produced by Andy Sneap (Judas Priest, Exodus, Accept and Priest guitarist) at Backstage Recording Studios in Derbyshire with Byford and Sneap mixing and mastering, Carpe Diem strikes the ear as one of the most essential British metal statements of the last few years and not lacking in pace or bite, an album which will ignite the joy in stalwart supporters and attract a whole new legion to the Saxon fold.

Sneap, himself a guitarist and producer of some metal repute, ensures that Carpe Diem does not lack one ounce of grit or sharpness. "Andy's obviously a very good guitarist," says Biff, "but he's not a blues-based guitarist like our guys are, he's more of a modern style player.

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And that means the boys (Paul Quinn and Doug Scarratt) love working with him because, again, it's all about the intensity.

Andy's always pushing the envelope, he doesn't let them get away with anything. They have to play it for real, full speed. He gets great sound, and we want that Gibson/ Marshall '80s sound even if they're not Gibsons and Marshalls. We try and retain that British metal guitar sound that we created for Saxon, and he's definitely an '80s child."

Despite a career which has spanned 44 years with over 15 million albums sold, including four top 10 UK albums, and having played to hundreds of thousands of fans worldwide, Saxon are revving up for one of their busiest eras yet.

"We're gonna be quite busy this year," says Biff. "There are festivals which have been rescheduled from two years ago, we're looking to go to America, we're also going to tour UK and Europe later in the year and like everyone really, we're just keeping our fingers crossed that everything works out and we can do it all. We're also recording the second Inspirations album, and as we do that, you never know, we might write a few songs for the next Saxon album..."

As you can see, Saxon remain committed to seizing every minute of every hour of every day. Carpe Diem indeed!

INSTAGRAM:@STEREOTYPEDOFFICIAL

"The Road" is the second single released from Stereotyped's forthcoming debut album. The video was directed by Hayden Appleton.

Here's what the singer/guitarist Spencer Mccall said about the track: "The Road is one of my favourite songs personally. It's very different from our first release, "The Only One" which is very emotional, but this new one has more of an upbeat Sum 41 pop punk vibe with the lyrics convicting this as they are about a girl who wants to leave someone because they're being treated badly."

Because of their attitude, their sound, and the pure potential for them to break out and connect to the disaffected youth, "Nirvana meets Oasis" is the best way to describe the four teenagers who play in Stereotyped. Hailing from Manchester, England, the band is set to carry on the great musical legacy brought forth from their home city that gave the world The Buzzcocks, Joy Division, The Smiths, Oasis, and many more.

Young, full of angst, and ready to rip rock and roll from the ground up, Stereotyped have loud distorted guitars perfectly soaring over aggressive Pop melodies with lyrics that are direct and to the point. The band have signed a multialbum deal with emerging label Grunge Pop Records, and Stereotyped are currently finishing up their debut album with producer Chris Hope (Circa Waves, Echo And The Bunnymen, Travis) at Milkshed Studios in Lancashire, England.

MUSIC NEWS MONTHLY

THE BLINDERS RELEASE 'THE KILLING MOON' LIVE VIDEO THE BLINDERS HAVE RELEASED A COVER OF THE ‘THE KILLING MOON’

BY ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN. THE TRACK AND VIDEO WERE RECORDED AT PARR STREET STUDIOS IN LIVERPOOL; THE SAME STUDIO THE BUNNYMEN RECORDED THE ORIGINAL TRACK. THE BLINDERS HAVE DELIVERED AN EXCEPTIONAL HOMAGE TO ONE OF THEIR MAJOR INFLUENCES WITH ‘THE KILLING MOON’, AVAILABLE TO WATCH ON THEIR YOUTUBE CHANNEL RIGHT NOW. The video premiered with Clash who said, “It's an icy rendition, full of brooding vocals, crystalline guitar lines, and a spacious, almost sub-zero arrangement. Thomas Haywood leads the band through this special cover, and it shows off the interplay that makes The Blinders such a potent group.”

Regarding the song, vocalist and guitarist Thomas Haywood says, “You attach yourself to particular songs and marry them with moments of your own life. It’s a collective favourite of the band and one of the best songs that’s ever been written.

“We recorded it live at Parr Street in Liverpool, which was the same studio Echo & the Bunnymen recorded the original song. That made it even more special. I hope we didn’t butcher it! We always wanted to get in there and do something. It’s since then been shut down so we’re pleased we got this one in the bag.”

Last month The Blinders released their new single ‘City We Call Love’, the potent track has been quick to prove a radio hit and has been heavily supported by Radio 1 (Jack Saunders, Clara Amfo) and BBC 6Music (Steve Lamacq, Chris Hawkins), while also receiving great critical praise from the likes of The New Cue, Gigwise and more.

‘City We Call Love’ features an expansive landscape full of abrasive guitars, pulsating basslines, bright synthesiser flourishes and dynamic brazen vocals. It is accompanied by a gloriously passionate video, which sees the newly expanded five-piece explore their broadened range of instrumentation with effortless skill.

The new song is taken from The Blinders forthcoming EP Electric Kool-Aid (Part 1), a fivetrack collection of dark brilliance, ahead of the band hitting the road with The Cribs for a full UK tour in March. To celebrate the release of the EP the band will be played an intimate show at Manchester’s Night & Day on January 15th.

THE BLINDERS Electric Kool-Aid (Part 1) is a fiery yet emotive EP, its psychedelic-infused indie-rock plays like a cross between IDLES, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets and Arctic Monkeys. Thomas Haywood’s lyrics range from the visceral bite of a generation of political frustration with tracks such as ‘The Writer’, to his most sensitive songwriting yet with close examinations on love with the likes of ‘Barefoot Across Your Water’ and ‘Hate To See You Tortured’.

Speaking about the new EP, vocalist and guitarist Thomas Haywood states, “The EP title came from one of many jam sessions that took up our time during lockdown, the long title being 'John Hall's Electric KoolAid Acid Militia'... but that doesn't quite have the same ring does it?

“Pretty much all the songs came from some form of jam state. We'd record everything in the rehearsal room and I'd go home and listen back, choose the best parts and write lyrics to them. I'd bring it back to the band and we'd play it to death... constantly cutting down and layering as we go along. Nothing is accidental this time round. Everything is on purpose.

The songs have been crafted meticulously.

“We’re a five-piece now instead of a three. It takes care of our previous limitations and is probably the best decision we've made. It's also the best stuff we've written.“

HERMIT'S MAZE "ADAPTATIVE"

Review by David Weddle

The Blinders have also been announced as the Special Guests on The Cribs upcoming UK tour. Dates are as follows: MARCH 2022 Tues 1st: Birmingham O2 Institute Weds 2nd: Norwich Waterfront Fri 4th: Sheffield Academy Sun 6th: Manchester Academy Tues 8th: Newcastle Boiler Shop Weds 9th: Glasgow SWG3 Fri 11th: London Roundhouse Sat 12th: Brighton Chalk Sun 13th: Bristol Marble Factory Tickets are available now at www.seetickets.com/tour/the-cribs

​Hermit's Maze have just made their latest contribution to the music world. "Adapative" is the first single in a series of conceptually themed tracks. Hailing from Buenos Aires, the Argentinian progressive metal band have been hammering those drums and creating arm ripping riffs since 2016. Choosing to remain nameless, the band wants their music to speak for itself. Well, they have certainly achieved that.

"Adapative" is hard hitting, heavy and melodic. It will get your head moving within the first few seconds. The lack of vocals is not an issue at all as the instrumental band have made the art of writing without words seem easy.

Every aspect of this metal masterpiece complements every element perfectly, drawing you in and making you want to stick around for more.

It is fast paced and super heavy while keeping a rhythmic and melodic feel to the track. A real ear pleaser.

There isn't a true metal fan out there who could play this track without appreciating the true Hermit's Maze.

Available to stream via their Bandcamp page, along with the rest of their amazing back catalogue, this is a real hidden gem.

The anonymity of the band adds that all important dash of mystique and intrigue to an already stunning performance.

Check out Hermit's Maze now, you won't be disappointed.

The stunning artwork for this epic digital release was created by JB Design. Find out more about Hermit's Maze by visiting their Linktree Page : Linktr.ee/hermitsmaze

Carsten Kranzer Sonic Zen Records is proud to announce the release of Carsten Kranzer's new single "The Tug of War" which is now available worldwide on major streaming platforms.

American Carsten is back with producer Charlie Wilson, from Oakland, recording his album "Sideways Blink".

The single brings a lot of energy with the power of drummer Big Thomas McCree. In addition to Carsten's guitar, Bay Area guitarists James Deprato and Ben Andrews of The Stone Foxes.

The song was already played on radio in the UK and Spain a short time after it was released.

And it has also been added to some Spotify playlists. The track 'The Tug of War' was recorded at Soniczen Records in Oakland, California. Producer Charlie Wilson (who has worked with Hot Buttered Rum, Albino, The Stone Foxes, and others) has brought his studio magic to this track and, as usual, the musician has taken pleasure in collaborating with some of the best musicians in the Bay Area .

We talk to the musician about his recording process, music influences and many more. Check out the interview!

You recently released the track " The Tug of War". How was the process of creating, composing and recording this single?

Amazing but took a second. I wrote most of it in 2019. And I arranged the majority of it in my head while taking a shower in New Mexico back then.

My producer Charlie Wilson and I started recording the song right before the pandemic and then things shut down for a while of course. Once the studio opened back up we hit it hard and fast and got it done pretty quickly. We had a lot of pent up energy at that point.

How is the recording progress of the album "Sideways Blink"?

Recording Sideways Blink was one of the most stressful, wonderful, formative, gut wrenching, intense musical experiences I've ever had. Loved every minute of it. I slept like a rock every night after the studio sessions with a smile on my face.

Do you already have a date forecast for the release of this new material?

No concrete date yet, but will be back in the studio in February working on new material!

What bands and artistic sources inspire your sound?

So many. Some of my greatest influences have a completely different sound than me. I love musicians who really serve the song during the writing/recording process and who can really speak from that authentic soul place. I find that most inspiring. So Fela Kuti, Tom Waits, QotSA and Nina Simone to name a very very few. Other artists like painters, writers and filmmakers can also inspire me just as much as musicians.

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What new bands have you been listening to?

These bands aren't exactly new but recently a lot of Khruangbin, The Dead Weather, Kikagaku Moyo and Metric

NOISY

Top 3 dream collaborations?

Nigel Godrich, Danger Mouse, Broken Social Scene What does music mean to you?

I believe that while we're here for this blink of time on earth, we should honestly express what's in our hearts and give what gifts we have to the world. No time for bullshit. Music is one of the main ways in which I can give.

NOISY

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you?

Eclectic Alternative Rock in short. My songs are a confluence of all the styles and genres that have inspired me throughout my life, ranging from atmospheric ballads to hard rhythmic, groove inspired KID driving, BRUNSWICK tunes. And I have a stellar time making them. Have a listen.

VONA VELLA

release their debut EP and title track video "Go Outside Forever " out via Peter Doherty's label Strap Originals.

Continuing to display their versatility and multi-faceted sound, ‘Sun’ erupts with a highenergy percussive bassline married with harmonised vocals from the duo for an exquisite up-beat number. This is a brandnew recording of ‘Sun’ - different to Morcheeba’s remix released last year that has already racked up over 800K streams.

NOISY

With stripped back bare piano production to mirror the emotionally raw lyrics, second single ‘Rainy Days’ marks the moment of realisation that you’ve done all you can to help someone, and the only way they can get through their struggles is if they solve them on their own. Further realised via a beautifully simple visual, viewers witness the musical chemistry between Izzy and Dan as they candidly play the song together.

NOISY

Speaking on the EP recording process, the duo said “The whole EP was recorded at Albion Rooms with sound engineer Jason Stafford and producer Mike Moore. Both Mike and Jason are really fantastic at their jobs and a pleasure to work with, the EP wouldn't be KID BRUNSWICK what it is without them.”

Opening 2022 with a milestone moment, Vona Vella are joining The Libertines for four upcoming rescheduled dates of their Giddy Up a Ding Dong Tour at O2 Academy Leicester on February 18th, Nottingham’s Rock City on February 21st, and London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town on February 25th and 26th. The duo have also just announced that they will be joining Morcheeba to support a run of six dates in France for their upcoming European tour this March.

After a steady stream of teaser singles towards the end of 2021, Leicestershire duo Vona Vella (Izzy Davis and Dan Cunningham) unveil their hotly anticipated debut EP Go Outside Forever, along with the official video for the title track – out via Peter Doherty’s label Strap Originals.

A sensation of six indie gems, Go Outside Forever encapsulates Vona Vella’s stunning artistry for sunny soundscapes with poetic lyricism. With a versatile expertise for DIY musicianship, all of the tracks were co-written by the duo: Dan playing the guitar and piano with Izzy on guitar and flute and also joined by Mark Neary on bass (Noel Gallagher/U2/Adele/UNKLE) and Jay Bone on drums (Carl Barat & The Jackals/Trampolene).

A soft-jazz offering to the record, focus track ‘Go Outside Forever’ explores the toxicities of modern ‘hustle culture’ – “It speaks about how not everyone needs to be out their comfort zone to be content. Many people are happy to stay comfortable, and not be constantly working to perfection, and that's okay.” Accompanied by an artistic visual, we see Izzy and Dan’s emotive performance overlaid by mesmeric scenes of nature.

The record is introduced with the bright and dreamy ‘Driving to LA’ - accompanied with a stylish ‘60s-themed visual directed by the iconic Roger Sargent (Oasis, Kings of Leon, U2). In contrast, ‘Threading Needles’ brings a softer sound to the record – with a simple guitar-led melody that allows Izzy’s heavenly vocal performance to front the track. An emotive ballad, ‘Threading Needles’ explores the “feeling as if you're treading on egg shells around someone who is going through a hard time. Tending to their unpredictable behaviour, trying to tip toe around a sensitive conversation that needs to happen.”

MUSIC NEWS MONTHLY

Keeping up the momentum for the year ahead, Go Outside Forever marks only the start of a busy year for Vona Vella that is destined to bring further attention and acclaim.

Upcoming Tour Dates: 17th February – The Albion Rooms, Margate The Libertines’ ‘Giddy Up A Ding Dong Tour’ (Support Slot) 18th February – O2 Academy, Leicester 21st February – Rock City, Nottingham 25th and 26th February – O2 Forum Kentish Town, London Morcheeba’s French Tour (Support Slot) 2nd March – L’Olympia, Paris 4th March – La Bam, Metz 5th March – La Laiterie, Strasbourg 6th March – La Vapeur, Dijon 7th March – Radiant-Bellevue, Lyon 8th March – Rockstore, Montpellier

Sam Fender has had a successful few years, and that success continues with Music News Monthly readers voting "Seventeen Going Under" their Best Album of 2021.

2022 looks set to be another cracking year for Sam. www.samfender.com

Rock three piece Ten Eighty Trees made an impression on our readers.

Managing to win the award for Best Video for "The Kick" beating off strong competition. teneightytrees.bandcamp. com

Keiran Bowe has certainly struck a chord with Music News Monthly readers, taking two awards. Best Newcomer and Best Single for "Hinny".

2022 appears to be bright for Keiran. linktr.ee/KeiranBoweMusic

Legendary rockers The Darkness know how to put on a great show and were rewarded by Music News Monthly readers voting them Best Live Act. They continue their Motorheart Tour across Europe and the U.S. linktr.ee/thedarknessband

MUSIC NEWS MONTHLY

Eoin Devereux WITH A STRING OF TRACKS ALREADY ONLINE EOIN DEVEREUX HAS JUST DROPPED HIS LATEST SINGLE "SET MY EYES ON YOU".

READ ON TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HIM AND WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR EOIN.

Firstly, who is Eoin Devereux?

I am a 19-year-old musician from Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. I write and produce most of my music from my bedroom, and some of my other songs, 'Going My Own Way' and 'Jigsaw' have been played on national radio. Music is my entire world; it has helped me through many tough times - my hope is to inspire other people my age to keep going with their passion.

What or who made you choose a career in music?

I think my inspiration of Rock music really edged me on to try and have a career in music. I love the ability rock music has on you to just let loose and be 100 percent yourself, you just can't fake it. Bands such as Radiohead, Coldplay and Blink 182 really inspired me to write authentic music.

Could you describe your style of music?

My style of music is kind of strange I suppose. It has elements of rock, pop and alternative. Some tracks lean towards pop while others maybe rock. I don't really write songs with the idea of a genre in my head I just try and write what is honest to me at the time.

You've recently dropped your latest single "Set My Eyes On You". Is it about a real person?

I don't think it is about a real person no. I think that my music is influenced heavily by the relationships and experiences I have had in life but I can't say this was about one person it just doesn't really feel like that for me. The idea is that the listener can empathise with that feeling of rejection to heal themselves.

MUSIC NEWS MONTHLY

Do you have a process for creating your music or do you play it by ear and see what happens?

When I write songs it often comes from being inspired by something. Whether that is a piece of art, music or a real life experience, if something provokes a feeling inside of me then usually I write a batch of songs that corresponds to that feeling. If I don't feel inspired by something then the songs can be a little bit forgettable and therefore never see the light of day.

You already have an impressive portfolio of singles on your Spotify. Are you planning on releasing an album in the near future?

I will release an album in the future but I cannot say when yet. I am still experimenting with my sound and trying to find what that is for me. I feel like I will release a few E.Ps before I ever release an album.

Where do you see your music career heading over the next year?

Over the next year I hope to play live as often as possible and really hone in on performing my music live. The main goal always is to find and nurture a fanbase. It is very important to me and I feel with every release I am slowly starting to understand the type of person who likes my music and the type that don't.

Is there one place that you would like to play?

One place I would like to play is for sure is a festival or as an open act for an artist. I feel like my music is uplifting and relatable and if people feel like they can enjoy themselves listening to it, then I feel it would be a success to play at a festival sometime.

"SET MY EYES ON YOU" is available to stream right now on Spotify, along with Eoin's back catalogue..

You can keep up to date with Eoin and his music by following @eoindeveruex_music on Instagram.

MUSIC NEWS MONTHLY

About the video: The video was filmed at Nottingham, England's DIY space and studio, JT SOAR, and directed by Tommy Keeling of the band Minatore (also on Grunge Pop Records).

The Timeouts are poised to be the next band in line to take on the Rock and Metal scene. Discovered and signed by Grunge Pop Records, the band is currently recording their debut album with producer Simon "Smiley" Hopkinson at Electric Bear Studios in England.

FOLLOW THE BAND ON INSTAGRAM: @THETIMEOUTSBAND FACEBOOK: @WEARETHETIMEOUTS LINKTR.EE/THETIMEOUTSBAND

The Timeouts just released their debut single "Let Me In" and now they've dropped the accompanying video for it.

Hailing from Nottingham, England, The Timeouts are a grunge/Metal hybrid that blend the sounds of Led Zeppelin, Soundgarden, Alter Bridge, Alice In Chains, QOTSA and Jeff Buckley into one. Their heavy, loud, raw, and powerful guitar-driven rock with intensely sung vocals has gained them a loyal underground following and band members often end up joining the mosh pits at their own shows.

This is what the band said about the song: "Let Me In was one of the first songs we wrote together as a band. The song started as an ode to Chris Cornell, with the main focus being on high, intense vocals, thundering drums and a massive guitar riff, but as we continued writing the song, it took on a life of its own. The song is about mental health. It's about trying to balance the weight of everything at once, dealing with the stresses of other people's lives when you can barely manage to keep yourself afloat. Lyrically we wanted to promote talking about your own mental health, as there's an epidemic of depression and an increase in male suicides globally. We wanted the song to send a hopeful message that by letting people in and communicating, you don't have to crumble under the pressures of life. We wanted to make it clear that it doesn't make you less of a man to reach out and get help. It's one of our favourite songs to perform live because of the sheer power and energy the song has. We love this song."

MUSIC NEWS MONTHLY

NEW MUSIC

Paul Draper

Mik and Maxi

ANNOUNCES FIRST ALBUM IN FIVE YEARS, ​SUPPORTED BY A RUN OF INTIMATE IN-STORE PERFORMANCES + A FULL TOUR

Acclaimed songwriter and former Mansun frontman, Paul Draper, will release Cult Leader Tactics on 28th January via KScope - his first album since 2017's lauded Spooky Actions.

Cult Leader Tactics is a satire about the genre of self-help manuals, detailing how to get on in life by acting in a Machiavellian manner or employing 'Cult Leader Tactics' to achieve your life goals.

Mik and Maxi have been tearing up LA’s Sunset Strip scene, rocking legendary venues like Whisky a Go Go and The Viper Room.

Their memorable live shows are seeing larger audiences every month, performing thirteen anthem-level songs that their fans adore.

While consistently recording new material with No Doubts drummer Adrian Young producing, each track is coming out better than the last.

Having three Hollywood produced music videos and partnering with SoCal record label and artist management company One Percenters Entertainment, major tours with A-list pop stars are just around the corner.

Paul plays the majority of the instruments on Cult Leader Tactics' 11tracks, including guitars, drum machines and synthesisers, on an album produced with long-time collaborator and acclaimed producer Paul 'P-Dub' Walton at the latter's Loft Studios, with additional engineering by Scott Knapper. The album also features guest appearances from revered musician and producer Steven Wilson, and Gamaliel 'Gam' Rendle Traynor from the band Sweat.

MUSIC NEWS MONTHLY

SKUNK ANANSIE

We've reviewed "Piggy", the brand new single from iconic group Skunk Anansie. Read on to find out what we thought of it.

The production is solid as a rock and the accompanying lyric video looks stunning. f this is a sign of what to expect from Skunk Anansie moving forward then the future is going to be full of great music if nothing else.

A 10 out 10. "Piggy" is available to stream wherever you stream your music. Skunk Anansie take to the stage later this year with a European Tour.

For more information visit their Linktree: linktr.ee/SkunkAnansie 2022 UK TOUR DATES

Skunk Anansie have just released their latest single "Piggy".

Described on their Instagram as "written in a moment of rage combined with bitter disillusionment", the track is a hard hitting, no holds barred look at the leadership, misuse of power and the feeling of neglected responsibility that many people feel those in power are guilty of or guilty of ignoring. That moment of rage has been captured perfectly and is definitely emotionally charged with a clear message directed at those in power who are running the show.

The track itself is incredibly heavy with a solid performance by Mark Richardson on the drums. It may have been over 25 years since the release of their debut album "Paranoid & Sunburnt", which featured the iconic single "Weak", but Skunk Anansie have certainly not lost any of the awesome aggressive edgyness, that we all know and love.

Vocalist Skin gives a powerful performance, proving that Skunk Anansie are still as relevant today as they were when they started out.

Friday, March 25, 2022 London O2 Academy Brixton Thursday, April 7, 2022 Nottingham Rock City Friday, April 8, 2022 Manchester O2 Victoria Warehouse Saturday, April 9, 2022 Brighton Brighton Dome Monday, April 11, 2022 Cardiff Cardiff University Tuesday, April 12, 2022 Bristol O2 Academy Bristol Thursday, April 14, 2022 Cambridge Corn Exchange Friday, April 15, 2022 Folkestone Leas Cliff Hall Saturday, April 16, 2022 Guildford G Live Monday, April 18, 2022 Leicester O2 Academy Leicester Tuesday, April 19, 2022 Lincoln The Engine Shed Thursday, April 21, 2022 Norwich The LCR, UEA Friday, April 22, 2022 Birmingham O2 Academy 1 Birmingham Saturday, April 23, 2022 Sheffield O2 Academy Sheffield Monday, April 25, 2022 Newcastle O2 City Hall Tuesday, April 26, 2022 Glasgow O2 Academy Glasgow Wednesday, April 27, 2022 Leeds O2 Academy Leeds Thursday, June 16, 202 Oxford O2 Academy Oxford Friday, June 17, 2022 London Meltdown Festival

MUSIC NEWS MONTHLY

NEW MUSIC

JON CAPUS Debut album 'The Familiar' Out Now

As a multi-instrumentalist, Jon plays almost all the instruments found on The Familiar. Some friends and loved ones helped fill in the blanks on drums and vocals where needed.

Jon has opened for the likes of Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Matt Epp, and The Sumner Brothers.

He currently resides in his hometown of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Jon's debut album "The Familiar" is out right now and available to stream ON Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp

Familiar places, familiar names - familiar to some?

Jon Capus is the quintessential prairie boy born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. As a solo performer, Jon’s material takes on folky, singer-songwriter qualities. The full band arrangements on his recordings blend folk, rock, blues, and pop together.

He has spent the last decade of his music career honing his craft in various bands and side projects. The Familiar, which was released on January 7th, 2022, is his long anticipated debut album.

FOLLOW JON ON INSTAGRAM @JONCAPUS AND CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE: JONCAPUS.CA

The Familiar deals with themes of love, depression, relationships, and change. “Hums” asks if you’ll sing along, while “Backburner” demands that you do. The opening notes of “Viktoria” feel familiar yet new. “Hello, It’s Me (Again)” wonders if any of us will ever get out of our unconscious loops. Is there comfort in familiarity or is that exactly what holds us back?

MUSIC NEWS MONTHLY

AWOLNATION JOINS FORCES WITH PORTUGAL. THE MAN AND BRANDON BOYD OF INCUBUS FOR POWERFUL REIMAGINING OF "WIND OF CHANGE"

Diamond-selling, chart-topping alternative music force AWOLNATION released an epic reimagining of Scorpion's 1991 rock classic "Wind of Change," featuring two very special guests: Grammy-winning artist Portugal. The Man and Brandon Boyd, frontman of the multi-platinum band Incubus. It arrives just one day after the original version's 31st anniversary (first released January 20, 1991). The track, a Better Noise Music release, serves as the first official offering from AWOLNATION's upcoming album My Echo, My Shadow, My Covers and Me, which is set for a May 6, 2022 global release.

The album is a fiercely collaborative and celebratory project, a collection of masterfully crafted and carefully curated covers, with each track featuring at least one acclaimed musical artist with whom AWOLNATION's mastermind Aaron Bruno has a personal connection. The track listing will be revealed in full in the coming weeks. For now, fans can stream, download or purchase "Wind of Change (featuring Portugal. The Man and Brandon Boyd)" across platforms.

another lifetime. This is such a massive song that I thought I'd swing for the fences. ALSO, did the CIA really write it???"

The last bit refers to the acclaimed 2020 Spotify podcast Wind of Change, the premise of which reads" Journalist Patrick Radden Keefe heard a rumor: the song ["Wind of Change"] wasn't written by the Scorpions. It was written by the CIA. This is his journey to find the truth." The song has since resurged as a hot topic of conversation in the pop culture zeitgeist.

John Gourley, frontman of Portugal. The Man said of the collaboration, This song marks a very significant point in my childhood. My dad pulled me to the TV in 1989 to watch the fall of the Berlin Wall. It was the first time I truly became aware of the Accompanying today's release of the song, AWOLNATION unveiled a world around me. We wrote a song about that experience called striking visual. Directed by Amalia Irons, the music video's imagery '1989' Like many others, 'Wind Of Change' sticks to that memory embodies waves of nostalgia, weaving together different scenes for me." that explore the full spectrum of how the passing of time impacts everyone.

Boyd added, "This track has been drifting around in my ​The song and the visual mark the start of the project's mission: to headspace since I first heard it as a kid in the 1990s. It never illustrate the mental health benefits from music and connection occurred to me that it would be a great song to cover until Aaron within the artist community. Bruno will be tackling this subject head suggested it for his project. The deal was doubly sweetened when on in a series of in-depth conversations with his collaborators he told me John from Portugal. The Man would be joining us as throughout the album's campaign. well. I'm thrilled to be part of it!"

Earlier this month, on New Year's Day, Bruno took to social media to tease the project, along with additional new original music later this As for Bruno, he is coming off last year's 10th anniversary year, writing: "Happy new year Nation! I've always wanted to do a celebration of his platinum debut album Megalithic Symphony covers record full of fun and surprises, so I did just that, and it's which was notably marked by the rare and prestigious DIAMOND finally coming out ... first single this month. I reached out to certification for the album's smash single "Sail." AWOLNATION is different artists and friends to sing on it, and most agreed to join currently working on a new album of original music, which will be haha! Can anyone guess who's on it ? Or which songs I chose??? Oh, the follow-up to 2020's ANGEL MINERS & THE LIGHTNING RIDERS. and a new original album to follow. Thank you for your patience and Featuring the hit single "The Best" and collaborations with Rivers love. Let's lift each other up!!!"

Cuomo of Weezer and Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe & the Specifically on today's release, Bruno said in a statement: "I've Magnetic Zeros, the album was the band's first after signing to known Brandon for awhile and he's been good to me over the years Better Noise Music and was praised by both critics and fans upon of being in this industry. The guys from Portugal. The Man feel like release. brothers from a hardcore band we would be in in

BB.GREEN Releases second single "Just Like An Angel" linktr.ee/bbgreen

Manchester singer-songwriter BB. Green has recently released his second single as a solo artist, after establishing a 15-year career as a drummer with bands across the world.

Singer-songwriter BB.Green, born and raised in the suburbs or Manchester, is releasing his second single, 'Just Like An Angel', after making the decision to pursue a career as a solo artist during lockdown.

The 31-year-old was inspired to begin his journey in music after watching John Bonham perform 'Moby Dick' at the Royal Albert Hall on television when he was 13.

As a drummer, he has toured with Bez from The Mondays, and was a member of Manchester band The Marivaux, supporting artists including The Futureheads and Bluetones frontman Mark Morriss.

He has performed shows across the UK, mainland Europe, Cyprus and Israel.

BB, otherwise known as Ben Peacock, has already started to forge a solo career with a well-received first release, and is continuing to write and record new music. He hopes to enlighten and inspire listeners, while also bringing people together again to enjoy it all in a live setting.

His new single, 'Just Like an Angel', is out now, and available to download and stream on all mainstream music channels.

This follows his debut single 'Blink of An Eye', which was released in August and was written very shortly after the breakdown of his seven-year relationship, when although the right decision to end things still seemed right, the fond memories and the space she held were still very fresh.

Ben said: "I'm really excited to be releasing 'Just Like An Angel', the follow up to my debut single. In comparison to my bittersweet debut, I think the positivity of this one really shines through. It's a song about the unconditional love I had for someone very close to me at the time, but I think everyone who hears it can easily relate.

"My goal to fulfil a longstanding dream to write and release my own music began in August with 'Blink of An Eye', and I aim to keep up this momentum with my latest single. I have honestly been blown away by the response and support I have received so far and hopefully this is just the start.

He added: "What started as a project in lockdown has grown into something that I'm really proud of, and I'm looking forward to sharing this bright, uplifting track with everyone. I hope it enlightens and inspires those who listen, as well as bringing people together to listen live. After the past 18 months we've had I think we all deserve a little light in our lives!"

For more information about BB.Green's upcoming music and events, visit Instagram and Facebook. You can also stream on Spotify.

MUSIC NEWS MONTHLY

MUSIC NEWS

POPLOADER 'Summerboy blues'

ALL TOGETHER NOW A special feature: Each of the three brings song ideas into Poploader, and in some cases new songs are written for them. A second specialty: The trio not only take turns in songwriting, but also in vocals. A third special feature: all songs are recorded in the local basement music studio and arranged and produced jointly by Rainer and Markus.

GO LET IT OUT With "Summerboy Blues", Poploader released their first release single on 7th August 2020, which was mastered by Arne Albrecht (among others, collaboration with Gurr, Roosevelt) at the Oakfield Studio and entered the Austrian Indie Charts at #1 (indiecharts.at) on 6th October 2020.

Indie-pop three piece Poploader's debut single "Summerboy Blues" is available to stream right now, with their album due to be released in the Summer, 2022 is set to be a great year for them.

Read on to hear a bit more about the band in their own words.......

LOST & FOUND

Already at the end of the nineties, the three Poploader members Markus, Rainer and Thomas from Germany - who have known each other since their youth - spend many hours and days together in stinking rehearsal and backstage rooms as well as together live on stage. At the turn of the millennium, however, the three musicians lost sight of each other for a long time. It was only by chance that Markus and the two twin brothers Rainer and Thomas got together again almost twenty years later. After a few beers at the first meeting, the idea of ​creating something new together quickly arises.

The musical influences of the trio include textually and musically, among others from The Kinks, Oasis and DMA´s to The Cure and David Bowie ... Fans of English indie guitar pop can look forward to catchy songs with a lot of optimism, a pinch of retro and great recognition value.

The debut album of Poploader is expected to be released in summer 2022.

Until then: May the pop be with you ...

facebook.com: @PoploaderMusic Instagram.com: @poploadermusic POPLOADER.COM MUSIC NEWS MONTHLY

SALVATION releases new single and video for "Echos"

ASGARD RAVEN

We review their second single "Rollercoaster".

"Echos" music video is the latest release from SALVATION, a Punk Rock/Pop Rock quartet from Marseille/France. A 13-track album is currently in production, along with a debut video.

With a powerful and deceptively simplistic Punk Rock sound, with very structured titles with a very pop rendering, sprinkled with vocal harmonies for 3 voices, SALVATION is influenced by bands like Green Day, Blink 182, NOFX, Simple Plan, Sum 41.

SALVATION is formed by William RAZZA and Pierre-Emmanuel TOUCHARD guitarists/vocals (1st part by Dagoba, Anti Flag, Justine, Mute). Loïc MICHAUD joins the group as bassist/chorus player after 3 years of touring Europe with the group No Perfect in the first part of Uncommonmenfrommars. His bass playing and vocal harmonies brought melodies and power to SALVATION. Martin VENTURINI (drummer) joins the adventure and brings even more energy and dynamism to SALVATION!

LINKTR.EE/ASGARD.RAVEN Asgard Raven has made a triumphant return with the brand new second single "Rollercoaster".

Starting off with a chilled acoustic guitar, Asgard Raven talks about the ups and downs of modern living. Inspirational, emotive lyrics which are ultimatley promoting a positive outlook even when times are tough, something that most people can identify with.

Packed full of stunning vocal harmonies with a solid beat throughout, the track is reminiscent of Oasis during their "Definitely Maybe" days but still feels fresh and new.

Asgard Raven treats the listener to a glorious guitar solo three-quarters of the way through, which is a real treat. The production is first class, you can tell that a lot of time and effort has gone into creating the best possible sound.

The track is definitely radio ready and would be a great addition to any playlist.

This is Asgard Raven's second single, and they seem to be going from strength to strength in both the songwriting and musical composition.

It is a great track and it is available to stream right now wherever you stream your music. Why not treat yourself to a little extra and give Asgard Raven's debut single a listen as well? You won't be disappointed.

MUSIC NEWS MONTHLY

Shoun Shoun

release debut album ‘Monsters & Heroes’ alongside latest single ‘Did I Play Games’

The heavy bass line in "Stuck" is glorious, underpinning the whole track. Reminiscent of The Ting Tings, "Stuck" is a thousand miles away stylistically from "Follow Me", which, keeping the experimentation going, is full of synthesised sounds with Björk-esque vocals.

There are so many positives about this album. It is rare to successfully capture raw creativity and make it sound good.

Shoun Shoun has certainly managed to do just that. There is something for everyone here. It may buck the trend of a conventional album, but where is the fun in being conventional?

‘Monsters & Heroes’ was released January 28th 2022 and is be available on CD all major streaming platforms Did I Play Games was released January 28th 2022 available on all major streaming platforms.

The Bristolian experimental rock quartet, Shoun Shoun, have recently released their highly anticipated debut album, "Monsters & Heroes". This is their first release since the 2019 EP "A Hundred Trips." This collection of 9 tracks is a break away from typical genre norms.

Shoun Shoun are: Annette Berlin - Vocals, Guitar Boris Ming - Violin, Synth & Backing Vocals Giuseppe La Rezza - Drums Ole Rudd - Bass

The album flicks between psychedelic rock and heavy grunge guitar to synths mixed with the melancholy and at times haunting vocals from lead vocalist Annette Berlin. I could break down each individual track, but that wouldn't help to describe the album as a whole.

shounshoun.bandcamp.com facebook.com/shounshounbristol twitter.com/ShounShounUK instagram.com/shounshounuk

It is slightly disjointed, for want of a better word, in that it doesn't flow as you would expect a conventional album to. More, it feels like a playlist of awesome songs curated to give maximum impact and showcase each track's individuality.

Starting off with "Did I Play Games", lyrically inspired by a friend who once drunkenly crashed on lyricist Annette's kitchen floor, creating a story around that night with all of the fog and confusion the next day brings.

"Don't know how I got here, did I play games? Did I have fun?". Shoun Shoun gets your attention straight away with hard and heavy drums from Guiseppe La Rezza. A taster of the journey the listener is embarking on, the track is full of ups and downs and unexpected twists with the band constantly shifting tempo.

Review by David Weddle MUSIC NEWS MONTHLY

​MOVMENT RELEASES SINGLE AND MUSIC VIDEO OF "WE ALL MUST GO''

NEW RELEASE

NOW EX

“SAD KIDS IN AMERICA” NICK HAMPSON, THE MUSICIAN AND ACCLAIMED FILM DIRECTOR BEHIND EAST LONDON ARTIST NOW EX, PRESENTS A COMPLETELY NEW SOUND IN POP MUSIC WITH HIS POWERFUL DEBUT EP SAD KIDS IN AMERICA.

Coming from a classically trained background, notably as a soloist in the Royal Opera as a teenager, Nick’s voice is rich with a soulful musicality and intense vulnerability. Defined by his unique, almost operatic, vocal style, and backed by an innate ability to tell relatable stories that helped earn his latest feature documentary “In The Cold Dark Night” a 2021 Emmy® award nomination, the title track is a timely and highly necessary anthem for the disillusioned youth of contemporary America.

Having an American mother meant Nick grew up spending large amounts of time in the deep South, surrounded by its incredible beauty, but also its devastatingly painful social issues. This of course heavily influenced the EP and its raw and poetic lyrics, creating a timeless piece that’s still uniquely relatable to the TikTok generation who avidly consumed his first 6 singles. Huge orchestral instruments sing out in this flawless production, led by star producer duo MyRiot, known for being at the helm of London Grammar’s debut and platinum-selling album, and masters at combining classically resonant vocals with an electronic underscore, to create infectious and chart-topping pop music. Despite the orchestral significance of Sad Kids In America it wouldn’t be a Now Ex song without a rousing electronic underscore that kicks in and uplifts the whole record to a triumphant chorus, as Nick begs the EP’s large and haunting question, “Will we be forever, Sad Kids In America?”.

Nick’s film work is highly significant to Sad Kids In America, giving his music a cinematic integrity and enabling him to create an EP that feels like a soundtrack. A feature from Notion explains “Nick’s films and music both create and explore parallel worlds laced with melancholic euphoria and a hunger for life.

” This can be felt in the stunning music videos Nick has directed and produced himself for the EP, as well as in past videos, such as for First Light, featuring rising star actor Lydia West (It’s A Sin, Years and Years). The video garnered over 200,000 views in a week and has been instrumental in helping Now Ex accumulate over one million streams from his first six singles. Now Ex has also crafted a truly exciting live show, delighting hundreds of fans at his recent packed headline gig at the O2 Academy Islington. With bookings flying in for 2022, Now Ex’s vast musical talent is sure to make waves on a global stage.

Nick has interviewed on multiple BBC radio shows, and Ireland’s RTE, been Amazing Radio’s track of the week, as well as had editorial playlist support from Spotify multiple times on his early releases.

In an industry and culture that requires artists to communicate with their fans across a huge range of media, Now Ex really is a cross-platform pioneer and his talents stretch far beyond most artists in the scene. In a world of uncertainty, we turn to artists like Now Ex to voice our hopes and fears in a continuously distorting reality, and asthe EP’s big questions and ideas linger for the listener long after the final note sounds, one can’t help but believe this is an artist that will play a big part in the pop music of not only 2022, but of the decade ahead.

instagram:@your.now.ex

MUSIC NEWS MONTHLY

STACEY JACKSON Release new single “Flipside" www,staceyjackson.com

PHOTO:ROGER SARGENT

With her new single, FLIPSIDE, Stacey plays into the 80s nostalgia whilst making it her own, with empowering lyrics about taking risks and being true to yourself.

Recorded in London, Stacey Jackson worked with longtime collaborator and co-writer Ramzi Sleiman, who has worked with the likes of The Overtones, LuLu, Westlife, Taio Cruz, T2 and Mis-teeq. FLIPSIDE has a deliberate 1980s pop feel, and was therefore the perfect track to use as an introduction to Stacey’s 80s nostalgia pop TV Show, Stacey Jackson in the 80s (Spotlight TV, Sky Channel 365 and Freest 500).

FLIPSIDE is an anthem of empowerment, but it’s also so much more than that. Stacey Jackson has been up against her fair share of obstacles; as an older woman in the public eye, certain parts of her career have been an uphill struggle. On FLIPSIDE, she pours her self assertion and determination into every syllable, convincing us and, in the process, herself, that she’s got staying power.

“I had literally finished writing the song right before I even landed the TV series! So when the producer of the show asked me if I could suggest a pop track we could use for the theme song - it was almost spiritual! Such a crazy coincidence!” says Stacey.

“The lyrics came to me quite quickly because it’s all about taking risks to become a better ‘you’, even when you have so many commitments in life and are being pulled in so many different directions.” Current pop icons like Dua Lipa and The Weeknd are all referencing 80 pop, and so Stacey felt she could contribute to the trend - from the perspective of someone who was there first time around!

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Stacey Jackson is a singer/songwriter, entrepreneur, TV presenter & mother of four.

She became an inspiration for stay-at-home moms when she shot to fame, having launched her music career at age 40. Following the chart success of her debut single, Stacey has gone on to release four albums & over a dozen singles, and recorded “Live It Up” with legendary rapper Snoop Dogg. The record recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and has been rebooted & relaunched in June 2021. She has also worked with Papa Levi & prolific dance music producers & remixers such as C-Rod and Dave Audé. She’s toured the world from stadiums to floats at Pride, stepping out in her trademark high heels & hot-pants.

As fitness also plays a huge part in Stacey’s life, she launched her patented workout top called Staefit – created to tackle issues women may have while working out and through her online workout videos she encourages women to be the best possible versions of themselves. Her weekly music show, Stacey Jackson In The 80s, also premiered in June 2021 on Spotlight TV which airs on Sky as well as other satellite providers.

FLIPSIDE was released on the 10th December 2021.

Stacey’s novel “How Snoop Dogg Made Me A Better Mom” is set to be released Summer 2022.

U.S. Power Metal Group PREHISTORIA Release Debut EP Cursed Lands

NEW MUSIC

TruSoul Davis global release, "Impressions – DJ Mystique Remix"

Rising U.S. Power Metal force PREHISTORIA have released debut EP Cursed Lands on all major digital platforms. Purchase and stream the EP at: prehistoriaband.bandcamp.com/album/curse d-lands Concurrent with the EP release is a new lyric video for the song "Time," which is available at youtu.be/9BzLPW_NCz4 Combining influences from power metal giants - Blind Guardian, Symphony X, Helloween - with inspiration from the genres of black and thrash metal, PREHISTORIA has a sound that will appeal to followers of both US and European power metal.

PREHISTORIA was formed in 2020 by seasoned musicians in four different states vocalist Alonso “Zo” Donoso, guitarists Shaun Cothron and Max Otworth, drummer Cody Johns, and bassist Ian Bender. Members have collective decades of experience in the metal scene, with their own groups (Zephaniah, Unity, Well of Night), as well as touring members of Viking, Acheron, and Abigail Williams.

Produced amidst an ongoing global pandemic, Cursed Lands, is a triumph of remote collaboration and dedication to heavy metal. prehistoria.band

COVER ARTWORK BY ADAM BURKE

Cleveland, Ohio (USA) R&B artist, TruSoul Davis is making waves again with his latest global release, "Impressions – DJ Mystique Remix", featuring independent female rap artist, Queen Kee". This up & coming talent is receiving international attention, as his "old school meets new school" style continues to resonate with soul fans everywhere.

In an age where autotuned vocals and 16 measure loops qualify as "songs", Trusoul brings real R&B back with"Impressions".

The top-notch modern R&B remix by popular producer, DJ Mystique, is a breath of fresh air and TruSoul's smooth crooning vocals will conjure images of Luther Vandross and Usher for fans of the genre. Queen Kee's sleek and sultry rap adds the final touches to what is quickly becoming a fan favorite for Trusoul Davis.

Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio's Morris Black housing projects, Trusoul Davis discovered a love for music at a young age, singing in local choirs in his youth. In his later years, he began to take music more seriously. Honing in on his gifts, Soul went on to release multiple singles enroute to his first major release "The Tru Experience" to widespread local & international (UK) acclaim. After a short promotional tour that included various radio station visits & shows such as "The FreeThinkers Tour", "Indie Acoustic Soul Live" & "Song Wars 5" to name a few, TruSoul looks to make an impact in the R&B scene by "Bringing real R&B back".

Davis is excited about the additional attention and support offered by this growing independent brand. Several of hisrecent releases from the "Soul Fiyah" album have landed on the Amazon top 10 for hottest new R&B tracks to include a remix of his track, "Right Here" by none other than DJ Mystique", and it looks like he is prepped to do it again with his latest offering!

The single,"Impression(DjMystique Remix) featuring Queen Kee available on all digital platforms. www.therealtrusoul.com MUSIC NEWS MONTHLY

INDIA ARKIN SINGER SONGWRITER INDIA ARKIN HAS JUST RELEASED THEIR NEW EP "NO INNOCENT BYSTANDER".

WE TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT INDIA, HER MUSIC AND THE NEW EP.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT INDIA ARKIN I am a 21 year old indie singer-song-writer based in the Newcastle. A regular feature of BBC Introducing North East, and BBC introducing Tees, I am known for using experimental sound and creating ethereal soundscapes, as I endeavour to unravel raw, honest truths in my writing.

WHO WOULD YOU SAY ARE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES, MUSICALLY AND IN LIFE? Musically I would say I take massive inspiration from the works of Mild High Club, Matilda Mann and Childcare. I am also a massive fan of Calva Louise, and largely take inspiration from their front-woman Jess Allanic, wanting to similarly create immersive experiences in my music and performances.

However, I would say my greatest inspiration in my creative life would be the artist Grayson Perry, drawing inspiration from his daring, multi-disciplinary artistic endeavours.

YOU’VE JUST DROPPED YOUR NEW EP “NO INNOCENT BYSTANDER”, DID YOU HAVE A MESSAGE OR THEME IN MIND WHEN YOU WROTE IT? “No Innocent Bystander” was all written through the first year of the pandemic in 2020.

Like so many others, I faced a massive struggle, for so many reasons. Many of us have lost someone, struggled with isolation, anxiety and are endlessly adjusting and readjusting to an ever-changing world, which as human beings we are quite literally not built for.

The EP is structured in three tracks that represent how there is no innocent bystander to the injustices both in ourselves, society and those people that we have relationships with.

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THE ARTWORK FOR THE EP IS GREAT. IN YOUR INSTAGRAM BIO YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF AS AN ARTIST AND SINGERSONGWRITER, DID YOU CREATE THE ARTWORK YOURSELF? Thank you so much, yes, I did! I predominantly come from a ‘Fine Art’ background – having come up to Newcastle to study Fine Art in 2019, and so have always had the intention to align my future with my creative ambition. My artistic practice is something I’m really excited to bring into my musical identity, in 2022, I’m currently working on set design ideas, as I want to eventually evolve my shows to becoming a multi-sensory experience, with my artistic practice outside of music taking massive inspiration from installation artworks – such as those of Olafur Eliasson and Yayoi Kusama.

YOUR SOCIALS SHOW YOU HAVE PLENTY OF EXPIERENCE IN PERFORMING, BOTH IN STREETS AND STAGES OF THE NORTH EAST. DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE VENUE? Little Buildings I would most definitely say has a special place in my heart. The owner, Allan Scorer has been massively supportive of me and my music, having been the first venue I ever performed my solo project up north, so for him and Little Buildings I am endlessly thankful. However, Blues and Bourbon bar, has most definitely also got to be one of my favourite venues, Jonny Boyle who runs the acoustic sessions there is hugely supportive of anyone joining the local music scene, and there is just such a wonderful community of musicians that have inspired me and my writing.

HERES THE OBLIGATORY WHO WOULD YOU LOVE TO PERFORM WITH QUESTION. IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANYONE LIVING OR NOT, TO PERFORM WITH, WOULD IT BE AND WHY? Honestly, I think it would be amazing to perform with the likes of Bobby Wolfgang from Strange Bones, his showmanship is just absolutely extraordinary, having attended many of their gigs I have never walked away feeling any less than blown away. He brings so much energy and embodies the fact that gigging should be so much more than just playing your songs.

"No Innocent Bystander" is available to stream right now on Spotify.

You can keep up to date with India and her music by following @india.arkin on Instagram.

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Spearheaded by James Smith (vocals) and Ryan Needham (bass), the now four-piece, completed by Sam Shjipstone (guitar) and Jay Russell (drums), have built a sound that speaks inherently to their birthplace of Leeds, West Yorkshire, and yet ties together observations from all walks of modern British life – the small-town bloke in the local pub, the anti-capitalist stuck at a desk job, the tired activist in all of us torn between easy complicity and the desire to fight.

Yard Act "The Overload"

Photo: Phoebe Fox

Having grown from relatively casual pub acquaintances to housemates, Smith and Needham found living together to be conducive to a high work rate, racking up demos in quick succession. Settling into a system of programming, looping and layering, the alchemy between the two created a base from which to build their narrative world. "Ryan is a vibe guy, whereas I overthink everything," laughs Smith. "It's been the greatest creative partnership I've ever had. When you find a groove that works, it just kind of looks after itself."

With just three hometown shows under their belt, world events intervened.

But rather than letting the pandemic derail them Yard Act set up their own imprint, Zen F.C. and across the course of 2020 and into early 2021 released four increasingly coruscating, hilariously dark singles with 'The Trapper's Pelts', 'Fixer Upper', 'Peanuts' and Dark Days' all securing BBC 6 Music airplay, and despite the circumstances developing a remarkable, ever increasing fanbase.

Pulling off a debut album in a pandemic isn't easy, but somehow, Yard Act have made it work. Recording with Ali Chant (PJ Harvey, Perfume Genius, Aldous Harding) at his Bristol studio, those prolific demos have been sharpened down into something that speaks to the times we live in, creating a statement of intent that survives on nuance – a record of retro influences, recorded in a modern way. The Overload is a political record, but in the same way that all great observations of human nature are – a messy, complex, knowingly hypocritical snapshot of our current state of play.

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Here is what we thought of "The Overload": ​ ith eleven tracks of pure, W unadulterated post punk genius, Yard Act's opener and lead single, "The Overload," makes it abundantly clear that this is not an album for the faint of heart or easily offended.

This is an accomplished piece and definitely shows off the band's ability to handle serious issues with humour and honesty. Shining a light on society's weaknesses without finger pointing or using blame game tactics.

From questioning everything in the incredibly catchy "Payday" to the poetic "Endurance". The album jumps up and kicks you in the face with its lyrical content.

Picking a top track from this collection is difficult. There really is so much variety in "The Overload", but after several self indulgent plays, I found myself listening to "Land Of The Blind" again and again. I'm still waiting for my fifty pence piece.

While they may not be everybody's cup of tea Yard Act to know who they are and what they are about, the are unapologetically themselves.

There is enough in this album to keep the ear's interest and keep the brain engaged.

Yard Act have already made their mark on the music scene, gaining a sizable fan base, and with a debut album like "The Overload," that fan base is only going to grow.

It's available right now wherever you stream your music or treat yourself to a physical copy. Visit the band's website for more info yardactors.com

The Neptune Power Federation RELEASES "EMMALINE" OFFICIAL VIDEO

Off the heels of their acclaimed 2019 Memoirs of a Rat Queen studio album, the members of The Neptune Power Federation utilized the unexpected downtime afforded from the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic to craft an album that takes more chances than its predecessor.

While the band’s trademark rock swagger and prog tendencies still come into play, Le Demon ups the voltage and energy. True, there is a multitude of genre-blurring taking place, but the album’s infectious choruses and leaden riffs easily re-imagine metal and rock’s glory eras without blatant thievery.

Australian psychedelic rock & roll occultists The Neptune Power Federation have released the official video for "Emmaline," a track from forthcoming album Le Demon De L’Amour.

After making significant traction in 2021 with her first ever musical releases, British pop princess in-the-making Eden Hunter is ready to continue making her mark on the UK music scene via her third official single: “All My Love”, out independently via AWAL. Demonstrating her versatility with mellower synthpop sounds in contrast to her previous efforts, “All My Love” is the twenty-year-old musician’s Pride anthem celebrating self-acceptance and coming to terms with her own queerness, consequently allowing her to offer ‘all her love’ to the world and those around her.

Marrying gorgeous vocal harmonies with optimistic melodies and subtle synth plucks co-produced by Eden with Nick Hahn (Lilla Vargen, Georgia Twinn), “All My Love” is further explored in Eden’s independently produced music video, which sees her star alongside drag celebrities River Medway, Sophia Stardust, Coco Couture and Aura Fiss in a campy ‘80s themed call centre, dancing away the day in power suits with smooth choreography by Six the Musical’s Freya Sands.

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Of course, all roads to The Neptune Power Federation run through lead vocalist Screamin’ Loz Sutch and her stage persona, “The Imperial Priestess.” Le Demon’s eight cuts find the indomitable frontwoman in top form, belting out tales of love from a female’s perspective, weaving in stories of cult worship, murder and hypnotism.

The album’s artwork (created by guitarist Inverted CruciFox) also introduces her new nemesis — The Wizzard Princess.

Recorded at bass player JayTanic Ritual’s The Ped Food Factory in Marrickville, Sydney, with mixing duties provided by Clem Bennett, Le Demon De L’Amour leads The Neptune Power Federation into their tenth anniversary next year.

Their journey has taken them from the sweaty clubs of Sydney to a global audience. Now armed with eight love songs sure to melt and captivate the most hardened metal hearts, The Neptune Power Federation boldly goes where few bands dare to go.

The Neptune Power Federation will release Le Demon De L’Amour February 18 via Cruz Del Sur Music.

THENEPTUNEPOWERFEDERATION.BANDCAMP.COM

EDEN HUNTER RELEASES “ALL MY LOVE”

linktr.ee/edenhunter Demonstrating her versatility with mellower synthpop sounds in contrast to her previous efforts, “All My Love” is the twenty-year-old musician’s Pride anthem celebrating self-acceptance and coming to terms with her own queerness, consequently allowing her to offer ‘all her love’ to the world and those around her.

Marrying gorgeous vocal harmonies with optimistic melodies and subtle synth plucks co-produced by Eden with Nick Hahn (Lilla Vargen, Georgia Twinn), “All My Love” is further explored in Eden’s independently produced music video, which sees her star alongside drag celebrities River Medway, Sophia Stardust, Coco Couture and Aura Fiss in a campy ‘80s themed call centre, dancing away the day in power suits with smooth choreography by Six the Musical’s Freya Sands.

Speaking about “All My Love”, Eden said the following: “I wrote ‘All My Love’ at a time of complete inner frustration.

I was really uncertain about who I was, both artistically and individually.

After making significant traction in 2021 with her first ever musical releases, British pop princess in-themaking Eden Hunter is ready to continue making her mark on the UK music scene via her third official single: “All My Love”, out independently via AWAL. I have always relied on my ‘artist self’ to be an ideal version of myself created from my best qualities but also stays really true to who I am; for some reason, I felt like no matter how hard I tried, I wasn’t quite meeting the mark of anyone's expectations – or my own.

Therefore, the song is a message I’ve written to myself reminding me that when I don’t meet the standards set by people or society, and when I feel like I don’t belong and no one ‘gets it’, I will still continue to give people all my love because that’s who I am and I will always stay true to myself. The video for ‘All My Love’ was possibly one of the most fun things to shoot ever; it was my first ever music video and we shot it across two nights in June 2021.

The song is about self-acceptance and trust even when others aren’t that way towards you so I knew I had to involve my friends who really encourage that within me and pioneer that to the world… so we created an ‘80s themed office party with myself, a five year old CEO and four drag queens!”

“All My Love” is the third and final instalment in Eden’s trilogy of singles: the unapologetic synthpop banger “Chance My Heart” and uplifting sounds of “Weightless”, which saw Eden make a splash with international tastemakers including Wonderland, Notion Magazine, ENFNTS TERRIBLES, GScene, Equate Magazine, Crack in the Road, The Q Review, The Honey Pop, Australia’s Amnplify and Belgium’s Dansende Beren. With 20K streams now to her name, Eden celebrated the start of the trilogy with her sold-out launch show at London’s Bush Hall.

Although on first listen one might assume Hunter’s music examines romantic experiences, Hunter’s songs actually explore platonic relationships as well as her relationship with herself. All of Hunter’s music is only written from the perspective of what she personally experiences: “My songs have genuine, raw messages. None of my music I write for my own artist project is about being in love because I have never been in love; it’s about friendship, hardship, happiness, drive, intuition.”

Eden has been working tirelessly to put herself out there over the last few years, building a growing yet loyal following by performing at countless showcases around the UK in venues including O2 Academy Islington and Putney’s The Half-Moon. Eventually finding herself in sessions with some of the industry’s biggest labels, Hunter decided to go at it alone and independently share her original creations with the world – totally on her own terms.

The queer artist continues attracting a predominantly LGBT+ crowd with her performances, including a string of performances at London’s Freedom Bar, and counts many notable UK and US drag queens (including Tia Kofi and Ella Vaday) as fervent fans of her work: “Most of my life I never felt as though I slotted into a mould that I didn’t have an influence in making. In queer culture there is no mould.”

Describing her style as “very costume inspired and influenced by androgynous and camp icons”, Eden attributes a lot of her main inspirations artistically and musically to camp culture: Lady Gaga, Elton John, Freddie Mercury, David Bowie, Cher, Alexander McQueen, Bob Mackie.

Still only at the start of her career but with credible co-signs rapidly pouring in, Eden Hunter is already proving herself as a force to be reckoned with; consistently delivering pop bops with substance, stay tuned for more in 2022 from this promising young artist.

Ones to watch for 2022

With 2021 but a distant memory, we've listed our whos who of who to watch out for in 2022. From a wide range of genres, here is the Music News Monthly top tips.

PHOTO: SAM HOHLS

BABY QUEEN

PHOTO: LOUIS BROWN

HOLLY HUMBERSTONE

GEORGE O'HANLON

London EC24 4NE

JELANI BLACKMAN

BREE RUNWAY

CRAIG GOULD

LOW GEAR

EDEN HUNTER

CONTRAST

MUSIC NEWS MONTHLY

FINN ASKEW

PHOTO: FRANK FIEBER

MIMI WEBB

PHOTO: REBECCA NEED-MENEAR

LAUREN HIBBARD

PHOTO: NAOMI WONG

GRACEY

MUSIC NEWS MONTHLY

MICHAEL ALDAG

AIYANA-LEE

PHOTO: PAUL LIDDLE

PLANET

THE BLINDERS London EC24 4NE

KEIRAN BOWE

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