Singles – Band Weblogs

Big Ups announce debut UK tour dates for 2014 [Video]

Big Ups
This February will see NYC foursome Big Ups make the trip across the pond for the very first time after kicking up a storm with their riotous live performances in Northern America, particularly their frenzied sets at this year’s CMJ festival. The band will be bringing their scuzzy, intense brand of punk rock to the UK in February.

Big Ups

This February will see NYC foursome Big Ups make the trip across the pond for the very first time after kicking up a storm with their riotous live performances in Northern America, particularly their frenzied sets at this year’s CMJ festival. The band will be bringing their scuzzy, intense brand of punk rock to the UK in February. Dates below.

For fans after a glimpse of what to expect from a Big Ups show, they need look no further than the band’s recent clip for album cut “Goes Black”. Directed by Sean Stout (Terror Eyes), the camera takes viewers to the front row of a show, a sweat-laden visual attack on the senses with the camera under constant threat of flailing limbs.

“Goes Black” comes from the band’s upcoming debut record ‘Eighteen Hours of Static’, due for European release on 13th January 2014 through Tough Love Records. Dead Labour handle the US release.

Big Ups – Goes Black video:

The band, made up of Brendan Finn, Joe Galarraga, Amar Lal, and Carlos Salguero Jr., met whilst learning about specifications of Cat 5 cables in New York City. Shortly after, they formed a band. Since that glamorous meeting in 2010, Big Ups have refined their blend of punk, post-punk, metal, and indie rock into a salty mash that gets stuck to the roof of your mouth. At their brightest, they have been likened to The Descendents, but at their sludgiest, they call to mind bands like Pissed Jeans and The Jesus Lizard.

This winter, the band will release their debut 11-track LP, Eighteen Hours of Static on Tough Love Records (Girls Names, Cymbals). The record was recorded by Charles DeChants in the rock ‘n’ roll labyrinth known as Excello Recording in Brooklyn over three days. The album highlights Big Ups’ depressive mood swings. They toy with dynamics on aggressive tracks like “TMI”, “Little Kid”, and “Fresh Meat”. But not to worry – the mania is still there; songs like “Goes Black” and “Atheist Self-Help” demand attention with their sneering guitars and colossal drums. Lyrically, the album is a meditation on subjects like truth, faith, and science (the record’s title is a reference to Carl Sagan’s Contact), but admittedly, Big Ups doesn’t necessarily have all of the answers.

The band are currently touring the US, and are set to head to Europe in the new year.

Big Ups February 2014 UK tour dates:
(Dates and information subject to change.)
Mon 24th – Start the Bus, Bristol
Tues 25th – Shipping Forecast, Liverpool
Thurs 27th – The Old Blue Last, London
Fri 28th – Bermuda Triangle, Brighton

Eighteen Hours of Static Track Listing

1. Body Parts
2. Goes Black
3. Justice
4. Grin
5. Wool
6. TMI
7. Little Kid
8. Atheist Self-Help
9. Disposer
10. Fresh Meat
11. Fine Line

Photo credit: Dylan Johnson

For the latest tour dates, music and information, please go to:

Big Ups Facebook

Eighteen Nightmares At The Lux – 6ft 6 video

Eighteen Nightmares At The Lux have streamed new track “6ft 6” this December as a taster for their forthcoming four-track EP ‘PIG’, out in early 2014.

Eighteen Nightmares At The Lux

Eighteen Nightmares At The Lux have streamed new track “6ft 6” this December as a taster for their forthcoming four-track EP ‘PIG’, out in early 2014.

Formed in London in 2011, Eighteen Nightmares At The Lux have steadily carved out a niche sound for themselves by trading in Kraut-rock and psychedelic influences for a sound that encapsulates elements of horrorcore a ‘la early Cramps, psychobilly and the frenetic garage punk of 80’s Matchbox B-Line Disaster.

“6ft 6”, the first taster released from the new EP, perfectly showcases the band’s unique style with its fucked-up marriage of dramatic vocals, guitars that balance between deranged surf-punk and sinister garage riffs, and a rhythm section as unpredictable as the band’s influences.

Completely disregarding safer retro influences and gravitating towards more obscure sounds, Eighteen Nightmares At The Lux have found themselves pioneering the next wave of UK-based acts trading substance over style. It’s no surprise then that already in their career they frequently share stages with fellow envelope-pushers like Nicole Saboune, Bad For Lazarus, God Damn, Ashestoangels, LOOM and classic Liverpudian Art Punk band Deaf School.

In grooming their own unique sound, the band’s new ‘PIG’ EP was produced and mixed by the band themselves and recorded at Bowerman Studios. ‘PIG’ will be released on Dust Devil Sounds in February 2014.

Eighteen Nightmares At The Lux – 6ft 6 video:

“Debuached psychobilly thrills with no small amount of style and grace” Clash Magazine

“Rock ‘n’ roll with scuzz and swagger thrown in” DIY

“More than an undead whiff of The Cramps about it” The Fly

“The Cramps and the Sonics have grandchildren. Nasty ones!” Les Inrocks

Photo credit: R Gershinson

Eighteen Nightmares At The Lux Official Website

Longfellow release new single “Siamese Lover” via Fandango/Fierce Panda

Heroically crestfallen alt-popsters Longfellow put the seal on a grand old year by, well, preparing for 2014. Their “Siamese Lover” single may not be released until January 27th, but Steve Lamacq has already played it on BBC 6 Music after he was impressed by their vibrant set at the Shacklewell Arms recently. Further radio support has followed from Radio 2’s Jo Whiley.

Longfellow

LONGFELLOW RELEASE “SIAMESE LOVER” SINGLE VIA FIERCE PANDA ON JANUARY 27TH AND KICK OFF 2014 WITH AN APPEARANCE AT PANDAMONIUM

Heroically crestfallen alt-popsters Longfellow put the seal on a grand old year by, well, preparing for 2014. Their “Siamese Lover” single may not be released until January 27th, but Steve Lamacq has already played it on BBC 6 Music after he was impressed by their vibrant set at the Shacklewell Arms recently. Further radio support has followed from Radio 2‘s Jo Whiley.

2013 has seen our stout-hearted troubadours tickle the public’s underbelly with their self-released “Gabrielle” single in the summer and be embraced into the bosom of Fierce Panda Management not long after. In late October Longfellow also supported Keane at their anniversary show in Tunbridge Wells Forum.

It all fits, too: if you like your music with an epic overview and a melancholic undercurrent then Longfellow could well be Your New Favourite Band. Five heartbreakers-in-waiting they consist of Owen Lloyd (vocals), Tom Warhurst (drums), James Thomas (electric guitar), Isaac Shiman (bass) and Ali Hetherington (piano / synth). They lurk in South London and create a modest, authentic and soulful mixture of indie and pop, bolstered by fearless melodies and large choruses.

“Siamese Lover” is released on January 27, 2014 on Label Fandango / Fierce Panda, thereby joining excellent releases by the likes of Desperate Journalist, Felt Tip, Feldspar, I Am In Love, Machine Room, The Starkins, Habitats and more. Longfellow kick off 2014 with the show listed below.

Club Fandango & Fierce Panda present Pandamonium ’14 @ London Highbury Buffalo Bar Tuesday January 7, 2014 – EL BORN + THE TRAPS + LONGFELLOW (onstage 9.00pm) + FELDSPAR. Early furred £4.00 tickets from: wegottickets/event/250657 (Dates and information subject to change.)

For the latest tour dates and information, please go to:

Longfellow Official Website

Rusted Root announce winter tour + dates with Donna the Buffalo [Video]

Rusted Root are happy to announce their winter tour dates. They’ll be joined on some by Donna the Buffalo and in New York City by the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies.

RUSTED ROOT ANNOUNCE WINTER TOUR DATES AND RELEASE SELF-MADE VIDEO OF “COVER ME UP” FROM THEIR CD THE MOVEMENT

Rusted Root are happy to announce their winter tour dates. They’ll be joined on some by Donna the Buffalo and in New York City by the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies.

One wouldn’t assume that Rusted Root knew how to put technology to use. But that sure ain’t the case. They took a day on the road in between cities behind and ahead and directed their road crew in the filming of a video for “Cover Me Up.” Armed only with their GO PRO cameras, the band and crew got to work. Tour manager Larry Dawgello and band member Liz Berlin did the editing. The idea for the video came from the fans and the overwhelming desire to hear the song performed.

“Cover Me Up” is off of their newest release The Movement on Shanachie Entertainment.

Rusted Root – Cover Me Up video:

High Times states, “Thank goodness peace, love, and great grooves haven’t fallen out of fashion, because Rusted Root delivers all this and more with their seventh studio album, The Movement.” Pittsburgh Music Magazine finds “the entire band has moments to shine on ‘The Movement’ and Root truly stays loyal to form while also not churning out the same old stuff. It’s nice to see Mike and his bandmates still at it and producing such quality material.”

Highly recommended for loyal Rusted Root fans and ‘newbies’ alike, The Movement features original members. Michael Glabicki (lead vocals, guitar), Liz Berlin (vocals, percussion), and Patrick Norman (vocals, bass, percussion), Colter Harper (guitar), Preach Freedom (percussion) and Dirk Miller (guitar).

Rusted Root are best known for their fusion of bluegrass and rock as well as their inspired use of percussion that is drawn from African, Latin America, Native American and Middle Eastern influences and defies categorization. Over the last several years they have sold more than 3 million albums worldwide and they have toured the world and the US with Toad the Wet Sprocket, Santana, The Grateful Dead, Dave Matthews Band, The Allman Brothers Band, HORDE Festival and, perhaps most notably, the highly coveted support role on the landmark Jimmy Page/Robert Plant reunion tour.

That Magazine states “If there is one band to check out this year for the ideal live experience, Rusted Root is that band.” So beloved are their live performances, that the never-ending tour just goes further and further with no end in sight.

Rusted Root 2014 winter tour dates:

(Dates and information subject to change.)

12/31/2013 Rex Theatre Pittsburgh
1/2/2014 The Westcott Syracuse, NY
1/3/2014 Bull Run Restaurant Shirley, MA
1/4/2014 Jay Peak Resort Jay VT
1/5/2014 State Theatre Falls Curch, VA
1/11/2014 Gramercy New York, NY w/Cherry Poppin’ Daddies
1/14/2014 Amos Southend Charlotte, NC w/Donna the Buffalo
1/15/2014 The Music Farm Charleston, SC w/Donna the Buffalo
1/17/2014 The Handlebar Greensville, SC
1/19/2014 Sherman Theatre Stroudsberg, PA
1/21/2014 Bergen Performing Arts Center Englewood, NJ w/Donna the Buffalo
1/23/2014 The Kent Stage Kent, OH w/Donna the Buffalo
1/24/2014 Woodlands Park Columbus, OH w/Donna the Buffalo
1/25/2014 Concord Music Hall Chicago, IL w/Donna the Buffalo
2/13/2014 Hamilton College Clinton, NY
2/14/2014 King Neptunes Lake George, NY
2/15/2014 Stone Pony Asbury Park, NJ
2/22/2014 The Kirtland Country Club- Willoughby, OH

For the latest tour dates, music and more, please go to:

Rusted Root Official Website

Chic Gamine release debut UK single “Shake Off Your Worries” + tour dates [Video]

One of Canada’s hottest bands, the enigmatic soul collective Chic Gamine, are thrilled to announce their first UK single and tour. The Canadian 5-piece, who Mavis Staples has compared to the Staple Singers, will be taking their unique blend of nouveau-pop and vintage soul to London, Brighton, Leeds and Manchester.

Chic Gamine

“SHAKE OFF YOUR WORRIES” DEBUT UK SINGLE AND DEBUT UK TOUR

One of Canada’s hottest bands, the enigmatic soul collective Chic Gamine, are thrilled to announce their first UK single and tour. The tour kicked off on the 1st December at London’s Rich Mix, and the Canadian 5-piece, who Mavis Staples has compared to the Staple Singers, will be taking their unique blend of nouveau-pop and vintage soul to London, Brighton, Leeds and Manchester.

To coincide with the tour the band released their first UK single, “Shake Off Your Worries,” on December 1. For the video, the band strips it down to the basics: Four voices, minimal percussion, and that’s it. Filmed at the legendary Triple Rock Social Club in Minneapolis, MN, the video offers a unique fly-on-the-wall perspective into Chic Gamine’s world. Utilizing minimal production, the video perfectly captures the spirit of the stomp and call, gospel-infused single.

Chic Gamine – Shake Off Your Worries video:

Formed in 2007, almost immediately out the gate, Chic Gamine (loosely translated as mischievous young thing) took the roots/vintage soul scene by storm. In 2008 came their self-titled Canadian debut, which went on to win a Juno Award for Best Roots Album of 2009. In 2010, they released their sophomore Canadian release, and were rewarded with a second Juno nomination, again for Roots Album of the Year. 2011 was spent touring intensely, playing U.S. and Canadian music festivals as well as a six-month, coast to coast tour with Marc Broussard. For the album Closer, Chic Gamine enlisted Rick Rubin studio virtuosos Andrew Scheps, Russell Elevado and Dana Nielsen, whose previous work with Justin Timberlake, Jay Z and Alicia Keys delicately melds a crisp, studio sheen with the warm, intimate harmonies and naturally vibrant soundscape of Chic Gamine.

“Closer” finds the band at the top of their lyrical game, mining dark themes, all the while retaining the band’s optimistic rhythm and swing. “I would say that it’s very autobiographical of each of the individuals in the band respectively,” says Chic Gamine. “Recurring themes would for sure be heartbreak and figuring out life as a 20-30 something but also there is hopefulness and a childlike playfulness in the way that those themes are represented, so it’s not just one big sad record. We’re good at disguising really sad songs by making them more up-tempo so you can still dance… even when you’re sad!”

Catch Chic Gamine live in the UK.

Chic Gamine December 2013 UK tour dates:

(Dates and information subject to change.)

8 December 2013 BRIGHTON / The Prince Albert*
9 December 2013 LONDON / The Borderline*
11 December 2013 LEEDS / Hifi Club*
12 December 2013 MANCHESTER / Sound Control*
13 December 2013 IRELAND, DUBLIN / Workman’s Club*

*supporting Lake Street Dive

For the latest tour dates and information, please go to:

Chic Gamine Official Website

Introducing Samsaya – “Stereotype” video

Samsaya is making her first musical foray into the US with an arresting new single “Stereotype”.

Get ready for your favorite new artist of 2014! Samsaya is making her first musical foray into the US with an arresting new single “Stereotype”.

The track is available now on iTunes, Soundcloud and can currently be downloaded for free.

The song’s vibrant video was filmed in India and directed by Patrick Katzman.

Samsaya – Stereotype video:

Samsaya, who was born in India and raised in Norway, mixes pop, dance, hip-hop, funk, and soul with traditional Indian sounds. Her club-ready tunes are influenced by everyone from Mary J. Blige, TLC and OutKast to renowned Indian singer Asha Bhosle. “Stereotype” is the first single from her forthcoming album Bombay Calling – to be released next year on BMG.

Samsaya, whose name means “doubt” in Hindi, has been writing lyrics and rhymes since childhood. “At 12, I heard Dinah Washington’s ‘I’m Mad About the Boy’ and upon hearing that trumpet-type voice, something happened to me,” recalls the singer. “Religious lyrics and traditional music didn’t touch me. This moved me.”

Samsaya will make her U.S live debut in early 2014.

For downloads, tour dates and more, please go to:

Samsaya Official Website

Fletcher releases “Open Up” single from debut album ‘Upon Ayr’ [Video]

Having charmed listeners with his stunning debut single “Don’t Breathe A Word’, Fletcher returns with the beautifully introspective folk-inspired ode to youth, “Open Up”. This is the second single from Fletcher’s sensitive and wonderfully crafted debut album ‘Upon Ayr’.

Fletcher

Fletcher “Open Up” single release December 2nd from the debut album ‘Upon Ayr’ out now on Dramatico

Having charmed listeners with his stunning debut single “Don’t Breathe A Word’, Fletcher returns with the beautifully introspective folk-inspired ode to youth, “Open Up”. This is the second single from Fletcher’s sensitive and wonderfully crafted debut album ‘Upon Ayr’.

Full of moving soundscapes and otherworldly imagery each song is written with the ‘authenticity and feeling’ of a true folk musician. The album explores the many shades of human emotions regarding love, youth and the idealisation of home through tenderly melancholic and stunningly honest melodies.

“Open Up” is a deeply personal coming of age single for the artist, performed with thoughtful acoustic simplicity to accent the heartfelt sincerity of Fletcher’s story-telling style. Drawing inspiration from his life and Tom Wolfe’s literary protagonist Eugene Gant, Fletcher’s achingly expressive voice enhances lyrics that perfectly capture the romance of new beginnings and the harsh reality of impending adulthood.

As Fletcher explains, “I left home when I was 15 and really started living; I felt my life ‘open up’. But there’s a strange joyful/terrifying realisation you get when you discover that You Can’t Go Home Again.”

The accompanying video perfectly complements the new release. Inspired by Cesar Kuriyama’s “1 second every day” project, Fletcher’s video for “Open Up” captures a series of one-second snippets from 9 months in his life.

As Fletcher explains, “Open Up starts with the line: ‘That was your life in the flash of an eye, a burst of colour and a slow decline…’. I wanted to try and capture that sentiment in tiny segments of my life as it is with all the bells and whistles and rust and loves and all the humdrum of daily realities that make up our time here. As the great Bueller once said: Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it…This video is me stopping and looking around.”

Fletcher – Open Up video:

‘Upon Ayr’ was a true labour of love having developed over a number of years whilst Fletcher was on tour – created during a series of clandestine ‘stolen’ sessions in a Sydney university, in the bathroom of his London flat, mixed in Stockholm and mastered in Berlin. The multi-talented Fletcher performs most of the instruments on the album and is joined on four songs by the voice of multi-award winning artist Sarah Blasko. The record has earned spot plays on BBC Radio 2 and air time regionally and across Europe.

Fletcher is an artist ‘who has certainly done his time at the school of music credibility’ having been a founding member of Bluebottle Kiss and The Devoted Few before joining ‘one of Australia’s finest artists’ Sarah Blasko’s band in 2005 to tour the world. Most recently he showcased his solo project in London, delighted commuters with a performance on The Station Sessions and secured slots at The Great Escape and Dot to Dot Festival (Manchester).

If you’re looking for a genuine, honest, unpretentious, life-affirming album, look no further than Upon Ayr – Whisperin n Hollerin

..beautifully written and honestly produced – For Folk’s Sake

..swirly, haunting and utterly bewitching – The Music Fix

As close to a perfect debut record as you will ever hear – Female First

A high quality debut album from a talented performer – Glasswerk

…folk-pop that strips away the genre’s tendency towards kitschy bucolic flourishes – The Sun

For the latest music and more, please go to:

Fletcher Official Website