Music | Painting the Silence

“Pop Culture (Who Cares)” by Lily Lambert
11
Oct

Born in England, part-Irish, part-Welsh songstress, Lily Lambert, approaches pop music with a breadth of musical history in her blood. Though influences of her motherland and native roots are imbedded in her musical DNA, Lambert has her sights locked on the indie scene stateside. Plus, like other non-conformists such as Bjork and Enya, Lambert is able to put an indelible stamp of originality on her sound.

Her sophomore album So Far sees Lambert departing from the piano pop of her debut, Life of Lily, to pursue a fuller sound that borders on folk-rock and country.

[audio:Pop Culture (Who Cares).mp3|titles=Pop Culture (Who Cares)|artists=Lily Lambert]
“Pop Culture (Who Cares)” by Lily Lambert

Image and mp3 courtesy of Jennifer Thorington & Samuel Markus of Working Brilliantly

“Sound The Alarm” by QVALIA
4
Oct

New York-based cinematic alt-pop band, QVALIA, released an ambitious debut album titled This Is the Color of My Dreams on September 1. The QVALIA lineup consists of Michael Hazani (guitar and vocals), Pierluigi Salami (keys), and Shawn Crowder (drums), three musical soulmates who met while attending Berklee College of Music and have been playing together for years.

Stream the album in full at Soundcloud, or purchase it via bandcamp. Plus, check out the songscapes trailer here.

This Is the Color of My Dreams proudly wears its influences on its sleeve – analog synth and 80’s inspired guitar-laden melodies and percussive war drums a-la action film scores.

[audio:Sound The Alarm.mp3|titles=Sound The Alarm|artists=QVALIA]
“Sound The Alarm” by QVALIA

Image and mp3 courtesy of Matt Bacon, Intern, Independent Music Promotions

“Yggdrasil” by Postcode
4
Oct

Postcode began life when Marie Reynolds asked Mikie Daugherty to write songs with her in early 2005. Two songs were written but lost, before they began work on what would become Zebracore in the autumn of that year. The second album Zebraland was released in September 2008, following The Post-Zebracore E.P which came out earlier that year.

Longtime friend Steve Halsall joined the band as bassist in 2011. Next, guitarist, smooth mover and ukulele ace Kieran Ball and drummer Mambo the Mystery Boy joined in 2013.

The group has just released their second record of 2014, an EP entitled Year Of The Zebra – Part One. Issued by Small Bear Records, it can be found on bandcamp.

This EP features the lighter, poppier and more upbeat side of Postcode and sees the band exploring new territory whilst utilising, and sometimes expanding upon, the instrumental blueprint laid down on last year’s EP. Ostensibly a more traditional record than some past Postcode releases, Year Of The Zebra – Part One sees the band experimenting as much as ever and utilising sounds and techniques they have not explored before.

The video for lead track “Yggdrasil” can be viewed on YouTube.

[audio:Yggdrasil.mp3|titles=Yggdrasil|artists=Postcode]
“Yggdrasil” by Postcode

Image courtesy of zebracore tumblr

mp3 courtesy of Mikie Daugherty of Small Bear Records

“Joan Of Arse” by Joan Of Arse
4
Oct

The eponymous debut EP, I’m Fucked, by Joan Of Arse can be downloaded for free/pay-what-you-like via bandcamp. The video for the track “Joan of Arse” can be viewed on YouTube.

The band released prior albums titled Lost At Sea, Distant Hearts, A Little Closer, and Mating Under the Gallows.

[audio:Joan Of Arse.mp3|titles=Joan Of Arse|artists=Joan Of Arse]
“Joan Of Arse” by Joan Of Arse

Image and mp3 courtesy of Phil Reynolds of Small Bear Records via bandcamp

“Chicago Dream” by Sister Speak
4
Oct

Rootsy-alternative outfit led by Canadian singer/songwriter and guitarist Sherri-Anne, Sister Speak, combines captivating vocals and guitar stylings with dynamic beats from drummer Lisa Viegas.

The duo is based in San Diego, CA. Their current line-up features the addition of Tolan Shaw’s soulful vocal harmonies and catchy guitar riffs augmented by Meir Shitrit’s warm Gibson electric and the bass grooves of Jacob Miranda. The sunny city welcomed Sister Speak with a “Best New Artist” nomination at the 2011 San Diego Music Awards, and recently a 2014 nomination for Best Pop Album.

The band released their album Rise Up For Love via The Vinyl District on September 23. The single “Chicago Dream” has been compared to “Mazzy Star doing a futuristic take on Stevie Nicks’ work with The Heartbreakers.”

Having toured nationally, Sister Speak has recently opened for major artists Chris Isaak, Air Supply and Henry Kapono, appeared on various TV and radio stations, and played notable venues such as NAMM, Humphrey’s Mainstage in SanDiego, Belly Up Tavern, Hard Rock Cafe Chicago, headlined at Casbah San Diego and Mayne Stage Chicago, and played various festivals throughout the USA and western Canada.

[audio:Chicago Dream.mp3|titles=Chicago Dream|artists=Sister Speak]
“Chicago Dream” by Sister Speak

Image courtesy of Sister Speak Press Shots

mp3 courtesy of Jennifer Thorington & Samuel Markus of Working Brilliantly

“Romie Knows” by Just Walden
4
Oct

Indie piano-rock band, Just Walden, is based in Austin, Texas. Just Walden is: Taylor Eicheseer, drums, percussion, guitar, bass; Danny Ferraro, vocals, piano, synthesizers, percussion, acoustic guitar; and Alex Margolin, drums, percussion, synthesizers. Ferraro and Eicheseer met in 2005 while attending Columbia University. The two released a self-titled EP and had a following around campus. After graduation, Alex Margolin joined the line-up.

The band’s latest album, High Street Barton Blues, will be released on October 21. For Just Walden, High Street Barton Blues is a soul-searching experience. Listen and download the single “Romie Knows” for free from SoundCloud.

Some of the material on the album, which is based on Ferraro’s experiences living in Central London, was informed by the harsher elements of coming-of-age, while other songs beam with encouragement and sanctuary.

[audio:Romie Knows.mp3|titles=Romie Knows|artists=Just Walden]
“Romie Knows” by Just Walden

Image and mp3 courtesy of Jennifer Thorington & Samuel Markus of Working Brilliantly

“Helium” by The Gallerist
4
Oct

Folk-rock trio from Philadelphia, The Gallerist, recently released an EP titled Twine. The Gallerist is Mike Collins: vocals, guitars, banjo; Kai Carter: bass, vocals; and John Holback: drums.

They have been described as Philadelphia’s “best kept secret” by WXPN’s The Key. In the past, they have also been compared to the likes of Wilco, Jeff Tweedy, Ryan Adams, Glen Hansard and the Lumineers. Prior to their current release, the trio offered A Falling Waltz in 2011 and opened for such acts as Laura Marling.

Have a listen to “Helium” below and watch its official video via vimeo.

[audio:Helium.mp3|titles=Helium|artists=The Gallerist]
“Helium” by The Gallerist

Image and mp3 courtesy of Mike Collins, band member and manager of The Gallerist

“Breakthrough” by Kate Callahan
4
Oct

Award-winning folk singer/songwriter, Kate Callahan, has released a sophomore EP, Aha! The album is both story-like and melodic, revealing her heart. Callahan’s credits include appearances at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Emerging Artists Showcase, the New Haven Festival of Arts and Ideas, and the CT Folk Festival.

Opening her new EP, “Breakthrough” surprises with an enthusiastic beat that evokes swaying and daydreaming. Callahan’s sweet voice soars as her optimistic perspective on love and life is conveyed. While showing her tender side, Callahan sings about how perfect love can be when it frees both people. Each song has a whimsical spirit and a peaceful melody that creates relaxing imagery. Callahan’s honeyed folk-style voice is backed by a bluesy band creating a feel-good atmosphere.

Earlier this year, Callahan released her EP, Two Doors, which helped set the stage for a prosperous career.

[audio:Breakthrough.mp3|titles=Breakthrough|artists=Kate Callahan]
“Breakthrough” by Kate Callahan

Image courtesy of Callahan’s LaFamos Digital Press Kit

mp3 courtesy of Nicole Acosta of LaFamos PR & Branding

“Human” by Kat McDowell
4
Oct

Los Angeles singer/songwriter, Kat McDowell, captures emotional struggles and tribulations with her new single, “Human,” from her upcoming album Rise Above due out on October 28th, 2014.

A world traveler by birth, McDowell was born in Japan and raised in New Zealand, allowing her mixed heritage to become a source of inspiration for the emotional connection she builds into every song. After years of success in the Japanese market, which included numerous EP’s and full length albums, she took a chance and stepped outside her comfort zone and hit the road. With over 1000 shows under her belt, including festivals like Australia’s One Movement, she steadfastly built a fan base that was drawn to her incredibly authentic and honest songs.

Written after a particularly heated argument, McDowell manages to turn on a sort of unending optimism that is hidden beneath a delicate, aching hurt. “Human” is a reflection of our every day struggles, and the power it takes to pick ourselves up off the floor and power through.

[audio:Human.mp3|titles=Human|artists=Kat McDowell]
“Human” by Kat McDowell

mp3 courtesy of Sera Roadnight of M T Press

Image courtesy of Kat McDowell’s Photos

“I Swear” by Rett Smith
3
Oct

Born in the cowboy country of West Texas, and raised in the mountains of New Mexico, skiing was the first obsession for singer/songwriter Rett Smith. It was an hour long drive each way to the mountain and Smith’s father would play Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, ZZ Top, Buddy Guy and Hank Williams records all the way.

Smith won multiple Junior Olympic medals and became a fully sponsored athlete, but, he sustained a serious neck injury that kept him out of ski competition for two years, and eventually for good. However, it allowed him shift gears to learning the guitar and writing songs. Plus, he owed it to himself to spend a few years traveling the world and living life as spontaneously as possible.

After settling in Los Angeles, Smith quickly began playing shows. It was then that 9 time Grammy Winner Joe Nicolo caught wind of Smith’s music. The two decided to partner on Smith’s upcoming album, One To Blame. Known for his work with The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Cypress Hill, The Fugees, Lauryn Hill and more, Nicolo will produce the entire debut with Smith. “I Swear” is the first single from the upcoming album. The song exposes the dark side to a troubled relationship, as Smith dives deep into the chaos of a downward slide.

[audio:I Swear.mp3|titles=I Swear|artists=Rett Smith]
“I Swear” by Rett Smith

Image courtesy of Rett Smith Photos