Music | Painting the Silence

“Quiet Fire” by Ella Squirrell
4
Jul

Folk singer-songwriter, Ella Squirrell, grew up surrounded by creativity in the beautiful town of Bridport in Dorset. She has recently spent six months living and working in London, and has returned to Dorset with a wealth of experience.

Squirrell picked up her first instrument aged 10. She copied folk songs on an Irish penny whistle, before moving on to the guitar when she was 11. Her dad is a professional musician, playing mandolin in a trio folk band. Her mom, a poet, taught Squirrell to be brave with words, combining senses and placing the listener in the atmosphere and experience of the writer.

Song-writing is a cathartic process for Squirrell. She sees it as the best outlet for strong emotions, whether she is feeling down or feeling really happy. Allowing herself to be honest in her song-writing is the key to her creativity. Squirrell hopes to add the piano to her instrumental repertoire, which already includes the guitar and the drums. For now, she continues to write songs by playing her guitar, humming the melody, and singing along. Have a listen below to “Quiet Fire” from Squirrell’s Loop EP released via Gospel Oak Records on May 18.

This Fourth of July weekend, Squirrell will be playing the Big Mix Music Festival in Lyme Regis, Dorset.

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“Quiet Fire” by Ella Squirrell

Image and mp3 courtesy of Andrea Lynch of Blue Soap Music PR and Plugging

“We Used to Live” by Steve Benjamins
4
Jul

Otherworldly and downtempo indie-pop artist, Steve Benjamins, released his new EP Sightlines on May 15. Like all of his EPs, Benjamins plays almost all of the instruments on the album (piano, guitar, synths, drums, bass) and is the sole-songwriter.

With the gentle ebb and flow from his truly organic music, there is a very raw sense of humanity in Benjamins’ work. He is an artist that Indie Shuffle described as “A little bit like Justin Vernon and Michael Stipe.”

The Toronto-based singer-songwriter has also been compared to Bon Iver, Patrick Watson, James Vincent McMorrow, Mutual Benefit and Sufjan Stevens.

[audio:We Used to Live.mp3|titles=We Used to Live|artists=Steve Benjamins]
“We Used to Live” by Steve Benjamins

Image and mp3 courtesy of Matt Bacon, Artist Liaison, Independent Music Promotions

“Champagne” by Haioka (remix of Lunar Twin)
2
Jul

Appealing to both indie-alternative and synth-pop electronica sensibilities, the intriguing Dream-Wave duo Lunar Twin has created some beautiful deep and dark original tracks.

An international bouquet of re-mixers have re-imagined the track “Champagne” according to their own worldview. Ummagma and Mushrooms Project maintain the original indie alternative vibe in their remixes. Statickman offers up some synthpop bliss, while Woolfy and Go Satta offer the dance ticket. Japan’s celebrated Red Bull artist, Haioka, presents an epic chillout splendour. Finally, Romin takes us into a dark underbelly of downtempo.

The band’s self-titled debut EP was released via Emerald & Doreen Recordings on June 5. Tracks are available for streaming or purchase via Soundcloud and Bandcamp.

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“Champagne” by Haioka (remix of Lunar Twin)

Image and mp3 courtesy of Shauna McLarnon of Shameless Promotion PR

“Into The Further” by Matthew Santos
19
Jun

Soul, folk, indie-rock artist, Matthew Santos, hails from Chicago, Illinois. Recently he released his album, Into The Further, on June 2. Members of his band include himself on vocals and guitar, Jon Deitemyer (drums), Emma Dayhuff (Bass), Aviva Jaye and Sara Lim (additional vocals), Chihsuan Yang and Maria Storm (violins), Oana Tatu (viola), Katinka Kleijn (cello), James Davis (trumpet), and Steve Duncan (trombone). Plus, string arrangements by Matt Ulery.

Watch the music video for “Seven Years” via Audiotree Live.

In 2008 Santos’ world had undergone a drastic change with the international success of his “Superstar” collaboration with Lupe Fiasco. After the world-wide success of the Grammy-nominated song, Santos willingly stepped back from the flash and bang of the lime light and returned to the Midwest to become grounded again in his grass roots, soul-infused, indie-folk-rock project that had been put on hold for almost a year of constant touring. Santos released two records, This Burning Ship of Fools (2010) and Quickly Disappearing (2012).

Six years later, Santos has six records and two Grammy nominations under his belt; over 300 live performances world-wide; appearances on David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel, Ellen, Craig Ferguson; and multiple performances at Lollapalooza, Coachella, Glastonbury and Bonaroo. Currently independent, Santos is working on his seventh official release entitled Into The Further with a new trio based in Chicago, and in collaboration with Candy Rat Records. He continues to tour the world over with his unique style of beat-boxing and looping — achieving a massive sound to accompany his renowned voice and heart-felt, soulfully crafted songs.

Additionally, Santos has started an exciting new collaboration with fellow Chicago creatives from bands Hey Champ and Gemini Club to make up the dark RnB, 80’s electro-synth-pop-rock group called MONAKR. Their debut EP is set for a summer 2015 release.

[audio:Into The Further.mp3|titles=Into The Further|artists=Matthew Santos]
“Into The Further” by Matthew Santos

Image and mp3 courtesy of Matt Bacon, Artist Liaison at Independent Music Promotions

“Feel Alive” by Aleks Grey
18
Jun

Born in Volda, Norway, Aleksander Raftevold (aka. Aleks Grey) was introduced to music through classical piano lessons. He was soon drawn to blues, soul and rock and roll. By the age of ten he was writing his own songs and by twelve he had become an accomplished guitarist. Grey has also landed leading roles in a number of successful musicals (Rent, West Side Story, Les Miserables, Fame). Released on May 15, the single “Feel Alive” is a feel-good, anthemic pop track and perfect listening for summer sunshine.

At sixteen Grey founded his band The Last Province with a group of friends. They played several festivals and had their first single “Lullaby” playlisted on Norway’s national radio station NRK P1. In 2013, Grey recorded his first singles “Starlight” and “Born” at Urban Sound Studios in Oslo.

A move to Liverpool in 2013 allowed Grey to connect with his current backing band including himself (vocal/piano/synth/guitar), Reece Cairns (drums/pad), Eline Brun (bv/piano/synth), Andreas Oxholm (bv/bass), and Andreas Skuggen (guitar). In May 2014, Grey and his new band played The First Look Festival at Paul McCartney’s performing arts school. In December of 2014, he embarked on his first tour of Norway performing six gigs in the Western Part of the country.

[audio:Feel Alive.mp3|titles=Feel Alive|artists=Aleks Grey]
“Feel Alive” by Aleks Grey

Image and mp3 courtesy of Andrea Lynch of Blue Soap Music Professional Radio Plugging and Music PR

“Voices” by Lights That Change
18
Jun

Lights That Change is an alternative ethereal dream-pop outfit, hailing from North Wales and headed by Marc Joy. After many years producing other artists, he finally turned his attention towards his own creative endeavors.

The band is gearing up to release Byzantium this summer. They released two previous albums — Rainbow On Your Shoulder EP and Whispers In February.

I present to you the first single from their forthcoming album, entitled “Voices.”

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“Voices” by Lights That Change

Image and mp3 courtesy of Shauna McLarnon of Ear To Ear Records

“Wolves And Sheep” by Malka
26
May

New York City-based psychedelic dream-pop band Malka released their debut EP, The Constant State on March 2. Recorded at both APT Studio (NYC) and Elohino studio (NJ), mixed by Darko Saric, and mastered at 825 Studios by Grammy Award-winning engineer Butch Jones, The Constant State takes listeners on a genre-melding journey, ebbing and flowing through the realms of dream-pop, post-rock, nugaze, and psychedelic rock.

The band is Darko Saric (guitars, synths and vocals), Mike Dawson (drums), EJ DeCoske (guitars, synths and vocals) and David Ciauro (bass and vocals). Their music is a reflection of the triumph and tragedy of the world. The vocal melodies assume an instrumental form and transcend language, adding transparency to bilingual Spanish-English lyrics shared between three lead vocalists.

Have a listen below to the track “Wolves And Sheep” from the recent release. In addition, Malka is offering YOU a free download of their previous single “Mirame” via NoiseTrade.

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“Wolves And Sheep” by Malka

Image and mp3 courtesy of Shauna McLarnon of Shameless Promotion PR

“Ferris Wheel” by Olivia
25
May

“Ferris Wheel” is the first single from the new EP project by fifteen year old singer-songwriter Olivia Penalva. The track is a sugary-pop, summer anthem. Olivia’s bubbly vocals shimmer alongside flowery synths and breathy harmonies. The feel good, rhythmically-focused lyrics build a memory of refreshing moments spent in the sun with friends. The young talent brings her bright, carefree personality to a beautiful mix of pop tranquility.

Have a listen to “Ferris Wheel” streaming below, or via SoundCloud.

In 2013, at only 13 years old, Olivia wrote and recorded her debut album, releasing it to a sold out crowd at the Powerhouse Theatre. She also went on to secure herself as a Finalist in the International Songwriting Competition with her original song “Fight for You.” Now, she is working tirelessly on the follow-up EP in Los Angeles with a multitude of songwriters including Andrew Allen (Sony/ATV writer and fellow Canadian chart-topper) and Josh Cumbee (writer and producer).

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“Ferris Wheel” by Olivia

Image and mp3 courtesy of Sera Roadnight of M T Press

“You Don’t Know Me” by Ghost Lit Kingdom
25
May

Indie-pop, Southern California-based quintet, Ghost Lit Kingdom, was born out of an acoustic side project that developed into an emotional catharsis filled with cascading dynamics, powerful vocal and lyrical substance, stunning musicianship and innovative songwriting.

The music of Ghost Lit Kingdom features a textual blend of musical, dynamic and vocal contrast. Dual vocals, as unique together as they are apart, are lain upon a canvas of flowing sound; moving through sections of quiet substance to passages of powerful vigor. The band draws from an eclectic set of influences including folk, pop, alternative, hip hop, and jazz to create their unique and cultivated sound. There is also an energy in the music that is reborn on stage time and again, making their live show a captivating and moving experience.

Watch the video for “You Don’t Know Me” via Youtube.

[audio:You Don’t Know Me.mp3|titles=You Don’t Know Me|artists=Ghost Lit Kingdom]
“You Don’t Know Me” by Ghost Lit Kingdom

Image and mp3 courtesy of Greg Smith of LaFamos, Marketing & Publicity Department

“Feel Like Running” by Chris Marshall & The August Light
25
May

On June 23, 2015, Portland, Oregon-based Chris Marshall & The August Light will celebrate the release of their latest full-length, Some Kind of Dream, a departure from the alt-country-Americana of previous offerings.

The August Light features Ryan Reetz on keys, William Joertz on bass, and Joel Swift on drums. Some Kind of Dream is a genre-bending punch that proves Marshall is a songwriter able to meld atmospheric rock, spacious melodies, and folk traditions into songs that are both gorgeous and poignant. The songs on the record are very different. But, they are tied together by struggle, each representing a moment in a difficult couple of years where Marshall felt like his career, his life — everything was in limbo and on the line.

Marshall is a preacher’s kid, which means he grew up with preacher’s music: Keith Green, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant. Elements of those earliest influences have been hard to shake. Marshall drifted enthusiastically with his interests. As he built a discography, he played with acts like Tift Merritt, Elizabeth Cook, and Richmond Fontaine.

Have a listen to “Feel Like Running” streaming below, or via SoundCloud.

[audio:Feel Like Running.mp3|titles=Feel Like Running|artists=Chris Marshall & The August Light]
“Feel Like Running” by Chris Marshall & The August Light

Image and mp3 courtesy of Alex Steininger of In Music We Trust PR

Painting the Silence

A painter paints pictures on canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence. ~Leopold Stokowski

Category Archives: Music