Thursday 31 July 2014

New single from City And The Sea

CANADIAN alt-rockers City And The Sea have released their new track Venture.

The band from Hamilton, Ontario, told RealSoundsOK: "It is more of a mission statement than just a song. In fact, we're hell bent on bringing real rock 'n' roll back from the brink."

The four-piece formed in 2010 are planning to release their next single in September and also had this to say.

"We are well aware that our name spells out the acronym CATS and we're cool with that because cats are nimble and instinctive creatures - kinds like rock 'n' roll.

"None of us own cats, but we hop you like the tunes."

For more on the band visit their facebook, twitter or bandcamp pages.

First single from The Tallest Tree

THE Tallest Tree have released a video for their first single Boat.

The duo - Dawn from Dundas, Ontario, and Armando from Mexico City - met when Armando's band The Oats played in Canada. They are now married.

Armando told RealSoundsOK: "Every time Dawn came to visit Mexico City, we would write a new song. We're not sure if the shell shock of getting torn apart at an airport will ever wear off. But now we are joined at the hip and we're getting to do what we love together."

For more on the love-struck couple's music, visit facebook.com/thetallesttreeband

Monday 28 July 2014

The Forty Nineteens Q&A

Band name:
The Forty Nineteens, it is Calif legal code for Good Behavior Credit, our saying is Everyone deserves time off for good behavior. 

Where are you from?
The band is from Temecula, California. We are inland and between LA and San Diego. It is an area with many wineries. John grew up in Detroit, I'm from Pittsburgh, Chuck Hemet Calif and Chris is from New Hampshire.

Who is in your band?
John Pozza: vocals/bass, Chuck Gorian: guitar, Christopher Whelton: guitar, Nick Zeigler: drums

How would you describe yourselves?
We've been told that we have a modern take on the 80's garage/pop scene. I guess we somehow manage to take all the influences and give it a modern twist. We've never stopped listening to new music, so maybe that helps us. 

Who are your main influences musically?
John likes The Romantics, Beatles, Graham Parker and the Rumour, Chuck likes Social Distortion, Chris likes Allman Bros influences, and I like The Who, and garage rock.

What do you hope to achieve in music?
We achieve it every day, that is, just being able to play is a big achievement in its own right. We don't set unrealistic goals, we just make sure we continue writing a creating. 

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?
May I break it down into recording and live?  The most important thing recording wise, is having David Newton from The Mighty Lemon Drops as our producer. He makes recording fun, and makes you want to get in there and not be afraid to try anything. That is rare!!  And for live: John and I go way back, playing with a lot of cool bands, but the biggest highlight for us was recently playing with The Fleshtones at Pappy and Harriet's. They are an incredible band, Legends!!, one of the last  active bands from CBGB's. Jumping on the tables, balancing on chairs while playing guitar solos. They do it all!! We provided the backline for them, so the even helped us load our gear. Awesome!  

And what’s the moment you want to forget?
That one night in Anytown USA on tour, Let's just say...stay away from inexpensive whiskey, and tilt-a-whirls, cos you'll lose every time. Seriously though, we've never taken ourselves serious enough to have a moment to forget. 

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?
Pink '55 Bel Air. It's just a stomper of a song. Distorted bass, farfisa, two guitar solos, surf beat, and garage rock vocals. 

Where can we listen to it?



Where can we find out more about your music?

Anything else you’d like to say about your band/music that I forgot to ask?
We'd like to remind everyone to support their local music scene. It depends on and needs you. 


Rugged & Draped Q&A

Your names:
Yona & Dayana.

Where are you from?

Yona was born in New York. Dayana in Lebanon. Rugged & Draped was born in Los Angeles

Name of band: 

Rugged & Draped.

How would you describe yourselves?
We are Muck. A new form of rock that is wet and trashy and as a rule deep and ensnaring. We play to accent the noises that are less conventional and we write lyrics that are meant to challenge the mind. Our mission is to help persons become more analytic and less damned and forgotten.

Who are your main influences musically?
The Velvet Underground had a profound effect on our decision to start publishing our music. We took a lot of inspiration from bands such as Slipknot, Nirvana.

What do you hope to achieve in music?
A reality where people are being entertained but also entertaining new ideas. Ideas that come from the art they chose to surround themselves with. At the heart of our message we scream "if you have the courage to die, have the courage to live".

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?
Connecting with people. Fans, artists, and people in the industry alike are more than just numbers to us. What we treasure most is community and mentality. So really no single show or day of sales will ever compare to the knowledge that we have extended an idea that captivates and ignites the minds of others. In our own way we are building a more accepting and knowledgeable world. Every step towards this we see come to fruition is exhilarating.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?
Not applicable. We treasure all of our experiences right down to living on the streets and handing out free CDs to our fellow homeless. Truly there is no point in facing problems if you don't make those experiences into unforgettable moments. So forget shame and regret and reclaim every part of life as an experience. That is learning to live well. This we know will lead to less suffering. Shortly put "get good at living and be good at living".

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?
"Evilution is a Lie" really signifies a lot for us. It's a song about being at the edge of wholeness and health yet being enamored with negativity. We wrote and recorded it in our RV atop a cliff in Malibu overlooking the ocean. We felt at the time so harmonious in ourselves yet so at odds with society. The chorus "everything elemental, love and strife,  comes together seperates and dies" is an ancient theory of the philosopher Empedocles.  It says to us that all that is, the good and the bad, is what moves human existence. It is a reminder to accept and be in harmony with the processes that makes us who we are.

Where can we listen to it? 
http://www.reverbnation.com/ruggeddraped/song/18920646-evilution-is-a-lie



Where can we find out more about your music?
We are very active tweeters. We say things we think and feel and that are incorporated in our music. So check out https://twitter.com/TollensModus
If you want to listen to our music, see whats new with us, or ask us anything then check us out on reverbnation. http://www.reverbnation.com/ruggeddraped
You can connect and interact with us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ruggedndraped
If you want to buy our album pre pressed release you can find it in all the major online retailers, through our reverbnation store or one of these links.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-gummy-bear-orgy-pp/id732484879
https://www.amazon.com/gp/dmusic/device/mp3/store/album/B00G61PPHU?ie=UTF8#album/B00G61PPHU
It's also available on international Amazon sights just search "The Gummy Bear Orgy" which is the name of the album.


Anything else you’d like to say that I forgot to ask?
Orgy meant in ancient Greek: a group that shares the same theory.
Rugs and Drapes are used to decorate. We choose this name because we notice the integral nature of self. We are all decorated by ourselves and society.
There is something about being skinny and walking around in leather jackets that is just a lot of fun.
Also here is our official bio:
Rugged and Draped is Muck. A new genre of music and the premium grunge alternative. A dynamic mixture of noise rock, philosophical lyrics, and global activism. Muck is wet garbage and our sound is wet and trashy. We highlight the time between the times and the sounds that compose those sounds which are whole and beautiful. We do so to help you see that everything is integral. As people we are constructed of all perceptions of ourselves. Those known to us and those unknown to us. As part of society we change along with the world. As musicians the meaning of our works are altered by the inter-subjective mental world.
We are all Rugged & Draped. We are decorated and arranged by those around us. Planned by our selves. We are beings of context and subtext, intention and extension. Our music is for you, for us, and will have it's effect directly or indirectly on everyone. Be part of the direction! Put yourself in the path of our vector and have your heart and mind set on fire by the constant that is our change. We are all sensing, acting, and reacting. We share this world together. We are you, your family, and your society.

Sunday 27 July 2014

Lish Ventura Q&A

Your name
Alycia (Lish) Ventura. 

Where are you from? 
Leominster, Massachusetts, USA.

How would you describe yourselves?
I like to think of myself from a singing perspective as a person who can sing whatever is thrown at them. I literally can sing anything from Birdy to Evanesence. Its really just about emotion and trying to send the message that the song is trying to get across.

Who are your main influences musically? 
Mostly Katy Perry, because she was rejected by numerous record labels, but never gave up on her dream. 

What do you hope to achieve in music? 
I want to inspire someone to persevere a career that they love. Most people get put down when they want their dreams to come true, so I want someone to look at me and say, "If she did it, why can't I?"

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why? 
Being number three on the Boston pop charts is possibly the greatest thing to ever happen to me, because I get told that I am a fantastic singer all the time by friends and family, it isn't out of the ordinary. But when complete strangers look at what I have to offer and like it, that's when it hits you that you have something. Also, my video "Imaginary"is one of my larger accomplishments on this path. We had a lot of people in the production of this video and we had a lot of fun doing it.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?
I don't want to forget anything, really. I know it sounds corny, but every mistake you make on a career path is a lesson, and if i forgot one of my lessons, I don't think I would be where I am today. 

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?  
At the moment, I just have cover songs posted. But the song that represents me, and what I want my music to represent is Titanium. Its influential in many ways: "you shoot me down, but I won't fall, I am titanium." The beat of the music is really happy and fun too. 

Where can we listen to it?


Where can we find out more about your music?

Anything else you’d like to say that I forgot to ask?
My new songs will be released in late 2014 and early 2015 , for starters. I will be accomplishing a lot soon! I am currently working in the studio with Emmy/Platinum Award winning producer Sunny Lake, Media Producer Eric Baird, and Music Industry Veteran Hugh Norton at Crush Media Studios near Boston, Massachusetts. I am currently writing new songs for an album. We are not sure of the release date as of yet, but we are moving as quickly as possible to get it all complete. I continue to write new songs each week as the whole thing takes shape. I'm really excited to share it all with he world, but I also want to make sure it's just right before we do. I want make sure I have a great connection to this new music and it's something my fans will also feel is the right thing. I want them to feel this music they way that I do. We are having a lot of fun and I think in the end that is the most important thing. You have to love what you do. Now that my fan base has really started to grow I have gained a new appreciation for all of them. The comments really drive me to keep pushing harder. This whole thing is going to take off and I am so thrilled to be right here in the middle. Nothing could be better.

Foxer Q&A

Your name: 
Sam J Cutbush.

Where are you from? 
Gosport, UK.

Name of band: 
Foxer.

Who else is in your band?
I play bass and sing, we also have Peaceman on vocals and guitar, Roy Ludford on guitar and synth and Jack Mitchell behind the kit.

How would you describe yourselves? 
We play our version of rock and roll!

Who are your main influences musically? 
Led Zeppelin, Queens of The Stone Age, a whole host of blues, rock, funk, latin... good music inspires!

What do you hope to achieve in music? 
To keep making it.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why? 
Playing with Loading Data on their UK tour, a great bunch, amazing band, and we've stayed friends after, playing with them again later in the year.

And what’s the moment you want to forget? 
Getting a set cut short at a gig in Camden at an empty venue after taking three hours to get there due to getting lost...

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why? 
The Great Brain Robbery. The energy is palpable, it's a powerful, intense song and sums up us as a force.

Where can we listen to it? 



Where can we find out more about your music? 

Anything else you’d like to say that I forgot to ask? 
Just that music is the most powerful force in the world. Get a song in your head and your ass to a gig!

Saturday 26 July 2014

New single from Calling All Cars

CALLING All Cars have released the video for new single Standing In The Ocean with the band's album Raise The People out on Monday.

Lead singer and principal songwriter of the Melbourne outfit, Haydn Ing, said the song was "one of those that just came to me, almost like it had to get out and be heard".

He wrote the song in just 15 minutes and the band recorded a demo in three hours the next day at Ing's small home studio, with blankets and pillows over their makeshift drum kit and amp-less bass so as not to annoy the neighbours.

Ing added: "The finished product is literally the first time we ever played the song, so there's a desperation and an excitement captured in there that can sometimes be very hard to reproduce. And if you listen carefully, you might even hear my next door neighbour's dog."

You can watch the video below and for more on the band visit callingallcars.net


Debut album coming from David Woodcock

SINGER-songwriter David Woodcock will release his eponymous debut album on September 1st through Blow Up Records.

The pianist's first singles have already gained strong UK radio support from Steve Lamacq on BBC 6 Music, and John Kennedy on XFM.

And what's more, David is from RealSoundsOK's home town of Southend-on-Sea.

You can order the album now on iTunes and you can listen to the track Beggars Can't Be Choosers below.


Debut single from See You In Reno

ROCK four-piece See You In Reno have released their debut single Check.

It is taken from the Essex outfit's debut EP Masks, which is out next month, and was produced by Feed The Rhino's Oz Craggs at Hidden Track Studios.

Of course, RealSoundsOK was waaaayy ahead on these guys and if you want to find out a bit more about them, check out the Q&A they did with me a full year ago by clicking here.

You can also have a listen to Check below and visit seeyouinreno.com for more info and loads of links.


Little Grace Q&A

We’re Little Grace.

Where are you from?
All based around the Liverpool area, the majority of us are from a small industrial town called Widnes.

Who is in your band? 
There are five of us;
Ben and Adam Harrison, both of whom bring the vocals, Mike Doyle is the guitarist, Callum Horridge plays bass and Peter Kirby is our drummer.

How would you describe yourselves?
We do introduce ourselves as a pop/soul/R&B band, although recently we’ve been working on a more electric sound, but still we still sit quite comfortably into the pop genre.

Who are your main influences musically?
When it comes to song writing we are heavily influenced by the likes of John Legend, but as individuals our influences range from Marvin Gaye to Mike Skinner.

What do you hope to achieve in music?
At the moment we’re striding to get our music heard, that being by the industry, or by general listeners. But we’ve always been interested in the likes of Radio 1, so it would mean a huge amount to us if we ever had a play on there. We’re also quite into the collaborations, but we would be here all night listing who we’d like to collab with.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?
Within the past six months we have recorded and released our debut self-titled EP, which has been one of the greatest experiences for us so far, as well as it being an amazing time we all learnt a tremendous amount from it, so its something we’ll never forget. We’re also lined up to play The Great British R&B Festival later in August, which we’re sure will be a great experience.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?
There aren’t that many to be fair. There was that one time we set out for a gig in York, and about two minutes into the journey we discovered that a Corsa isn’t built to take a full band (with gear) on a 100-mile round trip.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?
We have a tune on Little Grace called ‘Past Time History’, which is most probably the closest representation of us that we have recorded. Although the song isn’t actually written about a personal experience, it’s more based on an idea or a story if you would.

Where can we listen to it? 
All of our music is available from the following links!
https://twitter.com/LittleGraceUK  (Or @littlegraceuk (same for Instagram))


Anything else you’d like to say that I forgot to ask?
Thanks for this opportunity! It really does mean a lot, keep up the good work!

Thursday 24 July 2014

MorphiuM Q&A

Your name: 
Alex Bace.

Where are you from?
Spain.

Name of band:
MorphiuM.

How would you describe yourselves? 
Like a plague.

Who are your main influences musically? 
From Marilyn Manson to Porcupine Tree.

What do you hope to achieve in music?
We hope to spread our illness, Morphium.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why? 
After nearly 10 years there have been many important moments but playing at the other end of the world with groups like Motorhead, Testament, Inflames, Moonspell...is one of the most outstanding moments.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?
I can't remember!

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why? 
En el abismo, it's a review of everything we are, you can get an idea with the music video of this song.

Where can we listen to it?

Where can we find out more about your music? 

Emma Louise Hewson Q&A

Your name: 
Emma Louise Hewson.

Where are you from? 
I was raised in Guelph ON, but have been living in Toronto for the past six years.

Who else is in your band? 
I'm a solo act, but I'm occasionally joined by Raphael Roter. He recorded the percussion on my first EP, just released in June.

How would you describe yourself?
I'm a Toronto-based singer/pianist/songwriter, with a strong passion to express myself fully. What that means, is that even though most of my music is R&B/pop, I like to improvise a lot and be creative with my music and stage performances. I'm really interested in performing as an authentic artist, who is continually evolving and expressing herself. 

Who are your main influences musically?
I studied classical piano for years, listening to Bach, Debussy, Chopin etc.. but I always had an ear out for pop/r&b. My first album, given to me by my father when I was around six years old, was of Mariah Carey. Presently, I'm most inspired by the careers of Rihanna and Kimbra, and I'm very heavily influenced by the local Toronto music scene.

What do you hope to achieve in music?
I really hope to achieve a career where I feel totally able to express myself and my ideas with ease. I'm personally inspired by musicians who stand by their causes, stand by their desires, and express everything fully through their art. That's real, and that makes me feel alive. I would love to be proof that you can be fully expressed and live life as a strong person mentally, emotionally, physically and creatively.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?
Recording and releasing my album for sure. Hands down it's my proudest musical achievement because I never quit and I went for it even when I had no idea how I was going to do it! Getting my degree in music from York University last year was also a high point.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?
All of the crazy/crying/run-out-of-the-room-I'm-so-scared performance anxiety I had during my classical training and university performances. haha.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?
The Best is the single off of the new EP, and I picked it for many reasons. I wrote it in high school, so it represents that teenage part of me who at the same time really believed in myself and also really doubted my ability. It's kind of the champion of my high school self. Like, see? We made it. 

Where can we listen to it?




Where can we find out more about your music?

Wednesday 23 July 2014

Subject To Thoughts Q&A

Your name:
Mark Mendieta.

Where are you from?
Brownsville, Texas.

Name of band:
Subject to Thoughts.

Who else is in your band?
Brandon Strader who is from Weirton, West Virginia.

How would you describe yourselves?
Mark: Personally, I would describe myself as a musician, but I would have to say that I am also a thinker, creator, and perfectionist. As for Subject to Thoughts, we are a progressive rock/metal band with a twist.
Brandon: I work a security day job. By night, I make a lot of video game remixes and put them on Youtube. In the deepest night, I record vocals for Subject to Thoughts. I play a lot of different instruments, and offer mixing and mastering services to bands as well as the occasional studio work.

Who are your main influences musically?
Mark: Dream Theater, My Dying Bride, Katatonia, Anekdoten & Enchant.
Brandon: Right now, I would have to say Blackfield and Wintersun. Both bands offer endless inspiration in very different styles, and offer a goal to strive towards.

What do you hope to achieve in music?
Mark: Being able to make a name for ourselves would be great, but if that never happens, I would just be fine continuing to make the music that I love and enjoy.
Brandon: I hope to create music that I enjoy far down the line. I don't know where I will be, but I'll be happy with the arsenal of music I'm cranking out.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?
Mark: Well, I would have to say being featured on internet radio stations like ProgRock & Metal (PRM) & Dr. John’s Unsigned Rock Surgery just to name a few. This definitely gives us an opportunity to showcase our music to the world. Also, having the pleasure to be reviewed and recently published on the UK fanzine: Amplified Rock #135 and another UK magazine Gonzo Weekly #84 is definitely a great honor and a way for people to read about us.
Brandon: Apart from singing vocals for Subject to Thoughts, getting paid to mix and master an album for Careless Juja, as well as recording vocals for The Legendary Zoltan's album, were real highlights. It was the first time I started to realize that I could probably work professionally for clients and I hope to do that a lot more in the future. The first album with Subject to Thoughts, although a little old now, was a ton of fun to work on and the next albums will also be fun. I like that the band has retained Mark's unique style and sound.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?
Mark: My singing in the first two albums. That’s why Brandon is now the singer...
Brandon: Being so old and being so bad at guitar at my age!

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?
Mark: That’s a hard question to answer, but I would have to pick Since the Inception from our latest album The Culmination. For me, the song title says it all. My destiny has always been to be a musician, and I am achieving that dream. Musically, this describes Subject to Thoughts’ sound at its best. Thought­-provoking, yet progressive.
Brandon: I like the StT single, "Love Forever", a lot. It was the only occasion where I got to write the lyrics and name the song.

Where can we listen to it? 



Where can we find out more about your music?

Places to purchase our albums
"The Culmination"
and who knows where else

"From Sunrise to Sunset"

“To Embrace the Light”

“From Emptiness to Beyond”

Anything else you’d like to say that I forgot to ask?
I’d would like to thank you for this wonderful opportunity. I hope your readers find our answers intriguing that they will want to check out Subject to Thoughts.
Right now, we are currently working on our upcoming album. Hopefully, to be released by this year. Musically, this is going to be a new chapter for StT. The music is darker, heavier, but most importantly, it is very progressive. Just the way I like it, challenging...

Jay Pollock releases Sunflower album

INDIE rock artist Jay Pollock has released the album Sunflower.

The Toronto multi-instrumentalist and singer got in touch with RealSoundsOK to tell us about the album.

He said: "I comfortably write crooked lyrics and freely bend the melodies towards the sour notes. My father was a world champion Scottish bagpiper, so I rebelled and played the sitar. 
In some ways, this brought me to my current writing style. 

"My bass player, Ben Huband is a legally blind, nude-model who walks 10 miles a day and obsessively memorizes celebrity death anniversaries. My drummer, Lowell Whitty is jazz-trained, wild, and also plays in a brass funk band (The Heavyweights Brass Band). 

"Sunflower showcases the twisted melodies that mirror my thoughts."

You can listen below and for more information visit jaypollock.com

Folk artist Jay Woodward releases Garden In The Sun video

INDIE folk artist Jay Woodward has released a video for the song Garden In The Sun.

The track is taken from his album Letters We Told and the man from Rochester, New York, is already working on a follow-up.

You can view the video below and for more information visit JayWoodward.com

Mother Leads release new single

CANADIAN hard rock trio Mother Leads have released the single It's A Feeling.

It's the second track taken from the Ajax, Ontario, outfit's debut full-length Myriad out next month.

You can check out the video for It's A Feeling below and for more on the band visit motherleads.com

Friday 18 July 2014

Venture Q&A

Your name: 
Miles Burrows.

Where are you from?
Wigan, UK.

Name of band:
Venture.

Who else is in your band?
Lucy Burrows - Lead Vocals
Joshua Fairhurst- Bass
Michael Hargreaves- Drums
Thom Mutch - Guitar

How would you describe yourselves?
Acoustic ska punk with daft pop melodies and folk thrown in.

Who are your main influences musically?
The King Blues, Against Me! Lyrically we perhaps aren't as political as those bands, me and Lucy were raised on the Smiths, so I guess you could call them an influence as well.

What do you hope to achieve in music?
To make good music we would listen to and can be proud of. If other people like it too, then that's cool.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?
Signing to ScreamLite Records.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?
Being sick on stage. Ugh.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?
Stay True.

Where can we listen to it?


Where can we find out more about your music?