Wednesday 30 April 2014

Debut full-length from Thought Beneath Film

THOUGHT Beneath Film have released their debut full-length Cartographers.

The band from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, have spent the best part of three years making the album, which was mixed and mastered by Grammy winners Tom Lord-Alge and Bob Ludwig.

Brent from TBF told RealSoundsOK: "Our songs may appear to be straight-up pop-rock tunes, but beneath there's something more. There is substance, sophistication and intention within the music. You don't have to dig deeper though. You can stay above the surface or dive to new depths."

Bandmate Brian added: "Our desires are considerable — we're not content with being cool because we want to be great. We want to be the biggest band in the world. There's a stigma to admitting this, but we can't care. We stand in fierce opposition of the exclusivity and exclusionism that seems to have consumed the music industry.
Thought Beneath Film's music is for you, for them, for everyone."

You can have a listen to first single If I Could Fix You below and for all things Thought Beneath Film visit thoughtbeneathfilm.ca

Israeli rock trio Memory In Plant deliver debut single



AGING Souls is the first single from Israeli rock band Memory In Plant.

The band was formed just last year in Tel Aviv and member Imri Cohen told RealSoundsOK: "Aging Souls is about memories and flashbacks. It starts soft and easy listening and accelerates to a high-tempo gallop.

"Our sounds consist with extreme layers music. The music is influenced by experimental, psychedelic, electronic and progressive rock.

The lyrics consist with elements of space and time, with the additional human planting here and there. The songs structure is experimental and non­-traditional and was influenced by our special record methods."

The band will release their debut EP this summer and are currently working on their live shows. For more information visit facebook.com/memoryinplant or twitter.com/memoryinplant.

Your Ghost Is Formed rises from Sunset Graves

UK electro-rock outfit Sunset Graves will release new track Your Ghost Is Formed on May 19th.

The single will also include an exclusive non-album track Turquoise.

Your Ghost Is Formed is a follow-up to Sunset Graves' debut album Variant, which spans a variety of genres from track to track with the likes of post-rock, ambient electronic and trip-hop all on offer. 

But Andy Fosberry - the man behind Sunset Graves - heads to a more electronic place with his new work.

You can have a listen below and to find out more visit sunsetgraves.com, twitter.com/sunsetgraves or facebook.com/sunsetgraves


Indie folk man Jay releases Winter Song

US folk artist Jay Woodward has released the single Winter Song off his Letters We Told album.

Having spent half his life living near Rochester, New York, Jay then ventured to West Virginia for college and then to California, where he currently lives.

Jay, who worked as a sound engineer at Capitol Studios in Hollywood, has already won a host of plaudits for his music, but you can make your own mind up by having a listen.

And if you like what you hear, visit jaywoodward.com or find him on Facebook.



New video from daysdeaf


HERE'S the video for Giving Life To Greys, the first single taken from the new daysdeaf album When Colour Lost Light.

The band from Toronto, Canada, told RealSoundsOK: "The process involved using a ten-gallon fish tank and mixture of acrylic inks, food dye, and pigment. We explored the emotion and tone of the song through a series of experiments by mixing these materials.


"The album song titles work as a gradient. Starting from white, the songs are then ordered in the form of the electromagnetic spectrum, then moving to phenomena of light.

"We identify with colours, but our colour is always temporary, moving from one to the next. Ever-changing. This album is a subjective look at the omni-present, yet, unconscious influence colour has on identity.

"Hopefully some music stays with you and leaves you deaf for days."

You can download the album from http://daysdeaf.bandcamp.com/album/when-colour-lost-light and have a listen below.

Lily Q&A

Band name:
Lily.

Where are you from?
Japan.

Who is in your band? 
Fumie Yagi : Vocals Guitar
Hiroyasu Nakamura : Drums

How would you describe yourselves? 
We are a two-piece band formed in 2008, playing alternative rock , progressive rock and pop. 

Who are your main influences musically? Our influences are the underground musicians in Japan. We often went to the live music clubs or bars in the town where we live to listen to their music in those days when our band started. And these days, we are influenced by some of the singers in Iceland and Sweden.

What do you hope to achieve in music? We want to continue to creative good songs and perform them not only in Japan but also in the world, and hope that so many people will listen to our music.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why? We don’t think that we have a career or a highlight yet, but we supported various musicians and have played in many places within Japan.  

And what’s the moment you want to forget? None, we appreciate everything that we experienced.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?
It would be a song called “SAKOTIS”. It expresses what we are now and we feel very special.




Where can we find out more about your music?


Paul Sammons and The Leveler's Apprentice Q&A

Your name: 
Paul Sammons.

Where are you from? 
Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.

Name of band: 
Paul Sammons & The Leveler's Apprentice.

How would you describe yourself? 
I view myself as an artist for social change and justice. I craft culture in my local community and bring about awareness on issues concerning my people. 

Who are your main influences musically? 
Nirvana, Radiohead, Postal Service, Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Leadbelly, Robert Johnson, & Sun House.

What do you hope to achieve in music? 
Food, shelter, bills, and social reform. 

What has been the highlight of your career thus far and why? 
Performing coast to coast in the United States and acquiring the means of production and the skills to use a state of the art music studio. In my travels I have become well versed in American "worker" culture, and am now able to produce art and music from the songs to the final product.

And what's the moment you want to forget? 
I would like to forget the numerous  musicians who are in it for themselves and for fame and fortune who I have helped along the way.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why? 
My new E.P. starting with "A Lifetime Ago" are my most resent releases and are of the highest quality. These songs represent where I am now as an artist!

Where can we listen to it?  


Where can we find out more about your music? 
Twitter- @sammonsmusic

Tuesday 29 April 2014

Core Critical Q&A

Your name: 
Bev Wills.

Where are you from? 

Leeds, England.

Name of band:

Core Critical.

Who else is in your band?

Derek Fremd, Rodrigo Valente, Al Nigro and Enrique Blanco.

How would you describe yourselves? 

We are a truly International rock band, based in Miami, Florida, with an English lead singer, Uraguayan drummer and three American guitarists. Core Critical brings a combination of raw power, inspired vocals, driving guitars and a muscular rhythm section to its 38 original songs.

Who are your main influences musically? 

Honestly, we don’t have any. We just set out to sound like ourselves. The music reflects and supports the lyrics for each song.

What do you hope to achieve in music? 

We would like to be established as a recognised touring band, playing to sell out venues.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why? 

There have to be three! The first was being given a film crew to make the videos for our year long appearance on Comcast’s ‘Xfinity on Demand’ cable TV channel. The second would be my appearance on the BBC radio programme ‘One on One’. I always wanted to be on Desert Island Discs and this is the local radio version! Finally, the crowd reaction when we first performed our homage to punk ‘Go For It’!

And what’s the moment you want to forget? 

None so far. You learn from the bad stuff. ;-)

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

Cynical, because it is sarcastic, mocking and easy for a live crowd to help us out with ‘Yeahs’ and ‘Yeah Rights’ ;-)

Where can we listen to it?  

http://youtube.com/watch?v=VD2tULDT7ck



Where can we find out more about your music?

www.thebandcorecritical.com
www.facebook.com/TheBandCoreCritical
www.soundcloud.com/the-band-core-critical
www.reverbnation.com/CoreCritical
www.youtube.com/TheBandCoreCritical
Twitter: @CoreCritical

Anything else you’d like to say about your band/music that I forgot to ask?
We are obviously a ‘mature’ band and all our songs are about life. Some people have kindly said I am a ‘Rock Poet’ and, thanks to the support of many corporate sponsors, we were able to publish an eBook of all my lyrics and why I wrote them etc., as a free download on our website here: www.thebandcorecritical.com/the-life-trilogy-free-download

Maxime Solemn Q&A

Your name:  
Maxime Solemn.

Where are you from? 
Belgium.

How would you describe yourself? 
I'm a solo artist focusing on metalcore. I play the guitar, piano, bass, violin and I do the screams/vocals as well. When it comes to visual appearance, I'm mostly inspired by the Japanese rock scene (visual kei and such). 

Who are your main influences musically?
I've got lots of different influences for every instrument I play or write lines for. When it comes to vocals, I've always admired Tim Lambesis' work (that's a pretty controversial topic right now though). As for the guitar, I'm a huge Galneryus/Syu fan. I also love Hans Zimmer's compositions and that kind of writing will be prominent in my next releases.

What do you hope to achieve in music?
I've got both individualistic goals, as well as goals towards others. Hearing from someone that my music inspires them or helps them, literally makes my day. But of course, I have some personal goals as well... I'd love to tour Japan one day! 

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?
There were two things that really touched me. The first being the fact that I became "Band of the Week" on CrescendoTV. That felt amazing. The second one was getting fan art... It's not really a highlight when it comes to success or anything, but to me, getting a gift from someone because they like your work is the best feeling in the world.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?
There's no moment I want to forget. Every moment of my musical career defines me as an artist and as a human being. Bad moments make you stronger and wiser, whereas good moments are extremely motivational.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?
That's a really tough one! I've got new songs in the works that represent me much better, haha! If I can use unreleased songs; Scorched Wings. If I can only use what I have released so far; Take The Hits

Where can we listen to it?
I uploaded every song of mine to my YouTube channel. They're available on Spotify, iTunes and Amazon as well. 



Where can we find out more about your music? 
Official Site: https://www.maximesolemn.com 

Anything else you’d like to say about your music that I forgot to ask?
Look out for my future releases! I can promise right here, right now, that it's going to be amazing. I'll be focusing way more on the melodic aspect and the choruses will be filled with huge touching violin melodies!

Serafia Q&A

Your name:
Serafia (pronounced Sir-Raw-Fee-Yuh).

Where are you from?
I live in Austin, Texas, but am from Monterey, CA – Cali girl for life!
  
How would you describe yourself?
I describe my sound as strong, soulful and pioneering….You can hear that I am a junkie for the classics, but I’ve re-created what I love about old music into my own unique “modern” sound. If Donna Summer, Sade, Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey and the Eurythmics had an orgy and created a musical love child out of it – that would be me! Hahaha

Who are your main influences musically?
My main influences are across the board from Aretha Franklin, to Queen to Ella Fitzgerald to Donna Summer to Prince – I’m inspired by the classics – the giants. People that created their own sound and became legends for it. This is what I want to do with my music.

What do you hope to achieve in music?
(See Above).

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?
The highlight of my career so far, was when I heard my voice on national television for singing and co-writing the theme song to a show on the Style Network called, Empire Girls. It aired in the US and South Africa in the summer of 2012 and into 2013. You can still catch the show on Netflix!

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

Non, je ne regrette rien! – No regrets!


If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?
My debut single, Touching My Soul along with the music video represents exactly who I am as an artist. I’m a risk taker. I like to think of myself as a musical pioneer. I think the song and the video is just that. Pioneering. I think I really created something artistically new with this one.

Where can we listen to it?



Where can we find out more about your music? 
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/touching-my-soul-ep/id785103950

Monday 28 April 2014

Electronics Anonymous Q&A

Your name: 
J.D. Haydon.

Where are you from? 
Dallas,TX.

Name of band: 
Electronics Anonymous.

Who else is in your band? 
This is a solo music project.

How would you describe yourselves? 
A mix of old school 80's synth, and new electronic music.

Who are your main influences musically? 
The Cars, The Doors, Depeche Mode, New Order, Joy Division, Tiesto, Calvin Harris.  

What do you hope to achieve in music? 
I would like to grow the electronic synth music scene locally, then from there get noticed by someone who can help me quit my day job. Basically I am not looking to go to the grammys ect. I just want to do what I love to do and get rewarded emotionally and financially.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why? 
I was suprised to hear a song I did on one of CBS's radio stations in Dallas,TX.

And what’s the moment you want to forget? 
So far so good, no forgettable moments yet! (knock on wood).

 If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why? 
Of the songs posted online I would say "I Don't Care". I think life is full of ups and downs, and this song is a lot like that.

Where can we listen to it?  

http://www.reverbnation.com/eamusicusa




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? 
I will be finalizing my live set soon along with a music video. Also, I am in the final stages of music production for my first collection of songs that will be released later in 2014.

The Coolness Q&A

Band Name:
The Coolness.

Where are you from?
We are based in Bethnal Green, London, but originally all from a small island called Portsmouth just off the south coast of England.

How would you describe yourself?
Curly haired geeks. 100% Rock n Roll (but using Apple Macs and Casio keyboards). We make catchy songs people can get naughty to.

Who are your main influences musically?
We vaguely remember listening to Brit Pop and Rave music when were very young. As well as 90s music we also love cheesy 80s hairspray rock and electropop. Being a child of 90s and watching TV shows like The Beatles anthology means we also love 60s psychedelia. We believe we have an original genre defying sound. Maybe it’s down to our idealism of the ‘cool’ aesthetic but we cannot recall any specific artist. Obviously writing music using GarageBand and Logic means we love many electronic and modern pop production techniques.

What do you hope to achieve in music?
Well, if we were actually in music - which isn’t actually a physical entity - then we would hope to have some kind of ghost erection.
We don’t aim to disappoint. To be honest we already feel we are achieving a great deal considering the fact that we are 100% independent and artistically free. We would like to take some of this success, the crazy ideas it spawns and take it to other continents as we have never played on Asian or South American soil. We have already written around 50 songs as the Coolness and hope to release these properly one day, once we can afford the right person to mix and master the songs and do them justice.
Apply here, LOL!

What have been the highlight of your career so far?
We discovered the singer Charli XCX on Myspace and she played her first 10 shows with us. She’s gone on to do well and could potentially do something incredible. We get more joy out of doing things for others than ourselves. Loads of other bands have supported us and gone on to greater things too, acts like Fat White Family, Is Tropical and Crystal Fighters to name a few. We like to think that because we have a unique sound and theatrical performance that it influences and inspires all of those around us.

What what’s the moment you want to forget?
Getting arrested and wrestled to the floor by security in Tesco, Milton Keynes, for grazing on 50p pasties. We had just played a show at The Crawford Arms and were extremely hung over. Until 2012 The Coolness used to be a four piece band and have a bass player. Very recently this person in an act of selfishness decided to delete our entire Youtube channel (well 40 videos and hundreds of thousands of views). Obviously we want to play at festivals this summer and most promoters religiously look at Youtube so it’s a bit annoying. I guess these things happen if you surround yourself with people with a self-fulfilling mentality, so we only have ourselves to blame.

If you had to pick just one your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?
We would pick our song ‘Pieces’. It’s a bitter sweet and heartfelt disco ballad, very fast (140bpm+) and has a distinct 8 beat keyboard signature refrain, many backing vocals and loud rock guitar. ‘Pieces’ lyrics are about being consumed by a deep long depression and dealing with the struggles it brings. We’d like to think this song will inspire anybody feeling down. Not many bands can write disco ballads but we feel it’s our speciality and these types of songs last the test of time.

Where can we listen to it?
We recorded this demo in a few hours using the built in Mac mic and a midi pad virtual drumkit but you get the picture…



Where can we find out more about your music?

Is there anything else you'd like to add that I forgot to ask?
We would like to add that if anyone is reading this and is doing or considering music or art as a way of life then we would like to tell them that it’s never going to be easy and therefore not to give up. Go on the dole, sleep on friends' floors and eat beans if you have to. It could take years or decades before you get any kind of recognition at all. The important thing is to never give up, concentrate on your art as being an idea above anything and to sell this idea or message in the most interesting and true way possible.

the Koniac Net Q&A

Your name:
David Abraham.

Where are you from? 
Bombay, India.

Name of band:
the Koniac Net.

Who is in your band?
David Abraham (myself): founder, composer, lead vocals, guitars & keys
Jason D’Souza: Mixing engineer (on my solo release and our new EP), guitars, and back vocals
Ishaan Krishna: guitars, and back vocals
Adil Kurwa: Bass
Karun “K-Pilly”: drums & Continuum

How would you describe yourselves?
We are an indie / alternative / hard rock band. Our goal is to not only promote our own music, but we do our best to showcase indie and alternative bands that are unheard of as well.
Every song I write is more or less a tribute to the various music genres that I love and respect. My main focus: melody (whether vocal or instrumental).

Who are your main influences musically?
Deftones, Helmet, Clutch, Toadies, Superdrag, Catherine Wheel, Teenage Fanclub, Swervedriver, Smashing Pumpkins, the French Kicks, Engine Down, the Revolution Smile, the Stills, Starfucker, Manchester Orchestra, Solar Powered People, Peter Rock, DeVante Swing.

What do you hope to achieve in music?
Something that no Indian band has done: international success as an indie band. At the moment though, the biggest dream and goal of mine is to be signed to an indie label (in the US, UK, Canada or France), and therefore start touring and playing live globally. I especially want to play live in the cities of the radio stations and blogs that have and will support my music.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?
Considering my first album was done entirely by me (the band was formed six months later after I started getting numerous requests from radio personalities to start working on touring in their respective countries), and that I had to network and promote the album by myself, I have been very fortunate to have gotten my music onto over 100 radio stations across 28 countries, numerous blog features praising my album (and now our EP), features by GQ Magazine, Rolling Stone Mag., Vogue, U&I Music Magazine (Ireland), Revolution 360 (New York), MTV, VH1, my songs used by Australia’s drama/comedy series FLAT WHITES, and much more.
There are a number of other moments: I would have to say the three months I sat in my bedroom composing and recording my first album One Last Monsoon (2012), and releasing it immediately it was mastered. In addition, I go into an almost euphoric state when blogs, magazines, or radio stations reply back to my e-mails and simply consider my work for a feature or airplay.
Meeting radio personalities and bloggers from around the world… many of them have become Facebook friends that I keep in touch with regularly. No better feeling than to share a common passion and obsession for music with people from various countries.
I even had a 14 year old girl who msg’d be two years ago telling me how much she loved my music, and wanted to use a couple of my songs in one of her book reports for school. That left me tremendously flattered & shocked (that someone so young actually liked my music to this extent).

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?
I would have to choose two actually: “Once, I Ruled by Myself” and “Another Point of View (A Halcyon Place To Be).”
Once, I Ruled by Myself: even though I wrote this song, every time I play it live, my hair stands. It perfectly represents what I love in music… the intensity of melody. I love creating vocal & guitar melodies that play with each other in the most beautiful of ways, therefore (and hopefully) evoking one’s own powerful passion for music through the song. 
Another Point Of View: this also perfectly describes what I love doing in music, and how I love to compose. I enjoy creating “happy” songs (chord progressions that are sort of joyful & upbeat), and then halfway through the song, I change the mood to something more serious & far more vigorous. And even though the vocal melodies & flow of the song produce that intensity, creating a powerful guitar lead part in the midst of the other melodies is very important to me too… to make that whole section of the song the pinnacle of emotional potency & manipulation … the absolute crescendo of that composition.

Where can we listen to it?

Where can we find out more about your music?
OKListen: http://www.oklisten.com/thekoniacnet  (you can buy all my music for VERY cheap here)
My music is also available on Amazon.com, Spotify, iTunes etc. (worldwide) 

Anything else you’d like to say about your band/music that I forgot to ask?
My debut album One Last Monsoon was composed, performed, and recorded entirely by me. I released in 2012, and after five months of radio airplay and positive reviews from around the world, I decided to transform my project from a solo act to a full-fledged (eventually five-piece) band.
Our new EP Abiogenesis (2014) was the first time all five members contributed to the writing and recording process. In addition, all of the songs from the album & EP (and our future second album) were written by me between 2000 and 2010. 

Sunday 27 April 2014

Our People Versus Yours bring new album

ESSEX post-hardcore quintet Our People Versus Yours release their debut album Machine Hearts Machine Minds tomorrow (April 28th) through Transend Music.

As a teaser, the band have unveiled a video for second single Fear No Evil, which you can view below.

They are also heading out on a UK tour from June 25th with dates in Swansea, London, Corby, Oldham, Bristol, Southampton, Leicester, Brighton and finishing in Carmarthen on July 3rd.

You can purchase the album by visiting ourpeopleversusyours.bigcartel.com and to find out more about the band visit facebook.com/ourpeopleversusyours or twitter.com/opvyuk


Arkells deliver new track ahead of album release



ROCK five-piece Arkells are releasing their third record this summer and have released the track Never Thought That This Would Happen as a teaser.

The album was produced by Tony Hoffer (Beck, Phoenix, M83) and recorded in Highland, Los Angeles.

The Canadian band told RealSoundsOK: "We wrote the record in our hometown of Hamilton, with a workmanlike approach. We went in five days a week, had an hour for lunch, and rode our bike's home. Our workshop was a 150-year-old building: a former spice factory, turned gay nightclub, turned abandoned building. The room isn't acoustically primed, but that forced the band to keep the essentials, lock into the grooves, and let the natural reverb take the tunes into cinematic places.

"Never Thought That This Would Happen was inspired by this beautiful little summer festival in rural Ontario called Hillside. Under the sun, there's live music, workshops and summer dresses flowing in the wind. Beneath the moonlight, there's drinking, dancing, and campfire sing-a-longs. This song takes place after all of that, sometime between Saturday night and Sunday morning. The song is a slow-burner, but by the end of it you should be moving."

You can check out the video above and for more on the band visit soundcloud.com/arkells, facebook.com/arkells or twitter.com/arkellsmusic

The Gateless Gate release fifth recording

POST-rock act The Gateless Gate have released new album Near North.

It is the fifth recording by Canadian Allister Thompson under this guise, but the first with partner Teri-Lynn Janveau, a classical pianist.

Allister told RealSoundsOK: "The recording is a musical travelogue through the wilderness of our province in Canada, a vast, sparsely populated natural area. 

"The music was influenced but such ambient masters as Harold Budd and Steve Roach, but also by such musicians as Popol Vuh, Arvo Pärt and Klaus Schulze. However, there are also strong folk, new age and psychedelic influences."

The 70-minute album is available at thegatelessgate.bandcamp.com and for more on the band visit thegatelessgate.net

In addition to making music, Allister also writes about it on his blog makeyourowntaste.wordpress.com



Fozzy drop new single Lights Go Out




METAL outfit Fozzy will release new track Lights Go Out tomorrow (April 28th) via Century Media Records.

The band - fronted by former WWE wrestler Chris Jericho - have been a constant force on the scene and worldwide touring circuit since 2000.

Fozzy are currently on the road in the US and will be heading the UK later this summer for the Download Festival.

Check out the video for Lights Go Out above and for more information on the band visit fozzyrock.com, facebook.com/fozzyrock or twitter.com/fozzyrock

New LP from retro duo Roladex



ELECTRO outfit Roladex have released 10-track LP Anthems For The Micro-Age along with a video for the track Cathode Rays.

The expertly written PR for the Texan duo says their music "weaves sparse, sequenced arpeggios into fuzzy bass and bubbly melodies to create a bed of sound where they layout a somehow bright melancholia".

You can get a taste for yourself by viewing the video above or streaming the album through bandcamp below.


And for more information, visit facebook.com/roladexmusic or twitter.com/roladexmusic


 

Lydia Harris And The Soul Garden Q&A

Your name?
Lydia Harris.

Where are you from?

London, UK.

Name of band:

Lydia Harris & The Soul Garden

Who else is in your band?

It's a collaborative project with a reputable production team/band called the Soul Garden (www.soulgarden.net ). Producer Mark Anthony owns the record label (www.digitaljukeboxrecords.com) I'm signed to.

How would you describe yourself?

A little quirky, strange and unique with a retro vibe.

Who are your main influences musically?

Billie Holiday, Little Esther, Janis Joplin, Nina Simone, Aretha, Hiatus Kaiyote, Erykah badu, George Formby, 'BIG BOY' CRUDUP, EARTHA KITT, BIG ELLA, NANCY WILSON, SISTER ERNESTINE WASHINGTON, BILL WITHERS, ELMORE JAMES, THE MILLS BROTHERS, LOUIE ARMSTRONG, SISTA ROSETTA STONE, JAMES BROWN, ETTA JAMES, HOWLING WOLF, FATS WALLER, LOUIS PRIMA, BIG MAYBELLE, PEGGY LEE, MJ (Early years) SKA, REGGAE, THE CHORDETTES, 20's, 30's and 50's JAZZ, 50's AND 60's SOUL, AMY WINEHOUSE, MICHAEL KIWIANUKA, BELLERUCHE, THE DAPKINGS, LISSIE, LITTLE DRAGON, FRIENDS, FINLEY QUAYE, AZURE RAY, MISS BABY SOL, THE DYNAMICS, ALICE RUSSEL AND THE QUANTIC SOUL ORCHESTRA, LADY, KATIE HERZIG, MELODY GARDOT, LEANNE LE HAVES, PAOLO NUTINI, PORTIS HEAD, BEN HOWARD, MARK RONSON AND THE DAPTONE HORNS, OUTKAST, ASA, NOISETTES, BASEMENT JAX, DUFFY, GABRIELA CILMI, NORAH JONES, NU-JAZZ, MARTINA TOPLEY BIRD, AVA LEIGH, RAPHAEL SAADIQ, MASSIVE ATTACK AAAAND SOOOO MUCH MORE! LOVE BIG FAT BRASS,
ANYTHING QUIRKY AND A LITTLE WEIRD!

What do you hope to achieve in music?

I hope to be heard, to be new, to be accepted and for people to love and relate to my music. I hope to merge old and new music and to make something really unique. I want to keep creating, collaborating and writing. I hope to  get better and to really excel as a singer/songwriter.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?

I feel It's a little too early on to say right now, It's the beginning of everything really. I am experiencing many highs at the mo as I've just started writing with The Soul Garden. Mark Anthony (http://www.sureshotproducer.com)  is really unique in his approach to music with regards to production and his style, taste and knowledge of music is really inspiring. Jason Williamson is a wicked keys player and also has a great understanding of my sound and style, I only have to sing one note and he knows straight away where I want to go with it. I feel my abilities as an artist are in the safest of hands right now. Both are a real pleasure to work with so this also has to be the highlight!

And what's the moment you want to forget?

Nothing really...not at the moment anyway!

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

Ahh tricky one...hmmm... Well, there is a new one we're working on but it's not out yet! It's really funky and I feel it represents my music perfectly. You'll just have to wait and see! My first single is out on April 30th and will give you a great understanding of my style and sound.

Where can we listen to it?

www.lydiaharris.co.uk - you can listen to a preview of 'Real life' here and on April 30th you can purchase it on iTunes.



Where can we find out more about your music?
https://www.facebook.com/LydiaHarrisUK
My website (mentioned above) should tell you all you need to know. Lydia Harris. First release out April 30th on iTunes. Also available from all global major retailers including EMusic, Napster, Rhapsody and Amazon.

Anything else you'd like to say about your band/music that I forgot to ask?

Get ready for some Retro pumping, funky ass, dope music! Me and the Soul Garden have a lot to say for ourselves and have plenty more to give! Peace, love, Soul n Jazz...always.