New 'cassettes' from Terrorista

POST-punk duo Terrorista have released two "cassettes" of their sounds.

Sam and Rich from the band got in touch to tell us: "We've been rippin' together for over ten years in various bands, playing countless shows in almost every venue Toronto has to offer, but Terrorista is the most exciting and high-energy music we've ever created.

"Over the next few months we plan to roll out a seies of cassette singles, each in their own flashy colour and fitting together to reveal a different part of who we are."

You can click on the cassettes below to listen for yourselves or head over to terrorista.bandcamp.com

The lads added: "Saturated in DIY ethos and marinated in 90s punk vibes, we hope these cassettes capture the work that we've put in so far and connect with you in a real way."

Self-titled debut from Low Country Hill

ROCK outfit Low Country Hill have released their self-titled debut album.

LCH is the new solo project of Paul Hogeterp, who got in touch with RealSoundsOK to tell us about the process.

He said: "It's hard to pin down what it feels like to make a debut record. It was produced by Dave King at his barn-turned-studio in Hamilton (Ontario, Canada), which has this amazing sonic architecture and good old-fashioned soul.

"If you have the genre-designation impulse you might file Low Country Hill under 'abbey rock'.

"When it was time to get down to work we started getting into some 'why not?' experimentation, driven by a trust in each other's instincts.

"A wonderful cast of talented compadres, family and guest musicians - including Pat Sansone of Wilco and The Autumn Defense, and Bill Dillon (Joni Mitchell, Peter Gabriel, Robbie Robertson, and Sarah MacLachlan) - expanded the adventure with their generous artistry and passion."

You can listen to the album below and for more information head over to lowcountryhill.com

Third album out from Stanley Odd

ALTERNATIVE hip-hop outfit Stanley Odd have released their third album A Thing Brand New via A Modern Way Recordings.

The Edinburgh-based group have also shared their track Her Name Was Hip Hop as a taster.

Frontman MC Solareye - aka Dave Hook - told RealSoundsOK: "The death of hip hop is not a new topic. Almost every generation of rapper declares 'hip hop is dead' as soon as a new generation appears.

"This is just my take on an established concept in hip hop culture, while allowing me to make comments and observations about some of the more negative effects of its commercialism."

You can listen to Her Name Was Hip Hop below and for more on the group visit www.stanleyodd.com

FlyDan Q&A

Your name: 
Danny Ryder.

Where are you from? 
Greenwich, South London.

Name of band: 
FlyDan.

Who else is in your band?
Just me I am a solo recording artist.

How would you describe yourself and your music?
I would describe myself as creative daring open minded and ambitious and I would describe my music in the same way.

Who are your main influences musically?
My musical influences are so varied from people like Jimi Hendrix and Michael Jackson to Wu-Tang Clang, but what actually influences and inspires me to make music are life experiences and the situations that I have been in.

What do you hope to achieve in music?
I do not hope to achieve anything from music, not that I don't believe I can or my music isn't good enough it's more because I am not doing it for accolades. It's more of a lifestyle for me. I grew up around music and if I was to ever make any kind of impact in the music industry I would see it as a bonus or something that is just meant to be and if not I would still be making music regardless.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why?
The highlight would be 2013. It was a good year for me, I was producing a lot of music and I released the best Mixtape I had ever done. I shot about five music videos and done a lot of freestyle videos and various other platforms. I also got signed to ItctyCoo records and released my first solo EP, which done and is still doing very well.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?
The moment I would want to forget is turning down a management deal with the union in America and the chance to tour.

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?The one track I would pick right now would be 'Mad Fly Dope Boy'. It's a trap/rap song that is subliminally about dealing, but I am the drug and I am talking and selling myself in the sense that I am that new product that everyone is going to want and what the benefits are my clothing line etc
I would choose this track because it is like the other side to me that is quite entertaining confident and self assured opposed the hard working smart and quite laid back person I am

Where can we listen to it?
http://www.datpiff.com/FlyDan-madflydopeboy-mixtape.516671.html

Where can we find out more about your music?
You can find my music on various websites such as my manager's website, my own personal website, iTunes, Google play Amazon and more  
http://www.omarsalinas.com/flydan/ 
http://www.flydan.co.uk/
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/flydan/id717795574
https://play.google.com/store/music/artist/Flydan?id=Avue6jxn7awlbjv7zzirzlhqmja&hl=en_GB
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zoned-Out-Original-Mix/dp/B00FYXITFQ

Anything else you’d like to say about your music that I forgot to ask?

My next project will be an EP and I am calling it ‘Fly Hearts Never Broken’. The reason why I chose this title is because I wanted to show people another side to me and touch more on my emotions feelings and things that I have been through via a musical journey.

The term Fly Hearts Never Broken means if you love yourself first then nobody can really break your heart. You can be affected but when you break it down, you're still alive, still breathing and still healthy and definitely strong enough to pick yourself up and go again, which is something I have had to do.

It doesn't just refer to relationships with females, I'm talking about friends, family associates and just people I have been in contact with throughout my life a career.

DarkTrain Q&A

Band name: 

DarkTrain.

Where are you from? 

Lauren is from Maidstone Kent, Marcel is from Toronto, Canada, but our home is in Brighton.

How would you describe yourselves? 

Indietronica. We thought we couldn't fall into any specific genre until we came across this term. There's a certain poetic feel about that word which encompasses what we are about

Who are your main influences musically? 

We discovered CHVRCHES together and loved how they used Eighties-style analog sounds in a modern way. We got inspired by this exciting innovative sound and came together to do something in a similar vein but with a darker undertone, fusing our other influences: Ulrich Schnauss, M83, LadyTron and Sisters Of Mercy.

What do you hope to achieve in music? 

We want to record an epic, timeless album. 

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

Playing with Empathy Test at their debut show in London. It was really great to play alongside an act we admired and respected, plus they're great guys. 

And what’s the moment you want to forget? 

None yet, touch wood.

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

'Inside'. Marcel's style tends to be more electro-clash where as Lauren leans toward a more ambient side, which made for interesting writing. 'Inside' was the fruit of these adverse styles where everything harmonised perfectly. We knew then that we had found our identity.

Where can we listen to it? 

https://soundcloud.com/darktrain/inside

Where can we find out more about your music? 

https://soundcloud.com/darktrain

http://twitter.com/DarkTrainIsHere

http://facebook.com/DarkTrainishere

http://www.youtube.com/DarkTrainIsHere  

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

Being a new act, we were anxious as to how we'd pull it off live, however we have been overwhelmed by the audience response to our sound, saying how big and impactive it is. 

Mary Jane's Affair Q&A

Your name:

Eliott Hernán.

Where are you from?

We are from Bolivia.

Name of band:

Mary Jane's Affair.

Who is in your band?

Navil (guitars), Farith (vocals) and Eliott (drums and vocals). 

How would you describe yourselves?

I would describe us as one of the best original proposals that is distinguished by its sound, melodies, and carrying messages considered as one of the most promising projects, the band reflects the mix of musical styles like punk, rap, grunge and powerpop ... style that the band prides itself on the outcome.

Who are your main influences musically?

We have a huge mix of influences, since Ramones, Sex Pistols to Beastie Boys, Pearl Jam, STP.

What do you hope to achieve in music?

Music has always been a huge part of our lives, we are all really passionate about music, so it's more fun for us then anything else, but we're equally excited about the potential of the band and the feedback we've been getting so far too. We are excited with our first 2015 US spring-summer tour and for the new record that will be able in 2015 and confirmed that will be recording in Los Angeles. We feel so happy for the chance to have a great producers for this brand new album.

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

We think that we have a great moments in our career, but the best is yet to come, like we said we are very excited with our brand new record and for the US tour.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

The death that occurred this year of our friend and producer Rogelio Gómez.

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

There are many of them, but for the energy and party mood it would be Rockin’ All Night.

Where can we listen to it? 

You can listen our music on:

www.reverbnation.com/maryjanesaffair

www.soundcloud.com/maryjanesaffair

and you can watch our video for “True Love”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhvWwhg-aMk

Where can we find out more about your music?

www.facebook.com/MARYJANESAFFAIR

www.twitter.com/MARYJANESAFFAIR

www.youtube.com/user/maryjan3saffair

www.reverbnation.com/maryjanesaffair

www.soundclod.com/maryjanesaffair

www.myspace.com/maryjanesaffair

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

Just thank you and stay tuned with our new album and tour.

(i am) isis Q&A

Your name:

isis.

Where are you from?

I’m Newark-­born, Minneapolis-­raised and now residing in Brooklyn.

Name of band:

(i am) isis.

Who else is in your band?

Diamond Dave (guitar), Isaac Childs (keys), Manny Mavrakis (drums) and Mike Koltosky (bass)

How would you describe yourselves?

We’re an eclectic rock band infused with elements of soul, spoken word, blues and everything in between.

Who are your main influences musically?

Well, since our our individual core genres are all over the place, so are our influences ­­from metal and blues to soul and classical music. For instance, Isaac’s jazz influences include Dave Brubeck, D’Angelo and Ahmad Jamal. And Mike is totally classical and is inspired by Croatian virtuosa classical guitarist, Ana Vidovic (random right?). Personally, I’m moved by all things authentic and honest, so most of my faves are emerging or underground artists. Outside of that, all the icons ­ ever. Seriously. There’s something magical about music before it become so mechanically commodified. I do love the creative depth of genre­bending artists like Cee­Lo and Andre 3000. I also love P!nk and Macy Gracy definitely interests me. The type of artists who continue to reinvent themselves in the midst of such a cookie­cutter industry. I think that’s where we are and want to exist ­ in a space where can continue to grow and challenge our sonic senses.

What do you hope to achieve in music?

To reach a level of freedom in our art where we can make good music, tour and live off of our works and not be worried about the cost of its creation or how to market it. That would be a blessing.

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

Every experience brings new highlights. Right now, it’s our first all­-band EP that we’re releasing later this month. Over the past two years, it was just bits and pieces. Some things worked ­ and some didn’t. Now, we’re a solid unit that I hope will continue to reflect different colors, sounds and senses as we grow and experience life and music.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

Well, we have completely erased from our memory an extended road trip to play one of the most disorganized and disappointing festivals I’ve ever attended. And it’s sad, too, because I was called a “diva” for expecting the basics that we were promised ­ like a working PA and microphone. But, that’s life and we move forward to bigger and better ­ always!

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

That’s impossible! Each song represents a piece of our mosaic. They’re only one part of the reflection that is us. Given that, our latest track “Take It Back” is a great representation ­until you hear our next release, and then the next one.

Where can we listen to it?

You can hear our latest track on soundcloud at soundcloud.com/iamisis/take-it-back

Where can we find out more about your music?

Check out our main site at www.iamisis.com. 

You can also find us on all the major social media platforms:

facebook.com/iamisisband

twitter.com/iamisis

reverbnation.com/iamisis

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

Our EP, Mosaic, will be released digitally November 28 and we can’t wait!

Cooper Phillip Q&A

Your name:    

Cooper Phillip.

Where are you from? 

Moscow, Russia (now living in Los Angeles).

How would you describe yourself and your music? 

I would love to tell you how much of a diva I am, but the truth is I am very humble, down to earth, and full of joy. I of course have my diva moments as any good songwriter and performer should, but I truly love music and what I do. Through the use of live instrumentals including the piano and guitar I create soulful pop music with urban elements.  

Who are your main influences musically?

I started out as a classically-trained musician. I love Tchaikovsky, Italian opera, and the symphony. Because of this my songwriting is classically influenced. More current influences are Stevie Wonder, Kim Burrell, Beyonce, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey. 

What do you hope to achieve in music?  

My goal is to positively influence the world around me through the telling of my personal journey which has included both struggles and joys. Being on stage, in front of adoring fans, is exhilarating and inspiring. It fills my heart with joy to be able to connect with my fans which makes me feel successful. I think my fans can relate to my story which makes their connection with me stronger. 

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

The highlight of my career thus far has been the release of my first music video Silence, of which I wrote. It was directed by Scott Nathan, a notable celebrity photography and videographer. It was made even more special to me because it was his debut music video. You can check it out here: http://youtu.be/ridtVPymxaI

And what’s the moment you want to forget? 

There aren't any moments I would want to forget as even the hardest moments were learning opportunities. We are the sum of our experiences and I would never want to change the person I am today. 

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

Silence without a doubt as it tells the story of me becoming a stronger woman and better human being. As I said before, I have always been connected to the piano on a very deep level and this song was my ballad to the world. 

Where can we listen to it?

www.soundcloud.com/cooper-phillip

http://youtu.be/ridtVPymxaI

Where can we find out more about your music?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cooper.phillip.9

Instagram: cooperphillip

Twitter: cooperphillip1

www.cooperphillip.com

Clones Of Clones Q&A

Your name:

Nick Scialli.

Where are you from?

Washington, D.C. USA.

Name of band: 

Clones of Clones.

Who else is in your band?

Ben Payes, Todd Evans, Brain Abbott.

How would you describe yourselves?

We have been told we sound like Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and The Stone Roses. Garage rock that can be dark at times with some occasional pop vibes thrown in.

Who are your main influences musically?

We all come from different backgrounds musically. Ben and Brian have been in jazz bands at times, Todd’s been into metal and classic rock, and Nick has been stuck in early 90’s rock/grunge. As far as other bands that we draw from, right now we’re listening to The Shins, Manchester Orchestra, Minus the Bear, and Modest Mouse, but we’re always finding new music.

What do you hope to achieve in music?

We’d love to be able to do it for a living. It’s an absolute blast connecting with people through music and on stage, but we’re currently not in a position to do it full time — we all have side jobs so we can buy food.

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

Opening for the Sam Roberts Band at the Rock and Roll Hotel here in DC. It’s a relatively small venue (Sam Roberts typically sells out arenas in Canada), and it packed to the gills with rabid fans. We had a great set and Sam Roberts obviously killed it, but the best part is that they were really nice dudes despite their success.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

Any of those early shows where no one came. Every band has a least a few. Shudder.

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

I Don’t Need Your Love. It represents a sound that took us a couple years to mature into, but we’re here now and couldn’t be more proud.

Where can we listen to it? 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_q_lna4MAs 

Where can we find out more about your music? 

http://www.soundcloud.com/clonesofclones

http://www.facebook.com/clonesofclones

http://www.twitter.com/clonesofclones

http://www.clonesofclones.com

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

We love connecting with people. Anyone who wants to say hi should come hang out on our facebook and/or twitter pages.

KISS complete Download headline trio

BRING out the facepaints - Kiss have been added to the Download 2015 bill.

It comes as little surprise that they will play the Donington Park festival on the Sunday along with Motley Crue, Slash (with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators) and Enter Shikari.

Kiss bassist Gene Simmons accidentally tweeted about the band's involvement last week. He said: "To all our fans - our intention is to get on that stage, blow the heavens to smithereens and take no prisoners."

They join Slipknot and Muse as the June festival's three headliners with support coming from Judas Priest, Faith No More, Marilyn Manson, A Day To Remember, Black Stone Cherry and Five Finger Death Punch.

Tickets go on sale at 9am tomorrow. For more details head to downloadfestival.co.uk

Slack Q&A

Your name:

Nigel Hardy.

Where are you from?

Monterey, California.

Name of band:

Slack.

Who else is in your band?

Tyler Dawn (vocals), Bobby G (lead guitar), Austin Perkins (bass), Patrick Murphy (drums) and myself (Robot Guitar).

How would you describe yourselves and your music?

We call our music indie funk. We love the bit of grit independent music generally has that top 40 doesn't, and we're influenced by funk and old R&B and rock. 

Who are your main influences musically?

Red Hot Chili Peppers is a big one for all of us. Each member kinda brings something different to the table as well. Beatles, David Bowie, Michael Jackson, James Brown, Sublime, and Guns and Roses all influence different members to different degrees.

What do you hope to achieve in music?

Personally, I want to tour the world and perform original music. I think that is the pinnacle of the art, and I think the ability to tour and have people show up is a better metric than money earned.

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

So far, we just had a modest tour of the Los Angeles area and that was amazing. Just being able to perform every night at a different college, or party and hang with the band is a good recipe for good times.

And what’s the moment you want to forget?

We haven't had too many cringe worthy experiences, but we ran out of songs at one show and tried to think of something we all knew, but hadn't rehearsed. The song we tried quickly got derailed and we almost ended on that note. We ended up playing a song I knew on bass (I usually play guitar) and that worked out, thank God.

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

That's tough. I'll go with Love You With The Lights On. It has some funkiness, some vocal harmonies, a guitar solo and a synth lead. It touches all the bases.

Where can we listen to it? 

https://soundcloud.com/slackiswack/love-you-with-the-lights-on

Where can we find out more about your music? 

Facebook - http://facbook.com/slackiswack 

Our Website - http://slackiswack.com

Soundcloud - http://soundcloud.com/slackiswack

Twitter - http://twitter.com/slackiswack

Youtube - http://youtube.com/user/slackiswack 

#SlackisWack

Anything else you’d like to say about your music that I forgot to ask?

The reason I'm excited to be in this band, is that we want to push what live music is today. You can see these great shows with DJs, but I think there could be a much strong performance aspect to the shows. We really look to bands like the Rolling Stones or James Brown who could have entertained without the music. We want to bring the sounds and technology the DJs have to a truly live performance. We're working on integrating electronic drums at the moment.

Mauro Q&A

Your name:

MAURO.

Where are you from? 

I'm from Bolivia.

How would you describe yourself?

I am an unsigned artist. #MauroMusic I got a broken heart, I'm a dark sweet soul. A monster on the prowl for pure trains of thoughts, and a beat monster, lyric creature for all the lonely hearts and broken dreamers. I just love my craft.

Who are your main influences musically?

Pop music mostly. 

What do you hope to achieve in music?  

I long to spread my message through my music towards people, more and more. Because I've been an unsigned artist since I was 10, one life goal of mine is to get signed so I can share my music with the entire world through that type of support. I long to change someone's life through my music, and I don't care a lot about being an icon to somebody, I care about being someone's song, and having at least of one my song's on somebody's mind or heart. (sigh sigh)

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

I see a past highlight in my unsigned career since I started age 10, I started performing live very young at neat stages of my country and that has kept on going and getting better now that I am 21 years old. I keep on performing live, producing music and I see the recent highlight that represents this new time of my life related to the new music I'm releasing, that has filled me up with tremendous joy, plus the positive feedback I've been getting. I'm very proud of my craft, and it's become something I'll keep on doing until the day I die.

And what’s the moment you want to forget? 

I wouldn't like to forget any memories, because they help you grow, they encourage you to make things right, or better the next time, and I think one should learn from all those moments... What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

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

I love my music. My songs are like my babies. Lately I've been feeling like "Making Love 2 U" so I would say it represents this new part of me, however I do consider all my songs as important when it comes to representing me as an artist.

Where can we listen to it? 

http://www.soundcloud.com/mauro-mu-sic

Where can we find out more about your music? 

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/mauro-mu-sic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MAUROMUZIC

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/ORUAMFOREVER

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

“Sometimes I think of my music as a silver lining to all the fears, griefs and tears shed along the way by lonely hearts,broken dreamers and… me”  (Mauro Music)

Muse the second headliner at Download 2015

Photo by Hans Peter

MUSE have been revealed as the second headliner for Download 2015.

It follows the announcement of Slipknot as Friday headliners yesterday.

Muse will be joined on Saturday's bill by Faith No More, Marilyn Manson and A Day To Remember.

The band said: "We're really looking forward to Download. We've never played the festival before so it's going to be really special."

Shock goth Manson is also looking forward to his return. He said: "It's been a few years since I've been at Download. The Pale Emperor will rise and I was born to cause chaos."

Other bands announced for the festival next June include Judas Priest, Black Stone Cherry and Five Finger Death Punch.

The final headliner will be announced tomorrow and for more details head to downloadfestival.co.uk

Robert J Hunter Q&A

Your name: 

Robert J. Hunter.

Where are you from? 

Alderney, Channel Islands. Now living in London.

Name of band:

Robert J. Hunter.

Who else is in your band?

I also perform accompanied by the fantastic Greg Sheffield, James Le Huray and Matthew Taylor.

How would you describe yourselves? 

Filthy melancholy blues.

Who are your main influences musically? 

Tom Waits, Howling’ Wolf, Alex Harvey, John Martyn, Wilko Johnson.

What do you hope to achieve in music? 

For my music to relate to people in the same way it does to me and to continue to do what I love, to perform.

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

Recording my debut album, 'Songs for the Weary' which will be out 10th February 2015.

And what’s the moment you want to forget? 

That’s for the songs to tell.

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

I’d have to say ‘Demons'. It captures a story perfect whilst still being pure filth. 

Where can we listen to it? 

It’ll be out in the next couple of months on robertjhunter.co.uk

Where can we find out more about your music? 

robertjhunter.co.uk

facebook.com/robertjhuntermusic

twitter.com/rjhuntermusic

itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/robert-j-hunter/id463892744