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A Deep Dive into Queen LaBelle’s ‘For the Kings and Queens Spoken Word’

Posted on 11 October 2023

Join us for an exclusive interview with the remarkable music artist Queen LaBelle as she takes us on a journey through her captivating biography, the creative process behind her latest album, the exciting merchandise promotion for October, and the symbolism behind her album cover art.

Can you share a bit about your background and artistic journey, including some of the memorable moments you’ve experienced?

I was born in Los Angeles, but I was taken from my parents at three months old and was appointed to be raised by one of my maternal aunts living in New York. I grew up in Brooklyn. I had anger management issues due to my circumstances and I turned to dance and drama classes to help me express my emotions in a healthier way. I then developed a passion for writing, and it led me into the world of poetry and spoken word.

I faced some identity issues growing up as multiracial and I faced various traumas but writing helped me make sense of it all and provided a means for me to voice my story.

I returned to Los Angeles to live as an adult. One of the most memorable milestones on my artistic journey was when I opened for Dr. Cornel West at UCLA. The atmosphere that day was filled with bubbling energy, with Dr. West himself enthusiastically celebrating my performance. He was genuinely overjoyed, jumping with excitement as if he was watching his favorite artist perform at a concert. After my performance, he gave me a warm, heartfelt hug. The crowd also erupted into a spirited standing ovation.

Receiving such high praise from a respected figure was an immense honor. It served as a powerful reminder of the potential of words to inspire unity and positive change. Dr. Cornel West’s enthusiasm encouraged me to continue creating pieces that explore the injustices faced by Black people and the ways we can uplift one another. My poems also touch on topics related to love, relationships, sex, abuse, and sexual harassment in the workplace.

Your latest album, “For the Kings and Queens Spoken Word,” is generating a lot of buzz. Could you tell us about the creative process behind it and how it blends spoken word with hip-hop? What sets it apart from traditional spoken word?

When creating this album, I aimed to take spoken word to a whole new level by infusing it with the dynamic energy of hip-hop. Unlike traditional spoken word, which is often presented acapella or with minimal instrumental backing, I decided to add vibrant hip-hop beats and components to give the work more life while still maintaining the softer voice and slower tempo of reciting poetry.

The creative process was a unique blend of crafting powerful spoken word pieces that carried a strong message, while also weaving in the rhythmic and engaging elements of hip-hop. It allowed me to tell stories, share experiences, and evoke emotions in a way that traditional spoken word alone couldn’t.

What sets this album apart is the fusion of spoken word and hip-hop. It’s like a bridge connecting two powerful forms of expression. It takes the raw, honest, and inspirational aspects of spoken word and pairs them with the engaging and rhythmic beats of hip-hop. This fusion breathes new life into spoken word, inviting listeners to experience poetry in a fresh and vibrant way. It’s about breaking boundaries, transcending traditional genres, and resonating with a diverse audience in a unique and powerful manner.

Lastly, the album also features tracks produced by Grammy Award Winning Producers, such as, My Guy Mars, who has produced for T.I, Snoop Dogg, Nipsey Hussle, Jay-Z, and many more. There are also features from legendary artists, such as Cappadonna from the Wu-Tang Clan.

I also have to give special thanks to Thirty Dark Zero Records / Rob Hayes for being the Executive Producer and a featured artist on the album.

Your merchandise store is offering a fantastic 50% discount for October. Can you give us a sneak peek into the range of merchandise available and the inspiration behind the designs?

Absolutely! I wanted to make sure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy my merchandise at an affordable price.

The store currently features five collections, each with a unique inspiration:

**Queen LaBelle Merch Fan Collection:** This collection draws inspiration from my album cover art. Here, you can find a unisex hoodie and tee featuring Queen LaBelle’s album art, symbolizing courage. Elevate your style with our hat, express yourself with stickers, and carry your essentials in our tote. It’s an opportunity to celebrate your truth with us and share your story.
**Kidnapping Your Brain Collection:** Inspired by one of my singles, this collection offers a variety of options, including hoodies, sweatshirts, tees, and mugs. Don’t forget to grab a sticker to express your love for my music in style.
**For the Kings Collection:** Experience royalty with this collection, inspired by one of my singles. Choose from tees, hoodies, mugs, sweatshirts, or stickers and embrace a regal vibe in style.
**For the Queens Collection:** Indulge in our ‘For the Queens’ collection, inspired by another of my singles. Discover options including totes, hoodies, mugs, sweatshirts, stickers, and tees. It’s an opportunity to embrace your inner queen with style and grace.
**Self Love Collection:** This collection is inspired by yet another single of mine. It’s all about empowering self-love. You’ll find notebooks, tees, totes, hoodies, hats, mugs, and stickers to embrace self-love in every aspect of your life. This collection even offers a tee for pets, because who said self love is only for humans?

To take advantage of this exclusive offer, visit my website at www.queenlabellemerch.com and use the discount code “ALBUMPARTY” during checkout. It’s a limited-time opportunity to grab a piece of my merchandise collection and carry a bit of inspiration with you.

Let’s talk about the album cover art. What inspired the design, and how does it complement the overall message and theme of your album?

The cover art features a woman in a pose reminiscent of Jesus on the cross, holding swords. This striking image represents vulnerability, the courage to share my own personal story, and the determination to highlight the issues in our society that demand change. It’s a visual representation of the strength and determination it takes to confront these issues head-on.

The cover art complements the overall message and theme of my album by conveying the idea that true courage lies in vulnerability and in raising one’s voice to address the critical issues of our time. It symbolizes a commitment to standing up for what’s right and pushing for change, even in the face of adversity.

This powerful imagery is meant to resonate with listeners, inviting them to join in the journey of self-discovery and social change that the album explores. It’s a visual representation of the bravery it takes to be honest and open about our experiences and to call for transformation in our society.

As an artist, what do you want your audience to take away from “For the Kings and Queens Spoken Word”? Any messages or themes that are particularly close to your heart?

I want my listeners to find inspiration and empowerment.

Ultimately, I want my audience to feel moved and motivated by the spoken word and poetry in this album. I hope it sparks conversations, encourages self-reflection, and stirs a desire for positive change in our society. It’s a call to action, a celebration of unity, and an exploration of the strength that can be found in vulnerability.

Lastly, can you share any upcoming projects or collaborations that your fans can look forward to in the near future?

In the near future, my fans can look forward to an exciting project that will enhance the spoken word experience of listening to my poetry.

I’m planning to create videos for every track on the album. These videos will provide a visual dimension to the spoken word experience, adding another layer of depth and meaning to each piece. It’s a way to bring my words to life, further engaging the audience and allowing them to immerse themselves fully in the stories and messages I convey through my work.

I believe that this project will be a unique and captivating way to connect with my fans and continue to share the themes and stories that are close to my heart. I can’t wait for everyone to experience the spoken word in a whole new way through these upcoming videos.

Learn more about Queen LaBelle here.

Interview: Propter Hawk tell us all about Toronto life and the anticipation building for their epic 12-track album

Posted on 21 August 2023

Ripping a hugely likeable sound into our lives with a friendly kick to the soul and a smile to follow, Propter Hawk reminds us of that old-school sound that drives our hearts into doughnuts outside the local drive-through at 2 am. They tell us their debut self-titled debut record while sipping on sherry flips and might change your mood for the better. Real music with purpose still exists you see? You just have to look for it and dig a little deeper to find the treasure. Look no further.

Llewelyn: Hello Propter Hawk. Please take a seat on our cosy virtual couch (excuse the snoring cat there) and may we provide you with any snacks or beverages? Alrighty, let’s get into it. Firstly, how did you get this incredible name and who is the cleanest member of the band, who’s the most organised, the most serious, the friendliest and who is the messiest?

Andrew: I came up with the name a while ago and this question has been haunting me ever since. It’s a play on “Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc” which is one of Socrates’ informal fallacies. I often find myself trying to explain this to people in loud, packed clubs and it is the most difficult part of my entire life.

Malorie: I’m definitely the most organised, Alec’s the most serious and Jimmy is the friendliest person on earth. Andy and Brian can fight over who is the messiest. They’re both…you know.

Llewelyn: Secondly, we’re super thrilled about your upcoming debut release on the 18th of August 2023. You were kind enough to send us a pre-listen..and wow..we love it. Sherry Flip especially is special. How did the whole album come together and how would you describe the vision and your sound on this one?

Andrew: In many ways, the album came together because of Covid and lockdowns. Mal and I had a lot of song ideas going into the pandemic and we wanted to write songs that really expressed some of the feelings that, I think, a lot of people have been having for a long time. Since we couldn’t play shows, we really used it as an opportunity to work them out with the boys and by the time restrictions were lifted, we had a whole album of songs ready to go before we ever had the chance to play live.

Jimmy: We were toying with the idea of recording the album ourselves but when we got the opportunity to record at Pineship Sound in Toronto with Carlin and Mike of Zeus, that settled it for us. We grew up watching those guys in Zeus and it was a thrill to get the chance to work with them. They’ve contributed to so many records that we love.

Alec: There are a lot of overlapping influences between all of us, so musically we are all headed towards the same goal, but the album certainly showcases everyone’s individual approach and it became kind of our own unique take on rock and roll. For me, a lot of it came down to us recording live off the floor and making sure we kept things loose and organic. I think you can hear that rawness in the tracks.

Llewelyn: Please tell us all about your upcoming album release show at The Cameron House (408 Queen St W, Toronto, ON) on 18th August. Who’s on the lineup and what should fans expect, where can they buy tickets, why did you choose this particular venue, times etc?

Brian: This is a really special show for us. We’ve been sitting on this album for a while now and are really ready to get it out there. We’re playing with The Young Scones, a supergroup made up of some of our favourite Toronto musicians that we’ve been playing with right from the start. Moondoggy is the other act on the bill and another one we’ve played with before; they’re always great. We’ve played at The Cameron House a few times before and it’s always a really exciting spot to play. The room comes with a lot of energy.

Llewelyn: Toronto, Ontario is your hometown and is a place we want to visit. What parts do you love and where do you personally go and watch live music? Is the scene thriving and where do upcoming original solo musicians and bands head to perform?

Brian: I think the live music scene, especially for rock and roll, has changed a lot in recent years all over the world…but Toronto is still holding on like it always has. We grew up going to places like Lee’s Palace, The Horseshoe Tavern, El Mocambo and The Dakota Tavern, and all of them are still going strong and are still home to the best upcoming rock bands in Toronto. I don’t think a lot of these legendary clubs survived the pandemic in other cities. In fact, we have seen more clubs popping up here and there recently. Anyone looking to start playing in Toronto has a lot of options to choose from.

Llewelyn: Ah yes. How did the band form? We have a feeling this is an interesting story…actually…you have told us but we don’t want to spoil it. Please tell our readers about how your band actually got together and now makes beautiful music together.

Malorie: Well…I married a guitar player (Andrew) and he was in a band called New Commuters with Jimmy. I have been singing for years and wanted to start my own music project and Andy was an obvious choice. Since Jimmy is Andy’s most trusted musical collaborator, he was also an obvious choice. Our original idea was going to be the three of us and Andy was working on…a bass-playing robot. Not a joke. He actually got close, but the logistics were a nightmare. So we sent out a desperate classified ad looking for a bass player. Our only reasonable response was from Alec, who played guitar and had no interest in playing bass at all. For some reason, we invited him to come play with us anyway and after a few minutes, it was clear that we could exploit him for his outrageous talent. Shortly after, Alec brought in his seasoned musical collaborator, Brian, to play bass and sing harmony and he fit in right away. And here we are.

Llewelyn: What’s it like when you close your eyes and see that live crowd? Does it excite you and do any parts of the process scare you at all? It must be such a rush feeling the anticipation and seeing sweaty faces staring closely, singing your songs and rocking out to get work-life stresses out of their system.

Alec: It’s definitely a rush to get up there in front of people and give it your all. For me, once you play that first chord through a loud amp we’re off to the races and any nerves turn into excitement. Seeing people get into it and pass that energy back to us might just be the best part.

Llewelyn: Last one. Once again, thank you for your time today. What do you usually eat/drink before a show or is there a pre-gig ritual or do you just have a lil chat and get on with it? Also, is there one song of yours in particular that you all love wholeheartedly and can never get sick of playing?

Jimmy: We kind of do our own thing for the most part and we’re pretty low-key. Right before going on stage, Malorie, Brian and I find a quiet place somewhere and warm up our vocals. The Yawn-Sigh Technique, The Tongue Trill Exercise…lip buzz warm-ups…all of them.

We released Theatre Of The Whole World a while ago and it seems to have caught on really well in Toronto. It’s always a rush to see a crowd of people that you’ve never seen before singing along to every word.

–

Do some warm-ups for the soul via the album link on Spotify.

See where they fly next on IG.

Interviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Interview: The hugely likeable Lucy Chan drops her much-awaited debut album Music

Posted on 21 June 2023

Telling us all about her debut album Music and so much more, the elegant creative Lucy Chan returns to A&R Factory and we’re so ecstatic to speak with this dynamic rising singer for a 2nd time. After previously chatting with us about Mr Apologetic in January 2023, it feels like we’re speaking to a confident but humble young woman who knows exactly where she’s headed.

Llewelyn: Thanks so much for your time, Lucy. Firstly, how are things with you and how has the reaction been since you released Music? Did you enjoy the process and would you change anything about it? What was the inspiration behind your project?

Lucy: Hey! Thanks so much for having me. I’m doing pretty good, I just finished up a week of study at the Berklee College of Music in the USA, which was truly the coolest experience ever. I got to meet and work with some incredible musicians. The reaction has been so great – I love it when people send me a message and tell me what their favourite part is!! And especially when people tell me it gives them a nostalgic kind of feeling, which is essentially one of the things I want to show through my music. As for inspiration, it’s a project that reflects all aspects of my life. The album is called ‘Music’, because it’s the one thing that can get me through anything. So, every single song I wrote on this album is really personal in that sense.

In regard to the sound, I really wanted this album to sound like the one genre that makes me feel the most excited and ‘at home’. The incredible Aubrey Johnson told me last week, that when you’re searching for your sound, you need to think about the type of music you grew up listening to, as that is what shapes you into you. For me, ever since I was a little kid, I went to rock concerts all the time. Billy Idol, Bon Jovi, Queen, Blondie, and so on; this was the sound that shaped my childhood. I think that being at a live rock concert is unlike anything else in the world – there is no better feeling. So, I hope that after my listeners hear the album, that’s what it feels like for them – that they’ve experienced that kind of Rock N Roll. I’m very grateful that I had an incredible band – Phil, Gabe and Aiden, who also happen to be people that are super close to me, bring my stories and music to life. It was the most beautiful process, and I’m super grateful for everyone that’s helped me and supported me along the way. My parents and my sister are my greatest supporters, and Gordon my mixing guy, Jack my recording guy – I’m so grateful for you all.

Llewelyn: Do you have a particular favourite single from your debut?

Lucy: Oh, that’s a good question. I think for me, the song that encapsulates the album as a whole the best, is ‘Music’, the title track. It’s the kind of sound that I’ve been searching for, for the longest time. Lyrically, it’s about having a special song with someone, and how it brings you back to exactly how you felt the first time you heard it, every time. However, other songs like ‘Over The Summer’ and ‘Compare To You’ mean a lot to me as well – especially ‘Compare To You’, it’s truly such a vulnerable moment for me on the album.

Llewelyn: Lyrically, we really like your storytelling and you really let us into your current mindset. Do you feel that writing is becoming easier for you over time?

Lucy: Thank you so much!! I think that as an artist I’m continuously trying to improve and grow, and it’s a process that comes naturally as you mature and experience new things. With this album, I was able to completely write exactly what I was feeling for each song. I do think that songwriting is something that’ll come more naturally, the more you experience. So, as you grow up, and as you meet people and experience things like heartbreak and love, the songwriting will reflect that. It’s almost impossible to write a song that doesn’t show your current state of mind, as you can’t lie to yourself in your songwriting. At least I can’t. But I’m hoping to continue to improve my storytelling, there’s definitely a lot of room for improvement!

Llewelyn: Please tell us how it’s going at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music (The Con). It’s your 3rd year now…are you still relishing it and what has been the highlight so far?

Lucy: Yes!! It’s going great. Obviously, it’s always hard to balance my career with my studies, but I think I’ve kind of found a balance to it all. I only have a year and a half left, and I’ll be finishing up and graduating!! Definitely trying to take in every single moment, as I know it won’t be long until I graduate. It goes so quickly; I can still remember starting my first day here so clearly. I think the highlight of the Con so far has definitely been meeting people and being able to grow into the musician I am today. The Con definitely has a very high standard, and I think that’s a good thing – I’ve pushed myself outside my comfort zone so many times and it’s been so beneficial. The musician that I was when I first auditioned, and the musician that I am now – two entirely different people. It’s been so crazy. Hopefully I can continue to grow leading up to my graduation.

Llewelyn: What’s it like being a 20-year-old singer-songwriter and actress in this rather weird world?

Lucy: Honestly, it’s so great and so weird, as you said, at the same time. It’s great in the sense that I am able to do exactly what I’ve wanted to do my entire life, but also hard in the sense that these dreams aren’t rare, and there are so many talented people out there. I think for me, as long as I keep working towards my goals and trying to achieve these things, I’ll be content, and fingers crossed that I can get to where I want someday (if I’m lucky). I’m willing to work as hard as possible and sacrifice my free time to do these things, because I love music, and it just makes me so happy.

Llewelyn: We see that you’ve been back in Boston lately. How has the vibe been there and what have you been up to?

Lucy: Yes! I’ve just been back in Sydney for around a day. The coolest thing happened to me during my trip…Laufey was on my flight to LA!!! I got to meet her and chat at the airport as we were waiting at the gate, she’s like one of my biggest musical inspirations. She studied at Berklee, so it was like a cool thing that the universe let me experience before I hopped on a plane to go to Berklee. Boston is…the most incredible place!! I was there for around a week, just doing a summer course at the Berklee College of Music, which is insane…it’s been one of my dream colleges for the longest time. Being able to live like a student there, even if it was for a week, was just the most surreal experience ever. The people and teachers that you meet, are the most amazing. The vibe is definitely a highlight – you’re surrounded by the most ambitious, creative people and it inspires you to become a better artist. I had the opportunity to perform my originals there as well. I got to work with an incredible group of people, including a live band, vocal coaches, as well as incredible artists for masterclasses and I loved every minute of it.

Llewelyn: Lastly, what plans do you have for the rest of the summer and can our USA readers catch you live anywhere?

Lucy: Before I start the next uni semester (in August), I’m going into promo mode for my album. Also preparing for concerts and shows, I’m planning a pretty big one before the end of this year. I’m hoping to also use this time to write more, not just songs, but also the screenplay (s) I’ve been working on!! At the end of this year, I’m planning on flying back to LA, and this time I’ll get to actually visit, not just LAX hahaha. LA has always been my dream place to live, so I’ll be exploring the place and I guess preparing myself, for life after graduation (which is pretty soon). As for live shows in the USA, I’m definitely not there yet, but if I’m lucky enough, someday!!! Definitely one of my biggest dreams.

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Hear this terrific album on Spotify.

See more on her IG.

Interview by Llewelyn Screen

Interview: Jay Activist puts Atlanta on his back with Point to Prove

Posted on 7 June 2023

Telling us all about the concept behind his new album and all the vibes in his hometown of Atlanta, Jay Activist delves deeper into his craft and shows us his hunger inside Point to Prove. Inspired by J. Cole and keeping things to the point, we find a confident creative who is ready for whatever is next in this fickle game.

We appreciate your time Jay. Where in the world are you based and who is your favourite artist of all time?

Jay: I’m based in Atlanta, Georgia and my favorite artist of all time is J. Cole.

Please tell us more about your latest release Point to Prove and the creative/production process behind it and do you feel like your sound has evolved?

Jay: I consider Point to Prove my stamp into the music industry. While this isn’t my first project, it checks off so many boxes of points I feel like I needed to prove as Jay Activist. I can do more then just rap on a song with my growing singing ability, but also produce and engineer a good sound.

What does this album mean to your brand?

Jay: This album defines my brand as the playa that put his words in a smooth way.

If you could play live on any stage in the world, where would it be and who would be on the lineup?

Jay: It would be Statefarm arena in Atlanta with acts such as Drake, J Cole, and Smino.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Jay: “Don’t take advice from people who aren’t successful”.

Where are the hot spots to you catch live music with meaning in your local area?

Jay: Definitely Apache in Atlanta or college campuses such as Georgia State University or Kennesaw State University.

Last, if you have the keys to the music industry, how would you change it?

Jay: I would make things fairer to artists and change the ecosystem to where people don’t have to sell out to be successful.

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Hear this fine release on Spotify.

Check out the progress and gig news on IG.

Interview by Llewelyn Screen

B. Andre Interview: Keeping it real and never giving into the trends

Posted on 15 December 2022

Taking us through the real life journey and never backing down, B. Andre shows us into his new release EGO and reveals more about never giving up on love and what it takes to be a successful musician.

We appreciate your time today, B. Andre. Where in the world do we find you and what is your favourite kinda meal to keep your systems firing all day?

B. Andre: My favorite meal has to be anything seafood lol. I can be found on all social media sites @b_andremusic but this link will take you to all my music https://linktr.ee/B.Andre

When you are in that booth recording music, what does it feel like when you close your eyes?

B. Andre: I’m promoting more now so I haven’t been in the booth for a month or so, but closing my eyes while in there lets me envision my music and not just hear it.

Your new 11-track release called EGO has just dropped. What are your favourite songs from the project and what should new fans expect?

B. Andre: My favorite song is Broken Dreams, not to be mistaken with my lead single Broken Record, Broken Dreams speaks on my real life heartbreak. Fans should expect plenty of content to get you in the vibe of the album.

Broken Record is the lead track. What is the vision behind this smooth song?

B. Andre: Broken Record is a track that should teach you to keep fighting for love and not give up on it like this generation seems to do so frequently.

Do you have any live performance events to tell us about or any tours looming in 2023?

B. Andre: I have a music festival I am doing in February in my hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio and another music festival set for June 2023 in Kentucky.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

B. Andre: I was told to always do what I feel is best in my artistry and never give into the trends.

Last, what advice would you give to a new musician starting out in this wild game?

B. Andre: I would say, always bring your hard drive to the studio with you and take your sessions because you have to truly treat your music as your baby and your hard drive you keep it on is your car seat lol.

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Hear this fine single on Spotify. See more via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Eldad Ben Naim shows us inside the calming energy of the ‘Watersoul’

Posted on 4 February 2022

Taken off his recent 8-track album release, Eldad Ben Naim is at his majestic best with a song so calming you will feel that you are deep inside the wonder of our planet with ‘Watersoul‘.

Eldad Ben Naim is an Eilat, Israel-based indie-jazz solo musician who makes a relaxing mix of ambience goodness that will settle any irregular nerves from those common stressful situations.

Guiding us away from the bustling city that can distract us from that all-important mental health that we need to keep a close eye on, Eldad Ben Naim projects kindness and understanding with an instrumental single of the highest standard. You feel his bond with the earth and the whole composition here is such a spiritual experience, no matter where you are in the world.

‘Watersoul‘ from Eilat, Israel-based indie-jazz solo artist Eldad Ben Naim, flows brilliantly into your tired heart with such a skilful mix of different elements that are rather peaceful and filled with only caring intentions. This is the ideal track to play after a long week as you soak in the bath, or feel like meditating to some tranquil soundscapes that have your whole consciousness in tune with nature. Made with real care, you will feel deeper and see more clearly after immersing yourself in this tremendously serene single.

Hear this stunning new release on Spotify and see more via the Twitter music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Spotlight Feature: Winchester 7 & the Runners shared their world-weary wit in their ukulele-led indie rock album, Catacomb Songs.

Posted on 12 January 2022

Get your nostalgia fix and your catharsis hit in one in the latest album from the internationally scattered outfit, Winchester 7 & The Runners. Catacomb Songs was just one of the lockdown-born albums conceived via Zoom in 2021; notably, few albums advocate for the future of remote collaboration better than this 9-track release.

The hazy, smoky and garagey vibes in the ukulele-led indie rock album are just as sweet as any album from the Zombies, the Beatles and the Stones. There may be nothing like delving into your favourite records from decades past, yet Winchester 7 & the Runners have their relevant and resonant ennui as an upper hand.

The thought of an indie ukulele rock album may send the blood pressure of music snobs through the roof, but if anyone can change the reputation of the electric ukulele, it is Winchester 7 & the Runners. They know just how to pull the rich, warm timbre from the electric uke to compliment the equally as mellifluous vocals.

The album starts with the quasi-morbid single, Dead Celebrities and New Beginnings, which questions why new beginnings seem impossible for ordinary folk while the famous can enjoy posthumous transformations. Once Dead Celebrities and New Beginnings has grabbed your attention, the album kicks things down a notch with the 70s rock reminiscent single, The Song That You Sing, which opens up a new level of lyrical intimacy that continues through the duration of the album that is tinged with satirical wit and the rare sense of compassion that can only be extended from world-weary soul to another.

Here is what Winchester 7 had to say about Catacomb Songs:

“We released our previous EP, Argos Holiday, last year on December 17th to limited fanfare due to the pandemic. In the following months, we made the best use of our time, took to our home studios and worked via Zoom to produce a follow-up. Catacomb Songs is certainly pandemic influenced in places, especially Riding High Again, which was written in memoriam of a good friend that succumbed to alcoholism during it. However, there is also a message of hope and inspired joy that is directly related to the normalcy we found playing together, albeit apart, amidst the lockdowns and travel bans.”

Catacomb Songs was officially released on December 17th. It is now available to stream on Spotify and Bandcamp.

Connect with Winchester 7 & the Runners to stay up to date with the 60s-inspired alchemy yet to come via Instagram and Facebook.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Can Hardly See: Xanacova releases debut sixteen-track hip-hop album that urges us to ‘Send Help’

Posted on 30 August 2021

Powered resourcefully by indie label The Lotto Tribe, Xanacova shows us deep inside his extremely creative mind on the brand new sixteen-track release called ‘Send Help‘.

Xanacova is a passionate eighteen-years-young indie emo hip-hop artist from Austin, Minnesota. He makes that introspective blend of music which is full of deep thoughts and self-doubts, in this harsh world which seems to lack the love it had before.

”Send Help is a 16 track intimate hip hop genre album that talks about Xanacovas own struggle to be someone who matters in the world he lives in.” ~ Xanacova

There are no fillers here on this quickening heart-beating effort, as he seems to grow majestically on each track. The honesty is quite remarkable and particular gems have to be ‘Working‘, ‘Go To‘ and probably the best track all them all, ‘All Night‘. There is so much sadness, darkness, hope and true integrity on each of these songs especially, that has you admiring his inner strength to show the world his true feelings.

He raps with so much consistency the whole way through and the catchy beats keep you hooked on the line all the way to shore – as you are enthralled by his confident delivery – for such a youthful artist with much promise.

‘Send Help‘ from the emotionally stressed out Austin, Minnesota-based indie rapper Xanacova, is a conscious release which shows you a young man who is looking for his true path, in this confusion-filled life. He feels that he is set for fame and wants it so bad, as he performs with that extra flair that only the few possess. This is the type of album to put on when you are feeling down and need a boost, from someone who lives through his music each day.

You feel like this is the art form which truly sets him free, so he can climb out of his current state of mind and find that self-enlightened happy place of contentment.

Hear this new album on Spotify and check out the IG music channel.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Texan Alt Rock newcomers Tough on Fridays tease the release of their sophomore album “Ways to Kill Time”

Posted on 21 August 2020

Tough on Fridays are set to release their sophomore album on September 4^th. Ahead of the highly-anticipated release, we’ve been given a sneak peek of the infectiously catchy single “Pleased to Meet You”.

The Georgetown, TX artist’s Grungy Pop Punk sound may just restore any faith which you’ve lost in this generation’s up and coming artists. With the sharp melodic hooks, euphoric choruses and scathingly visceral vocals it’s safe to say that Pleased to Meet You comes with a fairly vicious Pop Punk bite. No review of Pleased to Meet You would be complete mentioning the captivating nuances of Post Punk which helps draw the dynamic track to a close. The cutting angular solo work even gives Daniel Kessler (Interpol) a run for his money.

Any fans of Dream Wife, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the Airborne Toxic Event and The Regrettes won’t want to miss out on the release of what promises to be one of the hottest album drops of 2020.

A Fantastic Way to Kill Time will be available via all major streaming platforms from September 4^th. In the meantime, you can check out their earlier releases via SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Matthew Bertram – Destiny: Synthy-Sweet Alt Indie Pop

Posted on 24 June 2020

If you’re looking for a synthy-sweet Pop treat to liven up your playlists, Matthew Bertram’s second album Destiny will sate any aural sugar cravings.

While each track on the artist’s sophomore album carries an arsenal of euphoria, the best introduction to Matthew Bertram’s playfully captivating style is the title track. Good vibes are guaranteed.

In Destiny, 80s Synth Pop and modern Lo-Fi Indie Experimental Pop combine along with hints of Indie Alt Rock. Matthew Bertram boundlessly creative approach to production along with the magnetically expressive Indie Pop vocals instantly puts Matthew Bertram leagues apart from any other Alt Synth Pop artist we’ve heard this year.

Even though Matthew Bertram achieved a vibrant and resounding sound with Destiny, there’s still an incredibly enamouring intimate appeal to the soundscape. Naturally, we’re hooked. And we’re fairly sure that you’ll share our new-found obsession as soon as you hit play too.

You can check out Matthew Bertram’s single Destiny for yourselves via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast