Browsing Tag

Experienced

Interview: Chicago’s Taihei lets us deep inside his visionary mindset on Fallen Angel

Posted on 16 June 2023
https://open.spotify.com/album/0MS6hEoI7ASqwbkDgY2QlS

Well-known Chicago music supremo Taihei kindly invited us into his world recently and we found out so much to learn from. Born John Paul Reyes, we are treated to an experienced soul who opens the door for us to nod our heads with a Cyberoom EDM vibe to blast loud on the speakers.

Llewelyn: We appreciate you having a quick chat with us today. Where in the world are you based as we speak and what did you start your day with?

Taihei: I’m currently in Chicago right now, starting the day off with some coffee and watching some documentaries. It’s always good to take things easy in the beginning, learn different things about the world. It brings me some inspiration for the day, allowing me to reflect upon different concepts and ideas.

Llewelyn: Please tell us all about your new release and the vision behind it.

Taihei: I released ‘Fallen Angel’ as my first track for 2023, paying homage to all the styles and influences that have inspired me. I grew up listening to various genres of EDM probably since 2007-2008, with Big Room and Trance music being the primary genres that got me into music production. For me, those styles and genres bring nostalgia, along with video games and anime. This track in a way is an homage to that era and is kind of a reflection of the many years I’ve been producing music and the journey as well.

Llewelyn: Do you remember the precise moment you knew you wanted to be a music producer?

Taihei: I remember when a good friend of mine had me listen to Hardwell’s Spaceman while we were going from one class to another. He pulled his iPod out and he gave me an earbud to listen to the track, and it was around then that I became interested in producing music. Skrillex was another artist that came up as well, with Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites. Movies and films were another inspiration that led me into the world of sound design; composers using synths and manipulating sound to create other-worldly sounds.

Llewelyn: Chicago. Where would you suggest we go out to watch excellent live music when in the city?

Taihei: There are a lot of different clubs within Chicago that cater to different genres. You’ve got places like Radius, Concord Music Hall, Prysm, Electric Hotel, Primary, and Sound Bar that bring a variety of styles and genres. Whether you want to vibe out or rage, there’s always a place for it in the city.

Llewelyn: How has the scene evolved since you started over 10 years ago?

Taihei: The scene has evolved exponentially in my opinion. In my neck of the woods, there was a small group of people who were producing mainstage EDM genres, along with a couple of people diving into festival genres like Trap, Dubstep, and all the like. There were small communities, splintered out into different sectors.

Nowadays, there are many different groups that are dedicated to different styles, and even microgenres. On top of that, there are various groups who are cross-pollinating in styles, not really adhering to any boundaries or any strict genre. In my view, I think that is going to open a lot of things to come for music in terms of new styles and ways we do music.

Llewelyn: How do video games and anime inspire you each day?

Taihei: For me, it is solving problems or obstacles that really inspires me to become more persistent, to never quit and to always strive to go forward. Like in video games, there are always going to be obstacles and difficulties, but it is through those experiences that there are learning opportunities and overcoming these obstacles, to never give up and never give in.

Llewelyn: Last, what does it really take to be successful in this game?

Taihei: There are many moving parts and things to consider to be successful in this game. I think one thing to focus on, and this is mainly targeting towards people who are starting off, is to establish your own sound and brand. Make what you want to make, what brings you drive, and what inspires you.

If you work in a style that inspires you and you enjoy the overall process, you will be able to come up with different ideas and ways of creating your own sonic signature. Also, don’t be afraid to dive into different genres. The more you explore different styles, the more ideas you will come up with. A lot of my techniques, styles, and different ideas for tracks usually come from being exposed to different styles of music and media.

Another thing to focus on, surround yourself with people who share common goals or aspirations. Surrounding yourself with people who have common interests will push you to do more and inspire you both in music and personally. It’s hard to find those people who have the same goals and drive as you do – those people are hard to find and are always not going to be obvious. When you surround yourself with people who have the same goals and aspirations as you, it will allow yourself to grow, challenge yourself, and open yourself up to different possibilities and opportunities.

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Listen up to this epic track on Spotify.

Find out more news on IG.

Interview by Llewelyn Screen

Born To Fail: Ghost Nation drops mental health inspired single Help Me

Posted on 4 March 2023

Known best for their unprecedented fusion of modern alternative rock, dark pop, electronic rock, rebel blues and boss beat, Ghost Nation intertwine through a Katrineholm and Stockholm moulded gem of a single called Help Me.

Ghost Nation is a Sweden-based indie pop/rock duo who are an experienced team that lathers our attention with extremely well-constructed anthems.

“We are thrilled to share this new music with our fans,” says Micke Berg. “It’s a very personal and meaningful song for us and we hope it resonates with listeners and encourages them to open up about their own struggles.” ~ Ghost Nation

Soaring with much radiant honesty and so much to learn from, Ghost Nation display such bravery in this engaged song which is wrapped with real meaning. Searching for the light deep in that lonely forest, we find a supremely dark song to help unlock all the previous trauma.

Help Me from the Sweden-based indie pop/rock duo Ghost Nation is a rather terrific single all about asking for help when you need it most. Sung with sterling precision and much to be illuminated by, this is a rather lyrically aware song for anyone who needs to know that friends are there to help if needed.

When you feel like you’re sinking, it’s time to get some backup before it’s too late.

Listen up on YouTube. See more on FB.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Pat Burgess wonders if the two connected souls found the love map again on ‘A Borrowed Mandolin’

Posted on 25 June 2022

Taken off his first ever 12-track solo release called ‘The Song Box‘, Pat Burgess shows us the hard road that will be followed all the way to that ultimate love on ‘A Borrowed Mandolin‘.

Pat Burgess is a highly experienced Dublin-born, Leixlip, Ireland-based indie singer-songwriter who has been in the music scene for the past 45 years.

As the lead singer and founder member of the Irish Americana group, The Rye River Band, we find an artist who sounds in reinvigorated form with a classic single that will fill you up with a hope that is furnished with so much honesty.

”In the 70s Pat performed on the live Dublin music circuit doing solo gigs and guest appearances and around this time he started writing songs.” ~ Pat Burgess

Sung with so much true introspection, Pat Burgess presents us with a real insight into life and performs with a smooth vocal ability that will have you listening so intently, like you are hearing a lesson from an underground legend.

‘A Borrowed Mandolin‘ from Leixlip, Ireland-based indie singer-songwriter Pat Burgess is a trip down memory lane and a guiding light into what is needed to truly find that light again if you have lost it.

This is a storyteller’s delight and if you love music with a genuine message from someone who has truly lived, this will be a song you shall have on repeat for ages.

Listen up to this timeless sounding single on YouTube and see more news on his website.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

UK-based singer-songwriter Harry Stephenson knows he can’t be the one this time on ‘Bones’

Posted on 19 June 2022

Realizing quickly that he has to be totally honest and tell his current lover that perhaps they need to look elsewhere, Harry Stephenson wonders why they can’t see the full picture away from the walls on ‘Bones‘.

Harry Stephenson is an experienced UK-based indie singer-songwriter and loop artist who loves to bring sunshine to a world that has only been focused on darkness recently.

”With a worldwide fan base, he often works with other songwriters and musicians and is known for his energy and infectious attitude.” ~ Harry Stephenson

At his entertaining best, with another crisp song that could be stuck in your ears all day like gum on boots, Harry Stephenson means business with his latest track that will get you pondering everything you have felt before rather deeply.

”Drawing from real-life experiences to share meaningful songs with the world.” ~ Harry Stephenson

‘Bones‘ from UK-based indie singer-songwriter and loop artist Harry Stephenson is a catchy song that has been made from a reflective soul who knows that a quick change is needed before everything falls over damagingly. Sung with a mature style that has you singing with – this is the type of song to play loud – when you can just sense that a breakup is around the corner.

Sometimes you just need to speak up before hearts are broken and tears are spilling on streets that just need love right now.

Listen to this new single on YouTube and see more on his IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Ludwik Konopko shows us that its time to venture outside again with, ‘Sunday Alchemy’

Posted on 1 May 2022

After transmitting us into a more tranquil world of love on ‘Ana‘, Ludwik Konopko guides us to that safe road to be joyous with our friends and family again with his mellow new track to hold in high regard, ‘Sunday Alchemy‘.

Ludwik Konopko is a Ukrainian-born Polish guitarist and composer who integrates elements of jazz, flamenco, blues, folk, and world music into his compositions.

”Ludwik Konopko was born in Lviv and has been living in Poland since 1991. He had his first public appearance as a guitarist at the age of 19, when he performed in an orchestra at the Lviv National Philharmonic.” ~ Ludwik Konopko

Lathering a serene love letter to help us deal with any anxieties that have been bogging us down recently, Ludwik Konopko reminds us that we can actually keep things simple if we change our habits and change that mindset which has been stretched beyond comprehension.

”Often, he can be spotted unexpectedly outdoors in different cities of Poland where he promotes his records among people.” ~ Ludwik Konopko

‘Sunday Alchemy‘ from experienced Polish indie jazz/blues guitarist and composer Ludwik Konopko is a super single to brighten up everyone’s day. There is an easygoing nature to truly enjoy here on a beat that is rather positive, to brighten up our cold hearts that need so much warmth to heal up properly. The skillset on offer is a real treasure to behold, as we close our eyes and imagine a better place to swim peacefully inside with no worries.

Hear this new single on Spotify and see more on the IG page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Legendary Seattle folk artist Jim Page is at his best with the instant classic ‘Sleepin’ on a car seat’

Posted on 20 March 2022
https://soundcloud.com/folkpunch/sleepin-on-a-car-seat/s-z8G8YnkFQpV?in=folkpunch/sets/time-is-now//s-nCv68HYTjGX

Taken off his 24th album called ‘About The Time Is Now‘, Jim Page shows us his incredibly inspiring experience from touring in 17 countries on his latest single about making do with what you have on ‘Sleepin’ on a car seat‘.

Jim Page is a highly-regarded and much-respected Seattle, USA-based indie folk singer-songwriter who is the type of rare prolific artist who has played so many gigs that his name is entrenched into the souls of music lovers wherever he travels.

”The core 3 players; Jim, Dune (bass), and Joel (drums); recorded ensemble, each in isolation. The other parts were added individually later. It had to be that way. The ideas came together during the summer of street uprisings and climate change fires, and you can hear some of that in the music.” ~ Jim Page

Jim Page is one of the most beloved musicians around and returns with another glorious soundtrack that should be lodged into our minds forever. This is the message about sleeping where you must – as you get to the next day – even if it’s not the most comfortable bed you will ever find. With witty lyrics and a smooth vocal ability, this is a really enlightening release made by a true underdog great.

‘Sleepin’ on a car seat‘ from Seattle-based, California-born indie-folk royalty Jim Page is the story about doing what you must to survive in this rather odd world. This is an artist who has travelled all over the world on his mission to get his music out to as many people as possible – while seeing places he probably would love to go back to – while others he will definitely avoid.

We are in the midst of a true storyteller who has blended in wherever he goes and should be admired for never giving up on doing what he truly loves. If you believe in yourself enough and are willing to do what it takes, the quest is always worth it in the end, even if your wallet might go missing sometimes.

Hear a true great at work on Soundcloud and find out more about his incredible life on his website.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

There Won’t Be A Next Time: Energetic Birmingham band By Devices return with the dynamic new track ‘Sink so Low’

Posted on 16 December 2021

Bringing us their spirited story that propels you to plunge your teeth powerfully into, By Devices are at their loudest with their new single all about wondering how someone could ‘Sink so Low‘.

By Devices is a venom-filled Birmingham, UK-based 5-piece rock band. They are highly skilled at hammering our speakers to maximum impact and undoubtedly catch your engagement with their barraging style.

Transmitting their well-constructed story through their heart-stopping energy that is compellingly unrelenting the whole way through, By Devices expertly switch our moods from a frown into a reflective ponder. They bring us a high-energy performance that has you imagining them on the biggest festival stages in full flight.

‘Sink so Low‘ from experienced Birmingham, UK-based 5-piece rock act By Devices, is an intense effort from a band who have seen it all. This is the story about being disappointed and expressing that emotion, as a path moved into a different place than you previously expected by seeing something transpire that was thought unfathomable before. Sung with breathless stamina and executed with bone-rattling energy, this is a song to put on when you feel like venting out your feelings to clear your head.

Hear this pulsating new single on Spotify and see their stories on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

You Were Waiting For Me: The Killing Tapes left with absolutely nothing on ‘Never Going Home’

Posted on 2 December 2021

With an energetically vibrant performance that has your heart beating so much faster than a few seconds before, The Killing Tapes remind us that travelling is a beautiful experience but certainly doesn’t shake off the past with ‘Never Going Home‘.

The Killing Tapes is an indie dark-pop duo that radiates brightly and brings us back to a time when things were so much more peaceful, as they forge a palate-pleasing sound that is quite mesmerizing at times.

As our minds race and we think back to that liberating feeling while away from our own home, The Killing Tapes show us into their world – with a quite astonishing performance here – that will have you recalling when you ran away from a predicament you thought would go away while you were gone.

‘Never Going Home‘ from The Killing Tapes, is an ear-warming experience from a highly experienced duo who pour through with tremendous quality and give the world something to truly treasure here. This is the story all about leaving as you get away from your issues but come back with real gold – as you wonder if it will be the same when you return – or if it’s best to keep on your mission. Sung with weighted energy, this is a glorious track filled with class.

Hear this ravishing single on Spotify and see more on the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

All Join Hands: Croydon’s Mick J Clark urges us to make this world a better place on ‘We Know It’s True’

Posted on 17 November 2021

With an honest message that has you thinking about what more can be done to make this a much more peaceful and pollution-free world, Mick J Clark is at his best with a track that has you pondering profoundly about the fresh air that we all take for granted on ‘We Know It’s True‘.

Mick J Clark is a very experienced Croydon, UK-based indie rock singer-songwriter who pens smartly-written lyrics all about love and helping this planet to be a happier place to reside in.

There is much to admire about Mick J Clark, as he propels his voice with a marvellous tone that envelops your ears and doesn’t let go easily. The guitar riffs are supremely proficient and full of varying complexities, that has you fully invested in each second from this distinguished musician.

‘We Know It’s True‘ from the UK-based indie rock artist Mick J Clark, is a frank message that needs to be heard far and wide. This is the narrative about how the world needs our help quickly as the talking is done – as action is needed now – to save this burning planet from end-of-day destruction. Sung with gritty energy, you feel that this is a track that could inspire change to happen, with an ode to future generations that need our help right now. Long live our beautiful world.

Hear this new inspiring single on Spotify and see more news via his Twitter page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen