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A&R Factory Present: Me and My Drummer

Me and My Drummer return with their new album Love is a Fridge, which out now and the follow-up to their critically acclaimed debut album The Hawk, The Beak, The Prey.

With strong support for their debut and over 150 shows played all over Europe and the UK, it would have made sense to continue riding the feverous wave the duo had created as they made their first steps onto the scene. However, Charlotte Brandi and Matze Pröllochs stepped away from the spotlight to focus on themselves and the music, uncompromising and adamant to do things their way. The right way

Free of pressure and expectations, they began to explore new boundaries. They tried and tested many producers before finally settling on Olaf Opal (The Notwist); in Olaf they had found the perfect partner to bring a new dimension to their sound. The result is Love Is a Fridge and it’s been well worth the wait.

Love is a Fridge is ten perfect tracks nothing short of an electropop masterpiece as Me And My Drummer traverse a wide and varied soundscape. From the electrifying “Gun” to the danceable “Easy On Me”, the first half of the album is bursting with shimmering synths that frolic over hypnotic beats with Charlotte’s voice carrying us away in some kind of wonderful dream.

On Love Is A Fridge, Brandi’s vocals are stronger than ever, enough to match the soulful electropop tones of Florence Welch or Jessie Ware. However, as the album enters its second ‘act’ there’s a change of pace on tracks like ‘Tie Me Bananas’ and ‘Blue Splinter View’ yet, no matter the pace, the album maintains its bold feel and flavour for experimentation. If you imagine Bat For Lashes meets La Roux you’re close but there’s something somewhat celestial about Me And My Drummer that sets them apart.

Having received acclaim from the likes of XFM, BBC Radio 1, BBC 6Music, NME, Rolling Stone, MTV, DIY,The Line of Best Fit, Clash and The 405 and with a strong following in their home country, the band are making a bold step forward once again with their second album.

A&R Factory Present: Merrily James

London-born, Seattle-raised songstress Merrily James began honing her musical craft during her teen years — touring with the internationally acclaimed Total Experience Gospel Choir, competing as part of “Showtime at the Apollo, and learning songwriting through the Jimmy Hendrix Experience.

After earning her undergraduate degree from the prestigious Berklee College of Music, she relocated to Brooklyn where she immersed herself within the burgeoning local scene. Over the course of her career, Merrily has collaborated with numerous Brooklyn music trendsetters including Brian Kelsey (Parlour Tricks) and Zac Taylor (American Authors) and shared in the stage with industry icons such as Bobby McFerrin, Phillip Bailey (Earth, Wind, & Fire), Rocco Prestia (Tower of Power), Don Was, and Valerie Simpson.

Merrily’s debut EP Opia, produced by Tommy Eichmann (Alex Winston, Rocket & the Ghost) and Sanford Livingston (Arum Rae) with musical direction by Grant Zubritsky (MS/MR, Chet Faker), is slated for independent release on June 3rd. The release show is confirmed for June 5th at NYC’s Rockwood Music Hall, with more US tour dates TBA throughout the summer.

A&R Factory Present: Stranded Mermaid

Stranded Mermaid are a Swedish band, making indie music with ethnic and folky vibes.

Formed in Småland, Sweden in 2013, by the producer duo Louise Lindenger (vocals) and Håkan Persson (vocals, guitar), along with Nathanaël Bartolo on drums, bassist Gustav Magnusson, guitarist Andreas Bohlin, violinist Veronika Jönebratt, vocalist Matilda Westergren and percussionist Jens Torvaldsson.

The band performs a dirty, yet beautiful and atmospheric sound inspired by the western movie soundtracks of the great composer Ennio Morricone and folk music. The members share a great passion and vision for the outcome, and produce the music on their own.

 

Enjoy!