A Music Blog, Yea?

Song of the Day: “The Tapestry”

amusicblogyea — Fri, 24 May 2013 11:54:07 +0000

Photo by Daniel Robson

The Tapestry by Kobadelta! Our Song of the Day can be heard beneath or over on the left sidebar throughout AMBY. Enjoy!

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Alicia Atout

Gimme Your Answers: An Interview w/ Sugarmen

amusicblogyea — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:57:57 +0000

Sugarmen are a prime example of why you should always get down to a gig early enough to catch the supporting acts, I did just that for Little Comets’ recent Liverpool show and was blown away by opening act Sugarmen. Eager to learn more about this talented band I caught up with the Liverpool lads.

AMBY: So Sugarmen introduce yourselves

SUGARMEN: Luke Fenlon, Sam McVann, Ali Horn, Chay Heney

AMBY: What’s the story behind the name Sugarmen?

SUGARMEN: Well for us it means that Liverpool has a well known heritage involving the sugar industry. It is also a nod towards Rodriguez and the recent film Searching For Sugar Man.

AMBY: For anyone who hasn’t heard you yet how would you describe your sound?

SUGARMEN: It’s the trickiest question to ever answer for us, as we’re in the infancy of the band’s existence and have such a diverse range of influences. We sound like a band with a great record collection.

AMBY: You’ve just supported Little Comets at the new East Village Arts Club in Liverpool how was it?

SUGARMEN: Yeah it was a good gig to play for our third show. It was nice to see Little Comets crowd get down early to check us out and the reception was great.

AMBY: You’re playing Liverpool’s Sound City festival this month what else is in the pipeline for Sugarmen?

SUGARMEN: We’re doing a few shows later this month and then going into the studio (Parr St.) to record a single, which will be released on Eighties Vinyl Records this summer.

AMBY: If you could tour with anyone, who would it be?

SUGARMEN: Luke Fenlon – Rolling Stones. Sam McVann – Q.O.T.S.A – White Stripes. Chay Heney – The Clash (’77) – Flaming Lips. Ali Horn – Tame Impala – Fleetwood Mac.

AMBY: Who were the last three artists/bands you listened to?

SUGARMEN: HAIM, Ghost Poet, Tame Impala

AMBY: What do you do outside of music for fun?

SUGARMEN: Ping Pong/ Pub

AMBY: Who would you like to be most and least stuck in an elevator with?

SUGARMEN: Least: Jamiroquai Most: David Bowie.

AMBY: Last, but never least tell us something about Sugarmen that nobody knows

SUGARMEN: Prior to the band, Chay’s Dad and Sam’s Uncle were in a band called The Farm. Chay and Sam had never met each other before. It was sheer coincidence that they ended up in a band with each other.

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Fi Carroll @Dirtyroknroller

Getting Cozy With… The New Ages!

amusicblogyea — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:34:15 +0000

Hey AMBY! We are The New Ages, an alternative / funk rock band based in Birmingham, UK. We have an eclectic mix of influences and styles from the very funky Red Hot Chili Pepper’s to French rockers Noir Désir.

Our members consist of Ant Evans on vocals, Daniel Berridge on guitar, Ludo Roche on bass and Ben Sinclair on Drums. We have been together as a full band since January 2013 and have already been into the recording studio to record a couple of tracks. We are constantly practicing, writing new material and are always looking forward to the next gig.

If you like what you hear we are currently offering a free MP3 download of our new track called Disguse! Just visit our website www.thenewages.co.uk for more information.

We really hope you enjoy listening to our music!

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Alicia Atout

Song of the Day: “Brooklyn Raining”

amusicblogyea — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:56:11 +0000

Photo by Doug Seymour Music Photography

Brooklyn Raining by Zach Hurd! Our Song of the Day can be heard beneath or over on the left sidebar throughout AMBY. Enjoy!

Artist Links:
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Alicia Atout

Kodaline: Video Interview & Concert Review

amusicblogyea — Wed, 22 May 2013 22:21:02 +0000

As many of you know, Kodaline are practically all over AMBY. It’s been fantastic working with the band over the past few months; we’ve previously interviewed them, and they spoke with us about their Five Favourite Fab Gigs. So, it was a pleasure meeting the band and interviewing them in-person last Tuesday in Toronto. Have a look at our video interview with Kodaline’s Steve Garrigan and Mark Prendergast, as we spoke about songs we cannot stand, favourite music videos, their upcoming record In A Perfect World, and funny-looking things they ate while on tour!

After our interview, it was time for the show— front row, one of my favourite bands, and the excitement was continuously growing. I now understand why other AMBY writers have explained a Kodaline concert as purely incredible. Some bands on stage have a presence, but not all have a presence that’s easy to connect to. Kodaline on the other hand play music full of irresistible intrigue and love.

Their set was full of tight, soaring vocal harmonies, ethereal false-setto, and an unexplainable energy which simply made me feel a sense of joy. Each track sounded even better than on disc, and just watching the band doing what they truly love was inspiring.

Throughout their set, I anticipated my favourite Kodaline track, All I Want. To be completely honest, within a simple five minutes, it was hard to not get captured by the heartfelt lyrics and emotion the song conveys. The middle-eight of All I Want is my absolute favourite moment on The Kodaline EP (aside from the bizarre and captivating samples used on Lose Your Mind). When the band played the track live, it was great to see how powerful that middle-eight comes to life and takes you away.

It was an exciting day for me; I had the opportunity of interviewing Kodaline in-person, watching a brilliant gig, and lastly, meeting some friends of mine. If you can, be sure to catch Kodaline while they’re still on tour because I know many friends and family who have fallen in love with this band, and if you’ve yet to, take a second to, because there’s a genuine reason why tons of people love Kodaline.

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Alicia Atout

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013: We Like These Bands

amusicblogyea — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:39:13 +0000

Hello everyone, here’s another massive playlist for you! The title pretty much says it all- we like these bands… So check them out because we have a feeling you will, too! X

Olassa- Where Will I Live
Bad Valley- Sunrise
The Microdance- Yo Yo @ 26 !
Cold Fields- Egg Shells
Over the House- Split Lip
Better Looking People With Superior Ideas- City Song
SUN GIANT- Angel Woman
Audio Mime- I Could Not Speak
This Harbour- Hour of Moments
Dog On A Swing- Thanks
Michael and the Wild Roses- One More for the Road
The Session- Martinets Dream
Two Trick Horse- Promises
Those Amongst Us Are Wolves- And So You Thought, “The Sky’s The Limit”
The Difference- Shadows
Brokenwitt Rebels- Call Out the Sun
Kandma- Dedalo
Aidan Logan- Tell Me
Race the Flux- I Am Animation
Madness and the Film- London Town
Bernaccia- No Club
Leaving Party- Reverse
Sweat Panther Sweat Sweat- Camel
Captain Dangerous- Merrow Song
Social Potion- Drive Myself Home
The Anecdotes- Sepia Fields
Silent Noise Parade- Vultures

Alicia Atout

Let Me Introduce You To… Mallory Knox

amusicblogyea — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:07:50 +0000

Here in the UK, we don’t quite know what summer is. Warm weather is a rarity, and our beaches aren’t terrific. For myself and many others though, summer does mean festivals, and if we’re honest, festivals are great. They are in my opinion, the best place to experience music. One off gig’s are great, and streaming isn’t bad, but there’s nothing quite like getting up and trudging across muddy fields and still unconscious fellow festival goers, before eventually finding solace in an oversized gazebo with some awesome music.

Whilst the majority of these festivals take place in the latter half of the summer, there are a few early, more reserved ones fast approaching. For example, in just under a week Slam Dunk Festival brings us the hottest and freshest rock music. After scouring the lineup, there were only a couple of bands I hadn’t heard of, and therefore needed to check out. Chief amongst them, were Mallory Knox. Although I had yet to hear anything the Cambridge band have produced, I had heard good things about them from friends. They have their fans on radio too. Radio 1 and Kerrang have been playing their music more and more. Zane Lowe in particular, remains a particular advocate of the five-piece.

Comprising of Mikey Chapman, Joe Savins, Sam Douglas, Dave Rawling and James Gillett, the band have began building a discography of hard-hitting rock anthems. Considering Mallory Knox have only been around for four years, they certainly know how to deliver. Their only full-length album to date, Signals, reached number 33 in the UK albums chart. Surprisingly high for a debut attempt from what had only recently started off as a local rock band.

In a scene which has featured few breakout artists, Mallory Knox possess a certain attitude, a quiet vigour, which holds them in good stead. Be it the confidently powerful vocals, or the respect for a decent guitar solo, Mallory Knox represent a tiring scene in a fresh way. The band feel like a comfortable midway point between Young Guns and Underoath. With Slamdunk Festival soon upon us, and T in the Park not long after, Mallory Knox should definitely be one of those bands you underline on your festival guide this year.

David Berry // @joeypeapot

Getting Cozy With… Manchester!

amusicblogyea — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:57:43 +0000

Hey, how’s it going? We are Manchester, a rock and roll band from Bs As, Argentina. We couldn’t define exactly what kind of music we play,but let say that we love Oasis, Stereophonics, Suede, Gin Bloosoms, The Wallflowers etc…… do you know what I’m getting at right??? We’ve just finished our debut album so… if you like rock and roll,or indie,or just britpop music,you should hear it! it sounds fucking great!!

Cheers!!!

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Alicia Atout

You’ve GOT to Hear This: “This Last Year”

amusicblogyea — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:55:03 +0000

This Last Year by Palms

Palms are a band hailing from Sydney, Australia. There are many bands called Palms, but let this band be the one you listen to next. Known for their grungy song Love, dubbed as a song to get freaky to, and The Summer is Done with Us, a more summery (well, obviously) number, this band’s recordings will sound much like you’ve tossed a cassette into your 90s beatbox.

This Last Year bears the simple scrapbook-like style artwork that matches the art for their other singles, and we know they’ll come out with something powerful, something we have yet to really criticise. This Last Year is an angrier, more angst-filled song, and certainly a slower number, structured like a ballad. It encompasses emotions and feelings that can not only be felt through Alex’s vocals, but through the rough guitar riffs and the layers of sound throughout the track.

While it may be hard to make out some of the lyrics in the song, you’ll know that “this last year changed everything” belted out in a staccato growl only serves to evoke memories of that one person you probably regret meeting.

So yeah, it’s a love song. But we love love songs. Especially ones that are wonderfully vague but versatile, emotional, and not your ordinary tragic rock.

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Georgie Celestine

Gimme Your Answers: An Interview w/ Ben Lee

amusicblogyea — Tue, 21 May 2013 23:42:16 +0000

It’s amazing to think that Ben Lee’s first record Grandpaw Would was released the year I was born, in 1995. This music legend has been in our lives for a very long time and we have really come to treasure every release Ben’s had. This year, he released Ayahuasca: Welcome to the Work; a fantastic album which allowed us to carry our ever-lasting admiration for this artist. So, we were very honoured when given the opportunity of interviewing Ben! Have a read where AMBY talks to Ben Lee about “everything. everyone.”, the state of modern music, loving kiwi, and bottles being smashed on his head!

AMBY: Hello Ben, how have you been and what have you been up to lately?

Ben Lee: Preparing for the US release of the new album. Organizing events around it. Doing interviews, which in this case, have been fascinating as the record has triggered quite complex questions from people. And as always, parenting and continuing my inner work.

AMBY: You are about to release your next record Ayahuasca: Welcome to the Work via pledgemusic. What have been some of the benefits as an artist going this route?

Ben Lee: Obviously, financially, it gives an artist the freedom to allocated resources to where we find appropriate/important (as opposed to how a label might see it). But also it creates awareness about a project from much earlier than a traditional marketing plan would.

AMBY: What were some of your favourite moments while making the album?

Ben Lee: The vulnerability of the collaboration with Jessy, while making something so terrifyingly new for me. Going so far out into a new space with the support of a dear friend is something I will forever be grateful for.

AMBY: Who influences you as a songwriter and musician?

Ben Lee: Everything. Everyone.

AMBY: Which three of your songs are quintessential Ben Lee?

Ben Lee: No Right Angles. The Will To Grow. Whatever It Is.

AMBY: How do you feel about the state of modern/mainstream music?

Ben Lee: True awakening has always happened underground. This is nothing new. But there are some signs that mainstream consciousness is beginning to integrate some alternative ideas that have been presented. I’m optimistic.

AMBY: What’s the funniest thing to happen to you at a gig?

Ben Lee: Having a bottle smashed on my head in Margaret River at a festival.

AMBY: Which artists have you been listening to lately?

Ben Lee: Nadav’s album of Hindu Chants “Om”. Arvo Part. R Carlos Nakai.

AMBY: What do you do outside of music for fun?

Ben Lee: Play with my kids. Talk to my friends.

AMBY: What has you excited for 2013?

Ben Lee: A growing sense that “it’s possible”.

AMBY: If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?

Ben Lee: I would ask that the world use its intellect to serve its heart, not the other way around.

AMBY: And last but never least, what’s something about Ben Lee that nobody knows?

Ben Lee: I love kiwi fruit.

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Alicia Atout