New Track: Tableturn – Marek Kubala

Newcomer MAREK KUBALA pours his inner musings into his debut EP ‘Awhile’, released on 10th August via 3BarFire Recordings.

Fusing the progressive electronics of French duo Air with the acoustic subtleties of Elliot Smith and Nick Drake, ‘Awhile’s warm, lo-fi tracks combine heartfelt lyricism with lush instrumentation. First from the EP is lead single ‘Tableturn’ which hails back to a relationship that wasn’t meant to be, enveloping the heartfelt lyricism with soaring strings and soft instrumentals.

Based in East London, the Huddersfield native began his musical journey playing the folk and acoustic nights around the North of England. During his studies in Liverpool, he was introduced to a vibrant house and techno scene. Integrating the two worlds, ‘Awhile’ combines the retro 60s/70s-influenced psychedelia of indie music with the droning hypnotism of electronica.

The budding artist is set to release more this year as the lead singer of a new electro-indie band, comprised of DJ/producers Jerry Bouthier and Andrea Gorgerino (Kitsune/Vivienne Westwood).

In his pursuit of new sounds, Marek can be described in contrasts: organic yet downbeat, nostalgic yet forward moving. With the release of his debut EP, the musician has demonstrated his ability to successfully create his own sonic dreamscape.

Hear for yourself; have a listen to ‘Turntable.’

Upcoming Release: Hiding Away – Stephanie Sounds (ft. Rick Leon James)

East London songbird STEPHANIE SOUNDS gets geared up for the release of her forthcoming single, ‘Hiding Away’, the second offering from her well-received debut album, ‘Much Better’, released last October.

Showcasing on-point harmonies, blissfully backed by delicate guitar plucks, which gives off a rich folklore/worldly affair, ‘Hiding Away’ is definitely an anthem for anyone who’s been hurt and betrayed by close friends – but through the journey of self-healing – the experience will make you a stronger person. Bass player Rick Leon James – who has worked with musical heavyweights such as Tinie Tempah and Wretch 32 – injects a real gutsy funk to the bass line.

As well as a vocal phenomenon on stage, Stephanie is also an up and coming fashion designer

As well as providing backing vocals for some of the world’s leading artists, including Celine Dion, Will Young, Jessie J, Blur, Florence and The Machine, Kasabian, Daniel Bedingfield, Natasha Bedingfield, Lemar, Jamelia, Westlife and McFly, STEPHANIE SOUNDS is also a promising designer who has launched her label, So London Boutique 

The clothing line is gaining attention from people across the globe through blogs, social media and big stages at festivals. Her edgy and trendy designs, brought to life by African prints, are frequently requested by other artists and creatives for their events and performances.

‘Hiding Away’ will be available on all major digital/download sites from 17th August. Check it out below:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/STEPHANIESOUNDS/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StephanieSounds
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniesoundsofficial/
Website: https://stephaniesounds.com/

New Track: Pretty Ones – Mike Rogers x Sinclair x Jay-Way

After the release of ‘What Should I Do’ & ‘Loose Ideas’, MIKE ROGERS now serves up the penultimate track from their forthcoming EP. ‘Pretty Ones’ feat. Sinclair & Jay-Way is out now on BMKLTSCH RCRDS.

‘Pretty Ones’ is another prime example of the duo’s versatility and ability as producers. Featuring the gorgeous vocals of Sinclair and the free-flowing verse from Jay-Way – ‘Pretty Ones’ is an electronic masterpiece fit for summer festival sets worldwide.

‘Pretty Ones’ is taken from the ‘Loose Ideas’, due for release at the end of summer.

Album Review: Entwined – Elias

From the moment you hit the play button on ELIAS‘ debut album ‘Entwined’, you’ll get immediately drawn to the Swedish singer’s robustly soulful vocals with the prominently airy and almost electronic soundscapes serving as a perfect backdrop.

The collection was further enhanced, with the backing of soulful gospel choirs, through, ‘Hope’ which provides an almost three-dimensional feel to the song. ‘Tearing Down the Walls’ briefly interrupts the soothing tone of the album and offers up a late eighties/early nineties-inspired  techno/electronica combo which is slightly reminiscent of Naughty Boy’s hit ‘Runnin (Lose It All)’.

A stunning piano-led piece concludes the album with ‘The Entwined’, showcasing compelling harmonies that weaves elegantly through the keys and – if you’re not made of stone – touches your soul and melts the heart.

ELIAS’ first offering puts him in very good standing as the one-to-watch in the alternative pop music scene – not just in his native Sweden – but across the globe.

Look forward to his future stuff…have a listen to his body of work below:

Must Listens: Focus, Hope, No Deeper We Can Fall, Gold, The Entwined 

Song of the Day: Acceptance – Dr. Wolf

Since their inception in February, long-term friends/collaborators Henry Johns (guitar, drums, synth, vocals) and Nick Sapounas (synths, drums, vocals) – aka DR WOLF – are going all out to make a serious mark in the music circuit in their hometown Detroit with their debut singles ‘Came So Easy’ and ‘Acceptance’.

‘Acceptance’ has stolen today’s hotspot for its stunning lucid passage travelling throughout the almost six-minute composition. The interminable passage is smothered in ultraviolet synths that’s melodic and somehow very therapeutic.

Ahead of their debut releases, the duo became firm fixtures in the Detroit music circuit, performing at various venues as well as playing at the Hamtramck festival and Whateverfest. The guys are working on new material and are planning for release in the winter.

Press play on ‘Acceptance’ – and if this single has a calming effect on you, be sure to look out for their forthcoming projects.