Tag: indie group

Timeless trio Karmacoda shares self-empowerment ballad, ‘Try At Me.’

Comprising of Jessica Ford (vocals), Brett Crockett (aka B. on vocals and producer) and Japanese-American multi-instrumentalist Eric Matsuno (bass), captivating trio KARMACODA have unveiled their new single, ‘Try At Me’, which takes on a soulful, R&B quality that oozes with jazz lounge sensibility. A tender but passionate anthem to self-liberation and overcoming hardship, this track sees Jessica Ford baring her soul in her stirring, powerful vocal delivery. Her vocals soar over a gentle, syncopated downtempo beat, minimal R&B bassline and lowkey instrumental arrangements peppered with the delicate teal of jazz piano. ‘Try At Me’ is bathed in emotion and pain, yet decidedly triumphant and hopeful.

Jessica shared: “I wrote this song about a young girl I teach singing to. She had been through so much loss, anger, sadness and so many trials; more than any little girl should ever have to endure. I watched her fall into a depression, so much so, she didn’t want to sing anymore. Slowly but surely, through love, time and a lot of work, she started coming back, becoming more confident. I watched her fight for it.The song ‘Try At Me’… the words are “it’s time to try at me”, in other words, it’s time to give myself some girl power. It’s time to find myself, it’s time for me to rise, take a chance on myself, get out of this dark place, be heard, grow, and take a leap of faith, even when I feel beat up, I know I can stand up, try at me. She did, and she is. She is singing again. I couldn’t love this more. To my girl, this one’s for you.”

With impressive discography and many awards under their belts, San Francisco- based KARMACODA have offered up a vast array of sounds over the last twenty years, including electronica, chill, trip-hop, R&B, rock and dream pop. While still eluding being pigeonholed into a single genre, the trio’s sound has evolved into a soulful, sophisticated fusion of R&B, jazz lounge, drawing comparisons to the likes of powerful artists such as Adele, Alicia Keys, Leona Lewis and Lana Del Ray.

‘Try At Me’, was released on 26th January via Sola Musa Music. Why not check it out below…

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OUT TODAY: Listen to 916 track, ‘I Spy’ ft. Nayyah & Nikz

Inspired by the early 00’s R&B feel-good sound, ‘I Spy’ features a captivating appearance from the newest addition to the 916 Collective, Nayyah, alongside singer/songwriter/producer, Nikz. The dynamic vocals of both members play their roles in telling a story of budding attraction and shy infatuation.

Speaking on the inspiration behind the track, Nayyah shares “I wanted people to feel that fun 2000s R&B type vibe when listening to the song. I know that there are shy girls like me out there who can relate to seeing someone from across the room that catches your eye so I wanted us to recreate that moment from both perspectives on the record.”

The accompanying visuals, directed by illpressions and Cali, draw inspiration from the iconic Alicia Keys record ‘You Don’t Know My Name,’ adding an extra layer of nostalgia to the overall experience setting ‘I Spy’ up to be recognised as yet another masterfully executed release from the Oxford based collective.

The single is out today (25th January) across various music platforms. Check out the video below…

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Indie rockers Earthquake Lights tackles the issue of loss in new single, ‘Heartbeat’

EARTHQUAKE LIGHTS is a four-piece rock outfit from NYC. Having all met during their time at college, the band quickly saw success with their very first EP, earning placements in a national NBA/Tissot ad campaign and an Alex Gibney documentary. Their music has received critical acclaim alongside multiple Spotify editorial playlists and a placement in Isabel Sandoval’s award-winning film Lingua Franca, as well as a feature on Vulfpeck’s album The Joy of Music, The Job of Real Estate.

Earthquake Lights kick off 2024 with the release of their new single, ‘Heartbeat.’ Inspired by the loss of a vulnerable family member, the poignant track is a reminder to cherish our loved ones in the face of looming troubles. The band dig into the unpredictability and fear of loss, particularly with losing people sooner than you think. Lead singer Myles Rodenhouse shares, “It’s about that moment before the end – when you know it will end but do not know when exactly.”

The introspective song features a programmatic element to the arrangement, where the kick-drum and bass mimic the sound of a heart murmur. Taking inspiration from Japanese classical composers, Rodenhouse confides, “Melody takes a lot of reflection for me. Being on my own allows me to find something more personal.” ‘Heartbeat’ is dedicated to the Mikel Sisters. Listen to the stunning single below…

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Midnight Mystery Club Returns in 2024 with album, ‘Aesthetics Vol.1’

Indie dance duo MIDNIGHT MYSTERY CLUB enters into 2024 with all guns blazing with their latest album, ‘Aesthetics Vol.1’, released earlier this month, 11th January.

Known for their blurringly chilled and spanky pieces that’s fit for lounging in the balearic sun, the guys have taken a slightly different direction, adopting a deeper and darker baseline that offers another form of tranquility. Having said that, towards the ending of the collection, ‘Stay Young Forever’ and ‘Only Dancing’ somewhat retains the trademark of vibrantly mesmerising soundscapes which radiates a warm sunny glow.

It’s great to see that Midnight Mystery Club are back in good form, using their stellar skills as producers. Their latest album just displays that they were very worthy of being winners of 2018 Independent Music Awards in the Electronic/Dance Producers of the Year.

Listen to ‘Aesthetics Vol.1’ below…

Must Listens: Eyes Closed Tight, Only Dancing

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DIY outfit VACATIONS share album ‘No Place Like Home’ + ‘Over You’ video

Two-time platinum-selling Australian band VACATIONS release their long-awaited new album, ‘No Place Like Home’. The record follows an intense period of transformation for the lead singer Campbell Burns, who was diagnosed with Pure OCD (or “Pure O”), a subtype of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder marked by intrusive, unwanted, and uncontrollable thoughts. His experiences learning to live with this while touring the world informed the record, which also engages in nuanced discussions around personal growth and sexuality.

The band tapped Georgia Maq, formerly of the band Camp Cope, for their last official music video for the album release single, ‘Over You’. The band explains, “I thought it would be really fun to lean into this idea of ‘Over You’ as an exploration of self-obsession. The high peaks and low valleys of ego just make for a funnier visual story, I think. We’d saved a silly goofy video until last. I’d originally planned for Campbell to be in the role of protagonist and therapist, but circumstances meant none of us would be in the same city at the same time to work with the director, Jax Anderson, and their wonderful team. To our rescue came Australian darling Georgia Maq, of Camp Cope fame. We were so lucky to have them involved, and their charisma really brought a sensuality and hilarity that was needed.”

Following 2020’s ‘Forever In Bloom’ album, ‘No Place Like Home’ finds the Newcastle, Aus DIY outfit comprised of Burns and bandmates Jake Johnson, Nate Delizzotti, and Joseph Van Lier, expanding their trademark melodic indie rock to new sonic horizons. The first Vacations record to be produced by Campbell Burns and an outside producer, John Velasquez (Zella Day, Broods), it comprises ten shimmering tracks brimming with indie-pop hooks and just a touch of bittersweet sensitivity.

“I had this loose concept of ‘No Place Like Home’ being an Americana-influenced album,” Campbell says of the album’s sonic inspirations. “I wanted to incorporate more pianos, acoustic guitars, Nashville tuning, and country-inspired lap steel, but then also bringing in drum machines and synths and finding a mix between the two.”

The album features singles, ‘Terms & Conditions,’ ‘Midwest,’ ‘Close Quarters,’ and the buzzy radio single, ‘Next Exit,’ which has over 15 million streams.

Formed in 2016, Vacations’ feverishly expanding fanbase has seen the band play host to multiple sold-out UK tours in 2023, including a rapturous headline at The Garage and a slot at All Points East supporting The Strokes.

Vacations have lots to celebrate with the new release. They were picked by Pandora as one of their ten artists to watch for 2024, their single, ‘Telephones,’ was certified platinum in the United States in December, marking their second platinum track stateside (the other is ‘Young’). Recently, the quartet has made their debut TV performance on CBS Saturday Morning.

Vacations’ new album ‘No Place Like Home’ is out now, released today 12th January via Nettwerk. Have a listen to the set below…

Must Listens: Slow Motion, No Place Like Home, Over You

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