Tag: reviews

Genevieve Miles returns with shoegaze-y broken-hearted catharsis in ‘howl’

GENEVIEVE MILES’ psychedelic indie fusion continues to take on new levels of depth with shoegaze and rock influences taking the forefront in new single ‘howl’. Inspired by the likes of Talking Heads, Slowdive and Courtney Barnett, this new single continues her evolution and maturity, as “a true artist of today’s generation” (Local and Live). This single marks the first time Genevieve has recorded with her whole band in the studio, as she finally moved back to her spiritual home of Birmingham at the start of this year. The grit of recording in Digbeth truly shines through on the track, produced by Jo Cartledge, amongst a scene of exciting upcoming bands in Birmingham such as Gingham, Jazzcat and pip.

On the single, Genevieve says: “this has always been our favourite to play live, I am beyond excited that we can all finally cry and scream together at home to this song, one I wrote at ground zero of a broken heart.”

After the triumphant release of last year’s EP, So heavy, so hard to hold, Genevieve has been busy forging new expressions within her music. The EP, which offers “a sonic embrace to all who listen” (Unrecorded) was featured in BBC Introducing’s Top Tracks of 2023, listed in Dead Good Music’s top ten EPs of 2023 and gained spots on Amazing Radio’s Indie and Easy Listening playlists. Lead single ‘Good’, was first launched on a Hyundai advert in 2022 and has since accumulated over a million views.

Following the success of this EP, Genevieve has spent the past year in the studio, as well as performing around the UK, including notable festival slots at Camp Bestival and Wychwood Festival, supporting Megan Wyn in London, and headlining a packed out show at Birmingham’s renowned Hare and Hounds. She’s also received endorsement from exciting brands such as Goose and Gander.

BBC Radio have consistently supported Genevieve since 2019, including a slot at BBC Introducing Live, their joint showcase with Birmingham Music Awards (2020), the digital BBC Airwaves Festival (2021). All this support culminated in playing their stage at Truck Festival (2023).

Overall, 2023 was an exciting year including her first UK tour, a slot at a fringe event of The Great Escape Festival and playing Big Retreat Festival. Her wide range of influences was also celebrated when Fontaines D.C. shared her acoustic cover of their song ‘I Don’t Belong’ for the online Rock the Breadline fundraiser.

On the live experience, Genevieve says: “I love throwing myself around on stage and shouting as loud as I can: it’s for all those years that I stayed quiet, didn’t get mad, people pleased. This is the time of the wild woman: we are loud, emotional, ALIVE.”

Genevieve is also celebrating the release of ‘howl’ with a gig held at The Yard, a cosy space in Moseley, Birmingham. It promises to be a stripped-back set next to a log burner, an intimate night which will mirror the raw intimacy of the new single.

Upcoming gigs:
3rd November – Hare and Hounds, Kings Heath (supporting Danny Mellin)
13th December – The Night Owl, Digbeth

Connect with Genevieve Miles via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/genevievemilesmusic/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/genevieve_miles/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@genevievemilesmusic
X: https://x.com/genevievemiles_

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Song of the Day: Never Goes Away – Amber Sauer

Powerhouse vocalist and multi-hyphenate AMBER SAUER makes her anticipated return to music with her latest single, ‘Never Goes Away’—a romantic pop-soul anthem that showcases her unmatched vocal prowess and fresh, modern sound. Known for her captivating blend of Pop, Soul, and R&B, Amber’s latest offering is a testament to her versatility as both a recording artist and performer.

Amber, whose credits include The Voice, I Can See Your Voice, Dancing with the Stars, and Smashing Glass, is a musical staple across genres and platforms. Her performances have earned her a loyal following, and after a brief departure focusing on her modelling career, she is back to her first love with a track that promises to leave a real mark on the pop-soul scene.

Co-written with a close friend and produced by Grammy Winner Printz Board, ‘Never Goes Away’ channels Amber’s deepest musical inspirations, from Whitney Houston to Kelly Clarkson, blending her signature vocal strength with crisp, polished production. The result is an intoxicating sound that’s both fun and flirty—pop with a gritty R&B edge, wrapped in soul.

The single was born from a personal collaboration, as a close friend originally wrote the track. After recording the demo, Amber couldn’t shake the song’s connection and knew she had to release it. The result is a flirty, feel-good anthem perfect for anyone who’s experienced the exhilarating highs of falling in love. “A lingering, unshakeable connection – good or bad. Falling in love is like a beautiful moment of temporary insanity…”

Amber’s vocals soar above the track’s crisp beats and catchy melodies, bringing to life a song that’s both relatable and addictive. The track’s infectious melody, singalong chorus, and danceable rhythm capture that irresistible feeling of being swept away by romance.

Amber Sauer’s return is a treat for fans of Pop, Soul, and R&B alike, offering something for everyone with her authentic, yet contemporary sound. Have a listen to ‘Never Goes Away’ below…

Connect with Amber Saucer via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ambersauermusic
IG: https://www.instagram.com/ambersauer/
X:https://x.com/ambersauer

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OUT TODAY: Tony Bones The Producer and Jackson B unite with lyricist AKS to channel nostalgia on single ‘Whatever It Is’

As they continue to tease towards their joint project, frequent collaborators Tony Bones The Producer and Jackson B join forces with rising British/Nigerian wordsmith, AKS, to release the nostalgia infused joint single ‘Whatever It Is’ – a track that blends the soulful essence of 90s hip-hop with a modern-day edge.

Leading with its infectious boom-bap rhythms, live saxophone elements, and thought-provoking lyrics, the new single is a nod to golden-era Hip-Hop, reminiscent of icons like De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest – melding nostalgia with innovation in a way that speaks to both the old school and the new generation of listeners.

Tony Bones The Producer, fast gaining a reputation for his ability to craft timeless, soul-infused beats, lays the foundation of the track. Drawing inspiration from the jazz, funk, and boom-bap that defined the 90s hip-hop sound, Tony’s production exudes warmth and groove, paying homage to the roots of the genre while maintaining a contemporary edge.

What sets ‘Whatever It Is’ apart is the live instrumentation provided by Jackson B, a multi-instrumentalist and saxophonist. His smooth saxophone lines and melancholy keys breathe life into the track, adding an organic, jazz-inspired texture that elevates the song to new heights. Jackson B’s improvisational style is a nod to jazz legends, effortlessly blending with the hip-hop production to create a unique listening experience.

Playing front-man for this effort is wordsmith AKS, a critically acclaimed UK based rapper whose lyrical finesse and effortless flow perfectly complement the classic feel of the beat. Known for his introspective and motivational rhymes, AKS delivers verses that reflect themes of resilience, growth, and self-discovery. His bars speak to the listener’s soul, encouraging them to trust in their journey and embrace their individuality. A testament compounded by the artistry evidently on display here as he finds a way to merge the heavy with the cheerful whilst getting you singing along.

Together, the trio have crafted a vibrant, feel-good song that evokes something more, ‘Whatever It Is’….it’s a sonic journey that reflects on the past while embracing the future. Tony Bones’ production, combined with Jackson B’s instrumentation and AKS’s introspective lyrics, results in a track that is as much a nod to the past as it is a statement of intention for the enduring legacy of Hip-Hop. This collaboration is a reminder that the genre’s heart and soul are still thriving, with timeless themes that continue to resonate with both long-time fans and new generations alike.

‘Whatever it Is’ is available today (24th October 2024 ) for streaming/download on major digital platforms and offers a brilliant insight into Jackson B x Tony Bones The Producer’s forthcoming joint album. As a true collaboration the record will also feature on AKS’ forthcoming “Departures & Arrivals: As Plane as Day” project as he closes out his “Modes of Transport” series.

Connect with AKS, Jackson B & Tony Bones the Producer
AKS: http://instagram.com/AKSonline
Jackson B: http://instagram.com/jacks0n.b_
Tony Bones the Producer: http://instagram.com/tonybonestheproducer 

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Song of the Day: Retro-39 – Tilly Birds

Bangkok’s alt-pop sensations TILLY BIRDS have dropped their latest single, ‘Retro-39’, a shimmering synth-pop gem that dives deep into the bittersweet feeling of missing someone you can’t get out of your head. Known for their genre-blurring approach, the trio of Billy, Third, and Milo have once again crafted a track that fuses indie, funk, and 80s-inspired pop into a sound that feels both fresh and nostalgic.

Formed over a decade ago, Tilly Birds have always embraced their broad musical influences, from The Beatles to Queen, merging them into a modern approach that resonates with listeners worldwide. With millions of fans in their home country of Thailand and beyond, the band has become synonymous with crafting catchy, energetic tracks that leave a lasting impact.

Their album It’s Gonna Be OK (2021) earned them the Best Asian Artist award at the Mnet Asian Music Awards 2021, and it was also recognized by NME Magazine as one of the 25 Best Asian Albums of 2021. In Thailand, their success is unparalleled—they swept five major awards at the TOTY Music Awards 2021 (T-POP of The Year), including: Best Music of the Year (Male Group), Best Artist of the Year (Group), Best Producer of the Year, Best Song of the Year and Best Album of the Year.

In their latest offering ‘Retro-39’, Tilly Birds take listeners on an emotional journey of longing and nostalgia. The song paints a vivid picture of trying to escape the memory of someone you wish you didn’t miss—disconnecting from the world, turning off your phone, and retreating to music as a form of solace. With its irresistible hooks and sleek 80s-inspired production, the track blends funky synths and infectious chorus lines, making it a perfect addition to their already captivating discography.

Musically, ‘Retro-39’ showcases Tilly Birds’ knack for marrying infectious pop hooks with textured, layered production. The track opens with an immediate pull—sharp synth lines weaving through punchy beats, while Billy’s guitar riffs add a grungy edge beneath the polished surface. As the chorus hits, Third’s emotive vocals soar, delivering a melody so infectious it’s impossible not to get caught up in the moment.
Tilly Birds’ ability to inject emotion into danceable pop is what makes ‘Retro-39’ stand out. For fans of The 1975, HYBS, and Dayglow, the song is built on contradictions—retro vibes mixed with contemporary energy, upbeat grooves paired with lyrics of longing—but it works beautifully, creating a sound that’s both familiar and new.

In a music world saturated with fleeting pop trends, ‘Retro-39’ is a reminder of why Tilly Birds continue to thrive: they create songs that connect on a deeper level, pairing irresistible sounds with stories that resonate. As you hit repeat on ‘Retro-39’, it’s clear Tilly Birds are a movement, shaping the future of alternative pop one unforgettable track at a time.

‘Retro-39’ is out now…why not check out the video for the vibrant single below…

Follow Tilly Birds via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/tillybirds
FB: https://www.facebook.com/TILLYBIRDS/
X: https://x.com/tillybirds

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Song of the Day: They Can’t Know – Supreme Kiing

Delving deep into the intricate emotions of love and secrecy, ‘They Can’t Know’ is the powerful single that promises to leave listeners captivated. Crafted by the collaborative genius of The UnKNoWN PRoDuCeR and SuPReMe KiiNg, this song takes the audience on a melodic journey into the hearts and minds of those in search of passionate and elusive love.

This remarkable musical fusion between The UnKNoWN PRoDuCeR and SuPReMe KiiNg has resulted in a symphony of beats that transcends genres. Drawing from his rich background as Queen Latifah’s ex-dancer, The UnKNoWN PRoDuCeR, also known as Kreata, showcases his multi-genre prowess with artful precision. Meanwhile, SuPReMe KiiNg, celebrated as one of the East Coast’s most prolific souls, brings lyrical brilliance and raw authenticity to the table.

The inception of ‘They Can’t Know’ was a harmonious blend of patience and opportunity. The UnKNoWN PRoDuCeR waited for the perfect moment to collaborate with SuPReMe KiiNg, who was drawn to the producer’s dexterous beats and undeniable talent. The result is a seamless synergy between Urban Pop and Symphony Hall Orchestra, creating a tapestry of love, longing, and nostalgia.

Mastered remotely by the esteemed Fabio Maiorano in Spain, whose impressive portfolio includes collaborations with renowned artists, ‘They Can’t Know’ delivers a sonically rich and emotionally resonant experience. The song was produced and mixed at FYSPiStuDio in the US Virgin Islands, under the masterful guidance of Kreata, aka The UnKNoWN PRoDuCeR.

‘They Can’t Know’ is not just a song; it’s an invitation to embrace the complexities of love across different stages of life. As the lyrics intertwine dreams, imagination, and reality, the track becomes a canvas for personal narratives and shared experiences.

To experience the magic of “They Can’t Know” and SuPReMe KiiNg’s other mesmerizing creations, tap in here. 

For a taste of SuPReMe KiiNg’s electrifying live performances, visit the YouTube page.  

Connect with SuPReMe KiiNg via:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaykil1/followers/
IG:https://www.instagram.com/supreme__kiing

Listen to ‘They Can’t Know’ below:

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