*✦⋆ Interview ⋆✦⋆ Honeyblood
*✦⋆ Interview ⋆✦⋆ Honeyblood A Q&A with Honeyblood as part of the 10-year anniversary tour of her debut album 04.06.24 Words by Nat Kossyvaki https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJBZnDPgOv8 Ahead of her show at Oslo, Hackney last week, I spoke with the Scottish indie-rock artist Honeyblood aka Stina about her ongoing UK tour and reuniting with her old bandmates. A decade after the release of her self-titled debut album which marked the beginning of her signature artistic path, Stina goes on the road again to celebrate with her trusted fans; she looks back to her creative journey and prepares us for an exciting new album, currently in the works! You’re currently on your UK tour celebrating 10 years since the release of your debut ‘Honeyblood’. You started from Newcastle, you played London this Thursday and then you’re going to Cardiff, Nottingham and Glasgow and in June you’ve got another show in Glasgow, a pretty special one with the Foo Fighters and Courtney Barnett. How does it feel to be on tour again after so long? It’s actually been really overwhelming. Some really amazing moments too! But touring has become really hard for a lot of bands in the past few years post-COVID, and this is the first time my band and I are truly getting back on the horse. And no pressure about that great big gig in two weeks. I’m having a mini anxiety attack every day even thinking about it! What’s your favourite thing about touring? My favourite thing about touring is the comradery between me and my band and crew, and the audience. It really does feel like you’re in a little universe together. It’s been 10 years since you released your debut album ‘Honeyblood’! How does that feel and are you excited to celebrate it with everyone on this tour? And especially to reunite with your old bandmates! It’s been dead emotional for me and a lot of fans too. I wish I had more time to speak to everyone after the show about the stories they have tied to this record. It’s been a long decade for us all! When you recorded your debut album back in 2014, did you ever expect it to bring you where you are now? In short, no. I can’t remember what I was thinking then, I think I was just buckled in for the ride. Now, things are very different. I feel privileged to sing these songs for folks, and that they still care about them. So much of the music industry these days seems momentary. Playing an album that came out ten years ago is the opposite of that. If you could go back, would you change anything about it? I wouldn’t change anything about it. It was a great introduction to recording an album, which I had never done before. I owe Peter Katis a lot. I have only happy memories of that time. What do you think has changed in the music industry in those past 10 years based on your experience? Of course things have changed dramatically. Streaming becoming such a focal point has changed so much. But we are doing this reissue vinyl, and it looks gorgeous. I love that vinyl is still something that audiences care about. Artists and labels put a lot of care into making something beautiful and music fans appreciate that. So you’re playing the whole album on this tour. When was the last time you played all of those songs live? About ten years ago, one time only – on album release day! I doubt I ever played them all again. So it’s been so great to do that. Although, it took me a wee while to remember exactly how some of them go! Your most recent album ‘In Plain Sight’ was a pivotal turning point in your music journey, as you took full control of this purely solo experimental project and it introduced a new era for Honeyblood. How would you describe your sound now if you were to compare it to your 2 previous albums? I’m making a new album now and have been crafting it for about 3 years. It’s been the longest time I’ve spent on a project. I feel like ‘In Plain Sight’ was the windbreaker for what came before, and set me free in a creative sense. However, this new album I’m working on is tied to this debut so much. It’s got parts of each album that came before running through it, and for that it feels like my most definitive work. I’m pretty sure you have a new album dropping soon. Can you tell me a little bit about that, what should we expect? Not soon, but it’s in the works. Let’s just say, it’s gonna be worth the wait! You Might Also Like
ˑ༄ؘ ۪۪۫۫ ▹▫◃ ۪۪۫۫ ༄ؘ ˑ New Single Release ˑ༄ؘ ۪۪۫۫ ▹▫◃ ۪۪۫۫ ༄ؘ ˑ: HONEYMOAN ‘Penny Sleeps’
ˑ༄ؘ ۪۪۫۫ ▹▫◃ ۪۪۫۫ ༄ؘ ˑ New Single Release ˑ༄ؘ ۪۪۫۫ ▹▫◃ ۪۪۫۫ ༄ؘ ˑ: HONEYMOAN ‘Penny Sleeps’ HONEYMOAN explores the struggles of mental health and self improvement with unique vocals and amazing backing instrumentals. 30.04.24 Words by Jamie Shovelin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E55yYkEu-PQ Penny Sleeps is HONEYMOAN’s most recent release of 2024 and while keeping in similar sound to their previous songs, this single feels just that little bit more special. If this is what we are to expect from the band in 2024, then we are very excited. This single is about how fragile mental health is and how we cope with it. Talking about new thinly vailed ways that people try and get their lives together. A whole verse of the song pokes fun on the new wave of selfcare on social media, particularly the line “Try take up more space is what astrologers on TikTok say.”. The whole song discusses how these faint attempts we make to better ourselves rarely last long. The chorus of the song is essentially drilling into your head that all of these small attempts to better yourself, yeah, they can help in the short term but after a little knock it will all come down. This song conveys perfectly what so many people are feeling right now and trying to fix. The lyrics of the song are not the only thing that conveys this either. Throughout the whole song you have distorted vocals and guitar riffs. This isn’t new to HONEYMOAN. Previous songs such as ‘Show you off’ or ‘Pickup, Don’t Pick up’ also have something similar going on, but with this song it just adds that’s extra bit to the meaning. The distortion of the music gives another meaning to the song, you aren’t just hearing what the songs about, but you are also feeling it. Anyone familiar with what emotions this song is about will know what it feels like, and even though it’s different for everyone, a lot will tell you it feels a lot like this instrumental (Even though the instrumental sounds a lot better). View this post on Instagram A post shared by HONEYMOAN (@honeymoanband) You Might Also Like
˖˳·˖ ִ New Single Release ˖·˳˖: Rats Tails “Flowers”
˖˳·˖ ִ New Single Release ˖·˳˖ Rats-Tails “Flowers” Rats-Tails brings us David Bowie dream pop on their new single “Flowers” 17.04.24 Words by Caitlin Taylor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxWkADoGt3Q Rats Tails are a decently new South East London rock band who formed after frontwoman Courtney McMahon ‘rediscovered her love of performance through singing in a David Bowie covers band’. The Bowie influence is clear as Rats Tails blend dreamy moderns sounds with classic 70s psychedelic rock to create the softest of their three releases so far ‘Flowers’. ‘Flowers’ starts gently and haunting, with a delicate instrumental intro broken by McMahon’s powerful voice. There is a melancholic crescendo before we enter the body of the song, almost reminiscent of Anais Mitchell’s brand of folk rock. “I wanted to let you know,” McMahon repeats as we’re treated to an acid rock-like combination of strings, wind (clarinet), and percussion. Speaking on the meaning of the lyrics, McMahon explains that: “You’ll never know all of the Flowers” verbatim, was my response to a long term ex-partner admitting he loved the ‘idea’ of me, rather than actual me. After processing the end of this relationship and the weight of his misogyny, I began a journey of discovering what I wish to do in life. ‘Flowers’ is about embracing your personal metamorphosis: the ugly and beautiful parts of you and your history. The sound of the track reflects that metamorphosis – it’s so colourful, full of twists & turns. It plays with genres, resulting in a dreamy and chaotic song about embracing your life journey. ‘Flowers’ is a great track to perform live, I can’t help but dance away with the rats and our crowd. I forget that the track stems from a moment of misogyny.” The song doesn’t seem entirely complete without its complimentary music video created by Samuel Hart. Reminiscent of an acid trip, it features a small candle creature battling a purple blob on the streets of Deptford until the video gradually transforms into a psychedelic kaleidoscope. The official release party for the track is at iconic East London venue The George Tavern on Saturday 20th April where they’ll be supported by The Last Whole Earth Catalog and Lost Lyra. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝕽𝖆𝖙𝖘-𝕿𝖆𝖎𝖑𝖘 (@_ratstails)
˚₊‧꒰ა ˚New Single Release ⋆☆ ｡: Ugly (UK) “Shepherd’s Carol”
˚₊‧꒰ა ˚New Single Release ⋆☆ ｡: Ugly (UK) “Shepherd’s Carol” Ugly (UK) showcases their rich vocals in their latest single 11.03.24 Words by Mylo Castagnaro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zz8ou1LAi0Q Ugly (UK) is a London-based band originally from Cambridge. They take inspiration from 60s and 70s classic rock bands and combine it with their unique, alternative sound. Ugly just released their final single ‘Shepherd’s Carol’ before their debut EP titled ‘Twice Around The Sun’. They have been teasing fans with their tracks since 2022 and are most known for their experimental and always-changing music influenced by choral, post-rock tunes. Shepherd’s Carol instantly takes you in with a familiar melody, echoing memories of folk-rock instrumental sounds. This melodic bliss lasts for an entire minute before words take over. The vocals are incredible, founded on rich and intricate harmonies that are accompanied by hints of choral influences. The strong instrumental melody returns at the end of the song, almost overshadowing the band’s voices. The production has a hopeful rock sound throughout, reminiscent of A.C. Newman’s Prophets, leaving the listener anticipating what is to come. Ugly (UK) describes Shepherd’s Carol’s lyrics as a play with ‘pastoral and sinister themes’, adding a more humorous and playful tone to it. The lyrics paint a picture of a struggling, working-class family, unable to feed their children and animals. Even through its dark themes, the final lyrics of this single manage to convey a strong messaging of hope, striving to ‘kill the madame who takes my darkest hour’. Like many of their songs, it is difficult to pinpoint where the exact inspiration came from. A sentiment that is reflected in the song’s overall sound. The listener is challenged to decipher what they are listening to as all the vocals and instruments form a purposely ambiguous, yet playful sound. An exciting experience that the band hopes to recreate in their upcoming EP. You Might Also Like
⋆｡⋆𐙚 New Single Release ⋆｡: Slow Team “A Lover’s Mind”
⋆｡⋆𐙚 New Single Release ⋆｡: Slow Team “A Lover’s Mind” Following a fairly quiet period since their last release in July, Leeds-based three-piece Slow Team have returned with an erratic, visceral blend of youthful romanticism and hopelessness in their new single, ‘A Lover’s Mind’. 08.03.24 Words by Jasmine Siefert https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGr1fNsgsU8 Formerly known as Bloodhound, ‘A lover’s Mind’ marks the second single release for the band under their new name, and is arguably their most captivating release yet. With the band themselves describing the single as ‘having something two-faced about it’, the track most certainly represents that peculiar, tumultuous ebb and flow that is falling in love. It is a blending of the upbeat and the broody, the hopeful and the hopeless. After a moody, atmospheric opening instrumental, the first verse introduces a lover’s mind as a hub of disarray as Max proclaims: ‘I love you more than I love myself’, yet ‘all I get is lies’. It interrupts the romantic sentiment of giving oneself entirely to love, reframing it as something that is rather detrimental, a form of self-destruction. Paired with the generally grungy, fuzzy instrumental which alters its pace from slow to fast throughout the track, Slow Team paints love as discord, as the fantasy of perceiving this love through rose-tinted lenses begins to crack. In a brief return to a more mellow verse, Lucy’s vocals haunt the layered, spacey instrumental as she echoes Max’s epiphany that love has never made him feel ‘so blind’. He finally understands that within this blind love, he has abandoned himself. The song then seems to burst open as it purges out the mellow and gives reign to the feral. A whirring, fuzzy bass accompanies the rumbling drums and grungy lead guitar, subtly fading in and out repeatedly. Mimicking a sort of physical pulsation, this undulation marks the moment the song truly comes alive. It marks the moment the band creates the space to feel entirely, subsequently allowing for catharsis. In a song which brings to the fore the disorder and non-linearity of falling in love, closing out the song on one singular, shaky note on the guitar grants the listener a final moment to process the chaos that came before it. It gives pause to simply remind us that love, to love, and to be loved, is inherently a turbulent, unpredictable process, hence we must be wary not to abandon ourselves within that process. The sheer amount of passion and energy that is imbued throughout ‘A Lover’s Mind’ grows beyond the recorded track. Discussing performing the single live, the band note: ‘It takes everything we’ve got to play it live’. So, for the Slow Team fans up north, you can next catch the band giving it their all live either on the 11th of March at Oporto, Leeds, or on the 14th of March at Rough Trade, Nottingham. Southerners can catch the band throughout April, with performances at Boileroom, Guildford on the 23rd, and in Brighton on the 27th (venue TBC). View this post on Instagram A post shared by SLOW TEAM (@slowteamband) You Might Also Like
⋆｡ New Single Release ⋆｡: Yee Loi “Going Spare”
⋆｡ New Single Release ⋆｡: Yee Loi “Going Spare” Yee Loi, a dynamic rock duo hailing from the Wirral, England, composed of sisters Rose and Matilda, are turning up the volume with their latest single, ‘Going Spare’. Delving into personal territory, the track explores Matilda’s experience as the ‘spare’ child in the family dynamic. 07.03.24 Words by Emily Fletcher https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gytw9yK143Y In a candid Instagram video, Matilda shares the complexities of being sandwiched between the revered eldest sibling, the only son, and the adored youngest, feeling overshadowed and underestimated. However, ‘Going Spare’ isn’t just a heartfelt reflection; it’s a clever play on words, tapping into British slang where ‘going spare’ means to erupt in anger. Matilda channels her frustration into a catchy anthem, blending personal narrative with universal themes of striving for recognition and acceptance from your family. Through driving rhythms and infectious melodies, the song resonates with anyone who’s ever felt overlooked or underestimated, particularly those who relate to the middle child experience. Yee Loi’s ‘Going Spare’ is more than just a rock hit; it’s a cathartic release wrapped in a rollicking tune that speaks to the human condition. Rose, the counterpart to Matilda in the Yee Loi duo, sheds light on the creative process behind their newest song. She recounts how she crafted the track using the 12-string guitar she received as a Christmas gift. Through experimentation, Rose stumbled upon a catchy riff, which evolved into the verse of ‘Going Spare’. Drawing influence from the likes of George Harrison and The Byrds, she aimed to infuse the chorus with a heavier sound, adding depth and dimension to the composition. The song exudes a lively energy with its 2000s rock edge, perfectly complimented by the vocals. The single’s cover art even channels a distinctive 2000s rock aesthetic, radiating a rebellious and defiant vibe. The bold red hues juxtaposed with black and white elements create a striking visual impact, giving it that nostalgic feel. It’s a must-add to any playlist, and keep an eye on these talented sisters in the upcoming months.’Going Spare’ is available to stream on all music streaming platforms. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Yee Loi (@theyeeloi) You Might Also Like
｡❣✹ New Single Review✹❣ : Pillow Queens “Gone”
｡❣✹ New Single Review✹❣ : Pillow Queens “Gone” Pillow Queens have released yet another hit single. This grunge ballad is about moving on and looking back on the past. 28.02.24 Words by Jamie Shovelin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYbD9GzcFYU The band’s latest single ‘Gone’ is about leaving behind a toxic relationship and moving on, the lyrics focus on everything they tried to be in the relationship and then instead becoming it for someone else. The last chorus mostly consists of the line “I’m gone” being repeated more than any other chorus. This paired with the echoed vocals in the background really adds to the lyrics being sung, it helps you feel the real emotion and frustration behind them. You have the lyrics not only being beautifully sung, telling you how they feel but you also have these almost shouting-like vocals in the background adding more depth to the lyrics, co-lead vocalists Sarah Corcoran and Pamela Connolly’s voices capture this perfectly. One of the first things that sticks out to you when you listen to the single besides the lyrics is the addictive guitar riff that’s repeated throughout the song and that then becomes slowed and fades into the background of the verses to let the vocals and lyrics really shine through. The drum beat behind the song as well just ties everything together perfectly, it doesn’t take away from the lyrics too much but still adds to the song. The repeated beat throughout is very easy to follow not only musically but also for anyone whose go-to dance move is nodding along to the beat. Pillow Queens has an upcoming UK tour in June 2024, and I can see this song being a crowd favourite. With such relatable lyrics and so many moments where you just want to scream along and let it all out, this will definitely be a hit on tour. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pillow Queens (@pillowqueensband) You Might Also Like
｡✩New Single Review✩: My First Time “Workwear”
｡✩New Single Review✩: My First Time “Workwear” My First Time just recently released their first single ‘Wind Up Merchant’ in October of last year and at the end of last month they followed up with their new track ‘Workwear’. 28.02.24 Words by Caitlin Taylor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLRzuDVnmr8 It has a similar snarky tone accentuated by vocalist Isaac Stroud-Allen’s theatric almost spoken word vocals but this time they take on the current political landscape. Speaking on the song, the band say: “‘Workwear’ focuses on the bizarre effect a few words or logo on a piece of clothing can have on people’s behaviour. When a model poses in a t-shirt that we’ll never look as good in, but we buy it anyway hoping we will! The song adopts the voices of three personas; ‘the over spender’, ‘the worried mother’ and the ‘marketing executive”. Overconsumption, consumerism, relentless advertising and body dysmorphia are constant companions for our generation.” Their influences are laid out bare: Blur, Marina And The Diamonds, and The Streets are all present in both the lyrics and style. They take on big themes like elitism, capitalism (ironically in their Bandcamp bio they describe themselves as “capitalist pigs” but do note that it’s because “rent isn’t free”), and mental health issues but don’t compromise on fun instrumentation and catchy choruses, “B-R-A-N-D, if you don’t have it then you must be less important than me” Stroud-Allen repeats throughout. Despite their reasonably quiet online presence, in their songs My First Time come across as unapologetically young and rebellious, screaming out their thoughts over an indie-punk/post-pop backing track. Along with Stroud-Allen, Jordanna Forsey (drums), James Mellen (guitar) and Niamh Jones (bass) are creating music that’ll stick in your brain. Their next few gigs will be in their homebase of Bristol, where they met at university, supporting TNAM favourites Lime Garden at The Fleece on March 6th then at Strange Brew on the 27th at a ‘Rabbit Party’. Sounds fascinating. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MY FIRST TIME (@my1sttime) You Might Also Like
｡✿❃New Single Review❃✿: Chloe Slater “24 hours”
｡✿❃New Single Review❃✿: Chloe Slater “24 hours” Manchester based Chloe Slater strikers her listeners with rhythmic sassy injected lyrics on her second single ’24 hours.’ 20.02.24 Words by Lana Hall https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elxpzQeMAtg Like many of us discovering new music these days, I first heard the snappy opening lines of ’24 hours’ on a TikTok video of Chloe Slater, lip syncing to her upcoming single. “It’s not clear if I’m ripening or rotting / It girl told me if I’m sad to just go shopping” radiated from my phone’s speakers. Now, I’m not blind to the irony in discovering a song that mocks influencer culture, on TikTok, but the nature of artists having to promote music on social media only adds further layers to the critiques Slater sings about on ’24 hours.’ Released on 8 February 2024, the opening verse of Slater’s second single comprises of a clean beat punctuating her, slightly distorted, spoken-sung angsty lyrics, wishing she could live like an influencer on “daddy’s money”. The rhythmic, sharp lyrics draw you in from the get go, as you listen to Slater narrate the story of an ‘it’ girl, in a grungy tone, before transcending into an explosive chorus. Unexpectedly, the stripped back opening of ’24 hours’ builds into its’ fervent rock chorus, accompanied by underlying sonic notes, striking the listener with an impressively layered instrumental that feels like an older, angrier sibling of Clario’s hugely popular ‘Bags.’ Slater also taps into a stronger vocal during the chorus, to accentuate the passive aggressive “your 24 hours aren’t the same as mine” lyric. A lyric inspired by the infamous Molly Mae interview, and cements Slater’s incandescent attitude towards social media influencers The strength of this single lies heavily with its lyrics. Written alongside Slater’s friend and producer Jack Shuter, the rhythmic intensity and sassy attitude of Slater’s lyrics drives home her commentary on influencer culture, with grit. Through the staccato delivery of the verses in ’24 hours,’ listeners are forced to absorb the annoyance felt by Slater towards influencers. Slater’s indignant critique of influencer culture is the biggest take away from this single, and is one that resonates with listeners, who come away emboldened by the track’s aggressive tone and incredibly relatable narrative. 24 hours is available to listen on all music streaming platforms. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chloe Slater (@chloeslater333) You Might Also Like
｡✵✫Gig Review✫✵: The Old Blue Last Presents flirting. With Special Guests Pigeon Dog
｡✵✫Gig Review✫✵: The Old Blue Last Presents flirting. With Special Guests Pigeon Dog Late on Valentine’s night, the Vice-owned Old Blue Last performance area was packed almost wall to wall – it was a crowd we didn’t push through in an attempt to respect the loving V-day spirit (so apologies for the not quite up-to-par photos). 19.02.24 Words by Caitlin Taylor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_JhRCqUGi0 We wandered in pretty late as we were coming from Camberwell and arrived towards the end of Pigeon Dog’s set. We only got to experience the last two songs, but both were intriguing enough to put Pigeon Dog on our ones-to-watch list. Their Drummer George Bailey was unfortunately unable to perform but Maya Raykov and Dorota Dutkova still put on a captivating grungy, guitar-heavy performance with their replacement drummer. If you’re curious to hear more, their 2021 EP ‘Stink’ follows themes of queer love and toxic masculinity and is available to listen to now. They’re also supporting Nella at the George Tavern on February 19th. Headlining were the decently illusive “anxiety-pop” band flirting. who self-describe as “a group therapy project, set to a Sofia Coppela soundtrack”. Similarities to The Cranberries and Sinead O’Connor were immediately obvious in lead singer Poppy Waring’s vocals but with a heavier instrumental backing. She noted that this was a particularly special night because their first headline gig was also on Valentine’s Day and the last time they were at the Old Blue Last was in 2018 when their first EP was released. The first half of their set was reasonably calm but they stepped things up in the second half after warning the crowd that “you should get some earplugs if you don’t already have any”. A particular stand-out moment was their cover of All The Things You Said by t.A.T.u., another band with creative ideas about capitalization and full stops. They played around during the set, featuring spoken word sections, heavy guitars and even venturing into performance art when at one point Waring drifted off the stage, downstairs, and onto the floor where she gently writhed around as the crowd peered down at her. At the end of their closing song, one by one each member of the band walked off stage, leaving their instruments in front of their amps creating deafening feedback that acted as a dramatic full stop to their performance. Going to gigs should be more normalized on Valentine’s Day – whether you’re single or in a couple a sweaty dancefloor full of equally passionate people who are watching bands who truly love what they do is much more intimate and maybe even romantic than dinner and drinks. Both Pigeon Dog and flirting. have been around for a few years now so have music out online and a few gigs in the near future to check out. Also special shout out to Aqualine who’s set we sadly missed. View this post on Instagram A post shared by flirting. (@actualflirting) You Might Also Like