Browsing Tag

Amy Winehouse

Matilda Bond has made her RnB Soul debut with “Midnight”

Posted on 16 June 2020

Midnight is the debut release from Brighton-based Swedish RnB singer-songwriter Matilda Bond. It may be roots-deep, but that didn’t dilute the vitality of the viscerally captivating soundscape.

The accordance of the light and lofty Jazz-infused instrumentals carve sweet harmonies which exude a slick Neo-Soul groove are perfectly paired with the artists strikingly fierce vocals.

Reminiscences between Matilda Bond and Amy Winehouse are easy to make. Alluding to her magnetically fierce energy is a far harder feat. There’s a rare urgency behind her expression which affirms the level of passion projected into Midnight.

Naturally, we can’t wait to hear what comes next from the breaking artist.

You can check out Midnight which was released in April 2020 for yourselves by heading over to Spotify now.

Keep up to date with the artist’s new releases via Facebook.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Millie releases her powerful and funky EP Outliers

Posted on 24 April 2020

Millie has dropped her latest six-track collection ‘Outliers’ intertwining the sound of Pop but adding in a little jazz, every piece is filled with high energy and groovy melodies.

Always using the guitar to create those funky instrumentals as the guitar begins it’s electric shreds and the drum beats adding in that infectious energy that Millie portrays through all of her music, giving it a real uplifting feeling as you listen.

Millie’s vocal ranges tend to have that more modulated and tending to have that brittle texture to them the higher she goes with her voice, adding a bit of rough edge as she sings at a low-pitch volume. Always stretching out her voice to collide with the melody as that begins to pick up volume and suspense. The rhythm and the vocals go hand in hand and they flow so well together.

Some pieces on the anthology are live pieces, which is interesting to listen to the different atmosphere and the way the voice sounds. If Millie didn’t prove how fantastic her music was before then the mesmerising pieces of stripped-back live music is on a different level. Sometimes with live music it can be a hit or miss, but Millie owned it.  Hearing her voice as it is in all its glory was dreamy, hearing the roar emotion pouring through each word, the powerful instrumentation that collides alongside in such an incredible way.

Listen to Millie’s EP Outliers by heading on over to Spotify now.

Review by Karley Myall

Dropping Julia has dropped In the Clear: A Funk Rock and Neo-Soul classic

Posted on 15 April 2020
In the Clear by Dropping Julia

Five-piece band Dropping Julia based in Virginia have dropped their single ‘In the Clear’, infusing their Funk Rock and Neo-Soul sound.

Starting with that insanely funky riff on the guitar, adding in the high-pitched tone from the trumpet. Combining all these elements to give it that Funk sound that this band master so perfectly. The instrumentation starts off very smooth and quieter in volume, the overall style of the track is fairly calming and isn’t too in your face, even though it has the occasional Rock element that sways through it.

As it hits the middle the melody raises and the pitch begins to get louder and more overpowering as the sound through the trumpets stands out, The riffs tend to get heavier as the electric guitar has it’s moment to shine, giving it that Rock essence. The voice has an adenoidal tone to it, sometimes it’s quite raspy and in others it’s high-pitched, but the way they change their vocal ranges to suit the pace of the instrumentation is impressive.

If you’re into a bit of Funk Rock or you’re looking for new music to listen too, be sure to check this one out.

Go over to bandcamp to listen to Dropping Julia In the Clear now.

Review by Karley Myall

Rya Park – Bad Name: A Feisty Alt Indie Earworm

Posted on 1 April 2020

The latest single “Bad Name” from up and coming Indie artist Rya Park isn’t to be missed. Especially for fans of Amy Winehouse, Garbage, Arctic Monkeys, Lily Allen, and The Black Keys.

The Australian artist mixes the soul of Winehouse, the magnetic attitude of Shirley Manson, and absorbing Blues Rock riffs similar to The Black Keys. All wrapped up in a polished, pulsing, visceral massive sound which Arctic Monkeys used to offer before Alex Turner tried to assimilate Bowie.

It’s quite a potent mix. And it leaves us with no question about how much potential lingers in Rya Park’s resounding approach to Indie. Another thing it leaves us with is an all too welcome Indie Pop earworm which means that Bad Name will require repeat attention.

If you’re ready for that much aural commitment, you can check out Bad Name for yourselves by heading over to SoundCloud now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Listen To “Bloodline” By S.O.S – A Strong And Cool Electro-Pop Masterpiece

Posted on 1 November 2017

S.O.S is the creation of Anglo-Maltese singer, songwriter and producer Sophie Debattista, who is working hard and making lasting impressions in the music industry with her quirky electro-pop sound. Upon first listening to “Bloodline” it is evident that this song is very well crafted with strong songwriting skills and performed with conviction and a solid artistic vision. As the chorus unfolds it is clear that this song is a hit and an evident reflection of S.O.S’ ability to mould a unique sound.

Amongst the several factors which make this song great is primarily the melodic aspect which features angular embellishments on syllables as well as smooth underlying vocal carpet which creates contrast and further interest. Apart from this, the electro-pop instrumental arrangement also complements the angular melodic embellishments with sweeping sounds, crisp beats and a well developed texture which leaves space for the vocals to shine above everything else. With intelligently crafted lyrics focusing on our humanity’s ability to work together as one bloodline, this song not only presents a great message but also showcases great musicality and songwriting skills, definitely making S.O.S an artist to look out for.

-Sarah Marie Bugeja

Kate Thomas – Stone Pillow – A Driven Single Where The Energy Of Rock Blends In With The Intimacy Of Folk

Posted on 20 October 2017

Kate Thomas is an artist with a unique approach to rock and folk music. Her sound is laced with powerful guitar melodies and energetic vocal performances that feel fierce and spontaneous. There are many layers to the artist’s sound and vision: Amazingly, Kate set out to combine a simple songwriting approach with a very personal and unique twist to bring her music to life. Her recent release, “Stone Pillow”, is a perfect example of how the artist goes about building an intricate plot of sonic textures and atmosphere, upon which she is able to lay down a compelling flow of expertly written lyrics with an emotional overtone.

This release is a remarkable sign of growth and accomplishment from an artist who has really progressed, one song at a time, showcasing a lot of passion and commitment to her art.

“Stone Pillow” is certainly one of those songs that would immediately get classed for heavy rotation in your personal playlist, and we’re certain you won’t be getting tired of it anytime soon!

A&R Factory Present: Laryssa Birdseye

Posted on 10 February 2017

Laryssa Birdseye is a singer songwriter based out of Portland Oregon. Many years ago, she stole her older brother’s guitar, picked up a Beatles anthology book, and taught herself how to play. After realizing her adolescent attempts at writing poetry were best paired with music, a lifelong relationship with songwriting was born.

Having struggled with addiction and an eating disorder for the better part of a decade, Laryssa’s songs reflect the turmoil of heartbreak, dependency, regret, and the persistent strive towards recovery and healing. Herself now firmly in that position, she hopes to touch people in the same struggle by helping to bring catharsis through the power of her honest and frank style of songwriting. Heavily influenced by legendary female songwriters Amy Winehouse, Joni Mitchell, and Ani Difranco, Laryssa Birdseye is not one to be overlooked.

Watch for her debut album, “So What” coming in Spring of 2017.

A&R Factory Present: Kristine Mirelle

Posted on 4 November 2016

Kristine Mirelle is a Mexican/American singer/songwriter and pianist from Roswell NM. She currently resides in Los Angeles CA and actively performs 5 nights a week. Her work bears resemblances to the likes of Lilly Allen, Adele, Amy Winehouse, and Lana Del Rey.  Her genre of music can be described as Pop Retro Soul.

In her earlier years she performed and competed in National classical piano competitions around the US. She won 4 consecutive National Sonata competitions and was inducted into the International Piano Guild at age 12. One of her most popular subjects for interviews was her life she chose as a traveling musician selling her music door to door in neighborhoods all over the country. She traveled the United States selling her music in local neighborhoods and singing on people’s doorsteps.

She also volunteered in various countries around the world raising money via her viral fanbase and also going door to door selling her music. South Africa, Thailand, India, and Peru were all countries she visited volunteering and performing in special education centers and AIDS stricken communities.

Kristine also started a Mexican food brand in 2009 called “Lil Kristi’s” consisting of health conscious tortilla chips and salsas. Her products can be found in popular grocery stores including Whole Foods, Sprouts, and 70+ grocery stores in New Mexico.

Along with her passion for music, her passion for life has created a foundation for her ambitions. Kristine Mirelle continues to be an example of instrument mastery and vocal ability in a time when true musicians are scarce.

Kristine Mirelle currently lives in Hollywood CA.

www.KristineMirelle.com

A&R Factory Present: Elsie And The Vibe

Posted on 29 October 2016

Independent Australian soul singer-songwriter Elsie has released explosive debut single Riverside with her band Elsie and The Vibe. Elsie’s smooth and smoky vocals command each note with a deep, raw emotional vulnerability, and her honest lyrics connect directly with the listener to create a cell-tingling, two-way exchange.

Elsie is a Melbourne-raised Brooklyn-based artist whose music resides at the intersection of soul, Motown, R&B and pop. Her explosive tracks sit somewhere on the spectrum of Amy Winehouse, Joss Stone and Alicia Keys and have been touted as “some of the most exciting new music to come out of Melbourne’s booming soul scene”.

2016 will see the long awaited release of Elsie’s debut EP with her band, Elsie and The Vibe. The independent EP was produced by Robert Upward (emaar, Shelly Segal) and Jonathan Dreyfus (Gretta Ray, Lama), and features a number of talented and accomplished musicians known as The Vibe. Lined with modern references to vintage sounds, the 5-track EP is refreshing yet uniquely familiar, strong on horn and string lines but rooted in an inescapable groove. Elsie’s smooth and smoky vocals command each note with a deep, raw emotional vulnerability, and her honest lyrics connect directly with the listener to create a cell-tingling, two-way exchange.

Elsie is passionate about social change, empowerment, the expansion of thought and that an inherent positivity exists in all people. These beliefs serve as the foundation for her music as well as her online blog, Higher Vibration, which focuses on people who are expanding our collective social conscience (i.e. anybody and everybody!). She believes that art is a platform to promote social good and hopes to be a part of the change through her work. Elsie and The Vibe is a collection of 60s throwbacks, gospel inspired refrains and soulful ballads and will be available on November 22 2016. Get ready for some serious vibe.