Browsing Tag

The 1975

Dan Plants and Nate Cronk- Stay: A journey through the sound of Synthwave

Posted on 27 March 2020

‘‘Stay’’ was created by two great friends Dan Plants and Nate Cronk, it dives straight into the Synthwave style as it introduces a variety of different sound effects as well as some catchy vocals.

From start to finish it has this up-lifting beat that gives the track so much energy, there’s a mixture of hard-hitting drum beats, insane riffs on the guitar as well as the synth effects that intertwine themselves into the vocals and instrumentation.

It tells a story throughout about love and heartbreak, but even if it tends to have a more poignant meaning, it still manages to keep your spirits high as the melody is so contagious and it gives off this cheery feeling.

Dan and Nate have made something that’s creative, something that may not be for everyone, considering the overall sound is not as popular as it once was, but even then Stay shows just how good it can be. It has some incredible rhythms and a superb lyrical approach, if you’re one that hasn’t really delved into the world of Synthwave music then you must!

You can check out Stay for yourselves by heading over to YouTube now.

Review by Karley Myall

Anyone Can Relate To Bethany Janette’s “I Miss You”

Posted on 14 October 2017

Bethany Janette is a singer and songwriter with a unique approach to her sound. Her recent single, “I Miss You” is a great example of her intimate lyrics and mellow sound. The song has a beautiful arrangement, where string sections create some amazing atmospheres, and the piano chords really drive the song’s structure.

On top of it all, the song strikes for Bethany’s remarkable ability to really stand out. Her phenomenal approach to songwriting truly strikes a chord with lyrics that are deep and very personal, yet very easy to relate to.

“I Miss You” is a beautiful song of longing where emotion flows like a river.

 

Fleeting Foxes Release “Fleeting Foxes” Something For All Rock Fans

Posted on 9 October 2017

If there’s one word that can describe what some people out of rock music, it’s the word “big.” While a grounded punk jam or acoustic ballad are nice touches for more intimate settings, rock music remains forever changed by generations of bands who understood that by producing enormous soundscapes with their work, they were able to take their messages to another level. The advent of Arena Rock and groups like the Who and U2 knew how to create infinite spaces that to this day are transferred through headphones. Current torchbearers of this tradition include the Foxfires.

Fleeting Foxes is a track that calls for freedom from within. Appropriately, everything from the jangling guitars to the thunderous drums feel like they’ve been unleashed from a typical rock instrument in a garage to a force of nature. Vocals and bass join along as elements that maintain clarity and structure despite projecting to meet their companions in a mix that doesn’t feel crowded by any means, but instead feels full. The Foxfires have an inspiring sound and Fleeting Foxes will leave you wanting as much more as you can get. This track is truly something for rock fans of all ilks to behold.

-Paul Weyer

After Success In The iTunes Rock Album Charts ZEALS Release ‘READY TO FLY’ EP

Posted on 8 September 2017

Zeals is a 3-piece based in Somerset, England. Their recent EP exudes passion and directness, going for a bright, lush and relatable sound.

The songs featured on their new EP, titled “Ready To Fly”, could be compared to the work of artists as diverse as The Fray, The 1975 with even a hint of Bruno Mars.

Their sound is cheerful and uplifting, yet chock full of beautiful grooves and engaging melodies. This release actually marks the band’s sophomore EP – their second studio work, featuring 5 new songs that offer a very balanced set list, somewhere in between sincere love songs with a mellow tone and unapologetic party songs with bright and wide-open vibes.

Opening track “Feel it” falls right in between these two different approaches, going for a really melodic vibe that still has some poetic lyrics with a romantic flare. The second song on the EP, “Do You Really Care”, is probably my favorite track on this release. I really love the contrast between the sampled beats and the cool guitar sounds, and the brooding, reverberated atmospheres of the song really open up later into the arrangement, making me think of influential acts such as U2 or One Republic, among others.

“Paddles” kicks in with a rocking, incendiary riffs that mark the band’s most vicious effort in this set-list – standing as proof that these guys can rock out if they so choose! This song is dead-on rock and roll with a modern edge, echoing the work of artists such as The Foo Fighters or Muse, but with a catchier approach.

The following song, “Dark Waters” brings the vibes to a more mellow pace, offering a very emotional ballad that stands out as one of the most introspective moments on the entire album. The sparse arrangement really hits the spot.

Last but not least, closing number and title track “Ready To Fly” is a stunning and catchy arena-rock anthem, where the band seemed to be able to take every element they have explored on the various sounds on this EP and put it all into one beautiful song.

This band managed to wrap up a consistently great release, with tons of beautiful melodies, memorable lyrics and amazing grooves – where different genres and ideas collide seamlessly into one another, making for something truly special – this little gem of an EP was recorded over the last few months at Longwave Studios in Cardiff with producer Romesh Dodangoda.

https://www.facebook.com/zealsofficial/

A&R Factory Present: Matt Wills

Posted on 14 March 2017

Hot on the heels of supporting Bastille on their worldwide tour and featuring on Wilkinson’s new single We Will Be , singer songwriter Matt Wills releases Emily and announces a headline show at London’s Omeara (on 25th May).

Emily was premiered on Radio 1 last night by Abbie McCarthy standing in for Huw Stephens (listen back here from 1 hour in), and follows the release of Matt’s Hurricane and Set YouFree EPs. Showcasing a new side Matt Wills’ signature style, Emily sees him layer sincere, heart-felt lyrics over a fusion of lush electronica and a subtle piano melody to create something original, touching and undeniably compelling.

Matt’s upcoming headline show at London’s Omeara on 25th May follows support slots on Bastille’s current worldwide tour and Sigala’s recent UK tour.

Matt Wills isn’t like the rest. While he sharpened his lyrical barbs in freestyle rap battles as a teenager, he cites the likes of Ben Howard, the 1975, Jamie T and The Kooks as his main influences. Lyrically, he’s a songwriter who pours romance and vitriol into his songs in equal measure. Musically, he’s an artist who likes to flex sonic boundaries, seeking out an eclectic range of studio collaborators and offbeat soundscapes.

This approach has certainly won the Fender Guitars endorsed Matt Wills some influential fans – from Bastille’s Dan Smith and Kooks front-man Luke Pritchard through to Maverick Sabre, Devlin and Halsey.

Emily is available to download at iTunes and stream across all platforms, Matt Wills is one to watch in 2017!

https://mattwills.lnk.to/EmilySinglePF

Tickets for Matt Wills’ headline show at Omeara on 25h May will go on sale on Friday 17th March (pre-sales available from 16th March). Sign up herefor more info.

For more information on Matt Wills visit:

FACEBOOK ∙ INSTAGRAM ∙ TWITTER

A&R Factory Present: Weslynn

Posted on 10 March 2017
https://youtu.be/-BnRZ2iOWfY

Founded in fall of 2013, three Arizona State University schoolmates and long time friends (Jared Geyer, Greg Olin, and Kevin Holmes) started to play music under the band name WESLYNN. They started gaining a fanbase in their hometown of Phoenix, AZ by playing coffee shops, cover gigs, and releasing original home recordings online. The following year they released professionally produced 5 track EP titled Dark Days. The album was engineered and produced by Nashville recording artist, David Dreas. May 2015 yielded the single What Went Wrong. In a statement to Cronkite News at ASU they said, “Everything we have been through has brought us closer together. We have individually had so many personal trials, that when we start playing music, it all fades away. The world is constantly changing and throwing tragedy into our lives, but WESLYNN has given us the opportunity to rally around each other and made us even closer friends. This music is a direct response to those hard times of love and loss.”
After a yearlong hiatus, this Indie/Pop/Rock band is back stronger than ever. They recorded a 5 song EP in spring of 2016 with producer Dan Parker; leading off with the single titled, Strange Feelings. They draw their inspiration from bands such as Augustana, The Rolling Stones, John Mayer, Queen, and classic pop rock bands. With smooth vocals, haunting harmonies, and grooving guitar vibes, WESLYNN’s mature sound and style reaches people of all ages. The band continues to focus on writing new music.

facebook.com/WeslynnMusic

A&R Factory Present: VHS Collection

Posted on 6 February 2017

“Wide Awake” is the first single off VHS Collection’s first full-length record, which will arrive in Spring of 2017. The band recorded “Wide Awake” in Brixton London in January during a two-week session with producer Chris Zane (Passion Pit, St. Lucia, Friendly Fires).

VHS describes the track as “Dark Disco Rock” and says that the track signals a refined direction for the band in its energy, lyrical themes, and sound choices. Many of the signature themes and sounds from previous releases show up here including: New York City, desperation, arpeggiated synths and funky basslines. But this track goes deeper with a massive guitar hook, pumped up energy, and even darker lyrical themes than before.

“Wide Awake” is a party anthem, laced with dark undertones. It is a tragic love story, about the madness, obsession, anxiety, and fear that can come with a relationship and the dichotomy between being trapped and being set free by being with someone else. “Wide Awake” tells the story of a man who moves to the city and feels lost. His life is saved by a girl he falls in love with, but then that love turns to a mad obsession which keeps him up all night and eventually destroys his sanity.”

– Conor Cook, VHS Collection

“Wide Awake does it all for us. It screams, whispers, yelps, shreds and breaks out the funk. Its both intimate and chaotic. The theme is one we have danced around a lot in our earlier music, madness and separation both dark and celebratory. This tune is a signature blend of all VHS elements. Big guitar. Big synths. Beeping arpeggiators and dramatic characterized vocals. It feels very much our own, but also has a few nods to some of our favorite artists.”

– James Bohannon, VHS Collection

2016 saw VHS Collection put two independently released singles on the Spotify Viral Charts (“Lean” #8; “Waiting on the Summer” #14). The band also performed at major festivals last year including slots at Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits, in addition to sold out shows on both coasts. VHS released its 2nd EP StereoHype last September which has been streamed over 4 million times to date.

For more information click here

ANNOUNCED TOUR DATES

2/1 – Boston, MA – Brighton Music Hall

2/9 – Washington, DC – DC9

2/10 – Philadelphia, PA – Milkboy

2/11 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom

3/3 – Okeechobee, FL – Okeechobee Music Festival

3/10 – Austin, TX – SXSW

6/3 – Bunbury Music Festival

A&R Factory Present: The Drives

Posted on 20 January 2017

This LA based band creates a cocktail of indie rock and electro-pop that blends into a unique and different sound. Andrew Levin (songwriter, vocals) and KC (producer/songwriter) met in high school in Orange County, CA and have been playing in bands and writing music together ever since.

After searching for their sound and developing their respective music tastes in various cities including Boston and New York City, KC and Andrew returned to Los Angeles in early 2015 to put together their ideas into an EP. Their music is heavily influenced by indie rock legends such as The Strokes, The Killers, Arctic Monkeys, and Kings of Leon with additional influences from Phoenix and RAC.

With catchy guitar hooks and vocal stutter effects The Drives create a unique vibe similar to modern indie acts such as The 1975 and Catfish and the Bottlemen. Listen to “Whatever” now on soundcloud.

A&R Factory Present: Victors

Posted on 6 June 2016

Leeds indie/pop quartet Victors have announced the release of their new single ‘Two Hearts’ for June 17th. Produced by Andy Hawkins (Maximo Park, Kaiser Chiefs), ‘Two Hearts’ is an immense and infectious festival-ready piece of premeditated pop. Speaking of the track, lead vocalist Harry explains: ‘It originates from personal experience of past relationships, it explores the physical as opposed to the emotional’. It follows on from the buoyant, bright debut ‘Tonight’ announcing the band’s forceful arrival onto the 2016 new music scene.

The anticipated track is the first new material since the band’s critically acclaimed debut single was released in early April. ‘Tonight’ was featured by a variety of publications and was also supported by respected industry aficionados including Huw Stevens via his BBC Radio 1 show and Charlie Ashcroft of Radio X who commented the track was ‘absolutely stunning!’. They also performed the track as part of Youtube’s Reload Sessions at their headquarters in London.

Victors have been on the radar of the likes of BBC Introducing for some time after making huge waves last year out of their native Leeds. The band hold their own when faced with mammoth crowds after a variety of sell-out support slows including The Pierce Brothers at London’s O2, Billy Lockett at the Brudenell and hotly tipped Lisbon who recently appeared at the infamous Oporto.

The debut EP and full UK tour is expected for later in 2016.

https://www.facebook.com/victorsofficial

A&R Factory Present: BLAJK

Posted on 5 May 2016
Born from Toronto’s rapidly flourishing music scene, indie pop 4 piece ‘BLAJK’ wear their influences on a well-tailored sleeve. Fresh off of their first tour supporting Banners and fellow Torontonians Young Empires, BLAJK release the lead single from their forthcoming EP. “Good Liars” sees lead vocalist Jordan Radics tell the story of contrived, synthetic lives and personalities broadcast through screens and filters. BLAJK bring a sense of polished performance and compelling production to their latest single that they will be showcasing first at Canadian Music Week and on a tour of western Canada with Young Empires, and then at their debut festival performance at Bestival Toronto.
“Good Liars was built off another song we had written about a year ago.  We had always liked its energy but didn’t really know where to go with it.  So when it came time to piece together all the demos we had for the EP, that song quickly evolved and became one of our favourites.  The original demo sounded much different and it took a couple nights of writing to really bring it to life.  But when Jordan sang over it we knew it was strong and it proves to be whenever we play it live.” – BLAJK
Tour Dates
May 4 / The Velvet Underground / Toronto, ON (w/ Baio, ROMES, Only Yours and TMPL)
May 6 / Royal Ontario Museum / Toronto, ON
May 8 / Adelaide Hall / Toronto, ON (w/ Big Black Delta, Rolemodel and Wilde)
May 18 / Sugar Nightclub / Victoria, BC (w/ Young Empires)
May 19 / Fortune Sound Club / Vancouver, BC (w/ Young Empires)
May 20 / Habitat / Kelowna, BC (w/ Young Empires)
May 21 / Commonwealth / Calgary, AB (w/ Young Empires)
May 22 / Starlite Room / Edmonton, AB (w/ Young Empires)
May 24 / Amigos / Saskatoon, SK (w/ Young Empires)
May 25 / Park Theatre / Winnipeg, MB (w/ Young Empires)
Jun 12 / Bestival / Toronto, ON