Introducing, The Funk-Loving Spirit Of The Satellite Ravens

 

This kooky, pop-styled cosmic project is led by Carson Rohde, a multi-instrumentalist who leads everything to do with the band, making Satellite ravens something new.

The 80’s vibe is something that a lot of artists and musicians  introduce into the modern day,  however, satellite ravens really push through to enter a new realm of genres that are splashed together, from the funkadelic style of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, to the grounded, earthy sounds of MGMT.

With the release of their brand new full length album ‘The Equinox’, Carson seems to be showing no signs of slowing down.

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/satellite_ravens

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4DWM8jTdcf2wyyWt3a7SzV

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuJAay056LCLnCks9ua9Duw?view_as=subscriber

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/satellite.ravens/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/satelliteravens

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/satellite.ravens/

Website: https://satelliteravens.com/

 

Andrew Small Is Bringing You The Smoothest Sounds With New Album ‘What Happens Now?’

 

After spending most of his professional career playing live and working in the studio with artists such as Kylie Minouge, Il Divo and Massive Attack, Jazz drummer and writer Andrew Small is breaking into the spotlight, with “Crisps and Chocolate” in hand.

Andrew has been a well respected session player, and after doing multiple shows in front of audiences who are there for the main acts, he now is breaking into the jazz fusion scene and has managed to get a committed ensemble together including saxophone players Steve Cole and Euge Groove.

So if this Jazz, funk fusion sounds like the exact thing for you, be sure to check him out:

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=andrew+small+drums

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Andrew-Small-Drums-155809394460078/

Twitter:  @andrewsmalldrum

Instagram:  andrewsmalldrums

Website:  www.andrewsmall.net

Heavyball Are Begging The Question, When Can You Start?

 

Ska/mod band Heavyball are making the rounds with brand new album ‘When Can You Start?’, a fun look into the lives of those who settle for the second best.

That’s right, the brand new Heavyball album looks at the everyday jobs of britons, poking fun at office chat, the moods of the boss and what the best way to soften the blow of the office party.

The album features great tunes like ‘Top of your game’, ‘Perils of midweek drinking’ and ‘Heist’. And with a few dates in bag ready and waiting, the band seem to be showing no signs of slowing down.

So be sure to check them out:

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/heavyball       

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7l1XJIYCH6Kop2j6plDWvk

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/HeavyballTV/videos   

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Heavyball/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/heavyballreal

Instagram: www.instagram.com/heavyballreal/         

Website: www.heavyball.net  

Interview: We Sit Down With Mexican Band Ikkarus To Talk About Their New Album ‘Stains And Echoes’

 

We got the chance to talk to the band Ikkarus, and with a brand new album out, they sure do have a lot to talk about.

Q: Firstly, you’ve just completed and released the new album ‘Stains and Echoes’, how did you write the songs, and what does the writing consist of?

A: “Normally, Javo gets to the studio with the main ideas, or sends them to us through email or any other means. When I listen to a “skeleton” I start to think about patterns, rhythms and fills that would fit into it. Sometimes I just work on it by humming”.

“When creating music, I try to make it a spiritual thing. I ask for guidance within my beliefs and I start playing for a long time until something jumps out and catches my attention: Maybe a simple melody or guitar riff. Maybe just a chord sequence. I record that onto the computer, leave it sounding on and on for a while”.

Q: How did you finish off the album, how did you figure out the track list? 

A: “We practically went through all the finished songs we had. We took care that the ones chosen for Stains & Echoes were all part of the style and genre we’re trying to work on”.

Q: What is your local music scene like? 

A:  “There are many projects I’m a fan of. However, I feel it can be monotone. It doesn’t really explore an original sound or seek to create one. Many local bands sound pretty much the same, and I feel emerging styles such as Indie-Pop and Indie-Folk constantly influence them and so the product all around is too similar”.

“I feel it has been a difficult scene in Mexico, for many bands (us included). It’s generally difficult to get a gig unless you have some sort of connection”.

Q: How do you guys think you fit in?

A: “We hope that the different elements we’re bringing to the table captivate our audience from the first experience, whether it’s live or listening to the studio record. If there’s something we’re looking to be, is emotional in our music”. 

“Based on our live performances I feel we’ve had a good response from the audience, however, only time will tell what kind of part we played in our local music scene”.

Q: And finally, What do people need to know about the album? 

A:  “Stains & Echoes is our presentation card to the world and at the same time seeks to be an instrument to find some good vibes, solace and consolation through art”.

“I want to say that Stains & Echoes has a little piece of our hearts tattooed into every single song of the album”.

“Stains & Echoes is a huge thing in my life. The hope of its existence at the beginning led me personally through many rough places, helped me push through a multitude of musicians who just wouldn’t believe in this project, through a huge lack of self-belief and many other things”.

 

With that, be sure to check them out:

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/stains-echoes/sets/stains-echoes-debut-album/s-EhKgD

 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7hXr34FFuQykjrjKNQt9ix

 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx_8edZX53UC5yRFGLCZExw

 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ikkarusband/

 Twitter: https://twitter.com/ikkarusofficial

 Instagram: @ikkarusband

 

Crack Of Dawn Set To Release Brand New Album ‘Spotlight’

Welcoming back to the stage, Crack of Dawn! 

After years away from the ‘Spotlight’, this group of highly talented and skilled musicians have recorded and are set to release their latest album, which promises not to disappoint.

The collective minds of musicians Alvin Jones, Greg Gooding, Carl Harvey, Michael Dunston and Trevor Daley have joined forces once again to bring fans a bit of funk back into your lives.

Even Though they are drawing style from their early days, Crack of Dawn are also using new era funk and pop, each member providing musical experiences they have had throughout the years. Little nods to artists such as Bruno Mars, Earth, Wind and Fire and Parliament Funkadelic are heard throughout, even though Crack of Dawn still keep it fresh and make it their own.

With a eclectic mix of tracks this new addition to the world of Crack of Dawn is a great and worthy piece that fans and music listeners everywhere will love.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoNzxEP5sJc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrackofDawnBand/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crackofdawnofficial/?hl=en
Website: https://www.crackofdawn.ca/

 

Multi-Talented Lawrence Preston Is Back, With New Single ‘Something For You’

 

Lawrence Preston has returned to top form with his funk-soul roots, with brand new track ‘Something For You’.

Lawrence Preston has always been a formidable player in the funk-soul scene, with original hit ‘Driving Me Away’, which was actually one of the first songs he wrote in the early 90’s. As well as this, his previous album release, ‘And Now, Lawrence Preston’, which was released in 1997.

Lawrence first began his musical journey at an early age, where he would watch and take part of his parents gospel group ‘The Sensational Travelers’, he would then at the age of 5 years old, he would be hired to front another family group, known as the ‘Fantastic Four’. 

Throughout his professional career, he has managed to gain strengths and talents in a number of varied areas, becoming a bass player for many touring bands and artists such as Dorothy Morrison. While he had honed his craft throughout the years, he soon found himself motivated to write and record his own original material, which led to him gaining skills in being a producer, writer and performer.

Now with the release of new track, Lawrence is ready to take on the world, and restore a little bit of funk back into your day.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/@law_preston

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lawrence.preston.37

 

 

Adonis: From Mortgage Broker to Music Bringer

 

Throughout the years, Adonis has been taking a sabbatical from the music industry, however, he’s back with brand new single ‘My Different Lover’.

Adonis was born in Buffalo, New York, but shortly moved to California where he found his love for music, performing in bands and writing music while in Junior high. Early influences include Motown, expanding over the years to progressing to playing Bass guitar, which he received at the age of 12.

After realising he wanted to study and produce records as well write and perform, he went on to study  music theory, electronic music, and sound recording at California State University at Northridge.

After learning and practising his skill and craft, he then went on years of touring with a number of different bands including  Alphonse Mouzon, Dee Dee Bridgewater, The Miracles, Finis Henderson, and Richard Pryor.

Adonis had met Earth, Wind, & Fire Guitarist Al McKay, who was working on new solo material, and had Adonis as one of the members. A demo was made, however no record deals came to fruition.

However Adonis had used this experience to push himself further, “Working with Al Mckay motivated me to fine tune my writing skills”.  Throughout the years has worked with musicians and has make appearances playing bass and doing backing vocals for the likes of Glenn Jones,  Finis Henderson and Garry Glenn. 

After this success, he then went into a career of business and professional investing. Taking 19 years away from music, Adonis honed his craft as a Mortgage Broker, Real Estate Investor and Investor Relations Manager in facilitating the sale of privately held stock for companies.

He is now ready for a return, with powerful, yet delicately enlightening ‘My Different Lover’ which is out on October 26th. 
ITunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/my-different-lover-single/id1287236160 

Reverbnation: https://www.reverbnation.com/adonis83

 

Mama Moonshine

1. How did you get your initial start in music?

Ruth: We all started out quite young. I had a much more musical-theatre background, but for some reason that light, innocent tone faded and the husk took over!! The boys all grew up playing various instruments and ended up joining bands in their teens, honed their craft and became the musicians they are today!

2. What would be your ultimate aim in the industry?

AB: We’d like to reach as many people as possible and be able to connect with those who can relate to our music on many levels. We definitely want to be known for delivering powerful, exciting shows. One of the best things about gigging is meeting new people, sharing experiences and learning new things from one another.

3. How long have you been writing your own music?

Phil: As a band, about 2 years now. Personally, ever since I’ve owned a guitar. I sometimes write on piano but most of my inspiration comes when I pick up a guitar. However, my first compositions worth listening to didn’t come until I was around 18. Now, we all work together and push each to make better songs than any one of us could write on our own.

4.Who are your top three influences and why?

Ruth: My top three are Alabama Shakes, Etta James, Louis Armstrong. The boys are a lot more into their rock, such as the Black Keys, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Fleetwood Mac. I think we do share in what it is we like about them all, though, for their individuality, creativity and energy. We try to draw from that in the studio and, more importantly, on the stage.

 5. Is there anything you would like people to know about your current release?

Ruth: That it’s totally from the heart and I hope people can relate to the lyrics and enjoy the bluesy feel! Oh, and that there’s plenty more on the way soon!

Phil: It’s been getting some great reviews and a great reception when we play it live. One reviewer described it as “a heartfelt song about the loss and gain of true friendship. Hauntingly soulful with intense lyrics that unspool with a gentle power”. They’re right there! The single is coming out on iTunes, Spotify and many more on January 30th.

6. Where are you based and what’s your local scene like? Any favourite venues?

Mark: We’re based in London and love to play in Camden, Shoreditch, but we also love to play Brighton and Manchester. This is an area that we feel really strongly about. London as a music scene can be quite disparate and impersonal. There’s such an abundance of bands around and so many venues to go to that sometimes you can get quite lost in it all! I would love to be able to influence peoples’ attitudes towards unsigned music in London. Just because bands don’t have a big label behind them, with all the finance and marketing that goes with it, doesn’t mean they’re not any good! Some of the best nights out in London are just live pot-luck. You rock up to a venue with no idea what’s on, pay a fiver and see artists doing what they love, pouring all their heart in to it. I think people need to break away from only experiencing music through established artists to go and see how talented and passionate some unsigned acts really are!

7. Who else can you recommend from your local scene for people to have a listen to?

AB: Hot Fiction are band we have a great relationship with, a two piece blues rock band, with powerful soulful vocals and awesome driving rhythms. You catch us playing together at the Monarch in Camden on the 10th of April.

8. Give our readers a round up of where they can find you online and hear more of your music.

Ruth: You can all the important stuff at www.mamamoonshine.co.uk – You can access our music and videos through the site and find all our upcoming events as well!

We also have a facebook: www.facebook.com/mamamoonshine, soundcloud: soundcloud.com/mama-moonshine and follow us on twitter @mama_moonshine.

John Aram

1. How did you get your initial start in music?

I began playing music at school and then went to the Royal Academy of Music in London.

2. What would be your ultimate aim in the industry?

I love working on other peoples projects or writing music for artists. It gives me a real kick to get the best out of musicians and artists. I think this is something that I do well. I’m less at ease in the spotlight myself.

3. How long have you been writing your own music?

I started seriously writing my own music in 1996 after moving to Switzerland. People seemed to quite like the music I wrote and so that encouraged me. Just recently there have been a few commissions and large scale projects that have demanded a lot of time and investment but I really enjoy writing for pop soul music. I think I’m getting a little bit better at it each time. Who knows, one day it might be really good!

4. Who are your top three influences and why?

This is a really difficult question as I have so many influences. I guess Michael Jackson and all the Motown guys are a huge influence. I loved and still do love Sting and the fact that he is not afraid to try new things, he also surrounds himself by fantastic musicians. Thirdly I would say Miles Davis, again because he was always changing and surrounded himself again by young musicians who pushed him in new and often difficult directions.

5. Is there anything you would like people to know about your current release?

This new release uses a lot of very good friends. Jason Rebello from Sting’s band does such a fantastic job on all the keyboards. We had guest appearances from Daryl Stuermer from Genesis and from the wonderful Gregoire Maret. The singers were also fantastic with Sumudu from London and Amy Keys from LA. The whole disc is a concept album heavily influenced and in many ways a tribute to the great Stevie Wonder although most of the songs are original. If you want to hear some jazz covers of Stevie’s songs you will need to buy our album on one of the download sites where you can get some great bonus tracks.

6. Where are you based and what’s your local scene like? Any favourite venues?

I’ve been based in Switzerland now for many years although I work a great deal in London or many other places. One thing about being in Geneva is that we are very central and it is quite easy to get to many places from here. Geneva has a small but very enthusiastic jazz community with a fantastic club called the AMR. There are also some fantastic musicians based here, Erik Truffaz, Léo Tardin or Arthur Hnatek. Send me a message if you’re coming through and I’ll point you in the right direction.

7. Who else can you recommend from your local scene for people to have a listen to?

The people mentioned above are great musicians. There is a great American Rap artist who is also based here and appears on our album, Rootwords. Greg Maret, the now legendary harmonica player comes from Geneva although he is now based in New York.

8. Give our readers a round up of where they can find you online and hear more of your music.

Please keep in touch with all the news from our Facebook page. Just click “LIKE” and we’ll keep you in touch with all the exciting things that we are up to.

Resonance

With two singles in the offing and exciting penchant for switching genre depending on mood and taste, we HAD to chat to the mind behind Resonance – so we asked Radhika a few questions…know her better.

 

1. How did you get your initial start in music?

Probably in the womb. My mother would sing devotional hymns day in day out while she was expecting. All that music just infused into me.

2. What would be your ultimate aim in the industry?

To play Wembley stadium, and to have an unforgettable time with our fans doing so.

3. How long have you been writing your own music?

Properly since 2009, after I quit my job in the City. I sort of used to play guitar while I was a lawyer, but that kind of environment wasn’t really conducive to being creative.

4. Who are your top three influences and why?

I’ve been listening to U2 since I was 7 years old. Everything I believe about singing on stage comes from watching their shows. And Bono basically taught me how to sing – when you listen to his voice on your headphones, with your eyes closed, you can just feel it. That feeling then came out of me as song.

I also love Hendrix. Again, someone who has soul. His guitar sounds like an animal when he plays.

Mark Knopfler. Because he gets that this ain’t no trumpet playin’ band.

5. Is there anything you would like people to know about your current release?

Mister Policeman – It’s a song about someone who’s not perfect, but he’s still trying very hard to do the right thing. I can relate to that!

Reverie – This song just makes people happy. And it instantly gets them moving. To watch the song have that effect while they’re listening to it – it’s an elevating feeling.

6. Where are you based and what’s your local scene like? Any favourite venues?

After spending half of my life in the UK, I’ve just moved to the San Francisco Bay Area. It’s only been a month, so I’m still discovering the local scene.

However, I’m in Austin right now for SXSW, and it’s an incredible place. Austinites are committed to their live music – seriously committed. But they do it with an amazingly grounded attitude, like ‘yeah, this is us’. My favourite venue so far is the Empire Garage – it looks like a former auto garage, and the vibe is electric. I saw Vintage Trouble there this week, and I want to play a gig there one day!

7. Who else can you recommend from your local scene for people to have a listen to?

 From back in London, I’d recommend Mitch Daniels. That guy’s got soul. I was fortunate enough for him to play a concert in my living room just before I left London. Beautiful. My friends are fans.

There’s a band in London with a very interesting name: Hats Off Gentlemen It’s Adequate. They are just amazing live. I love being at their gigs. Their singer, Malcolm, is also a sublime guitarist.

8. Give our readers a round up of where they can find you online and hear more of your music.

 We have a website with lots of stuff on it, and which was designed by a London illustrator called Kraggy: www.ResonanceMusicProject.com

 

We’re also on Facebook, where I post updates, photos and discoveries along the way. We have a great community there: www.facebook.com/ResonanceMusicProject

 

I’m also on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ResonanceGlobal

 

You can hear our new singles at: www.soundcloud.com/resonancemusicproject

 

We also just launched two new videos on our YouTube channel. There’s also a video shot in Miami:

www.youtube.com/ResonanceMusicTV