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A Multitude of Musical Goodness - Albums! Albums! Albums!
Artist: Laura Barrett
Album: 'Victory Garden'
Label: Paper Bag Records
'Victory Garden' is Barratt's first full length to be released by Paperbag Records in the fall. Her debut E.P entitled 'Earth Sciences' was re-released by the label earlier this year, and received much attention, garnering national airplay and wide spread recognition. The multi-instrumentalist is classically trained in piano and is also a member of Toronto music troupe 'The Hidden Cameras'.
The off-kilter chanteuse is renowned for her signature Kalimba playing (an African thumb-piano) and whimsical, quirky orchestrated pieces. This record is no exception, featuring thirteen never the same sound twice tracks. A sweet mixture of Cello, trumpets, violin, auto harp and a variety of other strange and wonderful instruments are used to weave the most amazing musical tapestries. In a time when electronic music and sampling is more often the norm than not, it's refreshing to hear something a little more organic and content driven.
Barrett's vocals are often childlike with a sing-song innocent quality; her lyrics are full of nature and times gone by references. The record sounds like a dusty soundtrack to an old black and white movie from the 40 or 50's, think of Hitchcocks 'Rebecca' - old house situated amongst lonely hills and thick dark countryside and you'll get a small taste of the type of vibe this record has for me.
One of my favourite tracks is 'A Certain Major Vinylsky' (track 6), a truly haunting song which features tinkling Kalimba and the thoroughly dizzying, and yet beautiful sounds of the Theremin played by John Tielli of 'Metal Kites'.
Another great and super surreal tune is 'RIEN A DECLARER' (track 11), a slightly off key number, featuring skippy percussion and lyrics sung in both French and English.
'Victory Garden' was recorded, produced and mixed by the talented Paul Aucoin of the band 'The Hylozoists. If you're looking for something a little different and interesting, you should pick up this record.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Artist: Mark Geary
Album: 'Opium'
Label: Independent Records Ireland
'Opium' is Mark Geary's third record to date, and was released on Ireland's Independent Records earlier this summer. The copy I have is a beautiful limited edition, which features eleven tracks, a lyric sheet/poster, and a bonus cd which is home to six other tracks, including an early version of the records catchy single 'Tuesday', a song about a man (possibly Geary) who realizes that he's carrying a lot of emotional baggage and that he has to change, but with this realization comes a fear of new things. On Geary's website in regards to the song he says - "change brings uncertainty that can be so scary that maybe you're better off just living a kind of quiet hell?!"
The Album is a collection of honest to goodness, heart on your sleeve, acoustic guitar driven songs. Marky's vocals are warm and smooth, his lyrics about relationships, vulnerability, insecurity, hope and lost faith.
The album took about two years to record, Geary describes the record in his own words - "It's about escape and the notion of consequence. All of that plays a part in what I think about or was thinking about when I was making the record. I think sometimes I kinda like to torture myself with these dark thoughts and in so doing reveal some of my demons and drugs of choice."
Having read this you're liable to think that 'Opium' is a severely dark and melancholic cd, but it's not. Yeah...the lyrical subject matter can be very real and deep, but the music is often upbeat and always beautifully orchestrated. The album also features the lovely honey-syrup, wafer thin, guest vocals of Ireland's Ann Scott, on the duet 'Facin' the Fall' (track 4) which is definitely one of my favourites.
The record was mixed and produced by famed Irish producer Karl Odlum and mastered at Abbey Road Studios, and unlike Geary's last album 'Ghosts' (2004), a record which featured simpler production, this record sports a lot more instrumentation, lively percussion, soaring electric guitars, piano and layered vocals.
Geary will be touring across the States and Ireland starting at the end of September...check out his website for dates and pick-up the record while you're at it!
www.markgeary.com
BONUS VIDEO!! -
Geary's Official video for the single 'Tuesday', a beautiful tune taken from the new
release 'Opium'.
Eyes on Toronto - 84.85
(The 84.85-Jay & Cass)
www.myspace.com/the8485
They're fun, fresh and so unpretentious it hurts. Their tunes are upbeat and infectious. Driven electronic beats, glitches and bleeps are dished out by Jay and neatly support cheeky, Midwest styled rhymes from the sweetness that is Cass.
Jay-84 has recently released a pretty dirty over saturated, reverb drenched remix of Syntonics' (Toronto based husband & wife electro duo) 'Rock 2nite', which can be heard with a number of other remix goodies on the bands myspace profile.
I caught up with the lads for a chat before a show a while back, They're new to the Toronto scene and I wanted to find out what their story was....the result? The following totally informal, chill and super silly interview!
THE 84.85 INTERVIEW -
Leanda - So here we are at 'The Crown and Tiger' on College and Bathurst here in Toronto, and I'm hanging with 'The 84.85'. First things first, tell me about the name.
- Jay - There is actually a really interesting story, but I'm going to preface it with the basics....so Cass was born in 84 and I was born in 85, but the reason that this name is so great, is when we were still in school we had a third member of the band called Tariq, a good friend of ours, he was more like a manager, not a musical member. He was born in 84, but when he came to this country they accidently fucked up the forms and said he was born in 85, so he lost a year of his life, which would have been fine because he could have just gone to get the records of his birth from the hospital to fix it, but it turns out the hospital was blown up....
L - No!
- Cass - Yeah, in Lebanon.
L - Wow...Holy shit!
- J - Yeah, so thats why it was a good name!
L - You're right, that is a great reason to have that name. So how did you meet?
- Jay - I was DJing and the guy I was doing music with lived across the hall in residence and he was a good friend of Colins (Cass) from growning up. I was DJing a good 3 years before University, and a bit in university, but I sort of stopped to concentrate on making music.
L - I thought you were going to say you stopped to focus on your studies.
- J - NO!
- C - No, thats not coming out of either of our mouths!
L - Ha! Fine, fine...So what about you Cass, when did you first start getting into music?
- C - I started Mcing pretty young, but I hid it because I got a lot of flack...'cos you know...I'm a white boy...
L - You're not are you?! Ha!! Just messing... So what do you use for inspiration for your lyrics?
- C - Life....I'm really into art, music, the things that I hate, like work. Work really inspires me like you wouldn't believe because I really hate being there.
L - You work at a bank right?
- C - Yeah...thats right, I'm one of those people!
L - Well at least you're using that energy for good! Inspiration Jay-bird?
- C - Ha! Jay-bird, you'll get credit for that one!
- J - *Squawking*....' MSTRKRFT' is probably the primary influence. My influences coming from hip hop were the hard drums......But my primary influences are 'MSTRKRFT' and alcohol.
I listen to what I really like, good music. I'll come home from the club, and Jam on the keyboard, I'll bang out stuff while I'm drunk, and if it's good in the morning I edit it, when I'm stone cold sober.
L - Madness! How long did it take you to get your E.P together?
- J - We did it over the course of 6 months, but it was just in two recording sessions.
- C - Technically the songs came together pretty quick, but it takes time to get the scratch together, to get into the studio.
- C - We ultimately have what? 6? 7? 8 tracks?
- J - The release is 5 tracks I believe...
L - Ha! You guys are so funny!
- J - We have five tracks finished.
L - Plans for the year?
- J - Plans for the Summer?
- C - Drink, dance and Perform.
L - Simple plans, easily attainable!
- J - We just wanna lock down at least 6 shows through May, June, July and August. We just found out from our friend Karl that we're playing 'Basswars' with Vitamins for You, DMTP and Alias.
- C - I was so excited when I heard this. I was eating a delicious smoked meat sandwich and I just spit it out, I was so excited!
L - How do people find you? 'Cos I tried googling you guys and got all these nuclear bomb recipes!
- J - Sorry, We were hiding how we really got our name...
L - Oh yeah?!! So there's no dot in the myspace name right?
- C - No, I'll take all the fault for the dot, I think it's confusing the shit out of people right now.
L - Yeah, I was confused! So where can people get your music?
- J - It's available on myspace for free download.
L - Nice....look how you go!
- J - Look how we go when people start downloading!
L - HA!! Thanks for Chatting to Bloggertronix lads, and I wish you all the best with your summer beer drinking and gig playing!
The duo will be playing The Chelsea Room in Toronto on August 22nd with fellow Torontonian's 'NorthernYonge'....If you're in the city check 'em out, if not check out the above link and listen to the below track.
Download | Duration: 00:04:54
- 84.85 'Black Smoke' mp3 from their unreleased debut.DASHING NEW VIDS!
Dan Le Sac VS Scroobius Pip -
www.myspace.com/lesacvspip
UK based Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip's new video for the Radiohead sampling single, 'Letter from God to Man' was created by the Brighton based production house 'Nothing To See Here'.
It was directed by Steve Glashier who has created videos for 'Fatboy Slim', 'Juliette and the Licks' and 'Blood Red Shoes' in the past, and features cameos by Example, Nina Kate, Dockers MC, and plenty other nifty artists.
The video was also produced by Russell Porter, the everso charming host of 'The Porter Report' an eclectic and thoroughly entertaining online music show (Check this lad out!).
The band recently released a new album called 'Angles' and are touring Europe pretty heavily over the next few months.....Go see 'em live!!
Dan Le Sac VS Scroobius Pip - 'Letter From God To Man':
Thunderheist -
Toronto's Electro-glitch, hip-crunkers Thunderheist recently held a video contest for their tune 'Jerk It', the winner of which was announced yesterday. The chosen video was created by Seattle Washington based duo 'That Go'...Brilliant concept....check it!
44 Flavours - Berlin, Germany
Magazine Link: 44 flavours – 
www.44flavours.de
www.myspace.com/44flavours
www.24-7unique.de
44 flavours is a Berlin based magazine and artist collective, to date four issues of the mag have been released, with another one in the works….the magazine features brilliant interviews, reviews, poetry and visuals by top notch artists not only from Berlin, but from the rest of Germany and the world over…
(full page spreads from the magazines latest issue, images and a feature on Brooklyn, New York's Crunc Tesla.)
The magazine focuses on highlighting 'un-discovered' musicians, and visual artists, bringing to a fore characters who might not otherwise be seen or heard. I wanted to find out more about the history of the magazine, the collective that I’m so fond of, their current work as well as past and present projects.
I asked Julio Rolle, one of the editors and original founder of the magazine, a few questions and here are his responses….
JULIO ROLLE: 44 FLAVOURS INTERVIEW -
('Helping Hounds of Hell' Art Show, Berlin - 2008)
- Bloggertronix - Who runs 44 Flavours?
Julio Rolle - Sebastian Bagge and Julio Rölle, based in Berlin Germany.
FFF is more than just a zine, but also an artist collective under which we organize all types of projects and openings, and when we are pressed to make money to support our madness - that's when 44flavours acts as a design agency. But you have to understand that even in the corporate world we keep our sense of humour and honesty sound!
- B
Rolle – The name comes from one of those Brooklyn ice cream vans you see all over the hood in the summer, which Sebastian Bagge, who is my partner in crime, saw in some film. And no joke - it really was called 44flavours! The name was perfect because that was exactly what we wanted to show people when we decided to start a magazine - different flavours concentrated in one format. And then to top it off, no matter how you write the name it's always typographically dope!
- B - What is the magazines mandate?
Rolle - We make what we would like to see in other mags, but don’t. There are already a million boring zines out there and honestly the world doesn't need another one. Our goal is to create something new every single time, I mean you still see our points of reference and our inspirations, but everything comes with our own personal touch! We are always searching, always learning new things and I think this will never change...
Zines we like to read or just flip through:
Lodown (Berlin)
Bulgaria (Finland)
Voxer (Bruxelles)
Sherbert magazine (NY)
Rojo magazine (Barcelona)
Xplicit Graphix (Toulouse/France)
Beautiful Decay magazine (NY)
Swindle Magazine (L.A.)
Art Bureau (San Fransisko)
OZ (Sydney)
- B - Who is 44 Flavours audience?
Rolle - Our audience is quite large... from young to old... I mean first of all I'd say the zine is created for people interested in art. Then we also can't deny that the zine is highly influenced by graffiti culture.
Maybe this is our goal to catch all types of people; we try to bring something for everyone, every flavour... like the man from the ice cream van. In each mag we've articles and interviews about some fresh upcoming musician, or artist, supported by photos and other visual extras.
(Feature on Brazil's street artist & MC 'Fefe' in 'The Private' issue of 44 Flavours.)
We try to expose selected fresh designers, photographers, street-artists and musicians, most of them are new comers. We give those people a chance, to be see, we highlight those artists who aren't so big, or haven't been “discovered” yet.
44 Flavors' audience are people, who like to collect raw but rare items, people who appreciate things like hand numbered limited editions of rare zines -
People who want to know more about themes, and issues that are not often discussed in mainstream media. People, who like the artwork of Basquiat, Rauschenberg, Haring, Warhol, the films of Jim Jarmush, Julian Schnabel, and those that can appreciate music from many genres…hip hop, dub step, grime, spoken word, minimal techno, electro, rock, independent music released by independent artist. Our audience are honest people...
- B - What can people expect from the writers of 44 Favours?
Rolle - A fresh approach, thoroughly researched pieces, precise and smooth flowing articles and interviews about specific themes, dealing with art, music, street-art/fashion and photography.
- B
Rolle - Street artists, graffiti writers, Illustrators, Photographers, painters, designers, musicians, Action Sportsmen.
More recently the 44 Flavours crew have designed the artwork for German based band Rogall and the Electric Circus Sideshow's latest album, and the current cover for the slick urban Culture Magazine 'Serie B', based in madrid, Spain -
(44 Flavours spread in 'Serie B')
They also painted 4 skateboards for 'The Helping Hounds of Hell' Charity Skateboard Art Show. The Exhibition took place in Berlin and Hamburg, and proceeds went towards helping the 'Sage Hospital for Children' in Senegal, Africa.
If you like what you see, check out the above links for more info, and feel free to hit us up for your copy of 44 Flavours - 'The Private' issue, for a mere $12 (CAN) -
info@bloggertronix.com
New York Band On The Rise!
Download | Duration: 00:05:28
www.cegrocks.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/cymbalseatguitars
Now here's a band that I recently found out about through my friend Slick who's working with them at the moment. They're new, fresh and certain to grab some attention soon with the release of their debut full length set to drop a the end of the summer. Think sweeping guitars, raging choruses and tinkle keys and you'll have a small idea of what CEG is all about.
I caught up with Joseph D'Agostino the youngest, and most feisty member of the band to chat about their new record and what the band has planned for the rest of the year.
Check out the sneak peek track from the bands new record and head over to their site for more info.
If you dig; Modest Mouse, Plant and Animals, Mendosa Line, Chin up Chin up, Blur or NYC's Grizzly Bear, The Epochs and Vampire Weekend, you should check these lads out!
Cymbals Eat Guitars Interview:
- Bloggertronix - How Long have the band been together?
Joseph D'Agostino - Matt (drummer) and I have been playing together in bands since the tenth grade, which isn't as long as it seems-- about four years. It was mostly Blue and Pinkerton covers. Nothing of any great consequence happened between us, as collaborators at least, until our senior year. At that point, I began listening to decent music and wrote a handful of okay songs, which ended up being recorded and released as a miniature LP (I used that term because the total run time was just under thirty minutes, but it was pretty well thought out for high school students. We're talking bookend two-part title track, shortwave radio interludes, a wide variety of synth horns...ha) under the moniker 'Joseph Ferocious'. We thought it was pretty good and so did Jim Testa, but nothing came of it, thankfully.
After Matt and I both began college in separate states, I decided to get off my ass and wrangle together some people to realize some new material I'd been working on, after Charles Bissell, whom I'd been studying guitar under, had agreed to record my stuff. As luck would have it, the first three people I messaged were willing to get together and jam. None of them attempted to mangle me or ask for a salary, so I figure that's pretty good compared to a lot of the Craigslist experiences that'd been related to me... though I'm pretty sure that Dan, the keyboardist, is just taking his time planning out a very public mangling for me. Updates to come. Anyway, all in all in its current iteration, our band has been together a total of about four months. Feels weird to say that out loud.
- B - Where did you all meet?
J - I figure my answer for the first question covers this one as well, but for the sake of completion; Matt drummer and I met in high school, Matt guitar and Daniel were CraigsList gems, and Neil was the friend of a friend who had attended one of our shows in December at Arlene's and liked what he'd heard... enough, at least, that after we'd ousted our bassist, he was willing to step in and take over.
- B - You all vary in age, does this cause any problems within the band?
J - Basically, there's this huge rift in the band. Whenever we practice or get together, Neil and Matt (32 and 33) sit in one corner of the room and discuss how cool it is to be able to drink legally and what it feels like to have a stock broker. Matt drummer and I (20 and 19) sit in the opposite corner, kind of just welling over with contempt for "the Men", as we've dubbed them, and our fists clench with rage every time they self-consciously mention their portfolios, just loud enough for us to hear. Sometimes they'll glance at us really quickly and then snicker mutedly. It's fucking maddening. Daniel just sits in the middle of the room since he's 24, which means it'd be totally weird if he were to intermingle with either of the other age groupings. It all makes for a really interesting collaborative process though....
Nah, I'm totally kidding, we're all friends. Our ages mean nothing at all.
- B - Where are you recording your Full length?
J - We'll be recording our L.P. wherever our producer Kyle "Slick" Johnson says we should. Ideally someplace with a tape machine and proper isolation for five very, very loud players. The overdubs will probably be done in Kyle's studio in Greenpoint.
- B - What's it called?
J - It's called 'Why There Are Mountains'?
- B - Is there a theme or a tone to this record?
J - There isn't a theme, really. The songs that make up the record have been culled from a pool of material written over the course of three years. I think if there's any unifying motif or whatever, it's the struggle to begin living again in the aftermath of catastrophic loss. There's a vague kind of numinous quality to some of the earlier lyrics... I don't know. Every song is like a separate window into a series of very specific experiences or perceptions, though I guess that's what every good song is. Take "My Humps" for instance. It's nearly impossible for me to give some objective perspective for someone who isn't me. I guess you'll see, if you listen.
- B - Who is it being produced by?
J - Kyle "Slick" Johnson, who engineered the most recent Modest Mouse and Hives records. We're so lucky!
- B - Where is the band based?
J - We're based in New York City. We've got two members in Queens, one in Brooklyn, one in Manhattan, and one in Staten Island. We're looking for a flautist from South Bronx, write us if you know one.
You're relatively new to the New York Club circuit, what can people expect from a CEG show?!
I think we're an incredible live band, though I guess I'd have to in order to live with myself. I think the live experience probably eclipses the visceral energy of the recordings, though that's probably a result of the piecemeal layering process we went through. All that matters, however, is that LP #1 will be built upon live performances rather than separate tracking.
-
B - Who wrote the lyrics for the songs and what do they use as inspiration?
J - I write all the lyrics. I've been told that I should be brief in responding to these questions, which I guess I've flagrantly disregarded up until this point... but I'm gonna comply now, because I'm getting lazy. Suffice to say I like my John Ashbery and my David Berman, and wooded areas and lakes and the houses built near them and shit. The place I grew up informs a lot of the material, indirectly. Listen to the songs so that maybe I sound like less of a jackass. You'll see what I mean, probably.
- B - When can we expect a full length?
J - Before the summer is out.
- B - What are the bands plans for the rest of the year?
We plan to make a brilliant record, release it through a reputable label, tour on it, and shortly thereafter build sex mansions-- sex mansions of course being huge, huge boning nests that exist only because the fucking done inside is much too filthy and raunchy for our regular mansions.
If Your in New York this weekend check out Cymbals Eat Guitars at Pianos!! -
Killer New Videos!
Select Music Vids from Artist Far and Wide!
ENVY -
www.myspace.com/envy06
www.envyofficialforum.tk
www.thecityisoursmixtape.co.uk
Manchester's MC Envy has been a fave of mine for longer than a second...Bold, fiesty and straight up fresh, this ain't no Lady Sov or Lilly Allan wannabe, Carving her own distinct path working with some of the UK's deadliest hip hop and Grime producers (Kid British, Medasyn) and getting remixes booted in her direction from all angles (Robot Koch's remix of 'Tongue Twister' is severly off the chain...check it!), this lady with her slick, firm spitting style and raw Northener edge is bound to be bouncing about in your headphones sooner than later...
Envy has been on the rapping flex since she was 16, now at 20 years old she is working on a degree in 'Media & Communications' and is currently writing for a summer EP and Mixtape release, and plans to drop a full length debut on her own imprint 'China Bulldog' later this year. Check out the video for her latest single 'Tongue Twister' a sharp track produced by Medasyn (Lady Soveriegns original beat master) and shot in an Industrial estate in Manchester.
MC ENVY - 'TONGUE TWISTER':
MAN LIKE ME -
www.myspace.com/manlikeme
Yeah, I sing the praises of this Camden, London based outfit a lot, but their so much fun! I mean who else can compare 'plums to your mums' in a track and get away with it?!
Man Like Me's video for 'Fruit' is inventive, educational (these lads will have you making your families Sunday Roast in no time!) and so much fun...summer tunage....Check it!
MAN LIKE ME - 'FRUIT':
Man Like Me Teach you How To Roast...
www.myspace.com/debilorithmicos
www.pulpa.net
www.bleep.com/?label=PULPA
The Debilorithmicos are a Eclectic Electro-hip hop duo based in Barcelona, Spain. They've collaborated with some pretty sharp european vocalists on thier EP which was released last year, and have produced remixes for some great groups and vocalists including Elle P and Al Haca.
Check out the video below for their song 'Gigolo' featuring Clint Malik taken from thier debut EP.
Hit the above link to Pick up the lads - DEBILORITHMICOS - 'Dimarts i Dijous' EP.
(Pulpa Records 2007)
Debilorithmicos - 'Gigolo' (feat. Clint Malik):
Al-Haca - Berlin/Barcelona/Vienna
Artist: Al-Haca
Album: 'Family Business' (Japan Exclusive Album)
Label: Crunchtime Records - Entak Inc - Kilo Music
www.al-haca.de
"We keep the family tight, situated away? Take the family bike. Get high, get fly board the family flight. Destination irrelevant, A big fam equal packed with intelligence. Yes mate move around like the elephants. Compact from the front to the back! Take the last one I'll buy another pack. It's all good..." - Family Business ('Family Business', May 2008)
'Al-Haca' truly take the meaning of Family to another level. The Al-Haca family is large, not bound by blood but by a shared passion for music and creative energy, this family stretches across Europe and beyond. The four core members Stereotyp, Cee, RQM and Rasda produce and write, taking care of the musical side of things, the rest of the featured crew; Coppa, Fefe, Hurbert Tubbs, Oliver Grimball, Cesar Sampson, Sandra Kurzweil, L'Enfant Terrible and Patrizia Ferrara provide the lyrics and vocals.
So what does 'Al-Haca' sound like? Chill vibes, soothing Bass and organic electronic sounds, tones, drones, clean, simple production, and a multitude of vocalists and MC's who make sure lyrics and important messages are prominent in the mix.
The Title track 'Family Business' features vocal appearances from the whole clan, and is definitely a highlight, a fun number with a soulful, sing-along chorus ...perfect summer time music.
All the vocals on this album are diverse, male and female, sung, spoken, in English or Spanish...the variety of voices add great texture to the songs and keep the listener engaged throughout the length of the 10 plus 2 track album.
'Banana Split' is another deadly tune that features vocals by Brazil's Fefe, playful singing is coupled with MC RQM's slink, glide spitting. Another fave track featuring RQM is the soft toned and sexy spiked 'Citrus', a song with lyrics that liken a female, her form, scent and uniqueness to a citrus fruit -
"you citrus tasting and tropics blazing I want to taste this just take me there..." - Citrus ('Family Business', 2008)
The record also has two bonus tracks which severely blew my mind. The first is a remix of the tune 'Baby Blue' buy UK based Milanese, a grimy, sloppy bass driven rendition of the original with RQM and Grimball's vocals taken up to an almost hilarious pitch, chipmunk style. The second remix is of the albums title track by Japan's DJ Baku, a scratch heavy, reverb tripped tune which swiftly brings the listener to the end of thier Al-Haca musical journey, the end of the album.
The band recently got back from Malaysia where they opened for Missy Elliott in KL (Check the Oliver Grimball feature for live footage!). Each member of the 'Al-Haca' crew has other artistic side projects that they focus on whilst apart, musical, visual...this is one talented bunch! Check out the links for more info.
The 'Family Business' record was released late last month in Japan, but is well worth ordering (check the above links) online, if you're looking for something a little different with more content, heartfelt goodness and smooth chill vibes...Yes, you have to get this record!!....HOP TO IT NOW!!
Al-Haca Family: Cee, Fefe, Stereo, RQM, Coppa & Oliver Grimball
BONUS!!! -
FAMILY BUSINESS VIDEO (Shot in Barcelona late last year):
"Al-Haca means inevitable" - Outro Feat. RQM ('Family Business', 2008)
Oliver Grimball - Barcelona, Spain
'Anodyne Holiday'
Oliver Grimball is a deadly MC and producer who first came to my attention through his work with Berlin/Vienna's 'Al haca'. His Debut Solo record 'Anodyne Holiday' features a class collection of 16 tunes that will no doubt impress you as they have me. The records lyrical depth, musical diversity and simple yet affective production, are an uncommon combination these days so this release really stands apart. 'Anodyne Holiday' will soon be released by independent imprint 'Flying Unicycle Records'.
For those of you that have given up on hip hop as a genre, or those that are bored of current hip hop offerings, or those people not sure what real hip hop is all about, this record is for you. Oliver's unique style features a mixture of hip hop and spoken word smarts, he delivers intricate stories about relationships, the Music industry, politics, race and social issues with ease. Grimball is smart, a conscious lyricist who is comfortable toying with bright word play, he welds his knowledge and perception of all that is with passion, each song reveals unbelievable insight and depth, top that off with a wild imagination and quirky sense of humor and you have one artist to be reckoned with!
Musically the record has a funky, soul, old skool hip hop feel, but jumps all over the place in regards to genre. Samples, turntablism, keys and Jazz styled drums all make an appearance on this album.
The songs are honest and warm, just over half way through the album the striped down Latin flavoured 'Boss of Nova', features spoken Spanish female vocals and raw beats, this track is playful and upbeat, there are many such positive numbers on 'Anodyne', but the record also features songs with content of a more serious nature. 'Blue Susan' is such a tune, a song about a girl who suffers from low self esteem, a demeaning boyfriend and poor physical self image, resulting in bulimia and ultimately death...Grimball doesn't skirt about harsh issues surrounding the characters within this tracks, in this number he mentions the affect of the media and advertising on the girl and her perception of self, he also mentions the way that same advertising affected her boyfriend, highlighting how girls can be severely damaged as a result of these negativly affected attitudes.
'Anodyne Holiday' the albums name sake track is a beautiful instrumental; Slinky Rhodes, warm tones, a stroll through the park on a hot, dry day...the tune rolls on with a relaxed air....lovely!
The majority of songs on 'Anodyne Hoilday' are lyrically intelligent, heady and thought provoking but they're also strong enough in other areas to keep light listeners interested. Grimball has a distinct style, the music carries his words, never drowning them, tracks are simple, clever and refreshingly reminiscent of old skool hip hop.
I wanted to find out more about this fine musician who was born and raised in the States but now calls Barcelona his home, check out the below interview for more information, listen to the 'Treat' mp3 and head over to his myspace to pre-order your copy of 'Anodyne Holiday' NOW!!
"I used to pledge allegiance to the United position of a great melting saucepan, now I pledge allegiance to the United State of you and us, you and I " - Anodyne Holiday, 'State of Us'
Download | Duration: 00:03:31
- Oliver Grimball 'Treats' mp3 ('Anodyne Holiday', Flying Unicycle-2008, Release Soon!)Oliver Grimball Interview -
"When he ripped the mic he had flows like butter..." - Anodyne Holiday, 'Exploitation Cantata'.
- Bloggertronix - Where do you do the majority of you writing?
- B - When did you start performing live?
OG - I began performing at 16, The first serious show (over 300 people) was made at my high school in San Antonio, Texas.
OG
OG - Oh Yeah! Carey was me at 14, but who I really want to talk about is Justin Bradic, an MC from the Midwest now lives in Austin TX , he backed me with his vocals on the song 'Come again', you should listen to his solo project to get a better idea of what type of Lyrical weaponry this kid is holding! Check out his Tracks 'Rise' and 'Chinese food', on his Myspace page.
- B - Who produced the new record?
OG - The record was produced in parts by J Soles Musaics and John Carmichael, They used to work as a team on various projects back in the late 90´s, you can check out a track called 'What it is', they provided for the deeper concentration, a Turntablist series Released on OM Records. Then I brought them back together but separately as producers on this release.
- B - Where was it recorded?
OG - The Beats were made in LA, the Lyrics were Recorded at 'Edit Point Recording Studios' in San Antonio ,TX , with the exception of the track '33 Degrees', recorded a Sound works Recording Studio, Chicago, IL. The Engineer and studio owner, Donnie meals, first Recorded me at age 14 on a track called ‘My Kangol’. At the time in the late 80´s Edit point was all analog! 22 years later I returned back to the same studio (now digital) and hired Donnie on as head engineer of 'Anodyne Holiday'. We sat up late nights eating Korean Food and re-working beats, laying down and arranging vocals for Anodyne!
- B - What does the title 'Anodyne Holiday' Mean to you?
OG - It means a holiday with out pain. I’m sorry I wish I could give you a colorful art school answer, but I feel the meaning might be literal -
Anodyne: serving to alleviate pain, 2: not likely to offend or arouse tensions.
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Holiday: a period of exemption or relief.
- B - You manage to talk about some pretty heavy subject matters in your lyrics, this album comments on social, racial and political issues, and yet you deliver these often intense stories with easy and an upbeat air that is refreshing. Did you make a conscious effort to make the music upbeat and light?
OG - The 16 tracks on the album were the 16 out of 30 tracks I received From Jsole and John. I Listened to all thirty tracks religiously until I found the joints that had the stories hidden in the beats. I wanted to write and arrange lyrics that served as substance for the medium of music. Before I began recording the tracks for the new record RQM from 'Al haca' suggested that I not write a record with lyrics that talk about music, but that I write a record that speaks from my unique experiences, and focuses in on my eye witness camera, what I observe in my external world!
- B - The Colour Green pops up throughout 'Anodyne',
OG - Green is my Favorite color. Is it that obvious? (Smiles). All the journalist love the Green Orangutan! In the song ‘Zoomorphic’ I speak of 24 green monkeys trapped in a cage by a an evil carnival promoter...4 of those monkeys managed to keep the their special gifts while the other 20 managed to get their spirits broken through years of mental abuse. The green Orangutan was one of the 4 primates that kept his talent!
- B
OG - The 'Anodyne' record will be toured with a live 5 piece band and a turntablist. We will make a live interpretation of the anodyne record, so I’m sure we will figure out a way to make the less stage worthy tracks workable for a live audience! No worries…we have it covered!
- B - So you'll be touring with the new record?
OG - Yes but not sure when.
- B - What are your plans for the rest of the summer?
OG - I am in Malaysia with Al Haca preparing to open up for Missy Elliot! The whole gang is here! Cee, RQM, Stereo and Kid Coppa! My plans for the rest of the summer are unclear, but I can Promise the release of one ‘Anodyne Holiday’!
BONUS!! -
Norman Palm - Berlin, Germany
Catching up with Norman...
WWW.MYSPACE.COM/NORMANPALM
WWW.NORMANPALM.COM
I first found out about Norman a few years ago, I remember looking at photographs online of a book that he was working on, a book which he was planning to release with a debut cd, I was really impressed with the creative expression (using hand drawings, photos, collages etc.), passion and genuine thought that he put into the project.
His songs are humble, acoustic guitar pieces graced with sweet lyrics, and refreshingly simple melodies.
I managed to grab an interview with him when I was in Berlin last year, and became even more taken by his soft spoken ways, and kind demeanure.
Since Our Meeting Palm has released a handful of singles, including a cover of Cyndi Lauper's 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun' and a cover of The Cure's 'Boys Don't Cry' (check these out!!). He is currently working on a full length record and splits his time between Berlin and Mexico City (where his girlfriend lives).
It's been over a year since we chatted and he has recently released a beautiful single duet with a female vocalist called 'Falling' (check the video below!). I decided it was time for a catch up interview....enjoy!
Norman Palm Interview:
- Bloggertronix - Who is the female vocalist on the new single and how did you meet?
Norman - The female singer is Anna Rikje Rosenthal
- B - You're doing so well with your single releases, can we expect another full length soon?
N - Yes we can! My first album will come out in October. It's gonna be slightly more acoustic than the single. It's a bit of an unusual release: 12 songs on CD + a 200 pages book of my art.
- B - Tell us about the video for 'Falling', it's simple but really effective and fun! Who came up with the concept?
N - I came up with the concept of falling screens and I worked on it together with visual artist Malte Rettberg who has cut my previous video for 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun' as well. Surpringly it is done with a programme called "Keynote" which is Apple's alternative to Powerpoint. I love simple ideas carried out with simple means.
- B - Where can people find your music?
N - Both of my singles, 'Falling' and 'Boys+Girls' can be bought through online shops like itunes worldwide. For 'Girls and Boys' we produced a vinyl single which is sold out by now. The book/cd will be available through worldwide mailorder in october.
Oh la-la....Stay tuned folks, and in the meantime check out the below videos for the singles 'Falling' and 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun' and be sure to peep the above links to Norman's online dwellings.
Norman Palm Videos -
'Falling' (Feat. Anna Rikje Rosenthal):
Rabbit Season - Toronto, Canada
Artist: Rabbit Season
Album: 'Slow Math'
Label: Indie
Rabbit Season are a new band based in Toronto, they independently released their debut record 'Slow Math' which features some of the most chill and organic sounding electronic music that I've heard in a long time. 'Slow Math' is an album full of relaxed beats, warm synth tones and fat slappy basslines. The songs flit in style, at times verging in the vain of 'Fleetwood Mac' at others straying into early 'Police' territory, all laced with a heavy dose of sparkle electro-pop. Vocals are limited on this record, but there is some tastful use of the vocoder on a number of tunes, check out the vocoder action on the album's namesake track 'Slow Math' below...truly lovely.
The band are currently shopping for labels and have found distribution in the UK with 'Forte Distribution', earlier this year they were also named one of the "discs of the week" at both Rough Trade Shops and Piccadilly Records in London. Rabbit Season are now working on their second record set to drop in the fall....Check them out!
BONUS!! -
Download | Duration: 00:17:17
- 'About the Music' Radio's Leanda Chats to 'Rabbit Season' at the CIUT FM Studios in downtown Toronto (Febuary 2008). Listen to find out more about this sharp new electro-slow-disco outfit, then pick up the record!