January 2021 – Page 5 – 1st 3 MAGAZINE

Unvarnished Observations – GEORGIE

8th January 2021

GEORGIE ushers in 2021 with her latest single: ‘Simple Things’.

The track is taken from her acclaimed debut album ‘At Home’, which receives its official physical release today (8 January 2021).

Like much of the new album, “Simple Things” was written at the beginning of the first UK nationwide lockdown. Finding a new resonance as the country braces in lockdown once again, the track sees Georgie searching for silver linings in the darkest of times and learning to love life’s less-complicated aspects.

SPOTIFY HERE || APPLE MUSIC HERE

“It’s about how important those simple things are. I felt through lockdown it was only the simple things that we could enjoy like watching TV or playing Fifa.”

Georgie

Centred around an emotive piano motif and sparse arrangements, “Simple Things” places the spotlight on the song’s honest and unvarnished lyrical observations, as delivered in Georgie’s characteristically dusky vocal.

“Simple Things” was initially released as part of Georgie’s debut solo album ‘At Home’; a surprise digital album that was perhaps one of 2020’s more uplifting moments. Proving to be an instant summer hit with fans and press alike, the album is now receiving its official release in 2021 on Soul Kitchen Records to meet popular demand. Available now on CD and digitally, ‘At Home’ can also be purchased as a special bonus bundle, which includes a signed copy of Georgie’s previous release ‘Georgie: Live!’.

Already a familiar face to many on the UK music scene, Georgie was the first signing to Soul Kitchen Recordings (the label set up by Jake Bugg’s management company: Soul Kitchen). She has built up a loyal following supporting Jake Bugg, Blossoms, Tom Walker, Jack Savoretti and The Lighthouse Family. She comes from Mansfield but her heart is in Laurel Canyon.

Her new album, ‘At Home’ receives its long awaited official release today (8 January 2021), via Soul Kitchen Records.

Standby for the official video for “Simple Things” (featuring Game of Thrones star: Bella Ramsey) imminently.

NEW ALBUM: ‘AT HOME’ – AVAILABLE PHYSICALLY / DIGITALLY TODAY, VIA SOUL KITCHEN RECORDS
ORDER HERE

http://www.georgieofficial.co.uk

Country Gold – Devin Dawson

7th January 2021

Country News

The brand new music video for Devin Dawson’s “He Loved Her” invites the viewer into both his heart and his home.

Described as “carefree, classic country gold” (ABC News Radio), the song is an honest and loving tribute to his grandfather Jerry Durrett. The video, directed by Tyler Conrad, finds the pair enjoying time together back in Dawson’s hometown of Orangevale, CA.

DEVIN DAWSON 'HE LOVED HER'

The Warner Music Nashville / Parlophone UK artist shared that prior to the filming, it had been a year since he had been able to see his grandparents. They spent their days together as simply as “He Loved Her” would suggest, telling stories and working around the house. Dawson also revealed that his grandfather was able to show him the finished Ford Model A, featured in the video, that he had been putting together for nearly 15 years.

“one of country music’s most tender and articulate wordsmiths”

The singer / songwriter penned “He Loved Her” alongside Nicole Galyon (Keith Urban’s “We Were Us,” Camilla Cabello’s “Consequences,” Miranda Lambert’s “Automatic”) and Jordan Reynolds (Dan + Shay’s “10,000 Hours” and “Speechless,” Thomas Rhett’s “Life Changes”). The track is one of six to be featured on his upcoming The Pink Slip EP (pre-order / pre-save here), available everywhere next Friday, January 15th 2021. Named for the representation of optimistic freedom showcased in lead track “I Got a Truck,” the project finds Dawson building on the edgy confidence he pioneered with Dark Horse; however, where that set found him prowling the shadows of his own stormy soul, The Pink Slip punches through the clouds.

Dawson recently hit No. 1 on both the Billboard and Country Aircheck / Mediabase US country airplay charts as a featured artist on the HARDY hit “One Beer” (alongside Lauren Alaina). “He Loved Her,” “I Got a Truck” and “bright, soulful” (Rolling Stone) tune “Range Rover” mark the first new solo releases from the breakout star since the success of his GRAMMY-nominated, ACM and CMA Single of the Year, “God’s Country,” that he co-wrote for superstar Blake Shelton. The multi-week chart-topper also landed Dawson his first-ever ACM and CMA award nominations for Song of the Year, adding to his previously earned nods from the ACM, CMT Music, Radio Disney, BMI and MusicRow Awards.

Called “one of country music’s most tender and articulate wordsmiths” by The Tennessean, the acclaimed singer/songwriter co-wrote every track on Dark Horse, which the Platinum-certified hit “All On Me.” Dawson has appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers, ELLEN and TODAY in addition to receiving overwhelming critical praise from outlets such as HUFFPO, Esquire, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Entertainment Weekly, People, ELLE, AXS, HITS and more. The Nor-Cal native has also toured with major label artists including Maren Morris, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and label-mates Brett Eldredge and Dan + Shay.

devindawsonmusic.com | Facebook | Twitter (@zdevin) | Instagram (@zdevin)

Austrian Anger – HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY

7th January 2021

Mainly Metal

Mӕre – a malicious folk entity that creeps up on sleeping people’s chests during the night and instils breathlessness and anxiety. It is this state of diffused terror and paralysis that has been enshrined in HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY‘s music ever since their 2012 debut album.

January 2021 will see more tales from their feverish dreams ready to break out into the light of day.

With M.S.‘s captivating guitar melodies and J.J.‘s lyrics, ridden with trauma, delirium and loss, their unique mixture of black metal and post rock creates an inescapable maelstrom of shattering screams and sudden acoustic guitar interludes.

As pioneers of the “post“ movement, the Austrians have, ever since their conception in 2011, drawn fans and critics deeper and deeper into the depths of their melancholy, self-hate and anger.

Their previous release “Arson” reached #29 in the German and #62 in the Austrian charts. “Mӕre” will be graced with several friends of the band who have entered into the intoxicated world of HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY to guest on the album; Alcest‘s frontman Neige brings a haunting flair to ‘Sing For The Damage We’ve Done’, the anonymous voice of Gaerea joins in on ‘Silver Needle // Golden Dawn‘, and, as session drummer, the duo one again commit to none other than Kerim “Krimh“ Lechner (Septicflesh, live-Behemoth). However, an act of HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY’s stature no longer needs to rely on namedropping to be noticed.

HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY

“Mӕre“ was recorded during the spring quarantine of 2020, which may well have been the cause of the feeling of abandonment that permeates the ten songs. Self-loathing with numbing restlessness will still echo through your bones long after the last note of the Placebo cover ‘Song To Say Goodbye‘ has resonated. Recorded and produced by M.S. and mixed with the help of Daniel Fellner, this fifth oeuvre is another milestone in the history of the duo who will celebrate their 10th anniversary in 2021 with an extensive European headline tour.

1. I, Pallbearer
2. Sing For The Damage We’ve Done
3. Us Against December Skies
4. I’m All About The Dusk
5. Three Empty Words
6. Once Upon A Winter
7. And Oceans Between Us
8. Silver Needle // Golden Dawn
9. Time Is A Ghost
10. Song To Say Goodbye

HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY are:
M.S. – guitar, bass, songwriting
J.J. – vocals, lyrics

More info on HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY:
Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram

Don’t Underestimate The Midlife – Adam Douglas

7th January 2021

Music News

Adam Douglas is a playmaker in the best sense of the word. His music is intended to be played to people. He savours every moment on stage and values every opportunity to connect with his audience.

Raised in Oklahoma, USA, Douglas lived in Chicago and Minneapolis before finding his way to Norway where he has lived for the past decade. Now considered one of the best guitar players in Norway, he made his first stage appearance aged 8 and soon made the stage his home, a place to share his magnificent voice with his honest and revealing songs. Drawing influence from Howlin’ Wolf and Ray Charles’ flirt with country, to Tom Petty and Bonnie Raitt, Douglas has found a sound that combines the best of soul, gospel, jazz, rock n’ roll, rhythm n’ blues, and roots music.

Into My Life

'The most important thing is to have people around you who you can talk to'

As a musician, Douglas is an unexpectedly shy guy who turns into a firework on stage. He lets his big voice compete for attention with his guitar for an electric live show which is never the same twice. Most comfortable when he’s the worst musician on stage, Douglas sought out a band who could keep him on his toes and perform best with them breathing down his neck, preferably with a choir on one side and a horn section on the other.

Since living in Norway, Douglas has found inspiration in the Norwegian mountains and fjords and has released 3 albums to critical acclaim. He has performed extensively across the country on solo tours and supported Sting at Kongsberg Jazz Festival and Bonnie Raitt at Olavsfestdagene in Trondheim. In 2017 he won Stjernekamp (Battle of the Stars) on Norweigian national television and became the first artist to do so with his own original song. Although Douglas had already been a household name with blues fans for some time, he sang his way into peoples’ hearts by remaining true to himself throughout the genre-splitting competition.

Hot on the heels of his 2020 singles Joyous We’ll Be and Change My Mind, Douglas exposes his own vulnerability with his brand new single Into My Life. With his lyrics he rejects society’s idealised vision of masculinity, the expectation that a man should be strong, steady, and most importantly, should not cry. Instead Douglas portrays the real struggle that many men experience with their mental health and how a midlife crisis often goes deeper than they express.

To be a man in a midlife crisis is often underestimated as an identity search and a need to challenge one’s own boundaries, but what is all too often overlooked is the extent to which men’s own mental health can be stretched to breaking point. On his way out of his thirties, Adam Douglas is fast approaching midlife crisis territory himself and insists on drawing attention to the experiences that men can face but don’t always discuss. Douglas wrote Into My Life with fellow artist and friend Cory Chisel to encourage men struggling with pressures of aging to feel more comfortable to speak out about the anxiety and depression that ensue.

“We have both become very aware of our own mental health, how it functions, how it doesn’t function, and how it can affect our lives and the lives of those around us. We’ve gone through a sort of middle aged mental health awakening.”

For both co-writers, Into My Life is about accepting darkness and depression, whilst feeling reassured in the fact that many other people are tackling similar feelings that can manifest at different points of their lives. Having grappled with his own hard times brought on by the pressures of expectations and being overworked, Douglas hopes that Into My Life will go some way in encouraging more men to work on opening up about their feelings and talking about their mental health.

“You have to fight your way through it and it’s fully possible to get back on your feet, even though it doesn’t feel like it when you’re in the middle of the tug of war with yourself. The most important thing is to have people around you who you can talk to, and that’s especially important for men who traditionally don’t talk about their feelings with others.”

Into the Light comes ahead of Douglas’s forthcoming album, which will be his third studio album. He is in great shape and hopes to encourage a brighter future with his music. “I’m not trying to be anybody but myself. I’m just Adam Douglas, maybe with a new hat once in a while.”

https://www.adam-douglas.com/music

George Michael meets Justin Timberlake – SC.Undercover

6th January 2021

Music News

Walsall, UK born artist SC.Undercover started creating music as a way of escapism from the darker periods of his early life. The mysterious crossover artist blends influences of indie, dark pop and R&B, offering something distinctly unique and relatable in today’s industry.

His latest single “Sex Me Like U Want 2” takes a slightly different approach to his previous work. Delving into the pop R&B realm, the artist explores a sound and style that has been playing on his mind. Reminiscent of George Michael meets Justin Timberlake, the song starts off with wild vocals showcasing an unreal range and a bubbly beat full of life, colour and total fun. The flamboyant and confident song changes to pulses of organ/synth toned chords, with emotive vocals totally contrasting the first half of the song. The track narrates the reality that once the party is over and the sober feelings come rushing back in, you may be sat with the past and emotions you hide when you’re out having fun. It’s honest and relatable; sometimes our outer shell protects us from other aspects of our life and that everyone has their own battles they dont always share. SCU shares, “I think you find that a lot of that in this business a lot of us are introverted and have a lot of insecurities including me and our art is our way of being who we want to be”.

The lighthearted video starts off full of humor – leather jumpsuits, snazzy sunnies, amusing dance moves and facial expressions and pure sunshine melodies, it’s the perfect mix for giggles and bopping. From pink to grey, the video takes a turn, with darker visuals and slower movement, revealing the underlying emotions and truths a person could be battling despite the show of colour and fun the night before. The video ebodies the song’s meaning, and adds to the emotions tied up to the lyrics.

SCU’s music is a beautiful juxtaposition with upbeat dance/pop melodies complimenting the darker lyrical undertones. Instantly recognisable, SCU has crafted an unmistakable sound, written to encourage others to feel good, dance their worries away or to reflect on the relatable narratives of heartbreak, love and aspirations of success. With influences ranging from Frank Sinatra and Prince, to David Bowie, Usher and Coldplay, SCU shares, “Music is universal to me, regardless of genre, I want to be known as an artist to hold commercial success in a variety of different genres.”

Also hoping to help others overcome their own struggles specifically with mental health, SCU uses his music as the driving force to reach wider audiences. Having performed to sold out audiences across Atlanta and at home in the UK, as well as garnering acclaim from publications, SC. Undercover is labelled as an artist to watch.

https://www.facebook.com/SCUndercover

Stand United – “TOGETHER” (The Country Collaboration)

5th January 2021

Country News

Four-time GRAMMY® award-winning duo and Curb | Word Entertainment recording artist for KING & COUNTRY have released “TOGETHER (The Country Collaboration),” a brand-new rendition of their multi-week No. 1 hit.

Joel and Luke Smallbone are joined by country singer/songwriters Hannah Ellis and Jackson Michelson, putting the globally recognised track against a lush backdrop of violins, steel guitars, and banjos.

“In a time where this virus is not isolated to one people group or country or social class - it has become the great equalizer,” shares Joel and Luke Smallbone. “It is helping us all reconsider this beautiful concept that we all bleed the same blood. And if we are able to unite, and support — be a neighbor to someone, serve someone, reach out to someone - how might those acts of kindness change the scope of our futures, together?”

This marks for KING & COUNTRY’s first country collaboration since joining Dolly Parton for the GRAMMY winning rendition of the duo’s No. 1 hit “God Only Knows.” Since debuting the track earlier this year during the duo’s “TOGETHER: A Night of Hope” streaming event, “TOGETHER” has gone on to become a genre-defying global phenomenon. The song spent multiple weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard and Mediabase Christian radio charts, reached No. 23 on the Hot AC chart and No. 13 on the AC chart, and produced this joyous music video featuring fan participation from all over the world.

Over the holidays, for KING & COUNTRY shared a dazzling performance of “Little Drummer Boy” on the global stage, performing the Christmas staple on ABC’s Good Morning America from the historic Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee, and on New Year’s Day, Joel and Luke Smallbone returned to the show to perform their No. 1 hit single “joy.” from their GRAMMY winning album burn the ships.

https://www.forkingandcountry.com/

http://www.jacksonmichelson.com

https://www.hannahellismusic.com/

On The Right Note – Hailey Whitters

5th January 2021

Country News

Rising country star Hailey Whitters releases a new single “Fillin’ My Cup” (feat. Little Big Town).

The song was written by Whitters, Songs & Daughters’ label head Nicolle Galyon, and Hillary Lindsey, and was co-produced by Whitters and Jake Gear – who produced her critically-acclaimed THE DREAM released last year via Pigasus Records / Big Loud Records / Songs & Daughters. The director’s cut of the official video also just dropped featuring Whitters, Little Big Town, and Old Crow Medicine Show’s Ketch Secor. Filmed under the direction of Harper Smith, it was shot outside Nashville, TN.

“I wrote this song with Hillary Lindsey and Nicolle Galyon. I’d had the title ‘Fillin’ My Cup’ for a while, but then Nicolle had the brilliant idea to turn the lyric into a recipe,” explains Whitters. “It’s a concoction of all of those little things in life that have a way of making my glass feel half-full. It’s been a hopeful reminder throughout the year and just felt like the right note to start 2021 on.”

Whitters’ THE DREAM firmly established the Iowa-born artist as “Nashville’s Next Big Star.” By the end of 2020, it was hailed as one of the top albums of the year, reigning #1 on both Stereogum’s “10 Best Country Albums of 2020” and Garden & Gun’s “Best Southern Albums of 2020” lists. THE DREAM was named among the best albums of the year by The Washington Post, Paste Magazine, The Tennessean, and landed at #6 on Rolling Stone’s “30 Best Country and Americana Albums of 2020” list, who proclaimed, “The Dream is the type of record that could propel an artist as talented as Whitters in a million different directions.” Rolling Stone and American Songwriter also named her single “Janice at the Hotel Bar” one of the best songs of 2020.

“All of the praise for THE DREAM has me quite choked up,” adds Whitters. “This record was a labor of love for so many of us involved in the making of it, especially in the early days when it was just a handful of waitressing tips and Hail Marys. I’m humbled and proud to see it resonate the way it has. It’s been the best reminder to stay true to who I am as an artist and storyteller.”

https://haileywhitters.com/

'Simply stunning'

1st 3 Magazine

RIP – Alexi Laiho

4th January 2021

Music News

Nuclear Blast Records Statement

One of the most renowned guitarists in the world, Alexi Laiho, has passed away. The musician, most notably known as the front man of CHILDREN OF BODOM, died in his home in Helsinki, Finland, last week. Laiho had suffered from long-term health issues during his last years.

Alexi Laiho and drummer Jaska Raatikainen founded CHILDREN OF BODOM in 1993, and the band was one of the most internationally acclaimed metal acts in Finland up until their very last farewell concert in December of 2019. Last year Alexi Laiho put together BODOM AFTER MIDNIGHT, who recorded three songs and shot one music video, which will be released later on posthumously.

Besides CHILDREN OF BODOM, Laiho was known for acts such as WARMEN, SINERGY, KYLÄHULLUT and THE LOCAL BAND. Awarded with a Metal Hammer Golden God and several other international prizes, the guitarist was also the main star, leading a group of one hundred guitar players at the Helsinki Festival in 2015 in “100 Guitars From Hel” – a massive concert piece he composed.

“We are crushed by the sudden passing of our dear friend and band member. Words cannot describe this shock and the profound sadness that we feel”, Daniel Freyberg, Mitja Toivonen and Waltteri Väyrynen from BODOM AFTER MIDNIGHT state.

The talented guitarist and musician relished his role as stepdad in his family, and as uncle and godfather. Especially during the last years, the important family ties brought a welcomed balance to his life and the active touring. Laiho was particularly close with his big sister, parents and his sister’s daughter. Laiho‘s sister says:

“We are all absolutely shocked and devastated. We ask for privacy and understanding during these hard times. My little brother’s funeral will take place privately.”

Alexi Laiho will also be deeply missed by his family in Australia.

“Alexi was the most loving and magnificent husband and father. Our hearts are eternally broken”, Kelli Wright-Laiho says.

Out Of The Shadows – TRANSIENT

4th January 2021

Mainly Metal

New Orleans heavy rock/metal band TRANSIENT is aiming to inspire hope and strength with their new electrifying single “THIS HEART” and its enlightening music video, which premiered exclusively on Metal Injection.

This track explodes with energy while the video portrays the emotional journey from feeling trapped in the darkness to seeing it’s okay to be yourself.

Stream: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/transient3/this-heart
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/6r7J9msgWHZpeuUJV2JBmh

"This is a song dedicated to the people who were forced to hide and be ashamed because they didn’t feel accepted and felt judged because of the way they viewed life. Growing up, I dealt with that on a daily basis, and throughout the years it turned the kindness and understanding within me into rage. Along with that came foolish and selfish decisions in my life. I’m hoping that this song can bring some hope and strength to those who have walked down similar roads and show them they are not alone and it’s okay to be themselves in such a heartless world."

Trey J. Mollo, vocalist

Based out of New Orleans, Louisiana, the heavy rock/metal band Transient formed only months ago in 2020 and have wasted no time. They went in the studio to record with Jonathan Dolese at KonKrete Studios in Kenner, Louisiana, and their critically acclaimed debut single “Nightmare” was released on October 18th via Dreambound. Following its release, the track was featured on Metal Injection among many others and was played on SiriusXM Octane while the video amassed over 36K views.

Led by guitarist Jody Linnell, who is the former bassist of Smile Empty Soul and 12 Stones, the band is rounded out by vocalist Trey J. Mollo, guitarist Emmett Shumate, bassist Brian Bennett, and drummer Phil Krohn. Originally the project was a solo endeavor, but after about a year Linnell decided to recruit good friends from his regional area to complete the lineup.

Transient is poised to continue their ever-increasing momentum with their new single “This Heart” and its accompanying music video as they gear up for the release of their debut EP ‘Aperture’ in mid-spring 2021.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT19oQxUIskg1CTuJAexRYA

Check It Out – Josephine Sacabo

3rd January 2021

Photography News

Sacabo divides her time between New Orleans and Mexico. Both places inform her work, resulting in imagery that is as dreamlike, surreal, and romantic as the places that she calls home.

Born in Laredo, Texas, in 1944, she was educated at Bard College in New York. Prior to coming to New Orleans, Sacabo lived and worked extensively in France and England. Her earlier work was in the photo-journalistic tradition and influenced by Robert Frank, Josef Koudelka, and Henri Cartier-Bresson. She now works in a very subjective, introspective style, using poetry as the genesis for her work.

Check Her Out

https://josephinesacabo.com

« Next

Monthly Archives: January 2021

Unvarnished Observations – GEORGIE

GEORGIE ushers in 2021 with her latest single: ‘Simple Things’.

http://www.georgieofficial.co.uk

Country Gold – Devin Dawson

The brand new music video for Devin Dawson’s “He Loved Her” invites the viewer into both his heart and his home.

DEVIN DAWSON 'HE LOVED HER'

Austrian Anger – HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY

Mӕre – a malicious folk entity that creeps up on sleeping people’s chests during the night and instils breathlessness and anxiety. It is this state of diffused terror and paralysis that has been enshrined in HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY‘s music ever since their 2012 debut album.

HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY

Don’t Underestimate The Midlife – Adam Douglas

Adam Douglas is a playmaker in the best sense of the word. His music is intended to be played to people. He savours every moment on stage and values every opportunity to connect with his audience.

Into My Life

https://www.adam-douglas.com/music

George Michael meets Justin Timberlake – SC.Undercover

Walsall, UK born artist SC.Undercover started creating music as a way of escapism from the darker periods of his early life. The mysterious crossover artist blends influences of indie, dark pop and R&B, offering something distinctly unique and relatable in today’s industry.

https://www.facebook.com/SCUndercover

Stand United – “TOGETHER” (The Country Collaboration)

Four-time GRAMMY® award-winning duo and Curb | Word Entertainment recording artist for KING & COUNTRY have released “TOGETHER (The Country Collaboration),” a brand-new rendition of their multi-week No. 1 hit.

On The Right Note – Hailey Whitters

Rising country star Hailey Whitters releases a new single “Fillin’ My Cup” (feat. Little Big Town).

https://haileywhitters.com/

RIP – Alexi Laiho

Nuclear Blast Records Statement

One of the most renowned guitarists in the world, Alexi Laiho, has passed away. The musician, most notably known as the front man of CHILDREN OF BODOM, died in his home in Helsinki, Finland, last week. Laiho had suffered from long-term health issues during his last years.

Out Of The Shadows – TRANSIENT

New Orleans heavy rock/metal band TRANSIENT is aiming to inspire hope and strength with their new electrifying single “THIS HEART” and its enlightening music video, which premiered exclusively on Metal Injection.

Check It Out – Josephine Sacabo

Sacabo divides her time between New Orleans and Mexico. Both places inform her work, resulting in imagery that is as dreamlike, surreal, and romantic as the places that she calls home.

Check Her Out

https://josephinesacabo.com

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