November 2024 – Page 3 – 1st 3 MAGAZINE

Ships In The Night – Strength In The Darkness

24th November 2024

Ships In The Night is the New York City-based songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Alethea Leventhal.

Her uplifting dark pop sound is drawn from dreams and memories, painting an atmospheric landscape with sweeping waves of synthesisers and kinetic beats to produce electrifying lullabies.

Leventhal’s self-released 2017 debut album, ‘Myriologues’, explored the depths of grief and loss, while its Cleopatra Records issued 2021 follow-up ‘Latent Powers’ uncovered the cathartic strength that can be found within darkness.

Recently signed to Metropolis Records, ‘Some Of Those Dreams’ is the first single from Leventhal’s upcoming third album, ‘Protection Spells’. “The song is about the beauty that can exist in letting go and the sense of freedom that can come with it,” she reveals. “It touches on the pain that can come with change and the memories that will always remain.” With layers of harmonies, swelling synths and ever-shifting beats, the song builds and changes throughout, echoing its central message.

Spotify | Apple Music | Amazon Music | Bandcamp

https://www.facebook.com/@shipsinthenightmusic

Twinnie – Opening Her Heart And Closing A Chapter

24th November 2024

Country News, Music News

Following on from the release of the ‘Hypothetically’ single and her history-making performance of the US National Anthem at GEODIS Park in Nashville, British country-pop artist Twinnie returns with her brand new album titled ‘Something We Used To Say’ which is her first full-length release since the 2020 debut ‘Hollywood Gypsy’.

The forthcoming project is a labour of love from the Nashville-based creative who has created and released the project independently and sees her bringing to close the ‘Blue Hour’ chapters that came before, ahead of her Happy Hour era that begins in 2025.

The record features 22 songs on the extensive tracklist that incorporates both of the ‘Blue Hour’ EPs along with several new tracks such as the focus release ‘Dance With Somebody Else’ and lead single ‘Hypothetically’.

Speaking about the album, Twinnie says: “This record is my life’s journey over the past four years and takes listeners on a journey through my heartbreak, triumphs, hopes and dreams and brings that chapter to a close. I’m not sad or heartbroken anymore but much of this album was written when I was so it really tells the story of that time in my life. I’m really proud of the songs on this tracklist and I’m so excited to be sharing it with everyone”.

Along with releasing ‘Something We Used To Say’ on November 8, Twinnie has also announced a headline tour of the UK in support of the new music. London and Manchester are already sold-out but limited tickets are available for Brighton, Manchester, York, and Glasgow.

TOUR DATES:

November 25 – London – The Grace

November 26 – Brighton

November 27 – Manchester

November 28 – York

November 29 – Glasgow

A true Gypsy, Twinnie grew up in the Romani Travelling community in England where her love for storytelling first started. She made her stage debut at just 4 years old. A triple-threat, she is no stranger to film or stage working with the likes of Glenn Close, Christian Slater and Alan Menken.

While developing her own artistry, Twinnie performed as a backing dancer and singer to other artists like Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams, alongside playing lead roles in London’s West End theatres in shows like ‘Chicago’ and ‘Rock Of Ages’.

Launching her own artist career in 2020, despite the turbulent time, Twinnie became the International British crossover artist we know her as today. Twinnie has received critical acclaim from BBC Radio, People, Rolling Stone, and Billboard, and is known for her effervescent pop productions, power vocal and storytelling country lyricism centred on inclusivity and realism. Fresh to Music City, she recently made her Grand Ole Opry debut, becoming the first British Gypsy to step into the circle.

2023 became the year of firsts making her US TV Debut and charting on US Country Radio. She continues to build on the success of her release ‘Hollywood Gypsy‘, and her inaugural American label EP ‘Welcome to the Club’ which racked up over 24 million streams and won Best Short Film at the British Film Awards. She has also toured with Lindsay Ell, Chase Rice, Russel Dickerson, Seaforth and Blessing Offor.
Passionate about mental health in the music industry, she is the co-founder of I Know A Woman.

https://www.facebook.com/twinnieofficial

Sunny Sweeney (Live Review) – The Real Deal

22nd November 2024

Country News, CREATURE FEATURE, Music Reviews

Sunday nights are a gamble – especially when there’s school the next morning and a premium ticket price to justify.

Yet, The Lexington in Islington appeared to have played it right and proved the perfect stage for Sunny Sweeney, the Texas troubadour whose name has become shorthand for sharp storytelling and melodies that stick to your soul like honey on cornbread.

As you may know, The Lexington is home to a snug and characterful upstairs venue which was the perfect space to amplify the intimacy of Sunny Sweeney’s unvarnished Americana—a blend of heartbreak, humour, and just enough grit to keep the punters guessing.

Sweeney walked on stage with the confidence of someone who knew the gamble had paid off; the room was buzzing, packed with the party faithful for the final night of her tour. With a presence as warm and engaging as her Texas roots, a mischievous grin and a wry remark, she kicked off the set with On the Road Again—a barnburner of a track that set the tone for an evening as emotionally charged as it was musically masterful; an evening that was equal parts spirit and compassionate, heartfelt balladry. She’s the real deal.

Her voice—smoky, rich, and beautifully weathered—hit like a shot of fine whiskey"

Her voice—smoky, rich, and beautifully weathered—hit like a shot of fine whiskey: smooth going down but with a kick that lingered in the belly. Whilst injecting a dose of raw vulnerability Sweeney effortlessly shifted between razor-sharp honky-tonk and gut-punching ballads. Her ability to wear her heart on her sleeve, all while keeping a glint of mischief in her eye, ensured that no song ever felt overwrought or self-pitying.

Her authenticity shines bright, encapsulating her knack for turning heartbreak into relatable, poignant art."

The between-song banter was as much a highlight as the music. Before singing Staying’s Worse than Leaving, Sunny tells us that it’s for Peter who’s come from The Netherlands tonight to hear this particular song that helped him through his divorce. A natural raconteur, self-deprecating and resilient, Sweeney peppered the set with sardonic reflections on love, loss, and life on the road. She sings her ‘one love song’ Grow Old With Me (which is actually about her dog), followed by Bob Dylan’s gorgeous To be Alone With You. What sets Sweeney apart is her genuine ability to connect with everyone in the room. She charms the crowd with anecdotes that share her vulnerability and genuinely make us laugh, making the evening feel like a get together with old friends. Her authenticity shines bright, encapsulating her knack for turning heartbreak into relatable, poignant art.

Sharing the stage with her was a ruggedly handsome man named Harley W Husbands, a guitarist extraordinaire"

Sharing the stage with her was a ruggedly handsome man named Harley W Husbands, a guitarist extraordinaire whose deft playing provided both a counterpoint to Sweeney’s vocals and a second layer of emotional depth to the stripped-down setup. The duo was tight, dynamic, and utterly captivating, proving that less is often more when it comes to live music. Harley and Sunny are perfectly in-sync; stellar and versatile, seamlessly transitioning from rollicking, hard guitar-driven grooves to tender acoustic moments. Flawless timing, tender, stripped back goose-bump-inducing moments and a blending of classic country traditions with a modern edge, lift and fill hearts tonight.

The audience, a delightful mix of die-hard fans, intrigued newcomers, and the occasional out-of-towner (the aforementioned traveller just here for the show), hung on every note. By the time Sweeney closed the night, the room was alive with energy—a testament to the attachment she’s built over the course of the evening.

At The Lexington, she reaffirmed why country music—real country music—remains one of the most honest and affecting genres"

Sunny Sweeney doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but she doesn’t have to. She polishes it some, spins it, and lets it roll down a dusty back road where heartache and hilarity collide. At The Lexington, she reaffirmed why country music—real country music—remains one of the most honest and affecting genres.

As for Sweeney herself? She’s a star who seems perfectly content shining just off the beaten path. And honestly, if that suits her—and her audience—that’s just fine.

http://www.sunnysweeney.com

Sunny Sweeney played The Lexington 17.11.24

MARILYN MANSON – It’s Over…

22nd November 2024

Mainly Metal, Music News

The wait is over… One Assassination Under God – Chapter 1

The 12th album by MARILYN MANSON has been released worldwide today via Nuclear Blast Records.

Tracklist:

1. One Assassination Under God
2. No Funeral Without Applause
3. Nod If You Understand
4. As Sick As The Secrets Within
5. Sacrilegious
6. Death Is Not A Costume
7. Meet Me In Purgatory
8. Raise The Red Flag
9. Sacrifice Of The Mass

The new album is available now for purchase and stream at https://mm.bfan.link/oaug-ch-1

MARILYN MANSON

Unit:187 – Still Packing A Punch

22nd November 2024

Music News

Founded in 1994 by the Vancouver, Canada-based duo John Morgan and Tod Law, Unit:187 spent less than a year in their studio and playing live at local clubs before landing a record deal with 21st Circuitry Records.

A solid debut album entitled ’Stillborn’ followed in 1997, with the promotion for it taking in several west coast tours that gained the band a respectable fanbase throughout North America.

‘Loaded’ followed a year later, featuring new band members Jed Simon (guitar) and Byron Stroud (bass) of Strapping Young Lad and produced by that band’s leader (and future prog icon) Devin Townsend. The album yielded instant industrial classics that included the title track and a remix of the song ‘Stillborn’ by Rhys Fulber (a member of Front Line Assembly and the producer of Fear Factory at that time).

The third Unit:187 album, ’Capital Punishment’ (2002), utilised the electronic programming and production skills of Chris Peterson (also of Front Line Assembly) on several tracks. Its title song kicked off proceedings with a killer groove and mix by Anthony Valcic (a producer of both Skinny Puppy and Front Line Assembly), the group’s trademark synth riffs, movie samples and driving guitars blazing full-tilt from the start right through to the conclusion of the album.

2010’s ‘Out For Blood’ saw adjustments to the group line-up, with Chris Peterson becoming a permanent member and guitarist Ross Redhead (Decree) also joining. The album marked a turning point, as they worked tirelessly in the studio to produce raw heavy music that punched fist-first through what they perceived as ‘goth euro-cheese’ by coming up trumps with a solid dose of old-school industrial that hadn’t been heard in years. Mixed by producer Kent ‘hiwatt’ Marshall (another Skinny Puppy cohort), ‘Out For Blood’ pulled out all the stops to sonically pound eardrums into a memorable pulp, while simultaneously offering its listeners sweet melodies to sing along with long after their sound systems had failed from transistor overload.

Unit:187 singer and frontman Tod Law sadly passed away in 2015, but left a legacy of music that has inspired the band to finally move forward. Now fronted by former backing singer Kerry Vink-Peterson, their upcoming ‘KillCure’ album continues to pack attitude and punch, albeit with a dancefloor friendly edge. An opening salvo from the record, ‘Dick’, was recently made available as its first single.

Unit187.com

The Wood – Rock Solid Grooves

22nd November 2024

Music News

Liverpool-based duo The Wood present their debut ‘Days’ album, released via Riverdream Records.

The Wood is made up of Alex Evans (vocals, backing vocals, percussion) and producer and co-writer Steve Powell (guitars, bass, backing vocals, keys, percussion), who met when Powell was recording Evans at his Ark Recording Studios in Liverpool.

Creating music that is difficult to categorise yet somehow sounds familiar, The Wood cleverly mesh blue-eyed soul, southern and indie rock.

As the world overground traverses life blissfully unaware, The Wood have been holed up in a warehouse basement studio amongst the imposing brick edifices of Liverpool’s ancient dockland. Working. Always working. Here, the great warehouses stand shoulder to shoulder against the wind coming in off the river, like dockers waiting for a shift. These historic streets stand as a testament, a monument to their past. To the trade and exchange of goods, of ideas. The movement of people in the hope of something new. An escape of some sort. These streets have tales to tell. There are stories and secrets they hold. And at night, silence falls and they keep those stories to themselves.

This is the perfect backdrop for The Wood. working underground and out of the limelight, little by little, day by day. Making music born of a natural love of creation, a determined passion for collaboration and even a sense of creative urgency, there’s no grand master-plan here. No rulebook. No great intention of world domination. Just a simple desire, a common need to create music that speaks, music that feels and music that is honest and real to itself. Music that is true.

The Wood bring rock solid grooves, creating melodies full of beauty, passion, pain and the power of real soul. This album also involves several notable artists, including Martin Smith and Simon James (The Coral, Shack) on brass, and Jake Howden-Woodward (Nova Twins) on drums. They recently teased ‘Thornside Walk’, a song of hope, redemption and eventual triumph, following the lead single ‘Let It Loose’ with its surreal video, filmed and edited by Dylan Cox at the Pro Flex Gym in Liverpool, which features boxer Jake Harrison, along with a host of other shady characters.

As a producer, Steve Powell is an expert at unearthing sonic magic, having recorded many notable artists records, including Michael Head and The Strands, John Power, def.fo, The Stairs and Ella Guru He also produced and played guitar on the first Michael Head and the Red Elastic Band record ‘Arturius Revisited’ and number one indie album ‘Adios Senor Pussycat’.

For The Wood, knowing what they want but not necessarily where it will lead them, time has been their friend, their growth leading them to ‘Days’ – an album of rich textures, built around songs filled with soul, purpose and an innate sense of release. This is a truthful record – from the shuffling groove and mariachi trumpet of the album’s opening track and first single ‘Let It Loose’, to the mountainous gospel-tinged chorus of ‘River’ and the immensely intricate production of ‘Back to the Start’. The simple yet sheer yearning beauty of ‘Stay with Me’ sounds immediate and familiar. The melody of ‘Autumn Dreams’ seems to float, dancing gracefully around the notes almost preternaturally in the voice of Alex Evans – the kind of melody that can make a summer’s day feel autumnal.

There’s pain here, real pain, loss and heartache. There is hope, light, redemption and a sense of future. There is also a lot of love in this record – an indefinable but instantly accessible kind of love. Above all, ‘Days’ is a record crafted for listening, and not just hearing. The Wood have much to do in their basement hideout while the rest of us go about our business, because ‘Days’ marks just the beginning for this uniquely talented songwriting duo.

As of November 22, the ‘Days’ album is available everywhere online, including Bandcamp and Spotify. The Wood performs next on December 6 at A.R.C @ Camp&Furnace Liverpool.

TRACK LIST
1. Let it Loose
2. River
3. Temptations
4. Autumn Dreams
5. Back to the Start
6. Stay with Me
7. Thornside Walk
8. Days

CREDITS
Written by Alex Evans and Steve Powell
Alex Evans – vocals, backing vocals, percussion
Steve Powell – guitars, bass, backing vocals, keys, percussion
Produced and recorded by Steve Powell at Ark Recording Studios, Liverpool
Mastered by Pete Maher
Jake Howden-Woodward – drums (tracks 2,3,4,7)
Jay Irving – drums (1,5)
Roy CorkillL – upright bass (6)
Martin Smith – trumpet (1,4,5,7)
Simon James – sax (1,5)
Amy Chalmers – violin and backing vocals (2,7)
Matt Phillips – cello (2,7)
Andy Jacobson – piano (7)
Mike Smith – keys (5,7)
Phil Melville – slide dobro (6)
Charlie Griffiths – backing vocals (1,5)
Clair Griffiths – backing vocals (1,5)
Single cover artwork photo by Dylan Cox
Album cover graphics design by Pascal Blua

Photography by Kevin Barrett
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR
‘Let It Loose’ video filmed & edited by Dylan Cox @DylanCoxMedia
Featuring boxer Jake Harrison @JakeHarrison_Boxing at Pro Flex Gym, Liverpool

GUN – Aiming High

21st November 2024

Music News

Taking their freshly crowned ‘Best Album’ award-winning album out on the road this Winter, Scottish rock titans GUN will be hitting the road for a final stretch of shows as they close-out a memorable 2024.

The tour comes as the rock stalwarts GUN were honoured and delighted to attend The Specsavers Scottish Music Awards on Saturday to accept the accolade for Best Album, awarded for their latest record ‘Hombres’.

The presentation took place last week, at Glasgow’s Barrowland Ballroom, and featured exclusive performances from some of Scotland’s most celebrated musicians – including GUN! The group took to the stage during the prestigious occasion alongside Soup Dragons, Twin Atlantic, TikTok star Calum Bowie, and more. Previous award winners at the highly respected event, heralded for their outstanding contributions to the music industry, have included Lewis Capaldi, Sharleen Spiteri, Amy MacDonald, and Wet Wet Wet.

Now in its 26th year, The Specsavers Scottish Music Awards is a flagship fundraiser for Nordoff and Robbins, the UK’s largest music therapy charity. Through the power of music, it breaks through the barriers caused by life-limiting illness, disability and social isolation. The charity does this through providing music therapy to people across the UK, whilst also training the music therapists of the future and funding research to measure and improve the impact of its work.

Dante Gizzi from GUN says:
“We are so deeply honoured to receive “Best Album” in Scotland. This recognition means the world to us, and we’re grateful for the support and connection with the people and music community here.

We’ve had a long-standing association with Nordoff and Robins over the years and it’s been a truly phenomenal charity to be involved with. Their work with vulnerable communities, including those with disabilities, highlights the true potential of music to change lives in the most profound ways.”

Fresh off the incendiary European leg of their headline tour, GUN are now gearing up to hit the road across the UK. Three riotous weeks around the UK kick off in Galashiels on November 24th, and conclude by taking the guys back to Glasgow Barrowlands ten days before Christmas for a festive knees up not to be missed!

Expect an unforgettable live experience that blends iconic tracks with fresh hits from ‘Hombres’. The record soared straight to #10 in the UK Official Chart on release, the group’s highest position & first Top 10 since 1994’s LP, Swagger, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

Jools declares:
“We are beyond excited to take ‘Hombres’ on the road and share it live with our fans. This album has been a labour of love, and the response so far has been incredible. We promise to bring a show full of energy, new music, and the classic hits everyone loves!”k

GUN – UK TOUR DATES

Sun 24th Nov – GALASHIELS Mac Arts #

Sun 1st Dec – SOUTHAMPTON The Brook #+

Wed 4th Dec – LONDON Scala #+

Thu 5th Dec – WOLVERHAMPTON KK’s Steel Mill #+

Fri 6th Dec – MANCHESTER Academy 2 #+

Sat 7th Dec – BRISTOL SWX #+

Tue 10th Dec – LEEDS Brudenell #+

Wed 11th Dec – NEWCASTLE Wylam Brewery #+

Thu 12th Dec – ABERDEEN Lemon Tree #+

Sat 14th Dec – GLASGOW Barrowlands #+

# with special guest KIRA MAC

+ with special guest COLLATERAL

Tickets on sale now here: www.gunofficial.co.uk

Formed in Scotland by guitarist Giuliano “Jools” Gizzi, GUN have achieved 3 UK Top 20 albums and 8 UK Top 40 singles over their lauded career. GUN has toured extensively over the years, criss-crossing the globe with The Rolling Stones, Black Star Riders, The Cult, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bon Jovi, and more, not to mention a slew of memorable festival sets at everything from Steelhouse to Download to Wacken. 2024 looks set to rack up even more miles in fine fashion.

The rock ruffians latest release was 2022’s collection of acoustic reworkings, The Calton Songs, which delighted fans and brought further chart success, clocking in at #2 on the Scottish album chart, #6 on the UK indie chart, and #13 on the UK physical albums chart. GUN also received two awards in November 2022; the band was honoured with the Rock Legend award at Hard Rock Hell in Great Yarmouth and the Hard Rock Café Legends award at the Scottish Music Awards, the flagship event for the Nordoff and Robbins Music Therapy charity. In April 2024, the much loved Scottish group shared perhaps their finest collection of work yet, with latest album ‘Hombres’.

2024 also marks the 30th anniversary of GUN’s silver-certified, third album Swagger, which stormed into the official UK album chart at #5 and spawned 4 UK Top 40 singles including smash-hit cover “Word Up” (#8), “Don’t Say It’s Over” (#19), “The Only One” (#29), and “Something Worthwhile” (#39). Their boisterous version of Cameo’s “Word Up” also earnt the group their first MTV Europe Music Award.

Still winning awards all these years later, GUN are now honoured and delighted to add the Scottish Music Awards 2024 trophy for Best Album to their collection.

GUN – NEW ALBUM: ‘HOMBRES’ – OUT NOW VIA COOKING VINYL – LISTEN HERE

FOR MORE INFORMATION
https://twitter.com/gunofficialuk
https://www.instagram.com/gunofficialuk
https://www.facebook.com/gunOfficialUK
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDTJfz406LRpFSFXPLDn36w
https://www.tiktok.com/@gunofficialuk
https://www.gunofficial.co.uk/

Andy Stochansky – A Sense of Hopefulness

21st November 2024

Music News

Andy Stochansky will release the title track off his upcoming album Poetry Of Birds, on Friday, November 22. The video is now streaming.

On the heartfelt new single, Stochansky pays homage to loved ones who shaped his perspective.

“That song is almost a ‘thank you’ to the people who taught you respect for life, nature, and other people,” he says. “It could be a grandparent, parent, friend, or anyone.”

The album will be released in 2025.

Pre-save the new single “Poetry Of Birds” here: https://onerpm.link/PoetryOfBirds

Andy will be performing at LA’s The Hotel Cafe at 8pm on Saturday, November 23. Tickets available here.

Andy Stochansky highlights life’s most delicate details in his music, zooming into and exploring the wonder and magic of each day. This intimate approach enables him to naturally connect via vivid and vibrant lyrics soundtracked by organic instrumentation. Now, he embraces the beauty of simplicity on Poetry Of Birds. The title effectively speaks to the overarching theme.

“It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the modern world,” he observes. “I love electronics as much as anybody else does, but I wanted to show some respect to nature. It can teach us everything we need. Poetry Of Birds is a reminder to look at the beauty of the simple things around us.”

It’s also indicative of the wisdom that Andy has picked up throughout his illustrious career. Taking the first step on his professional journey, the Toronto native spent seven years as a touring and studio musician for indie icon Ani DiFranco. In 1999, he released his critically acclaimed solo debut LP, Radio Fusebox. He only continued to evolve across solo records such as 5 Star Motel [2001] and 100 [2005], which was produced by none other than Johnny Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls. Making waves worldwide, Australian Idol winner Shannon Noll notably covered Andy’s song “Shine,” notching a #1 for eight weeks on the Australian Singles Chart as a result. Plus, the latter landed various film, television, and commercial syncs. It even served as the theme song for the Commonwealth Games.

Settling in Los Angeles, he logged countless sessions, penning music for everyone from Dragonette to Goo Goo Dolls and Lola Lennox—produced by her mother Annie Lennox. He notably co-wrote the “Hyper Love” for Ferry Corsten, earning a Top 10 entry on the Billboard Dance Singles Chart. His other major placements included Cider Sky’s “Northern Lights” for The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 (Soundtrack), which bowed at #1 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums Chart and Top US Soundtrack Albums Chart and in the Top 4 of the Billboard 200. 2020 saw him introduce White Elephant Orchestra with the project’s first offering, Debut. Right out of the gate, tastemakers like NPR World Café championed the music with airplay.

During 2022, he immersed himself into this latest solo project.

“I love collaboration, but I had a real need for my own voice to be out there again,” he explains. “Lyrically, I have a pretty high bar for myself because the people I’ve worked with also had such high bars. I just wanted to be able to knock this project out of the park on my own.”

He nodded to inspirations as diverse as movies and poetry to nature and the various people around him, in addition to wrestling with our society’s dependency on technology. Among many highlights, “Beautiful Sky” dives into this core concept. Revolving around lithe acoustic guitar, gentle verses give way to an anthemic refrain, “all I need is a beautiful sky.”

“It was actually the first song I wrote for this record,” he recalls. “It’s specifically about being overwhelmed by social media. Often, you need to walk outside, look up, and just chill from it all.”

Then, there’s “Oxygen.” Between brisk strumming and a lively beat, he leans into a hummable melody. He makes a pledge to a friend in a time of need, going on to urge, “Let me be your oxygen.”

“I wrote that song about a friend who went through a really bad divorce,” he notes. “I wasn’t around him in Toronto, so all I could do was check up on him through FaceTime and just hear him out. It’s just about helping somebody else.”

Accented by light synths, the stripped-down soundscape of “Champion” underlines a captivating vocal performance and his eloquent storytelling. “After a concert, my wife and I went to this diner,” he elaborates. “One waitress was alone, and she serving easily a hundred people. I realized I could never do that job. I was sitting in the booth, and this whole story came to me. She’s surrounded by craziness, but she’s staying calm and killing it.”

In the end, Andy might inspire you to treasure the little things around you even more.

“I want people to walk away with a sense of hopefulness,” he leaves off. “I hope this album is strong enough so you can remember the stories. I put a lot of care into them, and I’m happy to finally share them.”

More music from Andy Stochansky:

God’s Tree: https://onerpm.link/GodsTree

Champion: https://onerpm.link/ASChampion

Poetry Of Birds Andy Stochansky Track Listing

1. Poetry of Birds

2. Beautiful Sky

3. Oxygen

4. Champion

5. God’s Tree

https://www.facebook.com/andystochansky

RVKKVS – A Brutal Realization

21st November 2024

Mainly Metal

Based in Auckland, New Zealand, long-time friends and occasional musical collaborators formed Rvkkvs in 2020.

With a collaborative approach to song writing that starts from various instrumental bases, their music is diverse and intricate, drawing from each member’s unique influences, all filtered through the lens of extreme metal.

Thematically, the band explores the complexities of human behavior, tackling issues like pathology, addiction, malice, and the pervasive hubris that surrounds us. At the same time, the band members view music and the extremity of their style as a cathartic escape from the daily grind. They perform their songs with a sense of humor and steadfast self-esteem, believing that even in the face of humanity’s darker aspects, we can rise above and find solace in music and the connections it fosters.

Following a two-song demo recorded in 2022, Rvkkvs will unveil their album Antithesis of Prosperity, bringing their distinctive sound and approach to a brutal realization in 2024.

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/rvkkvs/1766603166

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rvkkvsnz

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rvkkvs_nz

Hazlett – Cabin Fever

21st November 2024

Music News

Following the first part of Goodbye to the Valley Low released in late 2023, Australian musician Hazlett releases its ‘Side B’ follow-up, bringing both EPs on his first UK headline tour this winter.

Recorded in an off-grid cabin in the middle of Scandinavian nowhere, the first part of Hazlett’s Goodbye to the Valley Low was released towards the end of last year. It’s a stripped-back collection of delicate indie-folk songs brimming with personal anecdotes told through the Sweden-based artist’s polished introspective songwriting, and produced by longtime collaborator Freddy Alexander.

It resonated with listeners everywhere and Hazlett was soon inspired to revisit the cabin, knowing there was more to explore. This new EP completes this project, six brand new songs, which together with the first EP, makes one cohesive album. The songs are once again exquisitely layered and the tracks are timeless, yet the musicality is richer, and Hazlett’s vocals soar across the 6 tracks. Out October 4th, vinyl fans will also be able to purchase Goodbye to the Valley Low on vinyl in its final form as a 12-track album.

Hazlett – ‘Truth be told there was never meant to be a Side B to Goodbye to the Valley Low. I actually wanted to move onto something else, but the more that I tried moving on from it the more I kept getting pulled back. I realised just how many deeper questions my time in the cabin had raised, I thought I had unpacked it all but there was more digging to be done and somewhere deeper to go with it all. If Side A was the curiosity of the cabin, then Side B is working through all the questions that it left behind.’

Opening with lead single ‘Bones Shake’, its haunting background of broken guitars and candid lyrics are grounds for a coming-of-age folk song, culminating in a thumping but ethereal chorus justifying the large space between home and somewhere, anywhere else. As Hazlett explains, ‘Whether it’s time or distance, sometimes the further you get away the clearer it all becomes to piece things together and make your comeback.’

With a similar theme of seeking distance and an ever-so-slight twang of country, ‘The First Train Home’ is delivered as softly as a lullaby, yet the lyrics come from a place deep in thought: ‘I’m nobody’s problem if I never go home… Can you come on over and just fill up the space?’ Also attempting to untangle complex emotions is ‘Do You Haunt Me’, a soft beat pulsing throughout the track as Hazlett’s crystal-clear vocals yearn for something certain among the haziness. And on the gently lilting ‘I’m Not Ready to Go’, there’s a darker and almost desperate air lyrically, despite the barely-there guitar strums – ‘I’m not ready to be done with my time… got too much to see.’

With standout track ‘Shiver’, its sweeping arrangement and gently philosophical lyrics delivered with a plaintive vocal sees the songwriter pondering over the difficulty of making the right choices in life – a feeling most of us can relate to. Hazlett describes it as ‘this tug-o-war in my head of how much control do I really have of my life? Do I have to be petrified of every decision I make? Or do I just say whatever will be will be and sit back? I think to some extent whatever path we take life has a funny way of taking us to our destination anyway.’

Closing out Goodbye to the Valley Low is the hypnotic ‘Old Salt’, with enthralling vocals delivering one more expansive set of harmonies, and bringing an end to a journey that has taken the best part of a year. This was never meant to be a two-sided project, but Hazlett acknowledges that sometimes the right time and the right place inspires more than what was bargained for, and embracing the unknown can ultimately be a good thing:

‘Even without consciously thinking about it, Scandinavia is where I’ve done all my growing up musically. And I think whenever we grow up, the place where we did it affects us more than we know. I’d say the main theme for both sides of the album are about learning myself and changing the thoughts I had, as well as the influence that time and place has on someone. I guess that’s why there is a Side A and a Side B.Time and place is all it takes. I’m very thankful that both came my way to make Goodbye to the Valley Low.’

Based in Sweden since 2019, Hazlett has been able to amass a solid fanbase throughout the years, currently with over 2 million monthly listeners on Spotify. The musical path hasn’t always been linear for the Australian folk dynamo however, from being a bass player in a band in Germany to completely quitting music while making the move back to Australia. Needing to pay the bills while starting a new life interning at an advertising agency, Hazlett started to perform in local pubs. This is where his old music publisher found out about his singing abilities and introduced him to now longtime collaborator Freddy Alexander, a turning point that reignited his passion for music and set him on the path to success.

2023 was a busy year for Hazlett, as he released his debut album Bloom Mountain to positive support from the likes of The Line of Best Fit and Atwood Magazine, having previously received acclaim from CLASH, NME and When The Horn Blows. Going on to support Wild Rivers and Josiah & The Bonnevilles across the UK and Europe, he ended the year by releasing the first part of Goodbye to the Valley Low. This year is also shaping up to be a monumental one for the artist – with new music out and having opened shows for LANY, Calum Scott, Passenger and Ocie Elliott, Hazlett will be embarking on a lengthy run of headline shows across North America (as well as a stint supporting John Vincent III), the UK and Europe, some of which are already sold out. More details and full dates below.

HAZLETT HEADLINE EUROPEAN TOUR:

08.11.2024 Razzmatazz 3, Barcelona – ES

09.11.2024 Clamores, Madrid – ES

11.11.2024 Debaser Strand, Stockholm – SE

14.11.2024 Belleville, Oslo – NO SOLD OUT

16.11.2024 Stengade, Copenhagen – DK

17.11.2024 Uebel & Gefährlich, Hamburg – DE UPGRADED

18.11.2024 Paradiso, Amsterdam – NL – SOLD OUT

19.11.2024 Kavka, Antwerp – BE

21.11.2024 Lafayette, London – UK UPGRADED SOLD OUT

22.11.2024 The Dareshack, Bristol – UK UPGRADED SOLD OUT

23.11.2024 Deaf Institute, Manchester – UK

24.11.2024 Academy Green Room, Dublin – IE UPGRADED SOLD OUT

26.11.2024 Stereo, Glasgow – UK UPGRADED

27.11.2024 Hare and Hounds Birmingham – UK

29.11.2024 Backstage by the Mill, Paris – FR

01.12.2024 Gloria, Cologne – DE UPGRADED

02.12.2024 Nachtleben, Frankfurt – DE UPGRADED SOLD OUT

03.12.2024 STROM, Munich – DE UPGRADED SOLD OUT

04.12.2024 Mühle Hunziken, Rubigen – CH

05.12.2024 Exil, Zurich – CH

07.12.2024 Chelsea, Vienna – AT SOLD OUT

08.12.2024 Cafe V Lese, Prague – CZ

09.12.2024 Privat Club, Berlin – DE

‘Goodbye to the Valley Low’ Side B is out now. Listen here.

+ ‘Goodbye to the Valley Low’ vinyl.

FIND HAZLETT ONLINE:

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