Snowgoose • Better Listen • 2024

https://www.snowgoose.me.uk/

In the creative pastures of Glasgow’s music scene, Snowgoose stands as a beacon, helmed by the nuanced artistry of Jim McCulloch and Anna Sheard. McCulloch, with his illustrious stints with The Soup Dragons, Isobel Campbell and BMX Bandits, alongside Sheard’s compelling vocal palette, carve out a niche that feels both warmly retrospective and boldly new. Snowgoose gear up for the release of their third album, "Descendant” where they invite us into a place where the complexities of human emotion are laid bare against a backdrop of melodic beauty.

Anna describes the album: "Descendant explores the delicate interplay between the joys of love and the inevitability of loss. Each song navigates the complex emotions that connect these experiences, serving as a reflection on the beauty and pain of impermanence."

Snowgoose have consistently garnered praise for their musical depth and emotive songwriting. Uncut Magazine described their earlier work as "spellbinding," while The Scotsman praised Anna's vocals for invoking "the spirit of Sandy Denny, a soothing instrument no matter what sorrow she is imparting."

"Descendant" is crafted with their exquisite blend of folk and psych. Featuring the guitar of Raymond McGinley (Teenage Fanclub) the keys of Chris Geddes (Belle and Sebastian), the bass of Stevie Jones (Arab Strap), the pedal steel of Tim Davidson (Tracyanne & Danny), and the drums of Stuart Kidd (BMX Bandits) and Adam Stearns (Trembling Bells), this album is a testament to the collaborative spirit of Scottish indie royalty.

ifitbeyourwill S04E09 • Gary Olson of The Ladybug Transistor

Gary Olson from The Ladybug Transistor takes us on a nostalgic journey back to his first encounters with the magic of radio, which ignited his passion for music. Imagine the excitement of flipping through radio dials as a child, stumbling upon the hidden gems of college stations that would ultimately shape a lifelong musical path. Gary reveals how his unconventional songwriting methods, which rely on layering sounds with a four-track recorder rather than traditional chord progressions, have been key in the formation of The Ladybug Transistor. As he shares his unique creative process, we get a glimpse into the collaborative spirit that drives his artistic endeavors, offering insight into how it all comes together to create the band's signature sound.

Gary opens up about the benefits of recording vocals solo in the studio and how working with an engineer can bring a fresh, objective perspective to the mix. We reminisce about the creation of their album "Albemarle Sound," recalling the creative energy that flowed from living together as a band. With the upcoming 25th-anniversary reissue on the horizon, Gary discusses the thrill of unearthing rare demos and b-sides that breathe new life into the album for a new audience. Tune in to explore the artistic choices and collaborations that have defined Ladybug Transistor's enduring legacy.

Titles

ifitbeyourwill • Gary Olson of Ladybug Transistor

Gary Olson Unveils the Secrets Behind the Music

Reviving the Melody Gary Olson's Way

The Creative Tapestry of Ladybug Transistor

Gary Olson's Unique Path in Song craft

Overall, this podcast episode offers a profound exploration of Gary Olson's musical journey, the creative processes behind The Ladybug Transistor, and the band's enduring impact on the indie music scene. The episode is a must-listen for music enthusiasts, offering a blend of nostalgia, innovation, and artistic insight.

https://www.instagram.com/theladybugtransistor/

Windmill • Investments • 2024

matthewthomasdillon.com

Abbey Cone • this little lighter of mine • 2024

“‘this little lighter of mine’ is a title I brought into a write with Josh Lovell and Hank Compton,” shares Cone. “I wanted to put an edgy, cheeky twist on the traditional children's hymn, ‘This Little Light of Mine.’ Ultimately, this song is about vices. We’ve all got 'em and need something to take the edge off every now and then, because life is hard sometimes.” 

Website

ifitbeyourwill S04E08 • Mary Water & Pat Maley of Guidon Bear

Join us on a fascinating musical exploration with Mary Water and Pat Maley from Guidon Bear as they reveal the heart and soul behind their new record, "Internal Systems." Discover how their 25-year collaboration began in the 90s when Pat, captivated by Mary's performances, brought her onto the Yo-Yo Recordings label. With roots in church bands and experimental Philly sounds, their journey highlights music as a therapeutic force that helps them maintain emotional balance and connection, much like a deeply personal therapy session.

Curious about how creativity thrives amidst imperfections? Mary and Pat share their insights into the unblocking of the creative mind, a process akin to embracing spontaneity in live performances. As they unfold the secrets of their dynamic partnership, listeners will gain an understanding of authentic artistic expression, far removed from the polished facades often seen on social media. Adrian Lenker's songwriting class on this very topic provides a backdrop to their unique approach to music-making.

Explore the reality of life on tour with the compelling track "Ride Into the Beast," inspired by the challenges and discoveries encountered on the road. Pat's cultural insights and musical versatility shine through, transforming simple arpeggiations into resonant soundscapes that echo shared experiences. In a world where connections are increasingly sought through screens, this episode prompts reflection on the nature of empathy and the narratives we construct to make sense of our own lives.

https://www.instagram.com/guidonbear

https://downwardlymobilesteelaccelerator.com/

"all the invention and heart we’ve come to expect from Guidon Bear, capturing the experience of real life with a unique sound" - Various Small Flames

"infused with tremendous energy and an authentic approach...exudes a warm, homemade atmosphere." - Start Track

"glistening and cheery melodies and harmonies, perfectly soundtracking lyrics from the real world and lived experiences, reflective and occasionally noir in nature. The result is all-original and

catchy compositions that have that undeniable ear-worm quality." - Aldora Britain Records

"I adore the sense here that feels seeded from 60's bohemian folk, 70's busker punk and maybe from new artists that fueled retro adorations of revisionist indie sounds" - American Pancake

TW Walsh • Wilderness • 2024

Dean & Britta & Sonic Boom • "Pretty Paper” • 2024

https://found.ee/apeaceofus

Cracker • Sick of Goodbyes • Alternative History Version • 2024

https://crackerband.lnk.to/alternative_historyPR

To the uninitiated Cracker might seem to be just another '90s alternative rock band. However, fans recognize that the band is much more than that, having skillfully explored a wide array of styles over nearly 35 years. Regrettably, when newcomers hear a Cracker song and wish to learn more about the band, they often start with algorithmic streaming playlists. These playlists are typically limited to the dozen or so tracks with the most streams. As a result, these playlists are dominated by a few albums from the early 1990s, the heyday of alternative rock radio. There are also a few “greatest hits” compilations for Cracker available, but these, at best, cover only the first third of the band’s 35-year career. Both of these sources overlook some of the band’s most critically acclaimed and fan-favorite work.

Nap Eyes • Dark Mystery Enigma Bird • 2024

Nap Eyes’ songwriter Nigel Chapman says:

"As you’ll see in the video, Dr. Cool’s imagination is intensely vivid and, perhaps it’s all right to say, mind-blowing. We are very lucky for this chance to collaborate with him, and grateful for the huge determination and patience it must have taken to create this powerful story from out of nothing, and fuse it to the ‘Enigma Bird’ song. For us it’s beautiful and moving to participate in this creation.”

“Dark Mystery Enigma Bird” is the final pre-release single from Nap Eyes' much anticipated forthcoming fifth album, The Neon Gate set for release on October 18, 2024. This disjunctive avian fable told through a stream-of-consciousness narrative provides, with its sun-dappled surreality, perhaps the most immediate earworm melodies and arrangements on the record. Unlike most vocals on The Neon Gate, which were recorded live with the band, songwriter Nigel Chapman recorded his vocals for “Enigma Bird” in a blanket-draped children’s cardboard castle in his parents’ basement.

https://www.napeyes.com/

COOL HEAT • Little Romance • 2024

linktr.ee/coolheat

Pickle Darling • The Milkman of Human Kindness • 2024

Pickle Darling lends an uplifting cover of Billy Bragg's poignant classic, "The Milkman of Human Kindness.” Lukas Mayo, the creative force behind Pickle Darling, wields the song’s socially conscious message with a delicate plucking metronome through a terrain of synths, guitar and snappy drum machine.

Instagram

Christopher Lee Lewis • My, oh, My (Summer of ’94) • 2024

Lewis’ ability to pair biting lyrics with unexpected warmth is on full display in ‘They Still Haven’t Figured Out What’s Wrong With Me.’ It’s a record that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable, capturing the messiness of life in all its complexity. psychMag

Christopher Lee Lewis returns with the follow-up to his July release, They Haven’t Figured Out What’s Wrong With Me, both on Sweet Cheetah Records. This second installment delves even deeper into Lewis’ battles and unfiltered narratives that resonate with authenticity and vulnerability. Go ahead--call it a part two, if you'd like. 

ifitbeyourwill S04E07 • Max Bergé of Castle Frank

Can one night change your entire life? Join us as we reconnect with Max from Castle Frank, reflecting on a turbulent yet transformative period following his record launch back in June 2023. Despite the album's acclaim, including a rave review from Exclaim, Max faced a personal crisis on the night of his release show, where excessive drinking led to a subpar performance. This wake-up call sparked his decision to quit alcohol entirely, driving a year of profound personal growth and resilience. Max’s candid recounting of his journey provides invaluable lessons on overcoming both artistic and personal challenges.

But that's not where Max's story ends. In a thrilling new chapter, Max transitions from artist to producer, teaming up with Elliot Isaac on a groundbreaking album blending acoustic, electronic, and hip-hop elements. We'll explore the intricate creative process behind building captivating soundscapes and the unique hurdles and triumphs of remote collaboration. With the first single set to drop in February, this episode offers a sneak peek into the innovative sounds and heartfelt collaborations that will soon grace our ears. Get ready for an inspiring exploration of redemption, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of musical excellence.

 

The wisdom contained within In Your Blood seems preternatural, too great for its bounds. Bergé began work on the album at 19, after arriving in Toronto from the West Coast. The young songwriter wrote the album's nine tracks so as to synthesize his experiences in his new home city. Produced by Nixon Boyd (of now-defunct Hollerado) and Matt Lederman (who's produced and mixed for the Rural Alberta Advantage), the album contains a weather-beaten wisdom, the kind of bravery that a person so young ought not to have shored up, at least not yet. That Bergé possesses the knowledge shared through In Your Blood is part and parcel of the album's gift.  Exclaim!

https://www.castlefrankmusic.com/

Run Remedy • Disciple • 2024

"[Like They Were] is really a beautiful song" - Guy Garvey, BBC 6 Music

 

"Genre bending brilliance" - BBC Radio Manchester

 

"Candid and cool, raw and tender" - The Autumn Roses

 

"[Like They Were] is one of the most beautifully sincere pieces of music of the year." 

- When the Horn Blows

Instagram

Run Remedy, the musical project of New Jersey-born, Manchester-based artist Robin Koob, has released a striking new single titled ‘Disciple’. Known for her genre-defying sound that blends elements of singer-songwriter intimacy, experimental rock dynamics, and psychedelic folk experimentation, Run Remedy's latest track delivers a potent mix of candour, confrontation, and catharsis.

ifitbeyourwill S04E06 • John Andrew Frederick of The Black Watch

Can relentless creativity be a double-edged sword? In our latest episode, we sit down with John Andrew Frederick of The Black Watch, a band boasting an extraordinary catalog of 24 records. Hear John's inspiring journey from a childhood accident to his academic ventures in English literature, revealing how these experiences shaped his prolific musical career. We chat about the band's humble beginnings, including one of their first gigs with Toad the Wet Sprocket.

The transformative role of producers and engineers, the influence of bands like The Beatles and The Cure, and the impact of different band members—John covers it all. Explore how The Black Watch's sound has evolved over decades. Finally, reflect on the changing landscape of the music industry since their first record in 1988, offering valuable insights for both emerging and seasoned musicians navigating today's digital age.

 

“Most of the music comes with a slightly dreamy quality, a perfect match for Fredrick’s lyrics. Some touches of the Cure peak through, but the Black Watch sounds more drawn toward New Zealand or Australia (The Go-Betweens make a reliable reference point)” - Dusted Magazine - dustedmagazine.tumblr.com

Tom Russell • Who's Gonna Build Your Wall • 2022

Nilüfer Yanya • Just A Western • 2024

Speaking about “Method Actor” Nilüfer describes how the concept for the song came together, “I was researching method acting - and from what I read, it’s based on finding this one memory in your life, a life-altering, life-changing memory. The reason why some people find method acting traumatic and maybe not safe mentally, is because you're always going back to that moment. It can be good or bad but you're always feeding off the energy, something that's defined you - and that's what helps you become the character. It’s a bit like being a musician. When you’re performing, you’re still trying to invoke the energy and emotion of when you first wrote it, in that moment. It definitely feels like you're having to recreate or step into that headspace.”

Stars • Set Yourself On Fire (20th Anniversary Edition) • 2024

https://starsband.bandcamp.com/album/set-yourself-on-fire-20th-anniversary-edition

Artists of effortlessly accessible complication, on Set Yourself On Fire, Stars took our worst fears - both personal and global - and slayed the anxieties with their perfect pop music. Widely lauded as amongst their most ambitious, accomplished, and affecting works of their storied existence, Stars Set Yourself On Fire (20th Anniversary Edition) carries the torch of the magical songs that has set so many hearts alight. Vinyl limited to 2000 copies.

The Ladybug Transistor • The Albemarle Sound (25th Anniversary Expanded Edition) • 2024

For the 25th anniversary of The Albemarle Sound, the record has been lovingly reissued on silver vinyl by Happy Happy Birthday to Me Records. The CD includes 12 bonus tracks which break open the year-long recording process with the inclusion of rare B-sides, four-track demos, instrumentals and alternate mixes, further highlighting the band’s mastery of songcraft while teasing out the intricate worlds those songs contain, making a case, as fans of The Ladybug Transistor have known for decades now, that The Albemarle Sound is as infinitely rewarding to return to as it is to visit for the first time.

linktr.ee/theladybugtransistor

p:ano • ba ba ba • 2024

 

‘ba ba ba’ is made out of unwieldy observations about these kinds of changes - impressions about being alive with friends and family and loved ones from the vantage of a very different time, and filtering it all with a sense of bewilderment and gratitude for the here and now. All in its own funny way, and most notably, all for love. 

https://mintrecs.com/pano