Jan 31, 2021

Z Tapes • Winter 2021




The Big Singles Vol. 1 • Big Blast Records • 2021


We just released our first singles compilation on Bandcamp which features new tracks from all 6 of our artists.

The Bishops Daredevil Stunt Club, The Glad Machine, The Peeves, Golden Richards, Mark Watson Band, and Phil Angotti are bringing big guitars,  harmonies, and sticky hooks to these songs each with their own signature vibe.

Jan 29, 2021

Amber Jay • Stay The Same • 2021

 

https://www.officialamberjay.com


“The term ‘bedroom-pop’ has often implied imperfect, perhaps lo-fi music, but it’s artists like Liverpool based pop newcomer Amber Jay that are redefining it” - Earmilk

“Delicately intimate and powerfully magnetic” - When The Horn Blows

“Amber Jay’s acoustic-driven pop is infused with intricate melodies and real depth of emotional heart” - Bido Lito!

“Full of atmosphere and unique flare” - The Lowdown Magazine

“Takes her cues from Phoebe Bridgers with this brooding dark-pop” - Mystic Sons

“Bedroom music is all the range right now and some do it better than others” - Our Sound

“It feels like Billie Eilish meets girl in red in the best possible way” - God Bless The Bands

Beams • Born to Win • 2021



"You can hear that fear in “Born to Win,” but you can also hear that courage and determination. There’s something literally life-affirming—and self-compassionate—in Mērnieks-Duffield’s repeated insistence, in the song’s bridge, that 'I was born.' It’s one of those reckonings that begets further reckonings." -American Songwriter

Druids of Stonehenge •The Prettiest Train • 2020



“One evening in late 2018, Billy Cross and I were listening to prison work-gang chants from off my old Smithsonian label CD. These were the recordings done by Alan Lomax in 1948 at the Parchman Prison Farm. That storied institution in southern Mississippi was a place where (mostly) black prisoners worked as virtual slaves, hired out by the warden to do jobs that no one else would take, like building railroads through the swamps”.  

Jan 28, 2021

Rosehip Teahouse • No Gloom • 2021




“Rosehip Teahouse seem unstoppable in the realm of super dreamy soundscapes” The Line Of Best Fit
 
“Twinkly bedroom-pop” DIY
 
“Divine vocal in swathes of sound” Clash
 
“Bedroom pop loveliness” Dork
 
“Bright, indie dream pop” Gigwise
 
“Melodious indie-pop” Beats Per Minute
 
“Beautiful and heartfelt pop” So Young Magazine
 
“The best that bedroom pop has to offer” Refinery29

Jan 27, 2021

Haley Heynderickx • Tiny Desk Concert • 2018



Unlike her solo acoustic contest entries, which are quiet, mostly solemn affairs, Haley Heynderickx came to NPR's Tiny Desk with her band: Denzel Mendoza on trombone, Lily Breshears on Moog bass, and Phil Rogers on drums. They opened with the song that is most out of character for Haley, a song she wrote as part of a song challenge and she challenged the crowd here at NPR to a sing-a-long. We didn't do so well, it was early in the day — but this song about self-doubt and searching for life's meaning with its cathartic phrase "I need to start a garden" (which is also the title to her 2018 debut) is a potent reminder to take action when life gets bewildering.

The second song, "No Face," is a reminder to love people as kindly as you can; otherwise you'll wind up like the character No Face from the Hayao Miyazaki film Spirited Away. In introducing the final song, "Worth It," Haley Heynderickx told the Tiny Desk crowd that it was written in a basement with the belief that it would never leave that basement. With this performance now behind her and the chance for hundreds of thousands of people to hear these personal but universal songs, there will be many of us, myself included, thrilled that her songs are out in the open, ready to be heard.

Set List
"Oom Sha La La"
"No Face"
"Worth It"


Musicians
Haley Heynderickx (vocals, guitar), Denzel Mendoza (trombone), Lily Breshears (Moog bass), Phil Rogers (drums)

Nick Schofield • Ambient Architect • 2021





“soothing and pellucid, meditative and transporting.” – Paste Magazine
“gorgeous ambience” – ThrdCoast
“a peaceful tranquility that inspires deep listening and contemplation.” – A Closer Listen
“a sound that beckons for tranquility and release.” – Never Apart

Declan McKenna • Rapture • 2021



Declan has garnered praise from the likes of Billboard, USA Today, and The A.V. Club, who said, “Declan McKenna has one of the strongest cases to be made in years for continuing the tradition of McCartney-esque melodies, with simple instrumentation and addictive hooks… more swaggering, Bowie-like intensity at times, but otherwise, McKenna’s the real deal of unfiltered, organic pop songcraft arranged with the fundamentals—and little else, because it’s all he needs.”

Jan 26, 2021

Sun Kin • After the House • 2021

 

Sun Kin is the project of Los Angeles based producer Kabir Kumar. Born in Bombay, India and raised in five different countries, Kumar’s music is informed by the intimacy and audacious vulnerability that can only exist through learning to bond through transience. Kumar has been making music under the Sun Kin moniker for nearly a decade, traveling from a psych folk project to something more rooted in a combination of the Middle Eastern and Indian pop music they grew up on with elements of Acid House, disco and R&B. Kumar’s whole life as an artist has been marked by momentum and migration. As they’ve homed in on their craft they’ve accumulated new sonic textures, new territories, and different modes of expression. This bricolage and deep inquiry into movement reaches its apotheosis on After the House, Kumar’s fourth full length as Sun Kin. It is here that they conjure together seven dance tracks designed for late night introspection.

Jan 25, 2021

Horse Champion • I Thought Nothing of It • 2021


Jan 24, 2021

Kindsight • How I Feel • 2021


The quartet makes retro-tinged indie pop that is instantly appealing and addictive. Nina's vocals crowns the atmospheric soundscape perfectly and makes Kindsight something that's been missing in Scandinavia for a long time. 


Ghostly Kisses • Alone Together (EP) • 2021


Ghostly Kisses is the dreamy pop music of singer songwriter Margaux Sauvé.

The name ‘Ghostly Kisses’ was inspired from reading William Faulkner’s poem 
‘Une ballade des dames perdues’ and seemed like the perfect reflection of her ethereal voice.  



Advance Base • Easy's Gettin' Harder Every Day (Iris DeMent) • 2021


A few months back, I was talking with my friend Mike about our shared affection for My Life by Iris DeMent, an album also dearly loved by Mike's partner, Meg. I told Mike that track 8, "Easy's Gettin' Harder Every Day," was one of my favorite songs to play on the piano. Mike asked if I'd record a cover as a surprise for Meg's birthday. So, I did it. Happy birthday, Meg! 

If you aren't already familiar with Iris DeMent's original recording, you can listen here: 
irisdement.bandcamp.com/album/my-life


Jan 21, 2021

Ruby Haunt • Reverse Creek • 2021

Jan 18, 2021

The Effens • "Pavement Age" • 2021



This track captures the melody, sonic textures, loudness and simplicity that is core to our sound. Recording "Pavement Age" was an excruciating and joyful process, self produced by our lead singer Austin Nops, where we were able to exorcise the demons of perfectionism. 

Jan 15, 2021

Alex Southey • Rosie • 2021



"Rosie" is one of my favourite songs I've ever written. This album jumps from purely imagistic lyrics, to straightforward lyrics, to stories, and back again. "Rosie" represents a leap in my songwriting. You wouldn't have heard it – at least not the same way – on my last two records.


Hearty Har • "Waves of Ecstasy" • 2021



The sons of Creedence Clearwater Revival mastermind John Fogerty have been working under the Hearty Har moniker since 2012, perfecting their crafts as songwriters and studio hands into a fully formed enterprise. RADIO ASTRO shows off the brothers' wide-ranging musicality; diversity while capturing an identifiable core sound from sibling chemistry. And plenty of hard work.

Jan 13, 2021

Grandaddy • 2020's Over Covers • 2020


The Fox In The Snow- I've loved this Belle & Sebastian song for ages. I had to slow it down and tame the "bounce" that it had though. 
I wanted it sweeter and sadder. That's how I hear it: sweet and sad. 

In My Room - For anyone who claims introversion as a primary characteristic and has found themselves in some sort of career that requires communicating in public, this Beach Boys song is yours. Also, scarily fitting for just being anyone out there in the year 2020.

 

Lou Berry • Part Of Us • 2021




The Inner World album follows Berry's 2016 EP, Blue Sky that found him performing alongside De La Soul and Jamiroquai across Europe. In the time between Blue Sky and now, Lou attended university and collaborated with the Clash-tipped artist, Hendrix Harris, as well as joining the roster of Le Sofa. Le Sofa is a really interesting collective of artists rising out of Paris’s bubbling jazz/hip-hop scene, it includes the likes of Lossapardo – who featured with the Parisian producer, Crayon on the Pitchfork-tipped single ‘Pink’ – and Malia Lynn who has received tips at the BBC previously.

Mt. Mountain • Peregrination • 2021



The Mt. Mountain sound is born out of long improvised jams so, naturally, much of the incoming album was recorded in a live setting in order to capture the band at their most freewheeling. ‘Peregrination’, out today, articulates their creative approach perfectly (the title itself meaning a long, meandering journey.) The result is a slow-building ensemble of shuffling percussion and Krautrock rhythms, masterfully interwoven with cascading reverb-soaked guitars and lulling flutes that lure the song into acid-folk territory.

Jan 10, 2021

Fliss • Comfrey and Calendula • 2020




Herbal analogy and vivid imagery provide a beautiful and tender frame for a song that explores the difficult topics of trauma, abuse, religion, and homophobia. The musical arrangements and production augment and complement the lyrics, with soft acoustic strums, walking bass lines, soaring violins, and Fliss’ magnetic, emotionally-charged voice gently guiding the listener.

The video draws on themes of water and healing, in an aesthetically gorgeous visual representation of the heartfelt song. In one scene Fliss’ friends join her for a choreographed moment in a water fountain. In another, Fliss is “baptized” in a river. The video was produced by Emma Lamarre.

Lewsberg • At Lunch • 2020



"At Lunch" is about how valuable it can be to decide to start drinking more. Not because of the amount of alcohol in your blood, but because of the decision. At the same time, "At Lunch" is about how valuable it can be to decide to stop drinking. Again: because of the decision. In the end, the song is about solving crossword puzzles."

Jan 8, 2021

The Haunted Youth • Teen Rebel • 2021


Four minutes of mesmerizing psych pop, vying with the best of Tame Impala or DIIV, reminiscent even of 80s and 90s heroes such as Slowdive, Spiritualized or The Cure.

Label buddies (CRACKUPS) Thomas Valkiers and Niels Meukens took charge of mixing and production, in Thomas' uber-comfy Hightime Studio.

Kelly Duplex • Shreveport • 2021


another year gone by – wondering why 

you’re writing so much less – you’re smoking so much more 

choosing to resign 
spare the doors - go take a walk outside 

lost everything in fire 
stay on the right side of desire 
ignoring all the signs you swore you required 
lost everything in fire 

I shuffle around the apartment – analyzing what you meant 
assuming what I can – about your intentions 
and this thing - you won’t mention 

 
Kelly Duplex’s s/t first full-length album is informed by senses of loss both circumstantial and chosen, a wry but vaguely positive outlook on millennial parenthood, the wool-blanket heat of summer in New Orleans, dreams of fractions, incessant list-making, and an abundance of opinions regarding Sylvia Plath. Written over the span of two years, Avrard’s guitar pop affections have culminated into this: a carefully realized  debut on which the band display their emotional and musical relationships.

POSTDATA • Nobody Knows • 2021


"Coupled with some wide-eyed and open-hearted lyrics, tinged with hints of romance and self-deprecation, the track offers a lovely respite full of folk-tinged joy."
- Under The Radar

"Nova Scotian enormity meets Scottish self-hatred on a song that sounds as if it’s surfing an avalanche on a copy of Rumours."
- The Guardian

"Feelings of warmth and hope on Twin Flames' gorgeous title track."
- Brooklyn Vegan



"The upcoming record is Postdata's most intimate and timeless record yet"
- Exclaim!

"'Twin Flames' is about finding strength in a storm, whatever its nature, but combines it with romantic lyricism and wild instrumentation that comes together like Leonard Cohen meets Bon Iver."
 - The East Mag

“A breathtaking and introspective new album, brimming with deep wonderings and intricately excavated soundscapes.”
- Circuit Sweet

“A gripping artistic colour palette.”
- The Most Radicalist

"A marvellous first impression for what is yet to come in 2021 from the Canadian."
- Secret Meeting

Courting • Popshop! • 2020



Here’s a fun indie rocker from Liverpool act Courting. “Popshop!” is a snarky jangler with speak-sung vocals and a fun, disco beat. Propelled by janky guitar energy and enough attitude for days, we think fans of Parquet Courts, Arctic Monkeys, or Hollerado will dig this one.

Claud • Soft Spot • 2020



Claud had this to say about “Soft Spot” in a press release: “‘… Sigh. I have a soft spot for lots of people, places, and things. This song is about knowing I can’t be with this one specific person, but my feelings won’t go away… I still hope I run into them, or they randomly text me about something. It’s just me romanticizing what I can’t have and being like ‘but what if…’” UTR

Jan 7, 2021

The American Analog Set • Full Concert • 03/20/09



Setlist:
0:00:00 - Weather Report
0:03:46 - A Good Friend Is Always Around
0:06:48 - It's All About Us
0:14:17 - A Schoolboy's Charm
0:18:41 - The Wait
0:21:42 - New Drifters I, II, & III
0:32:13 - The Golden Band
0:34:55 - I Must Soon Quit The Scene
0:40:27 - Will The Real Danny Radnor Please Stand?

Jan 3, 2021

E.G. Palermo • Lyra, Dear / Look Outside • 2021


Enzo Gaetano Palermo (born 6 July 1979) is a Canadian singer-songwriter, and the lead singer of the Montreal band Code Pie. Palermo is now launching his solo project E.G. Palermo, and finalizing his debut LP (tentatively titled "Another Sunday Record"), which will be released in 2021. 


Gareth Inkster • Thank You • 2021


The title track didn’t take very long to write - it’s only two verses and an outro, really, but it took quite a long time to arrange and mix. I really wanted it to sound ultimately hopeful, although sad, and gentle although driven.

The second song, Vermilion, is a reworking of a previously released piece. This version is slowed down and a bit sparser.

I hope these songs can be a comfort to you in this harrowing season we’re all enduring together.