ifitbeyourwill S04E04 • James Smith of Good Good Blood

Can music heal a broken heart? Join us for an emotional and inspiring conversation with James Smith of Good Good Blood as he returns to the podcast, revealing the profound transformations in his life and music since we last spoke in January 2023. James opens up about the deeply personal loss of his baby girl, Poppy, and how this tragedy shaped his latest album, "Forever Scars," allowing him to channel his grief and creativity into something beautiful and raw.

James's journey is not just about crafting songs but about coping with unimaginable pain and finding solace in the process. He shares poignant insights into how Poppy's short life touched many, from family members to medical staff, and how songwriting has been his lifeline through this difficult period. This episode captures the essence of James's transformation—how he's evolved from a "pre-Poppy" to a "post-Poppy" version of himself, with his music reflecting this profound shift. Listen to a heart-wrenching live performance of "Little Sparrow," a testament to the raw vulnerability and authenticity that now define his work.

The conversation also delves into the collaborative efforts that have breathed new life into James's music. Hear about his unique approach to achieving a lo-fi sound using second-hand instruments and the invaluable partnership with his friend Paul, who brings a meticulous touch to James's spontaneous creativity. Discover how older tracks like "Forever Scars" and "Flowers Bloom" have been reimagined with deeper emotional layers, and get a glimpse into the creation of new songs that push the boundaries of his artistic expression. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration, resilience, and the healing power of music.

this collection of songs are dedicated to our baby daughter Poppy who unfortunately passed away in December 2023 at just a couple of days old.

the grief of losing a child has really taken its toll - the only real thing I have had to cling onto is making music.

I started tentatively making some new songs before Poppy was born but had to put all that on hold when she arrived.

after she died and we’d had her funeral, I returned to the nebulous versions I had made and was totally overwhelmed by how they resonated with what had happened.

the vibe and words were so on point it was crazy, like the songs knew what was coming.

so I kept at them and finished them and here they are.

i hope you find something in there to enjoy.

thank you x

Avery Lynch • somebody new • 2024

Website

With its delicate piano melody and Avery’s soothing vocals, “somebody new” draws listeners in with its raw, unfiltered honesty. The song is a poignant reflection on a love so profound that it transcends personal desires. “It’s about loving someone so deeply that you wish them happiness, even if it means they find it with someone else,” Avery shares. The song’s beauty lies in its simplicity, making it both deeply touching and profoundly resonant.

Gold Connections • Easy • 2024

http://www.goldconnectionsmusic.com/

Princess Goes • “Armageddon Suite (Re-Armed)” • 2024

https://onerpm.link/702069617448

"A Bowie influence of futurism, freedom, and reinvention is present in the dozen songs on Princess Goes’ haunting Come of Age."
- FLOOD Magazine

"Princess Goes’ music manages to be both touching and visceral with a collection of mesmerizing songs led by Hall’s arresting voice [...] True to its title, the atmospheric 'Shimmer' features glistening production as Hall’s vocals imbue the song with a dream-like quality."
- UPROXX Indie Mixtape

"Princess Goes are back on the scene with an exceptional album that recalls the heady days of the new wave scene where The Human League, OMD, ABC, Depeche Mode and numerous keyboard leading bands ran rampant in the UK. These guys are totally up to scratch with their own modern take on that scene."
- Louder Than War

"'Blur' showcases a different side to their artistry; it is more ambient and it has a retro ’80s synth-pop new wave vibe to it [...] The bass drum and guitar helps adds to its overall appeal, and the melody ranges from soft to piercing. It has a stirring vibe that will resonate with fans and listeners."
- Digital Journal

Susan O'Neill • Drive Live on The Tommy Tiernan Show •

https://susanoneill.ie/

Full Performance 

The Boys With The Perpetual Nervousness • Dead Calm (Deluxe Edition) • 2024

Bobo Integral Records announces the Deluxe Edition of "Dead Calm," the debut album by The Boys With The Perpetual Nervousness, available September 13, 2024. This edition enriches the original tracks (now remastered), which were met with immediate success and critical acclaim, with new material and acoustic demos. Also incorporates an expected insert with all lyrics.

“The most perfect voice in jangle/power-pop at present (sorry Teenage Fanclub fans!)” - Janglepophub

“A brand new international pop overthrow is afoot and The Boys With The Perpetual Nervousness are at the vanguard" – Post-Trash

“Las guitarras cincelan armonías celestiales en canciones que te arreglan el día en cuanto empiezan a sonar” – El País

ifitbeyourwill S04E03 • Arthur Alligood of phoneswithchords

Ever wondered how a suburban kid from outside Nashville finds his musical path amidst the city's evolving soundscape? Arthur Alligood from phoneswithchords shares his fascinating journey from childhood oldies mixtapes to bedroom pop anthems. Arthur opens up about his mixed feelings toward Nashville's contemporary hits and his love for older country music, sparked by a spontaneous decision to pick up a guitar after quitting basketball. This episode offers an intimate look at how a simple choice can ignite a lifelong passion for creating original music.

Join us as Arthur digs into his creative process, revealing how voice memos on his smartphone capture spontaneous musical ideas that blossom into full-fledged songs. Hear about the magical "gateway song" that sets the thematic course for his latest album, inspired by reflections on time and personal experiences. We also take a lively tour of Nashville's iconic country bar scene, savoring hot chicken and heartfelt moments. This captivating conversation underscores the importance of love, support, and mutual reliance, wrapping up with a touching musical piece that beautifully encapsulates these themes. Don't miss this emotional and insightful episode as we continue to kick off season four!

On his latest release, The Speed of Time (out September 13, 2024 via Totally Real Records), Alligood has truly leveled up. Gorgeous guitar tones, ranging from bright and buzzy to cacophonous and clean, soar through the mix as blown out vocals float effortlessly above. Stark, sparse arrangements give way to intense orchestrations including electronics, strings, and horns – all while wearing the album’s retro influences firmly on its sleeve. This all serves as a venerable vessel for the star of the show: Arthur’s intensely personal and introspective lyrics, which touch on aging, love, and the joy and agony of existing.

Taylor Hollingsworth • “Couldn’t Get To Heaven” • 2024

https://taylorhollingsworth.org/

Taylor's talent on the guitar has also led to him serving as the lead guitar player for Conor Oberst on several world wide tours as well as late-night TV appearances, demonstrating his exceptional skill and versatility. Despite brushes with major industry players, record deals, and high-profile agents, Taylor's unwavering commitment to artistic and personal freedoms led him to walk away or be dropped from these opportunities. Undeterred, he redirected his focus inward, prioritizing his family and his own artistic vision, and paved his own path as a full-time local musician.

Future Star • It's About Time • 2024

https://futurestar.rocks/

While dreaming about houses that have been torn down and shows that happened in venues that don't exist anymore, Future Star explores the space between now and then with their upcoming album It's About Time!. A retrospective on seven years of songwriting, It's About Time! reminds us that a moment can go on infinitely, a memory can be shared, and something might have changed when you weren't looking.

Guidon Bear • Internal Systems • 2024

"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

ifitbeyourwill S04E02 • Sumner Bright of The Clearwater Swimmers

What drives an artist to bare their soul on stage, and how does that vulnerability shape their musical journey? Join us as we sit down with Sumner Bright of Clearwater Swimmers to uncover the transformative experiences that have brought his music to life. Sumner shares candid memories from his high school performance days, the formative role of mentorship, and the pivotal moments in college that led to the birth of his band. His authentic storytelling offers a rare glimpse into the personal challenges and victories that have defined his path as a musician.

Sumner takes us behind the scenes of the Clearwater Swimmers' creative process, from rekindling a college friendship with bandmate Sander to embarking on a spontaneous mini tour in the Northeast. With vivid reflections, Sumner recounts their exhilarating recording sessions at Big Nice studio, where engineer Bradford Krieger helped them capture a raw, live sound over three intense days. We also delve into the deeper themes of their music—memory, loss, and the passage of time—each woven together like water flowing through a valley. This episode promises a heartfelt and poetic exploration of artistic growth, making it a must-listen for anyone passionate about music and life's ever-flowing journey.

linktr.ee/theclearwaterswimmers

 

Half Happy • Bloom • 2024

Detailing their latest release, frontwoman Rosalie Miller revealed: “‘Bloom’ is about getting caught in the middle of your mate’s relationships. For the first minute of the track you are almost trapped by the vocal and synth, just like you’re stuck in an awkward conversation. You have no idea how you can help, what to say, don’t want to drop anyone in it. Then going into the chorus has always felt to us like jumping into the sea, feels like a huge relief how the guitars and synth swell together. A floaty relationship track which doesn’t know yet whether to love them or dump them”.

Red Ribbon • Crying My Car • 2024

There's a blazing fierceness that permeates Red Ribbon, Danner's most unflinching work to date, informed in part by her recent foray into martial arts -- something she studied while making the record. Her time spent in the boxing gym and the studio were undeniably intertwined, each experience working in tandem to empower her to express anger, salacity and passion unabashedly. "I couldn't help but learn how to be 'a lady' growing up: always polite, always friendly, always likable. So it felt nice and necessary to finally exhale against all of that," she says. "I've always censored myself, but on Red Ribbon, I let myself be more free. This record feels visceral.”

Cuff The Duke • Ballad of the Breaking Dawn • 2024

https://linktr.ee/cufftheduke

With a foundation in Canadian roots rock and a penchant for crafting noisy guitar jams, Cuff the Duke's unique blend of genres has consistently escaped the confines of simple classification, earning them an honoured place under the umbrella of "alternative.”

Six albums, a pair of JUNO nods, countless miles clocked on the road, including sharing stages with iconic acts like Blue Rodeo, Hayden, Sloan, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, and Calexico. Then, poof! A ten-year vanishing act, playing only a handful of shows in that time. But like all great tales, theirs has a twist: Cuff the Duke has reemerged from the shadows.

The band's comeback album, "Breaking Dawn" is a deeply personal exploration of frontman Wayne Petti's journey with mental health. Petti, who has spent the past 8 years working as an artist manager for renowned acts like The National, Owen Pallett, Broken Social Scene, and Jennifer Castle, found himself struggling with the idea of balancing his roles as both a manager and an artist.  "I struggled with the idea of working with incredible and inspiring artists in that capacity and still being an artist in my own way. I finally realized that the only thing stopping me was ME. There are no rules about how one can and cannot be creative. I realized that it didn't matter to me how it came out and who listened to it; all that mattered was that I allowed myself to create something just because I finally felt that I needed to.”

the black watch • The Morning Papers Have Given Us The Vapours • 2024

“an immaculate run of late-period brilliance that began with 2020’s Brilliant Failures ) is perpetuated on Morning Papers. With aspects of his previous MBV/Go-Betweens-gone-Beatles indie rock paradise remain, the first half feels like a’80s KROQ U.K. fest from days of Robyn Hitchcock, Lucy Show, and post-1981 Bunnymen (“New Brooms Sweep Clean”) transmogrified into Fredrick’s delicious hooks. All excellent—but it’s the second half that really takes off, when Fredrick’s guitar deals more stimulating distortion. Start with the buzzy C86-gone-baroque beauty, “More Lies”; here, Frederick’s melodic powers and poetic soul take flight anew, into the standout, noisier, fantastic “There and Here” (satirizing callousness), then continuing unabated ’til the driving-yet-bass/drums-free closer, “The Morning Papers.” Wonders don’t cease.”

- The Big Takeover 

Clem snide • All Was Revealed • 2024

Everyone's life, in the end, is a blaze of glory! Amen.

https://ffm.to/allwasrevealed

linktr.ee/clemsnide

julia-sophie • telephone • 2024

“Elegant and smoky electronic pop…Widescreen and ambitious, embodying both the freedom that comes with independent musicianship.” – The Quietus

“A forward thinking avant-popster.” – Electronic Sound Magazine 

“Captivating synth textures, spiraling melodies, and intricate rhythms.” – The Line of Best Fit

“Mesmerizing…Worlds away from her garage-rock and pop beginnings in DIY bands...you can practically hear her tears within the soft, synth-led soundscape.” – Bandcamp Daily

Linktree

ifitbeyourwill S04E01 • Pang Attack

What if the quietness of rural Quebec could ignite a lifelong passion for music? Join us as we kick off Season Four of the ifitbeyourwill Podcast with the remarkable Alex Hackett from Pang Attack with Yann Geoffroy (drums), and Dave Clark (keys, bass). From his early days influenced by 80s pop and his mother's love for the radio, to his journey into the indie underground, Alex takes us on a nostalgic trip through his musical evolution.

Ever wondered how creative collaborations evolve over distance? Alex delves into the intricacies of band dynamics, the highs and lows of musical partnerships, and the unique chemistry that can be fostered even when miles apart. One standout story is the unexpected yet successful collaboration with Peter Holmstrom of The Dandy Warhols during the COVID era, which resulted in the evocative track "Sea of Eyes." 

Looking ahead, we explore the future of Pang Attack and the personal milestones that have influenced the band's creative journey. From the reflective themes in the song "Lowborn Man" to the integration of real strings, Alex shares his insights into the band's artistic process. As we anticipate the release of their final album in its current form, Alex opens up about what the future holds for him musically and the bittersweet emotions tied to closing this chapter. Don't miss this heartfelt and engaging start to our new season!

http://www.pangattack.com/

 

Human Interest • Better Press Repeat • 2024

“An intriguing musical concoction that doffs its cap to grunge, the Kinks, Iggy Pop and T. Rex” The Sunday Times

“Human Interest are already proving to be a delight” Consequence of Sound

Devarrow • Bus Baby • 2024

devarrow.com

 

My mind is a little bit like Las Vegas

A million worlds made of plastic bricks

More plans than time and more time than money, I suppose

So I take another trip to the hardware store

A couple dozen nails and I’ll be back for more

Don’t call me babe, I’ll call you

The Jesus And Mary Chain • Pop Seeds • 2024

Earlier this year, The Jesus and Mary Chain made a high impact return with the critically adored ‘Glasgow Eyes’. Released via Fuzz Club, it debuted at #7 on the UK Official Album Chart and also shot straight to #1 on both the Independent and Scottish Albums Charts. Now the Reid brothers release a new song that was captured during the album sessions in the shape of ‘Pop Seeds’.

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - The Making of Wild God - PART 1

“Elegiac and ecstatic” 

- Rolling Stone ★★★★

 

“These songs mark a high point in the Bad Seeds’ long and varied career, remarkable in its range and powers.” 

- NPR All Songs Considered

 

“It all has the sound of immediacy, of loose and unlabored inspiration. Wild God’s aesthetic feels like Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds’ cosmic gospel. It may be one of his most radical pivots yet.” 

- Stereogum

 

“Exaltation in its purest form.” 

- Northern Transmissions

 

“A euphoric masterpiece of sound and drama from Cave and the Bad Seeds”

- The Globe & Mail

 

“Meditations on faith, spirituality and rebirth run through Wild God's luminous songs“ 

- Newsweek

“Wild God manages to sonically represent the acceptance one finds when grief moves from being a hurdle to becoming a part of one's history.” 

- Exclaim!

The Oram Awards 2024 Winners

Oram Award Winners, left to right:

Dali de Saint Paul, The Silver Field, Hanna Tuulikki,  Lola De La Mata, xname

The Oram Awards celebrates women, trans, non-binary and gender expansive artists who are pushing the envelope of creativity in sound, music and related technology. Previous winners include Loraine James, Klein, Venus Ex Machina, Francine Perry aka La Leif, and No Home. The work of this year’s winners represents the wide spectrum of innovative sound artists working in the UK today.

Wings of Desire • Shut Up & Listen • 2024

“A bit like if Bruce Springsteen had a mid-’80s Jesus And Mary Chain phase” Stereogum

“Now Hear This” The Independent | "Wings Of Desire craft dazed pop jewels" CLASH

“Uplifting” DIY | “freefalling, expansive indie” DORK

The Shut Up & Listen EP grew out of our need to preserve this sacred space and support our unique local community, which is the closest thing we have to a new earth. We have put together a limited edition cassette tape and all proceeds will go to The Long Table in helping them fight their impending eviction.”

Eades • Fight Or Flight • 2024

“leather-jacketed cool” The Guardian Tracks of the Week

“What a brilliant band” The Sunday Times Breaking Act 

“punchy and familiar” The FADER | “Get to know Eades” NME 

“atypical blend of sun-kissed indie and new wave” DIY

“controlled chaos on a sonic level” Brooklyn Vegan 

"It will probably be the full stop to the way in which Eades have existed musically for the past 4 years. One final hurrah, waving goodbye to our scrappy youth in what we consider our swan song (or swan EP). It contains a distillation of all the components that made the Eades sound what it is today."

We consider this EP to be the best version of this Eades sound. This, however, has not stopped us from hinting at changes to come. Suggestions of strangeness and maturity are peppered across the EP, which will act as Easter eggs for the Eades sound the world is yet to hear, but one that is bubbling just below the surface waiting to escape. We put a lot of time and love into this EP, we can’t wait to show you what’s to 

come.”