Showing posts with label indie electronica. Show all posts
Showing posts with label indie electronica. Show all posts

Jun 22, 2024

ifitbeyourwill S03 E36 • Diamond Day


In this riveting episode of the "If It Be Real" podcast, hosts dive deep into the musical odyssey of Diamond Day, an innovative band that marries traditional folk roots with modern electro-pop and shoegaze influences. The episode opens with a detailed exploration of the band's genesis, featuring intimate conversations with the creative duo behind Diamond Day, Beatrice and Quinn. Their story is one of artistic fusion, where Quebec's rich folk traditions meet the eclectic beats of modern music.

Beatrice, who was raised in the folk music scene of Quebec, shares her upbringing surrounded by traditional music. Both her parents were folk musicians, which significantly influenced her musical style. She recounts how her childhood was filled with fiddle music, accordion, and acoustic guitar, elements that subtly permeate Diamond Day's music. On the other hand, Quinn's musical journey began with a fascination for guitars crafted by his luthier father and a vast collection of records that exposed him to a diverse array of genres from an early age. This blend of backgrounds creates a unique soundscape for Diamond Day.

The episode delves into the formation of Diamond Day, born out of the creative divergence within their previous project, Rosier. Beatrice's songwriting didn't always align with Rosier's traditional framework, leading her to collaborate with Quinn. This partnership allowed them to explore new, experimental realms while still honoring their musical roots. Their creative synergy is palpable as they discuss how they meld their distinct influences to produce intricate yet accessible soundscapes.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the episode is Beatrice's inventive approach to songwriting. She introduces the concept of "crooked" tunes, where measures or beats are added or removed, challenging mainstream norms. This unconventional style draws comparisons to artists like Kevin Shields and Elizabeth Fraser, who are known for their unique musical structures. The freedom of working as a duo enables Beatrice and Quinn to balance maximalist and minimalist arrangements, creating music that is both complex and inviting.

The podcast also celebrates the enchanting allure of French lyrics in Diamond Day's music. The cultural landscape of Quebec, where French and English coexist, profoundly influences their bilingual songs. This fusion of languages adds an exotic flair that resonates with audiences worldwide, enhancing the band's global appeal.

As the conversation progresses, Beatrice and Quinn discuss their upcoming projects and live performances. They share their excitement about touring the West Coast, from Vancouver to Los Angeles, and hint at new music releases, including remixes by artists they admire. The episode closes with a heartfelt thanks and best wishes for Diamond Day's ongoing success, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating their next musical venture.

Throughout the episode, the hosts provide transcript samples from key chapters, offering a glimpse into the rich, engaging dialogue that characterizes this captivating conversation. The blend of personal anecdotes, musical insights, and forward-looking aspirations makes this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the dynamic interplay of folk traditions and modern music.

In conclusion, this episode of the "If It Be Real" podcast offers a deep dive into the artistic journey of Diamond Day, a band that masterfully blends the old and the new. From Beatrice's folk-infused upbringing to Quinn's eclectic musical influences, listeners are treated to an intimate look at how these elements come together to create a unique, refreshing sound. The discussion of "crooked" tunes, the allure of French lyrics, and the band's upcoming projects all contribute to a rich tapestry that celebrates the fusion of languages and genres. Don't miss this enthralling episode that highlights the creative evolution of Diamond Day and their innovative approach to music-making.






From janky glitch-pop drums to jangly guitars on the verge of explosion; MontrĂ©al’s Diamond Day reshape shoegaze into their hazy electro dreamworld.

Dec 6, 2023

BEATOWLS • All I See Is Trouble • 2023



“Nocturnal melancholy, drawing from influences in trip-hop and electro.” 
– Far Out Magazine
 
“A gorgeously bleak portrayal of modern loneliness” 
- Uncut

“It starts with one word, one line, one note, one phrase at a time. No considerations as to where it will go or who will hear it. No timeframe. Read over it, play over it, revise, tweak. Steal? Remove and redo. Record. Make it personal, make it universal. Get better. Happy accidents. Small victories. The idea is everything. Keep going. The idea reveals itself more. Revise, tweak and refine. Steal a bit more. Record again. Make connections, play with its fire. Make it the best you can. Rewrite and record again.”

Nov 5, 2023

Valentina • Deadweight • 2023


“a gauzy electronic-pop sound that suggests Arthur Russell, Tirzah, and Jamie xx, and feels more than fitting for the current moment.”

 The Guardian

 

“Her hypnotic, hazy voice draws you in from the first verse.” 

METAL

 

“The floaty vocals take you to another galaxy, somewhere far away from reality. It’s hauntingly beautiful.”  

enfnts terribles

 

“Valentina’s vulnerability is her strength, making her a beacon for those navigating the tumultuous waters of love, self-worth, and identity.”

Neon Music




Aug 10, 2023

CAICOS • Subsequent Footprint feat lojii • 2023


"The endearing melodies of New York-based musician Caicos make for a meticulous piece of indie-pop."
- The Line Of Best Fit

"The art of Caicos is an impressionistic representation of a whirlwind of realities that are fused into something both classical and contemporary."
- Impose Magazine

"New York based Alex Frenkel, the powerhouse behind the mesmerizing Caicos, consistently delivers magnetic and exhilarating music."
- The Wild Honey Pie


Feb 11, 2023

Tennis • One Night with the Valet • 2023


“New Tennis music is always cause for celebration, but even more so when their latest offering sounds like a bonus cut from the Drive soundtrack ... Make no mistake: 'Let's Make a Mistake Tonight' is a serve (tennis pun intended).” - MTV News


"'Let’s Make A Mistake Tonight' is a great dose of their memorable, glittering sound that’s heavily influenced by the ’70s." UPROXX


“Tennis turns to smooth, 70s-inflected soft pop on this beautiful, pint-sized ballad, a lackadaisical early-morning mood.” PAPER


“Indie duo Tennis is coming back for our hearts... 'One Night With the Valet' teems with those ‘80s synth-pop flairs that we know and love them for, but is mellowed down to create more emotional resonance. What a way to reenter the game.” V Magazine



"The 10 meticulously crafted pop songs on this album come across light and breezy,

but Tennis rewards a close listen by juxtaposing its smooth sounds

with biting lyrics and clever instrumental detail."

– Associated Press

Mar 23, 2022

David Holmes feat. Raven Violet • It's Over, If We Run Out Of Love • 2022



Belfast-born David Holmes boasts a formidable CV, with 5 solo albums and 25 soundtracks to his name. His screen work ranges from Steven Soderbergh’s classic Ocean’s Eleven trilogy and Steve McQueen’s critically acclaimed Hunger, to stylish TV drams including London Spy and The Fall. 

Sep 5, 2020

Airlines • Copenhagen • 2020


We want people to hear the beauty of love and of Copenhagen itself reflected in the music, and then to contrast that with the melancholic nature of the lyrics. The entire track is a ying-yang of happiness, pain, longing, love, and acceptance.

The magic of hopping on a plane and heading across the world to see someone you love conflicts with against the pain of sending someone you love on a plane across the world, never knowing if you'll ever see them again.


Jun 18, 2020

Sylvette • Kelpius • 2020



- “Dramatic, sophisticated and stylish” – Chris Hawkins (BBC6)

- “The groups fusion of indie songwriting and electronic elements makes for something fresh” – (CLASH Magazine)

- “An intense and dramatic soundscape with some rocking guitar work. Passionate and powerful vocals. It's my kind of music!” - (Phil Cunningham – New Order)

- “the band produce a truly avant garde concept, one which they execute flawlessly” “a serious, creative and artistic force” - (Absolutely Audio Music)

- “There isn't a better up and coming band in Manchester” - (Flick of the Finger) 

Mar 1, 2020

Oct 7, 2018

crushinglove - Die for the Drama - 2018


sadness blanketed in beauty… 

Jun 7, 2018

Uma E Fernqvist - For U - 2018


https://artofspectra.com



Inspired by the ethereal 90s trip-hop movement/00’s downtempo society, spearheaded by Lamb/Portishead/Bonobo as well as her own involvement in the cinematic world of dance, Uma E. Fernqvist is setting herself up as an artist with great passion and a true eye for captivating rhythm, bringing together a mix of blissful instrumentation and pulsing percussion.


Jan 10, 2018

We Are Parasols - Inertia - 2017



"Add a cauldron, Curve, Bloody Knives, darkwave, Nine Inch Nails, Wolfgang Press, and mix everything up nicely. The result is We Are Parasols. Their sound really goes far beyond genres and subgenres, exuding modernity.... This seems as if an obscure Beggars Banquet's album. 'Inertia' is one of the records of the year, inspiring and instigating us with its mix of shadows and dreamery" – The Blog That Celebrates Itself

Oct 8, 2017

Pleasure Systems - Antumbra Pull - 2017



lo-fi electronic pop

May 27, 2017

Coucheron - HIGH BY THE RIVERSIDE (feat. ARY) - 2017


"I’ve been fortunate to work a lot with ARY this past year, mostly on her stuff. But in this case we both felt this would be a song for me. I immediately bonded with the storytelling in this song, and felt it belonged in my universe, so I did my best to compliment her beautiful vocals."


Apr 12, 2017

Rave On, A Madchester Celebration - 2017



This project is dedicated to a whole delicious scene that made us dance and enjoy life intensely. 

Of course, that many other bands lack to be revered like the Inspiral Carpets, Paris Angels, Northside, to name a few ..... who knows in a next volume .... 

I want to thank all the bands that are part of this project and the whole Madchester Scene. 

Let's Rave On folks … 

Feb 10, 2017

Ummagma & A.R.Kane - Winter Tale - 2017



This is a really brilliant post-rocky shoegazey woozy ambient thing. It's absolutely beautiful - Dani Charlton, Amazing Radio

Full kaleidoscope of sounds, harmonies and musical instruments… the result is massive with an intricate fabric - Rolling Stone Russia

Ethereal pop indebted to Cocteau Twins and much of the rest of 4AD’s ’80s output - BrooklynVegan

Jan 20, 2017

Fabulous Diamonds II - 2017



Melbourne duo Fabulous Diamonds are an odd pair. They make overtly hypnotic music, full of lulling, sensual repeti- tion, but there’s also an edge of irritation, an undercurrent of friction that cuts through the drone and propels the songs forward. 

Dec 11, 2016

Best of 2016… Teleman - Brilliant Sanity



The art of songwriting has been the driving force behind Brilliant Sanity, the process of crafting of the immaculate pop song, the dogged pursuit of the perfect hook. The result is an album that appears fastidiously and impeccably made, but also charged with joy.

Now a four-piece made up of singer and guitarist Tommy Sanders, his brother Jonny on synths, Pete Cattermoul on bass and Hiro Amamiya on drums, the process of touring has honed Teleman into a spectacular live act and brought about the decision to record the new record in a very live and spontaneous way. 



Nov 20, 2016

DenMother - Blood: a memoir - 2016


haunting, subtle builds… I'm liking the atmosphere this release breeds…