Posts Tagged ‘UK’

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Haven’t heard of Frank Turner? You need to. The English singer/songwriter has been melting hearts in the industry for a few years now, while making the deep conversion from punk rocker to acoustic solo-throb. His new single, Recovery, can be found on his latest record, and fifth solo release, Tape Deck Heart. He spoke of this release in recent interviews saying that (without going into lengthy details) it instantly became a “breakup” record.

This single is the perfect opener, with a radio-friendly sound and a lustrous production that has certainly evolved from his past releases. It’s backed by a triumphant piano, almost throwing a bright coat of paint on a fresh breakup. Meaning it’s unexpectedly uplifting despite its gut-wrenching topic. If you’re hesitant about indulging head-first into the whole record, this track will guide you on the right path.

Having only listened to a few tracks, I can tell this is an insanely personal record, almost opening the lock to his diary (if diaries still exist nowadays) and giving fans a taste of what really happens in the mind of Frank Turner.

Check out Recovery and then move on to the rest of Tape Deck Heart.

Whether you are going through a time of sorrow or not, this record will move you, in one way or another.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

It’s not a coincidence when a song finds you at the exact moment it’s needed. That’s precisely what happened to me with this stunning gem. Emeli Sande’s stripped-down/piano-drenched Read All About It Pt. III.

This track is gorgeous and its words bleed a vulnerability that’s nothing short of naked. Painfully honest. Sincere.

Watch + listen to a live version of the track below.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

iTunes has placed the spotlight this week on an artist by the name of Jake Bugg. I’m thrilled that his work is receiving attention, for he is the definition of a true musician. Single Lightning Bolt puts many artists on the charts to shame, showcasing raw talent.

His music style is very old-fashioned and vintage-sounding, which makes it even more intriguing for genuine music lovers like myself.

Take a listen to Lightning Bolt and judge for yourself.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

With one spin of the infectiously sugarcoated Heart, it’s apparent that Katy Tiz is a pop star that’s bound to bust through. Weaving together pop, hip hop and reggae elements, her forthcoming debut album is full of witty lyrics and punchy hooks.

It’s chick pop at its finest!

She’s also labelmates with longtime BTB favorite, Jessie J.

Hello! What’s not to love?

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Every now and again, an artist pops up from out of nowhere and creeps into your headphones. That’s exactly the case in my experience with Olivia Sebastianelli. An obvious talent upon first listen, the song and video you’re about to witness is alluring and comforting, yet haunting and unsettling all at the same time.

This isn’t music fluff. This is the makings of a true artist.

When asked to describe her sound, her reply was just as unconventional: “I keep describing it as a cross between Fleetwood Mac and Foo Fighters, which everybody gets really confused about. It’s the melodies of Fleetwood Mac, and the way they construct their harmonies — everything’s so tight — with the punk and anger of Foo Fighters. That kind of vibe.”

There ya go… Whatever it is, it’s working.

Olivia is certainly an artist to watch in 2013.

Video for Rose of Stone below.

Beautiful!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

ROB BRAYL: Ok, Mr. Daniel, first things first… You’re back, completely independent, and NAKED. I feel like I need a cigarette (and I don’t smoke) after watching your most recent videos (‘Rocks Off’ & ‘Secret Fear’) from your latest ‘Secret Fear’ EP. Do you mind if I call you sexy?

DANIEL BEDINGFIELD: I have been known to accept compliments of that nature before. Nice to have someone focusing on something other than the girls in my video for once.

RB: In all seriousness, the visuals are stunning. Can you give us a little insight regarding their inspiration?

DB: Everything was designed to portray contrast. Relationships are very complex. And the relationships I’ve experienced in the past have been innately complex. The video seems to successively provoke opposing feelings of entrapment and obsession in the viewing audience, the eternal spin-cycle of revolving binary emotions and triggers. The nudity invokes the traditional desire of artists throughout the centuries portraying humans without their trappings of culture or status enabling the viewer to see the work as a human experience.

RB: When listening to the new material and watching the videos, knowing you are an independent artist now, it all makes sense… There’s an incredible sense of liberation present. Do you feel less chains and more freedom now to create the music you want to create now that you’re indie?

DB: I paid with years of my life to procure this freedom, it’s everything to me. No fat-cats sitting over my shoulder, trying to mould my art as I make it. I AM very limited without the financial backing of large corporations, but I find the limitations serve my purposes, rather than curtailing my activities.

RB: Back to being naked (laughs)… The part of your music that I cling to the most is the emotionally naked pieces. My favorite track on the EP is ‘Don’t Write Me Off’. It’s breathtaking. I love it so much! I just wanted to speak as a fan for a moment and say thank you for bringing such beautiful songs to life.

DB: You’re a sweetheart and I greatly appreciate your support.

RB: Are you touring with the new stuff?

DB: Of course! But without record company backing it’s a lot more difficult. If you’d like to organize a large enough audience for me, I’ll come and play in your town.

RB: What’s next on this fresh new journey for you? (Please come to Brooklyn!)

DB: A ha! Brooklyn! This I can do. How’s Williamsburg? New E.P out shortly, and I suspect you may enjoy this new video too.

RB: Current guilty pleasures. Give us something juicy!

DB: Telling little kids how to sing better as if I know what I’m talking about. Judging talent competitions and mentoring, voice coaching and shaping young talent.

RB: If I were to look at your laptop or iPod, what kind of music filth would I find?

DB: Marilyn Manson, Rowdy Superstar, Azealia Banks, Mykki Blanco… And that’s just half of the filthy stuff.

RB: Are there any charities you’re currently working with?

DB: I’m working to free the 26 million slaves on the planet with Stop The Traffik. I’m particularly focussed on ending sex trafficking of women and children.

RB: And finally, this blog, much like yourself and your incredible new material, is completely independent. So thank you for taking the time to speak with us. To end this interview, give us something random to close out with? Make it count!

DB: Thank you for all your love and support, I’m coming back – watch out, biatch. Tweet me, Facebook me, and I will reply to you if you say something that fascinates me.

Love him!

View the new & improved indie/sexy/stunning Daniel Bedingfield below.

[Related Post: Daniel Bedingfield's Back & Showing Butt]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

It’s not always easy being the new band on the block, but Pyramids makes it look effortless and easy. This is undeniably a band to watch in 2013.

Pyramids are:

Richard Hutchison – Vocals and Guitar
Imran Mair – Drums
David Cuzner – Guitar
Ed Thomas – Bass

On March 1st, the boys will release their debut, three-track EP Always Something, which will be celebrated with a headline performance at Hoxton’s Underbelly on the same date. Produced by Adam Noble (Muse, Placebo, Guillemots) and mastered by Dick Beetham (the man behind over 45 UK No.1 singles), the band’s prepped to cause a dent.

Uniting the group are their eclectic musical tastes, which cover everything from Laura Marling to Bon Iver to rock stadium fillers like Foo Fighters and Arcade Fire.

Judging by their sound, cute faces (yeah, I said it!), and artistic direction, it’s just a matter of time before they’ve captured a legit following of their own.

The band has already secured a high profile appearance at Hop Farm 2013, in the same slot Ben Howard played two years ago, which they hope will be the first of many summer announcements.

Pyramids. Mark it down. They be goin’ places, y’all.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

I would like to take a moment to introduce you to English singer/songwriter Ben Howard. He’s been getting a ton of buzz recently, and rightfully so. His latest video for Keep Your Head Up has over 6 million views, and the song itself works its timeless tunesmith magic best upon repeated listens. I promise, you will be hooked to this track in no time.

However, let us not forget about the rest of his album, Every Kingdom(available now on iTunes). Coming from someone who appreciates well-crafted musicianship from serious singers/songwriters, Ben is at the top of my list, next to artists such as David Gray and Nick Drake.

Come February, he will be hitting the road with Mumford & Sons. I can only imagine how excited he must be, having his music heard by thousands on 15 dates all over the globe. This tour has already sold out venues including Melbourne, Australia’s The Corner Hotel! Mumford & Sons are huge, so this will grant exposure to countless new and current fans.

Well-deserved attention for an artist you simply must know.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

MARIA CIEZAK: Your debut album and single Headlights are blowing up. How do you feel about all of the success you have encountered this year?

MORNING PARADE: It’s great to start seeing our record do the rounds and giving us ever-growing opportunities! Things have been building very nicely, to the point where I’m sitting in a dressing room right now about to soundcheck for our first support with The Smashing pumpkins! So yeah, it’s been an amazing journey, and we are all very lucky to be on this great ride!

MC: How did you guys meet? What is the backstory behind Morning Parade?

MP: Well, Steve and Phil went to school together and had played in a few bands around that time. I met Steve in college and then joined a band him and Phil were working on. Andy and Ben were in bands in the local area, so we all knew each other. One day we all crossed paths and decided to jam together just for something to do on the weekends. It seemed to just click right away, and here we are.

MC: I feel like this record emphasizes a lot of situations in your life, for they are somewhat deep. Would you agree?

MP: The record is about us, friends and family, basically everything that we witness from our point of view. Writing songs is a way of escaping or working on emotions that we would be either apart from or analyzing.

MC: On that note, how do you guys go about writing your songs? Do you work on them one by one, or does it sort of just happen?

MP: There isn’t a set pattern when it comes to creating songs. Sometimes Steve may have a song worked out on an acoustic or piano and we have a clear picture of where it is going, or sometimes inspiration may come from a drum beat or a single sound. You never have a set formula, so it always keeps it interesting.

MC: My personal favorite track on the record is Under the Stars. Have you guys noticed it as a fan favorite while taking it out on the road?

MP: Under the Stars is probably our all-round favorite. It always seems to give off something special on the stage. It was the first song we recorded for the album, and it still seems to be shining through.

MC: You guys have been on the road with The Smashing Pumpkins and will soon be joining Anberlin. What an incredible opportunity to be on the road with such established acts. Have you learned anything from these bands while on the road?

MP: Well, I’m not too sure on tips just yet. I’m still in the dressing room about to play our first show with the Pumpkins! Give me a couple of days and I’ll let you know some tips!

MC: Other than music, what are some of your influences as a band?

MP: It’s hard to find time to get out of the world of music, especially when you’re into a heavy touring circuit as we are, but we have our outlets. I have an interest in science, spirituality and ascension, reading a book called “The Source Field Investigations” by David Wilcock. That keeps my mind busy and inspires me as a person. I wouldn’t like to say what truly inspires everyone else’s minds, you may have to ask them next time.

MC: I love the video for Headlights. Who thought of the concept?

MP: We worked with our record label and they threw out a few ideas. We wanted to keep things as real as possible and give the audience a chance to see what we are like live, and listen to the song without too many bells and whistles. Stripped and to the core.

MC: Have you all discovered your favorite venue to play at yet?

MP: I think this may differ for everybody, but my personal favorite is Rock City in the UK. A really good venue with amazing people who work there. Always leave there feeling respected and having a good show.

MC: Any advice for bands just starting out?

MP: It can be a long road! Play music for fun, and keep that in the forefront of your minds! Always evolve and progress your art! Be ready to sacrifice everything for your dreams. If you don’t, then you are not living.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

To state the obvious: I’ve been on a pop kick lately. I know, I know, when am I not on a pop kick? As much as I love fresh talent + indie rock (hello, it’s what we do!), pop is always present in my daily musical diet. And today’s intake is no different.

Carrie Underwood delivered chills last night when she covered Coldplay’s Fix You for VH1′s Unplugged. The slice-of-heaven performance is exactly what you might expect: tearworthy, splendid, and pitch perfect (aca-awesome, anyone?).

Underwood may not be the most interesting or intriguing amongst radio’s blonde bombshells, but if one thing’s for certain, it’s that the woman knows how to deliver an emotionally-driven tune unlike any of her peroxide peers.

Sidenote: I am so jealous of her legs! Carrie, you suck.

Carrie’s version of Fix You below.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

I recently got to meet a band called Young Guns. Having heard them play acoustically not only blew my mind, but made me appreciate them on a whole new level. A few hours later, I got to see the group rock out live at a nightclub, and not only was it a seemingly completely different band, but an entirely different mind-blowing experience as well.

I am so happy that a co-worker introduced me to this band, for they are the next big thing in active rock.

Hailing from the UK, this gorgeous five-piece have the look, the stage presence, and the talent to take over the world. With their mix of weighty riffs, beguiling guitar hooks and sensitive lyrics, they will grab the attention of any genre lover. Their new record, Bones (released earlier this year via Wind-Up Records), is begging for you to spin it. The title track is super catchy and anthem-worthy.

If you are picky and looking for a copy of their resume, Young Guns has toured with some popular bands: Taking Back Sunday, The Used, All Time Low, Lostprophets and The Blackout.

You can currently catch these guys in the U.S. on the road with Seether and Sick Puppies.

Be sure to check tour dates for a location near you.

Official video for Bones below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

After some pushbacks and a legal scuffle with producer Avicii, Leona Lewis has secured an October 12th release date for her third studio album, Glassheart. And if the title track is any indication of the album’s direction, the release will showcase Leona trying on a different musical skin.

Produced by our boy, Ryan Tedder, Glassheart features Leona departing her usual production roots for a dance track laced with dubstep elements and nostalgic house beats. The track centers around a heart that’s easily broken, a theme that’s sewn throughout Leona’s stunning body of work.

Listen to the smoky title track, Glassheart, below.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

I recently unintentionally found a nifty new psychedelic rock group that goes by the name of Django Django. Too be honest, I was looking up something totally different on YouTube when their track Storm popped up. Immediately, I stopped in my tracks.

These dudes hail from London, and are gradually but surely making an impression in the States. The band consists of vocalist and guitarist Vinny Neff, drummer Dave Maclean, Jimmy Dixon on bass, and Tommy Grace on keyboards. Their self-titled debut album, released back in January, features 13 eccentric tracks that are incomparable. Their crew vocals are sharp and catchy, and I notice a somewhat 80s feel on this release as well.

I don’t know too much about them yet — so stay tuned — but be sure to get the act on your radar.

Check out their music video for Storm below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Looky who I met tonight! Paloma Faith! On her first-ever US Tour!

In the age of tweets and texts, it’s rare that an artist can take the stage and f*cking own that sh*t in a way that paralyzes technology. Well tonight, Paloma Faith did just that. Within seconds of stepping foot onto stage, in the intimate setting of Joe’s Pub in Manhattan, the pint-sized soulstress had the entire audience under her wicked spell, her heavily sequined gold dress shimmering like spilled glitter.

Her first US Tour, and she did the damn thing effortlessly. With nothing on stage but bare basics and a personality as electric as Times Square, Paloma Faith took New York City by storm.

You MUST see this woman live. End of story.

*If allowed, I’ll upload videos from the show.

Stay tuned for updates.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Yeah yeah, I know what you’re thinking… You’re thinking this is sexual. And well, you’re right. Kinda/sorta, but not really.

Rihanna and Chris Martin recently performed at the Paralympics Closing Ceremony, and maybe it was the sweat, the song, or both, but an obvious spark sparked towards the end of the performance when Rihanna’s claws touched Martin’s wet British mug.

The videos displaying this obvious musical crushbomb can be seen below.

Definitely a grade above London’s big circuit party last month!