“To whoever is reading this, I implore you to look for music that goes beyond what is mainstream. Find artists who are really making things because they’re passionate about the music and the creation process, not because they want clout or money or whatever. There are so many amazing artists out there that are struggling to make ends meet because the big blogs or labels aren’t giving them a chance because they’re not a surefire money maker like these trashy money-machine artists…
And here we are with the artist of this week. The guy who brought us a new anthem to sing with “God Gave Rock and Roll”, but making it clear in half the time. Nothing against Argent, but is a good point when the message can be sent a bit shorter…
This week’s Music Curator chat is with Tommi from the Music to Celebrate Life playlist. It’s another wide ranging discussion looking at the problems associated with territory restrictions in the digital age – the challenge of how to listen to all the music that’s being submitted to a great chat on the nature of song writing and what makes a great lyric – it’s great stuff – thanks Tommi!
Talking to musicians, even only via email, is such a treat, especially when they can offer pleasant things such as humor and real insight. Van Tastik, an American expat living in Europe, offered just that in our brief conversation on the internet. I’ve selected his song “Drag Me to Hell” for the Music to Conquer Mountains playlist (link to song here please). Because the song is just so damn interesting, Spotify even selected him for its Delta Blues Playlist. I wanted to talk to Van Tastik about all that – his songwriting, being an expat and the power of streaming. Check it out!
Apostle is a new rising talent from London, England, whose debut single “Dakota Thunder Rising” came out right before Christmas. It’s a brilliant pop song with a very thought-provoking and poetic lyric – one of those songs that stay with you even after you’ve taken your headphones off and gone to bed.
Impressed by the songwriting talent of this young man, I asked for an interview and was granted one. I was excited. This was a wonderful opportunity for me to learn more about Apostle and more importantly, spread the word about him and his music. And no, the irony of becoming a messenger of the messenger (the definition of the word “apostle”) did not escape me.
Nigel Powell is a pretty sincere man. Although I only got to interview him via email, his answers ring with a clarity and honesty that’s pretty damn impressive. His portfolio is pretty impressive, also. He’s been a part of Frank Turner’s touring band The Sleeping Souls for ever now and working on several projects on when he’s not on the road. The Sad Song Co. is the one project where he’s most himself and doesn’t depend on the vision of others. Powell’s new record Worth is due February 9, 2018. It’s a collection of songs that flow seamlessly into one another, in spite of the impressive eclectic songwriting style he displays. While a solemn prog rock vibe is the thread holding them together, Powell plays with whimsical pop arrangements, minimal synthesizer rhythms and sweeping guitar solos to craft his intricate music.
Q: You use a lot of spiritual imagery in your lyrics. How does religion influence your songwriting?
Welcome Again to this section where bands/artists that submitted their song, have a little interview to more about them and make their week more informative apart from the awesome videos.
I normally try to introduce the band giving some info about them, but with these questions we have plenty data of the to be introduced, know them better and love them. So, let’s start with the interview.
Dylan Dunlap released his new EP “Feels Right at Home” almost two months ago. His past EPs and Album shows all the potential of this 21 year old multi-instrumentalist, but more importantly they show his way of singing about life and his way of verbalising himself to the world. This is why I think he’s a perfect example of the idea of Music To Open Another Door.