January was pretty damn fantastic for music. Let’s see if February can improve on that, or at least keep the momentum going… here are this week’s new music releases for your listening and purchasing pleasure:
I sometimes find myself drawn to incredibly experimental music and vocals, and the music of Matana Roberts certainly encompasses both of those. She’s an innovative, award winning free jazz musician who continuously explores the depths of her mind to produce multi instrumental, intensely layered musical stories of past astrocities such as slavery, and the strength and courage of those people. Her music is compelling and remarkable, yet admittedly a very acquired taste. It’s something you must experience for yourself.
Regular readers will already have an inkling that I’m quite into music with a psychedelic style. Whilst not traditional psychedelia (whatever that is!), Breakfast in Fur have traces of it, which coupled with indie folkpop sounds rather lovely. There’s also a sweet, endearing innocence within their music. I could very easily spend a pleasant Sunday afternoon listening to their new album “Flyaway Garden”. Listen for yourself…
If it’s punchy, inyerface, everso slightly blues rock music you’re after, then look no further than Two Gallants and their fifth album “We are Undone”. I think the only thing I’m not entirely convinced about is some of the vocals – I find them to be a tad querulous in places, which is a shame as their music is pretty strong. However, they then hit you with a song like “Incidental” and it’s all better again! Check ’em out!
H Hawkline describes his own music as “strange pop”. I suppose it is quirky, but pop? I’m not sure about that. I think I’d say “zany indiepop”, perhaps! Anyway, who cares? Labels schmabels. He’s got a lovely, naturally fearless way of delivering music. It’s imaginative, slightly disjointed, and intelligent. I like it – a lot. Here’s “Moons in My Mirror” from his upcoming album “In the Pink of Condition”:
Last up this week is from the band whose song “Waves” I chose as my Song of the Week. From Manchester four piece Shinies, the album “Nothing Like Something Happens Anywere” (don’t you just love that title?!) is due out imminently, and it’s a beautiful thing that you need in your life. Their music has a certain fragility, whilst also being bold and strong. It’s like dark and light at the same time.
I’m always interested to hear opinions on various aspects of music from people who look at things from different perspectives, and I enjoy working out where people get their inspiration, tastes and motivation from. I find it’s a good discussion point, and that people who are truly passionate about music have some extremely interesting viewpoints.
I recently asked experienced guitar and bass player and teacher Richard Mackman about his love for music, and how his career has progressed since he first had the inclination to learn to play. Read on…
* Starting with the complete basics, do you remember the time you first felt compelled to learn how to play music? Can you describe it to me?
Seeing Noddy Holder on TOTP in March 1973 (I was 6) playing Cum on Feel the Noize was the clincher. I thought “Now then, THAT’S what I wanna do!” Here is the exact video:
* What was the first guitar you owned?
An Eko 12 string guitar that my cousin Chris gave me for a tenner back in 1982 for helping him move house – it was a great guitar, now sadly deceased though.
* What’s your favourite guitar that you’ve ever owned?
A 1985 Fender Strat, in black. I only paid £200 for it, it is my most comfortable guitar and sounds like cream.
* Are you self-taught, or did you have any lessons?
I had about 6 months of lessons with a blues player when I was 17 – he wasn’t a great tutor, but we used to jam and improvise a lot, and I ended up then working for him in his shop on a Saturday for £5, and was a roadie for his band – this was invaluable experience.
* What is the first song you learned how to play on guitar?
Blimey, I think it may have been “When I’m 64” By The Beatles – there are some cool chords in that.
* How did things progress from there? Did you join bands, or just play as a hobby?
I started writing songs, mostly instrumentals, right from the beginning, long before I really tried to learn other people’s songs. My guitar was a vehicle for self-expression, and I was feverishly prolific in those early years with my compositions. I was then in two bands, one of my own forming and an established “indie” band on bass, both within 18 months of me starting to play.
* Have you got any formal music qualifications?
I have a diploma in Sound Recording and an ‘O’ Level grade A in Music!
* Do you have a preference of the type of music you enjoy playing?
I’ve always loved “Rock” music, whatever that means these days, but I started off with a bunch of exciting Hard Rock bands, and then moved through into punk, so I always have a formative soft spot for those genres.
* Have you ever gone a day without picking up a guitar?
Rarely – even when on holiday I’ve had access to guitars!
* How did you initially get into teaching guitar and bass?
I’d dabbled a bit early on, teaching a couple of friends/acquaintances. I was then made redundant in 1991, so thought “why not, I do not like working ‘for the man’”, so I decided to give it my best shot. I’ve now been teaching since March 1991.
* Where do you teach?
I have a very cool designed studio room in my house. It’s perfect, and I love the whole set up.
* You’re currently in a few different bands – does that interfere with your teaching, or vice versa?
I’m able to manage my time pretty well, with certain nights for each band to rehearse, some bands are more busy and regular than others. The Contrast takes a certain priority since we do have a recording contract but I have 3 other bands I’m involved with.
* If you had to choose between teaching or being in a band, which would it be and why?
I think I’d always want/need to do both, although I’d love to just have one band I was committed to that played live a couple of times a week. Teaching keeps the mind sharp, keeps the skills up, enables me to make a reliable living, and also to meet a bunch of cool people too, and I get to hear a lot of new music.
* Which guitar and bass players would you recommend that people watch and learn from?
Paul McCartney is pretty tasty on bass, the “classic” players offer so much, so looking at people that are iconic legends from the last 50 years is the way I’d tend to steer people. There are dozens – personal favourites such as Bruce Foxton, Jay Bentley, James Jamerson, Scott Gorham, Richard Thompson, Geddy Lee, Brian Baker, James Hetfield, BB King… the list is endless!
* Is there anything you don’t like about teaching?
The hours are flexible, but can be unsociable sometimes, people who don’t show up, or who argue the toss about paying the late cancellation fee really get on my wick. This is not just my hobby, it’s my living and people need to understand that.
* How do you deal with people who aren’t motivated to learn?
There is only so much enthusiasm, guidance and effort I can put in, but if students do not practice, don’t really want to do it, are unreliable or make excuses then sadly I cannot wave a magic wand and turn them into Jack White – they have to meet me half way and give it their best shot. When they do that I’ll give 1000% to enable them to be good at their instrument.
* What’s the best thing about teaching other people?
Inspiring people. Music IS the great communicator, it transcends all barriers and it is a joyous, inexpressible, benevolent thing to be involved in. Seeing kids learn from nothing to becoming really talented through my help is very, very rewarding.
* What advice would you give to beginners who are nervous?
Try to consciously relax, clear your mind, and try and simplify the basic things I’ll be teaching you. One small thing done perfectly, added to other small achievements soon becomes the basis of your whole playing experience.
* What common mistakes should people try to avoid when learning?
Practicing irregularly and without a routine. Avoid getting into the habit of feeling you “can’t” do something – you can quickly become disheartened with that notion.
* If you could go back in time and give yourself some advice for learning guitar, what would you say?
Start early. I wish I’d have picked a guitar up and had lessons aged 10 instead of waiting.
* What’s next for you in the world of music?
I’ve a couple of new band ideas on the go that I’m very excited about; my new band The Expletives is a lot of fun, and we are gigging furiously through 2015. Come see for yourselves.
Richard Mackman has taught guitar and bass in the Greater Peterborough area for nearly 24 years. He has a wealth of experience, is passionate about what he does and is highly recommended by students both past and present.
He’s currently in four bands – The Contrast (bass), Sex Pistols tribute band Filthy Lucre (bass), The Expletives (guitar) and Ignition (bass), and as he mentioned has a lot of gigs coming up this year so you can go along and see him and the bands in action! He’s also part of an exciting new band, the details of which will be revealed all in good time!
If you’re interested in having lessons with Richard, you can contact him via his official website.
If I had enough hours in the day, I’d blog about every single album released every single week, but I simply don’t have the time. Here are a few of my picks for next week’s new releases, along with a list of lots of others that might tickle your fancy!
Dengue Fever are back with album number seven, “The Deepest Lake” and it’s just as distinctive as always. African beats, psychedelic melodies and adventurous, beautiful vocals. This is truly wonderful.
I’d never heard of Young Ejecta before today, and I really wish I had. Everything about the music this Brooklyn based duo are releasing on “The Planet” EP is quite obviously sexy, not least the cover image!! This is modern ambient electronica done very, very well. I for one did not hesitate to click that pre-order button!
If you need something to chill out to on a Sunday afternoon, then “Individ” by The Dodos could well be your album of choice. Don’t go thinking they’re in any way dull, though – they have a great quirky edge to their version of indie folk. Loveliness.
Another band I can’t believe I’ve never heard of before are Motorama, who are on the verge of releasing their fourth album, “Poverty“. Their music has a sublimely simplistic touch. I love the atmospheric, echoey vocals, rhythmic bass and lilting guitar, interspersed with ethereal sounds throughout. This is an absolute delight to listen to.
Zun Zun Egui are one of those bands who like to experiment with a vast array of styles within their repertoire. One could certainly never describe them as boring, and their latest album, “Shackles’ Gift“, absolutely lives up to that with its energy and confidence. This is a very enjoyable album indeed.
Menace Beach – “Ratworld”: Shoegaze, grungy, elements of Britpop, chaotic… you’ll love it! Buy the album on Amazon or iTunes.
Much excitement surrounds the long overdue new album from Sleater-Kinney‘s, “No Cities to Love”. They have an audience who is more than willing to listen, and although they’ve had a 10 year break, they have pulled together to release an album that is also winning the hearts of the ever-fickle and judgemental media.
Low key, electronic effects, synths & ambient elements are what Diagrams‘ album “Chromatics” seems to be about. It’s rather pleasant, but not life changing. Grab it on iTunes and Amazon.
Critically acclaimed artist Hanni El Khatib is releasing his third album, “Moonlight”. A true labour of love, this album exudes confidence and greatness. A must buy, in my opinion!
Haunting, stripped down, attention grabbing, thought provoking, sublime, and elegant. These are just a few of the thoughts that went through my mind when I first listened to “Where in Our Woods“, the fifth album from Elephant Micah. I hadn’t heard of this band before, but it’s very much a case of better late than never for me. This album is a thing of wondrous beauty. Make it part of your world.
There’s something for everyone within next week’s new releases – have a listen, and if you like it please buy it! Enjoy!
Liam Hayes (AKA Plush) will release his first album in five years. Entitled “Slurrup”, you can pre-order on Amazon, iTunes, Bandcamp and via the official website. His track “One Way Out” was recently premiered by Uncut magazine, who were incredibly complimentary about this accomplished musician. There’s not a lot I can say that they haven’t already said! Have a listen here…
Follow Liam on Soundcloud, Facebook and Twitter. He’s hopefully due to tour soon, so keep your eyes peeled for info.
French death metal band 6:33 are releasing an album that I can only describe as bizarre. “Deadly Scenes” is creepy, quirky, sometimes beautiful and occasionally downright weird, not least in its mix of genres. It’s an absolute mind bender of an album. You’re going to love it. It’s available to pre-order on Amazon and Bandcamp.
You can contact the band’s label, Kaotoxin, via Twitter and Facebook, and follow them on Soundcloud.
“Panda Bear Meets Grim Reaper” is the new album from Noah Lennox of Animal Collective, AKA Panda Bear. Experimental, fun and with injections of experience, modernised melodies and clever techniques, this is a superb comeback for this critically acclaimed artist. Even his website is fun!
If you want synths, beats that race against one another, experimental jazz, calm, atmospheric moments to oppose the frenzied ones, and an inability to pin a band down to one genre, then Archive, with their new album “Restriction”, are for you.
Still want more?! That’s good, because I have two more new releases to bring to you!
Critically acclaimed alt-country musician Justin Townes Earle is due to release the second part of what was originally to be a double album, where each half took on its own identity so was released separately. Absent Fathers is the follow up to Single Mothers, which was released in 2014. It’s available to pre-order now on Amazon and iTunes. Follow Earle on Facebook, Twitter and Soundcloud. This is by no means what I’d call a groundbreaking album, but it’s good old fashioned, honest, does what it says on the case, country music, if you’re into that kind of thing.
Lastly for today, I give to you a new EP from a man I first heard of when I stumbled upon his cover of Bike by Pink Floyd. I’m usually not keen on people messing with songs by one of my favourite bands, but made an exception in this case as it was brilliantly mad! I’ve been interested in his work ever since. Ty Segall’s new EP, Mr Face, is due for release on 13th January. At only £1.79 for four songs on iTunes or Bandcamp, you can’t really go wrong with this little beauty! I’m in danger of babbling on about this, so will just let you listen…
This week I bring to you three superb and essential new music releases,,,
Tētēma (a project by Mike Patton & Anthony Pateras) release their album “Geocidal”. Buy it now on iTunes and Amazon. You can follow the record label, Ipecac Records, on Twitter.
Ghost Culture’s eponymous debut album is available on iTunes and Amazon. Follow Ghost Culture on Twitter and Facebook.
Låpsley releases her EP, Understudy at midnight tonight! You can contact her on Twitter and via Facebook, and buy the EP on iTunes.
