Spotlight – Kolateral

Hmmmmm. The EP2017 from Croatian band Kolateral. What does it inspire? What does it mean?

Croatian speakers might be able to take the profoundly expansive and equivocal lyrics that kick in after a mellow intro song and analyse their meanings, connotations, metaphors and other purposes. As for the english listener its a different story. So lets decipher.

Lets start this article with a strange and unrelated story. – And heres the album, try listening to it while reading.

Dear Reader,

I’m devastated, I’ve just discovered that one of my greatest friends is leaving the country in about a week. I hate change like this. Its difficult to find good friends. I believe that anyone who believes in friendships being more than a like – a like that stands out on an infinite platform of scroll material like a lone tree is a desert – will agree that it truely is difficult to find good friends. Theres this feeling of isolation and slight paranoia that can kick in when we are alone and exposed to crowds of  uncharted people. Some criticise us, some force their viewpoints on us while other ignore and a select few find obsession with our characteristics for which we know are not worthy of such treatment.

All the while we are stuck in this middle-ground, dodging as many bullets as we can while trying to figure out which side we belong to. Its this point in our lives I want to discuss. It seems an all too common theme in Croatia, a country still split between extremely varying demographics, cultures, politics and social groupings.

Its these painful frustrations that Slavko Babić (the lyricist) beautifully paints in the song that I find the most powerful; Surfam, literally translated to ‘I’m Surfing’. Can you see how letting go on a wave of ‘whatever-is-happening’ is similar to finding your place? In both scenarios your waiting, either for the crash or for a solution.

Regardless if you understand or not, Kolateral is an album brilliantly put together around Slavko’s lyrics. This means that you need only to shut your eyes and listen to the instruments and feel their pain, motivation, relentless push and colourful range of emotions. And well, I strongly believe that you really can. And I cannot praise enough the band who deserve just as much credit as the vocalist; Guitar: Željko Šreng & Dario Rudvald // Drums: Željko Šreng & Ivan Košćak & Igor Cvitković // Bass: Željko Šreng // Trumpet: Danijel Šimić.

I give this album a strong 8/10. There are still slight imperfections and the album itself is not socially influential enough by my standards to get a 10. However, it is a wonderful depiction of what can and should be out there in the ears of the Croatian youth. Albums like this are proof that there are important, realistic, meaningful messages that can be conveyed through popular media in a really creative and touching way. This music evokes emotion, it has a feeling of the lyrics and it pushes you ever so slightly into the world in which it was written. To me thats the most valuable thing that music can do, and therefore I strongly believe that this album is worth your time, attention and this band worth our support.

Here are some links to more of their works:

• https://www.youtube.com/user/collateralos/featured
• https://soundcloud.com/collateralos/tracks
• https://www.facebook.com/collateralos/

If you would like to contact Kolateral or If you wish to work with us contact:

Mislav Petrusic (TDD founder) or dlydnld@gmail.com

 

Nick AG – Spotlight

It’s a Tuesday, and my landlord should show up on Wednesdays. “Its been a while, it really has”. These are the words he said to me today when we discused my late rent payment.  So why did he choose tonight to show up to my door and not tomorrow, wednesday?

Today was the first day that I have been able to sit down and put on some music and really relax in it. I’ve been busy with everything, you name it; starting with professors who wont let me pass because they hate their lives and ending with this landlord (who I guess will never realize that I genuinely have no money).

Anyway, I sit down and i just dont know what to play; do I put on Electronic? Daft Punk or Kraftwerk and let my brain wonder away on mesmerising repitition. Or can I put on some easy rock like The Black Keys or Mac Demarco? Then again I dont feel like being all happy, I just want to chill.

But really the answer was in the energetic, spacey and effortlessly continuous Deep House music by Nick AG. His new track, Addicted, posted on soundcloud just a week ago has the right to bare the name. With a bass that pumps like a heartbeat througout the song, and some beautiful mastering of sample vocals the song relaxes but energizes simultaneously leaving you not only chill but full of energy. Makes no sence, but its true.

As Nick Says: Adicted “came into my mind one afternoon that I was sitting in my studio because I couldn’t go anywhere else due to the cold weather (#CanadaFact). It has a kick and a bassline that get you in the mood for a great night. In the background, violins, to create an atmosphere that takes your mind away and finally the magical vocals that make you totally addicted”.

In this whole euphoria I might have forgotten to put down the bass on my speakers.

And I might live in an apartment with walls thinner than the plots of hollywood comedies.

Thus my landlord. And dam, it really has been a while since I enjoyed deep house this much.

you can catch Nick’s music on social media, and buy his music to support this artist:

Buy Link : http://bit.ly/nagaddicted

Official Site : www.nickag.com
Soundcloud : https://soundcloud.com/nick_ag
Mixcloud : https://www.mixcloud.com/NickAG/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/nickagmusic/
Instagram : www.instagram.com/nick_ag_

 

Spotlight – Irfo Ganci

Bears’ Roar

Irfo Ganci (Tropical House)

I think I am a cool dude. Sure, I dress as if I was born during the Vietnam War, my haircut is from the ‘70s and I can’t understand what the young ones are saying to me, but I can still be cool.

As it turns out, I’m more out of touch than I thought

            This week, once again, we are sticking to electronic music. And, surprisingly enough, it’s completely fine this time as well. It’s okay. It works. What the fuck more do you want?

The song, Irfo Ganci (whatever the fuck that means) is a first in line of many songs made by Tatavulj (again, whatever the fuck that means). It’s a tropical house which leads the listener into the mindset of summer times, where you can imagine yourself having Pina Coladas on the sandy beaches of Hawaii, with Hulu dancers around you and the warmth of the setting sun behind your back.

That’s what the author told me, at least

            Personally, the song (composition?) does what it has set out to achieve- it occupies your mind. And, all jokes aside, it does remind me of summer. Granted, the summer other people are having, mine usually revolves around dark places and alcohol. But hey! To each its own.

As you guys already know, I will not indulge myself into the dissection of the song. I don’t really give a shit about its musical background, nor do I want to know why is the progression done the way it is. I am here for one thing and one thing only: To tell you what this song feels like.

And, honestly? It’s relaxing, soothing, It’s not too harsh, there aren’t that many annoying drops (THANK THE FUCKING GOD), and it’s well rounded. Surely, both you and I can agree that the first in line of songs of this caliber deserves at least some fucking praise.

Praise = some

            There, I gave it some praise. Now bugger off and let me enjoy the MTV summer in peace.

Joe Hicks – Rush

Raised in the rural market town of Newbury, Berkshire, English Guitarist/Singer-Songwriter Joe Hicks blends blues, funk, folk and pop influences, toeing the line between intricate guitar composition, and classic pop song-craft.

Having spent his earlier years as a guitar player in numerous different projects following a childhood of classical training, Joe released his first solo single ‘Best Clothes’ at the start of 2017.

Soon after the release of ‘Something in the Water’ in April, the 26-year old was made ‘BBC Introducing Artist of the Week’ on the regional ‘Georgey Tonight’ radio program, receiving extensive airplay across the U.K. Third single ‘Talk to Me’ dramatically increased Hicks’ audience, being playlisted heavily on Spotify and Soundcloud collections around the globe. Released in September new single ‘Rush’ sees Joe draw on his funk and soul influences. The track features a Police inspired drum groove and

Released in September new single ‘Rush’ sees Joe draw on his funk and soul influences. The track features a Police inspired drum groove and tight-knit vocal harmony, intertwined with Joe’s favored Stratocaster work.

Our writer reviews:

Joe Hicks new single “Rush” is an upbeat cut featuring fast-paced strumming and a sexy bassline. The track opens with a funky and tight sounding guitar riff backed by a smooth bass and a steady pop/rock drumbeat. The vocals come in and the instrumentation loosens up giving space for Hicks’ voice to sit nicely at the forefront of the mix. The track has a nice dynamic, switching effortlessly between choppy funk strumming and laid back jazzy bridges. The use of the smooth/sharp dynamic makes the track pop and keeps interest throughout.

At just after two minutes in the track makes a beautiful change into a monolithic and
creamy solo that brings the song to what feels like a standstill. This transition is brilliant and demonstrates refreshing variety from Joe Hicks. This part slowly builds, bringing back the vocals and upbeat feel from earlier in the track finally breaking back into the bridge and chorus from earlier in the track. This time layered vocals are added, providing a nice progression to keep things interesting.

Overall the track is well arranged and composed and seems promising for Hicks’ future
material. We look forward to seeing future songs capitalise on Joe’s ability to change things up as he did in the latter half of this track. In summary, we’re excited to hear what’s next.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/0HhyqbUARFsOWUrzTUWCI1

Apple Music: http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1283241723

iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1283241723?ls=1&app=itunes

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/joehicksmusic/rush

Spotlight – Victors

VICTORS continue with their hits as they release ‘Turn Out The Lights’.Have a listen on spotify: https://soundcloud.com/victorsofficial/turn-out-the-lights

Victors is a 4 piece Pop/Electronic band from Leeds officially formed in early 2016. The band consists of: Harry Waterhouse (Lead Singer / Guitar / Synth), Simon Appleson (Guitar / Synth / Backing Vocals), Dominic Brooks (Bass Guitar / Synth) and Matthew Gillen (Drums / Sample Pad).

Since releasing their debut single, Victors have accumulated over 1,000,000 streams on Spotify. Their top number of listeners are currently from cities such as London, New York, Los Angeles & Chicago USA and Taipei, Taiwan. The boys are consistently supported by BBC INTRODUCING WEST YORKSHIRE, and have played live sessions on Alan Raw’s show. They have also been featured on NFL, Topshop/Topman store playlist worldwide, YouTube Reload Sessions and radio stations worldwide. BBC Rotation in Canada.

So make sure to follow the band and keep updated with their new music.

Spotlight – HALA

“…I look at production like some look at skateboarding.

You can always work on your ollies, and improve on your fundamentals. ”

Ian Ruhala or HALA for short, is a Detroit based indie rock singer/songwriter with a powerful youthful presence who has recently released a new album. Read on dude….

From starting the HALA project during high school in a makeshift recording studio, Ian has come a long way to playing live shows and easily racking up over 10k views on his songs. One such example is mellow and groovy 2014 album Seniors is defiantly worth your time.

Listen to Seniors here

His latest album Spoonfed is a portrait of his life played through many choppy and trebly guitars mixed with nice rhythmic baselines. As Ian says:

“ ‘Spoonfed’ was my latest full release, and I recorded it in an attic in Detroit, early last year. It was my attempt at showcasing the orchestra in my head. I was listening to a lot of The Kinks, and 1960s rock, that usually took a rather interesting approach to the stereo imaging of a song, and therefore that inspired me heavily. “

Listen to Spoonfed here

Listen to Spoonfed here

Overall Ian’s style is very welcoming, groovy and easy going. you can listen to more of his music on the social medias below, and if yourself in Michigan, check out his live performances.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

https://www.facebook.com/halaband/

https://twitter.com/thebandhala

https://www.instagram.com/ianruhala/

https://soundcloud.com/halahalahala

https://halaband.bandcamp.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wQkmLG4x80

UPCOMMING SHOWS:

June 16^th: The Loving Touch, Ferndale, MI

• Opening up for Mango Lane
  • I will be playing bass with Mango Lane as well, that night
  • I will be doing a solo set prior to their set

Spotlight – Luna Rosa

“I’ve got a fever” as do so many others who release themselves into the world of the pink moon (Luna Rosa).

We’re talking about the self titled E.P that Luna Rosa has recently released. You can listen to it on Bandcamp @ https://lunarosa.bandcamp.com/releases and Soundcloud @ https://soundcloud.com/luna-rosa-3 . Anyway here’s Fever off you tube…

Watch Fever here

Luna Rosa are an Alternative/Psych/Indie four piece hailing from Corby, Northamptonshire.

Luna’s sound is somewhere in-between 2000’s Bloc Party, Kasabian, Favorite Worst Nightmare Arctic Monkeys and psychedelic King Gizzard And The Lizzard Wizzard. The band shows great variety in rhythmic and melodic changes, going from powerful headbanging moments to very relaxed melodic progressions.

In other words; for some songs (such as ‘Coming Up’) you need to grab a beer on the beach, lay back and relax and for the others such as (‘The Fire Inside’) you need to go out and party.

Oh and the album artwork is just a bit psychedelic…

Formed in 2014, they have played up and down the UK racking up over 200 gigs in two years, including headline and festival slots. Their Live shows are brash, exciting and raucous. Grabbing the crowd from the off and not letting them go.

The release of Luna Rosa’s first E.P in November 2015 brought an array of reviews, sessions and much bigger gigs. In 2016 the single from the E.P “This One (High On The Groove)” was played on over 50 nationwide radio stations, including BBC Introducing and BBC 6. It also gained airplay in Europe and America. Luna Rosa’s next single is due to be released in May 2017 followed by a tour.

2017 is going to be a massive year for Luna Rosa.

Spotlight – A Band Called Jack

The Manchester group A Band Called Jack is an energetic mix of urban folk. Even though the band started in 2010, their roots are firmly grounded in the Manchester art scene. This heritage has provided a rich background of influences and friends from Elbow, David Gray and Bryan Glancy.

Kiss Me is the best song I’ve heard in ages… – Paolo Nutini

Their latest track Kiss Me is a powerful yet serene love song powered by an energetic violin/guitar duo.

We had some amazing and crazy times together… – Guy Garvey

The fluidity and power of ‘Kiss Me’ explains why the band and its record label (MST Sounds) feel so confident of the upcoming debut album.

“A Band Called Jack have been working tirelessly to complete their debut album, which will not only take them & MST SOUNDS to new heights, but will also inscribe a new chapter in the rock ‘n’ roll saga.”

The band leaves us all with some good advice: “You’ve got to put in the hard yards, do the shit gigs and never give up and truly believe in your style of music, and one day you will make it! A Band Called Jack have been working their way up from playing in empty boozers, to playing in front of 10,000 people supporting Paolo Nutini.”

Useful links:
Facebook: @abandcalledjack

Twitter: @abandcalledjack

Instagram: @abandcalledjack