melodicmuse

May 14, 2024 melodicmuse

Róisín Murphy announces ‘Hit Parade Remixes’ album, shares “The House (System Olympia Remix)”

Róisín Murphy has announced Hit Parade Remixes which will be out May 24. The album features nine remixes of tracks from last year’s Hit Parade album by Moodyman, Eli Escobar, Baba Ali, Payfone, and more.

You can listen to the System Olympia remix of “The House” which turns one of the more overtly disco tracks on the record into synthy/housey territory. “I’ve known System Olympia for a couple of years having reached out directly to her because I fell in love with her music,” Murphy says. “We have collaborated on coming music for her project and she put together an incredible DJ mix for my BBC 6music residency and curation last year. She’s a producer and songwriter of immense class, her work is deeply funky and sexy and cool. She’s Italian with all to cool stuff that goes along with that, she’s a sister.” Listen to that below.

Róisín kicks off her summer North American tour in less than a month at NYC’s Brooklyn Paramount on June 7. All dates are listed below.

roisin-murphy-hit-parade-remixed
Hit Parade Remixes:
The House (System Olympia Remix)
The House (Ruf Dug Remix)
Can’t Replicate (Baba Ali Remix)
Can’t Replicate (Hernan Cattaneo & Mercurio Remix)
CooCool (Club Mix)
CooCool (Suricata Remix)
You Knew (Payfone Remix)
You Knew (Eli Escobar Remix)
What Not To Do (Moodymann Remix)

RÓISÍN MURPHY – 2024 TOUR DATES
May 29 – Primavera Sound Festival – Barcelona, Spain
May 31 – Mailfeld Derby – Mannhein, Germany
June 7 – Brooklyn Paramount – Brooklyn, NY
June 8 – MTELUS – Montreal, Canada
June 10 – HISTORY – Toronto, Canada
June 11 – Rivera Theatre – Chicago, IL
June 13 – Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival – Manchester, TN
June 15 – The Fillmore Miami Beach – Miami, FL
July 4 – Rock Werchter – Rotselaar, Belgium
July 5 – Montreux Jazz Festival – Montreux, Switzerland
July 11 – Montreux Jazz Festival – Montreux, Switzerland
July 26 – Crystal Palace Bowl – Bromley, UK
August 20 – Kindl-Bühne Wuhlheide – Berlin, Germany
August 21 – Stadtpark Hamburg – Hamburg, Germany
August 22 – Rock En Seine Festival – Paris, France
August 24 – Wythenshawe Park – Manchester, UK
November 1 – Roseland Theater – Portland, OR
November 2 – Moore Theatre – Seattle, WA
November 3 – Vogue Theatre – Vancouver, Canada
November 7 – The Shrine – Los Angeles, CA
November 9 – The Warfield – San Francisco, CA

May 13, 2024 melodicmuse

Montreal Indie Mavericks Debbie Christ Topple Our Collective Inhibitions on Debut Album Tower

No one would ever mistake singer-songwriter/guitarist Clara O’Page as the shy type. As the mastermind and frontwoman behind the genre-bending Montreal mavericks Debbie Christ, O’Page rifles through an array of musical styles, topics, moods and perspectives like a stage actor going through costume changes. Now, with their thrilling full-length debut Tower, O’Page and her bandmates stand poised to topple our collective inhibitions around shame, sexuality, and trauma with a theatricality and fashion sense that hits hard while also making the subject matter more palatable.

“I’m the youngest of six,” O’Page explains, “so I was encouraged to be funny and outgoing — I love to be goofy and make people laugh — but vulnerability was foreign to me. I grew up in an Evangelical household where you just don’t talk about the icky bits. You save those for God. On top of that, my dad’s side is English. It’s a very repressed cultural mindset. So, where I’m typically a clown day to day, music is my place where I can be more serious. Getting into punk music, I gradually got more comfortable disclosing my feelings. I learned that it can be revolutionary just to simply say what you’re actually feeling. That’s very profound for someone like me. Like I’m not someone who cries very easily, so music is how I do my crying. And it evolved to the point where there’s now a definite shock-value element.

The video for the single “Lust!” is the ultimate case in point. Suffice it to say you’d be hard-pressed to find another example of sexual violence portrayed with such stylishness and verve. “Stylish” isn’t a word we typically associate with assault, but Debbie Christ and director Aaron Nadal have somehow managed to pull-off the impossible in their portrayal of physical violation as a metaphor for addiction.

“I’m not trying to piss people off,” she adds with a laugh, “but I feel like people need to be shaken up. There are too many ways that we’re all just so… bound-up. And it would benefit us all to just be able to break free and have room to breathe. My favorite photographer, for example, is Robert Mapplethorpe. I’m really inspired by his ability to make people question what art is versus what’s just vulgar and over-the-top. And I like dwelling in that place where you’re kind of squirming in your uncertainty. If you do that with a conscience — if you actually have a point — I feel like that can be very useful. Especially if the music underneath really grabs you. And that’s where all the different styles come in. We’re trying!”

An explosive mix of surf, garage, psychedelia, shoegaze, glam, punk, folk, and spoken-word, Tower jolts the “confessional music” stereotype into an all-new, decidedly assertive artform, even as O’Page’s songs reveal softness and unguarded disclosure as a superpower. At times, Tower echoes the stylish minimalism of The Velvet Underground. At other times, Debbie Christ channels an avant-glam sensibility that would’ve made the likes of David Bowie and The New York Dolls proud. Elsewhere, serrating bursts of naked emotion split the difference between Patti Smith, PJ Harvey and contemporary art-pop experimentalists like Sasami.

Indeed, Tower allows us to imagine what it would be like if pop mavens like, say, Debbie Harry or Pat Benatar had been born a generation later and fronted the Canadian folk-punk trio And The Kids. Or, for instance, if Angel Olsen had been born a generation earlier and joined Alice Cooper at the height of their druggy eccentrism.

Speaking in a prayer-like cadence at the beginning of Tower, we hear O’Page incanting the words “Elixir of life, I ask for light… I am given sound”.

For O’Page, one form of expression can always swap places with another. “For me,” she explains, “the act of making music is more like mixed media. My journals are very tactile, and I see slow fashion almost as like a new punk movement. I almost can’t help but see all of these things as going hand in hand — melodies, phrases, visuals, and fabric are always sloshing around in my head. When people listen to the album, that’s the sense I want them to get.

tracks:

  1. Sound
  2. I’ve Got Time
  3. Lust!
  4. 11/19/18
  5. 2 Lil Birds
  6. Spell
  7. We Carry On
  8. Come Back Home
  9. I Love You Bob
  10. Surrender
  11. Tower
  12. Heathen
May 11, 2024 melodicmuse

Interview: Harbor & Home

Have you ever found yourself revisiting a particular dream more than once?

I really haven’t had the same recurring dream before, but themes can be consistently brought back depending on the season of life that I am in. If I’m carrying a lot of stress in a moment, I generally will have my dreams match that.

In your opinion, what is an essential life experience that every individual should undergo at least once?

I feel like experiencing and even living in another culture should be high on the list for people. There is something amazing about being immersed in the way that someone else does life.

What’s currently playing in your ears?
A corporate conference is on the speakers in front of me 🙂

What is one book that changed your life?

The book “Atomic Habits” is one of the most practical books that I have read in the past few years. I found the writer’s logic to be extremely compelling and the advice to be easy to implement and understand.

If we’re treating, what beverage would you choose?

An ice cold Pamplemousse LaCroix if from the can, Soda water with a lime over ice from a fountain or bourbon on the rocks.

Share with us a significant dinner memory that stands out for you.

I remember visiting a restaurant called Ohana at the Polynesian Resort in Disney World as a young boy. The restaurant was immersive and well themed to match the vibe of the Island food that was being served. My eyes widened at the sight of the giant skewer of Tiger Shrimp that the server paraded around and we ate to our heart’s content.

Can you recount a challenging work experience that you consider to be the least enjoyable?

I find that being the one in charge of any event or business venture can carry the most amount of stress. I had a point in time where I was not only responsible for the band, but also another company’s top clients. The amount of stress I carried weighed on my mind and my relationships until I finally had to drop the full time job.

Reflect on the day that brought you the most joy in your life.

I remember a day when I was in my early teen years or even younger and I was having a birthday party at a small amusement park in Minnesota called Valley Fair. This trip was special because I was surrounded by my school friends, but more importantly my grandpa was able to come with us. He always added an energy and a sense of humor and fun to all things he was involved in. I remember him joking around with me and my friends on the car ride down while we all barked out our laughter.

If you had the chance to jet off anywhere right now, where would your destination be?

Probably some lakeside cabin in the northern woods with my family where we could spend the day fishing, hiking in the woods, and maybe venturing into town to go visit the small boutique and antique shops.

Who holds the title of your favorite fictional hero?

My favorite fictional hero is probably Iron Man. My favorite villain is either Magneto or Darth Vader.

How would you like people to remember you?

I think this has changed over the years. A long time ago, I really wanted to be remembered for my work ethic. As I’ve grown older and even lost others that I loved, I’ve realized that relationships are far more important to be remembered for. Love well and pour into others, engage in humor, feel what each other feels and be there for those you love.

May 10, 2024 melodicmuse

Belfast Singer-songwriter NADIA Makes Anthemic Return New Single, ‘Catch Me If You Can’

Belfast singer-songwriter NADIA is set to delight audiences with the euphoric new single, ‘Catch Me If You Can’. Scheduled to drop on 3rd May, this alluring dance-pop anthem is anticipated to be an immediate club hit. Produced by Spike Milliken in Mojo Recording Studios, Bangor NI, this number combines hypnotic melodies with an irresistible chorus, poised to launch the artist’s career to electrifying new heights.

In this seductive single, NADIA fuses her signature powerful vocal delivery with a glimmering wall of synths, tantalizing rhythms, and deeply engaging lyrics that will resonate with young fans across the UK and beyond. Illustrating the emotional whirlwind of infatuation, ‘Catch Me If You Can’ explores the unpredictable nature of love, set to fill dancefloors everywhere.

Revealing the inspiration behind the soul-stirring single, NADIA shared: “I’m so excited for my brand new single ‘Catch me if you can’ to be out! It’s a fun disco pop track, and was written about being so infatuated with someone you feel like your head is spinning!”

NADIA broke into the mainstream in 2023, marked by a string of successful releases. The lineup included ‘Every Step’, the hypnotic earworm ‘Push the Button’, and ‘Figure It Out’, produced by the legendary Arden ‘Keyz’ Altino (renowned for his work with Jay Z, Mary J. Blige, and Justin Bieber). Notably, NADIA explored the emotional rollercoaster of love in previous releases, such as ‘Love Victim’, where she delved into raw emotions of pain, confusion, and betrayal as she sang over captivating dance rhythms in collaboration with fellow Northern Irish artist Jordan Adetunji.

In February 2024, NADIA revealed her previous single ‘Buzz’, which displayed the versatility of her sonic palette with its luscious pop melodies and imagery-led lyricism. Renowned for her soulful sound and mainstream sensibilities, the artist has garnered recognition and acclaim throughout her music career, featuring in the likes of Music News, CLOUT and The Irish Post.

Since making a live debut in London supporting D3LTA at Paper Dress Vintage, NADIA is set to embark on her first mini tour, supporting Irish pop sensation Lyra. The singer-songwriter will join Lyra for four dates, gracing iconic venues The Deaf Institute (Manchester) King Tuts (Glasgow), The Globe (Cardiff) and the Omeara (London).

NADIA’s discography has showcased her eloquence and self-confidence, commanding the attention of listeners with her passionate neo-soul sound. Since refocusing her career in 2018, she has continuously impressed, releasing a series of noteworthy singles and joining forces with Sound Ballistics Music & Publishing.

NADIA’s ability to effortlessly charm with her smoky soul voice and evocative songwriting solidifies her status as one of the most exciting new voices in pop. Coupled with a gorgeous soul sound that revels in electro-pop anthemics, NADIA is ready to charm audiences once more with ‘Catch Me If You Can’.

May 9, 2024 melodicmuse

DECCA CLASSICS SIGNS THE OFFICIAL ROYAL HARPIST ALIS HUWS

“As an artist, I feel that you have a responsibility to reach people who can’t reach you” – Alis Huws

Decca Classics is thrilled to announce the exclusive signing of Alis Huws, the Official Royal Harpist, who was personally selected by His Majesty King Charles III to perform at his Coronation at Westminster Abbey a year ago.

Alis, who grew up on a farm in the rural and picturesque hills of Montgomeryshire, Wales, now graces palaces with her enchanting harp melodies. She describes going from working in sheep pens in the morning to performing in front of royalty in the evening: “I had a day last year when I was at home in mid-Wales helping with the sheep and lambs from about six in the morning until lunchtime, then I hopped on a train to London and spent the whole evening playing in St. James’s Palace.”

Growing up, there was a harp in the family home, so it was inevitable that one of the four siblings would learn to play it, although she did not immediately fall in love with the instrument, and it ended up being Alis. Alis’ raw talent eventually led her to the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and it was there, in 2019, that the then-prince (the college’s President) appointed her as the Official Harpist to the Prince of Wales. Last year, when Charles III became King, Alis’ became the Royal Harpist.

At the Coronation of King Charles, Alis played ‘the gold harp’ (the official royal harp, made by Salvi Harps and embellished with intricate gold leaf decoration featuring the Welsh dragon), alongside the specially formed Coronation Orchestra in a performance of Sir Karl Jenkins’ ‘Tros y Garreg’ (Crossing the Stone). She recalls the coronation as the “pinnacle” of her five years in the role: “Watching history happen in front of my eyes felt surreal; it was such a privilege and honour”. She has also performed for countless heads of state and Prime Ministers worldwide.

Alongside her work performing for the royal family, Alis is passionate about bringing music into communities, giving regular interactive concerts in care homes as well as working with children with additional needs: “My life is full of contrasts but I wouldn’t have it any other way” she says. During lockdown, the harpist performed for shielding families and has worked extensively with community-based charities Live Music Now!, and Music in Hospitals and Care. She is especially interested in how music can affect those living with dementia. One poignant memory for Alis is performing in a care home where a woman cried tears of joy as her husband remembered her name after listening to Alis play. “These are the reasons I do what I do,” Alis reflects.

Alis also recalls performing in New York and flying back to London the next morning to perform in a high school for students with special needs where she is a musician in residence: “As an artist, I feel that you have a responsibility to reach people who can’t reach you rather than expect them to come and find you in a concert hall. Often, my most rewarding and uplifting experiences come from bringing music into the community and finding the people who can really benefit from hearing live music.”

Now London-based, Alis has recently been selected as one of the 30 under 30-year-old Classic FM rising stars in 2024. Today Alis releases her own arrangement of her favourite Welsh folk song, ‘Tra Bo Dau’ (As long as two remain), for solo harp.

Her debut EP, which is in progress, will be released later this year

May 8, 2024 melodicmuse

The Earthly Frames Sing the Body Robotic with New Single Cicatrise Dud

Musical mad scientist Gabriel Walsh is back with “Cicatrise Dud,” the latest offering from his ever-shapeshifting project The Earthly Frames and the first single from the new full-length Infranyms, out June 3rd.

With “Cicatrise Dud,” Walsh delves into robotics and the human-technology interface while giving us a taste of his new direction: a retro-futuristic barrage of rock and pop, Infranyms sees Walsh finding the ecstatic sweet spot between new wave and no wave while balancing synthetic sounds with careful, introspective songwriting.

One of most captivating experimentalists on the contemporary indie landscape, Walsh has switched genres over the course of the last six Earthly Frames albums, from electronic to classical to what Walsh himself describes as “deeply weird rock.” And, as his body of work expands, Walsh increasingly resembles a kind of missing link between classic American eccentrics like R. Stevie Moore and modern YouTube outsider artists like Louis Cole.

Infranyms is the seventh album in Walsh’s series The Rainbow Table — a decade-plus endeavor to create an LP for each color of the classic ROYGBIV mnemonic. Infranyms occupies the much-debated indigo spectrum of The Rainbow Table. Many speculate Sir Isaac Newton only added this half-way color to align with a grander pattern he saw in observation and the occult. Infranyms celebrates this gloriously unverifiable assertion in measure and mystery.

The Earthly Frames is the current musical incarnation of Gabriel Walsh. (Walsh derived the name from the almost-disturbingly trippy children’s puppet program Magic Star Traveler.) For twenty-five years Walsh has been producing experimental pop recordings. He’s played in bands such as sad-songers Timesbold, freaky-improvers Wooden Wand & the Vanishing Voice, and Hebrew space-rockers The Solillians.

With The Earthly Frames, we can hear the through-line of layered, warped sounds that Walsh has been honing for a quarter century join up with a fixation on disjointed, fictional worlds. For example, the first Earthly Frames release was a USB drive with a one-of-a-kind narrative fragment. Owners of the devices had to choose whether or not to share their particular artifact with the others to complete the story or keep it to themselves – flipping the notion of music file sharing on its head. The following release came with a card game and short film all set in the world of a billboard salesman who’s having a nervous breakdown

May 7, 2024 melodicmuse

Olivier Cheuwa Shares New Track “MAMALE”

Cameroonian born Olivier Cheuwa star in the music industry, has just released his newest single, “MAMA LE”, a soul-stirring ode to love. With captivating melodies and poignant lyrics, Cheuwa’s latest creation pays homage to the unconditional love and sacrifices of a love so unique.

Olivier Cheuwa discovered music in his teens, joined the choir, and went on to perform in music festivals and concerts across the world.

He premiered Maggie Blanchard , a pioneer of French-speaking Gospel, in concerts in France and Belgium and also participated in The Voice of Switzerland in 2014.

“MAMA LE” resonates deeply with listeners, blending heartfelt vocals with the emotive musical direction by SEYSEY, creating a powerful musical experience.

With several awards and albums, this masterpiece in his second official language showcases Olivier Cheuwa’s versatility as an artist, cementing his position as one to watch in an afrobeats music scene completely new to him.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the song, Cheuwa expressed, “I wanted to create something that could connect with the afrobeats audience, tap right into the wave of the world with the right messages not only celebrating love so unique but serve a message so powerful.”

The music video was shot in Lagos, Nigeria by the outstanding Tariebi Joel.

“MAMA LE” is now available on all major streaming platforms, offering fans a chance to experience Cheuwa’s compelling artistry firsthand.

May 6, 2024 melodicmuse

Billie Eilish Announces Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour

Following the news of her highly anticipated third studio album HIT ME HARD AND SOFT, set for release on May 17 [pre-order/add/save BELOW], Billie Eilish has announced arena dates, produced by Live Nation, for her HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR. Starting in September 2024, Eilish will embark on her North American leg of the tour which runs through to the end of December 2024. The tour will continue in Australia starting February 2025 ahead of her European, U.K., and Ireland arena dates starting in April until late July.

Tour dates:
Date City Venue
Sun Sep 29 QC – Centre Videotron Québec
Tue Oct 01 ON – Scotiabank Arena Toronto
Wed Oct 02 ON – Scotiabank Arena Toronto
Fri Oct 04 MD – CFG Bank Arena Baltimore
Sat Oct 05 PA – Wells Fargo Center Philadelphia
Mon Oct 07 MI – Little Caesars Arena Detroit
Wed Oct 09 NJ – Prudential Center Newark
Fri Oct 11 MA – TD Garden Boston
Sun Oct 13 PA – PPG Paints Arena Pittsburgh
Wed Oct 16 NY – Madison Square Garden New York
Thu Oct 17 NY – Madison Square Garden New York
Fri Oct 18 NY – Madison Square Garden New York
Sat Nov 02 GA – State Farm Arena Atlanta
Sun Nov 03 GA – State Farm Arena Atlanta
Wed Nov 06 TN – Bridgestone Arena Nashville
Fri Nov 08 OH – Heritage Bank Center Cincinnati
Sun Nov 10 MN – Xcel Energy Center Saint Paul
Mon Nov 11 MN – Xcel Energy Center Saint Paul
Wed Nov 13 IL – United Center Chicago
Thu Nov 14 IL – United Center Chicago
Sat Nov 16 MO – T-Mobile Center Kansas City
Sun Nov 17 NE – CHI Health Center Omaha Omaha
Tue Nov 19 CO – Ball Arena Denver
Wed Nov 20 CO – Ball Arena Denver
Tue Dec 03 BC – Rogers Arena Vancouver
Thu Dec 05 WA – Climate Pledge Arena Seattle
Fri Dec 06 WA – Climate Pledge Arena Seattle
Sun Dec 08 OR – Moda Center Portland
Tue Dec 10 CA – SAP Center at San Jose San Jose
Wed Dec 11 CA – SAP Center at San Jose San Jose
Fri Dec 13 AZ – Desert Diamond Arena Glendale
Sun Dec 15 CA – Kia Forum Inglewood
Mon Dec 16 CA – Kia Forum Inglewood
Tue Dec 17 CA – Kia Forum Inglewood

May 5, 2024 melodicmuse

Sia Releases Tenth Studio Album ‘Reasonable Woman’

Sia has made a comeback with her tenth studio album Reasonable Woman, released via Monkey Puzzle and Atlantic Records.

Arriving at the stroke of midnight, the highly anticipated new LP houses 15 works including previously released cuts “Fame Won’t Love You” (feat. Paris Hilton), “Dance Alone” (with Kylie Minogue) and “Incredible” (feat. Labrinth), which, combined, have so far amassed over 200 million streams globally. 

Highlights include previously unreleased tunes “Immortal Queen” (with Chaka Khan) and “Champion” (with Tierra Whack, Kaliii, and Jimmy Jolliff).

The collaboration between Hilton and Sia marks the beginning of their working relationship as Sia will serve as the executive producer of Hilton’s next LP. On the track, the duo suggest that it’s better to prioritise relationships over the lure of fame, singing, “Little dreams come crashing / Let them wave in passing / Because fame won’t love you like a mother, like a brother should.”

Across her career, the “Chandelier” singer has amassed more than 50 billion audio streams, and landed 14 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, including a No. 1 with 2016’s “Cheap Thrills,” which led the tally for four weeks. Six of her LPs have impacted the Billboard 200, including a No. 1 for 2014’s 1000 Forms Of Fear, and six of her songs have joined Spotify’s Billions Club. 

Listen/Share Reasonable Woman here now.

May 3, 2024 melodicmuse

Renowned Singer-Songwriter Steven Blane Takes a Nostalgic Trip with New Single « Change »

Steven Blane, the accomplished New York City singer-songwriter known for his soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics, is set to captivate audiences once again with his latest album and featured single, «Change. » A musical journey that reflects on the evolving landscapes of life, « Change » delves into the cherished memories of days gone by and the transformative nature of personal growth.

In « Change, » Steven Blane evokes a sense of nostalgia for an era defined by hanging out at the mall, having pay-phone conversations, and listening to music on cassettes. Known for his reflective storytelling and New York themed songs, Blane shares a personal reflection on his wilder days, recalling moments that may seem unconventional today, such as lighting up a cigarette during a flight. Remember that?

In the album « Change » Blane skillfully weaves tales of love and loss, passion and pain. The album features poignant story songs like « She’s All Right with Me, » « Lying in Your Arms Tonight, » « Only, » « Janey I’m Missing You, » and « Chinese Restaurant, » capturing the intensity, beauty and at times, the fleeting nature of love.

Reflecting on life, Steven Blane expresses his journey from the carefree days of youth to a more contemplative present. He emphasizes the importance of embracing change as an inherent part of life, something to be welcomed and embraced rather than resisted.

« Life today may lack cassettes and payphones, but I’ve learned to take life as it comes with grace and wisdom. Change is just a part of the journey of life,” says Blane.

« Change » is a testament to Steven Blane’s musical prowess and his ability to connect with audiences through relatable and timeless storytelling. The single and album are set to be released on March 31, 2024, and fans can anticipate a musical experience that transcends time and resonates with the universal themes of change, growth, and the passage of time. https://www.stevenblane.com

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