Another ten songs worth listening to! Aston Merrygold - One Night In Paris
Hopefully not alluding to any dodgy viewing habits, this is a stripped back, falsetto-heavy soulful number with a simple yet alluring chorus. (6.5/10) Mist - Madness
Offering a more emotional vibe to the usual quite crass grime tracks this has a nicely composed chorus and some attitude-filled verses. (6.5/10) The Plum Peppers - In Life (Album) This eleven track album has a mixture of tempos, styles and vibes and is a really pleasant, gentle listen that will lift your mood. The lead vocals are distinctive, the production crisp and the instrumentism works well. A pleasing joy from start to finish. (7/10) Rayne - Subject A Mixing in archived audio this is a neat little soft rock number. It might lack a big chorus but it's a good mixture of genres wrapped into a fun package. (6/10) Samaris - Wanted to Say
'Wanted To Say' is a gentle, stripped back, laid back number that will get you chilled out after a stressful day. Beautifully composed this is a real surprise. (7/10) Tom Chaplin - Still Waiting
The Keane frontman delivers this, a heartfelt very personal single with a touching and building sound and a great little poppy chorus. (7.5/10) Train - Play That Song
Train are known for bringing their bouncy upbeat hits to your ears and this catchy pop number is no exception, its mid-tempo swagger bringing summer to us a little bit earlier. (6.5/10) Tree - Hold My Hand 'Hold My Hand' is a slow, sauntering ballad with a great mix of instruments woven into the simple production. A lovely little number. (7/10) twenty one pilots: HeavyDirtySoul
Though not quite as memorable or tight as some of their previous singles there's something hooky about the various elements that flow together to form the whole. (6.5/10) The Wild Things - I Think You Can Do Better
'I Think You Can Do Better' is a great soft-rock number with a smooth heartfelt vocal performance and enough guitars to give it a bit of grit too. (7/10)
With
a lyrical arena that boasts whistleblowers, extraterrestrials and
self-consuming psychonauts, Scotland’s Eugene Twist is not your everyday
songwriter. After two years in the musical wilderness, his second album ‘The
Stuntman’ has arrived on the back of one mission: to let the storyteller run
riot inside the song. Taking time to build a makeshift studio and learning how
to record and mix allowed Eugene time to breathe with his arrangements. We
spoke to Eugene all about his new single ‘Stuntman’.
How would you describe your
new single ‘Stuntman’?
It’s
an upbeat song with a very kind of narrative lyric. Hopefully, if you tune in
and listen long enough, there’s a story there you’ve not heard before!
And is the stuntman based on
anyone?
I
think it’s based us all and also a character from my imagination.
Is that how your songs
usually come about?
It
depends. Sometimes you want to go into some kind of fantasy or metaphor for
something you’re feeling and then other times you might need to be more
topical, referring to something that’s a bit more direct. It really depends on
me; I write in lots of different ways.
There’s a great retro-style
video to go with the song; what was that like to do?
I
did it with a bunch of friends on not a very big budget and not on a very long
timescale. The day itself was quite intense. We had these big bright lights
that were very hot, and just trying to get the right attitude under the time
constraints was fun but quite sweaty!
‘Stuntman’ is taken from
your second album; is the single reflective of the album as a whole?
I
think ‘Stuntman’ stands as a good mid-way point for the album. It’s maybe not a
climax for the album but it’s followed by some similar songs, and there are
some similar songs that come before it. It’s a very varied album; there’s a
wide range of music on [there]. There are ballads and stuff that’s more
visceral like ‘Stuntman’. I’d say to anyone, just to listen through to get the
best measure of the album. I plan to release a few more singles for people to
get the full extent of the writing and the band.
Will you be working on
videos for those?
Yeah.
There will be one or two more videos to come from the album.
What have you been up to
over the last two years?
I’ve
never stopped doing music, ever. I kind of got caught up in the recording
process, mostly the technical side of things. The writing happens very quickly
but I decided this time to go out and get some gear together and record it
myself, so that was kind of my downfall in terms of how long it took, as I had
to learn the ropes. It started to get easier. The technology started to inform
the writing and visa-versa. It’s a useful skill to have now, this technology at
[my] fingertips.
Did this help the album
become closer to your vision?
It
does. It affords [me] some control. I’m not having to watch the clock as much
when it comes to experimenting.
Have you got any live dates
coming up in support of the album?
I’m
just about to announce some, probably next week. I’m hoping to get down to
London and maybe Manchester, and definitely Glasgow.
How would you describe your
live sound?
You’ll
want to dance and you’ll also want to tune in and listen!
Finally what are your big
ambitions for 2017?
As
an emerging artist you’re always trying to get set up so you can just keep on
doing it, so really it’s just to get out and play as many good shows as we can,
and then maybe think about another release for the year!
Find out more about Eugene Twist on Facebook and listen to this interview and his new single on our radio show on Saturday 18th February at 6pm on bcbradio.co.uk.
The
Wild Things are a four-piece alternative rock band from West London consisting
of sister-brother team Sydney and Cameron White, Rob Kendrick and Pete Wheeler.
We got a chance to speak to Sydney from the band about their new single ‘I Think
You Can Do Better’ as well as acting and other topics!
What was the inspiration
behind your new single?
A
bad thing happened with one of the band members in terms of their health and I
think it was a big ‘screw you’ to the world kind of song and how we can empower
ourselves. That was the real inspiration behind it.
Does your song writing come
from real-life inspirations?
Each
one comes around different. Sometimes a song will just come about really
organically or another time it’ll be based on a specific event. Usually I’d say
it was more organic as we spend big periods of our day writing. This one was
definitely spurred on by something but it’s usually kind of organic.
As a band you like to be
involved with the production and artwork etc. Does that help you shape the
music as you’d like it to be?
We
do everything in house, from production to making our own videos and visual
content, so I think having that control has allowed us to explore our music and
granted us more freedom to do it rather than having outside influences or other
voices saying ‘we think you should do this’ or ‘we think you should do that’,
and I think the way we have developed is because of the space that we’ve been
given, and the characters we’ve created ourselves, within our own little world.
Do you have a favourite part
of the creative process?
For
me I love just performing and going on stage and putting on a show. There’s
something very cathartic about it. But I guess we all the recording part, very
much so, especially my brother Cameron who basically writes the song and
produces. The videos are always really fun to shoot as we come up with the
concepts ourselves. We know we’re not going to be uncomfortable in any way when
we’re shooting them.
You mentioned about
performing on stage; how does your live sound compare to your recorded
material?
Loud
and energetic!
Have you got any live dates
coming up?
We
have a few. We do our own pop-up festival in Hackney and we’re resuming that in
March and we have a gig in Liverpool, our first one in the north, filming for
The Tube hosted by Janice Long, so that’s going to be fun! We have a busy
schedule.
You recently did an acoustic
session on London Live; was that a good experience?
It
was great! It was our first ever television performance. Myself and Rob, we’re
professional actors [so] we’re on television a lot, but it was a very different
experience for us to be playing music on television in that environment. We had
a great time.
You mentioned there your
professional acting work; do you have a favourite role from your credits?
I
have a TV show out at the moment called ‘Uncle’ in which I play a mean punky
character called Gwen; she’s definitely up there! I just shot a movie with
Michael Keaton playing an FBI agent which I’ve never done before, which was
cool. I’m looking forward to that coming out sometime later this year.
Is your role in ‘Uncle’
based on yourself in any way?
This
is the third series we shot. When we initially did the first series they took
on board a lot of what I was and carried that into the other series’. I love
the writers, and they’re phenomenal, and they certainly write a lot of my
quirks into the character, or maybe I’ve become the character! Maybe it’s that
way around!
You also did one of the BBC
comedy specials for the 60th anniversary?
Yes,
‘Til Death Do Us Part’. That was really fun. I’d never done anything like that
before so it was a great experience to do a period piece.
Is there a video for ‘I
Think You Can Do Better’?
There
is indeed! It’s on our YouTube channel and our social media. We shot it
ourselves under the train bridge. It was a really interesting experience. It’s
a cool video: very grungy; kind of 90s, and a bit Nirvana-y.
Do you have any EP or album
plans following the success of the single?
We
have spoken about it. This year we’re planning on releasing a number of singles
throughout 2017, and each will have a video attached to it, and maybe there’ll
be a through-line. Rather than having an album or an EP out there’ll be
different songs coming out, at a scheduled or specific time, but there’s going
to be a lot of content, a lot of good stuff, a lot of new songs. I think people
are going to be surprised.
Do you have any big
ambitions for the rest of 2017?
We’ve
been really successful over the last few months. We were the BBC Introducing
band of the week over Christmas. We’re going to be on Radio 1 in the next
couple of weeks. There are a lot of exciting things coming up. Obviously we’d
like to play the 02 but rather than saying ‘this is our goal’ we’re just
enjoying what’s coming to us naturally and organically and really enjoying
picking up new fans and the really exciting adventures coming our way!
Finally has your next single
been decided yet?
I
think our next single is going to be released at the end of March or the
beginning of April I believe so that’s really exciting. We’ve already shot the
video and it has been co-directed by another famous actor called Shaun Dooley
and it’s his directorial debut so we’re really excited to get that out there and
show the people what he’s made of along with us!
Find out more about The Wild Things on Facebook, and hear this interview and their single on our radio show on Saturday 11th February at 6pm on bcbradio.co.uk
It's that time of year pop pickers when the BBC reveal the six artists that are up for being our entry for this year's Eurovision competition, and you, of course, can pick the winner! But what do we think of the entries? Here are our thoughts on the six contenders but we'd love to read your comments below. And don't forget to vote of course! Olivia Garcia - Freedom Hearts
'Freedom Hearts' falls into the soft power ballad territory. With its reference to 'yes we can' and then 'being tore apart' is this a subtle political analogy for the change in power in a bigger continent than Europe? Musically this is a catchy number with Garcia's vocals being solid and holding the song together, though it lacks the big key change or the cheese factor you'd expect from the competition. (7.5/10) Holly Brewer - I Wished I Loved You More
There are some subtle religious undertones to this soaring ballad but this Elle King-sounding number is more powerful than the first number though doesn't have the immediate hookiness of the chorus, though it feels like a more complete piece and by the time you've heard it the chorus proves its merit. (8/10) Lucie Jones - Never Give Up On You
The first song of the set that I can take or leave. Full of high notes that don't quite hit home and a stripped back approach that doesn't quite pull on the spirits, the vocals feel just to loud in the mix and though the lyrics are well written it doesn't have the hooks of the songs we've heard so far. (5.5/10) Danyl Johnson - Light Up The World
The hooks return for this one and the more club, dance-orientated feel makes it feel different to the previous songs, but the lyrics don't really grab me. That said the gospel-influenced sing-a-long ending ends it on a high and it feels like the song with the most variety so far. (7/10) Salena Mastroianni - I Don't Wanna Fight
The most politically charged of the six songs which talks about putting weapons down, this is the song with the most balls and attitude but is a little too preachy and moralistic for my tastes no matter how good the intention, though the caribbean and rnb elements injected into it are very welcome and its heart-felt chorus gets pretty catchy by the end and it feels like the most modern of the songs. (7/10) Nate Simpson - What Are We Made Of
The most soulful of the entries so far this is a building, string-led number grounded by Simpson's listenable yet emotive voice. It's not the hookiest but it certainly has the soaring, power-ballad feeling that Eurovision calls for. (7/10) So what do I think? Well here is my order of preference, at least at time of writing! Holly Brewer - I Wished I Loved You More Olivia Garcia - Freedom Hearts Salena Mastroianni - I Don't Wanna Fight Nate Simpson - What Are We Made Of Danyl Johnson - Light Up The World Lucie Jones - Never Give Up On You What do you think? Leave your comments below!
This isn't the most revolutionary dance track ever and it's pretty similar to what you've heard many places before but it has a bit more oomph than some and it's worthy giving a spin. (6/10) Desmond John - Untradable A clubby, uptempo, pop number that might be a little familiar in parts to much in its genre but is a neat bouncy piece that will bring a smile to your face with a perky chorus. (6.5/10) Grey feat. Bahari - I Miss You
The choruses may be generic off-the-shelf dance but the verses are strong and nicely written and make the song what it is. (6.5/10) January Thompson - Too Soon
January Thompson has an incredible voice and 'Too Soon', with its stripped back piano and whistle-led riff, is a joy to listen to. Well written, produced and sung this is a joy. (8/10) Joel Gion - Tomorrow
With muddy production values that give it a throwback retro-sound this is a solid indie-rocker that ticks over quite nicely. (6.5/10) LewRey - 'Til You Come Home LewRey have always been known for using their multi-instrumentalist abilities on a single and this is a classic example, mixing in crisp piano work with saxophone on a touching, heartfelt little pop ballad. Nice. (7/10) Makala Cheung - Fire Released for this year's Chinese New Year, 'Fire' is Makala's best single yet, mixing her strong vocals with a great Chinese soundscape given a modern twist. (7/10) Norma Jean Martine - Still In Love With You
'Still in Love With You' is a beautiful, retro-number. Martine's lead vocals are both a delight to listen to and heartfelt. Lovely. (7.5/10) Sia - Never Give Up
Taken from the recent 'Lion' the song's actually better than the film. Inspired by the Indian setting of much of the film it combines that sound with Sia's familiar riff into something that works. (7/10) Zayn and Taylor Swift - I Don't Wanna Live Forever
From the upcoming 'Fifty Shades of Grey' sequel Swift and Malik bounce off each other well vocally on this touching, power-ballad. It's certainly the best of Zayn's solo work. (7/10)
Here are our latest ten recommended tracks! Amy Macdonald - Dream On
It's been a long time since we've heard from Amy Macdonald but this is a very welcome return. Bouncy, poppy and very singable this is a great comeback track and now one of her best. (8/10) Biffy Clyro - Flammable
Biffy Clyro's recent singles haven't been their best but this feels more like a return to form. It doesn't have the huge chorus that we expect from them but it's good for a quick spin. (6/10) Bon Jovi - Born Again Tomorrow
'Born Again Tomorrow' is another one of those uplifting little numbers that Bon Jovi occasionally whip out, and if you can overcome the cliched vibe and lyrics it's actually pretty fun. (6.5/10) British Sea Power - Bad Bohemian
Stripped back and so indie it hurts, the latest from 'British Sea Party' never really steps up above a one-level tune, but it's chorus is pretty catchy and it's one of their best recently. (6/10) Hayley McKay - Unspoken
'Unspoken' is a beautifully sung track with verses and a chorus that both compliment each other, with plenty of heart injected into the lyrics. Beautiful. (8/10) Jesse & Joy - Helpless
Their last single 'More than Amigos' was an absolute joy and whilst this doesn't stand up to that song (it was a real corker) this is still a great follow up, delivering a smoother more heart-felt ballad with a bigger country sound and a touching chorus. (7.5/10) Maximo Park - Risk To Exist
Even speaking as a big of the Park, it's difficult not to feel that there's been a law of diminishing returns on their albums and though 'Risk To Exist' is in the band's mold and a strong enough listen it's still pretty average compared to their heights. (5.5/10) St. Paul & The Broken Bones - All I Ever Wonder
'All I Ever Wonder' takes a little bit to get going but when it hits the chanty, layered vocals of the chorus then the heart of this gospel-tinged number shows itself. Nice. (7/10) Tom Walker - Play Dead
With his husky voice, 'Play Dead' is the breakthrough single from Tom Walker and it's a great little showcase of what is to come. (6.5/10) Una Healy feat. Sam Palladio - Stay My Love
Here at KBPS we have a soft spot for country, and this ballad is a beautiful example of the genre when the lyrics and vocals are spot on. Beautiful. (7.5/10)
Another ten great tracks that we love! Beaty Heart - Glazed
Built around some sweet falsetto-vocals, this is a gentle, touching little number with a heart at the centre of the indie-pop ballad. (6.5/10) Black Star Riders - Testify Or Say Goodbye
'Testify or Say Goodbye' is another bouncy soft rock number with a catchy chorus. It's not as huge as some of their previous songs but it's still a good 'un. (6.5/10) Camila Cabello and Machine Gun Kelly - Bad Things
An addictive mix of sweet and sexy pop chorus and slow rap verses, it's arguably Cabello's vocals that make this record and the lyrics are pretty shallow in their sultriness, but the overall mix works well. (7.5/10) Fergie - Life Goes On
Slowing down her sound has made Fergie much more appealing in this smooth, surprisingly summery number. It doesn't have a huge USP but is fun in its peacefulness. (6.5/10) James Arthur - Safe Inside
A vast improvement on his previous single, 'Safe Inside' is still a bit like a slurring drunken man singing karaoke but it's heartfelt enough to carry. (5/10) Joseph - White Flag
'White Flag' is a really catchy pop-country song built around a fun and singable chorus and a smooth production of layered up music and vocals. Brilliant. (7.5/10) Kiesza - Dearly Beloved
Much more poppy than her previous material, the verses may go on a little too long but it's a pleasing little pop number. (6/10) Melanie C - Dear Life
The only Spice Girl to really have a decent post-band career, 'Dear Life' is less bombastic than we're used to from her but it's a great little pop-ballad with some thoughtful lyrics. (7/10) Tony Momrelle - Love Me Again
'Love Me Life' is a funky and catchy little pop number delivered by his soulful voice. (6.5/10) Yes Lad - Walk Away
The lyrics aren't the most thought-provoking but it's all wrapped up in punky energy that is well worth a spin. (6.5/10)
