KBPS Interview: Klez

Sound x 3 Records is pleased to announce the worldwide digital release of 'Old Soul New World' by California neo soul and indie pop writer and recording artist, John Klezmer aka “Klez” in fall 2017. 'Old Soul New World' is the explosive and aptly titled second EP of Klez, whose music lies somewhere in the nebulous middle of the soul spectrum. Take the purity and resonance of Hozier and pair it with the soulful grit of Son Little, and you get Klez. Old Soul New World is a refreshing throwback to the glory days of Motown. It is Klez unchained and ready to steal the anthems of summer. The EP was recorded in the Bay Area; mixed in Northern California and mastered by audio guru, Brian Lucey (The Black Keys, Artic Monkeys, and Cage the Elephant) at Magic Gardens Mastering in Los Angeles.

We spoke to Klez about his new single ‘Ain’t Nobody’s Fool’ and asked him to describe it.

It’s a self-empowering track. We’ve all been through those times in life where we’ve been tested by other people and life itself, and at one point we hit this point where we have to take this power back and not allow us to fall into the same issues continuously. To use it as an opportunity to recognise what has happened in the past but also to see how things can become so much better. A lot of it is self-empowerment; you’re no longer someone else’s fool. It’s allowing yourself to build as a person and individual.

Was there anything that inspired this song?

There have been multiple things that have happened in life continually, and after a while. Maybe as individuals we sometimes have to take a step back in our lives and say ‘OK, maybe I could be doing things differently’. Maybe in this case it was more just about me looking back on previous events and saying ‘I’m aware of what happened. I can’t change the past any more but it’s time for me to step forward and push forward in life, for no other reason than myself”.

Is there a video for it?

I’m in talks with a couple of different short film makers. I’m trying to come up with something that will do it justice, which is a tricky thing these days, as people have so many different approaches to making music videos. For a lot of people it’s very linear and you have multiple videos that are connected; other people go for a more artistic, abstract approach. I’m trying to find out what would do justice to the song, and really not only showcase the song itself, but I feel it’s important to have a music video that will stand alone as a work of art, even if there’s no music behind it!

It’s taken from your new EP ‘Old Soul New World’. What was behind the title of that?

I think it has a number of different meanings. First and foremost, I thought it was the easiest way to explain the music. A lot of times when people ask you about the music you make I feel like if you make it simple and clear for them to see it helps you audience know who you are. Part of it was that exactly. I grew up on a lot of soul and RNB music, so for me, so inspired by Motown and Stax records, it was a way of showing how greatly influenced I was by the old soul music, but trying to take my own modern approach for today’s world.

In another sense I was trying to do a play on words as for most of my life I’ve been considered an older soul. Everything I’ve done in my approach has always been older and more mature and different family members and friends have always labelled me an older soul. For me it’s trying to say that this music is a reflection of my attempts to survive in the modern world!

Was the Motown sound intentional? Are you a fan of Motown?

Definitely! I feel like when it comes to the song writing technique, [Motown] was undeniable successful. Whenever it came to song writing for me, I like to be inspired by the timeless quality of Motown. You can listen to songs by Marvin Gaye today and it’s still equally as popular, and it maintains that meaning. That’s always something I’ve tried to strive for as an artist, to be able to create music that maybe 30, 40, 50 years from now people will be able to listen to and it will still hold that music. To continue on the topic of soul music, Sam Cooke who wrote songs like ‘Change is Going to Come’, and now more than ever that message is very, very relevant. I always felt that was one of the most important sides of music I wanted to capture. To be able to find a way to write something that not old pertained to my life but would be relevant in the lives of others.

You’ve toured this summer – how was it?

The live music was great. One of the things I appreciate most about it is how you can watch as many different videos of an artist as the day will allow, but when it comes to live I feel it provides an opportunity to show more depth as an artist. You can show different approaches to songs; you can engage with the audience, and you can’t really predict how one show will go. This summer I did a small tour in Sweden which was amazing. The people out there were very receptive [and] very energetic. They understood the music. It was a breath of fresh air. It wasn’t my first time there, I’d been there before, [but] it was really just a beautiful moment being half way around the world for me and being able to connect with people I’ve never met before simply because of the music. I’m a huge advocate for live music and touring!

How would you describe your typical live show?

I think I’m going to run with a direct quote from someone who attended one of the shows in Sweden. I would say, energy-wise, it’s like a mix between the Rolling Stones and Motown, with a bit of Wilson Pickett. For myself I try to keep it as entertaining as possible; if that means jumping off stage, running around; whatever it takes! If I’m not out of breath and soaked in sweat by the end of it I feel like I didn’t do my job! It’s a high-energy performance with lots of running around, dancing [and] engaging with the audience. The melodies themselves remind me of how I’d want the old-school soul to sound. Pair that with my approach to musicianship and showmanship is a good way of putting it hopefully!

Finally what are your ambitions for the next six months?

Right now I’m really trying to be inspired by everything around me and push out as much music as possible. I’m going to wait just a couple of months to see how people react to the new EP and after that go full speed ahead, trying to release new music. In the next six months one of my goals is to release one more EP. I’ve recently relocated to the middle of San Francisco so there’s plenty of inspiration everywhere I go. I’m excited to see how that will reflect and show itself in my new music!

How are you finding San Francisco?

I’m loving it. I grew up in an agricultural farming community [but] moved around as a kid. I lived in a number of different places, so being in a city where there’s so much life and culture and different perspectives that come together, it’s beautiful! I really appreciate that for what it is: the ups, the downs; I don’t believe there’s anywhere that’s perfect, but I feel that if you accept things for what they are and appreciate all the little things about it, it’s undeniably enjoyable. I love it out here, and the weather, of course, is great!

You can find out more about Klez at Klezartist.com which includes links to their music on the biggest streaming sites.

KBPS Interview: East of Eli

East of Eli has received critical acclaim with American Songwriter noting West as an artist on the rise as well as being featured in such high-profile outlets as People Magazine, Hollywood Life, New York Post, Hallmark’s “Home and Family,” and more.  East of Eli has also found success selling out top venues in the US including Los Angeles's Troubadour and New York's Knitting Factory as well headlining a sold out European tour in such cities as Paris, London, Berlin, Copenhagen and more including a special performance at Liverpool's famed Cavern Club where they received their ceremonial brick and future residency.  Touring with his devoted wife and featured singer Chyler Leigh (Supergirl, Grey’s Anatomy), East of Eli has established a dedicated and fervent fan base worldwide.

We spoke to Nathan and began by asking him about his recent birthday and how he celebrated.

I had an amazing time with a bunch of our fans out in Las Vegas. We played a show there just over a week ago and it was fantastic. People from all over the world came along and celebrated it with me, which is always the best thing when you have people who love you around. It was a great time!

Your new single is called ‘Childsplay’. How would you describe it?

We actually have a couple out. ‘Childsplay’ is about young love. It’s remembering back to the days when I had first started dating. I have a son now who has started to move into that arena and has his first girlfriend, so I thought I’d write him a song about the experience and what it’s like. It’s kind of what the song is about; it’s about young, puppy love. Then we have a song out called ‘Glow’.

Do you have a preference over those songs?

I love both! I feel like they are two completely different songs. As an artist I like to cross genres a lot. Today, more than ever, we get a chance to do that. When people ask what ‘Childsplay’ I say it’s like if you took a bit of Maroon 5 and Weezer and put them together. ‘Glow’ is of its own accord right now. It’s got a bit of a ska rhythm in it, but it’s also quite electronic and it’s got some trip-hop in it too. We’re exploring here!

What was the inspiration behind ‘Glow’?

This whole album for me, which comes out in February or so next year, I kind of took a lot from my personal experience, with my family and stuff. I wrote songs for everybody, including myself, and felt the message behind it translated very well with the fans. In one sense it’s a very personal album [but] on the other side it’s for everyone out there. The fans have really connected to it. ‘Glow’ is something that I actually wrote for my daughter. Sometimes she feels very insecure about who she is; she feels she’s a bit different and we try to celebrate that in our house. I felt like writing a song for her, to encourage her, and so many others. You are unique for a reason and it’s important to allow that person to come out as the world needs that. Once you discover that you discover the missing puzzle piece that makes the greater picture. Instead of hiding it, let it glow, let it shine!

That’s the idea behind it; then you put in a bit of that trip-hop and the electronic behind it and it comes alive really quickly.

Is it important to you as an artist to blend different genres and do different things with your music?

Absolutely! I fight that every day with my team. Everybody wants me to home in on one particular genre or a type of sound but I feel like Van Morrison. He kind of found the same genre but if you listen to [him] there’s a lot of difference even in the tonality of the vocals. It’s like he was always expanding and growing and changing and I feel like music is in a place where we, as artists, have the upper hand to really explore our creativity and our artistry and push the limits. I try to find a through-line when I write, even with melody. It’s a blank canvas for me when I step out into the studio these days. I just love exploring what else I can bring to the table.

We have another song coming out called ‘Nine to Five’. Working with Rocky [he said] ‘I think he’s just crossed like thirteen different genres in one song!’. The idea is not to get as many different genres in as you can, it’s just where the music leans into. We might take the bassline from a funk background; in the chorus we have gospel going on, and in the background vocal. It’s fun. Music’s in a good place right now.

Click here to listen to 'Glow'

You’ve been in the studio recently; what have you been working on?

I’m trying to finish this album that I’ve been working on for almost two years now. It’s changed hands; I’ve worked with a few different producers on it. I feel the evolution of ‘East of Eli’ started as a band, and ended up being a solo thing for myself. It’s obviously still a band but it lives and dies with me as the artist. For several years we’ve been putting that together but we’re now in the home stretch with three songs left, two of which are pretty much done. We have one last one; we’ll go in and get everything mixed down and it’ll be released in early 2018.

Is it quite a varied album in style?

Yes it is [but] there is a through-line. You can connect to it; you can definitely tell it’s ‘East of Eli’. But at the same time I always live outside the box. For me I wanted to bring something fresh and exciting. We don’t really buy albums any more. We create playlists, and all that playlist are singles. I’m looking at my album like I’m putting together twelve singles rather than one album. There’s continuity because it’s me, I’m ultimately the artist behind it, so there’s that connectivity, but at the same time why not cross genres and explore a bit; as an artist that’s what I’m supposed to do right?

You’ve performed live lots including at Liverpool’s famous ‘Cavern Club’. How would you describe your live show?

The fans like to call it an EOE experience. It’s definitely that; it’s an experience through and through! A lot of time people come out to discover something new. At the end of the show I talk to the fans and the thing I hear the most is how they came to hear me for the first time, or came with a friend to check me out, and now “I’m in!” We have people who fly in from all over the world. People as far as Japan, Brazil, all over Canada, UK, Germany, all flying in for a concert in the Roxy which we sold out. It’s incredible! We have the best following, and I feel the fans make it what it is. We have the best fans in the world so I’m really thankful for that!

Finally what are your ambitions for the next six months?

It’s just really important for me, right now, to get back and get out there and finish this album. It’s been a long time coming. I’ve toured a bit but not as much as I’d like to. In 2018 we’re going to get ourselves back around the world; definitely get over to the UK and Europe, and then push onto Brazil, Australia and a few other places, to try and expand our reach!

You can find out more at Eastofeli.com, youtube.com/eastofeli, twitter.com/eastofeli, and instagram.com/eastofeli and find their music on all good streaming sites.

KBPS Interview: Starsailor

Starsailor are back with a brand new album called ‘All This Life’ and from it a new single ‘Take A Little Time’. We spoke to lead singer James as he and the band prepared for the Leeds date of their latest tour, and began by asking him what people could expect from their live show.

Just a good show; a few of the songs from our new record ‘All This Life’ and a few of the old tunes as well!

How has the tour been going so far?

It’s being great. We’re only four gigs in now so it’s early days but it’s been brilliant so far; I’m really enjoying it.

Any personal highlights so far?

I think the last show we did in Bristol was really good; that was probably the best one so far.

You’re back with a new single called ‘Take A Little Time’; what is the inspiration behind the single?

I guess it’s about having a bit of time to yourself. Obviously there’s a lot of demands on your time and your attention so it’s important to take a deep breath and do things for yourself as well as other people and to please other people, taking stock of your life and relaxing for a while.

Musically how does it fit with your older material and the other songs on the album?

It’s a bit of a departure. It’s quite an upbeat, funky little number. It’s a bit different to the likes of ‘Alcoholic’ or ‘Blood’ off this album. It’s a more emotional moment. It’s one of the lighter moments on the album.

Is there a video on the way for the release?

Not that I know of the moment. We did a video for ‘All This Life’ and I think in this day and age there’s so little money in the music industry. We used to do a video for all the singles, and now it’s all lyric videos and keeping it simple! Obviously if it becomes a massive hit there might be some budget to do it, but at the moment we’ll just stick to the tune!

Your new album is ‘All This Life’. What’s the journey been like in recording that?

We did it down the road in Halifax with Richard McNamara who’s making a name for himself now as a producer. He’s got a residential studio as well so we all stayed down there which made it a good experience.

Was there a concept behind the album when you started to theme the tracks?

[There wasn’t] a particular concept. A lot of the lyrics were informed by my recent experiences and the ups and down of life that I was going through at the time.

Is it important to you as a singer-songwriter to put those personal moments into your music?

Yes, I think so. It’s difficult, obviously, when you’re talking about other people and the experiences you’ve had. It can only be your point of view so you have to make sure it’s not too harsh! I think it’s important as it’s cathartic writing songs, as you work through issues.

You’ve just celebrated sixteen years this month since the release of your debut album; what’s it like reflecting back on that album?

We certainly reminisced. It’s been a mad few years since we released that and you go through a period where the first album is really big and you try to move as far away from that as you possibly can as you try to prove that you’re more than just a one record band, but after all these years when going back to it that all these years later people still are fond of that record and it’s informed some big moments in people’s lives.

Did the break before you came back with your greatest hits rejuvenate you as a band?

Yes, definitely. I find the whole process, though a lot of it’s extremely enjoyable, like the touring aspect particularly – I really enjoy touring. But there’s certain things like pouring out blood, sweat and tears into a record and then it all hinges on one week, whether it gets on the radio [and] whether it sells anything. I find that whole process emotionally draining. I’m also working on different musical projects so the band isn’t the be-all and end-all, which you would think makes it less important, but that adds to the creativity and takes the weight of your shoulders, and it becomes more about enjoying music and four mates getting together and coming out with the best music we can really.

What is it about the live experience that you most enjoy?

I think it’s the crowd reaction. You know from the first song when you go on stage, if the crowd gives you a good reception then you know you’re in for a great night. Meeting people, seeing different cities, even for the second, third, fourth time it’s good to catch up with old mates!

What’s it been like revisiting your older material – have you done any tweaks to them?

We have to keep fairly faithful to the original versions, though ‘Good Souls’ and ‘Tell Me It’s Not Over’ take on a new life when we play them live, and they’re quite a bit longer than they are on the records as we like to go for it at the end. But generally the rest of the songs remain pretty faithful as people come to sing along and they know the songs better than us so if we take them off on a tangent we’ll get more complaints than people say they’re glad we’ve changed it up a bit.

What’s your favourite song off the album to play live?

‘FIA’! I love playing that. I just think it’s one of the best things we’ve done in a long time. It’s got quite a unique sound to it and I’m all for the sentiment of it and everything!

Finally if you had a motto from your new album would it be ‘Listen To Your Heart’, ‘Take A Little Time’ or ‘Fuck It All’?

All of them! I suppose ‘Listen To Your Heart’ is the most resonate. There are times when ‘Fuck It All’ is relevant and apt and time’s where it isn’t and you need to think about things for a bit, but ‘Listen To Your Heart’ always works at whatever level, so that’s where you should take your guidance really!

Starsailor – Live at Leeds

Starsailor certainly delivered the goods in their 95-minute eighteen-track set that covered all their biggest hits and a selection of songs from their new album. Personal highlights for me including a brilliant energetic cover of ‘Tell Me It’s Not Over’ near the end of the main set, including a smooth interpolation with MGMT’s ‘Kids’, kicking off a strong concluding triplet that included personal favourites ‘Four to the Floor’ and ‘Silence Is Easy’. Mixing in songs from all the albums, even as someone not hugely familiar with the tracks outside of their big hits, it was a powerful and fun show with the band on strong form. Supported by two great acts this was a strong and well received show that packed out the Leeds Beckett venue.

Setlist

Listen to your Heart

Alcoholic

Poor Misguided Fool

All This Life

In the Crossfire

Lullaby

Blood

Fever

American Girl (Tom Petty cover)

Take A Little Time

Caught in the Middle

Tie Up My Hands

Best of Me

Tell Me It’s Not Over (with Kids)

Four To The Floor

Silence is Easy

(FIA) Fuck It All

Good Souls

New Music Review #101

Ten more songs you have to hear!

Dornik - Bestie

Bestie is a cool, funky soulful number with a strong rnb production vibe and a sensual lead vocal that provides a warm feeling to a cold night. (6.5/10)

Evanescence - Imperfection

It's been a while since we last heard from Evanescence and from the sound of this new single not a huge amount has changed but the mix of orchestral strings and Amy Lee's souring vocals are on top form here and it's great to hear them back! (7/10)

George Maple - Hero

'Hero' is a driven little number with an interesting beat and a smooth vibe, led by the delightful vocals of Maple. A grower. (7/10)

Johann Sebastian Punk - Tragedy

With a great act name but a rather unusual look and video, 'Tragedy' with its indie-rock guitars, classical stylings and drawn-out vocals is a track unlike anything you've heard recently but somehow its eccentricity and crazy production works. (7/10)

Kamille feat. Avelino - Body

With a rather experimental production style and layout this is quite a free-flowing track and difficult to describe, but there's something about it that works, and the guest verse by Avelino smooths it up quite a bit. (7/10)

Lewis Capaldi - Fade 

With a delightfully gruff voice sounding like James Arthur if he could actually sing, this is a beautifully sung song like a Sam Smith number with more bite. Great. (7/10)

Nintendo - Jump Up Super Star (Short Version)

It's a fine between advert and song for this, but this swing song from the upcoming new Super Mario game is a great, foot-tapping number with some nice tongue-in-cheek lyrics and a great catchy ending. (7/10)

Reverend and the Makers - Black Flowers

I'm still not quite sure what to make of the new Reverend and the Makers sound but the eerie, ethereal sounds of this latest single are quite intriguing and listenable. (6/10)

Summer Heart - Follow

One of Summer Heart's best tracks, 'Follow' is a delightfully catchy song, beautifully produced and warming, with some neat multi-layering. (7.5/10)


Tove Styrke - Mistakes

You never meet a Tove and suddenly there's a new one. 'Mistakes' has a chorus that takes a bit to sink in but it has a pleasant enough pop feel to its sound and a fun upbeat rhythm. (6.5/10)

KBPS Interview: Binky

Binky is a happy go lucky, wild and bubbly singer from London. Her unique, raspy and captivating tone makes her one of a kind, driven by relentless amounts of determination. Fusing her love of urban pop and country music, Binky is a unique sonic force in the British country music scene. While her sound reflects the marriage of the two sounds with the current US industry, her distinctively British take adds a striking new dimension that sets her apart from all her contemporaries.

Having established herself as a presenter on Sky TV’s The Smith & Rogers Country show, Binky is a well-known face within the British Country scene. With each show featuring a performance by its presenter, Binky’s strength as a performer was immediately evident to all viewers, while the diversity of material performed showed she was a talent on the brink of bigger successes.

We spoke to Binky and began by asking her to describe her new single ‘Fireflies’.

It’s a great interpretation of a new sound within the UK. I’ve taken the Nashville country sound and tried to meld it with a London urban sound to create a new sound of country. A lot of people are unsure about it; a lot of people love it; but everyone’s loving it as happy-go-lucky song that everyone can sing along to. It’s anyone’s interpretation of what they think it is.

What do you think it is about country music that’s proving really popular at the moment?

I think the main core of country music that everyone loves is the story. Every country song generally has a story behind it that everyone has experienced at some point in their life. They’re always very heartfelt and I feel that people can relate to them and find some comfort in them when listening to a country song. Especially with Taylor Swift who has done that for the younger generation. She was inspired by Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash, who were for the older generation, within the country scene. That’s what I would say draws people to country music these days.

You mix urban pop and country; does that reflect your actual music tastes?

I love all different London sounds, from pop music to RNB to house, but I found a real comfort in country music. I fell in love with it when I was seventeen. I spent a year learning all different things about it. I just felt there was something there that was missing in the UK that so many people have been missing out on. I thought, let’s bring it over to a more mainstream aspect. There are so many wonderful followers for country music in the UK but it’s sort of lost its way. It’s not been given the right credit in the UK yet and that’s what I’m trying to do.

The video is about to drop; could you tell us anything about it?

The official video is very Hallowe’en inspired, which is why we’ve brought it out at this time of year. It’s a little bit different. It’s not what you’d expect, [if you’re expecting] a generic country video. I think a lot of people will be unsure as to how it links to country, but I think people will love it. It’s very fun, very exciting and great for this time of year. I think it’s not too serious; it’s similar to the song. It’s playful, it’s a sing-a-long, and the video is very intriguing.

How was it to record?

It was actually filmed over in Epping Forest down in Essex and we didn’t finish filming until around 3am. As you can imagine it was pitch black and there was lots of fun and laughter, people falling over! It was very interesting! A few of us nearly fell in the lake, put it that way!

You've also done a bit of TV presenting too?

I was a TV presenter on a country show, [which was] on Sky TV. It was a great experience; I really, really enjoyed it. We had a real family feel with the cast. We were very much in touch with the viewers who came to [the shows] and we used to interact with them. They would get involved with the filming and it was a really, really great two years. I do miss it actually; I’d love to get the opportunity to go back onto something that they’re doing. It’s coming up soon. Unfortunately I don’t know if I can talk about it but I’d love the opportunity to work with them all again!

Have you got any live dates coming up?

We haven’t at the moment. However they are in the pipeline. [We’re going] to cover that base a little bit [as] the release went so well – it was a bit unexpected, we didn’t realise how well it would take so quickly; we were planning on building a release, getting it out there, getting people warmed up, and putting on some live events. However, when we released the track on Friday and it went very well, better than unexpected, the live dates will be put in sooner than we expected. I’m sure you’ll hear about them soon [and] they’ll be up on my website and social media.

How would you describe your live sound?

I would say it’s going to be an intimate event. I’d like to stick to smaller venues to start with, somewhere that I can get to really know my fans, find out what they want, and if they want to hear anything new, or anything specific they’d like to hear from me. Really sort of learning what my fans want as well as what I want to make sure I’m covering everything that they want, as obviously that’s the most important. So it’s very intimate, with a full live band – that’s my love; I love singing with a live band as opposed to anything else. I’m getting excited for a very fun, intimate evening.

If you could duet with a country musician, who would you pick?

Gosh, that’s a hard one! I’d love to work with Miranda Lambert or Carrie Underwood. They’re a massive inspiration to me, and to other country singers on the scene. I love what they’re doing; I love their material, so it would be great to team up with one of them, but there are so many people I could choose! It’s very hard to narrow it down. I love Dolly Parton, and even working with someone like Stevie Nicks even though she isn’t necessarily country to a lot of people. I’d love to work with her. There are so many fantastic artists out there it’s hard to just pick one.

Finally what are your ambitions for the next six months?

I think my main goal is to push the country aspect into the mainstream UK. I feel like there’s a huge credit that country music is missing in the mainstream UK music scene at the moment and I’d love to fill that. I’d love to focus on getting that to a few more ears and getting more listeners to fall in love with country music like I did. I’d love to do some live tours, even if it’s just a small one for about four weeks which is my goal. I think just getting out there and meeting the fans of ‘Fireflies’ and hearing what they’d love to hear; just finding what I want to do next and put into the album.

What is your album plan?

We haven’t [got a release date in mind] yet. I’d say next year, maybe summer next year is my goal. However that is dependent on getting things done in time!

Find out more about Binky at https://www.facebook.com/binkyofficial, twitter.com/binkyofficial, instragram.com/binkyofficial or www.binkyofficial.com.

New Music Review #100

Another ten tracks? Oh go on then!

Big Tide - Half The Time

With a retro sixties sound that combines the vocals of Elvis Costello and the sound of the Byrds, this a smooth warming track with a throwback feel. (6.5/10)

Franko Fraize feat Alex Joseph - Side By Side

A strong mix of slow-rap delivery and lighters-out chorus with a simple but building production that all combines well into a soaring number that empowers you. (7/10)

HAIM - Little of Your Love

Having recently enjoyed their full album this funky song definitely stood out and it's good to see it releases as a single as it balances a very singable chorus with a strong crisp production. (7/10)

Kelsea Ballerini - Legends

After the punchier XO we get the more touching, sentimental and well-written 'Legends', which will certainly pull at the old heart strings. Beautiful. (7.5/10)

Niall Horan - Too Much To Ask 

A little bit overly sentimental and covers familiar ground for the genre but this is a touching, nicely written and sung ode to break ups which resonates well. (7/10)

P!nk - Beautiful Trauma

Though not quite as big as her recent comeback single this is still a strong emotionally written ballad with throwbacks to her big drug-related hit. Neat enough. (6.5/10)

P!nk - Whatever You Want 

It's double pink for this edition with this gentle yet soaring ballad. It's not quite got the bite of her other big records but has a smooth and likeable vibe to how it progresses. (6.5/10)

PVRIS - Winter

With plenty of attitude in its electronic-influenced rock sound, this is quite an experimental sounding piece but one that works to bring together many elements into an interestingly produced piece. (6/10)

Roy Orbison feat. Ward Thomas & the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra) -  I Drove All Night

Taking a break from their work with Elvis Presley's back catalogue, the orchestra move onto the Big O with this spirited, yet faithful, re-imaginging of one of his biggest hits. The strings really compliment it, as do the voices of Ward Thomas on the second verse and harmonies. A cool take on a classic. (7.5/10)


Voice of the Sea - Life's an Elevator / Cosmic Dancer

Acting as a tribute to Marc Bolan and T-Rex, this is a delightful pairing of covers from Voice of the Sea, combining her strong vocals with a sweet and touching backing that pairs back the originals. The first track is much more fun than the latter, but both boast strong production. Pleasing. (6.5/10)

KBPS Interview: The Moods

After an incredible summer of brilliant gigs all over the UK, The Moods are coming home to launch their highly-anticipated debut album.

On the 8th September, The Moods bring their electrifying live show to Manchester’s landmark O2 Ritz. The gig heralds the forthcoming release of Missing Peace, their thought-provoking and innovative new album.  

P.O.P. (Profit over People), is the new single to come off the album, and is an addictive anthem with a powerful message. At a moment in time when music is a crucial part of the push for social change, this breathtaking track is both resonant and relevant. Missing Peace showcases The Moods’ talent for producing mighty music with substance and grit. The Moods will make you dance, and then they’ll make you think.

We spoke to Paul from the band and began by asking him to describe their new single P.O.P. (Profit Over People).

Musically it’s got little tinges of reggae. It’s quite drum and bass driven, and then it’s got the underlying political message, which is what we have on most of our stuff, it’s something we’ve always done. Lyrically it’s very driven about politics, about things that have gone on around the world, and things you see day to day on the news, things that people aren’t happy with.

It's a rather political song; was that important for you as a band?

Definitely. It’s something we’ve always done as a band. We like to make music that’s upbeat and dancey, but we always like to have an underlying message to give people something to think about as well!

How is The Moods made up as a band?

[We have] quite an unusual set-up. There are ten of us in the band. We play with two live drummers, who play at the same time, then bass, and keyboards, four vocalists – two rappers, two singles – and a trumpet player, and a violinist.

That must be great when live to bring your music to an audience?

Purely with the number of people on stage we have a great time on stage between us! It’s exciting for us on stage and that permeates into the crowd, when people see us having such a good time on stage, and it’s something the people pick up quite quickly on and get involved in, and I think everyone has a good time at our gigs!

You performed a lot of gigs this summer; how did they go?

Brilliantly! We did a tour for the single ‘Joy’ up and down, all over the country, and a few festivals, and we’re just about to set off on another 15-date UK tour for the album.

How would you describe a typical show?

I’d like to think it’s quite exciting to watch on stage. It’s very energetic. With so many people on stage, it’s interesting to look at [as well] as how it sounds. Everywhere you look there’s something different happening and I’d like to think it’s an exciting experience for people!

How did the video come about for the single?

That was made with a company called ‘Craftwork’ who also did our ‘Joy’ video. The idea was, because there’s a lot of rapping in the tune and a lot to take in, we came up with the idea that the lyrics should be prevalent on screen. We got a lot of emotive images tied in with the lyrics on the political side of things but we wanted it very clear about what the rappers are saying so people can absorb what is being said with the lyrics flashing up on screen.

What has the reaction to the video and song been like?

It’s been very good. We managed to get a deal with Vevo who released the video, and that’s been a great platform to push it to a wider audience. It’s gone down well; people have really enjoyed it. Out of all our songs live it’s the one that gets the biggest reaction. It’s going well.

What's your album 'Missing Peace' like?

There’s a bit of everything on there. It reflects the fact there’s so many of us in the band, how we’re all into such different music, different genres, and tied all that in nicely. The political lyrics mix with house music, drum and bass, reggae, so there’s a little bit of something for everybody. We’ve consciously not pigeonholed ourselves into a set style of music, so it can be a little more accessible to people who are into different styles of music. The album’s out now; we struck a deal with HMV so it’s in those, and Rough Trade has stocked it, which is great for us with all the great music that has come out of Rough Trade over the years, such as the Smiths with us coming from Manchester. It’s really good that they got involved!

Your music is also showcased in a 2018 film; could you tell us a little about that?

It’s [Strangeways Here We Come] due out in spring, as far as I know. Michelle Keegan is in it [as is] Eastender’s Nina Wadia, quite a lot of recognisable faces. From what I’ve seen of it it’s kind of got the Shameless vibe [with] very dark humour but gritty.

How did that collaboration come about?

It was through Terry Christian. He’d been approached to suggest songs for the soundtrack and he’d put a couple of ours forward and luckily they loved both of them. One is on the end credits and the other is used for the trailer for the film, so we’ve been quite lucky with that side of things.

Finally what are your ambitions for the next six months?

We started working on our second album before the first one was done and dusted so we like to keep moving, so once the tour is out of the way getting things ready for that. In terms of next year we are looking for another big [live] date in Manchester and then getting into the bigger festivals and in front of the bigger crowds!

Find out more about the band at https://www.facebook.com/themoodsmanc/ or www.twitter.com/themoodsmanc, and get a copy of the album now available online and in all good record stores.