Editor

New Music – Palberta | Kiwi Jr | Cowgirl | Tarah Who?

January 22, 2021January 22, 2021Posted in New Music, Review

Montage of 4 pictures - band shot of Palberta sitting on the floor, album cover for Kiwi Jr (band name in black and white lettering), cassette version of Cowgirl single and band shot of Tarah Who leaning on railings

New releases – Palberta, Kiwi Jr, Cowgirl, Tarah Who?

Palberta – Palberta5000 (album)

New York three-piece Palberta still have a foot firmly in their post-punk roots, but their latest offering is laced with added pop harmonies and feel-good riffs. The longest track comes in at close to 5 minutes, the shortest squeezed into just 18 seconds, and each song flips into new territory seamlessly. There’s a very raw quality to the sound that can only be made by a band who are anything but raw in their talent. Comparisons with 70s’ underground heroes The Raincoats are not unjustified and fans of Menace Beach may just find the intricate layers of sound right up their slightly surreal street. Go on, have a listen, you deserve a little fun right now.

Palberta5000 is out today on Wharf Cat Records

Palberta

************************************************************

Kiwi Jr – Cooler Returns (album)

Canada’s Kiwi Jr are back with more charming lo-if indie tales on their new album Cooler Returns. Laid back and with an undercurrent of dry humour, the band saunter through the perils of Undecided Voters and being Only Here For a Haircut. If a young Michael Stipe were to tone down the anger of The Pixies, it might well sound a little like this. The record is a pleasing listen from start to finish and generates involuntary smiles with its askance look at the world. A dash of panache amid the weariness of the pandemic could be just what the doctor ordered.

Cooler Returns is released today on Sub Pop

Kiwi Jr

************************************************************

Cowgirl – (single)

Independent York label Safe Suburban Home Records have spent a chunk of lockdown helping artists to keep putting out music while sharing their love of physical releases. Their latest output comes from local fuzz rock ‘n’ rollers Cowgirl, with a cassette release of loud and proud single Caroline. Slamming straight into a wall of guitars, Cowgirl could be the sons of Dinosaur Junior (Dinosaur Junior Junior?) on a day trip out with the Mary Chain’s Reid brothers. Seemingly they have a treasure trove of unheard tracks stashed away just waiting for future release; nice to have something to look forward to, and the other acts featured on the label are worth a listen too.

Caroline is out today on Safe Suburban Home Records

Cowgirl

************************************************************
Tarah Who – Swallow that Pill (single)

Hailing from LA, Tarah Who? form a power duo ready to take on the world with their unapologetically frenetic tunes turned up to the max. New single Swallow that Pill takes no prisoners and comes complete with a demolition-happy video. The track reminds me a tad of Department S’s defining piece Is Vic There?, but perhaps if it had been wrung through a grunge-tipped mangle first. One to sit up and pay attention to.

Swallow that Pill is released today

Tarah Who?

************************************************************

Words by Siobhan
Photos via Hive Mind PR, Prescription PR, Safe Suburban Home Records, Under the Moon PR

22nd January 2021

Interview – Robbie & Mona

January 19, 2021January 19, 2021Posted in Interview, New Music

Will and Ellie who make up the band Robbie and Mona, sitting on a red armchair in front of a large window with heavy curtains

Bringing a Lynchian twist to their darkened dream pop, Robbie & Mona release their debut album into the world this month and propel themselves straight onto the ones to watch in 2021 list. The couple behind the band are Ellie Gray and Will Carkeet, both also members of consummate Bristol collective Pet Shimmers. We asked them about their music, what they’ve been listening to through lockdown and the cinematic value of trampolines…

How are you both doing, where are you right now?

Ellie: We are in Bristol, in Easton, in our bedroom. We’re both enjoying the Saturday sun, listening to / watching a funny old performance by a band called Butch Willis and the Rocks.

Your debut album EW comes out at the end of the month, how has it been recording and promoting it during lockdown?

Will: We finished recording EW back in March in the first lockdown, but its been a bit of a rollercoaster, waves of frustration in terms of not being able to gig and properly show it to the world. But Spinny Nights have been very great at promoting it for us and being so supportive.

Tell us about the songs, is there a running story throughout the record?

Ellie: The songs have been opportunities for us to have fun going into a world of automatism and surrealism. Will makes his production potions that always get me going and are perfect foundations for me to freely dance with my thoughts and voice across it.

Will: The majority of these songs were written and recorded as we began seeing each other, we look back and kind of realise they were our attempts at impressing each other!

EW album artwork

Your latest track Queen Celine packs a lot into a minute and a half, was there any temptation to make it longer or was it always meant to be a short, sharp hit to the senses?

Will: You find the track always tells you how long it wants to be and this one stopped very abruptly and it felt right being as short as it was, any more and we would have upset the song.

The video is like a little burst of film noir with added trampolining – it’s beautifully shot, what was the thinking behind it and who was involved?

Ellie: We saw some work by Max McLachlan and thought he had the perfect twist of humour and doom. He had this idea of trampolines, which felt great, then Arthur from Spinny Nights’ mum and dad ended up being star bouncers in the video. It felt like a really seamless collaboration where everything fell into place, all the right personalities came together. It’s a really satisfying feeling when two different artists get together and their mediums really expose and compliment each other.

You recorded a set for Rotterdam’s Left of the Dial Festival a while back, it looked like they were due to have a great line up – how did you get involved in that?

Will: We played with them in October 2019 with our other project Pet Shimmers, and then when we were on tour they kindly put us up in Rotterdam and invited us to a little gig on a boat. They are so hospitable and giving, since then we stayed in touch and when they heard mine and Ellie’s new stuff they were keen to get us involved. They are great human beings.

Realistically, live music isn’t getting back to how it was pre-Covid any time soon, how do you see it looking moving forward?

Will: From this pandemic I would hope that when things return to ‘normal’, that people approach it more ambitiously in the sense of not just playing a standard venue and standard support act, questioning the traditional way of how a show is constructed.

Who’s been on your lockdown playlist and what have you been watching to while away the hours?

Will: Drake – Dark Lane Demo Tapes, Butch Willis and the Rocks – The TV’s from Outer Space, the Notting Hill soundtrack, Jessica Pratt, Lou Reed – Coney Island Baby album, Yellow Man – Lost Mi Love…

Ellie: Leonard Cohen Various Positions album, Connie Converse, Brian Eno & John Cale, Cindy Lee, Sean Nicholas Savage, Playboi Carti – @ MEH, Le Tigre, Beverly Glenn-Copeland , Peggy Lee…

Been watching Surviving Death on Netflix, a slightly cheesy but addictive series about near death experiences and life after the physical body, Unexplained series presented by the wonderful Tony Robinson talking about the Cathars and some spooky premonition stuff with amazing early noughties style dramatisations, Jan Švankmajer animator film-maker DVD set, John Cocteau’s 1946 La Belle et La Bête, and Breaking Bad, to which I was a virgin pre-lockdown.

If there were no restrictions and you could take us on a tour of your favourite places around Bristol, where would we go?

Ellie: We would take you to Greenbank Cemetery and give you the task of finding the most elaborate headstone and reward you with a hot flask of mulled wine.

And what’s next for Robbie & Mona?

Will: Kick ass second album on its way.

************************************************************

EW is released on 29th January via Spinny Nights and is available to pre-order now – catch up with Robbie & Mona here.

Interview by Siobhan
Header photo © Ellie Gray

19th January 2021

Photo Galleries 2021 – Submission Info

January 15, 2021April 17, 2021Posted in Gallery, Photography

The silhouettes of the backs of two ladies sitting on a bench in an art gallery looking at 4 brightly coloured David Hockney pictures

Photo Galleries 2021

Last year closed the doors (several times) on many photographers being able to access their usual subject matter. What was clear though was that you can’t curb creativity for long, and many of you shared your lockdown images with us, which was much appreciated and a source of inspiration. The introduction of themed photo galleries also brought some welcome relief from the ever-present Covid restrictions. As we’re still not quite out the other end of the tunnel, we’ll be compiling different galleries bi-monthly this year. Thanks for your suggestions for new themes; we’ve incorporated as many as possible. As each one draws near, there will be reminder posts on Instagram and Twitter and, for easy reference, all details can be found below. Please check info for the individual gallery and the full set of guidelines at the end of the post. In addition to these, if you have a photographic project or mixed portfolio you’d like us to consider for feature, drop us an email to discuss, with a brief outline and link to your work.

February – The Animal Kingdom

Subject ideas: Animals of all shapes and sizes, pets or wildlife but nothing in captivity please, people can be included in the images…

Text / details: Titles for images only

Submission Dates: 25th January – 5th February

************************************************************

April – The High Street

Subject ideas: Your local high street in lockdown or from busier days, favourite shops, urban street art, people shopping…

Text / details: Required – titles for images, optional – up to 50 words max about your images

Submission Dates: 29th March – 9th April

************************************************************

June – Toy Story

Subject ideas: Your favourite childhood toys or games (if you still have them), a child’s toys, structured toy photography, lost toys in the street…

Text / details: Required – titles for images, optional – up to 50 words max about your images

Submission Dates: 24th May – 4th June

************************************************************

August – Back to Nature

Subject ideas: Landscapes, seascapes, parks, gardens, flowers, trees, birds…

Text / details: Titles for images only

Submission Dates: 26th July – 6th August

************************************************************

October – Album Covers

Subject ideas: Your favourite album covers in their natural habitat, whether that’s amongst other records, CDs, cassettes or in your arms! Images can be of single or multiple albums and MUST be photos you have taken of albums that have been purchased to avoid copyright issues…

Text / details: Required – titles for images, optional – up to 50 words max about your images

Submission Dates: 27th September – 8th October

************************************************************

December – Best of 2021 / Best Music Shots

Subject ideas: Our regular end of year features – currently we can only hope that there will be content for the live music gallery, the general Best of 2021 gallery will be an opportunity for you to submit your favourite shots of the year, any subject or style. See last year’s Best Music Shots of 2020 and 2020 Through the Lens for an idea of how these will look.

Text / details: Titles for images only (music shots should also include name of artist, venue and month taken)

Submission Dates: opening date to be confirmed, closing date 10th December

************************************************************

All Galleries

1. Everyone is welcome to submit; we want this to be as inclusive as possible, these are not competitions
2. Breaking Glass is not a profit-making publication; we can’t pay for contributions nor do we charge for entries as many sites do
3. Copyright remains with the photographer; by submitting your photos you grant us permission to include them in the stated gallery and to promote this and related posts on the website and social media with credit
4. To take part, email 1 or 2 images per gallery to breakingglassmag@gmail.com
5. Jpg files please – portrait / landscape / square / colour / black & white are all fine, any style
6. You can send with or without watermark
7. Include your name, how you would like to be credited and links you would like us to include to your work, e.g. website / socials
8. Please ensure there is no offensive content and that you have permission to share images of people not taken in a public place or including minors
9. Check above for each gallery if you can send additional text to tell us about your photos or if only titles are required
10. The ideas shown are not exclusive, feel free to interpret the subject matter as you like, as long as it’s clear how your picture fits the theme

Any questions, just ask!

Photos © 16 Beasley St Photography

15th January 2021

New Music – Home Counties | Teenage Fanclub | Galactapus | Gary Numan

January 12, 2021Posted in New Music, Review

New releases – Home Counties, Teenage Fanclub, Galactapus, Gary Numan

Home Counties – Modern Yuppies (single)

Heading into 2021 in style, Home Counties’ spiky new single is just what’s needed to blow the lockdown cobwebs away. Taking a funk-fuelled approach with synths aplenty, the track sees the band lean away from a guitar-led stance and crank up the dance hooks, following in the footsteps of a Talking Heads style stroll along the road to nowhere. Modern Yuppies, out today, is the first of two self-produced singles released via the mighty Alcopop! Records.

Vocalist Will Harrison comments, “Synths and drum machines were already something we were very keen to explore and 2020 provided us with an unexpected amount of free time to experiment. We dialled the disco influences up to the max and totally embraced that 70’s-cop-drama vibe for this pair of stand-alone singles. It feels like a bold declaration of who we are and it definitely gives a clearer taste of where we’re heading for our next EP”.

Home Counties

************************************************************

Teenage Fanclub – Home (video)

After much anticipation, Teenage Fanclub have confirmed their return with studio album number 10. Endless Arcade is set for release on 5th March via their own label PeMa in the UK and on Merge in the US. As a taster, the band have shared a video for the album’s opening track Home. In true TF fashion, the song proffers mixed emotions, an oxymoron of cheerful melancholy and laid back sophistication. The album looks set to be a welcome relief to the trials of the current environment.

“We were very comfortable with each other in the studio,” says Norman. “I think some of the playing is a bit freer and looser than on recent albums. Dave and Euros’ playing is amazing, and Francis on drums is really swinging. The whole process of making this album was very invigorating. Everyone in the band contributed a lot and the song arrangements came together really quickly. Everything felt fresh.”

Endless Arcade can be pre-ordered here

Teenage Fanclub

************************************************************

Galactapus – I Intend to Stay (album)

Steeped in mystery with masks to put the rest of us to shame, Galactapus offer up psych-punk with a twist of Euro-pop and costumes straight from the house of glam. Relatively new out of the blocks, this sounds like a project worth keeping an enigmatic eye on.

Their PR states, ‘Galactapus is a recording group who plays and sings space-aquatica punk music. They have asked that their personal backgrounds not be provided, but are excited that their first album I Intend To Stay might find the right ears to hear it.’

If you fall into that particular section of the Venn diagram that captures fans of Can, early Doors and Serge Gainsbourg, then I suspect you may just have the right ears – bend them back and take a trip to the curious world of Galactapus.

I Intend to Stay is available to purchase on Bandcamp

Galactapus

************************************************************

Gary Numan – (single)

Last but by no means least, Gary Numan still holds a hugely loyal following after 40 years in the business. Pending new album Intruder is due for release on 21st May and the lead/title single and video were shared yesterday. Debuted to live audiences on 2019’s (R)evolution tour, Intruder is a strong track and already a firm fan favourite. The intro takes a more industrial than electronic stance until the instantly recognisable vocal kicks in and there’s a message behind the music too.

Numan explains, “Intruder looks at climate change from the planet’s point of view. If Earth could speak, and feel things the way we do, what would it say? How would it feel? The songs, for the most part, attempt to be that voice, or at least try to express what I believe the earth must feel at the moment. The planet sees us as its children now grown into callous selfishness, with a total disregard for it’s well being. It feels betrayed, hurt and ravaged. Disillusioned and heartbroken it is now fighting back. Essentially, it considers human kind to be a virus attacking the planet. Climate change is the undeniable sign of the Earth saying enough is enough, and finally doing what it needs to do to get rid of us, and explaining why it feels it has to do it.”

Intruder is available to pre-order here

Gary Numan

************************************************************

Words by Siobhan

12th January 2021

Podcast – Keep Talking

January 8, 2021January 8, 2021Posted in Podcast

Keep Talking with Stewart Baxter

So many podcasts but which one to choose? One thing that ongoing lockdown has provided is a swarm of new podcasts on subjects great and small, as online becomes the one consistent media outlet. Another prevalent topic amidst the pandemic is the importance of good mental health; an issue that has been hijacked a little by the ‘powers’ that be, but shows its real champions in a place where people genuinely want to support each other without looking for a pay off.

Music and mental health are no strangers and, happily, the move towards this becoming a more positive link is on the rise. There’s a growing recognition that life in the industry can be tough and an understanding that sometimes artists need to take a break for their own wellbeing. Equally, many of those same artists are using their platform to raise awareness about mental health, encourage people to talk about it more and make it less of a taboo subject.

So where does all of this tie together? Launched last year, Keep Talking is a new podcast centred around live music, lockdown and mental health. Chatting about these subjects is presenter Stewart Baxter (drummer in LIFE) with a series of musicians and friends. In the latest episode going live today, Stewart talks to Jehnny Beth; singer, songwriter, actor, producer and presenter, Jehnny is probably best known for fronting Savages and as one half of duo John & Jehn. It’s a lovely conversation and so natural it feels as though you’re sitting at a table in a café overhearing two mates having a natter while your chamomile tea slowly goes cold. Starting with the constant conundrum of whether to be bluntly honest when someone asks how you are or just auto-reply, “I’m fine thanks”, it’s a remarkably uplifting listen as the pair speak about how music has helped them at difficult times in their lives, Jehnny’s early life growing up in a theatre, and the release of her debut album and book amidst the uncertainty of 2020.

Commenting on the new episode, Stewart says: “Back in August 2020 I had the pleasure of catching up with one of my biggest inspirations, Jehnny Beth. I first witnessed Jehnny performing with her band Savages on the Jools Holland TV show back in 2012, a performance that made the hairs on my neck stand up, and that I talked about for weeks, months and even years afterwards. I quickly realised that everything Jehnny went on to do was going to blow my mind, and the respect I have for her as an artist was only deepened when she invited my band LIFE to perform on the pilot of her new TV show ECHOES and I had a chance to meet her in person. Jehnny is a sweetheart, and a kind soul. An unparalleled artist who doesn’t ask for permission, or forgiveness.”

If you have an hour to spare and can’t face another repeated quiz show, turn off the TV and spend some time in the company of friends.

Supported by funding from Disabled Entrepreneurs UK, Soundsphere Magazine commissioned a locked-down Baxter to record a series of podcasts with the simple goal to re-connect, catch up, and check in with musicians and friends he has met along the way. Previous episodes feature Primal Scream’s Simone Marie Butler and Lee Kiernan of IDLES; future guests to be announced.

Words by Siobhan
Details and images via Wall of Sound PR

8th January 2021

Breaking Glass Magazine – January 2021

January 3, 2021October 29, 2022Posted in Cover

A stone bridge over a river with this slogan stencilled on in light blue paint ‘No. I only sleep with girls I’m in love with’.

Breaking Glass Magazine – January 2021

Cover image © Ryan Bell

In the first lockdown back in the spring of 2020, I spent most of my government allocated exercise periods out and about on my bike, rediscovering my local area of Wakefield. Just aside a nature reserve, I came across this particularly striking piece of street art.

Upon first glance the text reads like a dramatic plea of innocence from some local libertine, more Jeremy Kyle than Jean Luc, but a quick google proved it was indeed pinched from Godard’s 1963 film Le Petit Soldat.

I was suitably impressed and finding Wakefield’s ode to 1960’s French New-Wave Cinema was one of the more welcome of the many surprises 2020 brought.

Words and photo © Ryan Bell

Here’s to many more welcome surprises this year. We will be running more photo galleries as well as individual photographer features – get in touch if you have images or a project you’d like to share. Wishing you all the very best for 2021.

1st January 2021

2020 Contributors

December 29, 2020December 18, 2021Posted in Review

Breaking Glass 2020 Contributors

Photographers, writers, artists, reviewers and interviewers – here’s a roll call of the fabulous humans who contributed content to Breaking Glass during 2020. Thank you all for just being generally brilliant. Thanks also to all the bands and artists who gave us interviews, the music PR teams and promoters, publishers, venues, museum and gallery curators who’ve invited us in or sent us previews, and anyone else who’s played a part in any way. See you for more of the same in 2021…

Alan Cruickshank
Alana Thomas
Andrew Barrell
Anna Louise Yorke
Barbara Vitoria Vitale
Becky Jones
Bethany Clayton
Brian Smith
Caoimhe Clements
Carl Copeland
Catarina Olausson (ECO Photography)
Charlie Smith
Chris Andrews
Clare Ratcliffe
Dave Harford
David Gasson
Derek Rickman
Gary Catlin
Gary Hough (allthecoolbandsphotography)
Geoff Maxted
Gregor Boyd
Hugh Frizell
Ingrid Turner
Jake O’Brien
Jenn Cliff-Wilcock (Lens of a Wool)
Jennifer Mullins
Jordain Molloy Gillen
Karen McKay
Kevin Harpin
Kristy-Lee Gallagher
Lauren Fautley
Live Music Snaps
Lou Smith
Lynnette Brink
Marge Bradshaw
Mark Cartwright
Michelle Cop
Milly McPhee
Nigel King
Olivia Sofia Ferrara
Oriana Spadaro
Pepa (PJ Music Photography)
Phil Drury (2324 Photography)
Peter Hutchinson
Petra Eujane
Rebecca O’Flaherty
Robert C Maxfield II
Ryan Bell
Seb Akehurst (Jolly Bearded Promotions)
Shane O’Neill
Shonagh Kelly
Shots by Sarah
Siobhan (16 Beasley St Photography)
Steve White
Teresa Lyle
Tina Sherwood (Rock Shotz Live Music Imaging)

Photo © 16 Beasley St Photography

29th December 2020

Best Music Shots of 2020

December 17, 2020January 19, 2021Posted in Gallery, Live Music, Photography

Picture this!

Given the devastating impact on the live music scene this year, we debated whether to go ahead with the annual Best Music Shots gallery. However, popular opinion said yes so here we are and, looking at the photos submitted, what a good call that was. All images have been taken either outside of lockdown or at Covid-safe / socially distanced events and it’s definitely good for the soul to remember those moments. Hopefully, things are slowly mending; whatever happens next one thing’s for sure, we’ll never take easy access to live music for granted again.

Delighted to have some of our regular photographers involved here – your contributions are always massively appreciated. And equally it’s great to have some new faces taking part – you’re all most welcome and we hope to see more from you in the future.

Photos are in no particular order, mixed by genre and style, so find a comfy seat and check them all out to avoid missing anything… enjoy.

(Header photo above by Mark Cartwright, details in article)

************************************************************
1. The Darkness
2. Catfish & the Bottlemen
Alcatraz, Milan, February 2020

By Oriana Spadaro – Website | Instagram

************************************************************

1. Simeon Hammond Dallas
The Old Joinery, Greenwich, London, October 2020
2. Bandini
The Old Joinery, Greenwich, London, December 2020

By Petra Eujane Photography – Website | Instagram

************************************************************
1. Jamie Bower of Counterfeit
Manchester Ritz, February 2020
2. Lazarus Kane
Georgian Theatre, Stockton, February 2020

By Steve White – Flickr

************************************************************
1. Gordon James & the Power
Strathpeffer Pavilion, Ross-shire, February 2020
2. Forgetting the Future
Potting Shed Garden Festival, Inverness, July 2020

By Alan Cruickshank Photographic – Facebook

************************************************************
1. Lauren Lo Sung
Liverpool Digital Music Festival, EBGBs, August 2020
2. Callum of The Bottom Line
Jimmy’s, Liverpool, January 2020

By Sarah (Shots by Sarah) – Instagram | Facebook

************************************************************
1. Dominic Corry of The Battery Farm
2. Paul Worrall of The Battery Farm
The Club Academy, Manchester, October 2020

By Gary Hough (allthecoolbandsphotography) – Website | Instagram | Twitter

************************************************************
Rein
Berns, Stockholm, January 2020

By Catarina Olausson – Website | Instagram

************************************************************
1. Conor Marshall of Sylosis
Islington Assembly Hall, London, February 2020
2. Markus Vanhala of Insomnium
Islington Assembly Hall, London, January 2020

By Chris Andrews – Instagram

************************************************************
Sugarstone
Night People, Manchester, January 2020

By Alana Thomas – Instagram

************************************************************

1. King Nun
Bodega, Nottingham, February 2020
2. Emzae
Rock City Beta, Beat the Streets, Nottingham, January 2020

By Nigel King – Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

************************************************************
Brian Shuck & the Local Legends
Sneaky Pete’s, Lewisville, Texas, September 2020

By Robert C Maxfield II – Website | Instagram | Facebook

************************************************************

Kelly Jones of Stereophonics
Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham, March 2020

By Tina Sherwood (Rock Shotz Live Music Imaging) – Instagram | Facebook

*************************************************************
1. Accident
2. Gemišt
Monte Paradiso Hardcore Punk Festival, Pula, Croatia, September 2020

By David Gasson – Website | Instagram | Chasing the Light Art

************************************************************
1. Beatles tribute show put on by staff, students & alumni feat. Alex Mullins
Paradise Valley Community College Fine Arts Theater, Phoenix, March 2020
2. Jared & the Mill
Desert Botanical Gardens, Phoenix, February 2020

By Jennifer Mullins – Website | Instagram

***********************************************************
1. Obongjayar
Village Underground, London, February 2020
2. Fat White Family
Windmill Brixton, London, February 2020

By Anna Louise Yorke – Website | Instagram

************************************************************

1. Ríoghnach Connolly
2. Caoilfhoinn Rose
Carlton Club, Manchester, November 2020

By Ingrid Turner – Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

************************************************************
1. John Robb of Goldblade
2. Keith Warren of The Adicts
Great British Alternative Festival, Butlins Minehead, February 2020

By Mark Cartwright – Flickr | Facebook | Twitter

************************************************************
1. Dry Cleaning
The Green Door Store, Brighton, February 2020
2. Lynks
The Rossi Bar, Brighton, February 2020

By Siobhan (16 Beasley St Photography) – Website | Instagram | Twitter

************************************************************

Enormous thanks to all the talented photographers here for sharing their awesome shots – fingers tightly crossed that you’ll all be back in the pit in 2021. You can see more from everyone featured and follow their socials via the links shown. Stay safe everyone.

All pictures are copyrighted by the photographer credited; please do not use without gaining their permission first.

17th December 2020

2020 Through the Lens

December 15, 2020December 19, 2020Posted in Gallery, Photography

“It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera… they are made with the eye, heart and head” – Henri Cartier-Bresson

This year, maybe more than any other in recent times, the creation of images that either captured or diverted away from the events around us has been especially important. A reflection of difficult times or a reminder that there’s lots of good stuff in the world too, we asked photographers to share their favourite shots of the year – any style or subject.

As with all our galleries, there is no specific order; the images have been mixed by format and content so enjoy from start to finish…

(Header photo above by Kristy-Lee Gallagher, details in article)

************************************************************
1. Mates
2. Wasp (Gasteruption Jaculator) on an Astrantia

By Nigel King – Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

************************************************************

1. Passenger
2. Collision

By Gregor Boyd – Flickr | Instagram

***********************************************************

1. Tricoloured Heron
2. Firethorn

By Derek Rickman – Instagram

************************************************************

1. Ballycastle in September during lockdown break
2. Billingham town centre in early lockdown

By Mark Cartwright – Flickr | Facebook | Twitter

**********************************************************

That Live Music Feeling (during Insomnium’s set at Islington Assembly Hall)

By Chris Andrews – Instagram

************************************************************

1. Bridge
2. Bus Stop

By Ryan Bell – Instagram | Twitter

************************************************************

1. ‘Hope’ at Peterborough Cathedral
2. Thank You NHS

By Clare Ratcliffe – Instagram | Facebook

************************************************************

1. Amber Falls Beauty
2. Frozen Worcestershire

By Dave Harford – Website | Instagram | Twitter

************************************************************

1. Young Black Lives Matter Protesters, London
2. BLM Protesters, London

By Anna Louise Yorke – Website | Instagram

************************************************************

Autumn

By Caoimhe Clements – Instagram

************************************************************

1. Ant Attack
2. Pigeon Fly-By

By Petra Eujane Photography – Website | Instagram

************************************************************

1. The Hotel Monte Vista, Flagstaff, Arizona
2. Solitary Reflections, Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, Fort Myers, Florida

By Jennifer Mullins – Website | Instagram

**********************************************************

1. A Wooded Walk, Loch Ness
2. The Kelpies, Sterling

By Sarah (Shots by Sarah) – Instagram | Facebook

************************************************************

1. The Camper
2. Angel

By Kristy-Lee Gallagher – Instagram

************************************************************

1. Diversion
2. Make-up, Brighton Fringe

By Siobhan (16 Beasley St Photography) – Website | Instagram | Twitter

************************************************************

It’s always a real pleasure to put these end of year galleries together, catch up with previous contributors and meet new ones. Once again, a beautiful collection of images – huge thanks to all who have taken part. You can see more of their work and follow them on the links given. Whether you have photos featured or are here for the view, we wish you all the best for 2021, stay safe and keep shooting.

Our Best Music Shots of 2020 feature will be published later this week.

All images are copyrighted by the photographer credited; please do not use without gaining their permission first.

15th December 2020

New Music – The Underground Youth | The Red Stains | Outlaw Boogie | Nightshift

December 11, 2020December 26, 2020Posted in New Music, Review

New releases – The Underground Youth, The Red Stains, Outlaw Boogie, Nightshift

The Underground Youth – A Sorrowful Race (single)

When a song puts you in mind of a refurbished Chelsea Hotel No 2, it’s immediately worthy of your attention. And without denying the hints of Leonard Cohen, The Underground Youth have proffered something a bit different and a bit special too here. Incredibly, this is the lead from the band’s 10th album due in March. Manchester born and now based in Berlin, they have the influence of two cities whose music scenes are revered around the world, the chemistry to seamlessly move towards a darker sound of film noir, and the ability to capture a snapshot of the current isolation we’re all experiencing.

A Sorrowful Race is out now and will be followed by the album The Falling released on 12th March 2021 via Fuzz Club Records.

The Underground Youth

************************************************************

The Red Stains – Freezer Jesus (single)

Another solid track from Manchester’s The Red Stains with their seasonally flavoured new single Freezer Jesus. Reflecting the original 70’s DIY punk ethic, the song is confrontational and humour-filled at the same time. An ode to the 24/7 consumerism that even lockdown can’t prevent, the tune is spiky and matched with sawtooth vocals and barbed lyrics. ‘Well the joke’s on you ‘cause I’ve seen Jesus, he was buying chicken nuggets out an Iceland freezer’ is a Christmas couplet like no other; sing it in the shopping aisles and don’t go fighting over the last box of Ferrero Rocher.

The Red Stains

************************************************************

Outlaw Boogie – The Circle (single)

Hazy, trippy and slick round the edges, Outlaw Boogie releases the titular track as a precursor to his forthcoming EP The Circle. In the depths of a freezing winter, a journey back to the summer of love is a bit of a tonic right now. Outlaw Boogie is the pseudonym of London based Michael James Dent; already a respected producer, songwriter and performer. He says of the song, “The Circle is a tribute to a good friend who sadly passed in 2019. I wanted the song to act as a reminder that when somebody passes, they are still alive somewhere and even when you are walking home alone at night, that presence is always with you.”

The Circle EP is due for release on 15th January 2021.

Outlaw Boogie

************************************************************

Nightshift – Make Kin (single)

Whatever they’re feeding musicians in Glasgow at the moment, it continues to produce a seemingly steady stream of great artists and songs. Very much part of the local scene, Nightshift features members of indie peers Spinning Coin, 2 Ply and Robert Sotelo. They sound like they might be the hidden love-child of Duds and Dry Cleaning, combining layers of sound in a conflation of spoken word and tribal drumbeats. Their pending album from which Make Kin is taken has been pieced together remotely with band members creating and improvising their own sections, proof that quarantine needn’t stop creativity.

The album Zöe will be released on 26th February 2021 on Trouble in Mind Records.

Nightshift

************************************************************

Words by Siobhan
Photos via Silver PR, The Red Stains, One Beat PR

11th December 2020

EP Review – Dirty Freud: Love in the Backwater

December 10, 2020December 19, 2020Posted in New Music, Review

Dirty Freud – Love in the Backwater

Artist and producer Dirty Freud is making quite a name for himself, working with the likes of The Prodigy, Big Narstie and even godfather of everything, Iggy Pop. It’s unsurprising that his stamp is being sought out so widely given the refusal to stick to any one mainstream or underground genre, Freud’s blend of beats and dark electronica demands attention and provides a perfect platform to showcase the talents of others.

With three of the four tracks on this EP already released, it holds limited surprise for those already listening, however, the final packaged product is a fine collection with which to woo new ears.

Opening track Blood Bayou highlights the gorgeous tones of long-term collaborator Ruby Tingle’s vocals, think Jhené Aiko meets Karen O in a darkly lit club, with hypnotic synths and a smattering of opera filling the background. Flanked by previous singles Intentions (featuring Szou) and Moments, the title track Love in the Backwater proves worth the wait, telling the story of surviving a pandemic with a cool intensity that encompasses the entire EP.

From trip- hop to techno, dubstep to dance beats, there’s a whole plate of musical delicacies to pick from here. A skilfully unexpected EP for a wildly unexpected year, Love in the Backwater is released tomorrow, 11th December, via Modern Sky UK – pre-save here.

Words by Siobhan
Photos via Sonic PR

10th December 2020

Exhibition – Marge Bradshaw: Front of House (Online)

December 8, 2020December 26, 2020Posted in Exhibition, Photography

Front of House: A documentary photography series by Marge Bradshaw which aims to raise awareness of the devastating impact of Covid-19 on musicians in Greater Manchester and Lancashire

It’s been a tough year for the music industry and, whilst events are gradually opening up, the struggle is still very real. Photographer Marge Bradshaw told us how she is compiling a thought-provoking collection of images of musicians alongside their own individual stories…

Jo Byrne

“A world without live music feels like living in a house with no windows. Live music is uplifting, it’s nourishing, it’s social glue. It’s well and truly missed by me.” – Rob Young (header photo)

According to the Music Venues Trust, over 550 grassroots music venues remain under immediate threat of closure, representing the potential permanent loss of over 5,000 jobs, over 100,000 concerts, over 300,000 performances by musicians, and over 1 million temporary employment opportunities for gig economy workers.

This evolving photographic series and resulting online exhibition aims to raise awareness of the scale and impact of this situation, and support musicians’ work. As someone who works in culture, music and events photography, I know the devastating outcomes faced by musicians, production and touring crews as well as everyone who relies on the grassroots sector.

Alongside each portrait you’ll find the personal stories of each musician, as well as links to their work and projects. Take a read, give them a follow and show your support.

Conal Duffy

All photographs were taken working within Covid-19 restrictions using social distancing.

Please get in touch if you’d like to be involved in the series: I’m particularly interested in photographing those who are under-represented in the current gallery, especially women and people of colour. View the full gallery, including portraits and stories here.

Geraldine Green

About the artist

Marge Bradshaw is an emerging documentary and social photographer based in Bolton. She started her photography career in 2018 after spending 20 years working in marketing and audience research roles in the cultural sector. Her artistic practice predominantly focuses on exploring people and place – often with a hidden story to tell. Drawing on her background in ethnographic research and inclusive practice, she captures authentic stories and involves her subjects in the creative process wherever possible. Alongside her creative projects, she works commercially as a music, events and family documentary photographer. Her work has previously been exhibited at the Science Museum, London and Museums Northumberland.

Simon Sackey

Michael Thompson

All words and photos are © Marge Bradshaw. You can find more of Marge’s work across different genres, and contact details on her website, and follow her on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

8th December 2020

Shopping Around

December 3, 2020December 16, 2020Posted in Christmas

Whether you’re shopping for festive gifts or just want to treat yourself for getting through however many years it has been since the end of March, why not add in some goodwill to your favourite independent record shops and venues? As well as music and tickets (and do take a punt on gig tickets if you can afford it to help keep your local music scene afloat), there’s a whole bunch of merch available that looks great and is practical too. Here are some ideas from just a few of our favourite places; there are loads more options in store, by collection or online, and if we want to see our top choice shops and venues packed again like in the image above, they really need our support right now…

Grab a cool T for all the family, including the little ones, from Resident, Brighton’s vinyl emporium.

Keep your records sweet with a slipmat from Dig Vinyl in Liverpool.

Something for everyone here from a trio of top venues with a starry reusable cup from Barrowland, Glasgow, a trusty tote bag from Portsmouth’s Wedgewood Rooms and a fierce face mask from The Hope and Ruin, Brighton.

Wrap up warm with a cosy hat from Southsea’s Pie & Vinyl.

Finish up feeling hunky dory when you complete a classic album jigsaw from Crash Records in Leeds.

Take a look and give Santa a nudge in the right direction; buying direct from your favourite artists is great too. And feel free to let us know others you recommend to add to the list – happy shopping!

Words and header image © Siobhan
All merch images from venue/shop websites as linked in feature

3rd December 2020

Breaking Glass Magazine – December 2020

December 1, 2020October 29, 2022Posted in Cover

Breaking Glass Magazine – December 2020

Cover image Snow Huts © 16 Beasley St Photography

Here we are then at the end of the longest, oddest year I can remember. Thank you to everyone who’s helped keep Breaking Glass going this year; creative people are amazing at finding different avenues to explore when their usual sources are taken away. I hope you’ve all found ways to get by without flipping from ballerina to cyberspace and, more importantly, are staying safe and well.

We have end of year galleries coming on the website soon; there’s still time to submit your photos if you’d like. And if you’re hankering after some seasonal music that’s not too full of party poppers and saccharine, have a listen to the new Chilly Gonzales album.

Look after yourselves and the people around you and, to paraphrase Jarvis Cocker, let’s all meet up in the year 2021…

Words and photos © Siobhan

1st December 2020

New Music – The Lounge Society | Maya Lakhani

November 27, 2020November 28, 2020Posted in New Music, Review

New releases – The Lounge Society, Maya Lakhani

The Lounge Society – Burn the Heather (single)

Back with their second single and sounding like a band much further into its career, The Lounge Society have released Burn the Heather this week via the ever trustworthy Speedy Wunderground. The track feels its way through the dark dancefloors of The Fall and Fat Whites-esque influences and manages to stand high above similarly veined offerings from many other emerging artists. It bears the test of being played on repeat and still sounding fresh each time. There really does seem to be something quite special about the music these guys are making and, given that their combined age would only just qualify them for a senior bus pass, things bode extremely well for the future. Do have a listen to this one and check out tour dates for 2021; am advised some are selling out already so don’t hang about.

The Lounge Society

************************************************************

Maya Lakhani – The Line (single)

Releasing her debut single The Line today, Maya Lakhani brings a serving of sophisticated rock to the table. An established musician (most recently as part of distortion guitar outfit Concrete Bones), she has stepped up to the solo podium in style, writing, recording and producing all the vocals and guitar on the record. With hints of PJ Harvey and The Creatures (a la Siouxsie and Budgie rather than the apparently endless other acts with the same name), this is a strong entrance that suggests Maya will be making waves on the ones to watch lists. If 2000 Trees are still booking for next year, there’s a great fit here. Take a listen to The Line here and keep an eye on what comes next.

Maya Lakhani

************************************************************

Words by Siobhan

27th November 2020

Best of 2020 – Calling all Photographers!

November 25, 2020December 12, 2020Posted in Photography

Best Shots of 2020 – call for submissions

Well, what a year it’s been; 2020 will no doubt stick in our memories for many reasons. Amidst everything that’s gone on, photography has played an important role, whether documenting the pandemic or used as a means of escape from it all. And, as in previous years, we’d love to put together a collection (or two) of your favourite shots of the year.

Although live performance has been severely hit, we’ll be going ahead with our annual Best Music Shots gallery, so it’s time to dig back either to the first few months of gigs and festivals or the brief stroll into socially distanced shows in the summer. We’ll also be repeating last year’s Best Shots of the Year feature for any other subject matter you care to include – portraits, landscapes, animals, street photography, whatever you like. You’re welcome to take part in either or both. Details below for how to submit, closing date midnight on Friday 11th December.

Category A : Live Music – your shot must be of an artist or band performing live – if you have music related shots that are portraits, crowd shots, etc, these can be sent in to the other category. More details below.

The Isle of CC © 16 Beasley St Photography

Photos: 16 Beasley St

Category B : General – any subject matter and style can be included; please ensure that your shots do not contain anything generally regarded as offensive or prohibited on social media and that you have parental permission for any shots featuring recognisable minors. More details below.

Photos – top left: Steve White
top right: Lou Smith, bottom: Nigel King

Both categories: You can send in a max of 2 shots per category but, depending on numbers, we may only be able to include 1 so let us know if you have a preference. Colour, black and white, portrait, landscape, square are all fine. You can choose to include a watermark or not; all we ask is that, if you do, please try to keep it fairly small and subtle. It doesn’t matter if you’re professional, amateur or just take photos here and there for the fun of it – as long as it’s a clear shot that will cope with being enlarged on screen – everyone is welcome to join in.

Photo: Andrew Barrell

All you need to do is email your chosen shot(s) with the subject as Best of 2020 to breakingglassmag@gmail.com by the closing date Friday 11th December 2020 with the following details:

– Name of artist (music) or title of shot (general)
– Venue / location for music shots
– Month taken (must be a photo you have taken in 2020)
– How you would like to be credited (first name / full name / professional or website name, etc)
– Links to your work (website / social media, etc)
– Max of 2 photos per category

By submitting you give us permission to include your shot(s) in an online feature and use to promote this and related posts on the website and social media. All images remain under your ownership and copyright and this will be stated in the feature with clear details of who the photographer is for each shot. Galleries will be published during December 2020.

You can find 2019’s Best Music Shots and 2019 Through the Lens here. The features this year will take a similar format. Any questions at all, please just ask. Look forward to hearing from you!

Photo: Marge Bradshaw

Header photos – left: Shane O’Neil, top: 16 Beasley St,
bottom: Dave Harford, right: Oriana Spadaro

25th November 2020

Photo Gallery – Autumn & Winter

November 23, 2020October 15, 2022Posted in Gallery, Photography

‘All the leaves are brown and the sky is grey…’

Whether you’re dreaming of California or crunching the leaves and snow in colder climes, Autumn and Winter bring colours and textures that beg to be photographed. So grab a mug of something hot and take a look through our latest gallery from around the world. As always, images are in no particular order except to be mixed by subject and style – enjoy…

Header photo by Gary Hough, details in article

************************************************************

1. Peek a Boo with a deer in Richmond Park
2. Purple Muhrooms

By Petra Eujane Photography

Website | Instagram

************************************************************

1. Autumn Beeches
2. Church Island

By Derek Rickman

Instagram

************************************************************

1. Snowed In
2. Autumn at the Lake District

By Clare Ratcliffe

Instagram | Facebook

************************************************************

1. Dundee Penguin
2. A Walk in the Park

By Siobhan at 16 Beasley St Photography

Website | Instagram | Twitter

************************************************************

Autumn Sky

By Jake O’Brien

Instagram

************************************************************

1. Undercover
2. Acer Leaves

By Kevin Harpin

Instagram

************************************************************

1. Snow Trike
2. Smile

By Becky Jones

Twitter

************************************************************

1. Autumn Rooftops
2. Autumn Leaves

By Gary Hough at allthecoolbandsphotography

Website | Instagram | Twitter

************************************************************

Autumn in Milan, November 2020

By Oriana Spadaro

Website | Instagram

************************************************************

Sedona, Arizona

By Jennifer Mullins Photography

Website | Instagram

************************************************************

Christmas Cornflakes

By Charlie Smith

Twitter

************************************************************

A big thank you to all the photographers who have braved the cold to take and contribute their shots. All images are copyright of the named photographer – check out more of their work on the links shown.

Best of 2020 galleries coming soon!

23rd November 2020

Playing through the Pandemic

November 19, 2020November 19, 2020Posted in Live Music

An insight into how the global Coronavirus pandemic has affected the lives of musicians

By Bethany Clayton

2020 has been the year that no one would have been able to predict. If someone had told me last year that there would be a deadly disease that would spread across the entire globe resulting in millions of deaths and in a raise of unemployment and potential poverty for thousands – I would have thought that they had just told me the outline to a new apocalypse movie conceived by Hollywood film writers. However, that is the unfortunate reality that many of us find ourselves in this year. Many people and industries have been affected by this pandemic in different ways. I talked to two musicians who are at the beginning of their journey within the music industry to see how the global Coronavirus pandemic has changed their lives this year. I spoke to Nottingham’s Connor Harrsion, a solo artist who goes by the pseudonym Stature. Connor produces innovative garage music available to listen to on Spotify. I also spoke to Wakefield’s Andrew Horn who is a multiple band member of two folk bands, Aelfen and Moss, and modern-rock band Possum whose music is available to listen to on Spotify and Bandcamp.

For many musicians there have been a number of challenges that they have had to face due to the current pandemic. The main and potentially disastrous challenge is the cancellation of concerts and tours for these artists. Live performances serve as a main source of income for many musicians and are a vital lifeline for smaller solo artists and bands that are trying to earn a living within the music industry. Solo artist Connor Harrsion revealed that many of the musicians that he knows personally, or would have worked alongside prior to the pandemic, have had to sadly find alternative jobs within the music service industry or elsewhere due to no longer having the means to support themselves as musicians because of the effects of the pandemic on people’s livelihoods. Andrew Horn told me that, “It was when a gig for my band Moss was cancelled in Todmordon that I realised things were going to be very different for me.” This was one of the first cancellations that Andrew and his band members had to face this year as well as his third tour with his band Possum cancelled and a venue for his folk band Aelfen to play at what would have been 2020’s Boomtown festival also cancelled, following the UK restrictions on large outdoor events and temporary nationwide lockdowns. There were many musicians facing the same issues as Andrew as events and tours were cancelled resulting in a loss of income for many. However, Connor Harrsion noted an inventive way that many musicians have been able to still secure some income and revenue. Many bands and solo artists have opted to host live performances over social media, utilising formats such as ‘live mode’ on social media platforms like Instagram, as a way to gain donations to allow them the funds to keep on making music for their fans and continue to work in a profession that they love. This mode of virtual performance displays a temporary solution to the challenges posed by this current pandemic displaying the creative ingenuity of our favourite artists and bands.

(Stature on Spotify)

Additionally, Connor revealed to me that his solo work as Stature creates a current source of income through streaming services. “A lot of people have been listening to more music which means more streams and royalty income,” Connor then stated; “which is generally nothing in comparison to what a musician would earn playing live”. For example the streaming service Spotify provides a rate of £0.0028 in royalties for one stream so it would take one thousand streams for a musician to earn £2.80 in royalties. Therefore, it is important to note that the revenue made from streaming services and virtual performances does not compare to the income a musician would earn from in-person live performances. Andrew told me that he believes that live in-person performances could still happen during the pandemic in a safe and Covid-secure way by utilising social distancing measures. This would then allow for many musicians to earn a liveable wage once more, provide business to venues and event holders and keep fans happy. This revelation came to Andrew during his time performing at the Cloth Cat Open Mic Night at the Packhorse in Leeds during the summer, when the UK restrictions temporarily relaxed. The event implemented socially distanced measures such as audience members had to sit at tables in groups no larger than six and wear a mask whenever walking about the venue. Andrew told me that, “all our lives we have taken things for granted like live music and it’s only now that there are restrictions that we realise the importance of such things!”. From this experience Andrew believes socially distanced events could be a new and profitable future for the music industry and we could once again appreciate the pleasure and importance of experiencing live music. These types of performances would supply a means of overcoming some of the most damaging effects of the pandemic as these socially distanced events would allow for the music industry to regain business and for musicians to once again earn a liveable income.

(Possum on Spotify)

As I discussed the obstacles set by the pandemic with both Connor and Andrew they both noted some positives that have also arisen from this uncertain time. For Andrew, during the first UK nationwide lockdown he was unable to meet and rehearse music with his fellow bandmates. Andrew decided to utlise this time instead to work on his first solo album which will be released and available to download on Bandcamp. If it was not for the lockdown, therefore, we would not be gifted with this fabulous new album by Andrew Horn. Connor also stated that the free time that lockdown provided allowed him to work on new music. He also noted that because of the free time that many people have found themselves with during lockdown that “new labels are popping up and have been on the hunt to add to their roster so that in a sense it’s created a higher chance for smaller artists getting noticed”, a silver lining therefore for new musicians looking to be signed. It is evident then that along with the negative effects that the pandemic has created there has also been some positive impacts made on the music industry. Solo artists have had more time to create and release new music which will no doubt keep fans smiling. New businesses such as new record labels have been founded providing more opportunities and business for musicians.

Throughout this apocalyptic Hollywood movie that has somehow seemed to become the reality that our society is living in, there have been numerous effects evident that the pandemic has created upon the livelihoods of musicians and the music industry at large. Such as, some positive effects: brand new music being created and the introduction of virtual performances as a new means to experience music, and some negative effects: the loss of jobs and incomes. However both Andrew and Connor share a consensus that the future remains hopeful and, once some of the disastrous effects of the pandemic begin to de-escalate, then these talented musicians can continue with their livelihoods without disruption and fans can once more enjoy the thrilling venture of listening to new music and watching live performances.

You can listen to Stature and Possum on the links above; Andrew’s solo album is due for release soon.

Words by Bethany Clayton

19th November 2020

Interview – Sen Morimoto

November 17, 2020January 7, 2021Posted in Interview, New Music

Like a magpie collects shiny gems, Sen Morimoto has dipped into a treasure trove of genres and influences, fusing together jazz, hip-hop and soulful undertones on his new self-titled album. We asked him about his early experiences with music and how the record came together…

How are you doing, what’s life like in Chicago right now?

All in all I’m feeling grateful. Or at least always trying to feel grateful. Chicago’s Covid cases are spiking again, so we’re preparing for another lockdown. Today I’ll stock up on groceries and try not to leave home for a while. While as a country there’s been a brief sigh of relief after the election, Chicagoans are still protesting. The city government has made it clear that its loyalty lies with the police, and not the hundreds of thousands of protesters asking to defund the police and remove them from schools. It’s a big hill to look up at because these pleas are really only the bare minimum but the City hasn’t budged, and has instead consistently responded with violence. All that being said, everything is so uncertain these days that I remain grateful for what I have and the safety and wellbeing of my friends and family.

You’ve been playing music since you were a child, what are your early memories of hearing music at home or with family and friends?

I’ve always loved to sing, although for most of my adolescence I was too shy to try it in front of anyone so I used the saxophone. I remember singing Jackson 5 CDs straight through in the car at the top my lungs when I was really little. My siblings hated it. I did the same with the theme from That Thing You Do!. As I got older my dad’s CD collection became a treasure map of interests for me, and a kind of bible of music to study. I had obsessive phases with a lot of records, mostly stuff from the 60s and 70s. Cannonball Adderley, Bill Evans, Neil Young, Carpenters, Kate Bush, and on and on. I taught myself piano and bass learning as many Stevie Wonder songs as I could. Super grateful for those CDs, they definitely shaped not only what I play but what I enjoy hearing in new music too.

Your latest album was released at the end of October, how long has it been in the making and how does it feel now it’s finished?

After my last record touring, my own music and others’ projects kept me pretty busy for a couple years. I would write lyrics or record voice memo ideas on the road and glue everything together whenever I was home. A lot of times when I sit down to record I’m just exploring sounds to come back to and use for a song I write separately, so it ends up feeling like I’ve been working on each record for years but it doesn’t usually start really coming together until a bit before it comes out. Some of the tracks have elements that I’ve been tweaking for years before I released the previous record even. It feels amazing to finally have it out in the world. My favorite part about releasing a body of work is how free I feel to make something completely different right after.

It’s hard to categorise your music but it feels like the soul/ jazz/ rap fusion holds lots of crossover appeal for listeners who might be less attracted to one of those elements on its own – do you get good reactions from a wide audience?

I think because the music I’m inspired by is so varied there’s something for everyone in some of my songs. But I also feel like that’s becoming more and more common in new music. We have access to so much music and art to draw inspiration from, and are exposed to so much of the same stuff online that it feels more and more like all new music is a combination of a few different genres. It’s something that I am actually pretty excited about. It’s like if all the genres that exist now are elements that have been discovered, then the only way to create new elements is to combine the ones we have. The tricky part is doing it gracefully so your music chemistry set doesn’t explode in your face.

What’s the best or worst review you’ve ever had?

The other day I was with some friends and someone put on Man Of The Woods by Justin Timberlake and said, “You ever notice you kinda sound like him”. Don’t get me wrong I love so much of his music and he’s obviously a legend but to say it while that song is playing and not like… idk Cry Me a River or ‘Pushaaaaa looooovee I’m just a Juj-juh-juh-juh-Junkie for your love…’ I was still flattered though, I’d say that was the best and the worst in one.

Tell us about the collaborations on the album, do you start these with a clear idea of the outcome or just see which direction things take?

I definitely let the song lead the way. I leave a lot of room for error and experimentation because some of the best ideas come from mistakes. With collaboration I like to maintain a similar looseness. I never ask collaborators to use their voice or instrument in a certain way, I just ask them to listen to the song a few times and try something that feels natural to them. We go back and tweak things afterwards that we mutually agree on but I try not to let myself get in the way of their expression. I think the other way of doing it where musicians become kind of instruments of your own expression can make for great art too but for me it’s about our minds kind of turning the Rubik’s cube around together.

You’ve mentioned that you had vivid dreams whilst writing the album – did these make their way into the songs?

Definitely, there’s a lot of reference to my dreams in the lyrics. Some are descriptive of the things I’ve dreamt of, like in The Things I Thought About You Started To Rhyme where the lyrics are almost all supposed to feel like a dream, or You Come Around and Nothing Isn’t Very Cool where I talk a little bit about how these dreams affect my waking experience.

Take us on a tour of your neighbourhood, what should we know about that’s not in the guide books?

There’s a Puerto Rican sandwich joint around the corner called Cafe Colao that I’m at more mornings than not. Their café con leche motivates me to rise in the morning.

You’re receiving an award for the album, who gets a mention in your acceptance speech?

I’m definitely hitting the Cuba Gooding Jr. Jerry McGuire Oscar win speech “EVERYONE INVOLVED I LOVE YOU”.

And what’s next, what does 2021 hold for you?

Honestly I have no idea. I’m excited for a couple projects I’m helping put together on the production end and with my label Sooper Records here in Chicago. I want to make as much music as I can and use this time off touring to think about how I can help people more and continue learning.

************************************************************

You can keep up with the latest news from Sen here. The album is available to buy digitally and in physical format on vinyl, CD and cassette on Bandcamp, through Sen’s own label Sooper Records. Watch the video for Woof below.

Interview by Siobhan
Photo via One Beat PR

17th November 2020

New Music – Fast Trains | Solidarity Tapes | Van Houten

November 13, 2020November 13, 2020Posted in New Music, Review

New releases – Fast Trains, Solidarity Tapes, Van Houten

Fast Trains – The English Way (single)

If you’re wondering how to produce and release music on your own terms, take a closer look at Fast Trains. Eschewing the gargantuan claws of Spotify and aligning the importance of visuals with music, Fast Trains’ material is available exclusively on their website and YouTube. The project has so far seen a range of songs and videos meeting acclaim and an unsurprising rise in interest. New EP ourWorld Volume 1 is due for release next year with lead track The English Way out now confronting the subject of men’s mental health, a topic given much more credence than it once was but still in want of further open discussion. The hard hitting lyrical message is softened with melodic vocals and an understated musical arrangement reminiscent of Radiohead’s High and Dry. In trying times, the parallel society of ourWorld feels like a fine and tranquil place to be, do pay a visit.

The English Way has been released this morning; listen below

(Just going to slip in a reminder here that if things are feeling tough you can talk to CALM and The Samaritans in confidence)

Fast Trains

************************************************************

Solidarity Tapes Volume 1 – End the Hostile Environment (album)

Solidarity Tapes is a new DIY cultural project set up to raise money and awareness for migrant, racial, social and climate justice. Their inaugural release End the Hostile Environment is available now in the shape of a cassette and illustrated zine and it’s packed with an eclectic mix of music from new and established artists of varying genres. Kaputt bring art pop à la Bis with Parsonage Square, Big Joanie offer up discordant punk track Eyes and Italia 90’s Against the Wall is a well fitting addition with the opening line ‘I don’t wanna hear about the power of love when it’s a substitute for real ideology and thought’. Also on the tracklist Goat Girl, PVA and Garden Centre all make an appearance along with many others well worth checking out. Citing their aim as ‘in the spirit of solidarity not charity’, the project offers a platform for artists to present a united front with oppressed groups in a practical way and some great tunes as an added bonus.

Have a listen and make a purchase or donation if you’re able here

Solidarity Tapes

************************************************************

Van Houten – Home Alone (EP)

Out today, Van Houten’s EP Home Alone is brimming with their self-proclaimed ‘slacker pop with a cherry on top’. The Leeds 5 piece have a knack for producing effortlessly breezy dream-pop tunes that belie the complexity of the musical layers involved. Recent singles You and Me and What I Need have a definite vibe of Bill Ryder-Jones and early Childhood and those are heady comparisons not made lightly. The soft focus and melancholy are beautifully executed; listen as you go to sleep and sweet dreams are sure to follow. A couple of planned socially distanced gigs have had to be postponed but, when live shows are a thing again, get yourself along to catch Van Houten if you can, this is definitely a band to keep on your radar. The release comes with a limited run of 50 hand numbered cassettes, available here.

Home Alone is out today via Clue Records, video for What I Need below