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INsiders Guide: Franz Von, Federico Aubele, Lexi Aviles, TJ Atoms, Nji, Avalyn, MILCK, Joe Hicks, Battlemode, Godlands, Bree Runway, D3Szn…..

Franz Von continues his commitment to delivering sophisticated and elegant rap with ‘Her Frequency‘, the next single to be unveiled from upcoming EP ‘People Di Powa’ (20 May).  STREAM/DOWNLOAD: FRANZ VON – HER FREQUENCYThe track features Marseille-based artist Cynthia Bahy who delivers a beautiful and captivating vocal performance, the result is an exploration of lively, dynamic, and contemporary sounds fusing golden-era hip-hop with jazz. A production collaboration connecting two scenes – Marseille based producer Labo Klandestino and Sheffield based Tom Excell (Nubiyan Twist / Onipa) – the track started life in Labo’s studio in France and was then reinterpreted back in Excell’s Sheffield studio. A flow of ideas and inspirations passed between creative minds and spaces. When asked about the meaning behind the release Franz Von commented, ”Her Frequency is a song of hope and gratitude focusing on renewing our inner strength and connection with the infinite power of the universe”.

Artwork credit: Federico Aubele

Brooklyn-based Argentine singer/songwriter Federico Aubele shares the second soothing track, and its accompanying video, “Old Spanish Films,” from his forthcoming LP, The Holographic Moon, due out on May 27th and available for pre-order now.

“Old Spanish Films,” is the follow-up release to “Pink Spray Painted Clouds,” a gentle daydream that captures the warmth of a budding romance. While similar in vocal intimacy and a delicate acoustic guitar, “Old Spanish Films,” in contrast, sees Aubele come to terms with the crumbling foundation beneath a relationship once thought to be unbreakable.

The melancholic melody reveals a subtle sense of mourning that seeps through the buzzing instrumentals and overlapping vocals, mirroring the relationship’s incompatibility. Describing the context of the track, Aubele says, “I wrote this song based on a personal experience that a lot of people have experienced too: the realization that a relationship I was in was built on projections, from both people in it, and didn’t have any real foundation. This notion (and the end of the relationship) was obviously sad but in hindsight I can see that for the brief amount of time we were together we did give each other something valuable that we needed at the time, mostly companionship, and that we both contributed something positive to each other’s lives. We’re always giving each other something that can have value, whether we consciously notice it or not.”

Love You Later — the project of Nashville-based artist and songwriter Lexi Aviles — is back with the official music video for her new single, “Keepintouch.”After making waves with the track on TikTok this past month, Love You Later released “Keepintouch” on all streaming platforms on March 18th. The addictive alt-pop gem has already been added to top Spotify playlists like Indie Pop and New Pop Picks, and has caught the attention of tastemakers like MTVOnes To Watch and Sweety High.For the “Keepintouch” music video, Love You Later worked with director Chase Denton to create a colorful and captivating visual counterpart. “When writing ‘Keepintouch’ I was developing a vision of colors, moods, and themes I want to communicate in the visuals for this release,” Love You Later says. “My hope was to encapsulate the feeling of longing to not feel so distant from myself or from everyone around me by using visual representations of isolation, space, meditation, and symbolic auras. I knew Chase and his team would be the perfect people to bring my vision to life.”Love You Later is the solo alt-pop project of Nashville-based artist Lexi Aviles. Pairing electric melodies and honest lyrics with shimmery guitar riffs and euphoric synths, Love You Later’s music makes you feel like you’re in a dream. Over the past few years, the 23-year-old artist has opened for OneRepublic, Dayglow, and Briston Maroney, attended SXSW as an official artist and, last year, she sold out Nashville’s EXIT/IN. With attention pouring in from tastemakers like LADYGUNN, EUPHORIA, The Line of Best Fit, FLAUNT, American Songwriter and more, Love You Later is an artist to keep on your radar.

Coming off a pivotal year receiving critical acclaim for this role on Hulu’s Wu-Tang: An American Saga Season Two, releasing his debut single “Potato Chips,” critically-acclaimed artist TJ Atoms increases his reach as a creative entrepreneur today with the unveiling of his unisex apparel brand Parallel Worldwide.  Available to purchase everywhere today at ParallelWorldwide.com, Parallel makes its debut as more than a ready-to-wear clothing line. The brand of Parallel exemplifies the uniqueness that is ubiquitous in everyone with a style palette complementary to premium streetwear. The brand hones in on unapologetic self-expression cut from fabrics of the future. TJ Atoms shares, “From mapping out the designs and picking out the right fabrics to working with one of the best creative teams to capture the brand in visual form, it’s been a surreal project from beginning up until now. The brand’s inspiration is to bring in the new age era of high fashion streetwear and inspire the youth culture with its rebellious style and in-your-face fashion. The colors are nostalgic, remembering the early 2000 grudge and mid 90s hip hop streetwear culture. Wearing a statement brand as Parallel reminds us that we can be anywhere we imagine or anything you envision—embrace your Parallel Universe. You must act on your stardom now and let the universe catch up to you.

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In an industry where musicians grapple for a similar sound, London based artist Nji breathes a fresh new life in to her music! Releasing ‘Pressure’, as her latest single, the track is a masterclass in her lyrical ability and showcases exactly why Nji is set to have a very exciting year.

STREAM/DOWNLOAD: NJI – PRESSURE 

Nji is the queen of versatility as she fluidly moves between crafting high energy, fiery tracks before effortlessly gliding over laidback, soul stirring, heart-led rap ballads. ’Pressure’ leans on the latter as Nji delivers an insightful rap anthem filled to the brim with deep lyrical content. Teaming up with SpiiceyBeats for the production, they find the perfect canvas for Nji to showcase her skills. With undertones of Afrobeat percussion, an infectious melody and spacy synths all wrapped together with soulful vocal chops and adlibs, they manage to blend the differing elements to create a masterpiece. The London based artist clearly takes pride in her technical penmanship, delivering an avalanche of metaphors, similes and wordplay, as well as displaying a real knowledge of the fundamental pillars of rap. This track demonstrates the hard work and pressure you feel whilst trying to achieve perfection, speaking on this topic Nji tells us “No heat. No pressure. No diamonds!!!”

AYALYN’s  stunning new single “WHEN WE WERE NOTHING,” an abstract look back at the highs and lows of naïve youth. Avalyn formed in late 2021 after long-time friends Andy Power (Guitar & Vocals) and Ben Croft (Lead Guitar) decided to start writing together due to them both being dissatisfied with their previous musical efforts. Soon joined by Cain Garcia (Drums) and Emily Turnbull (Bass & Vocals), the band appeared all over their local music scene in 2021, including playing their first gig supporting Junodream alongside Lime Garden at The Shipping Forecast in Liverpool, as well as going into Whitewood Recording Studio with Robert Whiteley to record their latest offering.

Influenced by the great punk powerhouses, Avalyn takes their cues from the likes of My Bloody ValentineSlowdive & Lush. What emerges is the ferociously uplifting sound that can be heard on the group’s latest track; “When We Were Nothing,” out now. Featuring mastering work from the Lead Singer & Guitarist of the seminal 90s Shoegazing band RIDE, Mark Gardener, the track melds brooding experimentalism, with an unshakeable punk sound. Thrashing guitars play under Power’s haunting vocals, as he sings about the euphoric uncertainty that comes with youth, and the always present, uncertain future.

“When We Were Nothing was the second song we ever wrote together as a band,” says Power. “Our guitarist Ben brought in the main riff and I could tell from the beginning it was going to be great, so I wrote a verse for it and then we wrote the lyrics together.  Everything really came to life once we brought it into the practice room with the addition of Cain’s drum part and Emily’s bass and vocal Recording with Rob Whiteley was a lot of fun as we felt like he was able to help give us the freedom to experiment with the sounds we wanted as well as being able to put all our ideas together into a cohesive mix. The mastering job from Mark Gardener was the final touch that has taken the song to another level and we’re excited to continue working with him going forward.”

https://soundcloud.com/avalynband/when-we-were-nothing/s-bSyBtLpnx0E?si=b72035bf772140df93a9380f981927a1&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Photo Credit: Reinhardt Kenneth

Advocate, singer-songwriter and producer MILCK shares the new music video for her latest single “Power,” a song that exudes confidence and inner strength. The song was co-written by MILCK and co-produced by Stefan Lit (One Direction, Andy Grammer, Galantis), Ben Antelis, Clover, and Lena Leon. Currently, “Power” is featured in ABC Network’s programming for Women’s History Month, celebrating Women’s stories within their current shows. Earlier this month, MILCK attended TIME’s Women of the Year event in Los Angeles and participated in iHeartRadio’s SeeHer special alongside Alicia Keys, Maren Morris and Avril Lavigne. Watch HERE. This week she performed for the equality services company Female Quotient’s first annual global forum. See the performance HERE.

In writing “Power,” MILCK asked herself “What if starting today, every time we look in the mirror, we say hello as if it’s the first time that we’ve met ourselves? What if we offered ourselves kindness and second chances? I decided to stop striving for the external accolades that I thought would give me power,” she says. “The true accolade is seeing my life as a gift, and honoring who I am now.”

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“A highly individual musical identity, fusing pop with R’n’B, gossamer melody with liquid guitar work” – CLASH

 With over 2.5 million Spotify streams rising singer-songwriter Joe Hicks returns with his new single ‘Mirror Mirror’ – the first instalment from his upcoming debut album out later this year. 

 Initially when Joe started writing new music back in 2020, he was intending to release another EP, but with some persistent encouragement from producer Sam Winfield (Amber Run, Fickle Friends, Robin Trower, Only Sun), he soon gave into the challenge of writing his first full-length album, despite how daunting the commitment felt. 

 In the past Joe has noted that if an idea didn’t quite fit ‘his sound’ he would often move on from it, never exploring the idea any further, however with Mirror Mirror’ this was not the case. The single’s rocky intro riff was one of these ideas, but rather than shoot it down Joe was intrigued to see what could come of it. “Once I started singing over it, I didn’t stop until I had the whole thing mapped out melodically, and I’m so glad I did as it’s one of my favourite songs on the album.” 

Credit: Pixel Journalism

Bostonian electropop group Battlemode today share their new single and visual Skyscrapers. The track finds the duo exploring their darkest emotional territory yet amongst a backing of whirring synths, elegant piano and flickering hi-hats. While “Skyscrapers” maintains the almost childlike warmth and wonder that pervaded the bands previous singles, it also showcases a fragile uncertainty. Battlemode’s Biff explains, “‘Skyscrapers’ looks at the challenges of living in the city. It’s about our love and frustration of Boston. Nights of friendship & music paired with high rents & 60 hour work weeks just to make ends meet.” 

The track is accompanied by a pixel-art visual, created by Peruvian artist Kirokaze, which situates the duo amongst a futuristic cityscape that oozes melancholy amongst bright lights. The short repeated loop emphasizes the sense of boredom and frustration that can still set in whilst living in vibrant environments. As Battlemode’s Kris puts it, “It’s a constant struggle between wanting to be in Boston for the music scene and wondering if our time is being wasted working our youths away.” 

Adelaide-based DJ and producer Godlands made her label debut today with the cutting-edge single, “GODSP33D.” Emerging as part one of her anticipated EP out later this year, the track is a forward-thinking slice of trap packed with grime-inspired instrumentals and saturated samples that demonstrate her underground stylings. Gracing several ‘Artists to Watch’ lists over the last year, all eyes are on Godlands as she returns to the live space packing an arsenal of against-the-grain records, with “GODSP33D” setting the pace. 

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Godlands shares, “I was really inspired by the current landscape of trap music and the progression that fellow producers have made in the last year or so, to push the envelope and play with new styles and techniques. I loved not sticking to a routine and creatively digging deeper and genuinely just having fun with stepping outside of my comfort zone. I’m always wanting to push myself as a producer while keeping that high-energy trap vibe.

Originally sought-after for her formidable skills as an open format hip-hop DJ, Godlands seamlessly pivoted and emerged with the second wave of Australian electronic music artists over the last decade. She was quickly supported by authorities like triple J and BBC, with major tastemakers rinsing her originals including Steve Aoki, Alison Wonderland, and others. Since then, she’s catapulted onto the global stage, touring with JOYRYDE in 2019 and melting dance floors with her multi-genre approach. This summer she’ll take to the festival circuit in Australia, with performances at beloved events such as Rabbits Eat Lettuce, Lunar Electric, and SUB XL to name a few.

British pop trailblazer Bree Runway continues her ascent to global superstardom with magnetic new single ‘Somebody Like You’ out now.

 

‘Somebody Like You’ is a stunning neon-lit devotional that showcases Bree’s emotive and dynamic vocal talents. Built around propulsive ‘80s-inspired drums, subterranean padded synths and captivating melodies, it illuminates a new side to Hackney-born singer’s limitless artistry, one which the Guardian said “further cements her unique position as a rising pop star who eschews convention to embrace complexity and contradiction”.

Speaking about the track, Bree says, “An ode to my future lover, in a generation where love and relationships have become so transactional, I’m still preserving myself for the real thing. “Somebody like you” he is also like me, he will see value in a love that can’t be bought, it simply just is. It can be such an empty, soulless generation but in all of that I am still sure there is a precious diamond in all the dirt for me.”

Gearing up for a breakthrough on the West Coast, buzzing Los Angeles rapper D3Szn unleashes a new single and music video entitled “Drip” [feat. E-40 OHGEESY] via 4Hunnid Records/Epic Records. Listen to “Drip”HERE. Watch the music video for “Drip”HERE.

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On the track, a throwback bass line bumps through head-nodding 808s as D3szn launches one bulletproof bar after another. Between fiery cameos from the legendary E-40 and Los Angeles luminary OHGEESY, he ignites an irresistible hook as he warns, “You can’t touch this drip. In the accompanying visual directed by Adrian PerD3szn raps from the back of a convertible and turns up with friends as E-40 and OHGEESY both lyrically incinerate the beat.

It only paves the way for much more music to come from D3szn. Get ready.

Rising up out of the South Central neighborhood of Watts, D3szn represents another chapter for the West Coast. He sparked buzz with the likes of “Jump Out” before catching the attention of YG and landing a deal with 4Hunnid. He joined forces with YG on the anthem “Blood Walk” in addition to teaming up with Day Sulan and YG for 4hunnid Presents: Gang Affiliated. Beyond gathering tens of millions of streams, he has been featured by UPROXXLA WeeklyRevolt, and more.

It’s his time now.

New York based trio The Dionysus Effect was formed in 2020 in a basement with a passion to write songs that conjure the raw energy and timeless spirit of rock n’ roll. Driven to lead a rock revival and bring pop music lovers back to rock, members Christoph Paul (vocals, bass), Sean Quinn Hanley (guitar), and Brett Petersen (drums) combine their diverse musical backgrounds and talents for a unique explosion of sound. Their music is an enthralling hybrid of grunge rock, darkwave indie, alt-rock and pop, that forges a poetic expression filled with furious arena energy.

The Dionysus Effect’s music explores themes of love, addiction, passion, and the complexities found in loss and hardship. As Christoph and Brett both being professional authors, they are now using their music as another medium to further convey the message, “to truly live and enjoy the highs and find purpose and resilience with the lows.”In their latest track “Stars”, the band creates a passionate ode to that triumphant love that feels just out of reach. Grunge filled snarling guitars and warm evocative vocals seamlessly glide over a hypnotic alt-pop bass and 90’s alt rock influenced soundscapes in this exciting debut single. “‘Stars’ is a bitter-sweet alt-rock song about love and loss. When you look up toward the stars with faith that you’ll be with your soul mate and stay with them even when they are gone,” confides Christoph Paul. Brimming with a melodic pop sensibility and the true heart and soul of rock music, “Stars” is an exhilarating first taste of what’s to come from this rising trio.Encapsulating the influence the band has on many of their listeners, the name ‘The Dionysus Effect’ is when the passion overtakes you and you feel most alive with Dionysus energy.  Dionysus was a Greek God, who in ancient times brought about ecstasy, insanity and ritual madness, mirroring when the band performs their live show and puts the audience under a trance — that is The Dionysus Effect. The band is set to release their second single “Darryl” from their debut album on March 25th worldwide.

Asserting himself as “up next” in the South, explosive Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based rapper HD4President unveils a new single entitled “Celebration” [feat. Mouse On Tha Track] today. Download and stream “Celebration” HERE. Watch the music video HERE.

On the track, horns pipe up in the background as the beat overflows with uncontainable energy. HD4President ignites a series of punchy bars before the hypnotic hook takes hold. Baton Rouge rapper and producer Mouse On Tha Track rolls through with an equally engaging cameo. Together, they turn up in the video, which nods to classic nineties visuals with its bright spotlights and futuristic tunnel setting.

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HD4President recently served up “One Mic. Not only did it gain traction on streaming platforms, but it also earned plugs from the likes of ThisIs50 and more.

Everything just paves the way for more from HD4President soon. Celebrate with him in 2022.

 Primed to pop off in a big way this year, buzzing Florida rap phenomenon 350Heem unleashes a new single and music video entitled “Back 2 The Block” via Motown Records today. Listen to “Back 2 The Block”HERE.

The track glides over a skittering beat punctuated by 808s and a slick bass line. 350Heem switches his flow from galloping verses into a sharply succinct hook. Meanwhile, he addresses naysayers head-on with a word of advice, “Stop all that hating and go get some money or something. In the accompanying visual, he hustles at a classic carwash in between rapping to the mop. It places his personality in the spotlight.

Photo Credit: Alex Lake

Porcupine Tree – Steven Wilson, Richard Barbieri, and Gavin Harrison – has shared “Of The New Day,” the latest track from their hugely anticipated new album, CLOSURE/CONTINUATION, due via Music For Nations/Megaforce Records on Friday, June 24.

“‘Of the New Day’ is a song of rebirth, emerging from darkness,” says Porcupine Tree founder Steven Wilson. “It sounds deceptively simple, a recognizably atypical Porcupine Tree ballad. That is until you realize that the length of the bars is constantly changing, flipping between bars of regular 4/4 time to 3/4, to 5/4 to 6/4, 11/4, so that the track never settles into any steady time. It’s what Porcupine Tree can sometimes do really well, come up with a basic idea that’s almost intellectual or mathematical, but carry it off in a way that sounds completely natural and accessible. At least I hope there’s no sense of us being clever for the sake of it or putting technique over musicality. That is unless you want to specifically home in on that side of the composition.”

Comprised of Jake Roche and Charley Bagnall, 2022 sees the boys embarking on an exciting new chapter of their careers after cutting ties with mega-manager Scooter Braun and dropping their first album Wow, Big Legend in 2021, which received co-signs from the likes of The Guardian, Wonderland, The Line of Best Fit and BBC Introducing – all done out of Jake’s mum’s garage (who happens to be Coleen Nolan).

Utilizing Internet culture to their advantage, push baby have been allowing intimate access to the making of their upcoming record through daily live streams, racking up 1.1M+ likes for their Tik Tok content alone.

Armed with a self-assurance in their music, fashion-forward style and tongue-in-cheek humour, the band’s upcoming new record (due out this Summer) is going to be a milestone moment for them; after years of doing what they thought they ‘should’ do, this new era of push baby sees them finally coming into their own form with the instinctive music they always wanted to make.

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FUTURE CAVEMEN releases his sophomore EP: ‘II’ today (25 March). Swiftly following 2021’s acclaimed first outing ‘I’, the aptly titled ‘II’ sees the alias of Joe Tennant growing in stature and exploring new sonic territory.Blazing the trail of the four-track release, the singer-songwriter and producer puts a spotlight on one of its most incendiary moments: “Diggin”, a featured track which leads the release today. LISTEN TO “DIGGIN” HERE Written while walking home through London at night, this shadowy slow-burner sees FUTURE CAVEMEN evoke the grandiose gloom of the capital’s looming gothic churches lying empty at twilight. With dusky, Spaghetti Western rhythms climbing to an immense and impending crescendo, “Diggin” was co-produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Kristofer Harris at Kent’s Squarehead Studios. Discussing the inception of the eerie new track, FUTURE CAVEMEN explains: “I wanted something gothic — I was listening to a lot of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds and Dick Dale at the time and I used to go into the local church and play the piano when nobody was around. I don’t like to get into lyrics or meanings behind my own songs, I just knew I wanted it to sound violent. I wanted it to be structured like a poem but with extravagant musical interludes, almost like an epic movie theme or a classical piece.”

Credit: Ben Morse Guise

London four-piece GUISE are joined by Emily Barker on sublime new single ‘I Know When You Leave’. 

LISTEN TO ‘I KNOW WHEN YOU LEAVE’ ON YOUTUBE HERE || STREAM ON ALL SERVICES HERE 

Ahead of the release of their debut album Youngest Daughter (due 29th April via Xtra Mile Recordings), the latest offering from London-based GUISE is a dazzling, vocal harmony led track that sees the foursome joined by singer-songwriter Emily Barker. 

Grappling with the hardship that comes with being apart from someone you love, the track is as sublime as it is stirring with frontwoman Jessica Guise’s emotive lyricism brought to life with lush vocal harmonies and sparse instrumentals. 

Discussing the story behind the heartfelt new track Jessica explains:

“I wrote the words to ‘I Know When You Leave’ on a bus in Italy, and the tune came to me later back in London, Separation from the person I love is a pretty normal part of my life, but that doesn’t make it easy all the time; things are generally just a bit worse when we’re apart, and that’s what this is about.”

MEXICAN DOGS return with latest single: “She Cries Blues”, a retro romp out now via Fretsore Records.Cavorting their way through a thunderous blend of retro riffs, jovial drum beats and rip-roaring, live-ready vocals, “She Cries Blues” is a fuzzy glam-rock romp that touches on the past whilst barrelling hell for leather toward the future. After gaining a massive reception on live outings late last year, the track is another assured step forwards for a band keen to connect with audiences whilst staying true to their own jam-packed arsenal of influences. Wanting to build upon the glam 70s stylings that underpinned earlier release “Run, Run, Run,” frontman Gaz Wilcox explains of “She Cries Blues”’s inception: “This song is something that’s been with me for a while.  It definitely means a lot to us because it’s always the simplest of melodies and chord progressions that are the hardest ones to find. The songwriting process was really fast — I wrote it in about 10 minutes. I find that in those moments when a song just finds you, it normally just sticks. WIthout overthinking it too much it becomes more natural and flows without overcomplicating things.” 

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YOVA release their alluring debut studio album ‘Nine Lives’ worldwide.  Released on Quartertone via Cargo, across this introspective project YOVA offer evocative vocals, textured arrangements and spellbinding storytelling. 

In tandem with the release, YOVA have revealed a chilling, dystopian video for one of its most prominent tracks: “Make it Better”, created with video directors Tom Linton and Phillip Reinking.

WATCH THE “MAKE IT BETTER” VIDEO HERE

A track intended to haunt you to the very core, “Make It Better” fuses piercing viola work, drill-like repetition and disturbing visuals that couldn’t be more apposite in the current climate. Talking about the track, vocalist and songwriter Jova Radevska says:

“This song symbolises the society we live in & the culture of “following the leader” wherever that may lead to. We are told “tick that box & we’ll make it better”. When did we surrender to “make it better” – it repeats throughout the years, new polished promises, talk of a better tomorrow. We become so accustomed to the amniotic state we live in because it keeps the status quo.” 

Heading to outer space – literally – the multiplatinum Pontiac, MI rising rapper DDG blasts off to outer space in the visuals to his latest hit “Elon Musk” alongside fellow US hitmaker Gunna. STREAM/DOWNLOAD: DDG FT GUNNA – ELON MUSKOn the track, a spacey 808-laden beat wobbles in between lithely plucked guitar. DDG leans into a slick and simmering flow before Gunna lands with his own unbreakable and undeniable bars. It all culminates on the viral-ready chant, “Like I’m Elon Musk.” DDG is currently training to be the first rapper in space, stay tuned for launch date to be revealed soon.

Alternative Rock band Wax on Water is fronted by singer, songwriter and producer Maya Damaris and was joined by rock guitarist Steven Blessing back in 2019. The band released the first of the ‘Drip’ series “The Drip- Part 1” EP back in November’ 21. Now they release the follow up: “The Drip – Part ll” on 25th March’ 22 with the full forthcoming complete album “The Drip” landing in June.

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Maya Damaris decided to form a band which would evoke the same intense feelings and inspiration that she had growing up when listening to artists like Bowie, Led Zeppelin, Soundgarden, The Cure and Nine Inch Nails. Debut album “Procession was initially released by Damaris in 2017, demonstrating an expert ability to channel diverse influences whilst making a sound that was entirely their own. The resulting album acclaim led to the re-release of “Procession in 2018 and a lucrative worldwide distribution deal with The Orchard/Sony Music, for Damaris’ own label, Howling Tempest Records.

Perhaps it was fate that, in 2019, Damaris encountered like-minded musician, guitarist Steven Blessing and the musical coupling was instantly formidable. The band draw inspiration from the great and good; from bands past and present and from multiple genres:  70s rock, 90s grunge, electronica, and industrial. On “The Drip” album, their sound is taken to the next level with the addition of Blessing’s soaring layers of guitar and Damaris’ unique writing and production style, creating a potent musical brew that is, unquestionably, Wax on Water.

The eagerly awaited forthcoming album “The Drip”, due in June, is a collection of sixteen expertly crafted rock songs. As a prelude to the album, Wax on Water released  “The Drip – Part 1” EP last November –  release the Second EP “The Drip – Part II”  on March 25th : an  eclectic mix of songs that gives fans a tantalising taste of what to expect when the full album of the same name drops in the Summer.

 The first track is  the recent single , and electro-rock tome to love; “You Know When You Know”, “Dumb Me” is a heart rending and raw exploration of depression. “In The Shadows” talks about the need for loyalty and consistency in relationships and “All Over Me” describes an all-consuming sense of disintegration.  The focus single, and second track on the EP, is the cleverly playful radio track “The Wrong Way”Damaris explains: ”I love Steve’s guitar playing on this song, it’s so lyrical and gives a tongue in cheek feel to the song. Lyrically, I wanted to have some fun with this track – and the person in question was very vain, so that inspired my lyrics.”

Like the heady musical brew on “The Drip – Part I” EP, the songs on “The Drip – Part II” EP demonstrate that Wax on Water are not just a conduit for classic multi-genre influences, but also a creator of entirely new ones.

neillfrazer@hotmail.com

Socials: @neillfrazer

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KILE J (they/them) is a proud non-binary artist and performer, based in New York City. Originally from Houston Texas, Kile moved to New York...

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