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NOVEMBER 2011
MRU NewsWe have a brand new
section on our website
and this is the place to
be!
WWW.MRUTV.COM
Artist of the month
DEM FOOLSExclusiveinterviewwith HazelJadeRogers
Who is
running
your
band?Turn to page 11
Full feature onDublin’s
hottests rapper!Turn to page 12
Turn to page 22
2 ::: October 2011 ::: Music Review Unsigned
ContentsPage 3 - This month Amanda gives her views on the unsigned and the
signed in the industry.
Page 6 to 9 - Featured CD reviews
Page 10 - Live Review at the Workmans club Dublin..
Page 11 - Who is running your band
Page 12 - Leathal Dialect feature
Page 15 to 16 - Album reviews...
Page 18 - How to make this the best ‘music’ year ever
Page 22 to 25 - Exclusive interview with Hazel Jade Rogers
Editor: Trevor Halpin
trev@musicreviewunsigned.com
Writers:
Amanda Burns
Arne Eichler
Collie Bartley
Emer Kelly
Maria Molloy
Luan Roberts
Kelly McGill
Paul O’Connell (POC)
Lidija Radacic
Photography:
Alison Lambert Hughes
@ Dragon Photography
Paul Kolbe
www.paulspics.eu
Links:
www.musicreviewunsigned.com
www.mrutv,com
www.facebook.com/musicreview
unsignedofficial
www.myspace.com/musicreview_
unsigned
www.youtube.com/MusicreviewU
nsigned
www.twitter.com/musicreviewU
Design Editor: David Duggan
Music Review Unsigned ::: November 2011 ::: 3
Isaw on the news (Oh yes, the NATIONAL
news) that Westlife are breaking up. How
ignorant of me not realise how important
this is, clearly it’s right up there with war and
civil unrest and the economic downturn and
all that craic.
Well, superhero that I am, I have a solution.
If what Ireland needs is a band, made up of 4
talented and good looking lads to become it’s
biggest musical export, I have it. They’re
names are Ronan, Joe, Paul and Enda, and
they go by the collective name of Race the
Flux.
As it happens, they aren’t actually anything
like Westlife, what with them being able to
actually write a song and, y’know, play
instruments. But my argument for them
becoming one of Ireland’s biggest musical
exports stands. If nothing else, we could at
least prove that we can do more,as a nation,
than get off stools and grab the air just as the
song reaches the bridge.
Of course, there is much else, much, much
more. Last month, I was writing about a band
called Town Criers (amaze-balls), who are one
of three bands falling under the umbrella of
Cold Room Records, an independent record
label founded by three bands; Town Criers,
Ka-Tet and Race the Flux.These three bands
took things into their own hands, set up Cold
Room Records, andembarked on a national
tour, entitled The Novel Tour, taking in venues
all across the country.
This month, it’s the turn of Race the Flux to
be featured.
Hailing from Roscommon, this four piece
was born in 2008 and are swiftly carving out
a spot for themselves on the Irish music scene.
They appear to be gigging extensively, seems
like every week I see a different event on
Facebook. This bodes well for them; you don’t
get brought back for a second gig if the crowd
hasn’t liked you. They’re hardworking lads,no
doubt about it.
On vocals, Joe Padfield is honestly
incredibly easy to listen to. None of that
pitchy, cracky off-key stuff that I often hear,
on account of many recordings being done on
a shoe-string. Nope, this guy needs no
cleaning up, no polishing. He looks like a
rock-star, he sounds like one, to my mind he
may well be one. Except, maybe without the
paycheque? I dunno, but he has something
that I find more often than not to be missing
from the vast majority of vocalists. He has grit
in his voice. Not the forced kind you hear 'cos
a singer is killing himself to reach a note, but
just because it’s there. And it sounds good.
And, as good as he is, he has some excellent
back-up. Let there be no doubt, and no
mistake, Paul Higgins has a voice that could
quickly become your favourite sound.
Padfield plays guitar/piano, Higgins covers
guitar/synthesizer, Enda Stritch is on bass and
all instruments are played to a staggeringly
high standard.
Then there is the common denominator of
all three bands that fall within the Cold Room
Records circle; Ronan Connaughton on
percussion.
As I said before, prodigious is not the word.
This guy is in a league of his own. He’s
creative, he’s clearly versatile (3 different
bands, boys and
girls). If he
pimped himself
out as a session
musician, I’m
pretty sure he
could end up
needing medical
attention for
exhaustion, he’d
be that much in
demand. As it
happens, I can
think of many
acts that could do
with his kind of
help!
Usually, when a band describes themselves
as “progressive” or “experimental rock” it’s,
well, bull. It’s usually a loose translation for
“we wanna be a rock band, but we’re pretty
much a bad pop band, who like to mess
around with our old Casio’s and call it music
”. (Trust me; I spend A LOT of time trawling
through MySpace.)
This is, by a very long mile, the ONLY time
I’ve found that term to fit. This is the only time
it has made sense, because (batter a
cliché;)they’re different. Legitimately, they
have something different and authentic about
them.
Race the Flux are most definitely what it
says on the tin, and more.
It’s weird; they don’t remind me of
anything. I don’t find them reminiscent of
anybody. And yet, I can see exactly where
they’d fitin, and fit in well. Record execs say
all the time how there’s a gap in the market for
this and that (sadly, this “gap” gave us Justin
Bieber), well, there’s a Grand Canyon sized
gap for a band like this. All the great bands of
my time seem to be ageing and getting ready
to pack up, maybe an act like this is the next
logical step.
Recorded, they rock. Live, they’re fan-
frikin’-tastic.Currently, they’re recording their
debut LP, set to be releases in early-mid 2012.
So for now, get online-
Facebook/Myspace/Breaking tunes, all that
craic-and check out what’s on offer.
It’s rock and it’s roll and it’s a whole lot
more.
“Run while you can, there ain’t no smoke
without fire”.
Damn straight, so take cover music world,
Race the Flux are set to set the place alight.
http://www.facebook.com/Racetheflux
www.myspace.com/racetheflux
Oh Music, Where Art Thou?By Amanda Burns
On The Other Hand:
This one is gonna be short. And easy. I just
saw a documentary on TV; apparently Steps
are reuniting.
Oh. Sweet. Heart. Of. Jesus.
Was the once not enough?? Was one
murdering of the Bee Gees and several other
massacres of the eardrums of the masses not
enough? Has Hitler come back as a zombie
and found a way to torture the world again??
This is not fair. They’ve already committed
musical genocide once. They’ve made their
money and they’ve had their turn. Push them
aside and give somebody new a chance.
As it stands, this hasn’t seen the light of day,
yet.It’s still in the pipeline; no charting has yet
taken place, and so let me warn you now,
record buying public;
DO NOT DO IT!!!!!
Sign up today! and be part
of MRU
www.mrutv.com
6 ::: November 2011 ::: Music Review Unsigned
Little did I know Ballyfermot
College was hiding some sheer
talent! Pyramid Hill’s new EP All
Human mixes rap music with soul music
and stays on the line of delivering fresh
and heartfelt music.
With influences ranging from Led
Zeppelin to Alicia Keys this seems to
shine straight through this album and
gives us the rock yet RnB feel not
forgetting the hard hitting rap lyrics.
Pyramid Hill has that unique and
unmissable sound that is hard to find
nowadays.
What stunned me most was the
vocalist Alison Daniel. Throughout the
whole EP she captured me with her
soulful singing and elegant piano
playing. The beat breaking rapping
performed by Oggan Ryan made me do
the head nod with his genuine rhymes.
This EP is packed to the brim with
music that is fit to inspire many young
musicians.
Dublin folk/Reggae band Dem
Fools have a distinct and unique
sound about them, with vocals
like Luan Parle and Gemma Hayes, Dem
Fools are a band to look out for! Nice
lyrics, good use of instruments and
amazing vocals hopefully this Single
will be the beginning of something
wonderful for Dem Fools. I really
enjoyed listening to their song ‘Not as
hard as it Looks’.
Dem Fools are currently in the You
Bloom battle of the bands contest and
will need all of your support in the run
up to this, for more info and how to vote
for them visit their Facebook page for
updates, the only criticism I would have
about them is that there wasn’t enough
songs on the CD for me to listen to!
Pyramid Hill :::
All Human
Review by Kelly McGill
http://www.breakingtunes.com/pyramidhill
Dem Fools ::: Not as hard as it looksReview by Emer Kelly
http://www.facebook.com/demfoolsmusic
http://www.facebook.com/salvitro
Music Review Unsigned ::: November 2011 ::: 7
Sal vitro are one of those great
bands that get you nodding your
head in appreciation while
listening to their tunes.
Personally I wouldn’t be a blues funk
rock fan, however, the tracks on This
Thing Of Ours are so indisputably good
that it really doesn’t matter what music
is your usual forte.
The EP begins with “Swear By Your
Love” a frenzied track that will make
even the most reluctant person get onto
their feet.
“Wear it Out” is more laid back with
an unbelievable funky cool ambience.
The third and final track on the EP is
“Strange Friends & Peculiar Enemies”
and to think this band hail from
Dundrum and Naas is unreal, they
wouldn’t be out of place in a 1960s
American funk rock bar.
Sal Vitro ::: This Thing of OursLead vocalist Josh Dundford has the
perfect voice for this kind of music.
He is unfaltering in his
delivery.
Sal
Vitro list
some of
their main
influences as
Jimi Hendrix,
Buddy Holly
and The Who
and while you
can hear that they
have been deeply
inspired by artists
such as these, they
have made their own
mark on the genre of
music they love.
This Thing Of Ours
leaves me with a smile
on my face and a need to catch these
guys live.
Review by Maria Molloy
Who knew that the streets of
Cork where hiding such
talent. Polly Barrett’s album
Mr. Bookshop is an album packed to the
brim with mellow folk songs that are a
pleasure to listen too.
There is no truer sound than the
natural voice pulsing threw your
eardrums and with Polly’s mellow
relaxing, true Irish vocals; I can’t help
but want to hear the next track. Polly
really pulls on your heartstrings in this
album with her from the heart lyrics.
This album is simplicity at its best. With
the backing vocals by Michael Daly
combining beautifully with Polly’s
voice, nothing seems to go wrong in this
album.
With its plain and
simple guitar plucking
throughout the whole 11
tracks, it gives the album
a complete endless
tranquil atmosphere.
Polly’s voice almost has
an Andrea Corr vibe to
it, except a more updated
and modern version.
The stand out track on
this album is February as
it truly reflects Polly’s
love of nature with her
lyrics making you feel
like you though you are
there in the moment.
Polly seems to capture
the true beauty of love and nature in her
lyrics and that’s what makes this album
stand out from the crowd.
Review by Kelly McGill
Polly Barrett ::: Mr Bookshop
http://www.myspace.com/pollybarrett
8 ::: November 2011 ::: Music Review Unsigned
House Party Massacre, or HPM
for short, are a London based
punk/alt rock band who are in
desperate need of better production. The
drums on this EP are particularly
unpleasant and it’s very hard to listen to
their harsh metallic reverberation for an
extended period of time.
Second track on New Breed
“Pavements Turn To Red” would have to
be the standout track of the EP meaning
it’s actually possible for me to listen to it
without wincing.
The EP persists without any songs
particularly jumping out at me but as “28
FoREver” kicks off with in your face
guitars and a low rang growl I’m excited
for the first time while listening to it.
However, it soon disintegrates into
chaotic confusion.
Final track “Pointless Paranoia” is the
least punk and most monotonous song
I’ve heard in a long time. It’s verging on
depression inducing territory.
If it’s the typical punk characteristics
of chaos and anarchy HPM want to
exude with New Breed then they have
definitely achieved it, but not in the
genius way of the Sex Pistols, more so in
a disordered way with no definite
musical direction.
HPM ::: New BreedReview by Maria Molloy
http://housepartymassacre.com/
http://www.letsshoot.ie
Music Review Unsigned ::: November 2011 ::: 9
Life and Death opens with the
promising “Man On Earth” it
encompasses a relaxed, chilled
out vibe with some great screeching
guitars. Although the vocal is powerful it
becomes a bit tiresome as the track
carries on. The verses are a tad too
dragged out, however, the
original promise of the
track is reclaimed in the
soaring chorus.
Second track, “We Own
The Night” opens with some
deep bass and when the
guitar and backing vocals kick
in it really gives the song a
terrific flare. At this stage I’m
getting the feeling that the
singer’s voice has a bit of a
marmite air about it. However, like
with the sticky brown stuff, I for one
cant decide if I love it or hate it. The
song has a timeless quality about it,
settling somewhere in between classic
and modern rock.
By the time “The Greatest” kicks in I
realise what I’ve been finding so
familiar about the vocal, it sounds very
like Bono which isn’t necessarily a good
thing. The music takes a dramatic turn
just after the 3 minute mark which I feel
is too late, the track would have lost
the listeners attention by
then. What is
made
clear
by now
though is that the
guitarists in Artful Renegade
have undeniable musical talent.
“Crawling Angel” boasts another
promising start although by the time the
long intro finishes and the vocal kicks in
the song is verging on boring. By this
point I’m losing interest in the EP with
the tracks all seeming to merge into one.
I’m sitting on a train while listening to
this EP and it’s never a good sign when
the endless stretches of bleak fields
become more interesting than the
music.
As the last track “Hurricane”
kicks in I have decided that I
don’t love the singer’s marmite
voice. The vocal arrangement in
the pre-chorus just doesn’t
work, it makes no sense to me
and it doesn’t sound in
keeping with the rest of the
song. But again the track
showcases great musical
ability.
Over all I found Life and
Death frustrating because this band no
doubt has heaps of potential. Perhaps if
they didn’t over milk the songs (most of
which are over 5 minutes) the EP would
have stood out more.
Artful Renegade ::: Life and Death
Review by Maria Molloy
http://www.facebook.com/ArtfulR
When trying to promote your music, it can
all get too much too soon. Well, there is
like million things to do! Your To-Do list
is huge. All things are important. People
to contact, music to record, blogs to read
and lyrics to write. It can get
overwhelming really fast! (FACT – when
you are overwhelmed you are actually
finding more reasons to procrastinate than
when you are better organized)
Single most important thing you need is
to plan your time - schedule time with
yourself to work ON your music career
development. Get a piece of paper right
now (or open a new file on your
computer), you will also need to have
your calendar in front of you.
So… let’s schedule you :)
You have to do SOMETHING each day
to promote your music, band, yourself,
career in some way. Today, you might
only have 20 minutes for it, but tomorrow
you may have 90 minutes, maybe next
Saturday you have 3 hours, and on
Sunday or Tuesday only 20 minutes. The
point is that YOU DO have ‘some' time
EVERY SINGLE DAY OF YOUR LIFE
(at least 20 minutes right?)
When you plan your ‘music career time’
you will make consistent progress towards
living the life you WANT. But if you don’t
actually make an “ACTION PLAN” then
NOTHING will happen!
Set goals, decide on the steps you need
to take, divide them in tasks and go for it!
For example, if you want to play gig for
300 people in March, how would you go
about it? Do you have music you would
like to play? Would it be special event,
invitation only or gig with few other
bands? Where would you like to have it?
How will you promote it? Once you know
EXACTLY what your gig will be like,
work back from it and ask yourself:
“What do I need to do today to get to that
goal?”. Those are your to-do steps.
Tony Robbins said, “When you focus on
something it becomes possible. But when
you schedule it, it becomes REAL!” So
make your music career ambitions REAL
right now! Please, don’t just sit there…
DO SOMETHING RIGHT NOW! You
deserve it, your music deserves and your
current and future fans deserve it too!
Do it now!
by Lidija Radacic
10 ::: November 2011 ::: Music Review Unsigned
been in bands that could almost taste the
big time.
What has been created is big time
music, which really works live. The EP
launch at the Workingman’s Club is a
testament to this. The big crowd that
gathered was treated to a throwback.
Neither star-gazing nor shoe-gazing,
this music is suited to both. Song’s like
‘Sign your release’ and ‘Hung on you’
are intrinsically constructed, which is no
mean feature considering the amount of
equipment combined to create their
sound.
On occasion it can feel like there is
one extreme 80s effects too many for the
present time - it having been cast-off
along with lolo balls, fat frogs
(unfortunately) and leg warmers.
However on the odd occasion a double-
drum snuck in, just to bring you back to
those overly fluorescent days, and
memories of Weird Science (check it out
on IMBd) et al.
There is a big swell towards early 80s
electro music, which will get stronger
with the approaching Euro football
championships next summer. Don’t
believe me? Check out the Celtic, and
now Irish, fans devotion to the classic
‘Just can’t get enough’. However I
doubted Les Marionettes could produce
a terrace trembler to trouble Depeche
Mode - that is until Keith managed to
get a little ‘Ole Ole Ole Ole’ into their
last tune.
On the face of it, it’s a band taking
a step back nearly thirty years to
sit at the top table of music
beside the Gary Numans, Bronski Beats,
and Depeche Modes.
The clothes, lights, styles, and general
impression give credence to this, but this
is a band for musos. Everything they do
is a nod to what has come in between
now and then, and the show, the music,
the energy, the rhythm, as well as the
bravery to create an image, is validation
enough that Les Marionettes are indeed
a breath of fresh air.
To Andy Bell, there is a bit of a Frank
Black influence, to Kraftwork - a britpop
leveller. It’s pure electro-pop, but not
necessarily as your finger-less glove and
pleated jeans wearing folks would
remember it.
Les Marionettes work and that is down
to hard work and no end of talent. They
are very far from the Blizzard-type
blandness that appears to be the aim of
and extent of the music ambition
pervading the live scene at present.
All four band members have been on
the music scene long enough to know
what has to be put in to get anything out.
Keith Farrell and Ger Eaton have been
everywhere from a field in Somerset to
the Jools Holland’s BBC set, while Lucy
Cody and Derren Dempsey have both
Les Marionettes ::: Debut EP
LaunchThe Workman’s Club /Dublin,Thursday, November 17, 2011
Review by Collie Bartley
From Friday 1st December
Vantastival will be accepting
applications from musicians hoping
to play the 2012 Vantastival festival.
Interested acts should email
info@vantastival.com with the name
of the band or artist in the subject
line. The email must contain a link
where the judging panel can listen to
a minimum of three tracks. Artists
should not send mp3 tracks attached
to their email. Vantastival will take
applications until 16th January.
Vantastival accepts submissions
from all acts who write their own
original music, as well as traditional
groups, and the festival prides itself
on showcasing the finest up-and-
coming unsigned Irish acts. Covers
bands will not be considered.
Previous years have seen rising talent
such as O Emperor, The Ambience
Affair, The Riptide Movement and
We Cut Corners take to the stage,
while headliners have included Jack
L, Alabama 3, Whipping Boy, Duke
Special and Kila to name a few.
In its first two years Vantastival has
announced itself confidently on the
Irish festival scene. With rave
reviews under its belt, the festival
will move from Dunany Estate to
Bellurgan Park, Co. Louth, in 2012.
The new venue is an estate of
extraordinary natural beauty just off
the M1 motorway north of Dundalk.
Vantastival is a celebration of
campervan culture and a top class
music festival rolled into one. Three
stages of live music and
entertainment host nearly 70 acts
over the course of the weekend, while
a range of activities focusing on the
campervan lifestyle make it the only
festival of its kind in Ireland.
Ticket prices are very recession
friendly at 89 euro for three nights
camping and a limited number of
special offer Christmas tickets at 60
euro will be available from the
website in December.
See www.vantastival.com for more
details.
Vantastival 2012 NowAccepting Applicationsfrom Musicians
Music Review Unsigned ::: November 2011 ::: 11
Talking to a lot of bands, I see the
pattern emerging. There is usually
one person who does a lot of
running around and promoting the band.
This person would be the one who tries
new things, comes up with press releases,
calls radio stations and send music out for
people to hear it. Rest of the band might
contribute a bit, but rarely have I ever seen
all band members contributing equally.
What can happen in this scenario is that
the band leader gets fed up because rest of
the band is not working on it with them,
or they just burn out and start looking for
the new opportunities. There is the
difference between people who truly
“want to make it” and people who are
“waiting for their break”.
What are the solutions to this?
One of my clients said that the moment
he stopped having a band and started
hiring musicians to play with him for the
gigs was the break through moment. It
was the moment he got freedom to make
the music he really wants and no drama
about replacing one person or another for
the gig or recording. Also, as all band
members were getting paid, they were
more professional about it, made sure they
perform really well and basically
eliminated squabbles and no shows.
He also went out and got involved
people who were going to manage his
band, contact people for him, and do his
marketing or any other thing that was
required. That way, he had time to truly
work on his music, knowing that he is not
the one who needs to spend time on
redesign web site or organizing photo
shoot. Results he got were also much
better, and from plays on the few radio
stations, he got to play at festivals all
around Europe.
You have no money to hire out someone
to do all this for you?
Find someone who will do it for you for
free. You don’t have to go to the best
music manager. Ask a friend who is
project manager or marketing manager or
has a knack for running a business if he
can spend few hours a week helping you
run and promote the band. Or ask around
if there is someone who could help you –
you would be surprised amount of people
who might want to get into the music
business and are happy to spend few hours
working for the experience only. And
finally, if they truly believe you can make
it, then they will be motivated by possible
future returns.
Once they are successfully, and you
start making money, everyone will start
making money :)
So, one lesson you should take from
today – delegate as much as you can!
Who is runningyour band?by Lidija Radacic
12 ::: November 2011 ::: Music Review Unsigned
Rapper Lethal Dialect releases
his latest single "Keep It
Real", which is the first track
off his new album LD50. In an
interview with MRU Lethal-D (real
name Paulie) explains how he first
got involved with the rap game,
saying. "I realised I loved it
(rapping) long before I realised I was
good at it. It really wasn’t until id
been at it a couple of years before I
started to realise I was actually good,
but only on the strength of everyone
else telling me that."
When asked where his inspiration
comes from in his writing/rapping,
The 23 year old simply says, "Life in
general, Im so distracted by the
music at the minute I really don’t
have time to be thinking of anything
else. Its cliche for an emcee to say,
but realistically, if I wasn’t doing
this, what I would be doing is most
likely nothing positive."
In response as to why he feels there
has been such a rise in the amount of
Irish rappers over the last few years
Lethal-D says with a hint of
sarcasim, "It’s not easy to be good at,
but it’s easy to do, all you really
need is an internet connection, a
fisher price mic and your good to
go", and on the current standard of
Irish Hip-Hop he says, "There really
is no ‘top’ of this thing. Every Irish
emcee who has stayed relevant has
had to, and still is working hard to try
and make something happen. Its an
up hill battle, some are just further up
the hill than others."
With a lot of Irish rappers tending
to lean more toward the US cliché
content of "money & Ho's", Lethal-
D seems to have a more socially
important message to his lyrics, he
points out that his lyrics come from
what he see's around him on a daily
basis whilst always trying to remain
positive, saying, "I'm Just depicting
reality, in all forms harsh or not so,
all of the messages that brings good
or bad. The main message would be
despite how harsh it gets its always
harder to stay positive than negative
and that theres really no benefit
taking the negative route."
Luckily for MRU, Lethals buddy
Costello returned with his crystal ball
to see where he'd be in five years
time, L-D says, "Realistically, if
nothing significant happens with this
in the next year or two I probably
wont be still doing it, but a few
things in the works (musically)
already would say otherwise."
We here at MRU agree that Lethal-
D is one to watch in the future, with
the honesty in his lyrics and sense of
identity as a musician, he may be just
what is needed in a country facing
reality after the blind years of the so
called "Celtic Tiger". L-Ds music is
a stark reminder of the social
inequality that still does, and always
has prevailed in this country.
Download "Keep It Real" now at …..
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Leth
al-Dialect/186626141358217
Lethal in the rap game!By POC
WITH
TREVOR HALPIN-DAVID DUGGAN-KEITH MCLOUGHLIN
Music Review Unsigned ::: November 2011 ::: 15
With Town Criers going into
hiding to write their debut
album, they have however
stated on their website to expect a
“slightly” bigger sound from the album.
With listening to this EP I cannot wait to
get my hands on the album. Talk about a
seriously rocking EP! Town Criers have
gained one extra fan from there EP Wake
Up. This infectious rock band seriously
know when to throw in the oul guitar
riffs, with starting track Wake Up
sounding like it gained some inspiration
from Irish Band The Coronas, with lead
vocalist Dermot Kelly sounding like
Danny O Reilly with his crisp Irish
voice.
With three songs following after Wake
Up, it seems some songs like Wake up
and my favourite one Imitation had the
power to overshadow the other two
songs with their guitar solos and a
powerful lyrical performance. To Town
Criers credit Wake up shows the lads
split personalities showing that they can
pull off a good solid rock song and then
change to a slow
mover (Something that
many bands cannot pull off).
I now wait in anticipation for the news
of the lad’s debut album which I’m sure
is going to be not only a beautiful album,
but an album that will inspire many
other up and coming Irish bands. http://www.myspace.com/wetowncriers
Town Criers ::: Wake Up Review by Kelly McGill
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http://dragonphotography.eu
16 ::: November 2011 ::: Music Review Unsigned
Sweet Jane, a Dublin based band,
originated in 2008. With the
support of fans Sweet Jane
released their first EP, Blackhearts &
Blackboots. With their nonstop touring
schedule, supporting acts such as
Glasvagas and playing gigs such as
Electric Picnic this August, Sweet
Jane came to their next stop, Sugar
For My Soul.
Sugar For My Soul is a full
on psychedelic rock album.
With its 12 song track list
ranging from “Bleed” to
“Fade to my Heartbeat”
Sweet Jane bring their
own unique slant to the
music industry.
This album is unlike any
album I have listened to, as it has a
peace and tranquil vibe to it. It almost
feels like a summer album. Sugar For
My Soul does not fit into your average
music genre, as the use of female
and male lead vocals done by
Danda Paxton and
Lydia Des
Dolles
captures me as soon as I hear their
voices compress into one. Even though
there are dragged out guitar solos,
surprisingly it seems to fit in and make
the album whole.
The album defiantly has a sixties sense
to it. It seems as though the band has
been heavily influenced by The Rolling
stones and guitar hero Jimmy Hendrix
has clearly influenced Lead guitarist
Danda Paxton. However Sweet Jane has
grabbed the 60s and twisted it
around into modern times
to fit this album. With a
song such as Close your
eyes reminded me
somewhat of Oasis.
Sugar For My Soul is an
album that’s well worth the
listen and should be listened to
with an open mind. It relaxes your
mood and sends you into a time
machine back to the sixties.
Review by Kelly McGill
Sweet Jane ::: Sugar For My Soul
http://www.facebook.com/SweetJaneMusic
Released in August of this year,
"Kill or Cure" is the latest album
from the Essex based two-piece
Alice Rock. The album is fun and
upbeat, but has a rough surface under its
sugar-coated pop exterior.
The vocals provided by Alice have a
sing-song quality to them, reminiscent of
girls teasing each other in the
schoolyard. They are not shrill or
irritating, rather playful and catchy. The
majority of the album is stylistically
homogenous, with a few highlights to
keep the attention of the listener. "Kill or
Cure" comes across as musically similar
to the Ting Tings but with a quirky, punk
rock edge. The album plays with the
themes of futurism, both optimistic and
dystopian. The album never grows too
serious though.
On "Model QT100" Alice declares her
affection for a fictional device, satirizing
society's need for the newest model, only
to dispense of it when something better
comes along. Both "Old Fashioned Girl"
and "The Breeding Lady" bring up the
dichotomy between traditional rearing of
young ladies versus the modern,
technologically steeped, standard. They
save the best for the last in "Kill or
Cure". The final track is the most
complex and biting of them all. Alice's
vocals are laid bare as she questions
whether or not society is driving itself to
its own demise.
"Kill or Cure" comes across as a
professionally
produced, lyrically clever release. The
album holds together tightly and does
not feel dull or tedious at any moment. If
any of the vitriolic enthusiasm in Alice's
vocals translates into live performance,
they certainly would be worth catching
in person.
Review by Luan Roberts Alice Rock :::
Kill or Cure http://www.alice-rock.co.uk/
http://www.facebook.com/SweetJaneMusic
remember - if something's not panning
out, change it or try something new -- no
matter how well you think the idea
should be working. Your audience will
tell you pretty quick if something is
effective. Keep an eye for the clues!
8. Make an offer. Great, you have CDs
for sale and gig dates to promote. But,
how to get people interested? Make an
offer! Buy one, get one free. Order
within five days and get a 20% discount.
Arrive by 9 pm and we'll buy your first
drink. Get the picture?
9. Make bridges. Everyone has regrets,
poor decisions they made and bridges
that were apparently burned. If you still
ponder these events, they can eat you up
and turn you bitter. Contact people
you've had a falling out with or
apologize to someone who really needs
to hear that from you. Clear the air and
make space for your success to bloom.
10. Make haste. Don't make the mistake
of waiting too long for the time to be
right, for all your ducks to be in a row,
for the situation to be perfect. That time
may never come.
18 ::: November 2011 ::: Music Review Unsigned
So we kick off series of marketing
articles and ideas for your band. Get in
touch and let us know what worked for
you, what are you struggeling with or
just want to share with the community. :)
It doesn't have to be New Year's Day to
make resolutions (althought we are
getting close to that time of the year) and
set goals for your music career. Any time
of the year offers a great opportunity for
a fresh start. To make the most of the
next 12 months, consider these 10 ways
to "make" this a year to remember.
Ever heard the proverb: “Fail to
Prepare. Prepare to Fail?”
1. Make up your mind. Or, decide what
it is that you want to achieve over the
next year. Music industry is not just
about your talent – it is about you
knowing what you are going for and
being focused on it every breathing
moment. How big are the gigs you are
doing? Are you releasing single, or
album? Where is it played? What
festivals are you at? How will you get to
those goals?
2. Make it KISS. Keep it simple silly!
Don't overburden yourself with a
complex plan. Pick a couple of key
marketing areas and focus on them.
Keep things simple. Also, make it easy
for other people: easy to figure out who
you are and what you play ... easy to
place an order ... easy to get in touch
with you. Clarity is wonderful thing
3. Make great music. A bit obvious, no?
No amount of money or great marketing
ideas can effectively promote music that
doesn't connect with anyone. What's
considered "great" music is subjective --
but you should always strive to write,
record and perform music that is highly
satisfying to you and a growing number
of fans.
4. Make a network. To promote your
music, you must connect with people ...
and follow up with them repeatedly. Get
a system. If you use Excel or notepad, it
makes no difference – just get names
and get in touch with people.
REGULARY.
5. Make love (not war). Stop fighting
unnecessary battles. Don't always look
for what's wrong with your career ...
because you'll just get more of it. Zero in
on what you want, keep things positive
and operate from a position of warmth
and passion. Think pink!
6. Make lemonade (or get a tequila
slammer, whatever you like to use
lemons for). When you get some
negative feedback, look for the
opportunity to learn from it. Why did
this happen and what can you do to
make sure it doesn’t happen again?
Failure is a part of life. Winners have
ability to overcome obstacles set in front
of them and learn from them.
7. Make it or break it. While having a
positive attitude is key, being objective
and realistic is important too. Always
view your marketing activities with a
fresh eye. Talk it over with your band,
family, friends, innocent bypasses… And
by Lidija Radacic
How to make this the best
"music" year ever?
20 ::: November 2011 ::: Music Review Unsigned
JOIN UP FOR
FREE TODAY
www.mrutv.com
Photo by Paul Kolbe
Hazel Jade RogersInterview
By Arne Eichler
Dubliner Hazel Jade Rogers is a 15-year-old singer/songwriter
who has already attracted plenty of positive comments from
some major music insiders.
Despite her tender years, big things are expected from this multi-
talented lady who is equally at home when singing, playing music,
dancing or acting.
In this interview, Jade will be speaking to Arne Eichler about
everything from her very first gig, to her theatre career, to her year
abroad studying in England.
Hello, Jade – welcome and thank you
for talking to us. First off, many
congratulations on playing your first
official gig at the Ruby Sessions on 15
November. How did you get on?
It was awesome! I can tell performing is
one of the highlights for me.
Of course, my nerves where a little
uppity, but I calmed down after the first
song and really had a good time. The
place was packed – loads of people
where standing.
All I could think was: "Wow there's a
lot more people in here then there was in
the sound-check, that’s for sure.”
The sound didn't work on my guitar
for one song, but I kept going, and I got
a few laughs from the crowd, because I
accidently referred to “old people” as
being over-25s.
But it was fun and I’ll definitely be
returning to the Ruby Sessions. I’m
looking to practice whenever and
wherever I can now – to up my
experience in performance.
That’s great, Jade. So are you already
planning some future gigs?
I'm hoping to get a couple of gigs
through my manager at the moment.
The Mercantile seem interested and The
Grand Social are seeing if I can perform
there.
But for definite, on Sunday 18
December I’ll be performing an
acoustic set at the Liffey Valley
Shopping Centre in aid of the Peter
McVerry Trust for Homeless people.
There'll be a few other artists there as
well, as well as carol singing.
You’re definitely one of our younger
interviewees. Is it difficult going to
school while working so hard on
your music?
I’m currently in 5th year, but I'm
finding it quite hard to balance school
and music life. There's a lot going on
at the moment.
I decided not to do transition year,
because for me didn't seem like the
right choice - I'm looking at going to
College, and want to get there sooner.
I’m hoping to study an art/music-
based course - haven't made my mind
up yet - but there's a lot of courses that
look really interesting.
Could you give us a few examples of
your musical influences?
Hmmm . . . my biggest influence
would have to be Pink – especially her
older music.
I feel her lyrics and melodies come
across as a window for people to drift
away from all the pain, hate..Cont. and
worry in the world and be their own
person . . . at least that’s what I felt when
I first heard her nine years ago.
Her reason for writing is to make the
world a better place and to help others –
something I see as a number one reason
to become an artist.
Secondly, Christina Aguilera, because
her song-writing and melodies are
complicated but effective, connecting
the listener to the lyrics.
And then Nickelback: their strong,
edgy grunge-like songs have an
energetic lift, and the lead singer Chad
Kroeger has a very low, ruff vocal which
is very powerful to me. A lot of their
songs being about drugs, sex and rock
‘n’ roll – it’s a vision of life lessons for
everyone.
How do you normally go about
writing your songs? Do ideas just
come to you?
As I said earlier, I am not organised, so
having a basic structure or formula is not
something I work off.
Basically, if I come up with some
lyrics somewhere randomly – for
example, the shower, school or a friend’s
house – I end up saving the lyrics in my
phone notes, and creating a melody later
when I'm at a piano.
And vice versa, when I come up with a
melody on piano, guitar or just with my
voice, I record it on my phone and use it
later to write lyrics, too.
You’ve mentioned that you co-write
some of your songs. Whom do you
generally collaborate with?
Well, a young producer called LaGuil
worked with me on “Kiss My Lips”, and
we have another one we're working on at
the moment with him. He lives over in
Canada, but we just bounce stuff over
the internet to each other.
I've also worked with a group over in
the UK called Rural Roots. I did a rap
song with them which I’ve not put out
yet.
I co-wrote a while ago with some guys
over in the US – a group of musicians
called Bullring Entertainment and I often
co-write with my mum, as she's a
songwriter too.
Right, and do you have any musicians
that perform with you?
I hope eventually to have a band to
perform with, but at the moment, I'm just
getting my performing feet, so I
generally ask musicians to help now and
then when it's needed.
I see that you play piano, drums and
guitar. Do you have a favourite?
I can't pick a favourite because for me
the all have their parts.
Drums is something I get better at if I
get angrier – it seems I push myself
more to get the beats right and it’s great
for letting off steam. I’ve been messing
on the drums since I was three . . . I can
truly say I'm not that bad!
Guitar I’ve been playing four years
now. I’m not amazing at guitar by all
means.
I would call myself more or a rhythm
guitarist than anything else. I love
playing it because it can fill a song out
great, giving warmth.
Then Piano: been playing since I was
five and it’s by far my best [instrument].
There is not really any pop song I cannot
play on piano, but I'm not particularly
fond of the Classical “grade tunes” – as I
call them – though I like classical music
and do play some now and then.
I guess I don't like exams and forced
structure – but then who does.
Interestingly, you spent a gap year at
Redroofs Theatre School in the UK.
Did you go there to develop your
music or for other reasons?
Ah, Redroofs! I do miss that school –
and the people, of course.
I went to Redroofs to explore who I
am as a person, and basically mature and
meet new people.
My parents thought it would be good
for me and help me develop, as I'd been
bullied quite a lot when I was younger
and they felt I needed to rediscover my
confidence.
It’s also something that inspired me to
write my first song ever, because before
the age of 13 neither me nor my parents
knew I had writing abilities.
And what would a typical week there
have looked like?
A typical week in Redroofs was relaxed!
From 9am ‘til 12pm we would do
academic studies, for example, Maths
and English.
Then we would get changed from our
school uniforms into our dance gear;
from 1pm ‘til 4pm we’d have classes in
dance, acting, singing and musical
theatre.
When I attended Redroofs, I learnt
four types of dance: modern, ballet, jazz
and tap, [it’s the] reason I enjoy dance so
much.
Regularly, school productions would
happen. I featured in a personal
perspective from the school on the
Christmas tale “A Christmas Carol”,
which was very fun. I also did a number
of auditions and I feel I learnt and re-
discovered who I was when I was there.
Well, it definitely sounds like it must
have been an exciting time for you. I
noticed that you’ve performed
professionally at the National Concert
Hall and the Olympia and Gaiety
Theatres. Is that something you’re
still involved in?
Yes, my dramatic acting days.
I managed to be in three professional
productions (all around Christmas) in the
National Concert Hall – being Annie as
an orphan, Oliver as one of the gang,
and Carmen as a couple of parts.
Each consisted of about 25 shows a
play and I've been in simply loads of
smaller productions put on at various
locations too numerous to mention.
In school every year a play is put on
and recently I played the plant’s voice in
“The Little Shop of Horrors”, and in the
Olympia I played a Sugar Plum Fairy in
“The Little Nutcracker”.
I think my acting allows me to be more
myself when it comes to performing
these days . . . also I don't suffer from
having stage fright.
Your song “Still Love You” is being
considered for a film in the U.S. –
sounds great. Are you allowed to give
us a hint as to what this film is?
24 ::: November 2011 ::: Music Review Unsigned
Well, all I know is that the movie is set
in Iraq, and it’s about a relationship
developed between a U.S. soldier and a
prisoner. So: fingers crossed!
“Kiss My Lips” was featured on
WDAR 96FM, have you had any
airplay on any commercial Irish
stations yet?
RTE Pulse are going to be playing that
song soon. We have approached SPIN
103.8, too, and we’re waiting for a
response – hopefully soon. And also
REDfm (Radio station in Cork) are
considering playing it, too.
It's difficult to get airplay on the major
stations, though. I don't understand why
sometimes.
I am doing an interview with a
Californian radio station on 1 December,
and I've to play a song or two live over
Skype, I think. I don't think they're
major, but it's nice to be asked.
You’ve had lots of positive comments
from people in the music industry.
Have there been any serious
discussions about the possibility of a
contract?
I did get asked to join with a
management/label company over in the
UK, but decided it wasn't for me at the
time.
I was also approached by a London
publishing company, but my mum says
we'll hang on to our own publishing.
I've had some approaches from a few
companies in the U.S., but nothing
concrete yet.
I'm very happy, though, that Dublin
music manager Noel Taylor is now
looking after me, and he'll be directing
my career forward into the future.
Have any producers or industry
insiders ever offered any stand-out
advice on how to develop further?
For example, something that really
stood out from you other than the
standard “keeping working hard”?
Yes, I've had some really strong
feedback – from major industry heads,
too.
I was told that I have to develop an
identifiable image (back when I was 13),
and that I had to focus on a particular
genre of music – I find that hard,
because I like lots of different styles of
music.
And finally, I had to start performing
live as a music artist, which was also
hard because not many venues will let
you perform aged 13/14. But now I'm
coming up to 16, it's got a lot easier.
Where do you normally record?
Most of the time we record at home
using professional recording software,
and we've loads of guitars, pianos and
even an electronic drum kit.
We used to have a full recording studio
with mixing desks and all, but that's
been replaced by a MacBook with
software-based recording packages.
Recently I recorded with the band Big
Digger and we hired out Salt Recording
Studios on the Howth Road in Sutton.
We recorded my new single which will
soon be released!
It is a smallish recording studio but
very cosy, and it has everything you'd
need. If we need to record, we always
go there, and I've also done guitar and
drum lessons there too.
Thumbs up for Frank Kearns, the
owner, who runs a holiday rock school
there too.
What’s the best online channel for
your fans to keep in touch and check
what you’re up to?
Definitely Facebook - it’s
www.facebook.com/hazeljaderogers;
with over 12,000 fans, I try to keep
everyone updated.
I use my personal page constantly but I
always check in and update my fan page
at least once a day. Even if I have
nothing to say I will ask a random
question.What are you currently working on?
I saw that you’ve just recorded your
new track “Forgive, Forget” but is
there anything else?
Yes, as I said, I went into the studio with
Big Digger – a group of guys who are
hilarious but are also a gifted bunch of
musicians.
We spent hours in the studio laying all
the tracks down and getting the timing
right, so I was busy with that.
And yes, I’m currently writing another
two or three songs – when they will be
ready I can't say, but we’re in the middle
of writing a new song with LaGuil, who
also created the backing track for “Kiss
My Lips”.
We hope to have that song up and
ready to record in the next month. Next
year we think is going to be a big year
for me, and I’m hoping to do one full
major release of a very special song I
wrote a while ago.
And finally, what are your plans for
the next six months?
Wow - long time. Well, I’m hoping to
become more aware of my performance
and how to handle it. I also want to
write another album and keep up with all
my school work. A lot to do!
I also want to collaborate with other
artists and hold some gigs for my
Facebook fans.
Music Review Unsigned ::: November 2011 ::: 25