Author Archives: Olivia

Anna Calvi.

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When I first heard Anna Calvi’s music in 2008 I was instantly in awe of what I heard. She makes the kind of music that causes your head to jolt back and your jaw drop. I suppose it’s not the most attractive physical attribute to attain in public, which is why it’s safer to just listen at home with no one around.

I remember hearing Blackout and her cover of Jezebel in 2009; I was enthralled with the big drums and the romantic sound of her voice. What made me fall in love so quickly with her music was how dark, intense and dominant it was. I loved how her music made me feel I was wandering through a creepy and devilish film set, like a “film noir” or even something distinctly twisted such as a David Lynch film. For me, her music feels like a mini-movie, a dramatisation. Her music is so intense; it makes you feel on constant edge (in a good way) as you listen to it.

When you watch live clips of her or even actually see her live you are drawn to have passionately she performs on stage and her presence. She doesn’t have to say anything to the audience; you are just immediately captured by her music. That’s just how it should be.

As I listen to her album, I find it breathtaking and inspiring that something so grand can be someone’s debut album. This is why I regard it to be the best debut this year and quite possibly the only debut album to cause such emotions since Florence’s debut, Lungs back in 2009.

It is easy to compare the tow due to them both having powerful voices that hurl you into a different world. But that is the only comparison.

I love how there are slight twinges of vengeance in Anna’s voice, a monster of a feeling takes over as you listen to songs such as Desire. “It’s just the Devil taking my hand to the fire” I love the way she puts across the feelings that desire causes us to feel and the things it makes us do. Sometimes when you desire something or someone it just causes you to do daft things. However, I don’t need to feel this way to do daft things.

She’s toured with the likes of Interpol, Nick Cave and Kaki King- all this and she’s only one album into her career.

Her music has a ritualistic chant feel mixed with heavy drums, it’s a sound that many have tried to create and at times failed. They just get it wrong. They let certain parts take over and no talent comes out.

This doesn’t happen with Anna Calvi’s music. Maybe I am slightly biased due to her also having Italian genes. It’s the best gene to have I reckon, again- being biased but still. Anyway, her music. Her music is just perfect. She has a strong, big voice that just throws you. With a lot of female singers they seem to warble to show how strong their voice is, but when they do this they lose the power they could potentially posses. Anna doesn’t do this, it just sounds so effortlessly grand. When you listen to songs such a Suzanne and I, her voice is so, and I hate to bloody say it, but it’s so seductive. You could just sit playing her album with someone you are fond of- but to be honest; I’d just keep my attention on the music and not the other person. That’s just how I am, it explains a lot. I refuse to change though. Music is more constant than a person really.

First We Kiss is so poetic and dark. The album has quite an old fashioned feel to it. You could imagine music like this being played during the Victorian era when they had parties that were so decadent and never discussed to the outside world.

The build-up in First We Kiss is so gripping, the whole album is. It has a hold of you, but you don’t want to loosen the grip. You want to keep it as tight as possible until you gasp for air, but even then you want to keep hold onto it. It just takes over you- your body and soul. Her music just owns every part of you. It makes you feel you are in the scenarios she creates with her music.

Aside from having one of the best voices I have ever heard, Anna Calvi is a fantastic guitar player. When you watch her play she makes it seem so effortless. I cannot put into words just how beautiful the sound it. It sounds so viciously haunting. It really comes across on the track, The Devil.

What I love about her music is that you can tell that no specific genre or singer has influenced her music. Yes she has the dark lyrics and feel to her music with comparison to Nick Cave. However, she has this soul-gripping voice like Edith Piaf. I cannot and will not throw her music into any genre/sub-genre at all, it’d be impossible to do so, and that is exactly what makes an artist like Anna Calvi so good and much needed in music right now.

In an ideal world, music like this would take over. But an ideal world will never exist, that’s why you can lose yourself in music like this. Her music just moves you and inspires you in ways you didn’t think music could right now. Her voice is so much stronger and a billion times more soulful than what is being (unfortunately) played on certain radio stations. It’s why I don’t listen to them. In a few weeks the winner of the Mercury Music Prize will be announced. By rights, Anna Calvi should win. Not because I love her music but looking at the list (bar PJ Harvey of course) she is the only one that is doing something different. She is the only one creating music so dark and atmospheric right now, and it is something that needs to be recognised. Guaranteed if she was to win, she’d be one of the few that are actually remembered in years to come. But, awards aren’t everything nor are the important. All that matters is that singers like Anna Calvi exist.

Rachel Zeffira.

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Whatever I say about Rachel Zeffira’s voice does not do it justice. Personally, if someone cannot hear how stunning her voice is-then they’re just daft. She posses a voice most wish they could. It is so delicate and angelic. Her voice is like hearing an Angel sing.

Seeing how she has such a gentle voice, it’d be silly for her to sing a song by a band such as, say….My Bloody Valentine, right? I mean how can someone with such a pure voice take on a song by a band that have quite a raw and dark sound. Well, she’s done it. Rachel has covered one of my favourite songs by My Bloody Valentine, To Here Knows When as part of her solo project which is soon to be released.

Who thought a Soprano trained singer could take on a song by My Bloody Valentine. As most of you know, she is in Cat’s Eyes with Faris Badwan from The Horrors. The music Cat’s Eyes make is just wonderful. Think 60s girl group/Wall of Sound. It’s just perfect.

Rachel Zeffira has one of the most angelic voices I have ever heard. I’m not a massive fan of Opera, but I could quite happily listen to her music all day.

She has a voice that makes you smile from the inside out. It’s just so beautiful, she leaves you in sheer awe.

 

Marina And The Diamonds- Radioactive.

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There are some wankers (it’s the less offensive word I could think of) that seem to think Marina has “sold out” or become mainstream with her new single, Radioactive. They’re not real fans, they’re not Diamonds. So I think labelling them as wankers is okay, right? No? Good. Means I’ll call them wankers even more. Anyway, enough about them. More on Marina.

“I’m the one who left you, you’re not the one who left me” THAT is a fucking good line isn’t. I’m probably going to swear too much. I’m not even sorry, unless my mum reads this- then I am a bit sorry. I love Radioactive. The acoustic version, the original version- I don’t care, I just love the song. Her lyrics to every single song of hers just leave me speechless. I’m just in awe of how amazing she is. Most of the time I feel she is in my head writing down and saying all the things I don’t have the guts to say. She says the things I wish I could say, but if I did..I’d be called every name under the sun. The line, “I take one look at you and I grow cold” is just so damn beautiful and so bloody accurate. Everyone, I don’t care who they are, everyone has someone that they just look at and they feel so much bad feelings towards them. Their very existence just irks you. Seriously, when you hear that line- you will think of them. But then, you’ll stop thinking about them because they don’t deserve to be associated with such a song.

The acoustic version will, if you aren’t a heartles twerp, leave you covered in goose bumps. You’ll feel differently to the song. You’ll have more of an emotional attachment to it. There is something so gorgeous about Marina and just a piano. If you’ve ever seen her live, you will know exactly what I mean. Her live shows are euphoric. So liberating. This is why i love her music. It’s almost as if one can feel so bloody free from someone else’s words. When I hear certain songs by her, I just think and feel, “Fuck it…it’s okay to have these frustrations. It’s okay to dislike yourself. It’s okay to dislike others. It’s okay to be totally honest.” There’s just so much I take from her music, and Radioactive is just so enchanting. It just steals you away. “Now I’m heading for a meltdown” I challenge anyone to not relate to this lyric. You’re lying to yourself if you deny it.

There’s so many songs of Marina’s I just feel this connection with. At times it’s frustrating because I dislike having such feelings being brought up and such, but then again- who does. I remember when I first heard I Am Not A Robot and it was just so on point. I remember listening to The Family Jewels all the way through and just being in awe. Guilty is the song that at times I find impossible to listen to, just because it is so personal, it means so much to me. I was fortunate to meet her and tell her this. When you can tell the person who you admire so much what their music means to you, it’s one of the best feelings ever. She is truly one of the most loving and amazing human beings I have ever met. It was such an honour, she fucking loves her fans to pieces- and we feel the same back. The other week when she put out Fear And Loathing, there are no words to describe how it made me feel. It’s just perfect. Her music is perfect. I know perfect doesn’t exist- but sometimes, you can make an exception and with Marina I do.

2011- Musically, you weren’t that bad.

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I know it’s only August, but I feel I need to write this down now. Was 2011 awful? For music? No. For other things? More than likely. Yes this year was shit due to Gaga putting an album out, Amy Winehouse’s tragic death and ITV still allowing X-Factor to exist. Why it exists, I have no idea. But it is does, for those who don’t know any better.

I’m going to attempt to think of 10 reasons (in NO order because I will want to change my mind if I do that) as to why music this year was not shit. I may rant, I may not be able to think of 10 reasons.

-The Kills : Finally my favourite duo EVER released the flow-up to Midnight Boom. Blood Pressures is probably my favourite album of the year. However, come 7th November and I will say Florence’s album is. The Kills are a band that I will always love. They could (I know they won’t) make the most wankiest record ever, and I would still find something to love about it. Blood Pressures has a bluesy feel to it but still has the same raw vibe No Wow and Keep On Your Mean Side have. The Last Goodbye is the saddest song I’ve heard this year. If a song could break your heart, that would be it. The lyrics to Baby Says are stunning. I just ove how Jamie and Alison’s voices fit together. I think their bond is one of the greatest things ever. Everyone needs a friendship like that. “Send your love on a rampage, give her everything you’ve got. And when you come to hate her, show her more than just a spark” is one of the best lines off the album. However, not just from The Kills but my favourite line from a song that I have heard this year is easily, “How can I rely on my heart if I break it, with my own two hands.” The way Alison’s voice sounds on this is so beautiful but it just tears you up so much. I’m just happy to have another record by The Kills in my collection.

-The Horrors: I still want to slap people who dismiss The Horrors. Just like I want to slap those that think Skying sounds like Simple Minds. I think those that are saying these things are actually deaf. Or just extremely fucking stupid. Skying is the best album put out this year by an English group. I am still in love with the sound they had wth Strange House. But, I love how they have developed with each album. You cannot deny how much of a masterpiece Primary Colours was and still is. They’re just everything a band should be. They don’t justify what they do to anyone. They make music for them. That’s how it should be. They haven’t bought into a gimmick and gotten famous based on that. They are ALL fantastic musicians. Joshua is genius on that guitar. There aren’t enough words for me to describe my love for The Horrors.

-Zola Jesus: Quite simply one of my favourite female musicians ever. Her voice is so haunting. It takes over you and before you know it, you have been thrown into a world that you never thought existed. I love how dark and eerie her music is. I have every faith that her new album, Conatus is going to be nothing short of amazing. I love that her music just blows me away with every listen. I listen to songs such as Trust Me and Run Me Out, and this wave of amazement just takes over me. She has this force within her music that I’ve never heard in anyone before, she’s only 21 years old! I love the build-up in all her songs. It’s like this intense and euphoric takeover. Why didn’t this year suck because of Nika? Well, just listen to Vessel.

-The Weeknd: Of all the artists I found at stupid o’clock in the morning due to not being able to sleep, The Weeknd is hands down, the best thing I have discovered this year on the internet. I love his voice so much. So soulful. I love that he’s sampled Aaliyah’s voice on one of his songs and he’s also sampled Siouxise & The Banshees too. His Mixtapes are utterly mind-blowing. Trust me, you need this guy in your life. Head over to his wesite and get his Mixtapes. You’ll here amazing songs such as THIS TRACK!

-Cults: Okay, so I heard about this duo last year but their debut album came out this year so it’s allowed. What I love about this duo is their 1960s feel they have to their music. Never Saw The Point means so much to me, “I never saw the point in trying, ’cause I would only let you down. And I just couldn’t take you down there with me, I couldn’t stand to see you drown.” It’s just such a gorgeous and fragile song, I suppose that is why I adore it so much. Since its release lat year, Best Coast’s debut album has been played every day- I’m clearly going to do the same with Cults. I love that it doesn’t sound like anything around now. A fantastic debut album.

-Seapony: Seapony make me want to leave everything and everyone behind and just go live on a beach. I can’t swim, so I guess it’d be boring after a day or so. However, there is nothing more peaceful than looking out to a strectch of water listening to your favourite music. I’d love to do that to Seapony. I love the summer vibe they feel. Is it chillwave? I don’t know, I reckon they fit under the dream-pop genre. They remind me of The Drums mixed with Beach House and a hint of The Raveonettes. I just adore the whole sound and the gentle vocals. Especially on ongs such as Dreaming and Late Summer.

-Blood Orange: This year Dev Hynes released the first album of his current project, Blood Orange. I love everything he does. Whether it’s for others (Solange Knowles), as Lightspeed Champion or Blood Orange. Coastal Grooves is a MUST-HAVE in your collection. It’s such a strong album. It feels like New York City must have felt in the 1980s. It has a brilliant feel to it. It’s music you can just relax to and walk round the park  in the sun to. There is no denying the genius that Dev is. He kills the guitar, he’s got such a distinctive voice. I just love love love him. Anything he does is just perfect.

-Summer Camp: Another duo that have won my heart over this year. I love everything about their music, however it is one song in particular that since first hearing it in February this year I have played every day. Not a day has gone by where I haven’t played it since. The synths kick in during this song and it is is SO good. Elizabeth’s voice is stunning. The lyrics to I Want You are so dark, and slightly brutal. But hey, all comes with liking someone, right? I don’t know. I like to think I don’t know. “You’re so smart, you break my heart” if someone said that to me, I’d be so flattered. It’s probably my favourite song of this year. If I was a DJ I’d play this all the time, and if no one danced to it- I’d bar them from the club.

-Morrissey: I could write an essay on this man until my hands were numb from typing. I’ve probably done it before to be honest. This year on Janice Long’s show, she played three new songs by my god, Morrissey. Every single song was perfect. For me, I fell more in love with Action Is My Middle Name. The lyrics are typical Morrissey- witty and oh so bloody charming. People Are The Same Everywhere- well, the title speaks for itself really. So true. What I love about Moz is that he has always done what is real and honest to him, he’s never answered to anyone. It’s something I admire and love about him. It’s why I love him. We should ALWAYS do things for us, that makes us happy- because the day you let others rule you, you are no longer a person. I saw him twice this year- and yes as soon as he walked on stage, I bawled. I’ve seen him 4 times so far, and each time I have gone with my mum. She loves him as much as I do. I could never ever go to a Moz gig with anyone but my mum, it’d be wrong. I told her this, and she agrees. Hopefully he wil release his new album soon. “Biting my initials into your neck. You are my possession, you don’t realise yet. Am I moving too fast for you? Am I begining to confuse you?” Only Morrissey could say such a thing. Hero. Absolute hero.

-Florence & The Machine: I really couldn’t make this list without mentioning Florence could I. After hearing What The Water Gave Me (studio version) I cannot ait for 7th November. I just know that her second album will blow my mind. My last article on Florence just sums up my love for her, so I won’t bore you with another essay. Her album is out in time for my birthday (HI MUM!!!!) and I am hoping there’s a tour. The sound has a more soulful and gospel feel to it which I love so much. I’m beyond happy that the album is out this year, some said that it would be out the start of 2012, I guess it’s too good to make us wait. Besides, she’s worked with Paul Epworth on it- you just know it is going to be THE album of the year.

As I feel like I have missed so much out, here are some tracks by artists that have made 2011 less shittier than it was:

Yuck.

Washed Out.

Anna Calvi.

CocknBullKid.

Marina And The Diamonds.

Love Inks.

Sleigh Bells.

Youth Lagoon.

Warpaint (Video Of The Year.)

Widowspeak.

I’ll stop now because I could carry on with about 50 more artists.

Florence Welch.

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With Florence’s new song being released today, it’s only right that I, again, write a few words on her.

I remember exactly where I was when I first heard Florence’s voice. It was in 2007, just into my second year of University. It was a clip of her and Dev Hynes singing in his flat. I was instantly blown away by the strength and how intense her voice was. It was something I hadn’t heard in such a long time; I just didn’t ever expect to hear a voice so strong- especially by someone so young.

Fast forward to May 2009. I have two tickets to see her play a venue that held at least 200 people. I didn’t know who to take; I very nearly didn’t go to the gig. But, I got myself together and went with someone who I am honoured to call my best friend. She knows who she is (Hi Amy!). During the support act, Flo danced in the crowd- how many artists would do that?

Move on to September 2009 and she plays a venue that holds possibly around 1000 people. In the space of 4 months she had gone from playing to 200 people to 1000.

After the gig, we were beyond lucky to have met her. I shared a drink with her, a few hugs and a kiss on the cheek. Life complete? No doubt.

I’ve only seen her live 4 times, but each time I have seen her it just does something to my soul. What you feel in your soul is much deeper and greater than what you feel in your heart. It triggers something off in you that makes you feel so alive and just lost in the moment of what you are experiencing.

 

Hand on heart, I can say Florence Welch’s music changed my life and to an extent- saved it. Her gig in May 2009 was at a really shit time in my life, and to see her live was a form of healing I suppose. It was just something that I will always hold so very dear to me.

So what is it about her music that caused me to feel this way? It’s the dark lyrics, the soulful voice, the big sound her band has, the intense feel in her music- everything about her music just means everything to me.

Lungs as my favourite album of 2009. I cannot put into words what Cosmic Love and Blinding meant to me at that point, when I see them live now it’s so overwhelming- it’s just so perfect. There’s a part during Blinding when performed live, Flo just goes mental. I remember once when I saw her, she picked up one of the lights on the stage and just shone it on the crowd. She has this elegant but raw stage presence- not many can merge the two in such a wonderful way, but Flo does.

As someone who adores lyrics and how words are used in songs/how they are sung, I absolutely adore her dark and intense lyrics. I love how dark and loving My Boy Builds Coffins is. When she sings, “And it just isn’t fair” the frustration that comes through is so beautiful, in a weird way. I suppose you’ll get it if you’re a fan of dark lyrics.

Her love songs are not your stereotypical love songs. None of this “I love you and I miss you when you go to the toilet” kind of bullshit. No way, not with Florence. She shows the REAL side of hat true love is. True love breaks your heart; true love fixes your heart. It is eerie, it is overpowering, it exhausts you, it is dark and it is intense. Anything else isn’t real love.

Take Ghosts/I’m Not Calling You A Liar, “I love you so much, I’m going to let you kill me.” I know I could’ve picked any line to use, but that one line has always stuck out for me.

When you love someone so much, you don’t care what they do to you. Good or bad, you don’t care- because you love them. And your love for them is greater than anything in this world.

I’ve never felt this way, but I can imagine how it must feel. A person can consume so much of you that you don’t care for what they do to you. You just want and need them there.

Bird Song for me, as comical as the topic may be- there is such depth to the lyrics. It’s quite similar to Edgar Allan Poe’s Tell Tale Heart. It’s quite a cruel song, but you can feel the angst of having a conscience come through, again making it easy for you relate to Florence’s music. That’s what makes her so perfect, that’s why her music means what it does to me.

I listen to her music with Ashok (the album isn’t too bad) then I listen to her demos such as Tear Out My Tongue/Ye Olde Hope, Donkey Kosh and My Best Dress. Then I listen to Lungs and I just cannot get my head round how strong and powerful her voice is. Her music feel so soulful, you can tell she sings from a part in her that many singers just do not do.

A few months ago a live clip of What The Water Gave Me appeared online, it just blew me away. Today, the studio version just catapulted all my feelings about her music everywhere. It was listening to something so euphoric. That’s the only word I can use to describe her music- euphoric. It is out of this world. It is heavenly. I love the vulnerability in her voice in Water The Water Gave Me. When you watch her sing you can see she is in a different place, she really connects with what she sings. Maybe some of it is heartfelt, maybe some of it is her being a fantastic songwriter and she can make herself feel the words. Personally, I feel she feels and means every single word.

I love the gospel feel to Water The Water Gave Me. I cannot wait to witness this live, especially when the gospel vocals kick in.

When I listen to Florence’s music I just feel this spark inside me, it makes me feel alive. There aren’t many artists that make me feel this way. I love how her music can make you feel vulnerable and at the same time, not so alone. Her voice is as powerful as Edith Piaf’s, as distinctive as Janis Joplin and as soulful as Erykah Badu.

Her songs such as Are You Hurting The One You Love, Hardest Of Hearts and Swimming are so gut-hitting and so wise. Are You Hurting The One You Love is ever so heartbreaking. We’ve all hurt someone we shouldn’t have hurt, “Are you hurting the one you love, bite your tongue until it tastes like blood.” I guess sometimes you just can’t stop yourself.

I love that someone may age has achieved so much. I’ve been a fan of Florence before she was signed, and to see all she has accomplished and how many lives her music has touched makes me feel proud and honoured to be a fan. When I watched her perform at the Oscars I did get a bit emotional.

I remember when she won the Brits Critic’s Choice Award two years ago, and her speech mainly consisted of her saying “Fuck” a few times- I was just so bloody proud to see her on the stage and for people to recognise the talent she has.

Her live shows are like a religious experience; it is just as if something takes over your body- it is entirely indescribable. With her album being released 7th November (a few days before my birthday, ideal birthday present!!!!) I am sure a tour is to follow. By that I mean, I am hoping a tour happens and a date on my birthday occurs.

I’ve read a few interviews where Florence was listening to White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane and her dad herd her yell, “Oh my god! I’m having an epiphany!” whilst listening to it. I fully understand how she feels, and the first time I heard her voice I felt exactly the same.

Dirty Beaches.

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Canada produces amazing music. From Metric to The Weeknd and all in between. The music scene there is something to be proud of. However, it’s just about to get a hell of a lot better and it is all down to one man- Dirty Beaches aka Alex Zhang Hungtai.

Many critics have labelled his music as “lo-fi” and maybe, he is. However I’d just say that he is astounding. There is NOTHING like his music around right now, and I doubt anything like this has been done before. Honestly, music like this makes me glad to not me deaf. Outrageous comment, I know. But it’s a Sunday, and Sundays are dull for everyone. So I thought..oh, never mind.

Personally, when I listen to Lord Knows Best I imagine someone floating up to Heaven, or just someone at complete and utter peace with themselves and all around them. It’s a highly emotional song, the sample of the piano on a loop is so hypnotising and angelic. I can’t help but wonder why music like this isn’t dominating charts and winning over hearts. There is so much feeling and honesty in music like this. There is a severe lack of passion in pop music these days. I on;y want to listen to music that has meaning and depth. Music that makes me feel that nothing matters. That’s exactly what I get from Dirty Beaches.

Badlands is 2011’s hidden gem. It’s the album that you have stupidly slept on. If you haven’t heard it, you are missing out. If you haven’t heard it, please go out and buy it. There’s a brilliant 1950s feel to the album and to Dirty Beaches’ voice, especially on the track Horses where he does sound scarily like Elvis. I’m not really a fan of Elvis, but this is just remarkable. It makes you feel like you are in some kind of Western being chased, it’s just fantastic. He makes music that frightens you and takes your breath away, sort of like a David Lynch film.

My hero, John Peel once said, “I just want to hear something I haven’t heard before.” I understand completely. With Dirty Beaches, I’ve never ever heard anything like this before. It’s just mind-blowing and perfect. Coincidently, it was John Peel’s son, Tom Ravenscroft that got me into Dirty Beaches when I heard him on his show. It is mind-blowing that one person is making music like this. But hey, if you’re on your own- you have no one to answer to and for no one to say that you cannot make music that sounds like this or that. Thank goodness for artists like Dirty Beaches.

The Weeknd.

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What’s 21 years old and makes sexy music? I hate the word “sexy.” It’s so tacky isn’t it. Not with this. Oh the answer by the way is, The Weeknd.

The Weeknd is 21 year old Canadian Abel Tesfaye. He’s slightly like James Blake but with soul. A lot more soul. I love James Blake but The Weeknd is on a whole different level to what is around right now. I imagine this is the kind of music you play to a lover or something. I’m starting to sound like either someone’s Grandma or a pervert. I’m neither.

I was aware of his music just before I started listening to James Blake. I heard the name being mentioned on several American music sites I read, so I listened. And with his mixtape causing the internet to go mental a few days ago, I thought now would be a good time to share him with you.

Wicked Games was one of the first songs I heard by The Weeknd. Mind was well and truly blown. Seriously. This isn’t music you lay on your bed thinking about life too. It’s music to play on the nightbus just wanting to get home. It’s got that feeling to it, I can’t explain.

I honestly have no idea if the UK will care about him, they should. But sadly, the media is wrapped up in vile reality shows so anything with real, raw talent is constantly ignored. I’d take someone like The Weeknd over your generic, repetative chart music any day.

I’ll tell you what The Weeknd reminds me of- The xx. It’s dark and atmospheric. Yes the lyrics are sexually charged, but that is by no means a bad thing at all. In fact, it’s fucking brilliant. I just love everything about The Weeknd’s music. The way it’s produced, his voice, the drum machine. Everything and anything. It’s just so utterly perfect. The build-up in all the songs will cause your body to tense up and leave you covered in goose-bumps, like all good music should.

Oh, and he samples Aaliyah’s vocals on What You Need which is just beautiful. She’s my favourite female singer of all time, and he uses her vocals in such a gorgeous way.

The War On Drugs.

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Sick of Twitter and Facebook being full of people talking about highly irrelevant reality shows such as X-Factor (it’s killing music, if only people realised this.) I decided to finally listen, fully, to The War On Drugs.

This week, an amazing publication Under The Radar coined the brilliant phrase Bossgaze hilst describing The War On Drugs new album. Of all the sub-genres I’ve heard in recent years, this is probably my favourite. It’s Bruce mixed with Shoegaze. Listen to The War On Drugs, and you will get it. Something will click. You will nod your head and say “Ahh…it IS Bossgaze!” I did, but I’m probably not right in the head most of the time.

The War On Drugs formed in 2003, and one of my favourite singers EVER was once part of the group. Kurt Vile. That man is my generation’s Tom Waits. Kurt left the group in 2008, after several line-up changes- I think The War On Drugs now has a solid line-up.

Their new album (second full length LP if I’m not mistaken) Slave Ambient is nothing short of genius. It’s potentially one of the best albums to come out this year. YES, I have said this about several albums- but my choice with my favourite album of the year still stands.

Adam’s voice reminds me partly of Jason Pierce and Jim Reid. It’s so bloody glorious. Some have said the band are influenced by the likes of Bob Dylan to My Bloody Valentine. I’m sticking with my Spiritualized and The Jesus And Mary Chain influences I can hear. However in some songs- especially It’s Your Destiny, Adam does sound like a young Bob Dylan.

The War On Drugs are a perfect band to listen to whilst driving to nowhere in particular or just walking aimlessly for miles and miles. It’s music to losr part of yourself in but at the same time, discover something. Something well and truly great.

So whether or not Bossgaze takes off (and I sure hope it does), this band are awesome and are doing something different that requires your undivided attention.

Charles Haddon- 1 Year On.

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A year ago today Charlie Haddon from Ou Est Le Swimming Pool sadly took his own life after the band played at Pukkelpop.

My best friend and I bonded over our love for certain bands, Ou Est Le Swimming Pool was one of them. We saw them support La Roux in 2009 in Birmingham. Front row. We were the only ones who knew every word to Ou Est’s songs. It was just an awesome night.

Last October I was fortunate enough to go to Chazzstock at Koko in London, a memorial and celebration of Charlie’s’ life. The band only put out one album (The Golden Year) but that one album was truly stunning.

There’s so much one could say about this, but it has been said by so many already, and it still doesn’t seem right. It never will. Just like with Aaliyah and Amy Winehouse. It’s tragic and it’s painful, but we always have the music.

When I bought Cat’s Eyes album I noticed a song was decicated to Charlie, it is truly beautiful.

Support a worth cause.

R.I.P Charlie, you are missed greatly xxx

Warpaint-Interview.

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Last year, the day before their debut full length album came out I was fortunate to meet and interview Warpaint.

I’ve met some really good people in my time- both famous and non famous; however no person has ever been such an honour to speak to as Theresa Wayman. She is well and truly one of the most loveliest and genuine persons I have ever met. Her answers to my questions were passionate and hilarious. The way she tells you a story just captures you so much. I was just in awe of everything about Theresa. I took in every single word she said as I sat next to her on the sofa. Oh and she has the best pin-striped trousers and boots ever. In fact, all members of Warpaint have amazing boots. Extremely well dressed indeed.

I’ve pretty much taken procrastination to a different level by only typing the interview up until now. However, I am not going to type it as a typical Q&A. Those Q&A articles are boring, you need substance with an article and that’s what I am going to try to do. Besides, you need to know about my love for Warpaint and why I love them. If someone sat me down and said, “Olivia, tell me about your love for Warpaint” they would probably leave as I could go on for hours, days as to why I love them.

I first heard of Warpaint around 2 years ago. I heard Billie Holiday and it just threw me. I loved how bare and stripped it was. I was utterly enthralled by the vocals and how it just flowed. I loved how they sang “B.I.L.L.I.E H.O.L.I.D.A.Y” it just sounded so perfect, so relaxing. Almost like a lullaby.

Fast forward to about a year after I heard of Warpaint, I then heard Undertow. Well, that was it really. Nothing mattered at all. It was my song of 2010, and The Fool was my favourite album of 2010 also. I just couldn’t believe music like this was being created. More importantly, I was so happy that a female group was creating music as powerful as this.

I’ve seen on various websites and blogs that girls are inspired by Warpaint to pick up an instrument and start bands. It’s good to see an all female group using talent rather than relying on gimmicks to sell their music to people.

Warpaint are easy to “get.” There’s no pretentious feel to their music, you don’t have to come from a certain background to enjoy their music, and you don’t have to be anything or anyone to be a fan. You can’t look at someone and think, “Oh they’re a Warpaint fan.”

I get it all the time, just because I wear black all the time I’m supposed to listen to Cradle of Filth or some shit. Fuck that.

I asked Theresa where the name Warpaint came from. I’m always intrigued as to where bands get their names from. Emily came up with it. Other names they had were, Notes From The Underground, and my personal favourite I Love You. I suppose if they stuck with I Love You it could get confusing as I told Theresa. “Who are you going to see?” “‘I Love You.’ ” “Thanks, but who are you going to see?” It’d just cause people getting confused and thinking someone was declaring their love to them, and they’d just feel foolish wouldn’t they really.

Aside from how bands get their names, I always love hearing stories on how bands meet. Some meet in bars, some reply to ads in music publications, some are just thrown together in school and the rest is well history as they say.

So, how did they meet?

“Through friends, and living in the city. Pretty quickly actually. After we all moved there, we met each other (LA). You spot people, especially in LA, in Hollywood that are like you in a crowd, like-minded. I think it’s safe to say we’re not typical LA girls. The way we live now, we are typical and we’re not typical.”

She then mentioned how she, Emily, Jenny and Stella were staying in a hotel in Dublin- the hotel was connected to  a bar and restaurant, and they came downstairs at around 6pm ish for some food and to use the internet- dressed in sweatpants and pyjamas. It then turned into a nightclub and it was full of girls everywhere in mini-skirts. Theresa went into the bathroom, and there were some girls in bathroom re-applying make-up and talking about boys, and she said, “They were definitely giving me some looks. I looked like a slob and I didn’t have my hairbrush so I had a big knot in the back of my hair.”

Let’s be honest here, I doubt Theresa and the others could ever look like slobs. Besides, I’d rather see them than a bunch of girls in mini-skirts.

One of the many things I love about Warpaint is the length of their songs. I love songs that last over 5 minutes and send you off into this relaxing place where the real world cannot touch you. Nothing matters as you just totally lose yourself in the world that this piece of music taken you to. Songs like Beetles and Elephants just send you into a whirlwind. Songs like Baby and Lissie’s Heart Murmur feel like a lullaby. Every song of theirs fills you with such grand emotions and the ability to take you anywhere, it is that powerful. You can make your own meanings up to the songs.

I still use Undertow as the song I go to when everything just seems too much, the line “I laid on the floor. Pressing in my eyes, seeing little lights. Please light these decisions that only one could make. I wanted to stay home but I went running running running running from the troubles.”  I could never find words good enough to fully express what this verse means to me, no words could do it justice. The amount of times where I have found it impossible to sleep, so I just play Warpaint on my headphones in the dark- listening to Undertow is ridiculous. It’s like some kind of comfort blanket most of the time. I know I’m making myself out to be a wuss, maybe I am.

Anyone who has seen Warpaint live (I have yet to) has witnessed the little jam sessions they have at the end of Beetles and Elephants, it’s just utterly mind-blowing.

As frequently pointed out in various publications, Warpaint are SURPRISE SURPRISE female. Shock! Horror! Girls….playing instruments! I asked Theresa if the band had experienced sexism in the music industry at all. Some may think people are more open-minded now, but trust me- they’re not.

“I have noticed that in-house soundmen, when you first arrive are grumpy. It’s funny. I’m not trying to diss them, I love soundmen, but it’s true. I’ve noticed on more than one occasion people are dismissive of that maybe we don’t know what we’re doing. But after the show, for the most part their tune is changed.”

I hope anyone who thinks Warpaint cannot play or know what they are doing based on their gender feels like a massive idiot.

Warpaint are more than band-mates and best friends. They are clearly like family. I remember walking into the venue to meet them, and the way they were with each was just beautiful.

They love each other, and they have so much love for what they do. This lacks in a lot of bands (past and present). When you can see how much a band love what they do, and each other it just transpires into their music. The way they just get lost in the music that they play is inspiring, it makes you get lost in it too. It makes you feel the music even more.

With just one full length album Warpaint have done so much. Their acoustic performance on BBC3 last year for Reading gained them a fair amount of attention and this year’s performance at Glastonbury and Coachella just blew people away- both old fans and people just wandering around seeing who was on.

Bands such as Warpaint don’t come around often, but when they do it is important you just embrace it. Accept that this band will change your life, they will be your life. As a music obsessive, this is entirely how I feel about Warpaint. Without their music, I have no idea what I would do. Warpaint’s music just breathes life into you when you feel, well, shit I suppose. It makes you feel alive and it makes you want to change everything for the better. That’s the remarkable thing about music, it gives you strength and courage.

For me, Warpaint are more than just a band. I just feel so honoured to have met them and to have spoken to Theresa about the band and music. It was truly one of the best things that has ever happened to me.

I’ve always heard people say you should never meet your heroes, I’ve met mine several times and they’ve all been brilliant experiences. However, with Warpaint it just felt like everything made sense. Any feeling of wanting to give up on being a Music Writer just went away. Of course there are times when I just want to stop doing it due to my own harsh self criticisms and self frustrations, but I just play some Warpaint songs and my love for music and writing about it comes back. Things like that are priceless. Things like that just keep me going. Again, more proof that music is such a powerful force that I don’t think many recognise.