Track Of The Day: Bamboo Smoke – ‘Maybe I’

A soulful, lo-fi tune about hesitation and uncertainty; Bamboo Smoke have shared their latest single, ‘Maybe I’. Released via Swedish imprint Something Beautiful, the South London trio combine tentative electronics, smooth vocals, and echoing beats to create an ambient new soundscape.

Formed of vocalist Louise Wellby, multi-instrumentalist & producer Thomas Hollis, and percussionist Mark Gilyead; Bamboo Smoke captivated us with their live performance at our Notting Hill Arts Club gig in 2018. Since then, the trio have been busy creating new music to share with listeners over the course of 2020.

“I don’t wanna wish away time” muses Louise on ‘Maybe I’, a relatable sentiment that’s scored by subtle synth textures, and cautious percussion. The band explain the context of the track further: “This tune tumbled out in a tiny attic room on a trip at the start of the year. It’s about wishing you could draw someone out of their darkness. We find it so hard to talk about mental health, we hide away our shadows in dreamscapes.”

Listen to ‘Maybe I’ below, and follow Bamboo Smoke on Spotify and Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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LISTEN: Jenny O. – ‘God Knows Why’

A bittersweet track about accepting an unexpected change; L.A. based songwriter Jenny O. has shared her latest single, ‘God Knows Why’. Taken from her upcoming album, New Truth, set for release on 19th June via Mama Bird Recording Co., the song is based on Jenny’s own experience of losing the hearing in her right ear.

Despite its upsetting context, ‘God Knows Why’ is an uplifting, cathartic listen that proves Jenny has a talent for making the most out of a truly difficult and unfair situation. Her smooth vocals glide over grungy, acoustic guitars and steady percussion, with the repeated line ‘God Knows Why’ acting as both a reassurance, and an exasperation at the situation she finds herself in.

Jenny extrapolates on the single, and her upcoming album: “I wrote ‘God Knows Why’ after going deaf in one ear and asking why perplexing things happen – fate, cause and effect. When I lost my hearing, a doctor said, “God took it.” Something happened to me neurologically, but here we are. Why do people behave against their own interests? Why do some people survive and others don’t? New Truth has to do with coming to terms with a new reality; what is and what will be, now that things have changed or information has come to light. Feels accurate in this period of adjustment and great sadness.”

We feel Jenny’s poignant new offering provides sweet relief during this chaotic time. Listen to ‘God Knows Why’ below, and follow Jenny O. on Spotify & Facebook for more updates.

Photo Credit: Jenny O.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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FIVE FAVOURITES: Harkin

Multi-talented Harkin has been a touring musician since her teens, and in addition to her own bands, she has shared stages with the likes of Sleater-Kinney, Wild Beasts, Flock of Dimes, Kurt Vile and Courtney Barnett. She’s now set to release her debut self-titled album on 24th April, via via Hand Mirror – a label she founded with her partner, poet & live arts organiser, Kate Leah Hewett.

We think one of the best ways to get to know an artist is by asking what music inspired them to write in the first place. We caught up with Harkin to ask about her “Five Favourites” – five songs that influenced her own writing techniques. Check out Harkin’s choices below, and scroll down to listen to her single ‘Dial It In’ at the end of this post.

 

1. Donna Summer – ‘State Of Independence’ (Extended Remix)
I’ve lived in London a couple of times, for Uni and then again around the time I started playing with Wild Beasts. I lived in a ground floor flat share with no living room and a galley kitchen, so we’d just hang out in each other’s bedrooms all the time. My flatmate had the 12” of this single and we’d put on the long b-side version and dance on her bed. That’s a feeling I come back again and again when I need to find some extra fuel for my fire.

2. Quack Quack – ‘Conversations’ (Live at The Brudenell Social Club) 
I feel so lucky to have grown up going to gigs at The Bru. Quack Quack were such an inspiration. Unquestionably virtuosic players, but it’s their passion that was so remarkable. Truly an alive live band.

3. Björk – ‘Crystalline’ (Jools Holland Live)
I feel the urge to listen to this song every winter as the cold creeps in. I saw one of the screenings she did of this album, it’s such a masterclass and was a real revelation for me as to how human electronic performances can be.

4. Ryuichi Sakamoto – ‘Forbidden Colours’ (Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence Soundtrack)
I discovered Sakamoto through a synthesiser compilation and there are a few different versions of this song, all wonderful. His melodies can inhabit so many different forms, it’s staggering.

5. David Axelrod – ‘The Mental Traveller’
I started recording my debut album in LA, and I listened to Axelrod a lot whilst driving around. I’d love to be able to sit in on one of those Capitol sessions from back in the day.

Thanks to Harkin for sharing her favourites with us. Follow her on Spotify and Facebook for more updates.

Photo Credit: Tomm Roeschlein

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LISTEN: Madge – ‘Ethanol’

A gritty, electronic pop tune that explores self-destructive tendencies; non-binary artist Madge has shared their latest single, ‘Ethanol’. Released via 22TWENTY, the track is a chaotic blend of dense beats, hushed vocals, and manic synth textures.

Having just been announced as an artist in residency for ‘Future Classics x Dropbox’, LA-based Madge has been attracting attention in all the right places with their one-person show.

Madge extrapolates about the context of the ‘Ethanol’: “Inherited trauma as compulsive self-destruction. For every garbage fire I put out in my brain, I find myself dumping gasoline on another. I find myself wondering if I just accept this state of things. I created this song with Lecx Stacy who brought in the grit and grime to my vision.”

This “grit” along with some catchy dance beats makes Madge’s music an explosive, energetic affair. Listen to ‘Ethanol’ below, and follow Madge on Spotify & Facebook for more updates.

Photo Credit: TSARINA MERRIN

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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