PREMIERE: Kianja – ‘There’s Nothing More’

Sincere lyrics, heartfelt vocals and an understated power permeate British multi-instrumentalist Kianja‘s new single ‘There’s Nothing More’. Released via Best Laid Plans, the 20 year-old artist has demonstrated her ability to create beautiful soul-pop sounds on this latest release.

“It’s about longing for love that you can’t fix,” Kianja explains, “It’s gone, but you constantly wish you could repair it”. She wrote the song originally when she was 14, but has since reworked it and collaborated with Dan Smith (Bastille) and producers Mark Crew and Dan Priddy (Rag’n’Bone Man, James Arthur) in order to fully develop the track.

Born and raised in north-east London, Kianja moved to Durban in South Africa as a teenager. There, she experienced a totally different way of life, before moving back to London again in recent years. “Moving to South Africa gave me a shift in perspective. education is a focal point there and I went to two solid schools. I got a music scholarship for a private school. I’ve experienced two very different worlds, which I feel feeds into my creativity”

We’re certainly fans of Kianja’s creativity here at GIHE. The songwriter is set to release her debut EP Glory later in 2019, and we’re looking forward to hearing more of her smooth, soulful songs. Listen to ‘There’s Nothing More’ below and follow Kianja on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment

Track Of The Day: Shari Vari – ‘Out Of Order’

Multi-talented artists and producers Shari Vari have shared their latest single ‘Out Of Order’ and it’s an alt-electronic gem. The Hamburg-based duo blend elements of techno, jazz, pop and their clear cut vocals to create a catchy three and a half minutes of electro-punk joy.

Shari Vari consists of Helena Ratka and Sophia Kennedy. Both are visual artists, producers and musicians who began working together after a joint art exhibition, releasing their debut EP Life Should Be A Holiday in 2017. The duo are currently preparing to share their debut album NOW via cult label Malka Tuti on 13th September.

Speaking about the new tracks on their upcoming record, the duo explain: “Time is ticking and the questions we have regarding time and action [are] the connecting element of the songs and tracks on the album. There is mostly a dark connotation in music and lyrics, but not without a joyful outlook, fun twists and a breeze of irony. The lyrics oscillate between film-like atmospheres, comic and dark story-telling, involving fictional characters. NOW connects the individual with the social persona, while the tracks take you on a trip from the boiler room next to our studio, to a chilly Sunday in the park. It’s more a stream of consciousness than a conceptual decision we made”.

We’re happy to join the duo on their musical journey regardless of the destinations they take us to. Watch the video for ‘Out Of Order’ below and follow Shari Vari on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment

LISTEN: The Big Moon – ‘It’s Easy Then’

“‘It’s Easy Then’ is really about finding strength in strange times” explains Juliette Jackson, vocalist & lyricist for formidable indie-rock group The Big Moon. “I wanted to write a song that made me feel better. Something that captured the frustrations, but also the hope and joy all at the same time” – and that’s exactly what the band have achieved with their first piece of new music in over two years.

‘It’s Easy Then’ is a lush three minutes of escapism via grand keys and breezy vocals. It’s softer than the band’s previous singles – all lifted from their 2017 Mercury Prize nominated debut Love In The 4th Dimension – but it still retains the trademark Big Moon charm with its relatable lyrics and leftfield pop melodies. The track was recorded in Atlanta with Grammy Award winning US producer Ben H. Allen III (M.I.A, Deerhunter, Bombay Bicycle Club).

Juliette extrapolates on the single’s themes of breaking away from negativity: “We work too much, we think too much, we know too much so we all worry too much. Our anxieties are stoked every day. Music has this incredible way of helping us see with a new perspective, and ties up our feelings in a way that language by itself never could”. We couldn’t agree more. Listen to ‘It’s Easy Then’ below and follow The Big Moon on Facebook for more updates.

The Big Moon will be supporting The Pixies on their 2019 UK tour on the following dates:

13th September – Cardiff Arena
16th September – Birmingham Academy
17th September – Leeds Academy
18th September – Manchester Apollo
20th September – London Alexandra Palace
21st September – Newcastle Academy
22nd September – Glasgow Academy
23rd September – Edinburgh Usher Hall
25th September – Belfast Ulster Hall
26th September – Dublin Olympia

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment

Track Of The Day: Friedberg – ‘Go Wild’

Start your weekend right with the laid-back sounds of indie-pop band Friedberg and their latest single ‘Go Wild’. Accompanied by a cool set of visuals, the track is a lo-fi slice of alternative summer sound that’ll have you dancing your way around the BBQ (even if it’s raining).

The track is inspired by front-woman Anna’s recent trip to London from Berlin. She explains: “I was out in the capital and was just watching the night descend into chaos, as everyone got drunker and drunker around me. At that moment, the line for the chorus: ‘you gotta go wild’ popped into my head. I ended up rushing home, and writing the song that night”.

Anna’s speedy reflections on that night have now blossomed in to a cool, catchy tune that tastefully celebrates letting loose. Friedberg are set to release their debut album at some point during 2020, but we’re content to listen to ‘Go Wild’ on repeat until then. Watch the video for the track below and follow Friedberg on Facebook for more updates.

Friedberg play The Waiting Room in Stoke Newington on 3rd October. Event details & tickets here.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment