Premiere: Flor And The Sea – ‘Kings & Queens’

Originally founded in 2015 as a five piece, and now starting to become known for their immersive live shows, Munich-based duo Flor And The Sea have now announced the release of their new EP Kings & Queens. 

Lead single and title track ‘Kings & Queens’ offers a twinkling ethereal soundscape. Propelled by driving electro-strewn hooks and the soaring splendour of Chaem’s vocals, it builds with pulsating beats to an anthemic slice of ambient indie-pop with shades of the likes of Portishead. An instantly captivating offering set to uplift on first listen with its shimmering vibrant energy.

Listen to ‘Kings & Queens, for the first time, now:

Kings & Queens, the new EP from Flor And The Sea, is out now. Listen here.

 

Mari Lane
@marimindles

 

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Premiere: Jelena Ćirić – ‘Lines’

Set to release her debut EP later this month, Reykjavík based singer songwriter Jelena Ćirić has now shared the first single from the collection.

Reflecting on our preoccupation with finding the meaning of life, ‘Lines’ offers a captivating ethereal soundscape. With shades of the other-worldly allure of Regina Spektor, it flows with twinkling keys and the impassioned majestic splendour of Ćirić’s vocals, creating a musically rich, lyrically poignant slice of spellbinding alt-pop.

Listen to ‘Lines’, for the first time, here. And read a little interview with Jelena all about the track and her upcoming EP below!

 

Hi Jelena, can you tell us about your new single ‘Lines’?
‘Lines’ is a song about the fetish we humans have for answers to life’s big questions. Whether we admit it or not, we love the idea that a conversation with a fortune tell could reveal the purpose of our life or that we’ll meet a new lover and suddenly everything will fall into place. I don’t think that happens to most of us. Changing ourselves is gradual and hard and not very romantic.

And can you tell us a little about the inspiration behind the the song?
The song is set in Toronto, where I grew up. Like all cities it’s got many layers, and stepping into one of its neighbourhoods can feel like stepping into an alternate reality. It’s been a few years since I’ve lived there but it’s where I grew up and grappled with the sorts of questions that the song’s protagonist wonders about: who am I, what should I do with my life, who should I love?

You’re Serbian born, grown up in Canada, but have lived in Iceland for several years, how has living there influenced your songwriting?
The Icelandic music scene has been incredibly supportive and encouraging to be a part of. I studied classical singing – although it was a good foundation in many ways, it also instilled a scathing self-criticism in me that I had to unlearn. What I love about Icelandic artists is that when they have an idea, they just go for it. I’ve been learning to just act on ideas rather than criticize them to death before I begin.

And what can we expect from your upcoming debut EP?
I named the EP Shelter One because for me each of the songs is a little temporary haven that I built to process something I was going through. That’s what songwriting has always been for me – a way to explore questions I had about myself or the world or give myself a sort of solace that I couldn’t find elsewhere. Personally, I’m drawn to music that isn’t overly produced, and I’m really proud of the team behind this EP for bringing out the best in me without ironing out the authenticity of the songs. From Pétur Þór Benediktsson who recorded the vocals so beautifully and Snorri Hallgrímsson who recorded piano, to Margrét Arnardóttir (accordion) and Karl James Pestka (viola and violin) whose playing brings depth to the songs, Albert Finnbogason who produced it with such care and respect, and then Sarah Register’s mastering that polished it like a gem. It’s really important to me to acknowledge the people whose names you may not see when you check out a song on a streaming platform. This EP was a team effort and it was truly crafted with care at every step.

Huge thanks to Jelena for answering our questions!

‘Lines’ is out now, taken from Jelena Ćirić’s upcoming debut EP Shelter One, set for release 27th November via Icelandic label Paradís Sessions.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

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FIVE FAVOURITES: Ultraflex

Described as a “cocktail of contemporary disco and futuristic boogie,” Norwegian/Icelandic duo Ultraflex have a joyful sound that can be appreciated while strutting around on the tiles of a dancefloor, or during a sweaty aerobics class at the gym. The pair – formed of Farao and Special-K – recently released their debut album, Visions of Ultraflex, which showcases their ability to craft carefree but polished electronic tunes.

We think one of the best ways to get to know a band is by asking what music inspired them to write in the first place. We caught up with Ultraflex to ask about their “Five Favourites” – five songs that have inspired their song-writing techniques. Check out the band’s Soviet-themed favourite songs below, and scroll down to listen to their latest single ‘Full Of Lust’ at the end of this post.

 

1. Dimenzió – ‘Bamba’
This Hungarian jazz project released masterpiece ‘Bamba’ on their self titled debut album from 1981. The double bass melts perfectly into the rushed beat creating a constant feeling of progress and movement forwards into the synthesizer solo and playful vocoder vocals. Kari found this track on youtube years ago when she was digging for Soviet treasures and it’s been one of our favourites ever since. The track creates such a mysterious mood, as if it could have been the theme tune for a crime show.

2. Wojciech Karolak ‎– ‘Discopus Nr 1’
Although Poland was never part of the Soviet Union, they were one of the Warsaw Pact countries and I normally include Polish stuff in our Soviet themed DJ sets as it’s clearly very similar in style. Wojciech Karolak is a Polish jazz pianist who made this fusion banger in 1980, and considering the cover he clearly had great style as well. The track opens with a minute long ultra smooth intro to set the mood before the disco beat kicks in and we are good to go. Fusion like only Eastern Europeans do it.

3. Юрий Бучма – ‘Дождик’
Юрий Бучма (Yuri Buchma) used so many amazing synthesizers on his album Автопортрет (Self Portrait) from 1990, like the Roland D-50, Yamaha PSR-90, RX-5 and, an Ultraflex favourite, the DX-7. The track ‘Дождик’ (Rain) is irresistibly groovy and comes with a nice fan video showing some wild animals in the Russian countryside. The rest of the album is also worth checking out, for example the brilliantly titled ‘Чернобыль, год спустя’ (Chernobyl, one year later).

4. Adrian Enescu – ‘Cuvinte incrucisate’
Romanian composer Adrian Enescu released this record as a continuation of Funky Synthesizer 1, a very confusing and challenging release. Funky Synthesizer 2, however, is where Adrian finally found his formula, especially on ‘Cuvinte Incrucisate’ – the banger of the album.

5. Miha Kralj – ‘Computor’
Miha Kralj is a pioneer of Yugoslavian instrumental synthesiser music and he released three albums in the early ‘80s. Kind of a Giorgio Moroder of what is now Slovenia. His stuff is pretty out there. We also recommend his first album, Andromeda.

Thanks to Ultraflex for sharing their Soviet-themed five favourites with us.

Listen to ‘Full Of Lust’ below and follow Ultraflex on bandcamp, Spotify, Instagram & Facebook for more updates.

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INTERVIEW: Beckie Margaret

Since the release of her debut single ‘Cars & Catacombs’ via Cool Thing Records in 2017, Essex songwriter Beckie Margaret has been working hard crafting cinematic, reflective soundscapes about her experiences as a young woman. With her latest single ‘Divine Feminine’ she’s reaching new heights in terms of artistic confidence, and strengthening our belief that she’s one of the most naturally gifted songwriters we’ve had the pleasure of listening to. We had a quick catch up with Beckie to talk about her latest single, her upcoming debut album, her memories of the Sofar Sounds & GIHE gig she played just before the first lockdown in March, and whether there might be a seasonal single on the horizon…

Hello Beckie, how have you been coping and staying creative during the on-going Covid-19 pandemic?
It’s definitely been difficult to stay creative during Covid. I’ve really had to remind myself to unlock that child-like mind set so I can then sit down and write or create. I definitely have to work in short, quick bursts now though, otherwise the stresses of the world seep into my work.

You’ve just released your new single ‘Divine Feminine’. Talk us through what inspired you to write it.
The main thing that inspired ‘Divine Feminine’ was the observation of people that drain your energy and keep you from reaching your highest self. I think in your 20’s you realise that not everyone has your best interests at heart, so it’s a semi diss track I suppose. I like to think it reflects the aggression of this year in many ways.

You’ve been busy recording your debut album this year. Talk us through some of the highlights of the process, and what your anticipations are for the record once it’s complete.
I’m very much a studio girl so making an album was very special, especially at SS2 with Rees Broomfield who is absolutely incredible and completely understood my creative vision. Having Rees as well as my band to help with hybrid tracking on some of the more organic tunes really made the whole experience perfect. I already can’t wait to record another, everyday was a highlight to be honest.

You played live for GIHE & Sofar Sounds in March about a week before the first lockdown was put into place. What are your main memories from this night?
That was my first Sofar Sounds, so for it to be a GIHE event too was lovely. A really tender night full of honest acts and a respectful audience. As well as the hosting being amazing by Kate and Tash/ I’m glad it was the last gig I played before lockdown, it for sure kept me going thinking about how wholesome the evening was.

Any artists or bands you can recommend we listen to at the moment?
Arlo Parks’ writing is amazing, I’ve been listening to her a lot. I have had slowthai on repeat as well.

Finally, Christmas is coming up…have you ever been tempted to work your magic on a festive classic?
I literally say this every year, I WILL write a Christmas song! I’m so up for it. I would so channel a Coldplay Christmas song vibe, on my list of things to do…

Thanks to Beckie for chatting to us!
Follow her on Spotify, Instagram, Facebook & Twitter for more updates.

Photo Credit: Antonio Milevcic

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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