LISTEN: The Orielles – ‘Blue Suitcase (Disco Wrist)’

Having wowed crowds at festivals such as Green Man and Truck last year, and sold out venues including The Lexington, we couldn’t have been more excited to hear about the release of The Orielles‘ debut album next month.

Taken from the album is new single ‘Blue Suitcase (Disco Wrist)’. Inspired by the experience of spending time in the studio over the summer, the lyrics tell a profound story of spotting an unaccompanied case on a train platform and the discussions that followed. Filled with joyous, jangly hooks and woozy, sunny harmonies, the track oozes the band’s trademark dreamy, psych-filled scuzz alongside added funk-filled beats and an uptempo retro groove.

Another wonderfully infectious sonic delight from our most favourite young trio.

 

Silver Dollar Moment, the upcoming debut album from The Orielles, is out 16th February via Heavenly Recordings.

Mari Lane
@marimindles

Photo Credit: Neelam Khan Vela

 

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Beth Orton And Nadine Shah To Play ‘In The Round’ 2018

Now in its third year, the Roundhouse presents In the Round 2018, a series of shows devoted to intimate performances set in the venue’s iconic main space, staged in a rarely seen fully-seated concert set up. Fast becoming a fixture of the music-lovers’ calendar, the series runs from 31st January to 10th February with a programme of ten very special shows, including premieres and special sets from an eclectic mix of artists.  

Confirmed to appear is Geordie songstress Nadine Shah, known for her hauntingly majestic voice and dark, impassioned lyrics. Live, she is known for her captivating presence as an effortlessly commanding performer. 

Also playing will be the incredible Beth Orton, one of the most unique and beguiling voices in British music. For In the Round she will be performing songs spanning her celebrated career, from classics such as Trailer Park and Central Reservation, to her latest album Kidsticks. 

Full list of dates for In The Round 2018 (more info and ticket links here):

Wednesday 31st January –  Oumou Sangaré
Thursday 1st February – Jimmy Webb
Friday 2nd February – Nadine Shah
Saturday 3rd February – Portico Quartet
Sunday 4th February – Levellers Acoustic
Thursday 8th February – GoGo Penguin
Friday 9th February – Chip
Saturday 10th February – Beth Orton

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Introducing Interview: NÝNA

Having already received support from Huw Stephens and Amazing Radio, NÝNA recently released her latest single ‘Silence’, which pulses with an electronic rhythm coupled with husky, velveteen vocals.

Nyna took some time out between producing, running a music studio and of course writing her own material to tell us more…

Hi Nyna! Welcome to Get In Her Ears! Can you tell us a bit about your sound?
I call it dark pop, cinematic. The main thing about my sound is a fusion of different things and it’s mainly my influences. I’m a classically trained pianist, so I put a lot of piano in there. I love heavy drums, so a bit of that as well. It’s a different sound, I like to add drama to it.

When did you initially start creating music?
I started playing piano when I was about six, but I wouldn’t say I started creating music until I was about twelve or thirteen, so about ten years ago. I started writing classical music first, then that grew into pop music and then I started producing. It all kind of grew! I would say that it was when I was at university that I really got into it and started learning how to produce.

We’re loving your new single ‘Silence’ – can you tell us what it is about?
‘Silence’ is an empowering song. For example, in the ending of the song, there’s a phrase – “who do you think you are? Believe you will go far, giving me the hardest time.” That’s pretty much the gist of the song. It’s about letting go of the people and things in your life that you can’t change. The negativity can’t touch me, I’m just going to do my thing. If you can’t change, then fine. There’s so many people in the world, sometimes you don’t agree with them and they’re putting the negative energy on you – you don’t have to take it. When you go through every negative thing, I think there’s always a positive energy because you learn for the future.

 

Who would you say are your main musical influences?
It really changes, two of my main influences are Sia and Lana Del Rey. I love Lana Del Rey – her music and style. The fact that they don’t change for no one, they don’t listen to people around them who are no good for them. They just do what they felt is right. They stand their ground, and I love the fact that their music reflects this. A lot of their music is empowering, especially Lana’s music. I love that about her. I love London Grammar too. I also love classical music – I listen to a lot of Debussy. I also like listening to rock music as well, probably where my love of drums comes from!

How is your local music scene? Do you go to see lots of live music?
I really like the Troubadour (in London), I go there a lot. I like playing there too, Bob Dylan and Adele used to play there. It’s a really nice venue and it has tradition. I also love going to Notting Hill Art’s Club. I love going out in Shoreditch as well: The Queen of Hoxton, Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen. I also really love The Bedford in Balham, people really listen attentively there and care about music.

How do you feel the music industry is for new artists at the moment? Would you say it’s difficult to get noticed?
That’s a good question! You can look at it in two ways, I would say it’s what you make of it. In this day and age, you have more opportunities which you can take advantage of – like social media. It really depends on how you chose to use that. It’s hard work, but everything worth doing is hard work. It doesn’t have to be hard if you know how to work it. For example, keep doing your social media, doing gigs and meeting people. Eventually certain things will start happening. The industry has changed over the last few years, it’s about going with the times. In my opinion I don’t think the industry is hard as long as you work hard. Use the tools which are available. I truly believe there is space for everyone.

Finally, what does 2018 have in store for you?
I’m not going to lie, I’m really excited! 2018 has already started so well, I woke up and was like “this is happening!” I’ve got the release of ‘Silence’, and after that I have a few more tracks which I will be releasing. ‘Animals’ will be out hopefully at end of February. I also have the release of my debut EP. I’ve got some plans after that as well, so let’s just say that 2018 will be a really good year. I’m super excited, I really am!

Huge thanks to NÝNA for answering our questions! 

 

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Introducing Interview: Megan Henwood

Since winning the BBC Young Folk Award back in 2009, singer-songwriter Megan Henwood has received acclaim from the likes of The Guardian and Uncut, and played played numerous festivals including Glastonbury, Cambridge Folk Festival and Secret Garden Party.

Now, following the success of last year’s album The River, Henwood has released a spellbinding new single. We caught up with her to find out more…

Hi Megan! Welcome to Get In Her Ears! Can you tell us a little bit the band?
Hey, thanks for having me! The full band live set up is a four piece; myself, Pete Thomas, Jacob Stoney and Fred Claridge. We have double bass, drums, synths, pianos, electric and acoustic guitars and lots of vocals! It’s been great fun bringing the studio albums to life with these fantastic musicians.

What initially inspired you to start creating music?
I’ve loved words and writing from an early age and as I became more confident in playing instruments and singing, the two sort of melded together and became a powerful outlet for me. Lyrics will always be the starting point of inspiration, but I get really excited about experimenting with production and instrumentation to keep the sound evolving.

We’re loving the new single ‘Join The Dots’ – what’s it all about?
It’s  about how retrospectively we can recall the same story but interpret it completely differently – sometimes in an unrealistically positive light, as if to save ourselves from the honest truth.

 

You’ve been compared to the likes of Daughter, but who would you say are your main musical influences?
I am flattered by this comparison! I think my most prominent influences tend to be more lyrically based music – Elliott Smith has always been a huge inspiration to me, as well as Joni Mitchell, Sixto Rodriguez and Anais Mitchell. Musically, I listen to a huge range of genres which I think has filtered into the production of my own material.

How is your local music scene? Do you go to see lots of live music?
Oxford is pretty great for live music. There are some good venues and an eclectic mix of events and gigs going on. The standard of local bands/musicians is really high and audiences and communities are supportive, so it’s been an inspiring place for me to settle over the last few years.

And what can fans expect from your live shows?
I always try and play as honestly and sincerely as I can. Also, because a lot of my songs are pretty dark I try and lighten the mood a little in-between tunes! The band show is so much fun, and we draw out some of the arrangements which is something I’m not able to do on solo shows.

As we’re a new music focused site, are there any other new/upcoming bands or artists you’d suggest we check out?
You must go and listen to Be Good right away. Stop reading this and go listen. You’ll thank me later! Also – check Jack Harris out – beautiful songwriter.

And how do you feel the music industry is for new artists at the moment – would you say it’s difficult to get noticed?
Well, there are pros and cons to the internet and how it opens up the world and audiences – it makes for many more opportunities for independent artists to get their music heard, but it also can be overwhelming. I fully recognise that it’s a powerful tool, but it also terrifies me.

Finally, what does 2018 have in store for Megan Henwood?
More gigs and touring with the band and the new album – more writing and also a few mad projects!

Huge thanks to Megan for answering our questions! 

‘Join The Dots (Ash Howes Mix)’ is out now via Dharma Records.

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