Track Of The Day: Hockeysmith – ‘Tears At My Age’

We’re pretty sure you’ll be able to identify with the sentiments expressed in the ambient new single from Hockeysmith, titled ‘Tears At My Age’. Taken from her upcoming EP of the same name (set for release Jan 25th via Ex-Local), the track is “one for the girls out there, and their tears for undeserving boys.”

Whilst she may have spent much time lamenting the actions of unworthy loves, Hockeysmith has reclaimed those hours through her shoe-gazey, lo-fi new release. She traveled frequently between Cornwall and Copenhagen whilst writing her new music over the last two years, with the aim of connecting the influences of two very different, yet exciting underground music communities.

The result is previous single ‘Holy War’, and now with ‘Tears At My Age’ she looks set to share a record’s worth of mesmerising, hazy electronics. Listen to the new track below, and follow Hockeysmith on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Ishani – ‘Stormy Emotions’

Lamenting the transition from heartbreak in to a new phase of independence; Ishani‘s latest single ‘Stormy Emotions’ fuses trip-hop beats and industrial-pop in sublime style. Brooding, hypnotic and sensual; the single is a cathartic electronic outpouring of personal relief.

Born and raised in Bangalore in India, Ishani later obtained a degree in TV, Film & Radio in Singapore before moving to London to study Audio Engineering at Alchemea & Point Blank. Her music often centers around difficult themes – single ‘Don’t Stop The Fight’ explores the horrific social effects of rape, whilst ‘Dark Angel’ was inspired by the loss of two of her friends to suicide. Despite these traumatic contexts, Ishani’s music breeds an atmosphere of strength and independence, and ‘Stormy Emotions’ is another example of her ability to shine a light on a truly dark situation.

Speaking about the track, Ishani explains: “This song is about the death of a relationship and the overwhelming pain that can come with that. It is also however about moving into a new phase of life.” Ishani’s musical efforts have not gone un-noticed this year; she was made a BBC Introducing artist by Bobby Friction, and she continues to impress bloggers and radio hosts (including us) across the web. Listen to ‘Stormy Emotions’ below and follow Ishani on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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LISTEN: BABii – ‘Phantom’

Don’t be fooled by the name of youthful newcomer BABii; she’s a fully-fledged producer, songwriter and performer who crafts her own electro-pop beats and her new single ‘Phantom’ showcases her ability to do so.

Taken from her debut LP HiiDE, which is set for release in 2019 via Deathwaltz Originals, ‘Phantom’ is one of many tracks which  “focuses on the key themes of hiding and secrets”. BABii’s upbeat synths and gentle vocals mask the vulnerability in the lyrics to ‘Phantom’, making it a playful and easy listening experience.

With her upcoming tour dates supporting Miho Hatouri (listed below) and after receiving support from Iglooghost’s Diplo & Friends mix for BBC Radio 1, one thing’s for sure: it’ll be hard for BABii to hide from an exciting new career in electronic pop music. Listen to ‘Phantom’ below and follow BABii on Facebook for more updates.

BABii 2018/2019 Live Dates
10/12 – Shacklewell Arms, LONDON UK (supporting Miho Hatori)
12/12 – Green Door Store, Brighton UK (supporting Miho Hatori)
8-17/3 – SXSW Festival USA

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Get In Her Ears Live @ Notting Hill Arts Club w/ Alyss 01.12.18

Get In Her Ears returned to West London’s Notting Hill Arts Club on Saturday night to host another successful night full of alternative electronic music. For our second gig at the venue, we chose Alyss to headline; with support coming from the brilliant Elsa Hewitt, Temples of Youth and Varley.

First up were Berlin-based trio Varley, who played a beautiful stripped back set to an appreciative, respectfully quiet crowd. Vocalist Claire-Ann Varley’s gentle, clear voice was perfectly accompanied by the acoustic & electric guitar sounds of bandmates Matthias Heising & Joschka Bender. When she cautiously asked for a little audience participation during one particular song, she was rewarded with attempts to mimic her soft voice, and the trio left the stage to well deserved and rapturous applause.

 

 

Up next were our favourites, electronic duo Temples Of Youth, who (as always) performed a stunning set. Jo & Paul’s blend of old and new songs – including ‘Darker Places’, the title track from their latest EP – captivated the crowd with their ambient guitar sounds and Jo’s standout vocals. We never tire of seeing these two live, and we were thrilled to have them on the bill with other talented electronic artists.

Penultimate act Elsa Hewitt was a one woman music machine. She played a hypnotising set, which included her latest single ‘Invisible Threads’. It’s always a pleasure to watch artists lose themselves within their own sound, and watching Elsa perform her intricate tuning and triggering, whilst simultaneously performing her soft vocals so seamlessly was a genuine pleasure to witness. We were so caught up in her soundscapes we lost track of time, and as we gently ushered her set to a close, electro-pop Queen Alyss took centre stage.

Clad in a shiny cape and black-rimmed hat, headline act Alyss dominated the stage with her powerful vocals and uncompromising attitude. Performing as a one woman band, she had the room packed full of fans who were dancing along to her pop hooks and bouncing beats.

Huge thanks to the bands and to Notting Hill Arts Club, and extended thanks to all those who donated their spare change on the door to National AIDS Trust on #WorldAIDSday – we appreciate your generosity!

Keep your eyes peeled for more gig announcements from us soon.

Photo Credit: Jon Mo Photography

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