Track Of The Day: Orla Gartland – ‘More Like You’

A poetic alt-folk tune that tries to overcome feelings of inadequacy, Irish songwriter Orla Gartland has shared her latest single ‘More Like You’. Taken from her debut album which is set for release later this year, the track is a charming rumination on how “feeling second best” can affect the way you view yourself and others around you.

“I know that I’ve been obsessing in the worst way,” Gartland sings over soft beats and playful keys, gently examining her own vulnerabilities and anxieties about being replaced by another. “‘More Like You’ is about a jealousy I felt for my best friend’s other best friend; someone I simultaneously disliked and wanted to be,” she admits, but through careful introspection Gartland has now made peace with her initial feelings of discomfort. This journey is reflected in the choreography in the accompanying video for the track, directed by Greta Isaac.

“We brought Elan Isaac on board to choreograph the piece and she absolutely smashed it,” Gartland explains. “I had never danced before and she managed to put together a piece that felt so thoroughly me. The movement in the video mirrors my journey of finally making my peace with the other person. We shot the video with a small crew of 5 in a village hall in South Wales near where Greta & Elan grew up. It was lashing rain that day, but with a bit of movie magic we managed to pull off a fake sun.”

Watch the video for ‘More Like You’ below.

Follow Orla Gartland on Spotify, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

Photo Credit: Henry James

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

WATCH: Tamar Aphek – ‘Russian Winter’

A brooding mix of distorted bass lines, cutting vocals and thumping beats, Israeli rocker Tamar Aphek‘s latest single ‘Russian Winter’ is a sonic force to be reckoned with. Taken from her upcoming album All Bets Are Off, set for release via Kill Rock Stars on 29th January, Aphek has shared a new video to accompany the beautiful, yet desolate track.

“‘Russian Winter’ is my first concept music video,” Aphek explains. “It was developed in a few stages. First, a visual translation of my personal feelings in light of the collapse of the frameworks and creative endeavours in which I was involved with before the coronavirus, hours of brainstorming with the director Amir Buxbaum on how to transform the ideas into a music video, and finally diving with the animator in a symbolic ocean of images. We are facing huge changes in our old familiar world – I wanted to include images like the cycle of the four seasons – hoping that by sticking to the common place it will help us move forward into the unknown world.”

Hailed as “Israel’s guitar goddess” by Timeout in Tel-Aviv, Aphek’s contemporary rock sounds mark her out as an exciting talent in the world of guitar music. The experienced instrumentalist produced her new record by herself, working alongside the mastering talents of Daniel Schlett (War on Drugs, DIIV) and Greg Calbi (John Lennon, Bob Dylan, David Bowie) to finalise her sound. ‘Russian Winter’ is the third single to be released from the album, showcasing Aphek’s ability to dismantle the world around her through commanding vocals and a cacophony of guitar noise.

Watch the video for ‘Russian Winter’ below.

Follow Tamar Aphek on bandcamp, Spotify, Instagram, Twitter & Facebook for more updates.

Photo Credit: Guy Nahum Lëvy

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

WATCH: Kadija Kamara – ‘Best Moves’

With her positive attitude and talent for filtering contemporary music elements through a nostalgic lens, Kadija Kamara‘s sound is equal parts catchy, vibrant and motivational. The London-based songwriter has shared a video to accompany her latest single ‘Best Moves’ and it’s a bright reflection on working hard, keeping your chin up and spreading good vibes.

“I filmed [the video for] ‘Best Moves’ with a bunch of amazing creative friends and completed the edit myself,” Kamara explains. “It was filmed across various locations in London. I planned to film it earlier this year, but due to pandemic it didn’t quite work out, but I am happy with the results. You’ll catch me dancing and roller skating in clips acros the video. I picked up skating during lockdown which has become a big part of my life today.”

“I wanted to show different characters in the video doing things that they love. The characters include a passionate tennis player, a male roller skater. A model being photographed at a photoshoot, but also doing a great job as a mum with her child on set. Dance teachers and their young students. A singer, a DJ who has a love for dancing and other normal people just living their day to day lives. I want everyone to feel included, which is why I filmed a range of people. A lot of my friends got involved which I feel very grateful for.”

With her afro-pop inspired sounds and uplifting visuals, Kamara is helping listeners push through self doubt and make the most of their best moves. Watch the video below.

Follow Kadija Kamara on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook & Spotify for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

WATCH: ZAND – ‘Slut Money’

A savage pop tune that celebrates self-autonomy and body positivity, ZAND has shared a new video for their latest single ‘Slut Money’. The self-described “ugly pop” star is taking aim at slut shamers on their new track, knocking down the haters with their gritty beats, sweet vocals and candid rap verses.

“While it’s a tongue-in-cheek bop, I wrote it as a liberating bite back at whorephobes,” ZAND explains about the new single. “[It’s] an ode to the community, as well as it being empowering for anyone who’s been judged for demonstrating their right to bodily autonomy and sexual liberation.” The Blackpool-born producer delivers these thoughts via unapologetic lyrics and dense beats on ‘Slut Money’.

“Why you complaining when it’s not your body?” ZAND repeatedly asks, reiterating the problem that patriarchal society has with judging the bodies of women and non-binary people. ZAND rightfully celebrates using your body in whatever way you want to, and unapologetically tells those who find it offensive exactly where to go. Watch the video for ‘Slut Money’ below and follow ZAND on Instagram and Spotify for more updates.

Photo Credit: Sara Irvine

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut