Since starting this blog in June, I have interviewed and met some incredible musicians and artists who have shared their creative projects and stories of being in lockdown. It has been a tough year for everyone, especially for those working in the creative industries. However, I have been continually amazed and inspired by the perseverance and determination of the people I have met through this blog. Despite being deeply affected by the pandemic, artists have taken advantage of the past few months to create art that encapsulates the anxieties and feelings of being in lockdown. Many artists have used this period to refocus and concentrate on making new material others have had to quickly adapt to the current climate with the absence of live gigs. If the past year has taught us anything, it is that art and music provide a temporary escape and form of solace for many individuals, and it is an important industry. I wanted to share some artists who I have discovered during lockdown and have had the pleasure of meeting through this blog. I also want to thank the community of artists who have taken the time to answer my questions and share their creative projects. Without your stories and continued support, this blog would not exist, so thank you!
-Keiko-
Green Cheek Beak
I had the pleasure of interviewing Ayden (AKA Green Cheek Beak) about his EP Introduction and the recording process behind the tracks. Ayden's music feels incredibly unique and personal, and I remember being immediately hooked by the second track titled Waves. Mullen's passion for music translates through his melodies and lyricism and overall this EP is a promising indicator of his future projects. Make sure you check out Green Cheek Beak's EP 'Introduction' and check out my favourite track in the link down below!
In Earnest
In Earnest released their debut EP two months ago and they were the first band I interviewed for my blog. The tracks that feature on the EP are deeply personal and discuss themes surrounding mental health, opening up an honest discussion with their listeners. The band is so talented and was such a pleasure to interview! I am looking forward to hearing what they release next, and I hope to see them play live once restrictions are lifted! Check out my favourite track from the EP titled '29' and make sure you give their EP a listen.
Monelise
Monelise is a singer-songwriter based in London, and I was so excited to interview her about her new single Insane. The song is haunting and I particularly loved the use of cinematic strings at the beginning of the track, making the whole atmosphere feel incredibly sensual and dark. I loved editing my interview with Monelise, her intuitive method of writing is something I found so interesting. If you are a fan of artists like Banks (like me) then I would highly recommend checking out Monelise's music, there is something guttural about her sound that makes you instantly connect with her lyricism and melodies. Check out her recent single Insane and my interview with her in the section titled 'A Conversation With...'
Jack Hyphen
Despite never having been taught music production, Hyphen's recent EP Second Wave is a cohesive body of work that displays his talent for production and musical arrangement. The tracks flow perfectly, and Hyphen's vocals blend so well with the backing instrumental making his style instantly recognisable. The EP was recorded during lockdown and is an example of how artists have used this period to challenge their creativity. What Hyphen has created is an incredible EP that plays on the idea of a 'Second Wave', resulting in four tracks that blend different genres and styles. I enjoyed listening to the EP, and I am grateful to Jack for taking the time to explain the meaning behind each track. Make sure you listen to his EP Second Wave and check out my favourite track in the link down below!
BrunchBox
I interviewed the Sheffield based band, BrunchBox in late November prior to the release of their comeback single. Dreaming is one of those songs that is instantly catchy and exudes warmth and energy through its coming of age lyricism and guitar melodies. The friendship within the band translates in their music; you can tell that they love making songs and it was so interesting to read about their musical influences and the meaning behind Dreaming. I truly believe that their music will continue to grow and gain fans and I'm looking forward to hearing what they will release next! Make sure you check out their recent single down below and read my interview with them over on 'A Conversation With..'
We Wander
I caught up with We Wander at the beginning of November prior to the release of their single Pouring Out. I absolutely love their music, with warm folk-indie instrumentals and honest lyricism, their single Pouring Out was the perfect autumnal song. Since interviewing the band back in November, they have gone on to win 'Best New Group' at the Mississauga Music Awards. Make sure you check out their music and their recent single Pouring Out.
Da-iCE
If you have been following my blog since the summer, you will have probably noticed Da-iCE pop up a few times on my Instagram stories. The group consists of 5 members, two vocalists (Yudai Ohno and Sota Hanamura) and three performers (Taiki Kudo, Toru Iwaoka and Hayate Wada) making this a unique group that has a 4 octave range between its two vocalists. Having heard their music first, I initially thought Da-iCE was a duo, but I was surprised that they were actually a group who have been performing in Japan since 2011. I have been listening to their music quite a lot during lockdown and it has been amazing to see them grow in popularity particularly among international listeners. I really hope they decide to tour in the UK because I would love to see them perform live (otherwise I will move to Japan).
Check out their single FAKE ME FAKE ME OUT in the link down below!
KRYTICAL MASS
I interviewed Sandy Power about his solo project KRYTICAL MASS back in early October, and had the pleasure of interviewing him about his EP titled The Future Sound of KDY. I was immediately hooked to the tracks, there was something nostalgic yet innovative about the production. I loved Future Sounds, and played this track repeatedly whilst editing my interview with Sandy about his musical inspirations and recording process during lockdown. Power's also runs a blog account called Pictish Prism that features interviews with some incredible musicians so make sure you go check it out!
Sam Seccombe
I had the pleasure of interviewing Sam back in September (feels like a lifetime ago!) about his musical influences and experiences of being in lockdown. I really loved Sam's single I Won't Be Doing That Again, the warm guitar melodies work really well with the main vocals, and the overall production is fantastic. Since our interview in September, Sam has been busy making new music and his performance of Waiting On Your Love at Dead Basic Studios, really showcases his talent and passion for music. I look forward to hearing what he releases in 2021! Check out his single I Won't Be Doing That Again in the link down below!
Thank you to all the artists who have featured on my blog this year! I will be updating my lockdown playlist after Christmas with some other artists I have discovered during lockdown. Make sure you check out all of the artists listed above and support them by giving them a follow on all of their social media pages!
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