Versatile artist Brooke Howard returns with a scintillating new single in ‘GIMME’ on October 20th, featuring lye.II, known for his work with BONES UK and Anna Kova. Gracing stages across the US, from The Hotel Café Mainstage in Los Angeles to the Bowery Ballroom in New York City, Howard has also headlined Nomad Field Trip Experience, even garnering attention from and support from GZA of the WU-TANG CLAN. Influenced by the likes of Stevie Nicks and Rihanna, Howard is also set to release a new album in 2024.
A slow-burn yet upbeat track, brimming with playful allure, ‘GIMME’ features a trap-like trill beat with ethereal synth elements and spicy lyrics. Intertwined with themes of love and the hustlers pursuit and lifestyle, its a track that’s sure to galvanize listeners, as Howard nails her flow and cadence. Deep and bassy, it’s also perfect for the club, as Brooke Howard delivers crisp and clean vocals supported by fellow collaborator lye.II.
Howard had this to say: “I hope this music will help make people feel more connected, seen, and understood. ‘GIMME’ really encapsulates the vibe we harness when creating together, it’s a party full of sexy sass and play. Featured artist lye.ll is a close collaborator and primary producer across the project”.
The Burma have returned with a stunning full length album titled Crazy Dreams & Cruel Realities, released on the 6th of October 2023 via their own label The Burma Music Group. Having received support from The Rolling Stone India, CLASH Magazine, NOTION Magazine, Hot Press, Atwood Magazine, and Medium.com/Pop Off, the trio has also earned spins on RTÉ 2FM with Dan Hegarty as well as RTÉ Radio 1. Their single ‘Holiday’ has already premiered and received support from EARMILK, and the boys have earned support slots for artists such as The Academic and The Strypes, while simultaneously gaining extensive airplay across Ireland, the UK, and the USA. Read our interview with their drummer Cian Doherty below.
Walk us through your creative process?
The songs always starts with either Peter (guitar) or Tony (vocals). One of them will come up with the initial idea and send some sort of a demo to the rest of us and it goes from there. Sometimes the demos can be full arrangements of a song, and other times they can be just a voice note with chords and a melody or one single instrument part, it varies. We do the majority of our work on our own at home, recording and writing parts etc. and then we send in a recording of it into our group chat and let the others sit with it for a while. We make adjustments from there. We wouldn’t really be the type of band to jam for hours in practice. There’s usually a plan for each rehearsal and we go in and get it done with parts that have been worked on and written at home.
Who are your biggest artistic influences?
The Smiths, Tame Impala, The Strokes and The Weekend.
What instruments do you play?
TonyO Donovan is the singer, PeterPiggott is the guitar player and CianDoherty is our drummer.
What would you like to work with if you weren’t a musician?
I (Cian) would be working in the business side of the music industry as either an artist manager or tour manager.
Whats one piece of gear you can’t live without? What equipment are you using?
The Roland SPD-SX. We use some tracks for our live shows for extra synths and processed vocals etc. so we have the whole show built around the use of the SPD-SX. I am in control of the tracks from the drums so there’s a lot that goes on surrounding that and making sure it runs smoothly. Peter records each track himself and looks after the audio for each one and makes sure it’s show ready. We’re always updating and trying to improve them.
Tell us something unrelated to music. What are your hobbies?
We’re pretty boring. Music pretty much dominates our life.
If you could meet one performer/artist who would it be?
Michigan-based R&B singer Davis Caruso released his new single and accompanying music video ‘Reggae In An Icestorm’ on the 22nd of September via MICHIGROWN. The experimental American singer-songwriter has built up an extensive catalog of self-written music, and has performed primarily as a busker on the streets of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Michigan where he showcases his sublime talent for crafting intricate and personal songs unbound by genre. The track has already premiered and received support from notable webzine EARMILK. Watch the music video and read our interview with him below.
Walk us through your creative process?
I think it’s changing all the time. I make creativity a priority and apply it to everything I do.
Who are your biggest artistic influences?
Probably my closest friends and collaborators. They inspire more of my artistic expression than anyone else.
What instruments do you play?
Guitar, bass guitar, piano and ukelele
What would you like to work with if you weren’t a musician?
Maybe wood!
Whats one piece of gear you can’t live without? What equipment are you using?
I could live without all of it. I’ll use whatever I’ve got, even if it’s my voice, clapping my hands and stomping my feet. I have collected a hand full of instruments that were built by my friend Gary Zimnicki. Other than that, I have a few toys that help me execute my creative choices! The computer is essential these days…
Tell us something unrelated to music. What are your hobbies?
I love to dance and find myself in a park with a coffee or tea and a book. I also love to support other people’s art when the opportunity arises.
If you could meet one performer/artist who would it be?
Singer-songwriter, saxophonist, record producer and entertainer Inusa Dawuda a.k.a the “Black Pharaoh” released his latest single, ‘Waka Waka Day & Night’ on the 1st of September 2023. Born in Ghana, and now based in Hamburg, Germany, Inusa Dawuda is deeply inspired by the likes of James Brown, Fela Kuti, Manu Dibango, Bob Marley, and Jimmy Cliff, which is evident in his current records and persona. He has enjoyed success with his music being released on various labels such as BMG and Universal Music, Pacha Recordings, and even on Cafe Del Mar. Inusa has alsograced festival stages and clubs across the world, from Pacha in Ibiza, to Nikki beach in Miami
‘Waka Waka Day & Night’ is a smooth and groovy balance of instrumental and electronic music – complex African rhythms, lush pads and warm guitar licks are decoratively interspersed with glimmers of Dawuda’s sultry saxophone. His voice is raspy, soulful and potent, lending the song a strong sense of exultation. ‘Waka waka’ is a slang phrase from Cameroon that means ‘do it’; a song about perseverance and joy through difficult times.
“’Waka Waka Day & Night’ is a song born from the struggles of everyday life, particularly for those from the global south who seek a better life abroad,” Inusa Dawuda noted. “It all started with a bassline inspired by my late friend and companion Lisbon Bolowei Simon, who had once played with Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti at a very young age, he told me.”
