As musicians know, the audience is everything. As such, SoundCloud is in the process of launching an innovative new feature on SoundCloud for Artists that will enable creators to make direct contact with key members of their audience. Called ‘Fans’, the feature was built to help artists forge stronger bonds with their die-hard fans.
Still in the beta phase, the feature has been made available to over 50,000 test users, who are now able to message the select few who make a difference. The hope here is that artists will be able to build increasingly meaningful relationships with their core followers.
The potential here is worth noting: instead of relying on streams, musicians could, at least in theory, offer their loyal listeners exclusive content and merchandise, leading to higher revenue; the possibilities are endless. In addition, musicians will be able to track listening behaviours and form strategies based on the feature’s handy analytics dashboard.
The Burma are back but with something different. Where their debut album focused on the Indie rock side of things (read our piece on the LP), their latest offering, a single titled ‘23’, leans more toward the Dream Pop side of things, with heavily glazy vocals, soft plucks, and woozy guitar filters. A languid record that drifts among the clouds, ‘23’ sees lead vocalist Tony O Donovan reflecting, looking to the past to inspire the mood that pervades the track.
Will the trio continue to paint the remainder of their forthcoming sophomore album (yes, there is one in the works) with a similar brush, I wonder? Touching on the subject, the band shared: “‘23’” is the first song we wrote and recorded for our second album. It’s one of those songs that came together really quickly. The song you hear now has barely changed from its initial conception, which is a rare thing for us!”
CHAiLD is a young rising pop artist born in Luxembourg and currently based in Brussels. His unique, soothing, yet intense voice grabs you by the gut and takes you into his melancholic universe. Inspired by artists like Troye Sivan, Sam Smith, Julia Michaels or Mø, the artist comes up with his very own pleasing style of Pop, in which he integrates his own Italian roots. CHAiLD is a generational voice for the queer youth in need of self-expression.
At only 25 years old, the artist has already added many remarkable achievements to his tally since kicking off his career in Luxembourg in 2019, such as his opening slots for his musical idols like Dean Lewis and Mahmood or his various performances at numerous festivals like Sonic Vision Festival (LUX) or Dockville (DE).
The young artist is ready to return with a new EP, Urgent Care, written at a time when he felt helpless and used songwriting as a way to cope with anxiety. The EP is a powerful and vulnerable exploration of the artist’s journey towards self-acceptance and healing. Through honest lyrics and soulful melodies, CHAiLD shares his realization that vulnerability is not a weakness but rather a way to connect with others and with oneself.
The title track “Urgent Care” sets the tone for the album, with CHAiLD laying bare his struggles and acknowledging his need for help. This theme is woven throughout the album, as the artist delves into his past traumas and the pain he has been carrying for too long.
Overall, “Urgent Care” is a raw and emotional EP that invites listeners to join CHAiLD on his journey towards self-discovery and healing. Through his music, the singer reminds us that it is okay to not be okay, and that asking for help is a brave and necessary act of self-care.
“‘Urgent care’ is my way of opening up to myself and to others. Throughout my life, I thought vulnerability was a flaw and that showing weakness resulted in an open invitation for people to hurt me. However now, I know I am allowed to tell people I’m not ok. It is ok to break down and to accept the fact that the world feels just a bit too much to handle from time to time. So, from now on, I will try to heal from the hurt I’ve been carrying within me. And most importantly, instead of dealing with it alone, I will ask for help. Yes, I am in urgent need for care.” – CHAiLD
LIVE DATES
15/04 EP release CHAiLD, Kulturfabrik (Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg)
13/05 Tallinn Music Week (TBD, Estonia)
17/06 Fête de la Musique Kopstal (Kopstal, Luxembourg)
29/07 festival congés annulés, Rotondes (Luxembourg, Luxembourg)
LT has provided her fans with a music video for her already-released single ‘Act Your Age’. Directed by Brendan Schoenmaker, the visuals came together quickly. In fact, it was “Filmed in one day at Brisbane City Hall,” said the singer.
The video opens with a secretary lost in a daydream and various workers organising paperwork. In the middle of the white shirts sits LT gowned in green. She takes her place at the head of the boardroom table, where she, like the secretary, loses herself in thought.
What is she planning? Where is this going? We don’t have to wait long to find out… Following her lead, her fellow ‘colleagues’ quit what they were doing, choosing to have a good time instead. LT’s falsetto sets the backdrop for this moment of feel-good insubordination. Out now via LT Records.
LT Tour Dates 2023
Thursday 20th April – It’s Still A Secret, Brisbane, Australia
Friday 21st April – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns, Australia
Wednesday 24th May – (Secret Show), Liverpool, UK
Friday 2nd June – Levi’s Corner House, Cork, Ireland