News – Page 80 – RCRD LBL

November 23, 2020

November 23, 2020November 23, 2020 Mike change

Ambient dream-pop act Easter Island performs live in Japan

Formed in Athens, GA, Easter Island is an ambient dream-pop act fronted by brothers Ethan and Asher Payne (guitar and keys) and Ryan Monahan (guitar). Their sound has been likened to Explosions in The Sky, My Bloody Valentine, DIIV, Pedro the Lion, and more. The band’s falsetto vocals and panoramic guitars are countered by its powerful rhythm section – John Swint (drums), and Justin Ellis (bass) add gravity to an otherwise weightless sound.

Throughout Easter Island’s career the band has had the opportunity to share the stage with David Bazan, Cindy Wilson (of The B52s), The Low Anthem, Bully, Wild Nothing, White Rabbits, Valley Maker, and more. The band’s debut record Frightened (2012), led to a number of television syncs, including ABC’s “Off The Map”, MTV’s “Awkward”, and a recent live appearance on CW’s Dynasty which aired in 2019.

The past six years have seen the band working in various studios all over the country on their new record while touring the US at large, including appearances at SXSW, CMJ, Treefort, Underground Music Showcase, Secret Stages, and Athfest in their hometown of Athens. They traveled as far as Japan to work on new material and to film the music video for the single, “Island Nation”, which was premiered by Paste Magazine. The band’s follow-up single, “Always Room For Another”, premiered on Billboard in fall 2018. In 2020 the band found itself spread out among five different cities and so they leaned into the separation and produced five music videos – featuring each member in their respective city.

Produced and engineered by Ryan Monahan, the songs received additional engineering from Mike Albanese at Espresso Machine Recording and mastering from Joel Hatstat at High Jump Media in Athens, GA. The new record draws on influences ranging from Sufjan Stevens and Max Richter, to The Never Ending Story. The band completed a successful Kickstarter campaign in early 2020 and will release their sophomore LP, Take All The Time You Think You Need, in December, 2020.

Follow Easter Island:

Facebook / Instagram / Bandcamp / Spotify

November 20, 2020

November 20, 2020November 20, 2020 Mike change

JORI SJÖROOS lights up our weekend with unusual music

Image credit: Paavo Lehtonen

Needing something lighthearted to start your weekend off? We’ve got just the thing with the newly revealed song, “SNTARIEN” taken from JORI SJÖROOS’ latest album – SJÖROOTS via 11 ONES. The producer is also releasing an instrumental version of the album today, allowing listeners to explore the uninterrupted sonic landscapes. SJÖROOS provided a thought-provoking trailer for his album:

Listen: SJÖROOTS album – Listen: SJÖROOTS instrumental

While the album is an experimental masterpiece that dips and dives through a variety of genres, “SNTARIEN” immediately stands out with its light-hearted nature. If you’re looking for something deeper and darker, we strongly suggest you take a listen to the rest of the album, linked above. But for now, here’s “SNTARIEN”:

Follow JORI SJÖROOS

Facebook – Twitter – Soundcloud – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify

November 20, 2020

November 20, 2020November 20, 2020 Mike change

Art-pop singer Kit Major releases introspective song

Photo Credit: Noël Dombroski

Los Angeles-based art-pop artist Kit Major shares “When the Drugs Don’t Work”, a more introspective stab at her signature dark, electropop sound, building on her single “Mind” from October. Under The Radar premiered the track a few days earlier, praising how the track “leans into a dark, electro pop feel. The chilly and introspective opening blooms into a driving dance beat and thumping synths, married to a percussive, hyperpop-influenced outro. Contrasting with the darker sound though, comes a tender and warm lyrical perspective.”

Taking inspiration from Charli XCX, Billie Eilish, and Charlotte Lawrence, “When the Drugs Don’t Work” dives into the overwhelming vulnerability and panic of failing to curb a depressive episode with medication. With this release, Kit Major furthers her efforts to be open and make light of her mental health struggles.

Speaking about “When the Drugs Don’t Work,” Kit Major says: “It was cathartic to write, so visually I wanted it to be something light, fun and freeing. Life isn’t supposed to be this hard and sad, there should be joy and freedom too. Don’t take things too seriously or literally. I write about my depression to be able to dance about my depression. I first wrote this song because I had a major depressive episode in April from everything… COVID, the state of our world, the state of our nation, the fact I also deal with anxiety and depression… everything. I was taking my meds and it still made me feel as if I wasn’t on them, so I wrote down “what happens when your drugs don’t work?” I try, and am still learning, to be as open as possible about my mental state.“

Follow Kit Major:

November 20, 2020

November 20, 2020November 20, 2020 Mike change

Electro rock band Jimkata release song ‘Blessings In Disguise’

Image credit: Ben Clarkson

Jimkata are a three-piece anthemic, synth-washed, electro-rock band based out of Ithaca and Los Angeles. With a triumph of swirling analog synths, infectious pop hooks and candid lyrics, Jimkata have built a distinct sound which has been resonating with listeners across the country.

Friends since middle school, Evan Friedell, Aaron Gorsch and Packy Lunn infuse Jimkata, (named after the so-bad-it’s-good 1985 gym-fu caper Gymkata) with both an adventurous musical streak and relatable lyrical themes. Mixed in with the modern synth sensibilities and hard driven indie rock are influences drawn from the likes of Motown, singer-songwriters like James Taylor and even old country songs, where storytelling and a quick turn of phrase share priorities with melody and the beat. Jimkata have concocted an unusually rich and rewarding mix and one that’s evolved naturally.

After taking a two and a half year hiatus following the release of six studio albums and the successful building of a vibrant, grassroots fanbase, Jimkata are preparing to release their next album, Bonfires. The 10 track album is set for release as a series of singles every month with an accompanying visuals and merch line. Thematically, Bonfires touches on poignant themes of uncertainty, being in limbo, and looking for an anchor of hope in these trying times.

Bonfires is set for release Spring 2021 worldwide.