Chantel Van T singer-songwriter, actress and poet from Cape Town marks 2020 as the year she gives life to her solo career. Her second single, Come To Me, from her debut album Nicalochan released on the 14th of August.
Marked with the slow, low, roomy rolling guitar, Come To Me continues to embody the question of being seen in one’s entirety. This is the second single off the album but the 1st track of the album if listened in order – so its importance introduces the album that is to come. There is a bold statement in this song made every time she sings ‘Come To Me‘ and a deep intimacy in each vocal line of this song.
Chantel has carved out a spectacular album that announces the arrival of an independent artist with a fervent intention to both haunt and uplift the listener. Chantel is no stranger to the stage, already a familiar and renowned persona as the lead vocalist for South African, Space Rock band Diamond Thug.
British singer and songwriter Maddox Jones has released his solo debut EP, Headspace, via Radikal/ Quattro Records.
The 5-track EP follow up on a string of singles, the recently released after party anthem My House and the kaleidoscopic Headspace– the EP’s title track and Maddox Jones’ first release as a solo artist which received praise from likes of American Songwriter, SPIN, Complete Music Update and ItsAll Indie, among others.
While fronting a band is never an easy task – and Jones had his fair share of experience playing and collaborating with other artists – standing alone and allowing his deepest emotions to flow through some of the most personal songs he has ever written allowed him to explore a variety of sounds and emotions. Free from any restrictions, this new creative process allowed the talented artist to develop a vulnerable body of work while exploring a more diverse sound palette. The result is a personal journey through hedonism, love, loss and the pain of growing up, all echoed by Maddox’s honest vocals.
With each self-penned song on Headspace Jones vocals, explore a full range of emotions; from the soft crooners opening to the addictive anthemic refrain of My House, via the funky-influences of Dancing Feels Good, to the powerfully haunting chorus of No More Ghosts, the talented songwriter takes the listener into his personal journey. It’s the story of a search for deep connection. Connection to others, to yourself and to a deeper meaning in life, explains Jones. It’s about authenticity and vulnerability, going after the things we truly want. Going all-in with everything to lose, saying goodbye to old habits and outdated versions of yourself along the way, but with faith and belief in everything there is to gain, he enthuses.
Written by Maddox Jones, recorded and produced in a single day with close friend and producer Dave Crawford, opener Headspace moves through an initial sparse production to a complex synth-washed pop number, before turning into a hands-in-the-air, eyes-closed soundscape, while Maddox builds his warm tenor to a propulsive chorus. The song says Jones is about meaningful connection and the deep, true, unconditional love we are all yearning for. Second track, My House – co-written with Dave Crawford and produced by former Daytona LightsLouis Souyave – is a complex anthemic-pop number, one that explores Jones personal journey through adulthood, encompassing different genres and styles and effectively representing the multifaceted sound of the upcoming EP.
Halfway through the EP, the Stranger Things inspired nostalgic synth-pop anthem More Than This, a track Maddox Jones wrote with longtime friend and future pop artist Adal, searches for reconnection with the forgotten dreams and endless possibilities of youth, explains Jones. Their first collaborative tracks Youth received Notion magazine seal of approval, while this latest effort wouldn’t sound out of place on the soundtrack of a Netflix teen rom-com.
Following track Dancing Feels Good, co-written and produced with Harry Tarlton who has also worked with artists including Tom Misch and Lianne La Havas explores an inner battle over that someone or something that you know is bad for you, but sometimes feels too good to resist, says Jones. Built around Tarlton’s infectious Nile Rodgers influenced funky guitars and bassline, it reveals Jones ability to encompass different genres and vocal styles.
Closing the EP, No More Ghosts is an ambitious ballad and in Jones own words, it’s a heartfelt and haunting goodbye, finally making peace and letting go of something or someone that has been a major part of your life. It was inspired by a scene in the Netflix series You where Joe Goldberg says, There are no more ghosts in this bed. It’s a good contender for one of the best breakup songs of the year and the perfect song to close the EP.
With Headspace Maddox Jones shows he is a bold artist, armed with vulnerable poeticism and equipped with a naturally impressive voiceprint.
Inspired by the likes of John Mayer and Sam Fender to name a few, rising musical prodigy Andy Martin has just shared his latest single ‘Heat Of It All’. The single premiered via the acclaimed CLOUT Magazine and was recorded at the renowned Airlock Studios owned by rocker Ian Haug (Powderfinger and The Church). Born in Australia, Andy is currently based in Brisbane where he is working on his debut EP via Arts Queensland. His previous single releases have received a jaw-dropping stream count of over 80 000 on Spotify alone.
We find out what makes Martin tick in this exclusive.
Were there specific artists that inspired you when you were working on the chord progressions for your new release?
In regards to the actual chord progressions… I don’t think any artists directly influence my movements of chords. I am definitely influenced by the sounds and melodies of other artists, but in regards to chord progressions I kind of write the chords around the melodies in the voice and instruments that I hear in my head. Sometimes it’s just natural, sometimes there’s a longer thought process that goes into it, but all of the time it is something that reflects/highlights the melodies.
Describe the experience of recording your latest release at Ian Haug’s studio.
I have recorded all of my upcoming tracks out Airlock and the experience is surreal. Not only is the facility state of the art and gear out of this world, but the history embedded in the studio is amazing. Every time I go out there, I see another piece of amazing musical history that has come out of Airlock. To see the artists that have recorded out there and the amazing musical memorabilia on display is just surreal and inspiring in itself. I have been recording with James See and him and I seem to have forged quite a formidable relationship and the process is just getting better and better. I plan to record future releases out at Airlock also.
To those not familiar with you, how would you describe your sound?
Indie Rock, with a touch of Pop!
Which three albums have influenced you the most creatively?
This one might surprise some people. A lot of the time it is in fact folk/singer-songwriter music that inspires my songwriting. Here are three albums that got the creative juices flowing for my EP. Over the last few years, it has been.
Ben Howard – “I Forget Where We Were”
Sam Fender – “Hypersonic Missles”
John Mayer – “Born & Raised”
Describe the experience of recording your latest release at Ian Haug’s studio.
I have recorded all of my upcoming tracks out of Airlock and the experience is surreal. Not only is the facility state of the art and gear out of this world, but the history embedded in the studio is amazing. Every time I go out there, I see another piece of amazing musical history that has come out of Airlock. To see the artists that have recorded out there and the amazing musical memorabilia on display is just surreal and inspiring in itself. I have been recording with James See, and he and I seem to have forged quite a formidable relationship and the process is just getting better and better. I plan to record future releases out at Airlock also.
Tell us about the key pieces of equipment that you use to define your sound?
Firstly, brass instruments. In every single track on the upcoming EP, I am playing either Trumpet/s or Flugelhorn. This really, well to me, fills out the sound of the chords and adds a touch of sweetness/brightness to the tracks. If you listen hard enough, in most parts of the tracks, you will be able to hear the horns.
Also, the pedals I use/sounds I try and get out of the guitars to add variety to the song. A lot of the time on the upcoming tracks, I am playing multiple guitars with sounds that you wouldn’t expect to work together. Whether it be a tube screamer/chorus/hall reverb combo on one guitar (on the bridge pickup) and then an Overdrive/Delay/Tremelo combo on another guitar (on the neck pickup)… I believe the sounds that are coming out are familiar to the listener, but interesting. I love playing around with different sounds because sometimes it can just add
another element to the music.
Were there specific artists that inspired you when you were working on the chord progressions for your new release?
In regards to the actual chord progressions… I don’t think any artists directly influence my movements of chords. I am definitely influenced by the sounds and melodies of other artists. But in regards to chord progressions, I kind of write the chords around the melodies in the voice and instruments that I hear in my head. Sometimes it’s just natural, sometimes there’s a longer thought process that goes into it, but all of the time it is something that reflects/highlights the melodies.
Is there any “non-musical” ingredient that is essential to crafting your sound?
Inspiration. I never stop getting inspired… I think that is the key ingredient. I listen to a lot of folk music, pop, jazz, fusion, rock, punk, electronic music…. just a whole lot of everything and I appreciate and love them all for so many different reasons. I only hope the listener/creatives will get inspired by my music as I do theirs.
Studio work and music creation, or performing and interacting with a live audience, which do you prefer?
BOTH! In the studio, as I am working on my own with a producer, it means that I have all creative licensing to try out weird and wonderful sounds, which sometimes stems new ideas to get the wheels in motion.
But… and I think (well I’d hope) this would be the same answer for many artists, but nothing beats playing live on stage, interacting with the audience and just genuinely having a good time. Sometimes you can go to a free gig and have one of the most amazing experiences of your life… you can’t get that out of many (if any) industries in the world. I love music and feel a sense of pride and love performing it to people. That’s why COVID has been so hard on so many artists.
What has been your most memorable performance so far?
Playing a headline shows to a max capacity venue (around 350 people) without even having any music released. That was pretty special.
This was after 3 straight days in a studio and all of us were knackered… but this really capped the recording.
To see that many people at your own personal gig, without any music out in the world, is something that I believe is pretty special.
And which performance would you prefer to forget?
Once we played a gig down the Gold Coast and our guitarist’s amp wasn’t working.
We played out first song (which ended up being more of a stripped down version of the song) and then had to stop to sort it out. Half an hour later, with nearly half the crowd leaving the show, it was because the amp wasn’t switched on. The gig was fine from there on and you’re never gonna have the ‘perfect’ set, but I remember that gig vividly.
Any new or emerging artists on your radar?
Hope D & Sycco out of Brisbane… definitely check them both out. I can’t wait to see what’s next for these two because their latest singles have been on repeat every day for me.
Also, High Tropics from up the Sunshine Coast. Their new tracks rock and I have been listening to ‘Wait For You’ since the day it came out and still can’t stop listening!!
If you could collaborate with, or perform alongside any artist, who would it be? And why?
John Mayer. Since I was about 10/11 he has been my favourite musician.
I am in awe of his songwriting, phrasing, and melodic structure. Every album of his has resonated with me for different reasons and I genuinely don’t think I would’ve picked up a guitar in the first place if it wasn’t for him.
To sit down and pick his brain about music and life would be amazing. To collaborate would be even better. To perform alongside would just be surreal.
If you weren’t a musician what would you be?
Cafe Owner. I love the hospitality industry and always have. I would love to run my own cafe if this whole music thing doesn’t work out.
However, I am so stubborn and have always known in my head, from a very young age, that I would do great things and it is amazing that the pieces of the puzzle are finally falling into place!
Tell us about any upcoming shows or releases you have in the pipeline. I have an EP out in November of this year and am planning shows around this. I have been working hard in the studio and can’t wait to share this music with the world.
In regards to live shows, I haven’t announced anything at this stage but there are definitely bookings in place. With COVID-19 it has taken a toll on venues and artists so I just feel blessed that venues are showing interest in having me perform at their venues in these tough times.
Producer of her new EP release, Love & Breakups, Donna Lugassy is on the path of success. Besides producing her own music, Lugassy has collaborated with artists like VINAI, 22Bullets, Kittball Records’ Robosonic & Ferreck Dawn, as well as DJ Sidney Samson’s Deadly Zoo project. She has also featured on influential Youtube channels like Spinnin’ Records, MrRevillz, La Belle Musique, Basshall Movement, FunX, and Tribal Trap. Her total stream count is fast approaching 4 million.
Luggasy grew up in the Netherlands with her family who is a mixed range of cultures and ethnicities. As young as ten years old, Lugassy’s talent for singing was noticed. She would at the age of fourteen years attend formal singing lessons. The young songstress would also move on to producing music by herself, as she lost interest in waiting on others to help her make her dreams a reality. Years later, Donna would graduate from Codarts University of the Arts in Rotterdam.
Donna Luggasy elaborates on her new EP, “In ‘Moonrise’ there is the push & pull of first getting to know someone. Then ‘Coldest’ is the part where I have fallen for this person and I’m head over heels thinking this is the one I need. ‘Nobody (loves like I do)’ is the part where there are beginning to show cracks in the relationship and I am so invested, letting the other person know I’m all in and would do anything for them. ‘How Bout You’ is about the other person not coming through for me as I feel that they should have and false promises are getting too much. ‘Break Up’ is where I’m getting fed up with the bullshit and reject the other person and get a real big attitude with them and then followed by ‘I wish’, where I feel like I made a mistake by breaking up with them and I have regrets on what I did, rejecting them. Then its usually a wrap and I start all over with a new person back at Moonrise… That’s when the next relationship is starting, to do everything all overagain and repeat the pattern.”
