Band

Meet Archy, a Lincolnshire musician

1st Sep 2021 — Leave a comment
Tectonic by Archy

Music is consistent. Listeners are able to control what they hear, what emotion they want to immerse themselves in in order to understand what they’re going through. Archy has said that “Each new song is a culmination of what [he] is at that point in time. Although some songs discuss personal themes I aim for most to be accessible so that my audieince can resonate with them”

His latest single, “Tectonic”, for me is an ode to the beauty and brutality of a tense relationship, may that be a platonic or romantic one. It showcases his talent and maturity as an artisit as usually he overworks his music whereas this time he responded to feeback from friends and was able to produce soemthing with combined perspectives. Tectonic echoes that of Monkey wrench by Foo Fighters and Figure it out by Royal blood.

Archy describes the music he releases as ” rock music with anthemic, thick walls of sound. I love layering up loads of layers and harmonies to fill each song to the brim”

From the age of nine, he spent most of his time playing any instrument he could find and by 12 he was writing his own songs. This effort and commitment led to him having his first self-produced single played on BBC Music Introducing when he was just 16.

Archy

Although he is a solo aritst, producing all his own music music, when performing live he enlists the help of friends to serve as his band. He’s been friends with his drummer Ian since secondary school and went to the same music college as his bassist Nathan.

“They both have a powerful stage presence which resonates throughout. Not only are they my band but my best friends too” Archy

Leeds, Reading and Boardmasters festival almsot served as an opening ceremony for the return of live music. Archy was able to perform at Latitude in July of this year, which he described as being a “surreal” and “hectic”experience. He also shared with me the importance of live music “It unites people. You’ll never find anyone friendlier than those people off to see their favourite artists”.

Despite how far he has come in a short period of time, seemingly sprinting toward success, Archy describes himself as “still at base camp at the mountain of the music industry”. But he’s working with a small managment label, wearecetera, in the hopes of gaining more gigs and festival slots,

Meet After Atlantis, a Metal band from all over the World.

30th Aug 2021 — 1 Comment
After Atlantis

We’ve all heard of the lost City of Atlantis, once a utopian civilisation brimming with intellectual beings formed in the appearance of God, although idolised had no armour against corruption and greed that which infected the population leading to the collapse and eventual sinking of it’s beauty.

After Atlantis took inspiration from this tale, using their talent to question how civilians would have adapted after losing their home to the depths of the Atlantic. Their song Last Goodbye explores this loss, the anger and frustration of having no belonging.

The band members shared with me what was most rewarding about being in a band. Nick, who plays bass, said” When everything comes together into one cohesive song”, after the hours of studio recordings, editing and collaborating over songwriting sessions to see the final product, to witness people listening to your work is obviously one of the most rewarding aspects of being in a band especially if all members have a “unique style” which accroding to lead guitarist Matt they do.

This is probably because of their eclectic musical influences; Matt for example has been influenced by, flamenco music and the chaotic style of Synester gates which explains why a lot of their music uses flat 5th and other songs echo that of Joey Jordison because of Adam’s, the drummer,musical background.

Despite only forming in October 2020 the band have already released two singles, Last Goodbye and All that we say so it is intriuging to see where else this band will go in the near future. Due to social media many aspring muscian this access to the msuic industry is simple if they can sing, scream or strum some chords yet it’s so much more challening than this which can be offputting that is why I asked the band members to share their advice vocalist Jack said  “Don’t be afraid to try something out of your comfort zone it’s the only way you can grow as a musician. And learn to take criticism cause not everyone will like what you do” …

…and that is perfectley fine because others will as long as you “Enjoy the grind, embrace it and become obsessed with it. Work hard, party harder. “according to Matt which is seconded by Nick who says Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, and keep on trying, even if it doesn’t go the way you want it to”

As long as you “just have fun with it, you’ll find out you can do more & write better stuff when you don’t take it too seriously” shared Adam. Music is for the people, including and almost especially, for those writing and producing it. 

Interestingly all members are from different countries proving that when music matters distance doesn’t and we can untie through sound wherever we are.

Meet Mengelmoes; A neo funk band formed in Norwich.

25th Aug 2021 — Leave a comment
Mengelmoes permorming their latest single ‘Say Something’ photo creds to Tabi Kate

Groovy, an adjective that embodies both the colours and sounds of the 70s and 80s. A time of discos, political reform and bold style choices.

In recent years we’ve seen a return to these eras, watched new releases of cinema inspired by classics, danced to familiar yet new sounds and Mengelmoes have embodied this passion, creativity and popularity. Combining the cultures and backgrounds of all band members, their influlences and inspirations, they have managed to make an entirely new genre of music, one that works so well it’s difficult to describe.

Stealing a phrase from songwriter and guitarist Taegan Venner, the music Mengelmoes produce is a ‘concoction’ of various sounds, from funk, neo soul to jazz and even metal their music is something you have to experience to understand.

The video for their latest single ‘Say Something’ ,according to their frontman Tiago, was inspired by the propaganda of present day polticians, which has fuelled disparities and mystification surrounding our current climate, leaving us in a dangerous and desperate situation. Pay close attention to the finer details, both in life and whilst watching the video.

It is ironic, and perhaps even deliberate, then that the lyrics, written by Taegan Venner to this song evoke that of a conversation between lovers, the idosyncrasies that we share and the understandings that unite us and the disparites that challenge us. A complete contrast to the inspiration for the video, yet it works. We are so distracted by the colours, and the promises of life that we forget what surrounds us.

Mengelomoes performing at Werhaus Brick Lane Photo cred to Underground sound

James, who plays the keyboard, shared with me the inspirations behind other songs such as Purple lady, the back story you’ll have to head to my podcast to hear about.

Near death experiences, mysterious women in purple and flexible limbs. Listen to my podcast episode for more

With their new single out, and the release party this Friday at Voodoo Daddy’s pizza in Norwich supported by Sukko tickets for which you can get here it is clear that Mengelomoes is a band that guarantees to get you into a good groove.