Moving to Omaha has set High Up‘s lead vocalist Christine Fink on the path of fame and has brought her closer to a dream that had previously seemed unreachable. Since the move, Fink has performed on the stages of her community and hasn’t failed to deliver an experience worth more than the price of the ticket. Her first glimpse of glory was at local karaoke bar and at Sheffield’s Old Town Tavern where her sister Orenda – also a musical prodigy – saw her bring the house down. Christine has continued to prove her knack for soul singing by rocking out at every performance. After much discussion, Fink decided to join with her sister and work on what would become her debut record, High Up. Not only would this release showcase the sisters strengths, but it would also mark the beginning of a journey for the pair.
High Up is a collaboration of not only skillful songwriting from Orenda and soulful singing from Christine, but it also features a mash-up of styles and sounds. While working on their sophomore project – You Are Here, out today – the sisters incorporated aspects of indie, punk and soul that would separate the sisters from the other new and upcoming artists. Surely, with the talent so effortlessly expressed in previously released work, the future is bright for this powerful duo.
You Are Here is out today. Keep up with High Up here.
Adding to their growing collection of produced music is up-and-coming indie/alternative rock group Lowpines with their newest single, “Parasite”. This track features dreamy synth sounds as well as hypnotizing vocals that speak truth and honesty. Like their other releases, the members of Lowpines have been able to put together a new single that will resonate with those who listen and is sure to be put on repeat. Check it out!
Amidst the release madness, we got a hot second to catch up with the artist behind it all. Those words can be found below.
Given your success among fans in the UK, do you have any intentions of reaching a bigger market or fan base in other countries?
Absolutely, it’s always fun to be invited to play in other countries, and I’m always looking to do more. I’ve played some wonderful festivals in Europe and Scandinavia and plan to do more later this year. A lot of my listeners are in the USA so we’re planning a first run dates there this summer.
While looking to expand your musical lexicon, do you ever find it difficult to create music that matches the same style palette that you have created in the past.
I think I have the opposite problem – I’m always experimenting with different sounds, styles, instruments, collaborating with different people and producing other people’s music. But as soon as I sing on something it sounds like me. Which is something I always used to find frustrating, but I’m starting to enjoy it. Someone once said to me, whatever it is you don’t like about your voice, exaggerate it – because that’s the thing that makes it you. And I can totally see that now.
Now that you have done a cover of “It’s Not Happening”, will you look to do more covers performed by other artists or is the focus to write music and lyrics that are all your own?
I did that version of ‘It’s Not Happening’ when I was just starting out as Lowpines, and I wanted to see what happened if I did a cover in the style of what I was working on. I did a few songs and only that one sat right. I was pleased with how it came out and I learned a few things about the sound I was going for. I’ve done a few other covers since, and I keep a long list of songs that I want to try. Most of them don’t sit right so I ditch them, but I always learn something from doing it. I covered Judee Sill ‘There’s A Rugged Road’ and it got picked up by the radio in the UK, and is still my most popular song on Soundcloud, so it’s interesting seeing what happens with a cover, even if it’s not an especially well known song.
Where do you see Lowpines in the near and distant future?
The new record ‘In Silver Halides’ is my first full-length with Lowpines so it’s exciting to get it out into the world and see what that does. It’s the first time I’ve taken Lowpines into a studio environment and worked with other people on the recordings. I’ve been very lucky so far that my lo-fi home-record Eps have picked up fans around the world and appeared in TV shows and films, which was beyond any expectation I had when I was recording them. Lowpines has always been a selfish place for me to do my own thing in my own way. I used to do it alongside other bands I was in and now I’m doing it full time. So long as it continues to feel like something I can do well and enjoy I imagine I’ll there’ll always be something I’m working on. Right now I’m just looking ahead to a new EP I’m finishing to follow up on the album.
Where do you find inspiration to write lyrics that have constantly been marked as honest, unique, and deep?
It’s always different places I think. I tend to write lyrics in bursts, sitting down with a million rough voice memos and writing down whatever sounds and half-words I hear in there until I think I have something. I think that way of working kind of taps into your state of mind at the time – perhaps your subconscious makes you hear what you want to hear, or need to hear. So when I start to flesh them out I start to see themes emerge and explore them further. Sometimes I realise I’m getting too close to something I haven’t really dealt with, and that can be unnerving. So I have to finish the song to see if it helps me come to any kind of conclusion. Then I have to decide if it’s any good.
I try to read as much as possible, and whatever I’m reading at the time of writing will probably influence some of the imagery. My last record was full of scenes from Raymond Carver stories as I’d imagined them while I read, but relocated to whatever narrative my song was taking. I’d been re-reading a lot of his short stories on tour so my head was full of these dark, charged situations and beautiful, nuanced imagery. So I’d try and take myself to those places while I wrote.
For this record, I actually wrote most of the lyrics very early in the morning, straight out of bed. I’d be half asleep and my brain still churning over whatever dumb shit I’d been dreaming about and start writing long streams of consciousness. Once I had the music coming together, I mined those streams to find things that fit and went together. Some, like the song ‘Chambers In The Canopy’ came out pretty much fully formed and fit straight into the song. I’ve never been good at setting out to write a song specifically ‘about’ something, I always enjoyed the discovery of figuring out the subject as I write it. So I guess that method leans toward a lot of personal experiences being woven into the words.
When your followers and fans listen to your music, what would you like them to feel? How would you like your music to influence their lives?
If someone listens to my music it’s enough for me that they’re listening. I don’t try and create a certain mood or specific influence, but it’s always interesting, and at times very moving, when people write to me and tell me how a song of mine has helped them in some way, or is of importance to them. Whatever it means to the listener is so much more valuable to me than any intention I had in making it.
If you were to associate a mood with the songs that you have produced thus far, what would it be?
It’s funny, I always played in noisy indie-rock bands. So in my mind I still do. But from the beginning Lowpines was always wilfully quiet and intimate. I tell myself I’m still in a rock band, but it’s the quietest rock band in the world.
So I guess the mood that most people associate with Lowpines would be one of quiet, stillness, calm. For some that seems to be a melancholy, reflective place. For others it’s a just a chill, relaxing music. Someone wrote to me once that their dog always jumps around to music, but that when Lowpines comes on he just lays down in the middle of the kitchen floor and won’t get up. That sounds perfect to me.
Since their debut Shifty in 2015, shy kids have truly found their niche in creating music that is a mash up of old and new. Recently, they have released their second full length album, in a state which is sure to catch the attention of fans and critics alike. This success, however, was preceded by another path that eventually led them to where they are now. Originally, this wily quartet found their start in the animation and filmmaking industry. Things took a sharp turn when they realized that their boyhood dreams were turning into more of a nightmare. From pain and heartache grew the desire to write songs that addressed the current mental and physical states of each of the band members.
Coming from a visual background has aided this group and the transition of switching from a visual to vocal spectacle did not phase them whatsoever. In fact, these skills magnified their ability to make music and produce sonic sounds that have since become their signature. This new album has been a solidified their sound in the minds of their fans around the country. Now that they have all this experience under their belts, there is no telling what they have in store for us in the near future.
in a state is out on February 23rd. Keep up with shy kids here.
Recently we had the particularly amazing opportunity to interview Raju and Chai about their creative process and where they see themselves going forward in the music community! This is what they had to say….
What was it that inspired you to start writing music?
Chai: I think my exposure to music outside the radio scene showed me how multidimensional music. My brother also opened me to both many genres and types of music, and both of these, paired with finding artists such as Frank Ocean and Coldplay, helped me develop my writing style.
Raju: I’m assuming it’d be a surprise to everyone, but its my little sister who inspired me to write music. She started both singing and writing before me, and seeing that kind of talent from someone who was 10 years old at the time brought both singing and songwriting out of me.
In a hundred years, how do you want people to remember you and your music?
Chai: i want people to remember my music as something that matters to them, helps them learn about themselves, and reminds them about certain times. Thats the type of music i consider the most powerful.
Raju: I definitely want to be remembered as an artist who provided meaning in his lyrics and used his platform to give people something they could hold close to their heart and relate to during all the moods an individual can go through. I want my music to be remembered as a force that brought people together and helped when people needed to hear the right words.
When you are having a mental writer’s block, is there something that you do to get those creative juices flowing?
Chai: i like to watch documentaries or interviews on my favorite artists to get more insight on their creative process. It really helps me push past the mental barrier and try new things that keep me going.
Raju: I like taking a shower, because mentally i can keep coming up with endless melodies and lyrics that rhyme and maintain a flow when im in there. The only difficult part is remembering what was particularly relevant to what i was working on after i get out.
Being an up and coming artist also means a flood of new fans and social media contacts from people who appreciate your music–has there been an experience that has stuck out to you with your fans?
Chai: not particularly, because It all still feels new to me. However, this makes any form of support i receive, whether in person or social media, so incredibly important and vital in terms of what it does for me. It gives me a reason to give back in the form of music.
Raju: The support i received from my classmates really struck me. People who i saw everyday but never talked to made me believe that they were numb to my existence, but seeing how they were responding with such pride and faith in me after hearing my stuff gave me more faith in my ability and in other people.
Out of all of your songs, which one is your favorite to perform or the one that gets the band pumped?
Chai: Probably “Diamonds.” It really sets the tone and puts everyone in a good mood, including myself. It follows a universal concept of having fun with people you care about, and its simple, which makes it enjoyable to everyone.
Raju: Definitely “Ambition.” Everyone ive showed it to loves it the most out of all my songs, and i think its a good expository of how i can bring a very intricate flow without compromising lyrics or melody. Its definitely something that reflects my true self in terms of music, and the beat goes hard too.
What is your current guilty pleasure song or album?
Chai: flower boy by tyler the creator is definitely my guilty pleasures because i hopped on the bandwagon for that album, having never listened to tyler before. Nonetheless he’s now a huge inspiration.
Raju: Im gonna have to say everything by Lil Uzi Vert is my guilty pleasure, because some of my friends bag on his lyrics and “repetitive” flows that are found on many trap songs. However, i dont share these views, nor am i really guilty because i actually take pride in listening to a nas song and then going to uzi right after, for example. Both of them inspire me, nas more lyrically, and uzi more melodically.
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As you can see, there is a lot going on in the lives of these two up and coming artists!
Based in Vancouver, BC, Gena Perala has just released her newest visual single “Good Girl,” which embodies several emotions and topics that have been combined with tactful artistry that is notable for an artist at such an early stage. This new single is the first since her independent album Exactly, Nowhere which was well received by critics and fans alike. “Good Girl,” has been scheduled to be part one of a three part EP that is going to be released one song at a time as part of a larger concept album. Not only will this have all of her fans on the edges of their seats, but it will also give listeners a chance to enjoy all of the work that she has put into her new releases.
Not only is her music easy to listen to, but it also has the unique ability to create an atmosphere for the listener. In her new release, the single opens with a series of “ooh’s” and “ahhs” which sets the stage for the rest of the “haunting” lyrics, beats and rhythms that seems to be one of Perala’s signature sounds. Not only does her music create an atmosphere, but it also exudes a kind of delicate power that also adds to the nuance of the music. As time goes on, those who know her are excited to hear more of what this artist has to offer.
Skylar Fri has hit the music scene with a single that has caught the attention of fans and the general public worldwide. Not only does the new single, “Gold Rush,” feature some of her most coveted talents, but also lyrics that are repeat worthy. With her unique sounds and beats, Fri brings something different to the table. She is constantly associated with a Lana Del Rey-esque sound combined with some of the latest trends. Another aspect of this track that is sure to send shivers down the spines of fans everywhere, is Fri’s ability to glide over her synth-laced melody with such ease that it seems unreal. Unlike many of the other artist in this genre, her voice brings a vintage feel to a rather new brand of music.
Not only has this artist brought it big when it comes to her music, lyrics and sound, but she also has high expectations and big plans for her career in music. She has most recently been booked to perform on a stage in Copenhagen, Denmark and expects to tour around the world to perform live for all of her fans. With talent so unique, surely there is nothing that can stand in the way of this dream.
Since the beginning of his career, Greek-born artist Leon of Athens has used his poetic lyricism to share a message through his music to people and fans across the globe. Most recently, Leon has released a brilliant new video for the title track off of his latest album, Xenos. Not only is this video a visual spectacle, but it is laced with dreamy scenes and raw emotion that match the emotion and intensity of the track. Wild, flashing lights are a key element in the production of the music video that match the beat and rhythm while fast, animal like men and women race towards something that seems to be unachievable. These elements, however, were not surprising to those who have seen and heard Leon in the past. In fact, riveting graphics and intensity are both signatures of this indie-pop artist that is taking the music community by storm.
Throughout his career on the stage, Leon of Athens has received praise from some of the greatest and most well-known names in the industry. Recently, the New York Times has named him an, “Immensely appealing Greek pop star.” Also, The Guardian also hailed him as a, “Brainy pop inspired by Bernardo Bertolucci, inflected with electronic, folk and other flavors.” Clearly, with such overwhelming support from international fans and critics, the future for Leon of Athens is secure and bright.
Three friends – Sarah Jarosz, Aofie O’Donovan, and Sara Watkins – banded together at the infamous Telluride Festival after they jumped on stage and performed a song for the first time. Since that moment on, it was clear that their paths would be forever intertwined on a bright future in the music industry, and together they make up the musical trio I’m With Her. See You Around is out today.
Together, these three have produced music that seems to have several undertones from many different genres of music. Instead of sounding incoherent, however, they have spun each sound and rhythm together with the highest skill of artistry. Not only are there several songs with a folk-ish feeling, but also of country and bluegrass. The album features breathtaking harmonies and fine-spun narratives that gives this group a very unique sound and feel. From Telluride to total success as a band, these three friends have a bright future in changing how the world looks at music.
See You Around is out now. Keep up with the band here.
LA darling Presley Tennant has come into the year 2018 with such fire and promise that there is no telling what the limits are for her and her music. Since 2016, Tennant has performed all over the country in some of the most sought after venues such as VidCOn 2016 and the Kia Stage. Not only is she getting the face time that most budding artists seek, but she is also producing relevant and eye-catching content that is going viral. Most recently, Presley released a music video of one of her most well-known singles, “BFF,” which is a clever spin of text slang for, “best friend forever.” Not only does the tune and beat keep the attention of the listener, but the lyrics themselves are clever and catchy which renders her work memorable.
Adding to her success is her involvement with the WNBA. Earlier, Presley was selected as an ambassador for Young Women with the LA Sparks. During this time, she attended several events that promoted many things including growth and confidence among her peers. Not only is this artist taking the stage, but she is also taking the hearts of her fans as a strong and confident member of the community. It is clear that this artist is gaining momentum towards what could possibly turn into a wildly successful career.
