With the single “Spelling Lessons” garnering over 15k plays on SoundCloud, artist Birch is ready to take the indie pop landscape by storm with her debut album. She has been making noise in the Brooklyn music scene for a couple years now, but the NYC-based feminist is ready to break out nationally. Producing, songwriting, and singing come naturally to Birch, something that is rarely said about any artist these days.
With echoing vocals and the perfect amount of synth, Birch is able to hone her indie pop sound over the course of the nine track record. femme.one is full of impact statements that are motivated by the feminist movement. As stated on her website, Birch is “Incredibly motivated by raising the female voice in society, Birch brands her music as feminist synth-pop. Female empowerment and gender equality are two causes very important to Birch. She often participates in marches, donates to Planned Parenthood, and strives to use her platform to make a difference.” With this being said, Birch’s music is not only for those who believe in these righteous causes, but also for those who truly enjoy indie pop. It is for those who may not necessarily know how to express themselves. Also, it is for those who may not want to share their incredible talents with the world, similar to how Birch was early in her music career.
femme.one comes to us at the perfect time. When activism and controversy are at the forefront of our society, Birch stands out as an artist who stands for what she believes in, expressing it through beautiful music. Birch is of a dying breed, artists who will not conform for stardom, but she might just get that for being herself.
Today, we sit down with incredible feminist indie-pop artist Michelle Birsky – the brainchild of BIRCH – to chat about her new album release, touching on points of sexism and the empowerment she stirs up in her music.
Today, we sit down with incredible feminist indie-pop artist Michelle Birsky – the brainchild of BIRCH – to chat about her new album release, touching on points of sexism and the empowerment she stirs up in her music. We also get deep into spiritual practice, and learn a bit more about getting in touch with ourselves.
0:22 Dbl-take.com 0:33imperfectfifth.com/merch
1:36 Spice Girls
2:31 Spelling Lessons
6:19 Normalizing stigma
9:15 Reiki/energy work
11:48 Spirituality whitewashing
17:10 Guided Meditations
21:43 Rituals
24:12 Aliens
27:25 Gracie & Rachel
29:44 April 11 Album Release Show
30:21 Asking For It
femme.one is out April 5th. Celebrate BIRCH’s CD release show on April 11th at Union Pool in Brooklyn with Rodes Rollins and Gold Child. More information is available here.
Electro-pop stunner Host released her debut EP this week, and you’re in for a real party with Adolescent Content. And – though the lyrics sometimes take a turn for the more serious, like third track “Taste of Your Love” and the way it highlights a breakup – the entire EP is something that will get your heart pumping and leave that glittery, enticing feeling of nostalgia in your veins.
“Goodbye” is sugar sweet 80’s pop, something you immediately feel like you need to bop your head to while wearing a pastel windbreaker. Host’s vocals dim the electric energy slightly, but only to give it a moody, ethereal feel. Second track “B4me” of course follows suit, but is led by ints interesting percussive aspects. It’s one of those songs that, for half of it, you’re not really sure how to dance to it. But it’s intriguing and beautiful as well, not unlike chaotic predecessor “Taste of Your Love”. By the time we get to “Forgetting Me”, we are ready for the slight pace change, luring us into a hypnotic spell with its drawn out notes and swirling soundscape.
Just released on Sony Music Norway is “Better With You,” the latest slice of electronic goodness from Maybon. With a whole host of wonderful sounds under his belt, the producer is back for more with this track that features Temmpo.
It is somewhat darker than some of his previous works and will pull you in under its enticing spell. Riddled with slow-transitioning synths and powerful vocals from Temmpo, this is well worth a listen. Maybon says: “‘Better With You’ is about how you feel better when you’re with that one special person. We all have someone who can lift us when we’re having a bad day – and the song is about that feeling.”
Arriving at the venue I didn’t know what to expect, I was very familiar with Frozen Nation’s music. I should be, Alteria Anarchy was the first radio show to air Frozen Nation’s first single I Failed for you and I was the first journalist ever to interview them. I had become very good friends with Idris but this is the first time I would have met him in the flesh. The venue itself was a very artistic place, one side where the music happened and the other a very arty bar.
The first person who I met and recognised was Moss, the frontman of Frozen Nation. A tall handsome man who when I said Moss I’m Phill his face lit up and I was greeted with a big hug for a welcome. Frozen Nation are one of the very few bands I have a very close affinity to, a band like only a couple more that I have seen grow and followed. It felt like meeting someone I have known all my life but yet I was meeting in the flesh for the first time. After Moss greeted me he introduced me firstly to my great friend Idris of whom again I was met with a big hug and a smile, then to Dorian of whom I had never actually spoken to but yet he like Moss and Idris just seemed like part of my extended family.
As the night rolled on Idris, Moss and Dorian were there making sure we had a great night. They introduced us to people and the whole air of the gig was very much a personal one, to say we were made welcome is truly the understatement. It was a perfect night with great friends, but to my honour my great friends were also the headline band. Dorian chatted to me and told me the very intricacies of the music and told me stories of Elvis. Me being a Jethro Tull fan I was wowed by this.
Swan Death came on and they were very Goth Rock in style, their style mixed with their visuals blended well and was a great opening act.
Perverted By Language had more an attitude, slightly punkish and again really great live.
But I was waiting, waiting to see my friends, the headline band. The lights were dim and then the music started and so did the visuals in the background. As the music began the crowd just started to move. I had listened to Dark Belgian Disco so many times so when I heard Genghis Khan my body also started to instinctively move, the music just put you under a spell and you just couldn’t help yourself. Then in the background the silver spinning disco ball led to the title track of Frozen Nation’s album, Dark Belgian Disco which was played with perfection.
I personally was waiting for one song, the song that has been on my alarm since the first day I heard it. The song people have heard so much on Alteria Anarchy, my favourite song. And as I heard the start of I Failed For You, Idris shouted “This is for you Phill”, to say this was a true honour was an understatement. One of my favourite bands, my friends, dedicate my favourite song to me was just unbelievable. I couldn’t help myself move and then following I Failed For You was Come On To The Ride which is another song that is just so funky with such a great feeling.
As they played more yet another familiar favourite played, Give Me The Perfect Song. I was singing and dancing, I just couldn’t stop myself and neither could the people at the gig. Then followed Alone In Berlin, I couldn’t believe just how much perfection had been given to us. I love the sound of Frozen Nation, it’s just pure and funky. Dark but yet the lights shinning from that disco ball just shine brightly.
The night ended and I couldn’t thank Idris, Moss and Dorian enough. We had a long day so that’s where the night ended for me, but that’s not where this story ends.
The day after we met Frozen Nation, they took us to this amazing Belgian restaurant and treated us to lunch and beer. We just chatted more about the music of Frozen Nation. Dorian, Idris and Moss were just so passionate about their music and from what I heard & felt from the gig it shows. The guys spoke and Dorian said “Would you like to see our studio, would you like to meet Elvis?”, how could I refuse? After a pleasant walk through the streets of Brussels with the guys showing us the wonderful sights and telling us the stories and folklore of where we were walking we arrived at the studio. I was in awe, all the old analogue equipment that gave Frozen Nation their unique and wonderful sound. Dorian showed me where they record and how they do it, then in a smaller noise proofed room there he was there was Elvis. Dorian told me how they use him and how he is just like a person and the stories that made him feel that way.
We sat and chatted more, Idris and Dorian stayed in the studio to do a little work and Moss took us for a beer before we had to leave. Big hugs from Idris and Dorian, I felt sad in a way as I was leaving two of my close friends. We left for the pub with Moss. Nice beer too, traditional Belgian beer. Well you can’t go to Brussels without tasting the amazing beer now can you? As the time came close that we had to leave to come home Moss even walked with us to the tram station. We bought tickets and with one last hug from my friend Moss we were on our way.
The whole experience is one I will never forget, Frozen Nation themselves and the wonderful city of Brussels. I cannot thank my friends Idris, Moss and Dorian for an amazing weekend and for the amazing music. Thank you for letting me introduce the world to that wonderful Dark Belgian Disco sound and also for your friendship.
Lolaa, consisting of Toronto-based sisters Lex Valentine & Nadia Valerie King will release a Spanish version of their debut EP on June 8th. The musical project allows the sisters to explore their Mexican heritage, taking inspiration from Latin American 80’s pop music. The EP is a soulful approach with Latin-inspired instrumentation. Similar to that of Gloria Estefan minus the pop American influence and hiding the cultural percussion in the background. Lolaa puts them in the forefront and the result is a feel good, twilight, dancing in the streets fiesta.
“Lola” – the song bearing the proper spelling of the band’s namesake, meaning “Lady of Sorrows” – sways slowly in a gentle breeze accompanied by impactful and heartfelt vocals. While the verses are sung solo and with minimal instrumentation the chorus is filled out by an overlay of vocals giving it a thicker, meatier, stronger delivery. “Cancion 6” has a passionate vibe and produces a lot of warmth. Taking some influence from a 70’s disco ballad with a swaggering groove, intense pre-chorus vocal melody that leads the way for a full-on Pop anthem chorus. I have no clue what they are saying, but I feel the need to sing along. Maybe I will make up my own words. Could be fun.
Thus far Lolaa is bringing the synth-pop and danceable rhythms even during the slower paced songs. Embracing all the emotions in life and creating a sound that despite the mood or event, you can dance. “Barricada” demonstrates an almost haunting calling. While the beat boasts a Casio powered hi-hat and a simplistic stock snare kick combination the vocals definitely take the bull by the horns. I think this track could easily be even more dramatic and impactful a cappella aside from the ending with the comforting sound of an old music box. While none of the tracks are high energy they maintain a joggers pace and are in the key of motivation and are cinematically dramatic, the key of each song designed to appeal directly to the heart of your emotions.
Lolaa has a unique sound as you can definitely and obviously pick up on the Latin influence, as these tracks are En Espanol, but the music itself has a fusion of American pop, latin and old-school instruments, Canadian imagination and an immense of amount of passion. Don’t let the language barrier stop you from checking them out. You don’t need words to express an exact message. Tone and delivery will impact you just the same. A video premiere for the single “Espiritu” has been released via Nylon Espanol to hold you over until the E.P. is released.
Tour Dates
July 12th Coney Island Baby at 8 pm New York, NY
August 4th Handlebar’s at 8 pm Toronto, ON
Le Days – the folk music project by Sweden’s Daniel Hedin – releases the next installment of creation with the premiere of his new music video for “Inside Me”. The video – shot highlighting jewel tones in a beautiful and seductive light – follows a girl’s life of internal conflict, as she clearly despises her mother’s behavior. Emotional abuse is obvious, physical abuse is clearly displayed. It’s alarming, but insanely gratifying to see artists addressing very real and very difficult problems.
Says the artist: “When you dream and silence finds you, everything you ever felt hits you like a flood. Images, voices flashes through your head like an unstoppable force of nature. You are everything that’s been and it is what makes you breathe and all that keeps you breathing is to keep dreaming.”
See the only video that could do this song any justice below.
Nina Lee is clearly not just your average 17 year old. The New Yorker is a talented singer/songwriter who belts out lyrics with so much soul that she belongs along the ranks of Amy Winehouse, Adele, et al. If you don’t trust us, take a listen to her latest, a five track EP titled Snapshots. Curiously enigmatic – though she does a really amazing job at explaining the intent and direction of the work -, the EP does nothing if not floor you with her incredible talent.
As someone who seems to have been born with music coming out of her, Nina Lee is an impressive, well-spoken, vibrant human being. And we know all of this because we got a moment to ask her a few questions leading up to the holidays. So here she is, unfiltered and incredible as ever.
What was the first album or song you remember ever listening to, and who introduced it to you?
Growing up I remember listening to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons among others from that generation all the time in the car with my grandpa. My sister and I were the only little girls who knew every word to “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, and “Sherry”. Some of my fondest childhood memories are driving in the car with him and belting out “Oh What a Night”. I am the first grandchild, so the two of us have a very special bond, and he is such a huge supporter of my passion. Having such a strong family unit helped me to be the person that I am today. Music during my grandpa’s era seems like it was more authentic than what we now hear every day on the radio. There was just a voice and instruments, which made me appreciate it even more. That’s why in my own music I like to focus on having as much authenticity and rawness as I can.
Was there a moment that you realized you had the talent and the drive to pursue music?
I was always told from a young age that I was a very musical person, and I was not afraid of being in the spotlight . . . in fact, I thrived on the spotlight. My parents saw that performing was when I was my best self. When I used to get overwhelmed as a little girl the one thing that always calmed me down was the ocean. My mom would sometimes just pack the car up and drive to the beach when I needed it because the cold rush of water was exhilarating for me. When I was in the water I would float looking up at the sky, humming melodies and feeling peaceful. I knew that singing gave me that same adrenaline rush, but a million times better.
So, the way I think of it is that the ocean calmed me down, but the music drove me. My music has pushed me through every difficulty in my life because, like my family, it is a constant. I know it sounds like I am personifying music but really, even though it is intangible, it is something you feel all around you. As I have grown older, my hunger and drive has just increased. That’s how I know that it is what I am meant to do with my life.
Your voice is absolutely stunning. Did you have professional training at all?
Thank you! I guess I was born with a natural ability to sing, which I am so grateful for. But I’ve also worked really hard to condition it and make it even better. When I was younger, and even now, when I feel insecure or unsure of myself I know I have my secret weapon up my sleeve. No person sings exactly the same, so when I surprise people with my voice it makes me feel more confident of myself. Since I was a toddler, I had taken music classes and performance classes and started vocal lessons at the age of 5. I currently have a great music coach, Kate Baker, who helps me to use my voice in a healthy way, and maintain my sound. She was with me through the whole process of recording “Snapshots,” which was so beneficial for me. I just have a really strong support system that is encouraging me, which makes me even more excited for what’s to come.
Your latest EP “Snapshots” follows in the same footsteps of your previous releases, leading us on a narrative about your family members. What made you choose that theme for your EP? Was it a concerted effort?
Yes, “Snapshots” is a series of pieces of my life and my family history all entwined in an EP. I am beyond proud of this work of art and I had amazing people to work with to make my vision a reality. “Snapshots” stems from my incredibly strong bond with my family. I am so lucky to have parents who are always supporting what I do, and a little sister who could not be more reassuring and encouraging. My sister made the painting that is the cover of the EP. The single from the EP is called “Airborne”, which is about my late great grandfather and my great grandmother who is now 94. He was a paratrooper in WWII in the 101st Airborne, while she always held him up at home. When he passed away, I didn’t know how to convey my feelings to my great grandma, and how to tell her how much I admired her and how heroic she was. I think that from that idea of family and love, I was able to make all the songs have that sentiment within it. I had so much help from my vocal teacher, musicians, and my producer Steve Greenwell. It takes a village, and it really took a lot of people to create what you can listen to now. I am so grateful for everyone who has taken part in making “Snapshots” and everyone who has listened!
What is your writing process like? Do you start with a melody, start with concept, brain dump lyrics? Take us inside it all!
Writing is never the same for me. I don’t sit down at a set time and force myself to do it. It is really an organic thing, sometimes I have a melody with nonsense words that I will switch out later, and sometimes I have a chord progression I want to put lyrics to. Sometimes I work with co-writers and sometimes it’s all me. When I was younger, I would just make up melodies with words that did not fit together but it is just what came out, so I went with it. Now I am more precise on the message that I am trying to get across. Lyrics usually come with a melody or after the melody, not by itself because I like to have the idea in my head first. Also, it depends what instrument I am writing on because the baritone uke gives a different vibe then the tenor uke, and definitely gives a different vibe than the piano. The instrumentals usually start out pretty simple as a skeleton for me to expand on and get more intricate as the process moves forward. A lot of the time I will write part of a verse or the chorus and sit with it for a while to make sure that I really like it. I want each line to mean something and not overall just have a loose meaning, because it doesn’t sound as important to me. Everything in my life, I like to be planned out in advance, and I am not a fan of being spontaneous because the unknowns are scary, but with music I am the exact opposite. I tune into everything with no predetermined method, which allows me to make even better music when I don’t overthink it and question the process.
How did you choose which family members to write about?
It is all organic, because some songs don’t even start out about someone, but then I realize when it’s finished that it does represent someone in my family. For example, in “I Got This Light,” I wrote it not having any particular person in mind. When I sang it full through and was able to hear every word I realized that it was my interpretation of my mom. I subconsciously explained everything that my mom is to me; she is my rock, support, and go to person. I also write about friends and the way I feel about them. Sometimes people can be disappointments and not only positive which also makes for very good song ideas. I heard someone say once, “That you shouldn’t date a songwriter, because you know when you break up you will have a pretty bad song written about you.” I think that’s true! I have so many songs in progress about members of my family including my mom and dad and how they met, my sister, etc. I think that with family you never can run out of stories to write, so I have an unlimited supply.
What was studio life like for this one? Did you have go-to snacks, a strict schedule, brainstorming time? Immerse us in the experience!
I don’t eat right before I sing, so I eat breakfast and then sing until we are finished. When instrumentals are being done though my go-to is always sushi. I had an amazing studio experience with my producer Steve Greenwell and great musicians including Aaron Comess on drums, Nadia DiGiallonardo on piano, Richard Hammond on bass, and my dad on guitar. My favorite part was when we did the backup vocals because it was just me and Steve and we found a groove and went with it. For me, making music is the magic of it all so whatever way works is what I go with. Whenever I am recording, I always tend to have a cup of hot water and honey to coat my voice and try not to speak so much in between takes. I usually feel like I sound different at different times of the day so in the morning is when I hit the low notes, and throughout the afternoon I can get to the higher ones. It’s just something I love to do and it’s fun for me to be able to experience it in all different ways, with all different people.
How do you imagine people listening to this album?
I imagine people listening to my album in any way they want. Everyone can interpret this EP differently and that is the beauty of it. When I wrote each song, it connected with me in a specific way, but the connection someone else feels may be totally different than mine, which is what I was hoping for. I want people to connect to my songs on all different levels. I would love people to be able to jam out at the top of their lungs on a long road trip, or listen while decorating the house for the holidays with my songs playing in the background. I only imagine this because these are the times that are most memorable for me when I listen to music. The beauty of music and art is that everyone can see things differently, which is something that is really beautiful. If I can reach people through my music, however they listen to it will make me happy.
We get the impression that you might be more of an old soul, especially considering the grace with which you conduct yourself and the music you write. Would you agree with that?
Thank you, that’s so nice of you to say! I guess that’s true in the sense that I do not act like a normal 17 year old. I am not caught up in the petty things of high school even though they can be tough waters to navigate. I connect with people who are more mature and relate with them. A lot of people I’ve met have told me they think I’m an old soul because of the way I write my music and how I sing. It makes me think of this time when I was younger and my parents found an old Renoir painting that looked exactly like me. It was from the late 1800’s, and it was a dead ringer for me, so I can’t help wonder if I have had past experiences and past lives which make me an old soul! I like to connect with people not only on a surface level, but I invest a lot into making a strong relationship. That is why when I love, I love so deeply and fiercely and when I hurt I feel the pain so much more because of the love I once felt.
You sing about a lot of very strong women in your life. Why do you think it’s important that their stories, in particular, be told?
For me, I write about strong female role models that I believe have shaped me into the person that I am. My family has always been such a strong outlet for me, and my mom especially has played a very important role in my life. She is the person I always look up to, and my best friend. When I was little, I wanted to grow up to be my mom. Everyone in my opinion should have the opportunity to thrive and be their best self and no matter what have support to do it. My goal is to be that person for others who feel as if they don’t have that support, and through my music hopefully there can be some comfort for them.
Who is your favorite superhero? Substantiate your claim.
I don’t know if I have a favorite super hero but I definitely have a favorite Disney Princess. As a little girl, they were the superheroes that I watched on television. I connected most with Ariel. I love The Little Mermaid and knew it back to front. When I was little, I had bright red hair like Ariel and I loved that she sang all the time, just like me. I also to this day have always loved the ocean, and the idea of living in the ocean seemed magical to me. Whenever my sister and I dressed up as princesses I always insisted on being Ariel. Then, I saw it on Broadway and I was blown away. I thought all of the theatrics were amazing and I loved every part of it. I saw the set afterwards and I was in awe of how they made this movie come to life. I always thought I was a princess like Ariel and wanted to be a singing mermaid when I grew up. I guess I fulfilled the singing part, but I’m pretty sure I will never be a mermaid!
What is the best piece of advice you have ever gotten?
The best advice I have even gotten was from my mom. She always told me, “There is no need to push people down because they will fall down on their own.” That actually is a line in one of my upcoming songs. This advice allowed me to see that mean people will destroy themselves on their own. There is no need for me to point it out. Eventually what goes around comes around and it catches up with you. That’s why I always try to be nice to everyone so no one ever thinks of me in that way.
The holidays are coming up… any special traditions you’d like to share with us?
My mom is Jewish, and my dad is Italian Catholic so we celebrate both Hanukah and Christmas. Every year my grandma (my dad’s mom) sends us zucchini bread, which is a family recipe and something I always look forward. When I think of the holidays, that is one of the things that always comes up. Also, for as long as I can remember, my family has always gone on a horse and buggy rides through Central Park during the holidays. The whole city is full of lights and the holiday spirit is in the air.
Doing anything fun this year for the holidays?
This year will be spent with family. Wherever we go for the holidays my mom and dad always make sure that we have family close. That is one of the best lessons and values that I think a parent can instill in a child. Understanding and not taking for granted the family that you have no matter what the situation may be. I am lucky enough to spend it with a very loving and supportive bunch that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
If you could perform with any artist, who would you perform with and what would you perform?
Hands down Billy Joel. He is my favorite storyteller of all. All his songs resonate with me for one reason or another and singing with him would be singing with my idol. I would sing any song with him because I believe he makes each song so powerful. My family and I went to see him perform at Madison Square Garden and I turned to my mom and was like, “Imagine what it would be like to sing with him.” One of my favorite songs of his is “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” so I think that would be a really fun song to sing with him because we could make some really cool harmonies!
What is your favorite word?
I like the word “humuhumunukunukuapua’a,” which is a type of reef triggerfish. I just think its fun to say and fun to spell. The name originates from Hawaii and I think that it sounds very tropical!
Anything else you’d like to add?
I am just so glad I was able to share this stuff with you guys, and hopefully I can come back soon and talk about more upcoming projects that are in the works. Thanks so much for taking the time to talk with me!
New Jersey-based indie psych rock band Speed The Plough – comprised of John, Toni and Mike Baumgartner and Ed Seifert, joined by former STP bassist Dan Francia and drummer Ken Meyer – released their latest full length on December 8th. The album, titled …And Then, is comprised of ten tracks that dare to drag you into a soundscape that doesn’t altogether make sense in one grouping. From one track to the next, the group displays their musical prowess and keeps the listener on their toes with the variety of sounds they are able to create together.
Take “Crossing the Tizsa” for example. The lyrics are almost like a fairy tale or a beautiful children’s story, set over dark instrumentals that eventually lighten into a Renaissance-like tranquility. This makes sense, as it was found in a songbook of Hungarian folk songs. (John’s mom is the one who can be heard in the spoken word section, by the way. Props to her!) “Take Me” allows the album to take on a whole different persona, introducing itself with bass that would rival the best oughts’ pop/punk tracks. And while “Azimuth” has an unmistakable 70s vibe, perhaps driven by the keys that make up the melody, “The Bitter End” feels abrupt and intense in its disposition. By the time we reach fifth track “Marina”, we’re not sure what to expect, as Speed The Plough tends to switch up the sound on us from one track to the next. For example, “Marina” brings back that beautiful renaissance-meets-rock feel to it, almost as though it should be on an A/B Side with “Crossing the Tizsa”.
“By This River” is light as a feather, largely driven by simple and delicate piano chords. Its sound is slightly different from its predecessors as well, if not only for the fact that it is a cover originally done by Brian Eno. While we might expect “Why We Fall in Love” to be some sort of intense love ballad, it’s more of a quirky indie track with percussion that feels primal, and perhaps groups it back in that “far-off places, daring sword fights, magic spells” territory. (Guess that reference in the comments and you’ve got a new bets friend!) “The Bird Has Flown” is almost theatrical in its presence, notable for its robust piano chords and delicate guitar.
Last two tracks “Running On” and “Dark Continents” happen to have been originals from an earlier iteration of the band called The Trypes. These tracks hadn’t gotten the studio attention the band thought they needed to thrive, so these tracks happen to have a different, low-key, “vibing out” feel to them that really tends to invigorate as the last track fades out beautifully.
…And Then is available now. Keep up with Speed The Plough here.
