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Earlier this year, I brought you a first look and listen at former popster Tessa Rose Jackson, under the gleaming new moniker of Someone. Since then, she’s been busy releasing a handful of new tunes, each one showcasing the sophisticated breadth of both musicianship and songwriting abilities.
“Forget Forgive” is the most recent offering. Softly sung and set to a repeating guitar strum, it has an intentional simplicity that’s positively haunting. The uncluttered soundscape is perfect for the emotive lyrics and beautifully layered chorus, which will leave you completely and wonderfully enveloped.
This release came out earlier this month via [PIAS], but today, you’re getting a first look at the accompanying music video.
Because the subject matter of this track is so straight-forward, I wanted the video to give the song a twist. During a brainstorm with my manager, we settled on the idea of translating this internal struggle into an actual struggle. A fight. Skin-on-skin action; rough, ruthless and messy. Just like the way we treat ourselves sometimes. But to support the dreamy, emotional quality of the music, we wanted to film it in super slow-motion, so that the colliding movement between the two characters can become almost like a dance.
Being a massive sci-fi lover, the intro to the video is a big nod to all my favourite B-movies from the 1980’s (which also gave me a great excuse to write an intense opening score full of vintage synthesizer madness). – Someone
Have a look below and then make sure to mark your calendars for the 27th. She’ll be playing at Cinetol in Amsterdam, and if you’re in the area, you should definitely go catch her live performance.
It was all about new music on this week’s episode with highlights including Willow Smith‘s silky new album, Still Woozy‘s latest flawless single, Mndsgn‘s filtered funk and a slew of bass-injected party starters from Star Slinger, Just Geo & more. Last week also marked the return of Jai & AK Paul and Tame Impala who both delivered the kind of quality we’ve come to expect from them. Finally, there was a spotlight on one of my favorite new finds Novelty Daughter who’s new album Inertia has been in heavy rotation.
All we have to say about Meeka Kates‘ single “No” is yes. Released on Boogie Angst, this collaboration with Raina Sokolov-Gonzalez is a smooth, dreamy delight that is beautiful from start to finish. The captivating sound will give you goosebumps.
“No” doesn’t really follow one single genre format. It’s based in electronic music, but it takes various influence from under the electronic umbrella, as well as elsewhere with Raina bringing her soulful vocal to the table. The indie-driven record is something fans can enjoy even if they’re not fans of electronic music. It’s a timeless tune that can’t be pinned down to one sound. The only thing that can be pinned on it is that it is phenomenal. “No” is currently available on digital platforms for those looking to add it to their library.
Heat up your Thanksgiving week with a hot one from GXNXVS. Featuring Rome Fortune, “Shapes & Colours” is an ominous hip-hop treat. GXNXVS lays the backdrop with a haunting beat that you won’t be able to get out of your head easily. The Atlanta emcee Rome Fortune hops on top of the instrumental with his fiery lyricism. These two artists together are a perfect match, mixing their own styles together with ease for a remarkable rap record that stays true to the genre. We haven’t been on as much hip hop lately, but this was something we couldn’t pass up on sharing.
If you added up all of the festival experiences across each and every one of our writers, you would stand in awe, jaw agape. It’s a lot. And, it’s not just because it’s part of the gig. It’s because we love each and every live music experience, from the smallest of dive bars, to the most elaborate main stages. They all hold a special place in the collective heart of our dojo.
For me, personally, I first fell in love with live music as a business at raves when I was a teenager. Mind you, these were the days where you had to call a phone number to find the event’s location. Yep, that’s right. We had no idea where we were going until the day of the party. But, that was part of the allure. The entire experience, from start-to-finish, was completely encompassing, to me. I loved the theatrics, the mystery, and everything that added up to create that.
That interest continued throughout the years, eventually leading me to the very same blog you find yourself on today. Live music is the one constant throughout my adult life, which is why I’m heading out to XLIVE in Vegas.
No, I’m not going to throw my own party some day. We won’t be hosting a TMN Festival next year, but you’d be crazy to think I wouldn’t want to experience teachings from those who craft the biggest and best parties across the globe. Who are these industry leaders? Here’s a highlight of a few of them: AEG Presents, Firefly, Electric Daisy Carnival, Goldenvoice, Superfly, The Confluence, Country Music Association, Newport Jazz Festival, Bonnaroo, Life is Beautiful, Coachella, OutsideLands, FYF Festival, Lost Lake Festival, and on, and on.
The Las Vegas-based conference covers numerous different facets across the live music space, covering everything from ticketing, to event tech, to even security. While I’m sure I’ll find myself popping in and out of different presentations, I’m admittedly most excited for the following talks:
Lessons Learned From The Year’s Biggest Failures : Tim Epstein: Partner, Duggan Bertsch
A Show Of Their Own: The Rise Of Artist Championed Festivals – Sam Hunt: Agent, Paradigm Talent Agency / Phil Quist: Agent, CAA
Keep It Local: Including Local Artists And Emerging Talent In Your Lineup – Adam Chernick: Co-Founder & Director Of Operations / Arcartists Craig Asher Nyman: Head Of Music & Live Performances, Life Is Beautiful / Kurt Melien: President, Live Nation Nevada / Trevor Solomon, Boston Calling
Multi-Platform Juggernauts in Your Town: The Explosion of Radio Station Concerts & Events – Gary Krantz: Krantz Media Group
Turn it to Eleven: Elevating the Fan Experience – Emily Cox: AC Entertainment, Lindsay Glatz: LUNA FETE
The Future is Female: How Women are Playing a Crucial Role in the Creation of Extraordinary Live Events – Kate Levenstien: Cannonball Productions, Martha Donato: MAD Event Management, Emily Cox: AC Entertainment
The best part about this conference? You can stillpick up tickets and come hang out with your favorite bloggers. Ok, that might not be the best thing, but it is, well, a thing. Click here to buy your pass and let’s hang in Sin City!
Things we are grateful for: Indie Music, the artists that make it, the internet that allows us to share it and the people like you who choose to listen to it. Happy Thanksgiving week, Ninjas!
Are you ready to hear a house track with a ukulele in it? Whether you’re ready or not, we’ve got it for you thanks to Blooom, who both produced and performed for “Know You.” Released on Daily Earfood as a freebie, this lively tune isn’t what you’d expect.
Whether you know the ukulele’s coming or not, this track will take you by surprise. Given the instrument information, you may expect a tropical driven house record along the lines of Kygo, but that isn’t at all where Blooom takes things. Instead Blooom drives up a vibrant energy through a style that is more reminiscent of a time where guys like Mord Fustang were on top of the house arena. Things have changed since then, but that doesn’t mean producers like Blooom have to stop churning out iconic sounds like this.
