Category: Creators Monthly

Categories
Creators Monthly

Creators Monthly: December

And we’re back! Can you believe December has already come and gone? This year hasn’t been an easy one for musicians worldwide, but despite the tough times, we’ve heard some phenomenal tunes. DIY music has made a massive comeback and revived an era of the ‘bedroom musician’, an age in which some of the best songs throughout time have emerged.

So without further ado, for one last time this year, let’s dive into Creators Monthly – music submitted to us by YOU, our readers. WE LOVE YOU.

Oracle Sisters

Julia Johansen, originally from Finland, arrived in Paris with her guitar in hand ready to pursue a new adventure in music. Stepping off the plane, she met Lewis Lazar and Christopher Willatt, two other songwriters who had also just set foot in the country. Together, they became Oracle Sisters and by combining their ideas, built the extraordinary amalgamation of sounds you hear today. It’s been a big year for the band, who have just released their debut EP and gigged alongside the likes of Fontaines D.C.

Their first single ‘The Dandelion’ from their upcoming EP premiered this month, creating excitement for things to come amongst their growing number of fans. Their dreamy soundscape embodies a calling to new experiences, a love letter to the groups new found Parisian home and the beautifully unexpected events which transpired to bring this trio together.

Add to playlist (Spotify)

Kirsteen Harvey

Kirsteen Harvey’s early influences growing up in Glasgow were a broad mix of genres, all of which have helped shape her sound today. Kirsteen transitioned from the world of performing arts and branched out into the world of songwriting. Experimenting with her sound and creating this great blend of Jazz, Country and Folk music, her latest single ‘Dancefloor Treason’ is the third in a wave of new material with much more to come. Her singles ‘Dancefloor Treason’ and ‘Tongue Tied’ are woven together through a shared story told through two different perspectives.

Add to playlist (Spotify)

Gaylips

The year 2020 started with a bang for the band Gaylips after being played on Radio 6 music, but then as we all know, Covid hit the world of music big time, with upcoming artists significantly affected. This duo, however, decided not to sit around twiddling their thumbs and waiting for recording studios to reopen. They got down to business writing and recording over Zoom and performing online acoustic sets to their Facebook following. The resulting songs are something the band are incredibly proud. The unexpected twist at the start of their musical journey only preserves a particular DIY element, which from their songs to this awesome music video, makes us feel like we’ve travelled back to the 90’s MTV garage rock days.

Add to playlist (Spotify)

Frankie Raye

Frankie Raye takes a unique approach to songwriting. Her new single ‘Theodora’ is inspired not by her own life, but by a 6th-century Byzantine empress married to Emperor Justinian I. As one of the most powerful Women in Byzantine history, Theodora used her power to influence a positive change in women’s rights. Through these historical anecdotes, songwriter Frankie Raye echos her own message to the world, an influential songwriter with a voice to be listened to.

Add to playlist (Spotify)

Sofie Vein

Santa Monica is young songwriter Sofie Veins’ debut single, written and recorded from her bedroom at home. At only 17 years old, we can’t wait to see what this young talent writes next. The single is the first from her new EP currently in the works.

Add to playlist (Spotify)

GULZ

Gulz is a 22-year-old songwriter from Newcastle who’s latest single ‘Welcome Home’ is full of the very best elements of the UK’s Britpop era. In classic Britpop style, his songs speak about a generation’s frustration with their country, with things out of their control, with the ongoing pandemic and with awful political figures.

Gulz has been performing live for the last three years while living in London, where he studies as a medical student. In his spare time (something medical students don’t have much of yet somehow he manages it) Gulz fills every local open mic night and bar with the sound of his infectious guitar riffs and smooth, charming voice.

Add to playlist (Spotify)

Marlene Oak

The last artist on our list is often someone truly extraordinary, and Marlene Oak is no exception to that. The effortlessly cool singer from a tiny island off the coast of Stockholm, Sweden, is quickly taking her country by storm, and soon the rest of the world with it. Her fantastic-tune ‘Never Comes Easy’ from her 2016 EP Head Held High, is a brilliant blend of blues, rock, folk and soul. Marlene ties all this together again brilliantly in her brand new album ‘Northern Winds’. With an out-of-this-world voice, her new album has quickly built up significant interest, and it’s something the rest of the world needs to hear.

Add to playlist (Spotify)

–

Thanks to all the musicians who submitted their music this month, make sure to keep an eye out for more brilliant artists in the new year. We’ll see you there!

– The TWM Team x

Make music? In a band? We want to hear from you! Submit now for a chance to be featured in next month’s Creators Monthly.

Can’t wait for more? Read last months issue here.

Categories
Creators Monthly

Creators Monthly (November)

Despite lockdown still looming over us, November has been yet another corker of a month for music submitted to us by our readers. Even while stuck inside, people are still writing great tunes, and so here are just some of our favourites this month. Press play and discover something new!

Elle León

Kicking off our list is Elle León, an Irish singer-songwriter living in Barcelona. Her alt-folk track The Spring In Your Step caught our attention from the very first few seconds, as you’ll experience too. Dreamy string instruments accompany her sweet voice, with a deep cutting synth bass to tie it all together. Seeing Elle dance around in this great lockdown video, we also get a feel for her warmth as a performer too – an aspect of going to gigs that we’ve sorely missed. For fans of Kate Bush, Stella Donnelly or Lisa Mitchell, Elle León’s new EP ‘Heart to Hearts’ is made for you and anyone else needing a spring put back in their step.

Add to playlist (Spotify)

Dolly Ave

Dolly Ave is a Vietnamese-American singer-songwriter who’s new single Florida is out tomorrow on the 1st of December, along with accompanying music video. Dolly gave us an exclusive listen and we thought we just had to say something about this brilliant new artist before the end of the month. Using elements of Pop, R&B, soul and electronic, her single ‘Birds’ (2018) reveals a more vulnerable side to Dolly. If you like what you hear from her old stuff, stay tuned for the new single out tomorrow.

Add to playlist (Spotify)

Flowerovlove

At just 15 years old, Flowerovlove (Joyce Cisse) is already taking her first strides in the world of music. At the same time as juggling her schoolwork in London, Joyce is pursuing her music dreams – to date having released three fantastic singles along with homemade music videos for each. Her latest single ‘Fat Wave’ is packed full of unexpected turns. What starts as a sweet indie tune soon becomes a rollercoaster of genre. Speaking as a magazine which emerged from a music school in London, we each have plenty of friends who have gone on to have great success with their music, but the successful individuals never come as much of a surprise, as that spark about them has been present from the very beginning. For this young artist, there’s no denying she has that same spark of talent.

Add to playlist (Spotify)

Daemes

Daemes is a Brooklyn based songwriter who recently released her debut single ‘Riptide’ to an overwhelming response from her followers. The first in a series of ‘dark-pop songs’ focuses around themes of ‘vulnerability and desire’. The track was recorded back in 2018 and was, according to the singer, ‘shelved indefinitely’. Never knowing if the songs would ever see the light of day, and held back by the nagging idea that she could always do better, she’s decided that enough is enough, she needs to begin. We love that this song represents a fear shared by almost every creative person – the fear of putting something you’ve nurtured and cared for out into the world for all to see. Every artist is continually evolving, but being able to adapt and grow is one of the things which sets apart the good ones from the great. This single is the first of many collaborations between Daemes and producer Barb Morrison (best known for their work with Blondie). Daemes’ debut EP is due for release early next year, and we hope it’s the first of more to come.

Add to playlist (Spotify)

Misao McGregor

Misao McGregor is a DIY artist living in Los Angeles, CA. As a ‘queer, non-binary, indie-pop singer/songwriter’, Misao’s debut album ‘Kids in the Corner’ (out December 17th) is an autobiographical look back at the past 24 years of their own life. The album explores the many significant events, both good and bad, which have shaped them along the way. Originally having trained as a classical pianist, Misao uses a combined knowledge of music theory with a homemade approach to their work; from self-made music videos to performing at open mic events across the city, Misao does everything herself while thinking selflessly of how she can help others by doing so.

Add to playlist (Spotify)

Little Grim

Little Grim from South London are an underground alt-rock band inspired by the likes of Alt-J, Everything Everything and Glass Animals. With their own blend of hypnotic layered guitars, Little Grim has already caught a large amount of attention from radio stations and magazines alike. Experimental and bold, Little Grim have certainly developed a sound we can’t help but jump along to, and with fantastic music videos thrown into the mix, what’s not to love?

Add to playlist (Spotify)

Indoor Foxes

Scottish Indie songwriter Indoor Foxes looks set for a bright future with the release of her latest single ‘Peach Stone.’ Her 90’s bedroom craft style and tongue in cheek lyrics are reminiscent of artists such as Beabadoobee. Having already released a full album and gained the attention of BBC Introducing, there’s nothing in the way for this young artist on her journey upwards though music. With this song just a meer taster of great things to come, her unique sound and awesome voice have both made us excited for more.

Add to playlist (Spotify)

Breakfast for Dinner

Breakfast for Dinner may be a relatively new band on the scene, having only released their first single last year, but with three songs now under their belt, they already sound like Dirty Hit’s hottest new signing. A 4-piece indie-pop band based in New York State, Breakfast for Dinner’s latest single ‘Miss Our Love’ is a glitter-soaked mix of dreamy synths and otherworldly sounds. While they bare a lot of similarities to bands such as Pale Waves, their sound across the three of their singles is certainly varied. The group doesn’t seem to lack confidence when it comes to playing around with their sound just to see what’s possible. We’ll look forward to seeing just where this group go next.

Add to playlist (Spotify)

–

You can listen to all of our Creators Monthly artists over on this month’s Spotify playlist – save our playlist now, go out and follow these bands and keep supporting independent artists!

Thanks to all the incredible bands that submitted their music this month – if we didn’t feature you this time feel free to resubmit via our website, we try to listen to as much as we possibly can.

Make music? In a band? We want to hear from you! Submit now for a chance to be featured in next month’s Creators Monthly.

Can’t wait for more? Read last months issue here.

Stay groovy,

The Totally Wired Team x

Categories
Creators Monthly

CREATORS MONTHLY (October)

Hello and welcome back to Totally Wired Magazine’s Creators Monthly! For such a young magazine, we receive an insane amount of music from all sorts of places across the globe and what a whopper of a month October has been!

Today we’re sharing some of our very favourites from this months pool of songs, so strap in, press play and discover some fantastic tunes.

The Lovepools

This awesome tune from US band The Lovepools is their most recent single ‘White Lies & Palm Trees,’ a song inspired by the false perception that cities like Los Angeles are where anyone with a dream can make it, but look closer and things in the big city aren’t as wonderful as they seem. This single is the band’s first venture into the unknown, away from their usual indie-rock territory and into the dreamy world of synth-pop. Despite still being a relatively new band on the scene, their tunes have certainly been noticed for their powerful and punchy qualities – one band to watch in the coming year that’s for sure.

Add to playlist (Spotify)

Jess Kemp

Jess Kemp is a singer/songwriter from Manchester taking over the airwaves of her home town with two brilliant new tunes and a superb voice. Despite being a difficult time for any young artist to be releasing music, her two latest singles ‘We Were Falling’ and ‘Matter Of Time’ have by no means gone unnoticed – having since been played on some of Manchester’s biggest radio stations. We love seeing even more talent pouring out of the north. Bright things ahead for Jess Kemp!

Add to playlist (Spotify)

The Optimists

The Optimists are a self-proclaimed ‘Brit-rock’ band from the Isle of Wight, who take a heavy influence from the Britpop era. With a vocal style resembling the likes of Blur and an attitude more akin to Oasis, this influence is certainly not lost on the group. Despite their obvious acclaim for some legendary bands, make no mistake, The Optimists are no tribute act and have begun to tread their own path. Their new single ‘Yesterday is Gone’ is out next month.

Add to playlist (Spotify)

Hot Plastic Poets

Hot Plastic Poets from North Carolina formed at the very beginning of the COVID outbreak with new-found time stuck indoors and a determination to put it to good use. Their goal is to have recorded two full albums before ever playing live – a truly unique origin story that meant I just had to take a listen. Standing by their promise, the band have just released their debut EP with their second one on the way. Since starting out, the band has amassed thousands of streams and blown their own expectations of what they could achieve out the water. I only hope this encourages them to consider an increase to their initial two-album goal. Their sound is funky, dynamic and a little bit bonkers (everything the world needs right now).

Add to playlist (Spotify)

Kicking

‘Kicking’ from Mississippi are certainly kicking off a riot with their brand new single ‘Surfdom’. Recorded during the band’s downtime in isolation, this group are again proving that rock never sleeps. This single is brimming with top guitar riffs and classic, unmissable punk attitude – a perfect new addition to the playlists of fans of The Von Bondies, Sonic Youth, Wolf Alice or Amyl and The Sniffers.

Add to playlist (Spotify)

The Down & Outs

The Down & Outs from NYC described their new single ‘LANDLORD’ as “Batman beyond playing jazz with The Stooges” – well that certainly caught our attention. Five seconds in and the song’s vigorous bass line had us. With so many submissions from great artists to get through, it’s rare that we have time to stick anything on twice, but this time we had to. Influenced by bands such as The Prodigy, I’d say The Down & Outs’ playing style is also almost Sonic Youth inspired. Any band to play around with and mash up the sound of their guitars mid-song is going straight on the playlist. Unmissable when it comes to grabbing your attention from the get-go, The Down & Outs have undoubtedly caught ours.

Add to playlist (Spotify)

CHARLES HS

CHARLES HS is a songwriter from Kent who since releasing his recent single ‘Fake Twisted Emotions,’ his low-fi synth-pop tunes have quickly gained much wider attention from the likes of BBC Introducing and has turned the heads of many of other publishers, ourselves included. While still early days for CHARLES HS, his new song promises much more in store from this UK talent and we can’t wait to see what’s next!

Add to playlist (Spotify)

Darity

Darity are a band from Ohio fronted by singer Linsley Hartenstein. Their brand new single ‘Silver Spoon’ is Linsley’s take on “The obscurity of seemingly failed relationships.” At first glance, a charming, dreamy pop song, soul-touching and heartfelt – it reminded me very much of a song by one of our favourite artists Lisa Mitchell (always a good sign). On closer inspection though, this song was SO much more than I expected. Before knowing it, I was hit by a choir of Linsley’s voice. At that moment I was totally knocked off my seat and the tune went straight on my playlist with no hesitation. If the past few days are anything to go by, I can safely say that if I owned a physical copy, I might very well wear it out by the end of this week.

Add to playlist (Spotify)

BULZARA

BULZARA are a band who produce hard-hitting synth-rock tunes which they say are inspired by “Gritty cop movies” – an incredibly accurate description listening to their new single ‘Dirty Cops’ – just don’t do it while you’re driving or you may find yourself in a cop movie yourself. This vibrant, psychedelic and punchy new single has been released in the run-up to their upcoming EP and has certainly got us hyped for the release next month.

Add to playlist (Spotify)

The Soods

The Soods are a band from The US who have just released their cracking second album ‘Ornaments of Affection’. Their sound is very much a blend of The Arctic Monkeys, a bit of Oasis and pinch of The Beatles – a mix that we seriously dig. A passion project of musician Jason Roy, The Soods’ music explores the inexplicable feelings that come with growing up and adult life – oh boy can we relate to that.

Add to playlist (Spotify)

Deborah Crooks

After teasing the idea of becoming a field biologist or embarking on a career as a journalist, Deborah Crooks from California decided that writing and playing music was where her heart truly lies. Her recent songs have been inspired heavily by her Californian roots she says. “I wanted to write a love letter to the places that have shaped me” a fantastic story fit for some fantastic work. Check out Deborah’s recent album ‘The Department of the West’ on Spotify now.

Add to playlist (Spotify)

You can listen to all of our Creators Monthly artists over on this month’s Spotify playlist – save our playlist now, go out and follow these bands and keep supporting music through these mad times!

Thanks to all the incredible bands that submitted their music this month – if we didn’t feature you this time feel free to resubmit via our website, we try to listen to as much as we possibly can.

Do you make music? We want to hear from you! Submit now for a chance to be part of next month’s Creators Monthly.

Can’t wait for more? Read last months issue here.

BIG LOVE to you all.

The Totally Wired Team x

Categories
Creators Monthly

CREATORS MONTHLY (September)

Hello and welcome to the first-ever edition of Creators Monthly! Every month we receive loads of great music from our readers and while we can’t feature everyone, these are some of the up and coming artists we’re really excited about.

Indulge yourself and discover something new!

Brother.

Smooth, bright and extremely catchy, this indie-alternative band from Provo, Utah just released their single Honey along with this humorous video. Characterised by their groovy bass lines, rhythmic drum beats, lustrous vocals and serene lounge-pop synthesizers evocative of bands like MGMT or Tame Impala, Brother. are a group who have certainly caught our attention.

80 Unlacey

80 Unlacey are a four-piece band from North Carolina home-made in every sense of the word, from the band’s origins to their self-made music videos. What started as a name for university student Dylan Innes to simply release songs on SoundCloud under quickly lead to the formation of a more collaborative project and the release of the bands first single ‘Bristol.’ This song’s wistful longing for places never seen shares the band’s exuberant amalgamation of the very best of soul, funk and pop.

Lisa Caruso

Sydney artist Lisa Caruso’s indie-folk single ‘To Call You Mine’ is her final release before her debut album ‘In Feelings’ on October 9th. This empowered young woman is making her mark on Australia’s music industry as a finalist in the ‘Emerging Artist’ category at The 2019 Australian Women in Music Awards. Going from strength-to-strength and being played across many radio stations, we’re extremely excited to see where her album will take her next.

Max Swan

Max Swan from Philadelphia refuses to be confined by and one genre, each of his tracks pulls in grooves from jazz, jazz-fusion, hip-hop and more. His sleek voice and wicked saxophone on this track truly touch the soul. As a self-made multi-instrumentalist and producer of his own material, his inspiration from the likes of Frank Ocean and Tom Misch is not misplaced. Max’s upcoming EP ‘Gone Away’ is out October 30th.

Wildlife Moon

Wildlife Moon are a relatively new band from Brooklyn, NY. After studying at the Berklee College of Music, the band’s founder Gerals Edward wrote many songs with his fellow graduates before forming the labour of love which is now Wildlife Moon. Having only released two singles as yet, the band have attracted a considerable amount of attention. Their second single ‘You Don’t Have to Hide’ is about opening up and letting your guard down. We’re certainly excited to hear more from this very promising band.

Berne

Berne are a dreamy Electro-Pop duo from the UK using their music to do something for the planet by shining a light in their songs on issues such as climate change, diversity and animal rights. Not only do they help make change through their lyrics, but every aspect of the band echos their call to action, from their own low-impact lifestyles to their new 100% solar-powered website. This quirky duo and their alternative music are healing the world one song at a time. Their new EP ‘Stay’ is out right now; “Stay is our plea to planet Earth for more time to reverse the damage we’ve done, before it’s too late.”

Aisha J

A graduate from The BRIT School in London, Aisha J must have only been only a year below me while at the school. I certainly remember her face, but something tells me very soon everyone will remember her name. With only two single releases, Aisha J has already drawn a massive following with her fantastic R&B/Soul-inspired tunes and her phenomenal voice. Her recent single ‘Someday’ is the first of her singles produced entirely by herself and proves there is no end to this girl’s talents. About her recent single, Alish says this song is about ‘Letting all creatives know that despite all the hardships they experience, they will make it someday.’ A very personal insight into the mind of a musician, but certainly a worry that with her talent, I think she needn’t have.

Jack Swing

Jack Swing are a Rock band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with a sound so big and punchy you can’t miss it. Their recently released EP ‘Get What’s Mine For You’ can’t be defined by any one music genre, but whatever it is, the sound of Jack Swing is extremely addictive. Guitar player Isaiah Ross is possibly the coolest frontman I’ve seen for a while, and unquestionably awesome-looking in this video with his rockin’ red Jaguar and standout performance. The production and detail in this track is fantastic, high skilled playing from all members and great use of crazy guitar effects make this lot certainly a band to remember. I can only imagine how fired-up one of their live gigs might be. This is rock n roll for the 21st century.

–

Want to get your music featured? Send us your music!