Graystar

I found this band by following up on a comment that was left by Katy. It turns out that she's the manager of this awesome band. Thanks so much for leaving the comment, because now I'm a fan for life. On my show yesterday I played " Free" and " Cry No More" and my listeners absolutely loved the song, so here they are peeps..Graystar were formed in 2003 by Dominic James after he wrote the material in his hometown of Liverpool. After performing over 70 gigs around the UK, they released their debut album ‘A Million Pieces’ in September. With stand out tracks like ‘Free’ and ‘Cry No More’, they’ve gained worldwide attention from top radio presenters, impressive reviews from popular music media, and a steady increase of online sales of their album, along with their international fan base. In the album, James’ melodic and introspective lyrics are paired with otherworldly atmospheric production to create a collection of passionate and enigmatic songs. They are already in the process of producing their second album. The first single, "I Disappear" is set for release on February 10, 2008. The band: Dominic James, vocals, guitar, keyboards: Craig Finnie, lead guitar: Tim Dyer, keyboards: John Reynolds, bass: Neil Hartley, drums.

Reviews:

"Fantastic"
Dave Monks, BBC Radio Merseyside

"Beautiful tracks"
Janice Forsyth, BBC Radio Scotland

"an EP of beautifully poignant songs" –
The Skinny Magazine

"majestic, mysterious…beautifully crafted"
Overplay.com

"a collection of fresh, anthemic indie turns"
The List

"A depth of songwriting that is overlooked by a lot of bands these days"
Is This Music

"Free" is a certified thing of beauty"
Live Music Direct

Contact Info:
www.myspace.com/graystaruk
www.graystarmusic.com

Bent is Worth Your Ears!

Simon Mills and Nail Tolliday form the group Bent. They hail from the UK and after 10 years in the business it seems they're not slowing down. Bent caught my eye when I was searching for Electronica on Myspace. I listened to a couple of their mixes and I was instantly hooked! Their sound is a mix of Moby, Depeche Mode, and Fatboy Slim. I'm not even across the pond, but they have to be Electronica kings, because what I've heard is superior. Bent's influences are Rolf Harris, Geoff Love, John Lennon, the Beach Boys to more clearly dance music-orientated ones such as Kid Loco and Aphex Twin. I would suggest that you go to their page and check out some mad mixes.

" One Bitch Band"- Betty Dimo

Betty Dimo started making rock music when she was 11 years old, hammering out Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath riffs on a small ukulele and a broken-down acoustic guitar purchased at Sears. She realized she wanted to play rock music forever when she snapped her first B string playing Smells Like Teen Spirit alone in her bedroom late one night. In her teens Betty was introduced to the music of PJ Harvey, Kate Bush, Ani Difranco, Peaches and many other influential female musicians. She started writing her own brand of intense, dark alternative/rock music and began performing live in 2001. Since then she has had the opportunity to perform and record with many bands including Clara Engel, Tom Glenne 5.5, Theresa’s Sound-World, The Good Ideas, Aquamuffin and many more. Betty currently resides in Toronto and plays in local band, Secret Public. Her personal demo recordings are backed by members of Trucks Leaving (Todd Harrison, Dov Tiefenbach, Virginia Dimoglou) and Broadband (Virginia Dimoglou and Louise Simpson). The newest track, Ugly Beautiful, is by her current band, Secret Public, who Betty will be touring with in the very near future. More news and info on that coming soon…stay tuned.

This bio comes from her page on myspace, so I figured why change it! Betty was kind enough to send my favorite track, " Anna Despair". This song really tugs at the heart strings. One thing I try to do when reviewing music is to ask, does it tell a story? It's important to feel the artist mentally and Betty definitely captures my attention. We have to continue supporting great works. So if you want to know more information about Betty Dimo, email her at bettydimo@gmail.com.

Take a Listen to Intervurt!

INTERVURT – TRANSLUCENT – DEAD PLANET RECORDS

INTERVURT “The most exciting new alt-rock band coming out the UK”
(Dennis Sanders, manager Mondo Generator)

INTERVURT are:
Paul O’Keeffe (Vocals), Mark Alberici (Guitars), Lee Wilton (Bass), Oliver Alberici (Keyboards), Scott Richman (Drums)

INTERVURT are a highly motivated 5 piece alternative rock band from London UK. Building a reputation of being a great live act that crosses the attitude and melody of the Killers and U2 with the richness and darkness of Depeche Mode and Muse, combined with the power of the Queens of The Stone Age.

The band have already supported the likes of the Strokes and the Raconteurs, as well as appearing at the O2 Wireless Festival at Hyde Park, Get Loaded in the Park, Beautiful Days, Guilfest and Bestival over the last 18 months.

INTERVURT have recently signed to Dead Planet Records, a new South London based independent record label. Translucent is the first EP to be released on the 28th Jan 08 from the bands forthcoming debut album, most of which has already been recorded at Jimi Hendrix’s Electric Lady Studios in NYC, working with producers Mark Plati (Bowie, Cure, Prince) and Tom McKay (Joydropp)

“Translucent” along with all 3 other tracks contained on the band’s debut EP is a brilliant calling card for anyone looking for something new, fresh and different to get their teeth into. Tracks like Suffering offer a much heavier and darker insight into the band while retaining their pop sensibilities.

INTERVURT are “Natural Born Killers with high-octane music that contains a reckless menace, both vicious and vulnerable in equal measures. Like Natural Born Killers, they’re prepared to do whatever it takes!” Notion Magazine

“Love this band” (Janice Long, BBC Radio 2)

“This Band is going to be huge” (Chris Hawkins, BBC 6 Music)

“Translucent is a monster of a track” (Phil Jackson, BBC SCR)

INTERVURT will be live in session on the Janice Long show national BBC Radio 2 on Fri 18th Jan at 00.30am

INTERVURT debut EP Translucent will be out on general release, 28th Jan 08. Download / Limited Edition 7 inch. To listen to the EP now! Visit http://www.deadplanetrecords.com/

For more details contact Matthew Wood matthew@deadplanetrecords.com / http://www.intervurt.com/ / www.myspace.com/intervurtrocks

I listen to all the music that is recommended on this site. So if it's posted then trust it's that damn good! Please follow all the links and get to know more about the band. My job here is to inform and encourage individuals to give authentic music a chance, let go of the stereotypical sound that you're use to. The UK is just fuming with talent, so support them too!

Rise-Up for Eternia!

I discovered Eternia while searching for Indie Hip-Hop artists, you know give the site some variety! Well what I stumbled on is a diamond in the rough. Eternia is not only beautiful, but very talented. Eternia's debut album, " It's Called Life" was released nationwide on October 4, 2005. In early 2006, the album was nominated for Best Rap Recording at the Juno awards. Her voice is so powerful and she makes you feel every word. The single " Do This Like Me" is my I don't give a f*** anthem! It's on her new banger, " Where I'm At-The Setup", so make sure you cop that! Why won't the airwaves wake up, leave the barbie wannabees on the street. She's up there with Eminem and Pac, yea that's real deep. I think with the right exposure, she can put Lil Kim and the others to shame. Please check out this lady of authentic Indie Hip-Hop. She also has a blog that is a very good read! Make sure you go to her myspace page for more tour dates and new track listings.

Other Reviews:

It's perhaps telling that almost every write-up I see on Eternia invariably plays up the fact that the Toronto rapper is white and female. That's disingenuous at best. I guess its too tempting for some to automatically assume that she's a novelty act or can't possibly be any good. But her latest album, It's Called Life, manages to call bullsh-t on both theories. "- Blog T.O., 2005

"Its Called Life is a definite contender for album of the year."-Groove On (Australia) 2006

"I'll get to the point: BUY THIS ALBUM. Trust me... This is one of the best albums I've ever reviewed, period."- RapReviews.Com, 2006

Markovic and Thermostatic

Markovic's debut album Adoreus has received extremely good reviews in Sweden. The album will be released February of this year in Germany together with the Supermusic label. They will tour in Germany and the UK in March. Apparently, the band is simply amazing live and Johan, the singer, sings just as well live as on CD!

Thermostatic was discovered in the summer of 2003 in Gothenburg by Vox and Charlie. The track "I Want To Be A Marilyn" was recorded under rather spontaneous circumstances and quickly gained an underground cult-status. The band-name Thermostatic was suggested by Michael Strandtoft of the band Helm as the “-Perfect name for charming electronic music. The combination of thermo and static actually beckons the style of the music, since it is both warm and strict at the same time”. When the tune finally reached DigiDroid’s ears he immediately fell in love with the catchy sound and overall atmosphere and also felt that this easlily could fit in the main theme of his own sound. Not long after he joined in and also brough his long time collaborator TiN. The duo then turned into a quartet.

The track "Private Machine" was recorded and stated the characteristics of the nowadays well-established Thermostatic sound. The song wasn’t even finished when it started to draw the attention of DJ’s and club-heads. When it finally landed as a one track CD-R at Christer Björndahl´s (driving force behind Club Spacelab) desk, he was quickly overwhelmed and determined to book the band for his club. In september 2004 the group themselves released an EP containing four songs to offer the visitors at the Spacelab gig. A limited edition of 50 copies was created and the band hoped to sell atleast 20-25 pieces… - All copies were consumed within 20 minutes after the show.

The electro-saga continued and Thermostatic was contacted by Wonderland Records, This led to a collaboration that eventually ended up in the release of "Joy-Toy"– the first Thermostatic album. Thermostatic won the prize for "Best Newcomer 2005" at the SAMA festival! Currently the band is promoting the two singles from "Joy-Toy" and are working on new material.

Universal Poplab

Pierre Bremell

Universal Poplab was signed to Wonderland Records in 2006. They are currently working hard on promoting their new album Uprising. " I Could Say I'm Sorry" has to be one of my favs right now! The beat and the vocals are just awesome and on point! I hope you'll become a fan too.

In January 2002, vocalist Christer Lundberg and producer Paul Lachenardière shook hands over a couple of beers and a vegetarian meal, agreeing on plans to create a shimmering spectacle of synthpop art. In February 2004 their debut album "Universal Poplab" was released. The album - and several singles from it such as "New Baby Boom", "We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful" and "Dice Roller" - achieved chart success in Sweden and Russia. Universal Poplab has just finished recording their second album together with new member Hans Olsson.

Each member's creative output has also taken various forms over the years: Christer is not only a songwriter and singer. He also hosts his own daytime radio show on Swedish radio and has produced acclaimed TV documentaries. Paul is not only an accomplished producer. As well as being a skilled multi-instrumentalist, he creates music and releases records in such varied genres as trance and nu-jazz. Hans has produced, mixed and mastered records in many varied genres. (Together with pop wiz Timo Räisänen, he's just about to tour Sweden).It's in the meeting of these three different minds that magic is born.

Live, the band is a riot! Universal Poplab made their live debut in 2003 at the Scandinavian Alternative Music Awards, SAMA (where, two years later, they won the award for best album) followed by extensive gigging at clubs and festivals.

In recording the new album each band member has focused relentlessly on honing every aspect of the band's work from song structure to lyrics and live performance to ever greater heights of artistry.
The only way is UP!

Emmon

Cristian Hagward

I'm working with Wonderland Records out of Sweden to bring you guys more access to damn good music! I've listened to all the artists on the label and let me tell you, all of them are worth your ears. I'm a big fan of Ladytron and this next artist is definitely in that top tier!

Emma Nylén, alias Emmon, is so far perhaps best known as a member of the Swedish indiepopband Paris (Parismusic, Look left recordings, V2 records). The solo project Emmon first saw the light of day in a sound lab at Konstfack in Stockholm in 2001. Since then a number of demos have popped up at various clubs and dancefloors all over Sweden.

After being crowned the electro queen of Sweden, having her demos on high rotation at several radio stations, performing live at Hultfredsfestivalen, P3 Popstad and clubs, supporting band like Stereo Total and Vive le feté, and having remixed a number of tracks for well-known acts- It´s now time to fully concentrate on bringing Emmon out to the masses.

The collaboration with Wonderland Records started in 2006 and since then everything has fallen into place. The debut single ”Wake Up Time” was released on the 29th of November. The debut album The Art & The Evil was released in January of 2007 and has recieved a tremendous amount of publicity and lots of great review.

Here you can read some samples: REVIEWS.During the beginning of 2007 Emmon opened for Melody Club on their tour as well asdoing several own shows. In April Emmon is part of the Spring Wonderland Festival with shows in Sweden and Denmark. Emmon is also booked for this years Arvika Festival alongside giants like Scissor Sisters and Magic Numbers. In April Rock D'Amour, the 2nd single from the album, was released and it features great remixes as well as a superb arty video made by Induction (www.induction.se).Please check back here every now and then for updates or send us an e-mail if you have any questions. Best Wishes, The Wonderlanders info@wonderlandrecords.com