An Interview With The Extravagantly Exciting ‘Johann Sebastion Punk’

We sat down with a unique and diverse creator, a musician who’s style originates from inspirations such as David Bowie, Marc Bolan and Jarvis Cocker. Everybody meet, Johann Sebastian Punk. 

Q: What was your first musical experience? what first influenced you to get into this field of music? 

A: I used to listen to the most obscure, complicated and unbearable music possible. I miss a missed ignorance. Now I’m much more a pop songs guy — but the damage is done. That’s why Johann Sebastian Punk has both a melodic and an experimental nature, it is the result of a tension between my dark side and my shiny side. 

Q: What is your local music scene like? do you fit in? 

A: I simply can’t fit in it as my ideas are too voluminous and the receptacle could lamely contain a gnat. Current Italian independent scene clichés are diametrically opposed to my creative proposal.

Q: What originally influenced your name?

A: I have considered using my real name, but I thought the music I was making couldn’t represent my creative personality fully.

 

Q: What is your creative process? How do you create these pieces? 

A: There is not a standard process. My daemon knocks at my door and I always let him step in. Usually, music comes first. Then I approach my piano or my guitars to get the harmony out of the melody I’ve got in my mind. Then I record it digitally putting electric guitars (my Gibson Les Paul Back Lady or my Fender Telecaster Paisley), bass and drums. Then I write the arrangements for all the ancillary instruments.

Q: And Finally, You’ve got a huge concert lined up – what would be your dream venue?

A: The Royal Albert Hall, with that amazing pipe organ, may please my ego. Packed, please.

 

Johann’s brand new album ‘Phoney Music Entertainment’ is out now, so go check it out!

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/johann-sebastian-punk/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/56zl6Mvbe1S3nPWI8MGFin
YouTube
(Channel + video links) Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDUUkQQFWXIFK8R3YjHY0jA
Previous album videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5ai4Dj__hI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cuD_qAGmzE
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/johannsebastianpunk/
Twitter:  @JohannSebastianPunk
Instagram:  @johannsebastianpunk

 

Modiwo’s Guide to Happifying Your Brain

Has there been a feel-good song in recent times that has actually made you feel good? As in, actually uplift you rather than qualifying solely through not driving you to the brink? Enter Modiwo, a many-armed collective fronted by the hugely endearing Oxana Gherghel, who has a voice to turn your blood to squidgy jelly. Their single, Never Give Up, is the sound of summer, if summer hadn’t been a lousy write-off weather-wise; it’s music to kick off your shoes and gently prod your blisters to; it’s music that is unashamedly pop, in every good sense.

Featuring an equally lovely video, it’s already attracting attention from both print press and radio. Say you liked them first and impress all your friends.

Luna Blue and their new alternative rock EP, ‘Nightjar’

Luna Blue, the fabulous alternative rock band, starring members Tom High on rhythm guitar and vocals, Ryan Wellman on lead guitar, Seb Bowen on the drums, and Nick Davie on bass and vocals, is getting ready to release their new EP, ‘Nightjar’ on the 25^th of August, a year since their demo EP.

Luna Blue started composing music in Chichester in 2015, but are now firmly found in Brighton, recording and releasing their new EP, featuring 6 new and exciting tracks, influenced by some of their favourite artists such as Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Foals, Jeff Buckley, Jimi Hendrix and plenty more, helping to make their totally and superbly unique rock music.

Luna Blue’s music is a journey of extraordinary guitar solos, rich beats and incredible vocal melodies, not to mention the build-up of immense textures created in these funk infused ambient rock songs. Their popular gigs and live festival performances always portray the band in the best light, enhancing the amazing musical vibes created, which completely complements their insane talent and tracks.

Their songs are all so unique and thrilling, creating, with ease, memorable atmospheres, and catchy tunes that will definitely put a smile on your face, so make sure you grab tickets to their next gig, and pre-order their new EP, ‘Nightjar’.

 

To check out Luna Blue and to pre-order their wonderful new EP, ‘Nightjar’, click the links down below…

http://www.lunablueofficial.com

https://www.instagram.com/lunablueofficial/

https://www.lunablueofficial.bandcamp.com

https://www.soundcloud.com/lunablueofficial

https://www.twitter.com/weareLunaBlue

https://www.facebook.com/weareLunaBlue/

YouTube – https://youtu.be/ysYrwwXf-IQ

Line Mari’s Debut Album- ’21 Days’

Norwegian indie-pop princess Line Mari is releasing her debut album ’21 Days’ following the success of her singles, ‘Crush’ and ‘Haters’.

The shy, but supremely talented singer-songwriter was spotted by master producer Rob Cass who saw Line’s potential, so he invited her down to the renowned Abbey Road Studios where she has recorded her first full length record.

Line Mari always had her heart set on being a musician from birth, dancing in the womb as her mother explains. By the time she was in her teens Line Mari was writing her own songs and performing. Her shyness has fuelled her songwriting, making her lyrics more personal, emotive and introspective at the same time.

The album cover itself is really special – exclusively for the first edition, a small amount of real gold has been pressed into the ‘21 Days’ logo. The portrait of Line Mari on the cover is the work of upcoming German artist, Pixie Cold, who wanted to be involved simply because she loved the music. On the reverse side of the CD she has painted Line’s guitar – a special Gibson Custom Shop ES-339, named Mari.

The album is set for release on 16th December.

You can listen to Line Mari’s album here: https://play.spotify.com/album/01mELWzkBZHvF2d9KfC3dm

Links:

http://www.linemari.com

https://soundcloud.com/line-mari

https://twitter.com/linemarimusic

https://www.facebook.com/linemarimusic

 

VIDEO OF THE WEEK: Junkerry – As We Are

Contemporary pop artist Junkerry has collaborated with Dior designer Patrick Morgan to form the music video for ‘As We Are’, using Google Tilt visual paint brush. The video has been created 2D but they are hoping to transform the video into the first ever Virtual Reality music video soon.

Junkerry was classically trained in Indian music but has since developed her style, blending multiple genres to create her own unique style. This is shown in the addictive single ‘As We Are’, which is mirrored by the hypnotic music video.

Watch the 2D video here:

The mysterious Injin and his unique sound

You may not have heard of Injin but his music is definitely something you should give some time to. The combination of machinated synths and natural woodwind instruments on his track, ‘Tennessee’, create an unusual, yet spellbinding sound.

Those who love 80s music should be sure to give it a listen. The vocals are ghostly in their resonating echo, yet enticing. Though for a more modern comparison, the synth lead is not a million miles away from early Future Islands records.

Get on over to Injin’s website should you want to find out a little more about this distinctive and talented musician.

http://www.injin.co.uk/

Liam Browne & The Love release bouncy indie anthem ‘Baby Grow’

‘Liam is a born front man who always looks like he’s playing to a stadium – Rowetta of the Happy Mondays

Stream ‘Baby Grow’ on Soundcloud here: 

 

Straight off their upcoming album Forget & Remember, their brand new single ‘Baby Grow’ is an upbeat and bouncy indie rock anthem that provides a small taster of the band’s large sonic scope. A music video is set to drop soon.

Delivered with a raw and untamed Mancunian attitude, the album Forget & Remember is a crazy cocktail of lad rock, hip hop, folk and electronica all recorded in guitarist James Fraser’s garage (later mixed at Noise Boy Studios). Rowetta of the legendary Happy Mondays appears on two of the record’s tracks.

Watch music video for ‘Confused’ (ft. Rowetta of The Happy Mondays) here: 

 

The group have an unusual origin story – frontman Liam was in the Amazon and a Shaman convinced him to sing for the first time initiating his aspirations as a vocalist and a songwriter. He met fellow member James at a Shamanic workshop the following year and from that point on they started making music together.

 

On top of his work as a musician, Liam Browne has starred in a number of cult movies including acclaimed raunchy Brit flick brilliantlove. He is close to Stereophonics lead singer Kelly Jones after taking the lead role in his music videos for ‘Violins and Tambourines’ and ‘In the Moment’.

 

“I naively feel like Scorsese finding his De Niro“

– Kelly Jones of Stereophonics, whilst directing Liam Browne in one of his music videos

Aussie psych-dance group Jagwar Ma return with ‘O B 1’

Three years after their debut album, Aussie psych-dance group Jagwar Ma return. A new album Every Now and Then has been announced. ‘O B 1’ is the first glimpse of things to come, a hypnotising track that mixes psychedelic guitars and a slinky synth riff.

 

Off Colour – ‘Touch Down’

https://soundcloud.com/officialoffcolour/off-colour-touchdown

 

With their ready-made, smooth brand of melodic indie pop, Off Colour are a Milton Keynes pair with all the tools to go a long way in 2015. Comprising two excellent male vocals, slick songwriting and clean, layered pop production, James and Antonio have worked hard over five years to build a following. Their brand new release continues their development with an epic, arena-ready sound, to be followed by a six track EP ‘Touchdown’ towards the later end of the year.

Often compared to the likes of Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Bastille and One Republic, their songs sway between quiet moments and epic builds, all combined with a thoughtful, autobiographical lyrical approach. It’s little surprise that they already have support within the industry, with Emeli Sande, Ed Sheeran and more heaping praise on them.

And with support slots with Bombay Bicycle Club and Rocky Nti already to their name, and a nomination for the newly formed UK Entertainment Awards in 2014, this is a band who are ready and bursting to break through.

A culmination of a whirlwind few years which has seen Off Colour gain their excellent reputation through gigs at some of the UK’s most prestigious independent venues. Highlights include performing at the Roundhouse, supporting a Bombay Bicycle Club DJ set at the Amersham Arms, and playing at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club – all to great acclaim.

Their underground appreciation is growing exponentially, with Tinie Tempah blogging about them and features already on tastemaker sites such as SBTV, Pardon My Blog, Reload Sessions, Dropout UK and more.

Arguably, their continued rise is thanks to their melodic tones, superb production and excellent chemistry. Even though they came into music from different routes, the pair work together seamlessly. Antonio grew up around music with a father who worked as a DJ for over 30 years, including a stint with the BBC. James picked up his grandfather’s guitar at the age of seven, and began to learn the basics of classical guitar, but eventually stopped playing. However, after a promising career in football was cut short due to a heart condition, he picked the guitar up again and has since continued to master his craft, taking inspiration from an eclectic and diverse set of musical influences, including Bread, Fleetwood Mac, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, John Mayer and City & Colour.

Two different roads travelled, but both with the same destination – Off Colour are ready to unleash their new single ‘Touch Down’ on August 24th.

Shows:

July 9th – The Workshop, London

31st July – Lift 574,  Dalston

Links:

www.soundcloud.com/OfficialOffColour

www.facebook.com/OfficialOffColour

www.twitter.com/Off_Colour

LEO ABRAHAMS – MOSAIC

“… clusters of percussion arranged in dynamic, mind-popping patterns” – The 405

“… deft, emotionally engrossing and continually challenging” – Clash

There’s every chance that you may not know the name Leo Abrahams but it’s more than likely you’ve heard one of the more than 100 albums he’s worked on, from his many collaborations with Brian Eno and John Hopkins through to his work with artists ranging from Roxy Music and Florence + The Machine to Underworld and Pulp.

Abrahams has now signed to UK indie Lo Recordings and will release his next album later this year, in the meantime the label are offering up ‘Mosaic‘, a brand new track from the album as a free download and Leo has made his own video to accompany it, which he explains here:

“I have a friend whose father is a painter (he goes by the name Master Of The Water, Pine and Stone Retreat). He introduced me to the world of modern Chinese ink painting, and that experience helped me towards finishing my record.