Indie-folk-pop trio Sylvan Weekends is about to unleash their second EP, “Headlong into the Unknown,” on September 8, 2023. The four-track musical journey is a nostalgic funfair designed to evoke memories of whirligig highs and midnight skinny dipping.
The EP’s inception came during a winter when Freya relocated to Bristol for six months. She and Matthew exchanged voice notes filled with ideas and summer dreams, which eventually transformed into “Headlong into the Unknown.” Each track on the EP is a testament to anticipation, excitement, and nostalgia.
“Foolhardy” is an uplifting ode to the best summer ever, where everything seemed possible. “Sea Lion,” an indie-folk gem, tells tales of meeting friends of friends and engaging in all-night debates. The title track, “Headlong into the Unknown,” started as an anthem to the thrill of cold-water swimming, while the EP’s finale, “I think you know,” captures the intensity of falling in love, holiday-romance style.
Sylvan Weekends, comprising Matthew, Freya, and Daniel, was born in the summer of 2022 in a symphonic fusion of contradictions—London meets wilderness, tech meets off-grid, and folk meets electro. Their genre-defying music blends banjos with synths and timpani with arpeggiators to create an immersive experience that resonates with deep intuitive desires.
With Matthew and Freya’s unified vocals cutting through each track with emotional resonance, Sylvan Weekends defies easy genre categorization, but one thing is certain: their tunes will be stuck in your head long after you’ve heard them.
Matthew, fronting the successful folk band Keston Cobblers Club, has built an illustrious live career and received praise from BBC Legends like Bob Harris and Steve Lamacq. Freya, known for her instrumental and folk music, has graced epic venues and performed with legends like Basement Jaxx and The Staves. Daniel, part of folk band Stables, is a multi-talented musician known for his European tours and festival performances.
As Sylvan Weekends embarks on their European tour with 17 dates across Germany, their EP release promises an exciting musical journey that defies expectations and invites listeners to dive headlong into the unknown.
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The resounding success of Meron is a testament to the power of music to bridge geographical and generational gaps. With over 400,000 streams in just a few weeks, it’s evident that this song has struck a chord with a diverse audience, from grandmothers in Buenos Aires to high schoolers in London.
Josh Tepper, the creative force behind Meron, stands at the helm of this musical journey. His influences are as eclectic as they come, drawing inspiration from the likes of Peter Gabriel, Ofra Haza, Selena Quintanilla, and Idan Raichel. Recorded in the vibrant musical hub of New York, Meron’s essence is deeply rooted in the study of Kabbalah, lending it a spiritual dimension that resonates with listeners.
The song “Mount Meron” takes us to the eponymous mountain in the Upper Galilee region of Israel, a place of immense significance in Jewish tradition. It encompasses the village of Meron and the tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, drawing thousands of pilgrims during the annual Lag BaOmer celebration. This track serves as a musical pilgrimage, connecting people across cultures and generations to a place steeped in history and spirituality.
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MIDI Kityy, the brainchild of singer-songwriter and electronic music producer Eliza Andrews, unveils the dynamic “Ignis (Future House Remix),” a reimagining of her debut single. This future house version delves into the complexities of mental struggle, echoing the challenges of navigating stagnation and unchanging circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The original “Ignis” explored the emotional toll of being trapped in life’s unchanging landscape, reflecting the sense of treading water and introspection that many faced during these trying times. The remix amplifies these emotions through a captivating future house composition, highlighting the strength born from desperation in isolation.
Eliza Andrews, a Berklee College of Music graduate in electronic music production, seamlessly weaves her global experiences into her music. Influenced by folk rock and blues, she transitioned to electronic music, creating MIDI Kityy’s distinctive sound. “Ignis (Future House Remix)” is a testament to MIDI Kityy’s ability to convey intricate emotions through sound, offering a new perspective on the human experience set to danceable rhythms. As the world grapples with the pandemic’s aftermath, MIDI Kityy’s music invites listeners on a cathartic journey through transformation, celebrating the unfolding future.
The remix follows closely on the heels of her collaboration with Czech DJ and producer Pauli Gabrieli on “In My Head,” released on FRQNCY Records. MIDI Kityy’s innovative and accessible electronic music resonates with a global audience and is available on major streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
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Soul Chalice, the enigmatic hip-hop fusion band, is set to drop their highly anticipated studio album, “Embracing Trauma,” on August 25th. This musical journey promises to be a profound experience, pushing the boundaries of production beyond their debut album, “Enter The Game.”
Comprising a diverse set of talents, Soul Chalice boasts Face Balian as the lyricist and vocalist, Mark S. Reeve on bass and vocals, Aj Connolly on keys, Tierre Waters keeping the rhythm on drums, and Daniel Ridgely lending his guitar prowess to the mix. Their unique blend of influences, including The Roots, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage Against The Machine, and Common, sets the stage for an electrifying sonic adventure. While Face Balian’s past performances at iconic venues like Whisky a Go Go and Alice Cooperstown, as well as appearances at The Far Out Festival, have already left an indelible mark, an intriguing anecdote from his time sweeping the floors at Swing House Studios reveals a serendipitous encounter with the band Better Than Ezra, leading to a cameo on their track “Hell No.”
The upcoming album, recorded at Man Cave Studios and Sound Pitch Entertainment, explores Face Balian’s personal journey through trauma, culminating in the pursuit of happiness against all odds. Tracks like “Day by Day,” “So Low,” and “Struggle is Real” encapsulate the essence of this inspiring musical odyssey. As one fervent fan aptly put it, “It’s music you wanna chill to or sit on a beach and drink to. I really like his style.” Prepare to embark on a soulful expedition with Soul Chalice as they unveil “Embracing Trauma” to the world, inviting listeners to resonate with their powerful message of resilience and joy amid adversity.
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“Rock ‘n’ roll never left the party – it was just getting a drink at the bar!” With these words, Singaporean Rock Singer-Songwriter Sanjay Michael reminds us that the spirit of rock music endures, ready to unleash its raw energy and inspiration. Sanjay embodies this ethos in his electrifying new album, “Rocking Into Midnight.” Released recently, this modern rock masterpiece pays homage to the genre’s legends while pushing its boundaries. Sanjay’s signature sound, rooted in electrified blues and rock influences, delivers a sonic experience that’s impossible to resist. Packed with infectious hooks and heartfelt emotion, “Rocking Into Midnight” is a must-listen for rock enthusiasts.
Sanjay shared his vision for the album, explaining, “I aimed to recreate the ‘monster’ albums I grew up with—a collection of hit singles carefully curated to take listeners on a journey. Tube amplifiers set this album apart, delivering that classic, unadulterated rock sound. It’s all about technique, dynamics, and unwavering commitment to the genre.” In a world where rock may seem overshadowed, Sanjay’s unwavering belief in its power shines through. The wall of sound from electric guitars offers a unique, uplifting experience, and the album’s choruses serve as the lyrical starting point, guiding listeners on an unforgettable musical voyage.
“Rocking Into Midnight” is available for streaming, and listeners can immerse themselves in the heart-pounding world of Sanjay Michael’s rock ‘n’ roll revival. For a taste of what’s in store, check out the album’s title track and join the party!
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