Marsha Swanson, The Interview Series.

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hello, Marsha, Let’s talk about your new single, ‘In Parallel’, what is the meaning? 

The song is reflecting on what is involved in maintaining a long-term relationship. I reference swans, as a symbol of loyalty. Not only do they mate for life, but they can often be seen swimming in parallel together over great distances. As humans, we have many distractions and interferences both internally and externally that can knock us of our path. In the video, I use ballet to represent the expansive dance involved for any couple.  I include in this dance, each person’s understanding and management of their own inner child. I also wanted to get across that whilst some threats to the relationship may be conscious, others may only become knowable via dreams. However, it is the ability to face up to or throw sentient light on what lies in the shadows,  that can ultimately strengthen a relationship.

I found it particularly poignant to learn that swans sing when they die.  I feel that each song of mine is perhaps a swansong of sorts, because there needs to be a death to give rise to a birth so it is inherent in any creation.


Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?

The way that David Bowie continued his music to the very end of his life, incorporating his own dying process into his art was profoundly moving and inspiring. Even though he died in 2016, the ripples of this legacy are still powerfully current.

My daughter listens to a lot of Billie Eilish and as a result of this, I have been exposed to more of her music over the last few years than almost any other artist. I have been really struck by the power of her vision, from her songs to her videos, her performance and even the way she engages with her fans. 

What is the best thing about being a musician in 2023?

All musicians who lived through the pandemic have seen that music still has a place, even when we can’t perform live. For all its widely reported problems, technology has enabled us to both record and share music without even leaving our homes and that is incredible. I think in 2023 we are all appreciating being able to play live again, whilst also knowing that whatever the circumstances, the music will still play on!

Marsha
Photo Credit: James Sebastian

Is there a certain place you often go to write? E.g a certain room, or environment?

When I’m writing for my own need to express something, it will always be on my piano in my lounge. A piano that goes back 3 family generations and is still able to keep its tune! If I’m writing as a commission, or as a project or co-write, it is a very different head-space and I can do that anytime and anywhere!

What is your first memory of music? 

I don’t know that I could trust any answer I gave to this question. Memory is so unreliable as we tend to construct and fabricate our stories without realizing it, shaping them subtly over time like a Chinese whisper. However, I do have consistent and powerful early childhood memories of my Dad’s best friend singing to me before bed on his guitar. I loved his voice which was gentle and soothing. It certainly had a formative impact on me.


Photo Credit: Marsha Swanson.

Von Venn, ‘In Time’

Words By Joey Rochert.

The highly awaited new album, ‘Jeanie Is Out’ from Dublin’s own indie-rock band Von Venn will be released this Friday, June 23rd, including the riveting premiere of new track ‘In Time’. Thankfully, we were able to get our hands on a sneak preview before it was officially released, and the band’s performance does not disappoint.

The new material from Von Venn oozes charm and carries on from where previous tracks like ‘Ghost’ and ‘Constant Girl’, left off! Also, it displays their ability to integrate indie rock’s underpinnings with pop’s subtleties and they are artistically on par with that of modern greats like Blossoms.

Lead singer and wordsmith, Gary Cox, bewitches all with his entrancing vocals, seamlessly intertwining with the meticulously crafted instrumentation. The result is a harmonious fusion that will leave you spellbound.

‘Jeanie Is Out’ the new album by Von Venn will be out on Friday, June 23rd.


Photo Credit: Von Venn.

4Qua Of OrioN, The Interview Series.

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hello, 4Qua Of OrioN, Let’s talk about your new single, ‘4QuaZulu’, what is the meaning? 

4Qua simply means 4Qua of the zulu spirit, Zulus were remarkable people in ancient Africa and they are still a great people so it’s simply 4Qua meaning myself bathing in the glory of Zulu fame for lack of better words 🙂

Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?

It’s hard to say in particular as majority of the acts / artists currently charting are excellent, I tend to be more drawn to Genre of music  and that itself is a temporary thing as my genre of choice this hour might not necessarily be the same in the next hour if you know what I mean,

4Qua Of OrioN
Photo Credit: James Sebastian

What is the best thing about being a musician in 2023?

The tools available for exposure and marketing ones arts have never been so accessible so this is a great time for musicians in my opinion

Is there a certain place you often go to write? E.g a certain room, or environment?

Not really, so far i’ve not been able to relate, when I hear musicians or composers imply or insist that having a dedicated space or  time is a prerequisite for success in or with their work, hahaha one just never knows when inspiration will come, for me it’s  not something i can switch off and on like it’s some sort of laboratory science endeavour, no jose. 

What is your first memory of music? 

My first memory of music? Hmmm…. listening to the Bassline by Aston Family Man Barrett on Bob Marley’s Rastaman vibration for the first time, I can clearly remember how i felt, i think i must have been 6 0r 7 years old.


Photo Credit: 4Qua Of OrioN.

James Sebastian, The Interview Series.

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hello, James, Let’s talk about your new single, ‘Life’s Tasting Good’, what is the meaning? 

Well at the core of it, “Life’s Tasting Good” documents the life of a young rat who dreams of becoming a chef at Auguste Gusteau’s restaurant and tries to achieve his goal by forming an unlikely alliance with… wait, no, sorry, that’s Ratatouille! It’s actually just simply about the joys of life. Because sometimes you need to sit back and appreciate the flavours of the world. 

Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?

Harry Styles has to hold that crown. What he’s done for combining the aura of a retro rockstar with the modern pop scene is right up my alley. Greta Van Fleet take a close second. 

James Sebastian
Photo Credit: James Sebastian

What is the best thing about being a musician in 2023?

Being active in the age of social media. Thousands of people can hear your music immediately and the challenge is less about getting your music heard and more just making it as good as it can be. 

Is there a certain place you often go to write? E.g a certain room, or environment?

I’ve tried to have a think but I don’t tbink there’s anywhere specific I write… what does tend to happen is I’ll come up with an idea somewhere like the library or midway through a theatre show and I have to sneak off to the toilet for a lil compositional wee break. Rock and roll, eh?

What is your first memory of music? 

I was on a tricycle in my house around 5 years old and Johnny B Goode was on the radio. But I’m still not quite playing guitar like ringing a bell just yet… its more like juggling currently!


Photo Credit: James Sebastian.

James Sebastian, ‘Life’s Tasting Good’

Words By Joey Rochert.

James Sebastian’s latest single, “Life’s Tasting Good,” truly means business. Combining a nostalgic classic rock sound with a modern texture, this track creates a captivating hybrid that demands attention.

The instrumental arrangement adds a layer of quality to the overall experience. The tight drum hits provide a solid foundation, driving the rhythm forward with precision. The potent guitar strikes inject a raw power, complementing James’s vocals flawlessly. Meanwhile, the piercing bass tones add depth and richness to the mix.

“Life’s Tasting Good” stands out not only for its remarkable fusion of styles but also for its undeniable charm. You can check it out below.


Photo Credit: James Sebastian.

Marsha Swanson, ‘In Parallel’

Words By Joey Rochert.

Marsha Swanson, the acclaimed folk artist and winner of multiple awards for her extraordinary talent, is set to make a momentous return to the music industry with her highly-anticipated single, “In Parallel.” Scheduled for release on June 9th, this track marks Swanson’s first musical endeavor in several years, leaving fans eager to immerse themselves in her distinctive sound once again.

For this special release, Swanson enlisted the collaboration of an esteemed team of musicians, including the renowned Henry (King Thumb) Thomas. Widely recognized for his role as a co-presenter and writer contributor of the BBC TV series Rockschool, Thomas’s involvement adds an exciting dynamic to the composition. Together, Swanson and Thomas create a powerful fusion of folk and rock elements that promise to captivate listeners from the very first note.

Recorded at the prestigious Konk Studios, “In Parallel” benefits from the expertise of multi-platinum-selling producer Iestyn Polson. Polson, known for his work with esteemed artists such as David Gray, Patti Smith, and David Bowie, brings his wealth of experience and keen musical sensibilities to the project. The result is a finely crafted piece of music

You can pre-save here.


Photo Credit: Marsha Swanson.

James Sebastian, The Interview Series.

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hello, James, Let’s talk about your new single, ‘Life’s Tasting Good’, what is the meaning? 

Well at the core of it, “Life’s Tasting Good” documents the life of a young rat who dreams of becoming a chef at Auguste Gusteau’s restaurant and tries to achieve his goal by forming an unlikely alliance with… wait, no, sorry, that’s Ratatouille! It’s actually just simply about the joys of life. Because sometimes you need to sit back and appreciate the flavours of the world. 

Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?

Harry Styles has to hold that crown. What he’s done for combining the aura of a retro rockstar with the modern pop scene is right up my alley. Greta Van Fleet take a close second. 

James Sebastian
Photo Credit: James Sebastian.

What is the best thing about being a musician in 2023?

Being active in the age of social media. Thousands of people can hear your music immediately and the challenge is less about getting your music heard and more just making it as good as it can be. 

Is there a certain place you often go to write? E.g a certain room, or environment?

I’ve tried to have a think but I don’t tbink there’s anywhere specific I write… what does tend to happen is I’ll come up with an idea somewhere like the library or midway through a theatre show and I have to sneak off to the toilet for a lil compositional wee break. Rock and roll, eh?

What is your first memory of music? 

I was on a tricycle in my house around 5 years old and Johnny B Goode was on the radio. But I’m still not quite playing guitar like ringing a bell just yet… its more like juggling currently!

Pre-save ‘Life’s Tasting Good’, the new single by James Sebastian here.


Photo Credit: James Sebastian.

4Qua Of OrioN, ‘4QuaZulu’

Words By Joey Rochert.

4Qua Of OrioN’s latest single, ‘4QuaZulu’, showcases the artist’s remarkable growth and talent, solidifying their position in the music industry. With this track, he has successfully blended the infectious rhythms of afro-pop with the contemporary elements of western pop, resulting in a captivating and unique musical experience.

From the moment the song begins, ‘4QuaZulu’ immediately grabs the attention with its pulsating groove. The rhythm is undeniably contagious, making it impossible not to move along with the music. Also, the track boasts a refreshing sound that effortlessly bridges cultural boundaries and appeals to a wide range of listeners.

For us though, what sets this single apart is the sense of journey it takes you on. 4Qua Of OrioN masterfully crafts a sonic landscape that transports you to another world. The catchy melodies and vibrant instrumentation create an immersive experience that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

You can listen below.


Photo Credit: 4Qua Of OrioN.

Thomas Cole, ‘Up In Smoke’

Words By Joey Rochert.

Prepare for the exciting arrival with Thomas Cole’s highly anticipated new release, ‘Up In Smoke’, out on May 19th. This multi-talented artist, known for his acting, modeling, and singing prowess, is about to make yet another grand entrance, igniting the scene with even more intensity. The release also comes with an official video, featuring the charismatic model and former heavyweight boxing champion Rudy Bundini, scheduled to premiere at 9 am ET on the 19th!

‘Up In Smoke’ is sure to captivate and it brings an allure of temptation that will lead you astray, before pulling you back in again! Also, with its pulsating bassline, infectious beats, and soaring vocals, this track instantly grabs the spotlight and refuses to let go.

Pre-order here.


Photo Credit: Thomas Cole.

Zombiero Martin, The Interview Series.

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hello, Let’s talk about your new single, ‘Rotten Circus’, what is the meaning? 

Rotten circus symbolizes a broken pattern. I think it’s important to break patterns, in order to change. This song talks about that change, that broken pattern.  And yet,  the vision of the new pattern is still unclear, still uncertain.

Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?

We really appreciate how prolific the Oh Sees are. We have been trying to write a lot and release a big catalog of material…so that is inspiring. So I guess that is a teaser to the amount of material we have coming down the line 🙂

Zombiero Martin
Photo Credit: Zombiero Martin.

What is the best thing about being a musician in 2023?

The tools that are available to make high quality music on a smaller budget.  How the technology allows us to do so much. Way more than was possible in even the early 2000s. Also the fact that anyone can listen to your stuff at the click of a button is nice.  Labels are not so important in pushing music on your behalf…and the good stuff can sort of rise/float to the top organically.

Is there a certain place you often go to write? E.g a certain room, or environment?

Late at night with in my tiny apartment with my huge amp on the absolute lowest setting so that I don’t wake the annoyed neighbors. Something about the restriction of not being able to let it rip all the time causes me to write better riffs. Then I am not totally relying on the sound of my 2000 Euro amp to make my riffs sound good.  At this low volume the musical content of the riffs has got to be good otherwise the stuff sounds boring.  It’s  a perfect filter.

What is your first memory of music? 

My parents had a favorite vinyl with a folk singer who sang about “boney fingers”.   “something about working your fingers to the bone”.  I remember  putting that vinyl in my mouth a few times to chew the corner.


Photo Credit: Zombiero Martin.