Saskia Griffiths-Moore & Chandra Chakraborty, ‘Together in Love and Separation’

Words By Joey Rochert.

The new piece that Chandra Chakraborty and Saskia Griffiths-Moore have created, entitled ‘Together in Love and Separation’ has us completely enthralled. This album is incredibly euphoric in every way imaginable, and the duo’s ability to combine western and Indian musical traditions into a single piece is truly remarkable.

@ Rupert Hitchcox.

Vocally, both of them fly with unparalleled assurance, and they captivate us with every movement of their timbre when they are performing. The new album brings a classical aura that derives mainly from the traditional music of India, but it also includes layers of current and nostalgic folk music from the west, which adds additional flair and excitement to the overall experience.

There are a total of eight tracks on the album, and every one of them contributes something novel to the music industry. Because of this, you will not want to miss them performing live on July 19 at Cecil Sharpe House in London alongside the renowned London Chamber Orchestra, which will be led by Úna Palliser.

More information on the show at Cecil Sharpe House can be found here.


Photo Credit: Rupert Hitchcox.

Kingdumb, ‘Basic’

Words By Joey Rochert.

We are all dancing frantically around the room to the most recent offering from Kingdumb, ‘Basic’. The prolific rate at which the music producer is putting out new songs for us to enjoy hints at the enormous discography that he possesses.

Kingdumb
@ Kingdumb.

The song ‘Eastern Peak’, which also makes its debut, has a vibe that is somewhat different to ‘Basic’ but yet works nicely alongside it. It is clear that Kingdumb is driven by his passion for electro, and if he continues to hit all of the right notes—which he is—it is only a matter of time before he competes with the most accomplished players in the game.


Photo Credit: Kingdumb.

Little Moses Jones, The Interview Series.

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hello, Moses, Let’s talk about your new single, ‘City Or Country’, what is the meaning?

City Or Country is a song that gives you great examples of what it’s like in the city and country. Which one do you like? City Or Country?

Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?

Laura Pausini, Stevie Wonder, Bruno Mars, Earth Wind & Fire

Little Moses Jones
Little Moses Jones

What is the best thing about being a musician in 2022?

The best thing about being a musician in 2022 is that we are getting the live music scene back, and the support from the fans!

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

There is no certain place I write in, but wherever I write, it must be peaceful with no distractions. I love writing in the mountains!

What is your first memory of music? 

My first memory of music was when I was on stage with my dad at 4 years old dancing to him play the blues and the Joker outfit my dad wore with the little balls on the shoes and face paint. I didn’t know what to think about it, but I knew it was fun:)


Photo Credit: Little Moses Jones.

Spider Plant, ‘Mountain’

Words By Joey Rochert.

Spider Plant goes old school with his new release, ‘Mountain’. The producer delves into a new area of music production and rises with a baroque-style electronic fused cocktail, one we were not expecting but a track which we have been clinging to since its arrival!

Spider Plant
@ Spider Plant.

The producer incorporates modern sounds with a nostalgic foundation, and the result is breathtaking. It is difficult not to sway to the relaxing aura the track emits, and it’s proof that Spider Plant can just about turn his hand to anything.


Photo Credit: Spider Plant.

Hank Quillen, ‘Treading Water’

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hank Quillen takes us on an unforgettable indie-rock expedition with his new single, ‘Treading Water’. The track is out now on streaming platforms, and we cannot get enough of it!

Hank Quillen
@ Hank Quillen.

The singer-songwriter has been honing his craft for several years, and his hard work and determination pays off handsomely with this release. Vocally, he stands out with distinction and keeps his influences subtle. Also, the music offers plenty with unique elements leaping out of the production as it progresses.


Photo Credit: Hank Quillen.

Rofi James, ‘Who Am I To You’

Words By Joey Rochert.

With their latest single, ‘Who Am I To You?’ the Irish band Rofi James deliver the uplifting indie-pop listeners are looking for right now!

Rofi James
@ Rofi James.

The three-piece indie band is rising rapidly and bursting through with vigour! They unleash all of the passion that they have into the mixture, and it causes the levels of energy to soar to unprecedented heights. They captivate vocally with a style that many people will quickly equate to that of the most accomplished performers in the business. Also, the music keeps our focus from start to finish.


Photo Credit: Rofi James.

Spectral Display, The Interview Series.

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hello, Michel, Let’s talk about your new single, ‘Back On My Feet’, what is the meaning? 

Basically about the difficult time most people have had because of the pandemic. Finally being able to go out again to clubs, concerts and theatre again.

Which artists in the current industry inspire you the most?

Freemasons, Daft Punk, Mark Ronson, Diplo, Sia

What is the best thing about being a musician in 2022?

Being able to connect with artists all over the world and record with them in their own studio, sending material back and forth.

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

Mainly I write behind a keyboard in my studio, where it’s quiet, right in the middle of Amsterdam and where I can record ideas straight away.

What is your first memory of music? 

That would be in the dance studio of my aunt, who taught modern dance.


Photo Credit: Spectral Display.

Little Moses Jones, ‘City Or Country’

Words By Joey Rochert.

‘City Or Country,’ by Little Moses Jones, is overflowing with feel-good vibes. Moses hits it out of the park with his captivating performance in the new release, which stands out from the first encounter.

Little Moses Jones
@ Little Moses Jones.

Little Moses Jones, who fuses current funk with nostalgic RnB, gives way out of our times’ chaos, and his energy levels grow contagious as he advances through his set. The vocals are on par with the best in the business, and the music leaves an indelible mark.


Photo Credit: Little Moses Jones.

Guy Hale, The Interview Series.

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hello, Guy, Let’s talk about your new novel, ‘Killing Me Softly’, if you could sum it up in one sentence what would it be?

Singer accidently kills girlfriend, writes great song, gets haunted by girlfriend. They all live happily ever after!

Killing Me Softly
Killing Me Softly. Book Cover.

Which authors in the current industry inspire you the most?

Ben Aaronovitch, his Rivers of London series is great storytelling with a strong seam of humour running through it. Mick Herron, Slough House Series are great Spy thrillers filled with great characters and a sparkling of brilliant humour. Archer Mayor writes fantastic gritty police procedurals set in Vermont. Joe Gunther his hero really needs to be turned into a TV series. There are many writers that l greatly admire but these three would top my list at the moment.

Guy Hale
Guy Hale.

What is the best thing about being an author in 2022?

The best thing about being an author in 2022 is that its not 2020 or 2021 so there is a chance to get out there and meet your readers. Apart from Covid restrictions easing with so many ways of getting your book out into the public domain there really never has been a better time to be a writer. There has also never been a more competitive time to be a writer, but hey, you can’t have everything!

Guy Hale
Guy Hale

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

I am very lucky to live in a house in rural Worcestershire set in five acres on the side of a hill. I have a nice two hundred yard walk up to my writing office, set at the top of the hill, with views out over four counties. A great place to clear the mind and to be uninterrupted by the modern world.

What is your first memory of music novels?

I don’t really think it’s a music novel but Jazz is woven into the fabric of Ben Aaronovitchs Rivers of London series. The London Jazz scene from the sixties right through to the current day pervades the story and gives it a great back beat.

More information regarding the book can be found here.


Photo Credit: Guy Hale.

Karuna, The Interview Series.

Words By Joey Rochert.

Hello, Abi, What is the meaning of the two new singles?

“Tipping Point” is all about the environmental crisis that we are living through. It points out the issues- deserts growing, forests burning, species decline, and mass migration of people as a result of desertification. 

I hope to emotively move people’s hearts towards caring, considered action in their worlds of work and influence so we can work together before it is too late. There is a need for us not to stand alone but work together with wisdom in the biggest collective crisis we all face. Together we can make a difference- actions are taken from concern, care and joined-up thinking. This is the meaning of Tipping Point.

“Shape of Water” is about the inner qualities we need to develop as humans to thrive through this crisis, not just survive. For this crisis to shape us into something more evolved than what we are. We need to take on the flexibility of water, and develop the powers of listening, watching and loving at a deeper “meta” level. We need to be innovative in our thinking and above all consider each other and other species as worthy of care and fairness. If we develop these qualities even a little bit then we can make everything around us a little bit better and the world a more beautiful, healthy place.

Which artist in the current industry inspires you the most? 

All kinds of people for very different reasons!  Amongst them: Alt J, because they push the envelope musically and combine unusual musical ideas, Lau because they push folk music into new areas, Dakha Braka – a Ukrainian band, because they are wonderfully creative and inventive and have such wonderful close harmonies, Sam Lee, folk musician, for his conscious use of his art to make a positive difference in the world.

Karuna
Abigail Rooley-Towle.

What is the best thing about being a musician in 2022? 

This is a tricky one! I think musicians have the opportunity to be conscience questioners and light-bringers! There is so much in the world that can be looked at in this way, that there is no end of material to write/sing about. The world needs change and music and art can be used as a gentle catalyst to encourage this.

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

This is very prosaic- my kitchen! I often start the songwriting process when I am making family suppers. I take a kernel of an idea that has caught my attention during the day and then play with it in an improvised way whilst I am chopping the vegetables. Then I write it down and let it grow from there.

What is your first memory of music? 

This is a very hard one as I grew up in a family of early music musicians, so music was around me all the time. We didn’t have a tv and rarely listened to the radio, so music was a totally live experience. I remember colouring in pictures whilst listening to my dad practice his lute fantasias. The sound of early music has become absorbed in my work as a result.


Photo Credit: Karuna.