Ervin Munir, ‘Felixstowe’

Ervin Munir

Words By Joey Rochert.

Ervin Munir, Norfolk’s very own folk trailblazer welcomes us to his new release, ‘Felixstowe’. Well, Ervin, you have us gripping to this one! Gifted with an ability to tell stories through his music, Ervin’s heartfelt message sends shivers down my spine as he speaks about breakups and the realities of losing a loved one; his storyline really hits me deep!

The music is slightly different to what we have heard before from Ervin. The press release states that this track actually came to life after Ervin was inspired by the chords of ‘Old Man’ by Neil Young. Yes, I can hear that slightly, but this has ended up a very unique piece in its own right. The music here is really really good! In fact, I would be brave enough to say that it may be my favourite song from Ervin Munir.

You can take a listen below.

Photo Credit: Ervin Munir.

North Ship, ‘It Looked Like Rain’

North Ship

Words By Joey Rochert.

Bold as you like, North Ship from Copenhagen rock up with new album, ‘It Looked Like Rain’. From the first spin, this album proves to be one to keep close. The album starts with the title track, a massive stadium filling overture fills our ears ahead of a catchy verse driven by contagious vocal melodies.

Into ‘Scent’, a single the band had previously released and here we come to realise that this two piece are not giving half measures. They have their talents synergising with a sound which could easily be compared to that of those towering at the top of the charts. ‘Good and Gone’ is a personal favourite of mine. It has a quirky edge to it with syncopated drum strikes and a bold instrumental.

The album wraps up with ‘From the Living’, a track which sums the record up perfectly with its silky-smooth guitar riffs and thought-provoking storyline.

You can stream below.

Photo Credit: North Ship

EMG Group, The Interview Series.

Evan

A recent interview with Evan from Experience Music Group.

Hello, Evan. Can you share a pivotal moment or experience that sparked your interest in music and ultimately led you to pursue it as a career?

Have you ever heard of the French phrase ‘coup de foudre?’ It literally means hit by lightning. My ‘coup de foudre’ moment came from my deep love for the fusion of music and film. It struck me like lightning during my teenage years when I first experienced the transformative power of OMD’s ‘If You Leave’ soundtrack in the iconic prom scene of John Hughes’ ‘Pretty In Pink.’ That moment ignited a passion within me for the magic of music in storytelling. It was this fascination with the emotional impact of soundtracked moments that inspired me to establish my own music licensing, artist development, and digital marketing agency. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to work alongside up-and-coming artists, guiding them in shaping their brands and careers, and helping them share their unique voices with the world.

Who is your favorite musician of all time?

My favorite band of all time is the legendary band Queen. Their impact on the music industry is unparalleled, marked by hit singles, electrifying live performances, and a trailblazing originality that continues to inspire generations. What sets Queen apart for me is their ability to leverage the unique personalities of each member to create a sound that transcends genres and defines an era. Their authenticity, emotion, and boundless energy shine through in every song, making them timeless icons. Freddy Mercury’s unbelievable vocal range and Brian May’s unmistakable guitar riffs are just a few reasons why Queen’s music resonates with me so deeply. Their collaborative songwriting approach, with hits penned by different band members, exemplifies their diverse talent and collective genius.

Music has the power to shape cultures and societies. Can you discuss a specific movement in music history that has profoundly influenced you, and why it resonates with you?

Music has always been a profound force in shaping cultures and societies, and for me, one movement in music history stands out: the rise of iconic film scores in the 1980s. Growing up during this era, I was completely entranced by blockbuster movies like Star Wars, Superman, Raiders of the Lost Ark and E.T., which were not only visually stunning but also accompanied by unforgettable musical compositions. Listening to the scores from these films was like a magical journey back to the sense of wonder and excitement that defined my childhood. One particular experience that has stayed with me was attending a live performance by John Williams at The Hollywood Bowl. Seeing him conduct the scores of these beloved films brought the music to life in a way that was incredibly powerful and deeply resonant. It reinforced the transformative power of music and its ability to evoke emotions and memories, leaving an indelible mark on my appreciation for the art form.

What is the best thing about working in the music industry?

The best thing about working in the music industry, for me, is the opportunity to help artists discover their “why” and guide them in shaping their careers. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about being a part of an artist’s journey, witnessing their growth, and helping them share their unique voice with the world. Whether it’s assisting in defining their brand, refining their messaging, or navigating the complexities of the industry, the ability to make a meaningful impact on an artist’s career trajectory is both rewarding and inspiring.

Photo Credit: Evan (EMG).

Ervin Munir, The Interview Series.

Ervin Munir

Hello, Ervin! What inspired the theme of seizing opportunities and pursuing aspirations in “Chase The Moon,” and how does it resonate with your personal experiences?

This song reflects my music career to date. To make it in the music business you need to take risks artistically and physically (by putting yourself out here) to create a unique impression and to get known. Fear is what has held me back in the past and I feel like I’m finally conquering it. 

Can you walk us through the creative process behind “Chase The Moon,” from its inception to its final production?

The trigger for this song was a thriller series I was watching on Sky TV. The protagonist said “Let’s chase the moon” or something like that. I stopped watching and went immediately to my studio and began writing. 

I hit on a theme of travelling to exotic places as a metaphor for taking risks, and began writing the lyrics. I felt that it needed to be a simply structured song to more easily get the message across. 

I sang a melody in my head for the first line and a chord sequence emerged.

It was one of my quicker songs to write. 

Collaborations often bring fresh perspectives and new dimensions to music. How did working with Aeron Z Jones on lap steel and mandolin accompaniments influence the sound and feel of “Chase The Moon”?

I play this song live a lot, so I was already happy with the acoustic version. But Aeron’s sensitive playing of the mandolin and especially the lap-steel guitar gave the studio version much more depth and interest. He also played a bit of classical guitar on it I think and that little solo is really nice. I really like working with Aeron in the studio. I recommend him.

“Chase The Moon” seems to mark a significant evolution in your musical style. Could you share any intentional artistic choices or explorations you made in this single that differ from your previous releases?

It’s one of those things that I don’t want to investigate in depth because it feels fragile and I might break it. I haven’t done anything consciously to change my musical style. 

That said, these days  I am more willing to explore sounds beyond the acoustic soundscape I usually use. This doesn’t really show itself so much in “Chase the Moon” but is more obvious in some of the other singles, and the album, I’ll be releasing later this year. 

With the release of “Chase The Moon” and the promise of more music to come, what overarching message or journey do you hope to convey to your audience through your upcoming releases, including the anticipated second album?

I think people will see an evolution in style over time, and like both the stuff on “Broken Compass” (2023), and the stuff on the new album. Most people that follow me know I am on a journey and they have been impressed with what they have heard so far. I hope they continue to follow me as I take more risks and chase the moon on this journey. 

Photo Credit: Ervin Munir.

Marsha Swanson, The Interview Series.

Marsha

Marsha, your album ‘Near Life Experience’ has been celebrated for its emotional depth. Can you share with us the personal journey or experiences that inspired the creation of ‘Love’s Not Late’?

This song was originally written as an ode to my mum for her 70th birthday celebration. I wanted to deliver a timely message of love that could properly capture the key values that I had learned from her. One of these was the value of creativity as an essential life force. The other was the high priority she placed on being a mother. The original first lyric of the song was “You taught me how to be a mother”. Later, when Producer Henry Thomas chose it for inclusion on the album, we agreed to change the lyric in order to broaden its relevance to “you taught me how to love another”. Whilst all love, including romantic love can equip us with the deepest fundamentals needed for approaching life and all its hardships, there is something unique about a mothers love in terms of its unilateral beginnings. It is how we first learn to love when we are dependent and do not know how. This has an extra societal relevance because if we have learned it from our earliest beginnings we have a ready-made blueprint for easier repetition later in life. It’s never too late to learn later of course, it’s just harder than for those lucky enough to have been born into it.

Critics have praised your ability to convey deep emotional themes through your music, particularly in ‘Love’s Not Late.’ Can you walk us through your creative process when tackling such profound subjects?

My process for this song was slightly atypical in that I knew the theme I wanted to write about before sitting at the piano. This is opposed to the majority of songs which start with me discovering the theme via finding the chords that feel emotionally in synch or a good match with how I’m feeling. The process of writing the lyrics is the same for me the majority of the time.  I sing whatever sounds come into my head whilst forming the melody and then I pay close attention to the first words that emerge from free association. I suppose it is the singing equivalent of the psychological mental process that occurs in therapy. The rest of the song normally flows after those first lyrics have crystalized and then I can start to shape it from there.

In ‘Love’s Not Late,’ you explore the theme of love as a healing force in the face of life’s uncertainties. How do you envision your music impacting listeners on a personal level?

I can only extrapolate from the purpose that it served me when writing it. If it helped me to get something universal but complex clearer in my mind, I can hold the possibility that it might do that for someone else. I am always interested to know whether others connected to any aspects of it whether lyrically or musically and I would anticipate that it would be interpreted in a variety of different ways. 

The instrumentation in ‘Love’s Not Late’ is rich and dynamic, with layers of piano, strings, and a spirited guitar solo. Could you elaborate on how you collaborate with your musicians to achieve such a vibrant and cohesive sound?

On a practical level, a lot of this is down to what happens in the pre-production stages. There is a long process of song shaping, honing and structure before introducing other instruments.  The first band rehearsals are primarily dedicated to the rhythm section. The recording stage which follows is where other instruments are introduced into the arrangements such as the guitar and strings. A vocal guide is laid down for the band to mirror the emotional map of intensity and then choices are made over where to bring the instruments in and out. We will be looking at where to build the track and where to create more space according to the narrative. Vocal harmonies are added to enhance particular lyrics and everything is refined further once again at the mixing stage. On top of this process, the performance of the musicians is very much down to their emotional sensibilities as well as the relationships between band members which all goes into the final mix! This particular group of musicians were chosen for their capacity to lend themselves to the key communication and message of the song as much as for their technical abilities.

Photo Credit: Marsha Swanson.

Julia Thomsen, ‘Eternal Love Acoustic Guitar’

Julia Thomsen

Words By Emily Kowalczyk.

Julia Thomsen’s ‘Eternal Love Acoustic Guitar’ performed by the Strings of Light is like entering a spiritual haven. Listening to the opener takes me away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and into a serene and peaceful realm.

The gentle tunes soothe my soul, luring me to take a deep breath and revel in the splendour of the here and now. A picture of limitless love and everlasting grace is painted with every string sweep and pluck of the guitar, adding to the emotional canvas.

I feel enveloped in a tranquil embrace, where worries melt away and contentment fills my being. Because of its profound simplicity and exquisite beauty, the song touches me on a profound level.

You can take a listen below. Hopefully, you get the same feeling as I did!

Photo Credit: Julia Thomsen.

Ervin Munir, ‘Chase The Moon’

Ervin Munir

Words By Emily Kowalczyk.

I recently got sent Ervin Munir’s latest track, “Chase The Moon,” and it’s left a strong mark on me. With each strum of Ervin’s acoustic guitar, I felt myself drawn deeper into the wall of sound he delivers. Also, what sets this track apart is the accompaniment of Aeron Z Jones’ lap steel and mandolin.

Their collaboration is one to rave about! it breaths new life into Ervin’s already distinctive playing style. Moreover, the interplay between the instruments adds layers of depth and texture, elevating each track to new heights.

As someone who’s been a fan since Ervin’s “She Never Made Old Bones” days, I can confidently say that “Chase The Moon” is a bold step forward in his musical journey. It’s a track that demands to be listened to, not just heard, and one that will linger in your mind long after the final chord fades away.

You can stream below.

Photo Credit: Ervin Munir

Quique Gomez and Little Charlie Baty, ‘Cookin’ At Greaseland’

Gulf Coast Records

Words By Emily Kowalczyk.

As “Cookin’ At Greaseland” roars onto the scene, brace yourself for a cacophony of auditory pleasures! Thanks to Gulf Coast Records, this newest masterpiece by the dynamic duo of Quique Gomez and Little Charlie Baty—along with the musical talents of Kid Andersen and Alexander Pettersen—is set to be released on April 26th, 2024.

“Cookin’ At Greaseland” is a passionate and heartfelt tribute to the great Little Charlie Baty, who passed away too soon. This album, compiled and produced by Kid Andersen, takes listeners on a whirlwind tour through a wide range of musical styles, from infectious jump tracks to heartfelt blues ballads. The magic that happens when talent, passion, and new ideas meet is captured on every note.

The lead track, “Thirstiest Man In Town,” which is currently available, instantly grabs your attention! In this track, you can feel the soul-wrenching agony expressed through the haunting harmonica, while Gomez’s vocals, laden with pain, unveil the essence of human existence. Baty’s guitar work adds a compelling mix of raw emotion and polished technique, intensifying the themes of hopelessness and redemption. And let’s not forget about Andersen’s performance—it’s simply mesmerizing, capturing every subtle nuance and whisper of despair with crystalline clarity and depth. It’s truly remarkable.

You can stream “Thirstiest Man In Town” below.

Photo Credit: Gulf Coast Records.

Cloud, ‘Room’

Cloud

Words By Emily Kowalczyk.

‘Room’ by Cloud beckons us into a transcendental voyage where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur into a kaleidoscope of sound. The opening guitar lures us in like a siren’s call, setting the stage for an adventure into the depths of musical enchantment.

But ‘Room’ is not content to merely captivate; it evolves, it transforms. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Cloud’s vitality infuses every note, guiding the track through a metamorphosis that leaves you spellbound. Each layer of sound is crafted with precision, building upon the last to create a symphony of color and texture that dances in your mind’s eye.

And just when you think you’ve reached the pinnacle, ‘Room’ ascends even higher, reaching a radiant crescendo that defies description.

You can stream below.

Photo Credit: Cloud

Julia Thomsen, ‘Beauty’

Julia Thomsen

Words By Joey Rochert.

In the ethereal expanse of classical composition, where each note is a brushstroke upon the canvas of the soul, Julia Thomsen’s ‘Beauty’ emerges as a serene gem, resonating with the tender essence of spring.

With delicate keystrokes, Thomsen paints a landscape of tranquility, inviting us to wander through the verdant pastures of our imagination. The piano becomes her vessel, carrying emotions as fragile as blossoms in the breeze, each melody a whispered secret shared with the heart.

As the first strains of “Beauty” unfurl, one cannot help but be enveloped by a sense of serenity, as if the very essence of spring has been captured within its melodic embrace. “Beauty” also finds its home amidst the celestial gathering of talents in “Harmonies of WoMen,” a compilation album celebrating the prowess of female pianists from across the globe.

You can take a listen below.

Photo Credit: Julia Thomsen.