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Live Review: In The Flesh with Nai Palm

Australian jazz neo-soul artist Nai Palm takes to Koko, Camden, for her first solo show in London.

‘I’ve had a shit day.’

Nai Palm took center stage for her London show at Koko, walking into the spotlight of an intimate room sporting a sequined leotard whilst clasping her flying v style guitar. She thanked the audience for choosing to be there on a night where London’s venues were saturated with many other great musicians; such as her fellow friend and jazz fusion artist Thundercat. Before the show began, she told the crowd she’d had a shit day and told the lighting guy to ‘fuck off the spotlight, I’m a diva about diva shit.’ with her sassy Australian demeanour.

She remained solo for the entire night, her latest album being only vocals and guitar. She performed through her signature busy chord changes and unique vocal inflections fans will be familiar with. Her personal performance was laced with new material, Hiatus Kaiyote (her band) songs and creative covers of classics. Nai Palm manages to cover songs in a way that pays great tribute to the original as well as completely shining through with her own artistry, you would think the songs hers if you didn’t know the originals. Her performance of Electric Ladyland was a steal of the night. Another killer rendition was of I Know You, I Live You. The whole building laughed when she insulted a cover she had seen of another Chaka Khan song, mimicking a posh British accent whilst pathetically singing ‘ain’t nobody’ before exhaling ‘get fucked, if you’re going to cover Chaka Khan, you have to give it some juice.’

There were intervals of bullying the lighting engineer. ‘I can’t see my guitar’ when the orange lights came on and ‘turn your glitter ball thing on or something’. Eventually, the lighting engineer opted for some pink lights, and did turn the glitter ball thing on. The room turned into a night sky, we were the darkness characterised by star-like spots from the reflection of the ball and there stood this space-angel-goddess singing to everyone on stage.

Brought from her previous Hiatus Kaiyote work, the stand out tracks had to be Nakamarra and Breathing Underwater. The crowd sang the songs in a choral unison that echoed throughout the venue and Nai Palm grinned whilst adding harmonies over the crowds melody, bringing quite a divine energy to the already mystical air.

Nai Palm’s soulful raspy voice transmitted itself through every individual that night. Nearer the end, she lit some incense which quickly filled the nostrils of the front half the venue. She apologised for ‘not bringing the fire’ and for ‘giving the lighting guy shit.’

Nonsense. How everyone that night was divinely blessed within her Crossfire, even the lighting guy.

- Aurora Wolff

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Album Review: Has Taylor Swift just destroyed her Reputation?

Taylor Swift’s Reputation could be in trouble as she has slowly evolved away from any remaining hint of semi-country style for her latest album.

Taylor Swift used to be my guilty pleasure.

‘Ready For It?’ is the first track in question, and no, you’re probably not ready. Swift’s latest album drags over 15 songs that all sound fairly similar. Country girl gone bad, the closest thing to a guitar on the album is Ed Sheeran’s appearance on ‘End Game’.

Over the years Taylor has been attacked by the media for writing too many songs about her failed relationships. She has been poised to look like a psychotic ex-girlfriend gone rogue by the media. Branded as the bitch who throws shade on everyone. She’s even readily made fun of the persona media have appointed her over the years herself in her last album, 1989.

At least those songs were good. Tay-Tay was at top of her game, winning in an industry full of losers. In 2016 she was the highest paid artist of the year, according to billboard. And 1989 was cool. The lack of guitars that she previously sported were replaced with slick production and fun, bouncy songs like Shake It Off. So we forgave her, and awaited her next instalment on boyfriend woes with eager ears.

Enter late 2017, and we have an album with a beginning track that sounds like the trailer to a homemade thriller.  With questionable rhyme schemes, cramming in lyrics and sub par white noise inspired production; Taylor has aimed for edgy and landed on cringe. She’s gone from accepting her goofiness to wearing a facade of attempted sexy and delivered an album full of not-so-hidden meanings. We get it Taylor, you hate everyone and want to shout about it. I’m sure the West’s are losing sleep.

Perhaps the highlight of the album would be the entertainment value of people’s initial reactions to the single ‘Look What You Made Me Do.’ The video is full of metaphors and had a budget that would’ve been better spent on something else.

A Swift change in sound to her previous work; this attempt has been poorly executed and done so with little conviction. The album would perhaps be better received including a certificate of authenticity, as you certainly will question if this truly is the Taylor you loved to hate and hated to love.

- Aurora Wolff

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Feature Article Interview: Introducing BRUCH

An insight to emerging artist BRUCH and how she’s carving her way into the industry with a raw ethereal sound.

Every so often at the badly organised events to showcase the latest hoard of Ed Sheeran’s, the air becomes settled with a magical energy that shoots through the night. This would be a night when emerging artist BRUCH (pronounced Brook) blesses the lineup, perhaps a rare occasion reserved for the near future as Bruch is bound for bigger things in her career.

Making her launch into the eyes of the public this year, BRUCH released her debut single ‘Nature’s Word’ in May which was followed by an equally captivating video. It is no secret that nature is a very important element of BRUCH’s life, clearly demonstrated through her organic sounding music and natural yet classy aesthetic. The influence behind this video lay in her admiration for the world we live in:

“however much we care for nature, it will always do it's own thing, we can't tame or domesticated it like an animal”

Her genuine empathy and connection to the world we live in is demonstrated in a beautifully passionate and captivating way. The kind of music you would want to listen to whilst gazing out the window on a long train journey through the countryside, feeling appreciation for life itself.  

Though she dreams of supporting Bjork on tour, she recently supported fellow artist and inspiration Sudan Archives at the Camden Assembly. Another eclectic musician, BRUCH admires her uniqueness and ability to be so self-sufficient at creating and showcasing her own ideas. It is no doubt that these two could make for a powerful co-write if the chance surfaced.

BRUCH’s music is refreshingly unique, drawing in influences from Celtic and Pagan folk to create an ethereal sound, as well as Nordic and orchestral music. As an early violinist and passionate cellist, it’s clear to see how her individualism has developed over time to create such a different sound.

“I have come to get really into Celtic and Pagan folk, as well as orchestral genres, which weave their way into my songwriting.”

Her plethora of skills do not stop there. BRUCH is a self-producing artist, she has learnt what she has in a short space of time and loves playing around with synth sounds.

“It's also just so rewarding to know that you've created something from scratch without any outside help, and all of the ideas are purely from your heart.”

Whilst not totally unheard of it is not everyday you get such an all round talent, she believes producing her own music is an important element of her sound:

“I think it's a really vital element in my music as it creates the type of ethereal sound I am looking for.”

BRUCH has made a strong debut in a short space, with a live delivery comparable to those who have been in the game for much longer. A spiritual performer, her stage presence is mesmerising to watch as she winds her arms and body amongst the smoke and lights.

“It's a very natural and spiritual experience for me being on stage.”

Her sound and performance style reflects her inspirations such as Bjork, Aurora and Sigrid, in a way that pays great homage to these creatives whilst keeping a unique fingerprint in her artistic identity.

A summer of festivals, BRUCH graced the stages at Victorious Festival and Always The Sun. Her praise extended to the BBC Introducing community, who have invited BRUCH in for a live lounge in the new year.

Whilst BRUCH’s favourite escape might be in the evening woods to bask in the moonlight, she certainly isn’t an artist that will be be hard to find. Her next single ‘Welcome’ will be available in the coming few weeks alongside her new range of merchandise, just in time for Christmas. This raw and extraordinary talent’s career certainly won’t be an Empty Land.

- Aurora Wolff

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Opinion Piece: From meme to rapper, Bhad Bhabie.

A glimpse into the girl behind the meme and catchphrase ‘catch me outside’ and how something silly she said on TV has rocketed her career as a rap artist.

I’m sure most people have seen that clip from Dr. Phil, where a rude red-headed girl gets all sassy,  unknowing that she would go viral or become a meme for the rest of time. That was Danielle Bregoli, a.k.a Bhad Bhabie , and this year Danielle signed a record deal.

“Bregoli is no ordinary meme, however.” - The Daily Dot

When I found this out, I was ready to slam everything about her in less than 500 words. I was ready to rant about how unfair it is that someone could make a living as a result of being rude to their mother on television. That someone who probably has no talent and is a badly behaved brat shouldn’t be allowed to make money from music just because they went viral for literally being a talk show tv bitch. Also, who calls themselves ‘Bhad Bhabie’? What does that even say?! (It says ‘bad baby’)

Yet here I am researched up, ready to go, and I don’t want to hate on Danielle. Neither should you, and here’s why.

She’s just a kid. Danielle, or Bhad Bhabie should I say, is only 14. She was 13 when she went on Dr. Phil, and she looks a lot older so who would’ve guessed. As soon as I found this out, my previous feelings quickly settled down. She is a child! Suddenly I felt like this girl just needed Jesus or Yoga, whatever you’re into.

She’s trying and is a child of circumstance. After doing a bit more research, I found out she went to a rehab camp to improve her behaviour after her TV appearance, and apparently did really well. I also discovered that her parents had a long history of abuse accusations towards each other, even towards Danielle. There’s a video of her mum roughing her around on youtube. Her dad was never about and has just resurfaced after her fame. Her family is clearly dysfunctional, and she has been in the middle of this.

She’s kind of funny. After these discoveries, I started to feel empathetic towards Danielle, and this is before I watched a video of her reacting to ‘reaction videos’ of her songs. Dare I say that I found myself laughing with her, turns out she’s actually quite funny; and I’m glad she responded to what was essentially internet bullying with humour, as we’ve all seen that end far worse in the past.

“You’re calling me out for autotune, tell me what fucking rapper doesn’t use the slightest bit of autotune, please let me fucking know”

Her music isn’t even that bad. So, after developing a soft spot for Danielle, I still expected her music to be a little bit shit at best. I scoffed at the name ‘These Heaux’ (pronounced ‘These Hoes’) and gave it a listen. I waited for 3 minutes and 2 seconds for a nightmare inducing horror to start, it never happened. This style of hip hop isn’t for everyone, but if you like that genre then you’ll probably like her songs. It turns out that she signed a multi-million dollar record deal with Atlantic Records after that release, a label home to Bruno Mars and Coldplay. Right? I know exactly what facial expression you are pulling right now because I pulled it too. They are quoted to say she has ‘undeniable talent’. Whilst I don’t think Danielle will be writing any love songs with award winning lyrics any time soon, she’s not the worst thing I’ve ever heard.

'A Real Star With Undeniable Talent,'  - Atlantic Records Label Executive

So there you have it. My journey from hater to fan, and why you shouldn’t hate Danielle Bregoli either. Catch me outside, how bow dat!

- Aurora Wolff

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Media Plan + PR Strategy

The Pitch

Dear Mike Williams,

I am a music journalist with a close link to an incredible new artist, they are about to be huge. One of your journalists even said so themselves. Yungblud is the artist in question. A solo act poised as a three piece that have been making waves in the underground music scene. Since recently signing onto Interscope Records in the states, home of Nirvana, labels have been practically throwing themselves at them.

My idea? Create a throwback of the classic movie, ‘Almost Famous’; where I follow Yungblud around ‘behind the scenes’ for a day of their tour to write a tour diary style feature article on this upcoming modern legend. I would integrate an interview and talk about their live show as well as introducing the band in the article. I would take photos and would make a short ‘Backstage with Yungblud’ video where I could include a few clips from pre-show, during show and after.

I think this article would be great for the Emerging Artist’s page at NME. Yungblud have an old-school alternative indie-rock sound with a vibe and ethos that can only be described as authentic. Having such a raw take of an emerging artist of such sorts, as hot as Yungblud are right now, would be great for your magazine. Their next London date is Thursday 1st February 2018 and I could have it written up within 24-48 hours.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Kind Regards,

Vez Maxwell (Aurora Wolff)

Biography

I am an avid musician and songwriter. This love for telling stories through music and words has transmitted into a love that I am channeling through music journalism.

In the latter half of this year I began this blog, as well as joining a team of writers at my university for coldturkeymusic.wordpress.com, where I am author in charge of opinion pieces. I also write quarterly blog posts for the Freddie Mercury website as I was the first winner of the Freddie Mercury Scholarship. The latter of these are written in first person.

My favourite genres are alternative and indie, with some of my favourite artists including Sticky Fingers, Hiatus Kaiyote, Paramore, alt-j, Maggie Rogers and Tame Impala. I grew up listening to alternative/pop-rock music and buying copious amounts of copies of NME and Kerrang! in my teen years.

The publications I am in favour of targeting are NME, Noisey, Drowned in Sound, The Guardian and Pitchfork.

I couple of ideas for publications that I’ve had include:

Tour Playlists, each week having a playlist that’s been compiled by a touring band/artist, not restricted to a genre.

Disposable Days: Give touring bands disposable cameras and upload some of the best ones with their track of the week

Underground: Review for a band of the week from small local venues, bands that don’t have much exposure but are spotted at smaller gigs

Young Person of the Month: Aimed for NME as wouldn’t need to be restricted to music. Examples such as Grace VanderWaal, Finn Wolfhard

The Rise Of: A regular article that details the rise of a band and their history

Contacts for Potential Publications:

NME

Editor in Chief: Mike Williams

Editor’s PA: Lauren Cunningham - lauren.cunningham@timeinc.com

Pitchfork

Executive Editor: Mark Richardson - markr@pitchfork.com

Noisey

Editor in Chief: Eric Sundermann - eric.sundermann@vice.com

Drowned in Sound

Editor/Founder: Sean Adams - sean@drownedinsound.com

The Guardian

Music Editor: Tim Jonze - tim.jonze@guardian.co.uk

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Bibliography

Artists.nme.com. (2017). Emerging Artists – NME Artist Services. [online] Available at: https://artists.nme.com/artists/ [Accessed 12 Dec. 2017].

Bruchmusic.com. (2017). Bruch | Music. Life. Nature.. [online] Available at: http://www.bruchmusic.com/ [Accessed 12 Dec. 2017].

DrownedInSound. (2017). Drowned In Sound. [online] Available at: http://drownedinsound.com/ [Accessed 12 Dec. 2017].

Hiatus Kaiyote. (2017). Hiatus Kaiyote. [online] Available at: http://hiatuskaiyote.com/ [Accessed 12 Dec. 2017].

Noisey. (2017). Noisey. [online] Available at: https://noisey.vice.com/en_uk [Accessed 12 Dec. 2017].

the Guardian. (2017). News, sport and opinion from the Guardian's UK edition | The Guardian. [online] Available at: http://www.theguardian.com/uk [Accessed 12 Dec. 2017].

Union, W. (2017). Taylor Swift. [online] Taylor Swift. Available at: http://www.taylorswift.com [Accessed 12 Dec. 2017].

Variety. (2017). ‘Cash Me Outside’ Girl Signs With Atlantic Records: ‘A Real Star With Undeniable Talent,’ Says Label Executive. [online] Available at: http://variety.com/2017/music/news/cash-me-outside-girl-signs-atlantic-records-contract-1202561216/ [Accessed 12 Dec. 2017].

YouTube. (2017). Chaka Khan-Ain't Nobody. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ro8-ngA8gs [Accessed 12 Dec. 2017].

YouTube. (2017). Electric Ladyland (rare). [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLEQGEuFswc [Accessed 12 Dec. 2017].

YouTube. (2017). Hiatus Kaiyote - Breathing Underwater. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3tErZ5LUJY [Accessed 12 Dec. 2017].

YouTube. (2017). Hiatus Kaiyote - Nakamarra. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ozr4KsZBTvQ [Accessed 12 Dec. 2017].

YouTube. (2017). Nai Palm - Electric Ladyland - 10/5/2017 - Paste Studios, New York, NY. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtvGzWHWc0o [Accessed 12 Dec. 2017].

YouTube. (2017). Nature's Word - BRUCH | Official Video. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RFh1xCDyhY [Accessed 12 Dec. 2017].

YouTube. (2017). Thundercat - 'Them Changes' (Official Video). [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNCd_ERZvZM [Accessed 12 Dec. 2017].

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Appendix

Bruch Interview Transcript

1. Was cello your first instrument? How long have you been playing for and how do you feel this influences your sound?

No, actually my first instrument was violin, but we didn't click very well! I've been playing for almost 8 years now. I think it heavily influences me as I have come to get really into Celtic and Pagan folk, as well as orchestral genres, which weave their way into my songwriting. It has made me think outside the box of regular instruments as a songwriter.

2. Is your cello involved in the songwriting process or does it come after, what is your songwriting process like?

I used to conform to the process of writing lyrics first - music second, as I usually get lyrical inspiration faster than I do musical - or at least I can develop lyrics quicker. Now it's kind of a mixed bag for me - sometimes I begin with lyrics, sometimes a rhythm, sometimes chords or a melodic line. On occasion I begin with cello, when I know that is the kind of song I want to create, but a lot of times I begin by recording melodic or chord ideas on a midi keyboard into my computer. I have also moved into beginning with a hand drum rhythm as I think it's such a simplistic way of attracting inspiration that can fuel a whole song.

3. I saw you played quite a few festivals this summer, how was that? Does your setup vary much between gigs and if so, how?

It was amazing! I supported Mardhys at Victorious Festival on cello so that didn't really count as my own 'setup', but it was an awesome experience. I also played Always The Sun which was great, however we were told late in the game that our set had to be acoustic - a bit of a curve-ball when you're an electronic/synth artist! Luckily we managed to sort something out, but it definitely wasn't my regular set! Now I gig around with my backing band of guitar and drums, and we run my self-produced backing tracks behind our live playing.

4. I know you produce your music yourself, have you produced for long? Do you think this an important element of your sound?

I've actually only been properly producing my tracks on Logic for about 5-6 months, and I am self-taught. I think it's a really vital element in my music as it creates the type of ethereal sound I a looking for. I also just really love playing around with such awesome synth sounds! I knew early on that regular instruments such as a general band setup (bass, guitar, piano, drums) wouldn't suit me, as I like to be more open to curious sounds and have a lot of eclectic influences. It's also just so rewarding to know that you've created something from scratch without any outside help, and all of the ideas are purely from your heart.

5. What were you listening to at the time you were working on and recording ‘Empty Land’? What are you listening too at the moment?

Writing Empty Land, I was listening to a lot of new influences - Aurora, Beltaine, Omnia, Lianne La Havas, Massive Attack, etc, but a lot of the inspiration also came from movie soundtracks. At the moment I'm mainly listening to a lot of spooky Viking/Nordic/Celtic Folk music to help me study!

6. For someone so young you’re stage presence is already so mesmerising, who do you draw influences from for this? Does much thought go into it or is it a natural thing for you?

It's a very natural and spiritual experience for me being on stage. My music obviously comes from my heart and my passions, so especially with lights and smoke around it's easy to lose myself in the music. However, I've loved watching the performance styles of artists such as Sigrid, Bjork, Melanie Martinez and Aurora, so also take a lot of influences from them unintentionally!

7. If you could partner up with any artist alive or dead, who would you want to songwrite with and why?

Hard question, but probably Sudan Archives. She's a self-produced artist from America, and is also an incredible violin player! Her style is so eclectic and unique, feeding off of African drum vibes and folk violin melodies. I think it would be amazing to work with her as she's so down to earth (I supported her at Camden Assembly recently) and is so self-sufficient at creating her musical ideas. Her music also has its roots (not pun intended) in nature so would be great to work with such a like-minded musician.

8. If you could tour with any other artist, who would it be and why?

Bjork! She's creating some incredible music right now with her new album Utopia, and just has such a unique and innovative style - aesthetically and musically. She's an enigma! We also both have deep interest in Nordic influences.

9. Where did the inspiration for your ‘Nature’s Word’ video come from?

I wrote Nature's Word on the idea that however much we care for nature, it will always do it's own thing, we can't tame or domesticate it like an animal. I reference a 'witch' in the song, basically meaning someone who is strongly connected to the natural world, and this inspired the video. I wanted to depict a story between the witch and the Earth, where she is totally comfortable with her surroundings until nature turns on her. The figure singing the song in the water is my idea of Mother Earth.

10. I saw you’ve been getting plays from BBC Introducing. What else have we got to look forward to in the coming months?

I've been invited back for a live lounge with BBC Introducing in the New Year, which is so exciting! I'm releasing my next single 'Welcome' in the coming few weeks, and am also going to be releasing some BRUCH merch towards Christmas!

11. I know on instagram you really show love to your fans and those in other countries. If you could play in any city across the world, where would it be and why?

I could never choose a city of country, but if I were to choose a dream performance location it would be somewhere on the banks of a Norwegian fjord.

12. You really value nature, where is your favourite nature escape?

The woods, at night time. The night and evening have such a distinctive smell and feeling for me.

13. Who are your main influences?

David Bowie, Aurora, Bjork, Royal Blood, Doxent Zsigmond, Beltaine, Omnia, Signals, Muse, Orchards, Anna Straker. Lots of very different artists!

Quick Ones!

Favourite artist? At the moment, Sudan Archives!

Favourite colour? Orange, no doubt.

Best gig you’ve been too? Aurora at Shepherd's Bush Empire.

If you could have any pet what would it be? Cats for life.