THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER’S 100 BEST SONGS OF 2023 - SONGS 100-51
It's that time again for my picks of the best songs of this year. As usual, I’ve put all my picks on one playlist for easy listening. I hope everyone reading enjoys the music I highlighted in this year-end roundup post. My next post featuring my top album picks is coming up next week. So, without further ado, these are The Reclusive Blogger’s picks for the 100 Best Songs of 2023…
That’s it that’s my list for my 2023! Stay tuned for my top albums from this year! Also, sound off in the comments below on your favorite songs from the year?
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER’S 100 BEST SONGS OF 2023 - SONGS 50-1
It's that time again for my picks of the best songs of this year. As usual, I’ve put all my picks on one playlist for easy listening. I hope everyone reading enjoys the music I highlighted in this year-end roundup post. My next post featuring my top album picks is coming up next week. So, without further ado, these are The Reclusive Blogger’s picks for the 100 Best Songs of 2023…
That’s it that’s my list for my 2023! Stay tuned for my top albums from this year! Also, sound off in the comments below on your favorite songs from the year?
BASTILLE ELECTRIFIES L.A.’S ART DECO WILTERN THEATRE WITH THRILLING POP NOSTALGIA
The London pop-rockers brought their only date of the Bad Blood X tour in America to Los Angeles to celebrate the tenth anniversary of their debut album Bad Blood.
You know a show is one for the record books when you hear attendees speaking about it as soon as it is over, not in sadness so much but in the mix of utter joy (no, pardoning the pun here), and we cannot wait to do this again. It was that good. The chatter from the only Bad Blood X American tour date held in the very apropos art deco downtown L.A. Wiltern theater brought the masses and wrapped around the corner. After all, we were celebrating something big. It had been ten years since. This band, our band, had released the album Bad Blood, which changed their lives and, for many of us, our lives too. So, picking Los Angeles to celebrate this occasion was perfect. They got their record deal here, their first hit, Pompeii, had its music video filmed here, and of course, Dan mentioned later on at the gig he met his art hero, David Lynch. So many pivotal things happened here, and now a return that included a sold-out gig.
While rumors of a surprise opening act flickered about, ultimately, it was only rumored. The Los Angeles date of Bad Blood X belonged to Bastille, who took to the Wiltern stage (to a boisterous crowd, I might add) at an early 8:30 p.m. start time for a twenty-one song set, which saw the band play the entirety of their debut album Bad Blood.
The venue was buzzing with energy as we all waited, with bated breath, for the band to appear. It seemed like the last Los Angeles show was forever ago (not last year) as Bastille kicked the night off to a host of spirited screams and applause, launching into the song that changed it all for Pompeii. It is also worth noting that they usually close out with this one. Next, the band launched into the first songs of the record, which included the single Things We Lost In The Fire, a song noted for its haunting melodies and somber-sounding heavy Tom drums, the sinister-sounding synth-driven Bad Blood, and rarely heard gems like Weight of Living PT. 1. Then tracks like Daniel In The Den, and Get Home added a softness to the setlist and an angelic quality as both songs reverberated in the room. On cue, as the opening notes of Oblivion began, so did the lights from everyone's phones, illuminating the darkened Art Deco theatre. It was a special moment, but honestly, the entire night was a special moment as there was such a feeling of togetherness, joy, laughter, celebrating music, and the good that music can bring. You see, the thing about Bastille shows is that it's a place where you can be yourself and feel comfort in that. That's because it all starts with the band and seeing how much they have grown and evolved in the ten years since releasing Bad Blood and become better artists themselves, Including seeing just how comfortable and how fun Dan now has performed onstage.
After the band performed the first part of the show, they returned to the stage for the encore. They played a round of songs from albums released after their debut. Bastille finally played No Angels. A track from one of their OPH mixtapes, (with Bim singing Ella Eyres spot and killing it), The Draw, club bangers Million Pieces, and WHAT YOU GONNA DO? were also performed. The latter two tracks had the crowd head banging and going insanely. Shut Off The Lights was the perfect end to a beautiful night. The Wiltern felt alive and electric with excitement and happiness. You could hear people chatting about this gig on their way out leaving. All the attendees that night fully realized that this was one not to miss, and they did not. Knowing how much Bastille and their team put into these shows, giving their all, for us means a lot and probably more than they will ever know. From the concert interludes (which featured music video snippets and BTS footage) to the performances, the stage setup, and small onstage details (we see you wolf hoodie and street lamps). Bastille with the Bad Blood X tour leaned into the nostalgia fittingly.
You can check out my photo gallery from the gig below!
KIM PETRAS + NICKI MINAJ TEAM UP ON HOT NEW POP SINGLE “ALONE”
KIM PETRAS + NICKI MINAJ TEAM UP ON HOT NEW POP SINGLE “ALONE”
The Grammy winner’s new track samples “BETTER OFF ALONE”, a classic euro dance track by alice deejay!
Fresh off her Grammy win for “Unholy” with Sam Smith, pop artist Kim Petras drops “Alone”, another dance-pop banger just in time for Summer and those party playlists! This time Petras teams up with fellow Republic Records artist Nicki Minaj on this song teeming heavy 90’s euro dance-pop influences with modern dance-pop. Nicki’s R&B-inflected rap is the cherry on top for this steamy club banger about giving in to your impulses.
“Alone” follows a string of major releases for Kim in the last few years, including the Grammy-winning “Unholy”, “Coconuts”, and “Future Starts Now”.
Since her Republic Records signing, she has already garnered award wins, a Met Gala appearance, and her first late-night appearance and interview. You catch Kim Petras this on many festivals coming up ahead, including, Governor’s Ball and Life Is Beautiful. Kim Petras is a star on the rise.
Stream Kim Petras feat. Nicki Minaj out now
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER’S TEN BEST ALBUMS OF 2022
Hey geeks and music freaks! It's time for year-end music roundups. The first one up is the best songs from the year. Me like so many, find comfort within music. These are my picks for the 10 Best albums of 2022…
I hope you had time to read and ponder the first list. If not, you can catch up and read my picks for the 100 best songs of 2022 here and here. Below are my top ten picks for best albums of the year. In a year that was full of incredibly diverse soundscapes from a plethora of artists. From breakout artists tipping the needle to your establishment acts pushing their artistry. It was initially hard to narrow down to only ten albums from the entire year. That’s why I made an extended version that featured my top 15 albums in an Instagram reel video which you can view by clicking here. But first, let’s dive into that top ten.
This is the list of albums for my 2022! Also, what were your favorite albums this year? Let me know about by dropping a comment below or through a tweet!
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER’S 100 BEST SONGS OF 2022 - PART TWO
Hey geeks and music freaks! It's time for year-end music roundups. The first one up is the best songs from the year. Me like so many, find comfort within music. So I hope you can find some new songs that aim to to that as well. These are my (aka TRB) picks for the 100 Best Songs of 2022… Part two
Hey geeks and music freaks! It's time for year-end music roundups. The first one up is the best songs from the year. While 2022 personally has been up and down, ultimately leading to lots of growth. Like many, it has also been ripe with change and uncertainty for many reasons. I know the one thing many of us have come to rely on— and that's the comfort of music. The caliber of music, the creativity, and the sheer amount of music that came out this year— 2022 was calling for a supersized version. So, I hope you enjoy the first of a few year-end roundups coming in the next couple of weeks. These are my picks for the 100 Best Songs of 2022…
50. Bryce Vine - “Moonrock”
49. Noah Cyrus - “I Just Want A Lover”
48. Suelgi - “28 Reasons”
47. SOHN - “Segre”
46. Halsey - “So Good”
45. Dove Cameron - "Boyfriend"
44. Doechii - "Persuasive"
43. Denzel Curry (Feat. slowthai) - "Zatoichi"
42. Dry Cleaning - "Anna Calls From The Arctic"
41. Polyphia (Feat. Steve Vai) - “Ego Death”
40. The Weeknd - "Sacrifice"
39. Willow - “curious/furious”
38. Sabrina Carpenter - “Fast Times“
37. Empress Of - "Save Me"
36. Rina Swayawayna - "This Hell"
35. Aespa - "Illusion"
34. FKA Twigs (feat. The Weeknd) - "Tears In The Club"
33. Yeah Yeah Yeahs (Feat. Perfume Genius) - "Spitting Off The Edge of The World"
32. MUNA - "What I Want"
31. Conan Gray - "Disaster"
30. The 1975 - “All I Need To Hear”
29. Maggie Rogers - "That's Where I Am"
28. Bad Bunny - "Titi Me Pregunto"
27. IYLA - “FOH”
26. Ab-Soul - "Do Better"
25. Yard Act - "The Overload"
24. LE SSERAFIM - "ANTIFRAGILE"
23. Florence + The Machine - "King"
22. Bloc Party - "In Situ"
21. Mothica - “Sensitive”
20. Franz Ferdinand - “Curious”
19. Harry Styles - “As It Was”
18. Caroline Palochek - "Billions"
17. MICHELLE - "Pose"
16. Soccer Mommy - "Shotgun"
15. Kendrick Lamar - “N95”
14. Mitski - "Working For The Knife"
13. Lizzo - “About Damn Time”
12. Phoebe Bridgers - "Sidelines"
11. Everything, Everything - "Pizza Boy"
10. Placebo - “Beautiful James”
9. NewJeans - “Hype Boy”
8. Wet Leg - "Ur Mum"
7. Paramore - "This Is Why"
6. Bastille - “Hope For The Future”
5. Rosalia - “SOAKO”
4. Beyoncé -“Alien Superstar”
3. Arctic Monkeys - “Body Paint”
2. Nova Twins - "Cleopatra"
1. My Chemical Romance - "The Foundations Of Decay"
That’s it that’s my list for my 2022! Stay tuned for my top albums and music videos! Also, let me know what your favorite songs were this year? Is there anything on this list you disagree about? Let me know about by dropping a comment in the comments section or through emoji.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER’S 100 BEST SONGS OF 2022 - PART ONE
Hey geeks and music freaks! It's time for year-end music roundups. The first one up is the best songs from the year. Me like so many, find comfort within music. So I hope you can find some new songs that aim to to that as well. These are my (aka TRB) picks for the 100 Best Songs of 2022…
Hey geeks and music freaks! It's time for year-end music roundups. The first one up is the best songs from the year. While 2022 personally has been up and down, ultimately leading to lots of growth. Like many, it has also been ripe with change and uncertainty for many reasons. I know the one thing many of us have come to rely on—and that's the comfort of music. The caliber of music, the creativity, and the sheer amount of music that came out this year— 2022 was calling for a supersized version. So, I hope you enjoy the first of a few year-end roundups coming in the next couple of weeks. These are my picks for the 100 Best Songs of 2022…
100. LATTO - “It’s Givin’”
99. EDITORS - “Karma Climb”
98. Em Beihold - “Numb Little Bug”
97. Kae Temptest (Feat. Lianne La Havas) - "No Prizes"
96. Labrinth + Zendaya (Euphoria Season 2 Soundtrack) - “I’m Tired”
95. Ralph Pelleymounter - “Steady Love”
94. Kimbra - “replay!”
93. Carly Rae Jepsen - “Beach House”
92. Gayle - "abcdefu"
91. BIM - "O.T.R"
90. Tove Styrke - “Cool Me Down”
89. Tove Lo - “How Long” From (Euphoria Season 2 Soundtrack)
88. Jazmine Sullivan - “Roster”
87. Eddie Benjamin (Feat. Alessia Cara) - “Only You”
86. Hope Tala - “Stayed At The Party”
85. Charlie Puth - "Light Switch"
84. Ethel Cain - “A House In Nebraska”
83. Hermanos Gutierrez - “Thunderbird”
82. Pink Pantheress -"Picture In My Mind"
81. Arkells + Lights - "Human Being"
80. Meghan Thee Stallion - "Her"
79. Freddie Gibbs - “Dark Hearted”
78. Kings Elliott - “Butterfly Pen”
77. Stormzy - “This Is What I Mean”
76. Omar Apollo - “Evergreen”
75. Joesef - "Just Come Home With Me Tonight"
74. Joji - “Glimpse Of Us”
73. Sophie Ellis-Bextor + Wuh Oh - "Hypnotized"
72. Paige Bea - "4x4"
71. Stromae - “L’enfer”
70. Allison Ponthier - “Hollywood Forever Cemetery”
69. Jonah Yano - “leslianne”
68. Boys World - “So What”
67. Nina Nesbitt - “Pressure Makes Diamonds”
66. Maneskin - “The Loneliest”
65. Ed Sheeran (Feat. Lil’ Baby) - “2step”
64. Slipknot - “Yen”
63. Weyes Blood - “Grapevine”
62. Twice - “Talk That Talk”
61. ARO - "Against Mine"
60. Camila Cabello + WILLOW - “Psychofreak”
59. Giant Rooks - "Morning Blue"
58. Spiritbox - "Rotoscope"
57. Adele - "Oh My God"
56. J-Hope - "Arson"
55. Billie Eillish - "TV"
54. Dave - "Starlight"
53. (G)I-DLE - “My Bag”
52. Steve Lacy - "Bad Habit"
51. FLO - "Cardboard Box"
INTERVIEW WITH… NORTH LONDON INDIE POP SINGER NATALIE SHAY
INTERVIEW WITH NORTH LONDON INDIE-POP ARTIST NATALIE SHAY (@natalieshay) #TheReclusiveBlogger #MusicInterviews
North London Indie-Pop artist Natalie Shay and Brit school alum latest release is an titled “MILK”. It’s full of earnest and bright melodic pop numbers that explored different feelings and experiences that occurred during the lockdown. I chatted with Natalie about her new music, the ups and downs in her life in the past couple of years, her influences, and even Taylor Swift.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Hi, Natalie, First off... How have you been? What has 2022 been like for you? Especially in comparison to last year?
NATALIE SHAY: Hey! thanks so much for having me, ive been well thanks for asking, 2022 has been a really great year for me and my music, a big step up from last year for sure! Aside from music it's been a rocky year, lots of ups and downs, but generally good :)
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Can speak a bit on your musical background? Has music always played role in your life?
NATALIE SHAY: Yes, music has always been a big part of my life, I began playing classical guitar aged 5, and I started training in musical theatre around the same time. However the whole 'singer/songwriter' dream did not arise until I was about 10 years old, when i first discovered Taylor Swift's fearless album, I thought it was incredible, and that inspired what I do now!
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Since your sound is a has a lot of 80s pop influences particular the new EP... What’s your go to 80s jam?
NATALIE SHAY: My fave 80s jam is ``Heaven is a Place on earth" or'' Boys of Summer''. I listen to both on repeat, always.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: When you’re in album making mode do you ever have visuals in mind as you write songs?
NATALIE SHAY: I don't often have the visuals until the song is written, when listening back to things and imagining where they could go, that's when the production style/visuals etc begin to form. When I'm writing, it's totally just about me getting my thoughts and emotions into a lyric.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What's the music scene like in North London and how does it influence you artistically if at all?
NATALIE SHAY: I've been involved in the gernal London music scene for a long time, I began playing gigs and shows aged 13, and I've been doing things like this ever since. The London music scene is one of the greatest in the world I'm sure, it's such a mixed hub of cultures and different kinds of people and creatives. this has definitely influenced me, just the sheer amount of different collaborators and people ive met or performed wirth have inspired me so so much
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Your second EP "MILK" is out. Can you talk a little bit about how the recording and writing process was for it?
NATALIE SHAY: This ep was written and recorded with so many different people, pretty much every track has its own unique combination of collaborators and talent involved. and all of the people i worked with, were all over the country. We wrote practically every track in 2020, in and around the lockdowns. This ep really does represent a whole year of my life in every way.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: We’re any songs of the 'MILK' EP that we’re more challenging to write? Some that came together quickly?
NATALIE SHAY: The easiest one to write was 'new wave' . It's the feel good happy pop track on the ep, the lyrics are sweet, simple and to the point. harder ones to write were heaven and two sparks, 'two sparks' is such a personal song to me, the lyrics needed my full attention and time, and same for 'heaven', i had so much i wanted to say, just needed to figure out how to say it.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What would you say that your latest release "MILK" biggest inspirations and influences are? Can you delve into that more?
NATALIE SHAY: lyrically, everything is autobiographical. Musically, a real mix, taylors 1989 is always my go to ref for sound and production, same with haim days are gone. Every track on the ep is about something I experienced, discovered or felt over a year of my life, all different topics too.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: How do you think studying at The Brit School has helped you in as you began to shape and mold your career?
NATALIE SHAY: without brit i probably wouldn't be doing what i do now, it gave me the tools and understanding to be able to take the dive into making music my full time career, i met lots of the people i still work with regularly now when i was there, it's also just generally very inspiring to be somewhere like that. and be surrounded with like minded driven people.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Are there any current artists that have been “On Repeat” for you as a band lately? What music have you been playlisting?
NATALIE SHAY: Taylor swift all the time, all the way. my fave band is little comets, i also love some of my friends music, artists such as, kayla grace, lucy deakin and beth mccarthy
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What has been one of the most rewarding experiences for you this year?
NATALIE SHAY: The most rewarding thing this year was just the whole summer, some great festival experiences and opportunities, i enjoyed this summer very very much.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What fictional character do you think would most identify with your sound or aesthetic?
NATALIE SHAY: mitchie in camp rock
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What three words would you use to define your artistic self?
NATALIE SHAY: sophisticated honest pop
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What was it like stepping into the EDM world and working with those artists? You worked with Grum and Kryder right?
NATALIE SHAY: yes! doing the EDM stuff has been super fun, ive loved seeing the tracks go global, and also attending the shows, the fans know all the words, and i'm stood in the crowd with them, but they dont know its me or my vocal, very cool experiences.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: To close, What’s one thing that people are generally surprised to find out about you?
NATALIE SHAY: I think people are always surprised at the actual depth of my obsession with musicals. I'm a massive theatre kid, love it!
STREAM NATALIE SHAY’S “MILK” EP HERE
FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS + ANDY GRAMMER BRING THE WRONG PARTY TOUR TO L.A. WITH HELP FROM BRELAND
Last Saturday, Three of what seems like the unlikeliest artists brought what was an epic dance party to The Greek Theatre. Opener Breland with Hip-Hop Country, Andy Grammer with his happy Pop, and Fitz And The Tantrums, whose soulful pop tunes have ears tuned, feet dancing since their KCRW days have endearingly collided on their The Wrong Party tour.
Last Saturday, Three of what seems like the unlikeliest artists brought what was an epic dance party to The Greek Theatre. Opener Breland with Hip-Hop Country, Andy Grammer with his happy Pop, and Fitz And The Tantrums, whose soulful pop tunes have ears tuned, feet dancing since their KCRW days have endearingly collided on their The Wrong Party tour. While it may, on the surface, come across like a mish-mash of Adult Alternative radio artists with popular hits. It ultimately worked for many reasons, as it was a family show. Families were out and about on this breezy Saturday evening. Also, all three acts together brought showmanship. Lastly, two performers on the lineup (Breland and Andy Grammer) have roots in the country music space.
Breland was first up on the lineup. His sound has its roots in country music but was so much more. "Praise The Lord" was gospel tinged with a hipper country sound. Then songs like "Thick" and "Throw It Back" completely leaned into the Country-Rap sound. So it was no surprise that his Nelly mashup was straight fire. The New Jersey native and Gen Z artist fused Hip-Hop, Gospel, Soul, and Pop into what I could only describe as a Breland fusion. A mix of funky, bouncy, feel-good music. That easily captured the audience. An audience that was only starting to trickle in. Make no mistake, though, Breland fans were there and ready to party. His opening set was full of exuberant boundless energy and the perfect joyful vibe to start the night out. His banter between his songs was my favorite as he regaled the audience with jokes and other anecdotes from his life. Including the time Keith Urban asked him out to Nashville to write music, and he hopped on a plane and arrived the following morning.
Andy Grammer was next out, opening with a spoken word poem befitting his brand of joyful uplifting pop. That poem transitioned into the song "Damn It Feels Good to Be Me". A booming pop-jazz style band backed Grammer and was complete with backup singers who also played jazz instruments like the saxophone. For some, Grammer may not be a face that is easily recognizable but with his penchant for writing memorable pop hooks and catchy melodies. There is no doubt that you have heard a song or two from him. Infectious melodies, jazzy riffs, and dance-pop synths permeated the well-paced sixteen-song set. Some highlights include the new collab, “The Wrong Party”, with Michael ‘Fitz’ Fitzpatrick of Fitz And The Tantrums, who popped out to sing it with him. Then the monogamy and relationship anthem, Honey, I’m Good. Or the soulful foot stomper, Good To Be Alive. His vocals shined throughout and soared best on the more personal numbers like “Fresh Eyes”, Joy, or later on, during the encore “Saved My Life”. The jazz-inflected “Pennies From Heaven / Stay / Fine by Me” mashup was a sweet surprise. His debut track, “Keep Your Head Up”, was another brilliant moment during his encore. Those lyrics still resonate and speak to the dreamer in all of us.
Lastly, Fitz And The Tantrums closed out the night and the L.A. stop of The Wrong Party tour. Although far removed from their KRCW days where blue-eyed soul and a vintage sound dominated their music. Their evolution to Alterna-Pop heavy hitters makes this band so great, reminding us that a dream and hard work will ultimately pay off. The band fronted by two singers, the aforementioned Michael 'Fitz' Fitzpatrick and Noelle Scaggs plus their insane chemistry. The Greek Theatre showcased their exuberant blend of soulful dance pop and was the perfect way to cap off what was an eclectic dance party in the canyons of L.A. The band opened with “OCD” into a “Don’t Gotta Work It Out”, a Fitz classic and staple. Songs like “Complicated” got the party moving with its R&B bounce before moving into synth-laden “Out Of My League”. Other highlights from the band include their new cut “Sway”, the soul-inflected “MoneyGrabber”, and the skittering pop of “123456”. Fitz and The Tantrums continued the trend of incredible musicianship and professionalism that night. They closed out their eighteen-song set with an encore that included hits, “HandClap” and “The Walker”. “The Wrong Party” tour offered fans and music lovers a night of fun, dancing, and lighthearted escapism in its purest form. It was a bubbly hip-pop disco party accentuated by an incredible light show. Fun for all too, as you’re never late to this party.
INTERVIEW WITH... TOPS SINGER & INDIE DISCO-POP ARTIST MARCI
TOPS’ vocalist Marta Cikojevic recently unveiled her new project and debut album under the solo name Marci. The self-titled solo album is out now on Arbutus Records and was co-produced with TOPS bandmate David Carriere with hopes of crafting electric and fun dance hits, the ultimate disco-tinged bops. Marci checked in with TRB for a quick few questions about the new record and influences which you can read below!
TOPS’ vocalist Marta Cikojevic recently unveiled her new project and debut album under the solo name Marci. The self-titled solo album is out now on Arbutus Records and was co-produced with TOPS bandmate David Carriere with hopes of crafting electric and fun dance hits, the ultimate disco-tinged bops. Marci checked in with TRB for a quick few questions about the new record and influences which you can read below!
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Can you talk about your normal songwriting process? Then how your writing/creative process was for this new song “Terminal”?
MARCI: I always write on piano, and demo as I am going. Once I have a decent demo, I bring it to David and we figure out which parts can be worked on.
There are a handful of songs that we wrote together, where I would sit on the piano and David on the bass or guitar.
For Terminal it all started with a guitar riff that David had while we were getting ready for a party. I started singing over top of the riff and we came up with the chorus of the song. When we got into the studio, we worked out the rest of the song on piano and guitar together.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: How did the music video for “Terminal” come together? and what was that process like and filming?
MARCI: The music video was almost going to be just a visualizer! Until my friend (and director) Christina Bryson decided that we absolutely needed to do a video and i'm so glad we did! It was done in one day at Christina's house, very relaxed and easy, the group of us girls (Isabelle Fields- stylist, and Melissa Rogers - makeup) had a relaxed and fun time, my friend Jackson Macintosh who played the hunky guy came over, was very fun!
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What does music and the craft of songwriting mean to you?
MARCI: It can be anything you want, there are no rules - I love the freedom in that. I also love how good it makes me feel, and how it's a never ending learning/growing experience.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What are you most looking forward to for your upcoming tour?
MARCI: I'm excited to sing in front of an audience, and find out what kind of performer I am. Playing with a band will feel so great, hearing the songs live will be a whole new feeling - since it was a studio record.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: If you were to describe your sound in three words what words would you pick?
MARCI: Peppy, smooth, sparkly
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What’s one album that you can listen to straight through?
MARCI: Marvin Gaye - Here, My Dear
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What’s your pick for song of the summer 2022?
MARCI: Sofie Royer’s Baker Miller Pink has been on repeat
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: And... last question, Is there anything else you would like to add? What up’s next for you?
MARCI: I might be releasing a new song very soon…. hehehe.
Thank you for the interview! :)
Find + Follow Marci Online:
Stream THE self-titled DEBUT ALBUM FROM MARCI out now.
INTERVIEW WITH... Brit Alt-Pop Singer-Songwriter Liz Cass
Brit Alt-Pop Singer-Songwriter Liz Cass' smoky haunted timbre and emotionally raw lyrics harken comparisons to Kate Bush and Lisa Stansfield here and there. Cass uses emotion to not only effectively elevate her eclectic electric pop sounds but to punctuate the story. It instantly grabs you. A key element in her sound that’s featured on her new song, 'Near Miss', a tale of trying to figure out where you stand in love and relationships. Since both are pop-centric storyteller tracks and are on her forthcoming debut album, The Words, out on October 21st. In a new interview with Liz for TRB. Liz spoke about her childhood, her new music, and much more.
Brit Alt-Pop Singer-Songwriter Liz Cass' smoky haunted timbre and emotionally raw lyrics harken comparisons to Kate Bush and Lisa Stansfield here and there. Cass uses emotion to not only effectively elevate her eclectic electric pop sounds but to punctuate the story. It instantly grabs you. A key element in her sound that’s featured on her new song, 'Near Miss', a tale of trying to figure out where you stand with love and relationships. Since both are pop-centric storyteller tracks and are on her forthcoming debut album, The Words, out on October 21st. In a new interview with Liz for TRB. Liz spoke about her childhood, her new music, and much more.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Hi, Liz! How has your year been so far? Thanks for taking the time to speak with me at TRB.
LIZ CASS: Thanks for having me :)
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: How did you each get your start in the music industry? Was it something that you felt a calling to?
LIZ CASS: I started singing when I was really young as I was a choral scholar. But I really got into other genres of music as a teenager and had a real urge to move to the big city and try and make it as a singer. I didn’t really care about anything else and ended up ditching my A-levels and hot-footing it to London. I was introduced to some amazing people and started writing songs with Fraser T Smith and met one of the heads of Warner Music who came to see me sing at a big concert in Leicester Square. But ultimately I wasn’t really ready for it all and had no idea what kind of artist I was. So I guess I blew it back then!
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Going back to your childhood a bit, did you grow up in a musical family? Was there a band or artist that in particular felt like home for you?
LIZ CASS: My parents weren’t musicians but Dad had a great vinyl collection and got me really interested in all the great artists and bands from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Artists like Kate Bush, Sade, and Fleetwood Mac definitely have an influence on me and my music. The 80s is my decade. I love great baselines and synths are my heaven.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Moving ahead… Can we talk about what your typical creative and writing process is like and how has that evolved for you as you’ve developed as an artist?
LIZ CASS: I wrote this album with Ed Graves who has an amazing studio in Bath called Rainbow Wood. Before we started working together I still didn’t have much confidence as a songwriter as I’d taken a long time out of the industry and I was really just experimenting with him and had no expectations of where it was going. But we just clicked and the music flowed. Being in that beautiful studio, the outside world melted away and as he started playing chords on the synths or strumming on the guitar the melodies and lyrics just started flowing out of me so quickly and easily. We’re so in sync. By the time he’s got a structure together for the song, I generally have all the lyrics and melody ready and we lay it all down. I’ve never had such an easy writing process with anyone before.
I’ve really figured out who I am as an artist through 3 years of writing sessions with Ed. I have stories to tell and I know how I want to deliver them. Now when I go to the studio I have the confidence I never had when I was younger and I know how to translate my thoughts and ideas into songs that represent me and the kind of music I love. It’s been a long road to get here but now I feel happy to keep experimenting and evolving. Got there in the end!
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Let’s discuss your latest single “Near Miss”, how did that song come together? What’s the backstory on it and how was the creative process?
LIZ CASS: It was inspired by a romantic situation I was struggling with. Being caught up in that no man’s land where someone is hot and cold and not ready to commit, so you don’t know where you stand. I was feeling quite low and confused and writing is like therapy for me, so I headed down to Rainbow Wood. I think we wrote that in about 6 hours from start to finish! I was feeling quite punchy through my frustration and wanted killer beats and baseline to get it all off my chest. It was definitely the start of a new direction for my music after a lot of wallowing during Covid. I just want to make more upbeat fun pop music for a while now.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: If you were to describe your sound to someone who hasn’t heard it in only three words. What words would you choose?
LIZ CASS: Emotive synth pop!
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Lastly, what is up next for you on the horizon, Liz?
LIZ CASS: My album is coming out on 21st October which is exciting. It’ll be strange to send it out into the world after three years of writing it but I’m so ready. I’ve got a live show in London on 10th September at Laylow and I’m planning more gigs this autumn around the album release. I have a covers EP ready to be mixed of some of my all time favourite songs which I hope to release early next year. And then I guess I need to crack on and finish the next album! Stay tuned :)