INTERVIEW WITH… GERMAN-BASED SINGER-SONGWRITER M.BYRD TALKS DEBUT ALBUM + MORE
INTERVIEW WITH… GERMAN SINGER + MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST M. BYRD
Photo credit: Miriam Marlene
M. Byrd is a German-based singer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter whose stark, inspired, and confessional pop-inspired folk-rock music. The artist is turning heads and opening ears with his intense and contemplative sound, which marks his debut album, The Seed. A body of work that is out now and happens to be a deeply personal collection of songs for him, as it was also a healing process for him. For the listener, M. Byrd hopes the aptly named record plants a seed and encourages the listeners’ evolution or growth in some way, as it did for him. I got to interview M. Byrd about his debut record and much more. You can read his answers below.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Let's start with learning a bit about your background. Did music always have a role in your life? Did you always know you wanted to pursue this path professionally?
M. BYRD: My grandfather collected jazz records, so I early on became interested in swing music by e.g. Duke Ellington. Music had always played a huge role when I grew up in a small town - it presented me with a new language that would always be a companion.
I never made a conscious choice to pursue music professionally, it was more of an accident that we made some songs that people responded to. I think, even if I changed career paths you’d still find me in the studio experimenting - it’s just such a big part of my life
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: How has your year been so far both professionally and personally?
M. BYRD: It’s been a wild ride so far - I didn’t get to spend a lot of time at one spot and have been traveling back and forth in Europe playing shows or recording. This makes it possible for me to visit a lot of friends that I otherwise wouldn’t see too often and I am very grateful to combine these things!
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: You just released your debut album, The Seed. What’s a typical creative and writing process like for you? And was it any different to record this record?
M. BYRD: I like to start with a very rough voice memo. My voice memos really are like little, grainy, old photographs that I take during my travels. When I start working on one of these days’ ideas, I like to have people in the room, that see the same potential in these little ideas as I do - everything from there is an open field of experimentation, and whatever instruments work best at that moment.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Was there a track on The Seed that you found particularly challenging to craft? One that came together quite easily?
M. BYRD: Pyrrhula was quite challenging because it’s played completely live and not on a grid or anything that could lead my timing. I recorded a loooot of versions of this until I stuck with one of the initial takes.
Flood came together quite easily - I remember the process as a fun day of playing with sounds and structure.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: I did some digging and discovered that you played bass in a band called, Ilgen-Nur. Was there anything from that time playing and touring that you brought with you into this current solo project?
M. BYRD: Well, Ilgen is a super talented writer - she has a calm but very sharp sense of observation, which really inspires me. Also, the end everybody really encouraged me to release my own songs!
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: The visuals to your songs really emphasize the emotion felt in your music. Is that something you were keen to get across?
M. BYRD: Absolutely! Glad you recognized.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Who are some of your biggest artistic influences?
M. BYRD: That changes a lot. I’ve lately been digging Daniel Norgren’s music, in case you haven’t heard it. It’s all recorded to tape and sounds super analogue. On the other hand, I am also digging into Cocteau Twins’ discography a lot. Oh, and there’s a lot of Japanese ambient music out there (e.g. Haruomi Hosono) that I’ve been listening to.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Lastly, what is next up on the horizon for M. Byrd?
M. BYRD: EU Tour in September and October! Come to the shows and say hi if you read this interview :-)!
M. Byrd’s “The Seed” is out so stream now
PHOTO GALLERY: OSHEAGA MUSIC FESTIVAL IN MONTREAL
Osheaga Festival kicked off its three-day jaunt to the delight of fans on August 4th, last Friday. The festival was held at Parc-Jean-Drapeau in Montreal and featured incredible performances from a wide range of different genres and artists like Rina Sawayana, Gabriels, Soccer Mommy, Cults, Carly Rae Jepsen, Baby Keem, Kendrick Lamar, Tom Odell, Rema, Bille Eilish, Fletcher, Sofi Tukker, Lil Yachty, and many many more.
You can view a photo gallery of some selects from the festival below from photographer Sophie Bouquillon.
All photos by photographer Sophie Bouquillon
MAGGIE LINDEMANN - “SABOTAGE” - SONG REVIEW
Maggie Lindemann is one of the fierce femmes from pop punk's newest evolution. Her latest is the introspective single Self Sabotage, a track steeping in angst and nostalgia. Lyrically, Lindemann goes through the inner workings of her mind and her bad habit of being her own worst enemy. The song is off her new album, SUCKERPUNCH. This album takes you on her emotional journey of healing from the toxicity of a bad relationship. I got to speak with her about this new project during a small presser. When I asked her what is one thing people are generally surprised to find out about you, Seeing how social media can be a veneer for many things, including people. Lindemann's response was quite like what many of us would say, that she is more than what she is perceived to be online. Sometimes all the versatility we have as humans get lost in the social media clutter. So for fans of Maggie's, her latest album, SUCKERPUNCH, is truly only the tip of the iceberg.
STREAM MAGGIE LINDEMANN’S NEW ALBUM SUCKERPUNCH HERE
CONCERT REVIEW + PHOTOS: GLASS ANIMALS AT HOLLYWOOD FOREVER
The new(ish) Indie Pop/Rock band are one the industry’s most exciting live music acts
Indie Rock quartet Glass Animals brought their groovy brand of heat to Hollywood Forever on Sunday with the ‘Dreamland’ tour. It’s a funky blend of nostalgic meets vaporwave that permeates the album but the shows as well. The tour featured the Electro Pop newcomer Binki as the opener. He played a short and engaging set closing out with “Heybb!”. A song you’ve most likely heard from its prominence of being in an Apple iPad commercial. While his energy was great, it was clear the crowd was there for Glass Animals (many didn’t arrive until they were on). The Indie Pop foursome comprised of childhood friends Joe Seaward, Ed Irwin-Singer and Drew Macfarlane is anchored by the feverishly bold lead singer, Dave Bayley. All walked out to a stunningly loud crowd full of cheers and energy that was ready to dance. Bayley who held a captive audience all night was also ready to party with us. He hovered somewhere between bewildered and emboldened, in awe of the crowd. Opening up the set with the futuristic lullaby “Dreamland”. Which segued into the tribal drum-heavy dance bop “Life Itself” & the island tinged “Tangerine” to kick off the party. Glass Animals tore through a 17 song setlist with such aplomb. Some of the major set highlights were the tour debut of “Poplar St.”. Where Dave Bayley forgot the lyrics (it had been a while) but powered through like a pro. “Space Ghost Coast to Coast”, which Dave remarked was a bit eerie playing in a cemetery. Their new track “I Don’t Wanna Talk (I Just Wanna Dance)” is truly the ultimate dance party. They closed out their fun albeit spooky two-day residency at Hollywood Forever with a two-song encore. Of which included the bands’ breakout hit “Heatwaves” and the glitch-inspired “Tokyo Drifting”. Overall, Glass Animals displayed exciting musicianship. Their knack for writing super catchy lyrics with dynamic pop hooks, all transferred brilliantly into a live setting. You can check out my photo gallery of the show below.
SAM SMITH SETS THIRD ALBUM ‘TO DIE FOR’
New Album 'To Die For' Due Out May 1st...
Singer Sam Smith has announced a third studio album titled ‘To Die For’. The upcoming album is available for pre-order here and is due out on May 1st via Capitol Records. Sam also dropped a new single from the upcoming record. It’s a confessional track of the same name which dropped this past Valentine's Day. This evocative piano-led track features a softer vocal take from Sam (and a bit of vocoder). We find Sam ruminating over a time of self-discovery and heartbreak for them. It’s a quietly stunning track that’s full of pain and emotion, something that their known for. The music video echoes that sentiment with some added Sam Smith quirkiness. ‘To Die For’ was written by Sam, their long time collaborator Jimmy Napes, and Stargate, in Los Angeles. You can view the music video for it below.
https://youtu.be/POIK1H3L86k
Stream ‘To Die For’ here
INTERVIEW WITH BROOKLYN INDIE ROCK DUO THE BERGAMOT
Riding the wave of newly garnered successes and fans from their latest projects, The Bergamot are happy just seeing where it takes them.
Riding the wave of newly garnered successes and fans from their latest projects, The Bergamot are happy just seeing where it takes them.
The Bergamot is the Brooklyn based Indie Rock duo and real life couple, Nathaniel Hoff and Jillian Speece. I chatted with The Bergamot, about their current single “Mayflies”, being a music artist in 2020, and what it’s like to be not only a creative duo but married as well.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Are you guys more morning birds or night owls?
THE BERGAMOT: Nathaniel’s a morning bird and Jillian is a night owl. Opposites attract right?
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Can we talk some about your latest single “Ceasefire”. How did that track come together and what was the inspiration behind it?
THE BERGAMOT: How did that track come together and what was the inspiration behind it? It was a song that was written in a single session lasting less than 1 hour. It was a bit of an artistic release after working for over a month on “PDR”. Ceasefire began as a simple look at inner turmoil and what is called psychological warfare. We are all facing this daunting reality that social media and the internet has created - what initially was supposed to unite us and make us happy has actually made us more reclusive and depressed. In a way, turning on each other - but every battle must start within. That is where Ceasefire is focused.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Is there a lyric that you’ve written that you feel most emotionally connected to in life at present moment?
THE BERGAMOT: It’s hard to carry a burden, if you don’t have any bones. We have this reality that we are facing, and it is the reality we get. So we have to make the most of it - even though it can tear us down.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What song have you guys written do you feel is most timely?
THE BERGAMOT: I think “Mayflies” is a great song for the times. If you look throughout history, every generation has it struggles and challenges. But you have to rise up. This is the world we live in with rising ocean levels, climate change, and increased depression rates. “Mayflies” looks at an issue like climate change and tries to give light to a creature who is the most vulnerable amongst us. If you are a Mayfly and born on a rainy day, that is your 24 hour widow. You have to make the most of what you are given and turn away from the negativity.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: How do you think being a married couple as well as a musical duo influences your work? Does this bring about a different set of challenges or more positives to your artistry?
THE BERGAMOT: I think the world wants to see the “Lone Ranger” or the solo artist. However, we need to see the divine masculine and the divine feminine working together. That’s what makes our music reach a wider audience. Also, there are so many great duos that have led groups. Lennon and McCartney, Gilmour and Waters, and Nicks and Buckingham. Truth is that we admire many great duos.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Do you feel that writing about important societal, political or environmental issues is something that is essential to being a musician today?
THE BERGAMOT: Absolutely. You can’t live under a rock anymore. People need to know where you stand and what is important to you. Now more than ever.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: How would you say your creative process has changed with each album?
THE BERGAMOT: Yes. Each album has its own process, we just follow it. This album took us to London to work with Matt Wiggins. That was a life changing experience. This album has also opened up so many doors for us. Our team is building - and we are getting to play our first stadium show opening for OneRepublic. So we just follow where each album takes us...
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: If you could write a song about any fictional character who would it be and why?
THE BERGAMOT: Oliver Twist. I love Charles Dickens, his stories have made the long nights on the road a bit more tolerable.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: If you could collaborate with any artist past or present who would you collab with and why?
THE BERGAMOT: Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic. We have always looked up to the music of OneRepublic, aware yet meaningful.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Are there any artists that have been “On Repeat” for you lately? What music have you been listening to?
THE BERGAMOT: I really like “Art School Girlfriend” and Tow’rs. Great tunes.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: And what's next for, The Bergamot?
THE BERGAMOT: Getting ready for our show with OneRepublic on April 25th at The University of Notre Dame. Then we hope to have our documentary about our 50 State Unity Journey in 2016 out this year as well. More tour dates and maybe a few new singles too... always working...
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Anything else you would like to add? Thanks for your time!
THE BERGAMOT: Thanks for your time! Hope to see you at a live show soon!!! Much love and all the best to you. Ever Upwards and Shine On, Nathaniel and Jillian.
Stream “Mayflies” here.
Follow The Bergamot on Instagram here.
Until then,
Brittney x
NIALL HORAN RETURNS WITH NEW SINGLE "NICE TO MEET YA"
Singer Niall Horan is officially back with a new single "Nice to Meet Ya". It's the Capitol Records artist's first song he's released in nearly two years after his successful debut album Flicker. The former One Direction member also dropped a video (that is directed by The Young Astronauts) with it as well. "Nice To Meet Ya" sees Niall experimenting with his sound on the jazzy and soulful piano-driven pop-rock track. It is also the first single off his upcoming second record. "Nice To Meet Ya" was co-written with frequent collaborators Julian Bunetta (who produced it as well), Tobias Jesso, Jr., and Ruth-Anne Cunningham. You can stream the song and watch the video below!
Stream Niall Horan - "Nice To Meet Ya"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7jeYJA9bgY
Until then,
Brittney x
HEY VIOLET // CONCERT REVIEW + GALLERY
Pop Rock band Hey Violet delivered an highly energetic and fun set at The Troubadour this past Thursday (May 30th), to an enthusiastic crowd of fans. The opener was Pop R&B newcomer Sage Charmaine whose stage presence was effervescent, her songs spunky and fun. Yet it was clear the audience was there for Hey Violet. The band having just released two new singles "Close My Eyes" and "Better By Myself". The latter which I reviewed here. The band walked out to massive cheers and a crowd that knew every single line and lyric. Lead singer Rena Lovelis voice was surprisingly sweet set against Electro rock numbers and she overcame the slight sound issues earlier in the set very well. Her crowd interaction was amazing. Rena shook hands, gave hugs, and handshakes as she sang even jumping into the crowd at one point, nearly causing some of her fans to freak out. For Hey Violet crowd interaction with fans is key. The band despite how young they are, are all pros. Rena's sister and drummer Nia Lovelis is lively on the drums and the back-beat of the band. Guitarist Casey Moreta is a jack of all trades in Hey Violet truly rounding out the band. The addition of touring live bassist Hayley Jane Batt (who had to learn 15 songs in a week) rounded out to a high energy and fun show at The Troubadour. Check out my gallery from the gig below and the full set list as well.
HEY VIOLET // The Troubadour Set list
All We Ever Wanted
Brand New Moves
Better By Myself
My Consequence
ODD
Queen of The Night
Pure
Unholy
Guys My Age
Where Have You Been (All My Night)
Close My Eyes
Viva La Vida (Coldplay cover)
Clean
Break My Heart
HEY VIOLET // Socials
Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter
Thanks to Capitol Records for the invite out!
Don't forget to subscribe to my emails and like always for the latest and best in music, entertainment and pop culture be sure to stay tuned with The Reclusive Blogger!
Until then,
Brittney x
MYYLO // “CYBORG” - SINGLE REVIEW
Myylo, the Nashville based emerging pop singer-songwriter dropped his new single 'Cyborg' today. The uber catchy song mixes the singers penchant for idiosyncratic lyricism, catchy hooks, unique melodies and his notable falsetto. The song evokes the spirit screw ups in love and heartbreak oh so well leaning into the singers whimsical vibe, where he often draws inspiration from not only classic 70s singer-songwriters like Carole King to pop artists of today such as Kim Petras and Rex Orange County. The Twilight Zone intro to the song says it all and truly introduces you to Myylo as an artist.
"One thing I'm proud of with this song is that it manages to address something heavy while sounding joyful. I'm literally wishing I could talk to God to figure out why I F'd things up with my ex. Its like, yeah, my personal life may be a dumpster fire right now, but we're still gonna dance about it and laugh through the tears." - Myylo
Listen to Myylo ‘Cyborg’ -https://open.spotify.com/track/29zBLebxWlO4CBuZp59ZJZ?si=ldKUSnfqR7aHmx32uTqQ4gMyylo Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myylomusic/Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/myylomusicFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyyloMusic/
