Active Bird Community, a band which recently signed to Barsuk (Death Cab For Cutie, Charly Bliss and more), have announced dates for their January UK tour. The band will be touring in Glasgow, Manchester, London, Brighton and Birmingham.
The tour comes after the release of their new eleven-song album Amends, released via Barsuk. Among the songs, Unwind With Me, has already acquired over 800,000 plays via Spotify alone — making it one of the most listened tracks from the band.
Tour Dates
22nd Jan – Stereo – Glasgow
23rd Jan – The Deaf Institute, Manchester
24th Jan – Boston Music Room, London
25th Jan – The Hope & Ruin, Brighton
26th Jan – The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham
Isle of Dogs, the latest animated film by the stylistically driven film director Wes Anderson, is the first film to enter our Best Films of 2018 list. Isle of Dogs became an instant hit after it opened at the cinemas in March of this year. Unsurprisingly the film has received two Golden Globe nominations as it looks to continue its award success into next year.
Crazy Rich Asians (Dir. Jon M. Chu)
Crazy Rich Asians, a rom-com drama directed by Jon M. Chu, is the second film to enter our list. The film cast a range of fantastic actors with great chemistry, who delivered top-notch comedic moments with a heart-warming ending. With a great achievement in creating an engaging storyline with interesting characters, we believe this film deserves a spot on our list.
Incredibles 2 (Dir. Brad Bird)
The long-awaited sequel to the original Incredibles came this year and did not let us down. Brad Bird’s Incredibles 2 holds right up there with the original and has deservedly earned its place in the best films of 2018 list with an entertaining story and heaps of adventure.
Creed II (Dir. Steven Caple Jr.)
The eighth instalment in the beloved Rocky series, Creed II, hit the cinemas late this year. Having big expectations and big shoes to fill since the first Creed, the film delivered an inspirational story which was lifted up by brilliant acting from Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone.
Burning (Dir. Lee Chang-dong)
Gavin Jenkins says “…it’s a visually stunning film that highlights class division in Seoul, contemporary misogyny, and the vulnerabilities and danger facing some young women who are driven to succeed. These themes are executed with brilliant realism. And while this couldn’t hold up to the eventual winner, Shoplifters, or other frontrunners for the 2018 Palme d’Or, it is a very good film nonetheless.”
Dogman (Dir. Matteo Garrone)
Gavin Jenkins says “Often, the quality of some filmmaker’s previous work and Cannes’ prestigious atmosphere can lead to a brief over-reaching from critics and audiences alike. Dogman, however, is not one of those films. Frankly, Dogman is a masterpiece of cinema and left viewers with an overwhelming sense of fulfilment. Garrone was visibly honoured with the reaction of the viewers inside the Lumiere.”
BlackKklansman (Dir. Spike Lee)
Christopher Stewardson says “Whilst perhaps too forceful for some, BlacKkKlansman is nonetheless an extremely well crafted film. Its potent parallels between the racism of the past with that of the present lend the film an undeniable sense of urgency. Thelargely ensemble cast gives form and depth to Lee’s vision with their considered performances. John David Washington and Adam Driver play off of one another, stirring each other’s character development. The juxtaposition of the film’s comedy with the horrifying views and actions of the KKK keep the audience unnerved throughout. With the audience unable to settle in, the film’s pace is tight. This is a remarkable piece of cinema, one that understands its position as a cultural artefact capable of change. BlacKkKlansman is an immense achievement for Spike Lee.”
Mandy (Dir. Panos Cosmatos)
Christopher Stewardson says “Mandy is indeed something else. It is an experience unlike anything else in release. Panos Cosmatos has constructed a surreal horror, at once repulsive and beautiful. With its simple story told through vivid, nightmarish visuals, Mandy is sure to become a cult favourite all of its own.”
A Quiet Place (Dir. John Krasinski)
John Krasinski’s horror debut A Quiet Place became an unexpected hit when it was released in early April of this year. With vastly tense scenes, powerful acting and an atmosphere that will have you hooked from the get-go. A Quiet Place deserves a spot on this list.
Halloween (Dir. David Gordon Green)
Christopher Stewardson says “Stripping away the excess of its sequels and remakes, David Gordon Green’s Halloween looks back at John Carpenter’s 1978 original with reverence. With the welcome return of Jamie Lee Curtis, this latest instalment in the series zeroes in on what made the original work, and whilst not always successfully, it intelligently appropriates those elements forty years on.”
Cold War (Dir. Paweł Pawlikowski)
Cold War is the latest Paweł Pawlikowski’s film since the release of the Oscar-winning Ida which wowed the audiences across the world with its stunning visuals and intriguing story. Cold War much-like Ida is visually striking and thus justifies a spot on this list.
Bohemian Rhapsody (Dir. Bryan Singer)
Bohemian Rhapsody, a biographical film on the British rock band Queen, has become a huge hit with its moderate budget of $55 million. Rami Malek, the actor, mostly known for his role as Elliot in Mr.Robot, delivered a brilliant performance with electrifying energy to bring back Freddie Mercury back to life, once more.
Avengers: Infinity War (Dir. Anthony Russo and Joe Russo)
Russo brother’s latest release Infinity War made quite the impact at the box office, making over two billion dollars worldwide. In this action-filled Marvel film, the Avengers and their allies team up in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos and do so with splendid humour and blazing action.
Hereditary (Dir. Ari Aster)
Ari Aster’s Hereditary made quite the impression during its festival run. Starring Toni Collette, Hereditary is a powerful and intense horror film that is perfectly supported and lifted by its brilliant sound design and Collette’s gripping acting.
A Star is Born (Dir. Bradley Cooper)
A Star is Born, the directorial debut of Bradley Cooper, became an instant Oscar-hit upon its release. Starring Cooper himself and Lady Gaga, the film features several song hits that have become playlist favourites and have become the frontrunners to get some wins at the Oscars next year.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey and Rodney Rothman)
Christopher Stewardson says “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse may be one of the best superhero films to date. It’s funny, it’s thoughtful, and its visuals are a treat. You really feel that you’re watching a film made by dedicated Spider-Man fans who sincerely wanted to make a good film; and they delivered. Simultaneously, Into the Spider-Verse never feels as though its appeal is limited to diehard fans, its jokes and gags accessible to all. Perhaps that’s the film’s greatest strength: like its Spider heroes coming together, Into the Spider-Verse never feels like it’s excluding anyone. In today’s pop culture climate of staunch fan gate-keepers, Into the Spider-Verse is exciting, heartfelt, mind-blowing fun for all.”
Black Panther (Dir. Ryan Coogler)
Marvel’s Black Panther might just be the favourite audience film released this year. While it was expected to do well by some, the film smashed the Box Office as it made over $1.3 billion with a budget of around $200 million. Starring Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan and many other great actors the film delivers a splendid storyline with great charismatic characters that flow with an effortlessness that is only seen in film classics.
Mission Impossible – Fallout (Dir. Christopher McQuarrie)
Elias Michael says “Mission: Impossible – Fallout is a spectacular blockbuster that deserves a viewing in the cinema; it deserves to a viewing on a big screen with clear sound (as all films should really). It is thrilling, remarkable and electrifying; it outdoes all previous Mission Impossible films and could be regarded as one of the best action films ever produced… until the next one.”
Roma (Dir. Alfonso Cuarón)
Roma, a film that focuses on a year in the life of a middle-class family’s maid in Mexico City in the early 70s, has become another film fanatic favourite. Cuarón’s Roma is an artistic journey that will make you want to re-watch it more than once with its magical visuals and moving storyline.
Deadpool 2 (Dir. David Leitch)
Deadpool 2, the adored superhero film that stars Ryan Reynolds, has become another fan favourite after its release in May this year. The fantastic comedy-filled superhero film has not let its fan base down with numerous memorable scenes and waves of comedy gold. Being the sequel to the first highly-successful film, the expectation was high; however, it delivered and thus deserves a spot on our list.
From bestselling author Amanda Prowse comes the poignant tale of a woman who has always been there for her family. But will they be there for her?
Rae-Valentine and Howard were childhood sweethearts. They’ve shared twenty-five peaceful years since they were brought together by Dolly, Howard’s larger-than-life sister. But now, on the night of their wedding anniversary, Howard reveals a shocking betrayal that leaves Rae reeling.
Heartbroken, she takes Dolly on her would-be anniversary trip to Antigua and the two women drink and dance and talk like they haven’t in years. But in the break from real life, Rae realises her choices have always been made for her, and suddenly she’s questioning not only her fragile marriage but also her one-sided friendships. Is she really the pushover everyone else sees?
Jenny Starling is spending Christmas in a snowed-in country house cooking all the traditional food she loves. But the family she’s working for are not full of the seasonal spirit. In fact, they seem to hate each other.
On Christmas Eve, someone is found dead on the kitchen table. And the head of the family is blaming Jenny!
But with an incompetent detective called in, and seemingly no motive for the murder, Jenny will have to give the police a hand.
She will stop at nothing to clear her name and find the real murderer.
‘For millions around the world, Kate is way more than another singer-songwriter: she is a creator of musical companions that travel with you through life. One paradox about Kate is that while her lyrics are proudly idiosyncratic, those same lyrics evoke emotions and sensations that feel universal. Literature works in similar mysterious ways. Kate’s the opposite of a confessional singer-songwriter … You don’t learn much about Kate from her songs. She’s fond of masks and costumes – lyrically and literally – and of yarns, fabulations and atypical narrative viewpoints. Yet, these fiercely singular songs, which nobody else could have authored, are also maps of the heart, the psyche, the imagination. In other words, art.’ David Mitchell
For David Goggins, childhood was a nightmare — poverty, prejudice, and physical abuse colored his days and haunted his nights. But through self-discipline, mental toughness, and hard work, Goggins transformed himself from a depressed, overweight young man with no future into a U.S. Armed Forces icon and one of the world’s top endurance athletes. The only man in history to complete elite training as a Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, and Air Force Tactical Air Controller, he went on to set records in numerous endurance events, inspiring Outside magazine to name him “The Fittest (Real) Man in America.”In Can’t Hurt Me, he shares his astonishing life story and reveals that most of us tap into only 40% of our capabilities. Goggins calls this The 40% Rule, and his story illuminates a path that anyone can follow to push past pain, demolish fear, and reach their full potential.
Winona Farmington can’t help but feel that life is passing her by in her backwater Michigan town. She hates her job, and her boyfriend won’t commit. But she escapes the dreariness of everyday life with her favourite TV show, Beauchamp Hall, an English period drama.
When she makes a shocking discovery, Winona knows it’s time to make a change and travels to the picturesque English village that’s home to the world of Beauchamp Hall, in pursuit of a new adventure…
How can you learn to truly love yourself? How can you transform negative emotions into positive ones? Is it possible to find lasting happiness?
In this book, Instagram guru Vex King answers all of these questions and more. Vex overcame adversity to become a source of hope for thousands of young people, and now draws from his personal experience and his intuitive wisdom to inspire you.
John Milton hasn’t seen Elijah Warriner for three years. The last time they met, Milton’s efforts to keep the boy safe didn’t go exactly to plan. Now Elijah is a promising boxer, preparing for the bout that will take him to the big time. Milton decides that he will spend the week before Christmas in London so that he can watch the fight.
There is always hope. Northern France is a frozen morass of mud and snow across which rampages a horde of the undead, a hundred million strong. That won’t stop Chester Carson and his comrades. Seeking a way across the Channel, they make for the coast, unaware that Britain has been abandoned, Belfast is a ruin, and that radiation is seeping into the Irish Sea. If they knew, that wouldn’t stop them either. They’re on a quest to save their family, their friends, and humanity itself; failure is not an option. As they journey through war-ravaged ports and storm-wrecked beaches, a new truth becomes clear. The flotilla that found refuge on Anglesey wasn’t the only group of sea-borne refugees to have survived the outbreak. There are other survivors. Some good, some evil, some just determined to do their duty no matter the cost. Danger lurks along the French and Belgian coasts. So do answers, and hope that humanity now has a future.
He left notes with every woman he killed. Rules of murder: Never have a motive. Never follow a discernible pattern. Never carry a weapon after it has been used…So many rules to his sick, violent games of death.
But Lucas Davenport, the cop who’s out to get him, isn’t playing by the rules.
In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her – from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it – in her own words and on her own terms. Warm, wise, and revelatory, Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations – and whose story inspires us to do the same.
Róisín Chapman and Kieran Anscomb, filmmakers and collaborators on the upcoming short film About That Girl, joined us for an interview to talk about the idea of the film and how it all came about.
Hi, how are you?
Róisín: Hi, we’re very well thank you. Excited for the break we’ll get over Christmas before we go into the final stages of pre-production before filming.
Kieran: I’m a high functioning drug addict currently detoxing over the Christmas break, how do you think I’m doing?
Pretty well? So, whose idea was About That Girl?
Róisín: About That Girl was primarily Megan and Aurora’s idea, they are our DoP and production designer. However, they let our writer, Kieran, do his first draft with no hints from then. Then from there, it seems to have been quite a collaborative process between the three of them.
Kieran: Okay let’s clear this up. They came up with the title and character names, and told me Fred fell in love with this mysterious girl, then spent the next day trying to find her. Oh and I also had to include a record store, that was vital apparently. But the further along we got developing the idea, we sort of formed this little team where we would spend hours upon hours bouncing ideas off each other, then I would go away, bang out a draft, and then go back and see what they thought of it first. We’ve repeated this process so many times I’ve actually forgotten what we’re supposed to be writing about, I think it’s still a romantic comedy, but I can’t be sure.
How did the crew come together?
Róisín: We were all quite good friends before we started the project. So once we found out that About That Girl had been chosen we just agreed who we thought would be best in which role. Then we started pre-production almost immediately and had our first group meeting only a day or so after.
Kieran: I knew of them and could tolerate them before the project. But I needed a gig, so I pestered and pestered them until they let me join. After having worked with them for about three months, I can still just about tolerate them.
Stylistically, what films and culture influenced this film?
Róisín: We have a few influences for this film. We have two aesthetic themes during night and day. At night we use a neon vibe, for that we looked at movies such as Nerve and Maniac, on Netflix. About That Girl is set in the alternative 80’s so there’ll be some retro elements to the film such as the clothes they wear and the fact that they listen to records, although records have made a comeback in the last couple of years, but it’s things like that which will just add to the bright and evocative colours bringing a distinct and personal style to our film. Then during the day, we want a more natural feel, so we focus on pastel colours. This was inspired by movies such as 500 Days of Summer and What If. I’m hoping this will make the night scenes seem more intense and passionate whereas the day will be softer and more comfortable. As for the edit, our main inspiration is Edgar Wright, especially, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World as when it comes to the transitions, that man is a genius. He can manage to transition a scene so seamlessly the audience barely even notices, and that is what we are trying to achieve in About That Girl.
Kieran: What she said.
How would you describe the film in three words?
Róisín: I would say, adventurous, comradery and charming
Kieran: Exceedingly well written.
Will there be a sequel to About That Girl?
Róisín: Not that I’m aware of however there may be a spin-off with the band in the film, The Frog and The Snail.
Kieran: Fuck me let us finish the first one first. Although we have had a couple of meetings about developing the relationship between Caleb and his hip flask in a further spin-off film, you’ll understand once you’ve seen the first one that we haven’t yet finished making.
When are you planning to film and release the film? Also, are you planning to have a film festival run?
Róisín: So the film will be screened on the 22nd of May at Vision’s Festival in the University of Hertfordshire. Then after that, we will be sending a private link to all of the kind people who donated generously to our IndieGoGo campaign.
Then we are hoping to submit it to as many film festivals as we can such as Cannes, Sundance, Toronto, Raindance and then also I’ve been scouring the internet for lesser-known festivals such as the Flatpack Film Festival and Encounters, so we can apply to as many that’ll have us.
After the festival run, we will then release the film online for the world to watch but that will after all the festivals in 2020.
Thank you so much for speaking with us. I can’t wait for you to see the film and tell us what you think. If you want to find out more, you can go to our website here.
Thank you for joining us Kieran and Roisin!
If you would like to follow the progress of About That Girl, you can follow their Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Donations to the film can be made here.
To conclude 2018, we have compiled a short list of our favourite interviews from the year for you to read just before Christmas.
Andy Nyman and Jeremy Dyson
In April, film critic and filmmaker Christopher Stewardson presented us with an in-depth interview with film directors Andy Nyman and Jeremy Dyson. The interview discussed their film ‘Ghost Stories’ which was released on the 6th of April. You can read the interview here.
Reinhard Kleist
Reinhard Kleist, German graphic designer and cartoonist, known for such works as ‘Nick Cave: Mercy on Me’ and ‘Cash: I See a Darkness,’ joined us for an interview back in October to talk about his current work just before the Cheltenham Literature Festival. You can read the interview here.
Florian Wupperfeld
Another fantastic interview we conducted this year was with Florian Wupperfeld. Wupperfeld joined us to talk about Leading Culture Destination Awards, which he founded. You can read the interview here.
Solomon Grey
In early January, the beloved duo, Solomon Grey joined us for a short interview to talk about their album ‘Human Music’ and the challenges behind making an album. You can read the interview here.
Hollie McNish
Our final must-read interview is with the critically-acclaimed poet Hollie McNish. We conducted the interview just before her appearance at the Cheltenham Literature Festival to talk about culture, criticism and of course poetry. You can read the interview here.
Visually explosive, consistently funny, and with a tremendous heart, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse swings into cinemas with unmatched vibrancy. A feat of animation and editing, Into the Spider-Verse brings to cinematic life several of Marvel’s lesser-known Spider-heroes. Shameik Moore and Jake Johnson head up the brilliant cast, whose performances carry us through what is arguably the very best definition of a “comic book movie”
Miles Morales (Shameik Moore), a talented young artist, struggles to navigate his relationship with his cop father (Brian Tyree Henry) when he’s sent to an elite boarding school. Through his Uncle Aaron (Mahershala Ali), Miles escapes one evening to a secret den under the subway where he’s free to produce the art he longs to. Whilst there, he’s bitten by a radioactive spider. At the same time, crime lord King Pin (Liev Schreiber) begins testing the Super Collider, a device to access parallel universes, in the hopes of finding his wife and son who have died in this one. When the Spider-Man of Miles’ universe (Chris Pine) dies trying to stop King Pin, it is left to Miles and his new-found Spider powers to stop him. Unbeknownst to both of them, Spider-heroes of other universes have been sucked into Miles’. The older and weary Spider-Man of another universe (Jake Johnson) soon becomes a pseudo-mentor to Miles, whilst the pair slowly come across the other Spider-heroes, like Spider-Gwen (Hailee Steinfeld), Spider-Noir (Nicolas Cage), Spider-Ham (John Mulaney), and Peni Parker (Kimiko Glenn) – all of whom know it’s only a matter of time before King Pin uses the Super Collider again, and threatens existence itself…
With a huge heart, Into the Spider-Verse successfully weaves a story of endearing characters and personal stakes. The difficult relationship between Miles and his father is one we invest in, as Miles struggles to define himself against his father’s expectations. Expectations as a theme is one of the film’s strongest aspects, as Miles and the other Spider heroes all acknowledge those placed on them – in many ways by themselves. The central message that we can’t ever know if we’re “ready, or if we’ve “lived up” is one handled with great credibility. Doing what’s right isn’t easy, but to try, and to take the “leap of faith” as Johnson’s Peter Parker says, can help us to escape the oppression of expectation.
Shameik Moore delivers an earnest performance as Miles Morales.
Shameik Moore delivers a wonderfully vulnerable performance as Miles. We empathise with his desire to be himself, but especially with his difficulty in defining who that self is. Jake Johnson’s Peter Parker is also brilliant, juxtaposing his self-assuredness in teaching Miles with the personal anguish at the state of his life in his own universe. Moore and Johnson make for a great duo, giving us some of the best lines in the film, and stirring the development in each other’s character.
Hailee Steinfeld’s Spider-Gwen has a grace and elegance to counter the still-learning Miles. A quiet moment on a bus between Miles and Gwen really allows her to shine, as she opens up about her past, and how she’s shut herself off to new people. In acknowledging Miles’ new powers and his difficulty mastering them, she sees someone struggling how she did, and in turn he sees that his journey isn’t one he walks alone. Steinfeld does a terrific job projecting that emotional toll. In moments such as these, Into the Spider-Verse shines with its considered grasp of connection and compassion.
Into the Spider-Verse immediately assaults one’s senses with its striking and vivid animation. Reflecting the merge of different universes, each Spider hero has their own distinct look and style, providing more visual variation in one film than most live-action superhero offerings have between them. From the onomatopoeic words that follow characters in their fights, to the CMYK colour tones (to match the look of a comic printing press) of the world, Into the Spider-Verse is a comic book come to life, perhaps the best definition of a “comic book movie”
From left to right: Peni Parker, Spider-Gwen, Spider-Ham, Miles Morales, Peter Parker, Spider-Noir.
Complementing the animation is the fast pace. The writing allows the story to progress quickly, moving from beat to beat with nothing superfluous. The slick editing means that fight sequences are punchy (literally) and don’t drag. The pace also helps the film’s comedy, with each joke, one-liner, or visual gag timed to perfection.
Speaking of comedy, special mention must be given to John Mulaney’s performance as Peter Porker a.k.a. Spider-Ham, brought to life with all the smooth-edged iconography of a Looney-Tunes cartoon. From his first line onscreen (“It can get weirder!”), every line or action from Spider-Ham is a “remember that bit when…” moment. Mulaney injects his distinct brand of confident absurdity to make a memorable and endearing powerful pig.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse may be one of the best superhero films to date. It’s funny, it’s thoughtful, and its visuals are a treat. You really feel that you’re watching a film made by dedicated Spider-Man fans who sincerely wanted to make a good film; and they delivered. Simultaneously, Into the Spider-Verse never feels as though its appeal is limited to diehard fans, its jokes and gags accessible to all. Perhaps that’s the film’s greatest strength: like its Spider heroes coming together, Into the Spider-Verse never feels like it’s excluding anyone. In today’s pop culture climate of staunch fan gate-keepers, Into the Spider-Verse is exciting, heartfelt, mind-blowing fun for all.
Raf Simons, a beloved designer in the world of fashion, has left Calvin Klein, a brand known for their underwear and distinct look. Simons was the chief creative officer at Calvin Klein and joined in 2016, after leaving Christian Dior. The departure arises more than eight months before his contract was due to expire.
In 2016, Simons’ arrival at Calvin Klein was seen as a major change for the brand, as Simons is known for his unique style and edgy looks. According to sources, due to Simons leaving, Calvin Klein will not be showing on the February 2019 New York Fashion Week calendar.
Calvin Klein is the division of PVH, which is currently trading at $88.72.
Lene Lovich, a prominent figure in the New Wave genre, will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of the classic debut album ‘Stateless’ in March 2019. The album’s track ‘Lucky Number’ went onto reach #3 on the UK singles charts back and received positive critic reception.
Talking about the tour Lovich said: “It is incredibly flattering to know that people are still interested in Stateless after all these years. And it is always humbling to learn what it has meant to people on a personal level. We all have music which becomes the soundtrack to our lives, and to know that people are still listening is the highest compliment that you can ever be paid as an artist and a performer.”
Joining us for an interview is Joel Corry, a DJ and music producer, who recently released his single ‘Fallen’ featuring Hayley May.
Hi, how are you?
I’m really good thanks! It’s been a great year, and I’m going to finish it strong!
So, how did you get into music?
I got my first pair of decks for Christmas when I was 13. They were Numark Belt-Drives, and I had a little 2-channel mix to go with it. The mixer only had volume faders and a crossfader, proper old school! I used to save up my school dinner money to buy a couple of records every week. I’m glad I learnt how to mix on vinyl and grew up during that era, it was much harder back then, but much more fun! When I started DJing, the UK Garage scene was at its peak and grime had started to come through. Garage, Grime and Drum & Bass were my early influences. I was really into the music and practiced in my bedroom every day. My brother was actually an MC and I used to record our sets, I would love to find one of our old tapes now haha! My idol was DJ EZ, I would always record his shows on KISS FM and try and to re-create his mixes.
What was the process of finding a vocalist for ‘Fallen’?
The vocalist on Fallen is Hayley May, who is also featured on my recent release ‘Good As Gold’. Hayley wrote the track, so it was only natural for her to feature on the record. She sounds amazing!
How did ‘Fallen’ come about?
Fallen came from a writing session with Hayley May at the start of the year. I have worked with Hayley on several projects now, she’s a star. I knew there was huge potential in track, the topline felt really strong. Sometimes you can complete a record within a few weeks, but other times a record can take months and months to finish. That was the case with Fallen.
What were the challenges of making ‘Fallen’?
I wanted to put out a record with a hook that was catchy enough to crossover on radio, but with a drop that would work great in a club. It was a challenge to find the right balance, and get the arrangement sounding tight. I originally had the track mastered with a different arrangement, but ultimately, after changing my mind a few times, I think I nailed it. I am very happy with the final version.
As the year is wrapping up. What do you have planned music-wise for 2019?
I have music ready for next year. Sitting on tracks is frustrating, but timing is key. I have an exciting plan in place, and I really believe if I keep working this hard, 2019 could be my year.
Our final question, what is your definition of culture?
For me, culture is a reflection of what is current and trending, especially with the youth. It is also the identity of a place formed from its history. As a touring DJ, I have been lucky enough to experience culture in different cities and countries around the world. Barcelona stands out to me as a place I have visited recently that had a real feeling of culture.
Mozes and the Firstborn, a four-piece garage-pop band, have announced new dates for their European tour in 2019, which takes part in January and March. The tour will come after the worldwide release of their third full-length album ‘Dadcore’ which is due to come out on the 25th of January, 2019.
