Music Profiles: Bad Habits – Hotel Hell | Great New Music

We love bringing music to people’s attention that they might not have come across. Bad Habits have a wonderful gritty punk-rock feeling and I’m a huge fan. Bad Habits consist of a husband and wife, alongside their son. Their new album, Hotel Hell is out now. Here is the band in the own words:

“Music saved my life but it was also my cover and nearly took it.” – Bad Habits’ Martin Red Butane. He writes dreamlike songs often with a nightmare reference. Creating landscapes and images with his lazy vocals and guitars. You are drawn into his stories and you really feel you are in the plot of the characters, you can touch danger but escape. Accompanied by his family on occasion (3 piece/duo/solo) his wife Glo Butane produces, engineers and plays bass/guitar/keyboards and their son Dakota Red is on cajon/drums. A family of music under his owned trademarked brand Bad Habits (since first used in the 70s). Martin Red was medically retired from his undercover job with PTSD, now with health conditions and injuries from his past life; So he has to sit/use support to perform. However it was not always like this, ” Back in ’78 I was going to give it up while playing a blues jam at the Onslow pub, Southampton when a grubby man came up and asked to jam.” he continues, “he asked if we knew Black Magic Woman? We started to play and it was @Peter Green. After I asked him where he lived he said Salisbury. I asked him how he got here? He said he walked so I took him home to his sister’s house; Pete told me, “Play music for yourself and if other people like it its a bonus.” since 12 yo music was always my centre but life took me to a very different world where I could not be in the limelight. Finally I am free and making music to help my mental health and hopefully other’s as well” 

This is a very organic process. I play live and drive my wife the producer/engineer up the wall as I see every song as a story that I have to emote immediately. We don’t overdub except on the electric guitar parts. I play and sing completely live. My wife uses 3 microphones on me because I can’t double myself every take is different as every gig I play will also be; first one 20 July at Bush Hall, London W12  more dates to follow in support of Mens Health Charities as I’m a disabled musician. 

https://www.facebook.com/BadHabitsMusic

ITunes https://itunes.apple.com/album/id/1725930821

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/album/0jXS9zNxMviC7f3echmd4t 

Deezer https://www.deezer.com/album/535391092

The Sound of Being Human: How Music Shapes Our Lives

I’m a lifelong lover of music. I’m pretty much always listening to it. I believe music is healing, it’s one of the things that make life worth living. I have always thought it has a lot of benefits and now I know I’m right. 

The Sound of Being Human is part memoir, part scientific study and part music history. It is a deep and soulful read by an important music journalist, Jude Rogers. She has interviewed every musician worth knowing and knows her stuff. I learned a lot from this brilliant book and I cannot recommend it enough. 

The Sound of Being Human explores, in detail, why music plays such a deep-rooted role in so many lives, from before we are born to our last days. At its heart is Jude’s own story: how songs helped her wrestle with the grief of losing her father at age five; concoct her own sense of self as a lonely adolescent; sky-rocket her relationships, both real and imagined, in the flushes of early womanhood; propel her own journey into working life, adulthood and parenthood; and look to the future.

Shaped around 12 songs, ranging from ABBA’s ‘Super Trouper’ to Neneh Cherry’s ‘Buffalo Stance’, Kraftwerk’s ‘Radioactivity’ to Martha Reeves and the Vandellas’ ‘Heat Wave’, the book combines memoir and historical, scientific and cultural enquiry to show how music can shape different versions of ourselves; how we rely upon music for comfort, for epiphanies, and for sexual and physical connection; how we grow with songs, and songs grow inside us, helping us come to terms with grief, getting older and powerful memories. It is about music’s power to help us tell our own stories, whatever they are, and make them sing.

The Sound of Being Human is available here.

Downtown reintroduces himself with ‘Hello World’

Photo Credit: Robin Niedojadlo.

Zimbabwe born, Hull raised alternative R&B artist Downtown Kayoto invites listeners back into the fold with Hello World, his first release emerging after a long lockdown.

Releasing his first single in 2019, Downtown Kayoto has quickly established himself, with co-signs from Jessie Ware, Zane Lowe and Nick Grimshaw as well as being Radio 1’s Future Artist. With this he landed the MOBO Help Musicians and PPL Momentum Accelerator Funds.

Following his latest single ‘ROX’, Downtown takes a darker sound with first single of 2021, ‘Hello World’. It acts as a musical reset: “It’s a phrase typed into a new computer program to initiate, before more code is written. It symbolises me placing my flag down into the ground and marking a new starting point both from an artistic and a visual standpoint.”

Like many artists, he found his music shaped by the pandemic: “in the midst of it I found out that I was lonely and didn’t know how to articulate it, usually I try and be vague about my feelings when making music, but I say it confidently in the pre-chorus of this song (“Hello world, I been feeling kinda lonely and I won’t lie.”)”

The track also marks his continuation into authentically blending genres, with his inner conflict represented by the switch between R&B and DnB elements. It’s paired with an equally chaotic visual following Downtown as he spins out, directed by Louis Lincoln-Bottcher.

Marking the beginning of a string of releases, Downtown Kayoto is bringing the alternative R&B sound from across the pond and blending it with UK influences effortlessly.

‘Hello World’ is available on all online platforms via Songular.

JANGO FLASH – Newcastle alt-rockers share ‘My Mercedes’

JANGO FLASH - Newcastle alt-rockers share 'My Mercedes' | released July 28th Inbox

Photo Credit: Adam Thirtle.

Newcastle alt-rockers Jango Flash announce their arrival with scintillating effort ‘My Mercedes’, set for release July 28th ahead of their first ever UK tour dates.

A thrilling indication of the self-proclaimed ‘kamikaze-pop’ outfit’s glittering potential, ‘My Mercedes’ marks the band’s frenetic introduction onto the emerging scene, having locked themselves away in their riverside lair writing and recording a batch of new material over the last twelve months.

Fronted by producer and songwriter Jack Angus Golightly, the band’s feverish indie licks have already won early acclaim across the press landscape via key indie titans The Line Of Best Fitand Clash, whilst spins on the BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music and Radio X airwaves have certainly solidified their rising status as one of the North East’s hottest prospects.

Discussing the context behind the track, charismatic frontman Golightly explained: “‘My Mercedes’ was written as a dialogue between two best friends at bad places in their lives. My mum was a single mother travelling the world with my brother and working three jobs. Along the road she ended up in an oppressive relationship prior to meeting my dad, yet fortunately found the strength to kick back, protect my brother and get herself out of it. It was my mum’s friend that gave her the nickname “Mercedes” because she found elegance and strength in the way she carried herself through life. Whenever she writes to my mum she always starts with, “Dear my Mercedes”. So I opened the song like a letter, and finished the rest in a night.

This pandemic has ramped up the tension in people’s lives to breaking point. Domestic abuse figures skyrocketed, and I ended up hearing horror stories from friends of mine. This is close to home and something that I wanted to discuss, because no one should have to live with abuse and should always have support to find strength and speak out.”

Jango Flash’s ‘My Mercedes’ is out July 28th and will be available on all digital platforms.

Jango Flash is Jack Angus Golightly (vocals), Ed Smith (drums), Adam Dixon (guitar), Sam Frame (guitar), Alex Mitton (bass)

Live Dates
7th Aug – Anarchy Brewery, Newcastle
27th Aug – 13th Note, Glasgow
1st Sept – Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh
2nd Sept – Victoria Vaults, York
4th Sept – The Cluny, Newcastle
25th Sept – Gathering Sounds Festival, Stockton Arts Centre
13th Oct – EBGB’s, Liverpool
19th Oct – Lending Room, Leeds
20th Oct – The Fulford Arms, York

 

What you need to know when starting your own record label

Whether you are an entrepreneur looking to start something new or an aspiring musician who wants to go out on their own, this article is for you. It discusses everything you need to know about starting your own record label and becoming a big player in the music industry if that is your target. Of course, you might just want to set up a small local label to help local musicians, but these tips will still help. 

  1. A Name

To start your own record label, you need a name. It doesn’t have to be the catchiest phrase on the planet, but it would help. The name is important because it represents you and what you stand for. It will be your branding and will be the name everyone knows. If you are reaching out to artists and producers at any level, it will need to be a name that you are proud of. 

As music covers so many industries and genres, you also need to think about what the name means. For example, if you are planning on specialising in the Pop music sector, you might want to avoid something that represents another genre entirely. Obviously, it is down to you in the end, but the name is what will stick. Be imaginative as you would if you were setting up your own company or agency name. At the end of the day, the name is something you should be happy with. 

  1. Defining a Genre

This sort of goes hand in hand with the name choosing. If you are going to specifically settle for one niche then that will have played a factor in setting up your branding. However, if you opted for a label to be named after yourself for example, then you still need to make sure you have a defined focus. Whilst a scattergun approach may work for some people when trying to find clients, it helps to be more targeted. This way will also see you face less rejection. 

Imagine a band trying to make it in Rock ‘n’ Roll like Nirvana receiving an approach from a label which promotes Pop Music. They will likely dismiss your email or direct message. You do not have to appeal to everyone, as quite simply, you just won’t. This applies to those looking to start their own record label, as well as musicians, producers and songwriters. Be strategic and mindful of who you want to market to. In the same way as a marketing company refine their target audience for their newsletters and social media strategy, you will want to do the same when attracting potential clients.  

  1. Work Out When How You are Going to Distribute Your Music

When learning how to start a record label, you reach a point where you know it is about to get serious. As seen in the article on Pirate Studios, starting your own record label can be so rewarding. It can work in so many ways and can be extremely beneficial if you are an aspiring musician yourself. However, you do have to get it right, especially when it comes to distributing and releasing music. As we have seen down the years, the music industry can ride in waves. Artists can have a stellar year and then you may never hear from them again. 

That is why it is so important to avoid releasing and distributing when you feel like it. Similar to when approaching clients and artists, it is important to avoid a scattergun approach in this regard. As there is new music being released every hour, every day, timing is everything. Even the artists and labels with the biggest status will still research the best time to release. Perhaps the best example is how much thought goes into getting the Christmas Number One spot in the UK. This is quite a profitable time for record labels and in the UK, there was always a battle against Simon Cowell’s X Factor juggernaut. 

  1. Think About How You Are Going to Distribute Your Music

Since streaming and downloads started being counted towards the charts and other official figures, how you distribute your music if you are a record label has become a lot more complicated. Obviously, you can still look into releasing online and this is what most new record labels will do. Finding a digital distributor can be quite simple if you know where to look, and this means your records will hopefully land on all streaming sites such as Spotify and others. 

On the other hand, it can be more profitable to get your music distributed to shop floors. With HMV still going, there is still scope for this to be done. However, this can come further down the line if you are just starting out. First things first, don’t overthink it and just get your music distributed online. 

  1. Spread the Word

Perhaps the most important part of starting your own record label is to spread the word. Word of mouth is a great tool. Similarly, to an artist trying to get their name out there, you are wanting to do the same. In an already saturated industry, it is all about timing and word of mouth. Get your friends and other business to promote your new label.

Do some scouting as well. There are many unsigned bands and artists with loads of potential that just need a break in the same way you do. Signing a fledgling artist with bags of talent and ability is easier said than done, but they are out there. What better way to give your new record label a real boost by getting that talented, unsigned artist on the radio. Some record labels started out as bloggers reviewing unsigned talent and this led to promotion online. From there, they realised they had a knack for spotting talent and ability, which led to them setting up their own recording label. 

What you need to remember is that everybody has to start somewhere. Just have a look around and make sure you have everything covered. 

 

Collaborative post with our brand partner.

Has your holiday been cancelled?

If your plans for a holiday have fallen foul of the recent travel warnings or flight disruptions, it is a perfect opportunity to put into action all those projects you have been putting off.

You could write a book, compose a song or learn something new. So don’t despair there are plenty of enjoyable ways to occupy yourself without interacting with strangers or flying off to a different country.

Stay at home and learn

If you have always had a burning ambition to learn a different language, play the guitar, or write a book, now is your chance. With a broadband connection or a CD player, you can do all of these and more.

There is a multitude of online resources to help you fill your time in isolation, and some of them are free. With music available for lead, bass or even Ukulele, you can emulate Peggy Lee Radiohead or Oasis. All you need is patience and some equipment.

If you want to learn a language in preparation for when life returns to normal, then the world is your oyster, and it won’t cost a penny. From beginner, intermediate or conversational level, you can learn a little or a lot depending on your mood. It might not make you proficient, but it will give you an excellent start.

Duolingo is a free resource which is easy to use and good fun. OpenCulture can help you learn the most popular languages French, Spanish, Italian, and the harder ones like Mandarin and Russian. Even obscure ones like Icelandic and Gaelic.

Fernando Alonso Celebrates His F1 Retirement At Amber Lounge Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, 24 & 25 November, 11pm-6am
Amber Lounge Abu Dhabi, Yas Links Golf Club, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

It was a night that will go down in history as Amber Lounge welcomed the Formula 1 drivers, teams and party-loving international guests for the celebration of the year.

Photo credit:  Amber Lounge

F1 drivers entered Amber Lounge’s luxury oasis on Sunday night and let their hair down for one of the greatest end-of-season parties to date. Fernando Alonso, departing from the Championship after 17 years, was joined by his fellow drivers Max Verstappen, Kevin Magnussen, Carlos Sainz, Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly, Stoffel Vandoorne, Marcus Ericsson, Brendon Hartley, Sergey Sirotkin, Antonio Gionivazzi.

International cricketer Chris Gayle and former pro football player Michael Brown were also spotted in the crowd.

Photo credit:  Amber Lounge

When the time came to say goodbye to the Spaniard, the club plunged into darkness for the ‘Black Out’ moment, then lit up with 17 specially designed bottles of Moët Champagne filled with sparklers and flashing lights. Each bottle signified a year he has competed in Formula 1.

Emotions ran high as Sigala announced the exclusive bottle moment which was delivered in true Amber Lounge style, fueling the euphoric atmosphere. Joining Sigala on stage Alonso soaked up the elated vibes as the superstar DJ revved up the ecstatic crowd with an ultra-energetic performance. 

Photo credit:  Amber Lounge

To add to the electric energy, the Grey Goose bar illuminated the exclusive party. The ‘For The Hunters’ inspired terrace area was a favourite for partygoers after a chic but relaxing vibe.

Max Verstappen

Kevin Magnussen

Esteban Ocon

Sergey Sirotki

Marcus Ericsson

Fernando Alonso

Photo credits: Amber Lounge

Amber Lounge will be back in 2019 bigger and better than ever, with parties and luxury events and experiences both inside and outside F1. The next event, Amber Lounge Monaco on May 24th, 25th and 26th, will offer the ultimate in luxury race viewing on the trackside Celebrity Yachts, terraces or Paddock Clubs combined with a unique party experience and Amber Lounge Charity Fashion Show.

Sonia Irvine said: “It was one of the most incredible nights we’ve ever had at Amber Lounge. Although it was sad to see a much-loved driver as Fernando end his career in F1, we were honoured to hold the official celebrations for him. I think what we created was worthy of an F1 legend.”

Photo credits: Amber lounge

For more information on Amber Lounge, visit: http://www.amber-lounge.com/abu-dhabi 
To book tickets and tables, call: +971 55 291 4013 or contact abudhabi@amber-lounge.com

About Amber Lounge…

Amber Lounge was founded by Sonia Irvine, who has worked in F1 for two decades. Sonia is regarded as a pioneer of F1 nightlife experiences and continues to create the most sought-after events on the F1 calendar.

The Amber Lounge experience consists of Formula 1 race viewing hospitality options as well as post-race afterparties, dining, charity, fashion and tailor-made events throughout the year. In 2018 it took place in Monaco, Singapore and Abu Dhabi. http://amber-lounge.com/index.php/tickets/

AMBER LOUNGE 2018/2019 EVENT SCHEDULE
Abu Dhabi 24/25 November | Monaco 24/25/26 May 2019 | Singapore 21/22 September 2019

Asenso “Senz” Ampim | Music Profiles

PRODUCER | RAPPER | PRO BASKETBALL PLAYER

Asenso “Senz” Ampim is the physical manifestation of persistence, passionand raw talent. Most people dream of one day becoming either a professional athlete or a musician but rarely ever both at the same time. With his athletic 6 foot 6 frame which he imposes on defenders on the basketball court, Senz in his music off the court, offers a raw, honest and at times humorous perspective into his life over thought-provoking emotiveproductions that make you feel. There’s a fresh wave of music coming your way that is intriguing, uplifting and vulnerable.

Jack Gierlich
CEO & Founder Ferus Solutions LLC

Born in Ghana (’88), raised in England then studying and living in New York, Asenso “Senz” Ampim is a man of the world. He is a Professional Basketball Player, Musician, and Entrepreneur seeking to continuously develop and display his abilities.

Senz got his start playing basketball for a small high school in Massachusetts, which then led him to play Division 1 college basketball at Columbia University where he was

named Ivy League Rookie of the Week, finishing his career amongst the Top Ten all-time Offensive Rebounders in school’s history. After graduating, he took his talents internationally to professional leagues in countries such as

France, Lithuania, Lebanon and South Korea to name a few. Throughout his career over the past 7 years, he has earned himself tournament MVP awards and “All Imports Team” Honors.

Senz began pursuing music as a hobby while traveling and playing basketball. His early influence stemmed from

the 2012 EDM hype with then younger acts such as Avicii, Afrojack and Calvin Harris leading the way as budding superstars. He would in turn make a slew of EDM remixes for friends who were Dj’s at local venues while also developing his own original tracks. Senz began to quickly find his own sound which features strong kicks, catchy melodies and emotive transitions intricately woven together. These components add a unique feel to his productions that set him apart from the status quo. He then started jotting down lines to his productions which led to his first single “Photoshoot Fresh” that has made him not only a professional athlete, but also an artist, producer and engineer of his own music.