Tag Archives: Warner Music

Maika Makovski – Thank You for the Boots | Music Review

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Before listening to this record I had never heard of Maika Makovski but by the end of it I was in love with her lush voice and swirling tunes.  Prior to entering my life she’s been a very busy girl, this being her 5th studio album and 3rd in 3 years. On top of that she managed to tour hard and star in her first film, Desaparecer, directed by Calixto Bieto. The writing of the album began with Maika, in her own words, “sat at the piano and wanting to just have some fun” in order to get away from the “dense and serious music” of previous efforts. If that was her aim then she should reward herself with a biscuit as her aim’s been achieved.

The album begins with “Language” that builds slowly with instruments being added as the song goes along. Beginning with bass, then drums, then vocals then Maika on piano. It’s 232 seconds of brooding pop loveliness. On “Get Along” Makovski sings “You know you’re stuck with me, I know I’m stuck with you” much to my liking. I’d happily listen to these songs all day. It’s a thundering foot-stomper built that, along with “Your Reflection”, show her penchant for big fun choruses with a punch. It sounds a bit like a radio-friendly version of Cat Power.

“When the Dust Clears” is where she falls over on her attempt to keep things “fun” as she dips into the past but it’s lovely so we’ll forgive her (yes, i forgave her on your behalf). With “No News” and “Cool Cat” she’s back to form. It’s got a swinging country feel. You could imagine her singing these on stage stomping around in some musical. I mean that in a good way. I’d go and watch it even though I hate musical theatre.

“Vulnerable” and “A Dream” end the record by slipping back into the old dark ways and it’s beautiful. If it’s reminiscent of the sound of her older records then I, for one, am looking forward to them reaching my eardrums. It pleases them.

In short, this is a great record; it’s clever, it’s exciting, it’s fun. You want her to win (at what I don’t know!). It’s a different and interesting sound and that’s reason enough to like it but listen to it a dozen times and that novelty doesn’t wear off. If this was a gamble for her then it certainly paid off.

 

“Thank You for the Boots” is out now on Outstanding Records/Warner Music

Maika Makovski plays Breakout @ Proud Camden on May 9th

Pixie Lott Helps Showcase Live Celebrate

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Having enjoyed the presence and support of pop princess Pixie Lott at their fifth birthday celebrations in February, Showcase Live will once again open its doors, or rather those of Stamford Bridge’s ‘Under the Bridge’ Club, in Fulham, to an eclectic bunch of musical talents on 16th April 2012.

The live music event, which has been running for five successful years, since being founded in 2007 by Director George Eason, is set to be hosted by presenter and stand up comic Lee Collins. Lee is a regular on Lisa Snowdon and Dave Berry’s breakfast show on Capital FM as well as on the comedy scene.

Showcase Live is a great platform for new and unsigned artists and has been a starting point for many UK artists including Lawson, JLS and Jessie J. Showcase Live has seen support from many industry leaders and artists, including The Wanted, Fearne Cotton, JLS, Parade, Dionne Bromfield, Twenty Twenty and Westlife.

The next big event, on 16th April, will see London based Trio, Mitsotu perform a selection of their own material including “break your heart”.

Showcase Live favourite, Alex Buchanan, is back. Alex, originally from Manchester, has seen massive success when landing the role of the lead in the West End Musical, Thriller. He has successfully choreographed two music videos and has since been working on his debut album.

Daytona lights will also be performing at the event, offering us some enjoyable upbeat pop. Daytona Lights are a male five piece from London.

Domino Go, who are based in London are currently busy writing and recording their debut album with Atlantic Records will be sure to entertain the crowd with their breathtaking vocals on the night.

Artists that have featured in Showcase Live in the past have gone on to sign with Epic, Polydor, Global Talent, Columbia, Warner Music, Atlantic and many other record companies.

Tickets can be purchased now from See Tickets.

http://www.seetickets.com/Tour/SHOWCASE-LIVE

Picture: Pixie Lott with group ‘Times Red’ from the last showcase event on February 20th.

Stylists Talk Bags As Converse Launch New Range

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With Converse launching their first bag collection just in time for the new school year, a handful of the UK’s finest experts on style and self-expression representing fashion, music and culture reminisced about what defined their own unique style, getting nostalgic about what it means to be an individual once the new term begins. Provided simply with a canvas duffle bag from the Converse Bags & Accessories launch collection, a pencil case and notebook, they got creative to express their personal style in their very own special way…

Sam Voulters
About: Fashion Editor at Vice, Sam Voulters is 22, stylist, brand consultant and writer.
What was your favourite school bag? “I had a CAT backpack with tippex all over it.”

‘Synamatix’ – The Daily Street
About: ‘Synamatix’ is Editor in Chief & Mixtapes Director of the UK’s finest streetwear blog The Daily Street and specialises in sneakers and menswear as well as covering the UK underground dance music scene.
What was your favourite school bag or accessory? “I had a wicked rucksack in olive green, covered in band logos, skate logos etc. That was my greatest bag by a mile.”

Chantelle Fiddy
About: Chantelle Fiddy is a journalist and renowned commentator on London’s grime scene, whose music credentials include penning for Ctrl.Alt.Shift, RWD Magazine, Mixmag, Sunday Times Style and Dazed & Confused as well as presenting on Channel 4’s ‘Generation Next’ and making multiple appearance on BBC Radio 1’s Review Show. You’ll mostly find her online.
Describe your school style. “My school style flitted between record bags and (hideous) rave jackets (I hereby admit to rocking a Technics number) to holding my (entire mop of unbrushed) hair up with felt tip pens and wearing leg warmers alongside my yellow shirt and green blazer.”

Larry B – WORK IT
About: Ripe for reminiscing are some of the team behind London’s coolest 90s night, Work It. Work It have a reputation for drawing the biggest crowds with a cult following craving their unique blend of music, hosting nights and events for Selfridges, Lovebox 2010, Warner Music, London Fashion Week and Vogue Fashion Night Out.
Describe your style at school. “My style at school was your general London rudeboy schoolboy.”

About Converse Bags:
For AW ’11 Converse took the illustrious heritage and iconic style, that has seen their classic sneakers and Chuck Taylor All Star logo omnipresent since the 1900s, to create their first ever dedicated Bags & Accessories Collection. The debut collection reflects the simple and versatile styling synonymous with Converse complete with the iconic Chuck Taylor All Star logo, steel eyelet details and the ever versatile canvas.

The new line of Converse Bags & Accessories is available now at stockists including Schuh, JD Sports and www.blackleaf.com. Prices range from £19 – £54.95