All the Latest Music News on Nagamag
The Latest
All Nagamag’s online magazine music articles in one place. Here you will find our latest posts and whole back catalog of articles.
Lewis Bolland – Incomplete (Spotify)
“In our opinion, Lewis Bolland have created one of the most soulful piano songs that we have listened. Resembling the contact of two worlds, where warm hands pose on ice cubes.”
“На наш нескромный взгляд, это одна из самых душевных фортепианных композиций, которую нам довелось послушать. Соприкосновение двух миров, где таят на тёплых руках ледяные кубики льда.”
-Nagamag.com
Gentle modern classical composition. Great for classical, reading, meditation and sleep playlists.
https://www.instagram.com/lewisbollandmusic
Performing the piano since the age of 7, Lewis’s home life was filled with music. His formal music education began early with piano lessons given by his grandmother Elsie. By the time he was 14 Lewis was being called up as the pianist & keyboard player in school performances and at the age of 15 he was in the rehearsal room as a student teacher, giving lessons to his contemporaries.
After composing and performing for his GSCE & A Level music exams, Lewis went on to support some of the UK’s biggest artists and toured the country multiple times as a session pianist & keys player. In late 2014 Lewis set up ‘Private Piano Tuition UK’. A modern classical piano school who teach over sixty students per week and currently holds a 100% pass rate with Royal Schools Of Music. During the summer of 2019 Lewis performed as a dinner pianist on ships across Europe and came home to start his residency with the Four Seasons Hotels in September. This has seen him go on to perform in front of celebrities, high profile figures, royalty and in the homes of some of the wealthiest families in the world.
After discovering composers such as Ludovico Einaudi, Hans Zimmer and Yann Tiersen in piano lessons with his grandmother, Lewis fell in love with writing modern classical and started working on an EP with close friend Ben Selley. Following six months writing originals and re-arranging well known tracks Lewis & Ben recorded their debut EP ‘TIME’ at Air studios, London and released it on the 19th August 2019 under ‘Bolland & Selley’.
‘Moments’ is the first solo release from Lewis in 2021 and was inspired by the different seasons and the feelings they conjure up during the course of a year.
Alas de Liona – Pages (Video)
“Very sensual and thoroughly thought-out composition, with excellent harmony and deep leading vocal performer. Very beautiful, emotional and sometimes discreet work.”
“Детально продуманная композиция, очень чувственная, с отличной гармонией и глубоким лидирующим вокалом исполнительницы. Работа эмоциональная, местами сдержанная и очень красивая.”
-Nagamag.com
Pages is song 4 from Radio Astronomy EP which Alas describes as a bittersweet, ‘leaving on a jet plane’ type song, lyrics are pretty straightforward romantic, with a kind of corny, lite-philosophical moment.
www.alasdeliona.com
Alas de Liona hails from a small town in the Mojave Desert and her final year at UC Santa Barbara saw her head to Edinburgh in Autumn 2019, to complete the course there.
Having originally studied religious history and folklore at college, she had an instant affinity with the city’s striking architecture and artistic lineage.
During her stay, her main passion for songwriting and performing saw her starting to make a name for herself performing in Edinburgh pubs before the pandemic closed all venues.
Her haunting vocals, often compared to the likes of Joni Mitchell and Phoebe Bridgers, are woven through lyrically complex, rich imaginal soundscapes.
Finally, free from the rigour of academia, Alas is now fulfilling her musical aspirations, recording Radio Astronomy EP in December 2020 with producer Rod Jones (Idlewild) at Post Electric Studios, Leith, Edinburgh.
Cascade is the third track released from her Radio Astronomy EP. The song is about loss and dwelling in a painful memory. The video marks her debut as writer and director.
https://www.instagram.com/alasdeliona/
Chimes in the Sky – Breach (Spotify)
“From the first note a blanket of intricately woven, multi instrumental, magical musical fabric, will gently envelop you in a warm & comforting embrace. The dreamlike quality of the vocals & the overall blend of an airy, spacious, feel-good vibe will lift your spirit high to hear the ‘Chimes In The Sky.’ ”
-Nagamag.com
Chimes in the Sky is the solo project of London based multi-instrumentalist John Owen (songwriter, producer and guitarist from The Near Tide). Combining acoustic and electronic elements with other-wordly vocals, Chimes in the Sky is a soothing exploration of abstract ideas, memories and fragments of personal experience.
Mat Hours – L’assiette (Spotify)
“A fresh lofi, chill-out track packed full of interesting sonic ideas. L’assiette (The Plate), is a musical dish served with a deep bass main, an accompaniment of catchy percussion & keys that you could say were organic lol. After the intro, a host of other elements are served thick & fast, but never too many to devour with relish. The vocal swells are the finishing touch to a very tasty meal. Bon Appetitie.”
-Nagamag.com
Mat is back with « L'assiette », his new chill, lofi beat recipe. Tasty synths, crispy hats and a sweet bass. Enjoy your meal and share it !
https://www.instagram.com/mat_hours
Derek Eisel – Easy (Spotify)
“First impressions are that of a well performed, timeless classic country record that you may have heard before? Then upon closer inspection, you will discover that the narrative deals with an issue seldom discussed openly. The bitter-sweet relationship between two young men, set against an idyllic backdrop that sometimes may not feel like home sweet home.”
-Nagamag.com
Several years ago, Derek Eisel left Seattle to make his home on an island off the coast of Washington, where the farmlands are lush and the community of a mere 2000 brims with music and homemade tortillas.
Though Eisel’s debut EP, Last Resort Fire Department, is born of a man who recognizes the beauty of his life, it also explores the balance between what can be considered heaven and, of course, its counterpoint. The beauty around him becomes a backdrop as Eisel explores the emotions that unfold between two men, and the challenges and sweet reward that sometimes simultaneously exist within a relationship.
“I’m trying to share an honest point of view and not make anything up. In all the songs there’s nothing fake in terms of what they’re about and how I feel,” Eisel says of his music, a quality that allows him to paint portraits of relationships that feel immensely human. Eisel holds together at the same time the joys of being married to his husband, the pleasure of former lovers and the lived possibility that relationships can fall apart or reconfigure with little warning.
“The songs explore a feeling of ‘I want to be in this, but I also don’t want to be in this at the exact same time.’ To me, that’s a lot more accurate to how a lot of relationships feel.”
Last Resort Fire Department articulates this truth with elegance. Arresting and earnest, Eisel’s voice soars over a lush blend of guitars, strings, and pedal steel that paint something of an americana Eden, an echo of the lovely place Eisel calls home. It is fitting that this serves as the backdrop for the tumult that Eisel unfurls within his lyrics. The songs feel timeless, like classic country songs from some familiar past. Upon closer listen, however, they crackle with the brilliance of a story seldom told.
The forthcoming EP was produced, recorded, and mixed by Johnny Sangster (Mudhoney, Neko Case, Mark Lanegan) at Crackle & Pop! Studios in Seattle, WA. In addition to Eisel and Sangster, it features Dan Walker (Heart), Andrew Joslyn (Courtney Marie Andrews, David Bazan), Bill Patton (Fleet Foxes), Rick Krejci, Rick Wever, and Jim Sangster.
https://www.facebook.com/derek.eisel
https://www.instagram.com/derekeisel/
Squance – Brick By Brick (Spotify)
“Deep breathing bass, filigree design, elegant jazz melody and a thick haze of blue mist. What else do you need to relax in a weary, ghostly night?”
“Глубокое дыхание баса, филигранное исполнение, элегантная мелодия джаза и густая дымка голубого тумана. Что ещё нужно для отдыха этим томным, призрачным вечером?”
-Nagamag.com
Sentimental tale of lost love
https://www.instagram.com/squance.wav/
Glenn Holdaway, Quinn Carson – Reggaematical (Spotify)
“It’s impossible not to strut (at least mentally) to this infectious Reggae groove. The trumpet lead instrument, provides us with the glorious sunny day melody, whilst the ‘one drop’ drum pattern, the distinctly Caribbean flavoured type orchestral arrangement, and the ska guitar, transport us to a palm tree lined beach with crystal blue waters.”
-Nagamag.com
"Reggaematical" is an instrumental roots reggae song ft. Glenn Holdaway on the trumpet as the lead instrument. Glenn has played trumpet for popular reggae bands & artists like Stick Figure, Don Carlos, Fortunate Youth, Sister Nancy, Iya Terra, Wailing Souls, Marlon Asher and many others.
https://www.instagram.com/the.glennfather/
Kat Kennedy – Goodbye (Spotify)
“Atmospheric and melodic quality work. The artist immerses her audience in the most pleasant state of mind. If you are looking for something relaxing and soothing, -Goodbye- is your right choice.”
“Качественная работа, атмосферное и мелодичное произведение, погружающих своих слушателей в самые приятные душевные состояния. Если в поисках чего-то релаксирующего и умиротворяющего, то -Goodbye- ваш выбор.”
-Nagamag.com
A sassy chill-pop track written after a pandemic breakup. "You could be the world's last guy and I'd still say goodbye." Written by Los Angeles based singer/Songwriter Kat Kennedy and two close friends who helped her write the perfect diss track and breakup anthem for anyone who's been in a toxic relationship.
https://www.instagram.com/katdogmusic
Pop singer/songwriter Kat Kennedy has toured extensively from Alaska to Brazil, sharing her compelling blend of acoustic and electronic sounds. After graduating Berklee College of music her collaborations with other artists and producers piqued the interest of fans and labels alike. Her 2016 TrapNation release with producer Channels titled "Flare" amassed over 6,000,000 plays across streaming platforms. Kat most recently released her single "Goodbye" in April 2021, the first of a series of emotional, story-telling pop songs.
https://www.facebook.com/katkennedymusic
Daniel Hartley – Dance (Spotify)
“The leading motif that lights up a bright star and a variety of colors throughout the song is so good that make you want to listen it on repeat. Naturally as possible and very intrusive.”
“Ведущий мотив, который горит яркой звездой и множеством оттенков на протяжении всей песни настолько хорош, что его хочется слушать целую вечность. Слушается максимально непринуждённо и очень навязчиво.”
-Nagamag.com
Born and raised in Jamaica, Daniel Hartley is a member of the Eastern Orthodox Church and a chanter in the choir at St Aidan's Orthodox Church, Manchester, UK. He is also a Roots Reggae Artist who's been jamming the reggae beats for the past 3 decades as an independent recording artist with his own record label, Caythorpe Recordings. He is was formerly known as Don Hartley during which time has collaborated with the likes of Nucleus Roots out of Manchester, UK, where he now resides and also with Faya Dub out of Paris. Together they have produced some off-the-wall anthems that have won the respect of many a Dub Reggae fans in and outside the UK. Now Daniel turns his focus on bringing Reggae to meet Orthodox Theology.
https://www.instagram.com/danielhartleyuk
Richard Ford – Orfafardo – radio edit (Spotify)
“A real laid back track full of emotional jazz improvisation. The material is so well developed that helps to structure the flow of incoming positive energy, which is emitted by a bright rainbow when listening to -Orfafardo-.”
“Настоящий релаксатор, насыщенный эмоциональной джазовой импровизацией. Материал настолько хорошо проработан, что помогает структурировать потоки входящего позитива, который излучается яркой радугой при прослушивании -Orfafardo-.”
-Nagamag.com
As an accomplished composer, producer, and bassist, as an Emmy-winning music editor, and executive music producer for film, L.A.-based Brit-transplant Richard Ford humbly maintains a resume of impressive accolades. He has worked with many Oscar-winning filmmakers on such films as Sideways, Argo, and Hidden Figures and, all this as a kind of second career after spending his early adult life as bass player for British music icons like Joe Jackson, Bram Tchaikovsky, and revered guitarist Bill Nelson. Basso Profondissimo 2, the album "Orfafardo" comes from, marks Richard's continued return to his bass-playing roots:
“I began to feel as though my music mojo was tapped at the end of the workday and didn’t have the energy or patience to be creative working on my own music. So, a couple of years ago I decided to take the basses out of the closet, and made it my mission to take some time away from film work to write my own material …I haven’t stopped since! After I finished the first Basso Profondissimo project, the muse of inspiration was still there, and I kept writing for what would become my next album, BP2.”
More info: https://dogranchmusicpr.com/richardford/
https://www.instagram.com/richard_ford_music/