Listen: Mackenzie Shivers returns with "Believe"

It’s that time of year again; the clocks fell back last night and winter is definitely on the way. If I’m honest, I’m relieved. We had an incredible long, hot summer but I’m looking forward to slowing down for a while and taking stock of where life is taking me. This is the time for hot cups of tea, warm blankets and days filled with books and socks. Or for lying on the sofa, listening to music and whiling away the afternoon. One song I can’t stop listening to at the moment is “Believe” by Mackenzie Shivers.

“Believe” is a deceptively simple arrangement, comprised of just Mackenzie’s beautiful vocals, piano and strings by Sarah Elizabeth Haines. In her interview with Vents Magazine, Mackenzie explains that she wrote it following the passing of her brother-in-law some years ago but that following the 2016 presidential election, “the song took on a new meaning to me … It felt bigger than my own personal story. Music is powerful in that way; it transcends one specific event”.

I agree. Listening to “Believe” makes me think of hope and redemption but it also warns of what is important to us in the dark times the world is going through at the moment. It is the perfect accompaniment for moments of introspection.

RIYL

It seems impossible that it’s only been two years since I discovered Mackenzie Shivers and her Living In My Head EP. Her music always stops me in my tracks and sends me into spirals of euphoric recall and thoughtfulness. In my endless search for music that truly moves me, I believe in Mackenzie Shivers. If you like Aoife O’Donovan, Olivia Chaney, Joni Mitchell, Florence and the Machine, PJ Harvey, Bat for Lashes or Kate Bush, you’ll love Mackenzie Shivers.

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New album + Pledge Music Campaign

“Believe” is the first single from the upcoming album The Unkindness, Mackenzie’s first studio album since Neverland (2014). The album is due out on 8 February 2019 and Mackenzie Shivers is running a Pledge Music campaign to give fans the chance to access music and exclusive merchandise first. From just $15 to access the Digital Download, there is a package to suit every price.

Pledge Music and other similar sites give fans a chance to support independent music and to hear what they most want to hear. We’ve all heard of bands who have been lead astray by what record companies think fans want to hear and individual patronage is the way of the future.

Links: Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | Official Website | Pledge Music

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New Music Friday: Mackenzie Shivers – Living In My Head EP

There is a moment I recall from my early twenties. It was 3am on a Sunday morning and I was standing on the balcony in our nightclub, gazing down onto the dancefloor. Kate Bush’s “Wuthering Heights” came on and I remember being absolutely consumed in that moment. Nothing else mattered except for that time and that place: I was utterly present.

It was something that I never forgot but sometimes memories can be elusive, we tuck them away and they emerge at the most unexpected times. The first time I listened to “Tell Me To Run” by Mackenzie Shivers, I was unexpectedly transported back to that balcony. As the track built up and then crashed into an anthemic chorus, I was suddenly standing there, watched the flashing lights and swaying dancers and caught up once again in that far away moment.

It is easy to see the parallels between Mackenzie’s work and that of Kate Bush. She has a piercing voice, full of emotion yet as clear as crystal. Her tracks build up with frenetic intensity and then crash into crescendos of piano and melody. In a word, Mackenzie writes epic music, and it is easy to see why comparisons are being drawn to Joni Mitchell and Florence and the Machine. I’d even add influences of Bat for Lashes and PJ Harvey.

About

Mackenzie Shivers wanted to make music for as long as she can remember and wrote her first song at age 4. She famously said that her mother would walk in on her at night to find her fingers playing the piano in her sleep and young Mackenzie exclaimed that she had music in her head that needed to come out.

Mackenzie's music has a distinctively Celtic sound, borne of her Irish and Scottish heritage. There is also an unmistakeable touch of the South, where Tampa-born Mackenzie spent summers visiting family in Florida, Georgia and Texas.

With this wealth of musical influence and inspiration, Mackenzie honed her skills with a degree in music composition from Vanderbilt University before moving to New York City.

The Album

The Living in My Head EP was released on 2 September 2016 and is the follow up to Mackenzie's 2014 album Neverland. The first track from the album is "Lily Rose" which you can listen to below.

RIYL

Recommended if you like: Joni Mitchell, Florence and the Machine, PJ Harvey, Bat for Lashes, Kate Bush.

Watch

The epic track that started all of this - Mackenzie Shivers - "Tell Me To Run" from the album Living in My Head EP.

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Buy

The Living In My Head EP is availble to buy from Bandcamp

Links

Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | Official Website

Image Credits © Juan P. Zapata

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#NewMusicMonday: Mackenzie Shivers Brings Christmas Peace and Pensiveness with 'Midwinter' ★★★★★

Christmas can be such a difficult time. With all of the bright lights and festive spirits, there is often an undertone of sadness as we reflect on those who are no longer here. For me, I think back to my childhood years when my family was still intact and my grandmother was vibrant and alive. It's been a long journey but in recent years I've managed to reclaim Christmas, to make it a time of family, joy, celebration and gratitude again.

Mackenzie Shivers understands this and is releasing a Christmas album to capture this pensive mood. Firstly, Mackenzie is not a monster! Although Midwinter has been ready to meet the world for some time now, Mackenzie has thoughtfully waited until after Thanksgiving to release it. And now that it's December, I'm allowed by the laws of the United Kingdom of Britain and Northern Ireland to share it with you too.

About

Midwinter is a delightful collection of eight Christmassy tracks, embracing a feeling of peace and warmth. As Mackenzie says, "we wanted to keep the recordings and performances raw and intimate, as if I were sitting down and playing in your living room. Or, perhaps, a cozy Irish pub at the end of the evening". For me, it's all about tea and socks, cosy blankets and a purring cat.

Midwinter was recorded in a single day with co-producer Kevin Salem. Most of the tracks are Mackenzie's own arrangements of Christmas songs that you'll know and love including "'Tis the Season", "Auld Lang Syne" and "I Heard the Bells". I loved the unique arrangements, at times slowing down songs that are usually belted out and at others, jazzing them up. There are several piano instrumentals on the album, the most notable of which is the title track "Midwinter" which Mackenzie wrote for this album. If you're a fan of The Piano soundtrack then, like me, you'll love this track.

RIYL

Recommended if you like: Christmas!

Listen

Buy

Bandcamp

Links

Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | Website

Image credit © Liz Maney | Album art by Britannie Bond Photography

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New Music Friday: Mackenzie Shivers Returns with "Names" Video

Long time readers of this blog will be no stranger to Mackenzie Shivers, a New York-based artist featured as part of my New Music Friday series last year. 2017 has been quite a year for Mackenzie and earlier this year she embarked on a tour of Australia and New Zealand, making us jealous with her amazing travel pics.

Evidence:

Lake Wanaka, NZ, Wednesday afternoon #nofilter

A post shared by Mackenzie Shivers (@nykenzie) on Mar 28, 2017 at 6:50pm PDT

It turns out that it wasn't all play for Mackenzie and she returns this month with a brand new music video for her track "Names" off the Living in My Head EP.

Mackenzie told me a bit more about her experience and the inspiration for the track:

The video was shot in Australia's Blue Mountains - an incredible experience that came about after I met Aussie actress and filmmaker Lâle Teoman at NYC's own Rockwood Music Hall!  I have family living in Sydney and decided to make a trip out of it.

"Names" was written after a trip to Washington DC and finding the name of a family friend etched in stone at the Vietnam Memorial.  There was something very stirring about seeing all the beautiful cherry blossoms in the same vicinity as thousands upon thousands of names carved into the memorial.  As the lyrics developed, "Names" turned into a love song - one of the few love songs I've written.

Lâle and I wanted to capture the dream-like state being in love and utilize the beauty of the Blue Mountains to their fullest.  Lyrics "You by any other name would stay just as kind, you by any other name would be my love" are sung with both whimsy and certainty, birds and an epic Australian sunset floating between frames.  The Blue Mountains were the perfect backdrop.

I'm so proud of this video, and working with Lâle in Australia was in itself a dream come true.  I hope you enjoy it.

I have to be honest, I think it would be impossible not to like the video. The cinematography is beautiful as is the track itself. Take a look below and let me know what you think.

The Living In My Head EP is available to buy from Bandcamp

Links: Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | Official Website

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Keep or Delete: What's On My Playlist - January 2021 #NewMusicAlert

Back in November, I made an early New Year's resolution to discover new music. That's going really well and far exceeding my ability to write about it. I've realised how music consumption has changed since the 90s. It used to be that you bought an entire album for one track and the rest might or might not be good. (I lived in South Africa in those days; singles were rare and expensive, albums imported and astronomical in price). These days, you really get the chance to explore an album before committing to physical media.

Keep or Delete

In homage to the track from the criminally underrated band The Whip, I'm embarking on what I hope will be a monthly series in 2021 called Keep or Delete. The concept is simple, I'm looking for those albums and artists that are keepers, the ones that will make it onto my permanent playlist of new and new-to-me music.

Brand new music

"Mad World" - Smallpox

I'll admit, it's entirely possible that I'm going to like any "Mad World" cover but this one is especially good. "Mad World" is the first single from Smallpox's The Covers Album which will be released on Dromedary Records. The band will releasing a new single every other week throughout 2021.

"Martha's Vineyard" - Mackenzie Shivers

I'm always excited for new material from Mackenzie Shivers and Rejection Letter, Shivers’ third full length album, will be released on April 2nd, 2021. Martha's Vineyard is the first single from the new album - how beautiful is that cover?

Ghost Smoke - League of the Black Rabbit

I love ensemble bands with vagabond sounds and when Tom Quarrelle's sister recommended her brother's band to me, she was spot on. League of the Black Rabbit hail from Bristol and I absolutely love this debut EP. Definitely a keeper.

Sketches and Ephemera - Eli August

Eli August is another artist I'm always excited to hear new music from, I love his narrative songs and heartbreaking lyrics, not to mention his voice. Sketches and Ephemera is a collection of mostly solo tracks and has the most beautiful cover. My favourite tracks are "Couplet", Baltimore" and "Dust".

"Careful Now My Son" - Anders / O'Bitz

I think a lot of music coming out in the near future will focus on lockdown, coronavirus and loss, not to mention the dying days of Trump's reign of terror. "Careful Now My Son" is the first track from singer-songwriter Eric Anders and guitarist-composer Mark O'Bitz from their collection "music in the time of coronavirus".

#WhatWeDoAtNight2 - Blank & Jones

The main reason for this project was to discover new indie and alternative music given that just about all I discovered in 2020 was prog house and trance albums to run to. I would be completely remiss if I didn't include this excellent album, follow up to 2017's equally brilliant #WhatWeDoAtNight. If the last time you listened to Blank & Jones was 1999, definitely give this album a listen. Oh, and it's great to run to.

New to me music

Ultra Mono - IDLES

IDLES were probably my biggest discovery in 2020 and I told anyone who'd listen that they needed to get their hands on Joy as an Act of Resistance. I love this post-punk band with their very noisy tracks and anarchic lyrics. Ultra Mono released in September and it is 12 non-stop bangers. "Ne Touche Pas Moi" needs to become the women's festival anthem. Just don't f-ing touch me!

Moral Panic - Nothing But Thieves

I'm not the biggest radio listener but that's become even more pronounced since I broke up with Radio X when they had a mid-life crisis in 2015 and became decidedly lad-centric. My other half still listens to Radio X - he is in their target demographic after all - and I'd heard them harping on about Nothing But Thieves in their 700 ad breaks an hour. Sadly, it took me way too long to check Nothing But Thieves out but I absolutely love Moral Panic, released in October 2020. My favourite track is Phobia but really, the whole album is brilliant to listen to on repeat, along with both Royal Blood albums.

Bunker Buds - Walter Alice Sickert

Remember how I said I love ensemble bands with a vagabond sound? I love Walter Sickert & The Army of Broken Toys and Soft Time Traveler is one of my favourite albums (check out "Pornival"). The band have a distinctive 'steamcrunk' sound and ring leader Walter Sickert brought out a lockdown album in May. It's a remarkable snapshot of a very weird period in time and was written and recorded in a 24 hour time-span on the 29th and 30th of April 2020 for the RPM Challenge.

Keep or Delete Spotify Playlist

Subscribe to the Keep or Delete playlist. I'll be adding more tracks every 4-6 weeks.

What are your discoveries of 2021 so far? Check out my review policy if you'd like me to listen to your track.

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#NewMusicFriday: Mackenzie Shivers - The Unkindness ★★★★★

As I write this it's snowing and the world outside is completely silent and serene. It is quiet inside too and I’m hiding away, watching the snow fall and listening to Mackenzie Shivers’ new album The Unkindness.

I first discovered Mackenzie's music in 2016 when she released her Living In My Head EP. At the time I compared her to Kate Bush and Florence Welch and since then I’ve very much been looking forward to her releasing her latest full-length album. It is finally here, released today and The Unkindness was worth the wait.

The reason I'm hiding away from the world on a snow day is that I've been feeling fatigued lately, weary of a constant cycle of bad news and fear. Mackenzie gets that and her album is music for the soul, a salve for a broken heart. Armed with a crystal-clear voice and piercing piano notes, The Unkindness is at times uplifting, tragic, redemptive and rousing. From the utterly moving "Ravens" and "The Canyon", to the heart-wrenching singles "Believe" and "The Unkindness", to my personal favourite "mr. jones", this is an album of stories and journeys. It is in this narrative style that Mackenzie begins to remind me of Tori Amos and Elton John.

I love that The Unkindness inspires me so. I've noticed how it starts the synapses firing in my brain and makes me determined to conquer the world. That is especially true of "Phoenix" for I too was told I didn't belong and I simply bypassed that gatekeeper to get where I am today.

They say it’s not mine for the taking So watch me burn Like a phoenix I’ll come back To take it all

Mackenzie Shivers is such an exciting artist and I can't wait to see what she does next. I give The Unkindness a superb five out of five stars and recommend to lovers of folk music and fans of Kate Bush, Tori Amos, Aoife O’Donovan and Olivia Chaney.

★★★★★

Links: Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud | Official Website | Pledge Music

Photo credit: Maddy Thalias

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Keep Or Delete: Music Discoveries March 2021 #NewMusicAlert

I didn't listen to as much new music as I'd wanted to in February. Snow and icy weather had me hibernating, hiding away from the world and when I do that, I just listen to old favourites. It's still ridiculously cold and dreary in March but suddenly this is perfect weather for discovering new stuff and I've returned to my roots listening to goth, industrial and indie, with a little folk and afropunk thrown in.

Brand New Music

"Noyalain (Burn)" by Lisa Gerrard & Jules Maxwell

This is my single of the month and might well be my favourite track of 2021. I love Lisa Gerrard and once famously played "Sanvean" on repeat for six months. I also adore Dead Can Dance. This track? It's so good that I think it easily charts in my top ten favourite Gerrard / DCD tracks of all time.

Jules Maxwell is no stranger to Dead Can Dance fans. He is the currently keyboard player for the band and is a songwriter and composer. "Noyalain (Burn)" is the first track of the album Burn which will be released on 7 May 2021. Post-Punk reports that seven short films will accompany the seven tracks on the album and that "Noyalain" is an invitation to walk in peace.

"Oblivion" by Wisborg featuring Jørgen Munkeby

Back in the days when I lived in Doc Martens and had a spider web shaved into my undercut, I lived at Alcatraz, a goth, punk, industrial club in Johannesburg. I learned about Wisborg on the I Remember Club Alcatraz Facebook group. I love "I Believe in Nothing" and "Oblivion" from their upcoming album Into the Void which is out today 19 March 2021.

I love the drama of this track. It would be incredible to dance to on a packed dance floor.

"Gong" by Anna Wolf

I bet many female artists rue the day Kate Bush ever opened her mouth because so many of them get compared to her. In the case of Anna Wolf, it's impossible not to make that comparison but "Gong" is much more than that. This powerful track is begging to be played at full tilt and I've gone from not knowing Wolf to being a fan in the space of a song.

Now if only she could release a full length album!

"All Else is a Curse" by Astari Nite

Astari Nite found me on Instagram after I showered some love on Wisborg and I'm glad they did. Their music reminds me a lot of The Cure or Sisters of Mercy but it's Mychael Ghost's Bowie-esque vocals that give this band their distinctive sound. This track is a definite keeper and I'm looking forward to more of their stuff.

"Afraid" by Mackenzie Shivers

"Afraid" is the second track from Mackenzie's upcoming album Rejection Letter and it's pretty devastating. It's about being afraid, something which Mackenzie notes is "especially relevant now" and it genuinely feels like she's speaking to my soul.

Can I be afraid
And still be free?
I am afraid
What will become of me?

"Daisy" by Ashnikko

This track is absolutely not safe for work. Ashnikko reminds me a lot of Die Antwoord and I like this goddess manifesto track a lot. I'm not entirely sure I could listen to the entire album which means it's not exactly a keeper but I'll keep this track for now.

"1999" - Katie Kuffel

How beautiful is this woman's voice? Katie's album Alligator is finally out today and it's a definite keeper. It's Sunday-afternoon-tea-socks-and-cats type of music and I like it a lot. Definitely give "Carillon" a listen too.

Music That Is New to Me

"Mine" - Ohmme

I love this track a lot. It's the grandchild of the 1970s Focus track "Hocus Pocus" and love child of 1990s girl rock bands Breeders and Elastica. Mackenzie Shivers recommended this Sub Pop act to me and I'm glad she did!

"Threads" - Naut

This band reminds me so much of Fields of the Nephilim which I bet is no coincidence because I suspect the band name is a homage to my favourite Fields of the Nephilim track "Psychonaut". The whole Naut discography is worth listening to and I hope they bring out some new music soon.

"Africa" - GNL Zamba

Switching up the tempo completely is Ugandan rap icon GNL Zamba. Released in November 2020, this ambitious album reminds me a lot of Leftfield's Leftism.

"Shadow Love" - Astralseid

Norwegian Astralseid wrap up today. This track reminds me of Dead Can Dance, Return to the Source and Branco de Gaia. I'd recommend listening to the whole album, on repeat, for several days.

Keep or Delete Spotify Playlist

Subscribe to the Keep or Delete playlist. I'll be adding more tracks every 4-6 weeks.

What are your discoveries of 2021 so far? Check out my review policy if you'd like me to listen to your track.

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New Music Friday: Sarah Elizabeth Haines - Pretending to Sleep

Sarah Elizabeth Haines's Facebook bio says she's still trying to figure things out, with strings, which is kind of funny because she's pretty accomplished already, having trained as a violinist and violist and touring the States with Hamilton. She's also part of Bellehouse who released their debut album Capsized in 2017.

I was naturally quite delighted when Sarah contacted me about her solo album Pretending to Sleep, which is being released to the world today.

Pretending to Sleep

Pretending to Sleep is one of those albums that defies definition. There are strings and Sarah's voice and an unmistakable sense of calm and peace running through the album, or maybe I'm just ready to curl up for the winter and lose myself in her music.

The album begins with the daunting anticipation of "Losing Game", the third single released from the album. I was sold within the few first seconds of those strings, which reminded me of Fionn Regan's 100 Acres of Sycamoreand I was a fan by the time Sarah's vocals and harmonising began.

Sarah sings about loss and the breakdown of relationships and she's at her best when she's defiant. "Let Me Down" should be a mantra for every fierce woman determined to walk away from a broken heart.

I don't wanna break your heart but you broke mine first so I guess we'll call it even

"Petrified" and "Let's Try That Again" are my favourite tracks on the album, although I don't like to pick favourites because all the tracks on this album should be loved equally. Most of the tracks on Pretending to Sleep are searching and melodic, but these tracks are more theatrical and dramatic, picking up the pace somewhat and providing a brief interlude of mischief and defiance.

Pretending to Sleep is relatively short at 35 minutes but it's a rare album these days in that it's clearly designed to be listened to as a whole. And so I will, over and over again as it becomes my soundtrack for autumn 2019.

RIYL

Recommended if you like: Mackenzie Shivers, Aimee Mann, Laura Marling, Madeline Peyroux.

Listen

Buy

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Links

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud

Image Credits © Britannie Bond Photography | Elizabeth Maney

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