A DIY INDIEPOP VINYL & CASSETTE LABEL

Mikey Collins - Anchor in the Sea [Digital]

Artist: Mikey Collins
Title: Anchor in the Sea
Format: Digital single
Cat#: Fika068SG3
Release date: 3rd August 2018
Bandcamp | Spotify | iTunes

 

"Anchor In The Sea" is the new single to be taken from Mikey Collins' forthcoming album Hoick, due out on Fika Recordings on 17 August. The track was premiered by For The Rabbits, who described it as; "the sound of a pulsing bassy shuffle and bright synth tones, Mikey narrates a tale of how the effect of a single, seemingly insignificant moment can affect your life so greatly and pull you back to it, 'like an anchor in the sea'". They go on to try to pinpoint Mikey's sound; "Perhaps the nearest touchstone to the Mikey Collins sound comes in the music of Spacebomb head honcho, Matthew E. White, although unlike White and his gargantuan houseband, Mikey is doing almost everything himself, playing almost every instrument on the record."

To celebrate the release of the album, Collins headlines a show at London's Paper Dress Vintage on 14 August (with support from Simon Love and Babii). This follows a triumphant set at the Indietracks Festival in July, where he headlined the Church stage on the Sunday night, which ended in a standing ovation and hardly a dry eye in the venue.

Although the making of the record was a solo endeavour, live he is joined by a crack-team of musicians. Whilst he plays guitar and sings, in addition to the aforementioned Laura Kovic, and lifelong friend, guitar maestro Paul Rains, he is joined by drummer Ian Button (Death In Vegas, Papernut Cambridge) and Tom Parkinson on bass.

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“Mikey’s music is something of a sonic departure from his old band; the upbeat pop atmosphere remains, however into the mix comes a rhythmic freedom, and an expanse of intriguing sounds. Perhaps the nearest touchstone to the Mikey Collins sound comes in the music of Spacebomb head honcho, Matthew E. White, although unlike White and his gargantuan houseband, Mikey is doing almost everything himself, playing almost every instrument on the record.” For The Rabbits

“a shimmering blend of low-key electro and 80s pop” The i

Getting Obscene video from Jessica's Brother

We've got a new video from Jessica's Brother for you, taken from their forthcoming album out tomorrow!

Jessica’s Brother is the eponymous debut album from London trio Jessica’s Brother, comprised of songwriter Tom Charleston, Jonny Helm (drums, also of The Wave Pictures) and Charlie Higgs (bass, previously of Ramshackle Union Band). Channelling the spirit of the Brothers Grimm to create an otherworldly atmosphere, they weave their motley influences together making a rich and eclectic vision, with nods to Silver Jews, Jason Molina, Nick Cave, Richard Thompson and Neil Young. There are themes of joy, anger and silliness in a carefully crafted world with a colourful cast of characters.

You can catch up with their recent session for Marc Riley’s BBC 6 Music show too via the iPlayer too!

“All in all a near perfect debut album that borrows from all the right bands, while making the sound their own given their individual skills coalescing in all the right spots. Long may they run.” Soundblab [9/10]

“The album’s swansong, ‘Cold, White and Blue Day’ marches Jessica’s Brother to it’s solemn conclusion as fast-paced vocals tell us all which remains. A fitting ending through the light and shadows of wandering minds in a debut which grabs it’s listeners and pulls them down a looping rabbit hole.” [7/10] The405

Mikey Collins - Falling [Digital]

Artist: Mikey Collins
Title: Falling
Format: Digital single
Cat#: Fika068SG2
Release date: 29th June 2018
Bandcamp | Spotify | iTunes

"Falling" is the second single to be taken from the forthcoming debut album by Allo Darlin' drummer Mikey Collins.  Hoick is due out via Fika Recordings on 17 August. The song is a bright, upbeat pop number with call and response vocals provided by Laura Kovic from Tigercats. It is about Mikey proposing to his wife, something he swore blind he'd never do.

The video was shot on a summer's day in London, bringing the track to life, adding colour and movement, featuring the dancer Dessy Adesuwa, who choregraphed the piece herself.  As Mikey explains; "London always shows it's best side on a sunny day and we shot the footage in ten hours around Little Venice, Fitzroy Square and St James Park... much to the joy of many onlookers."


Mikey explains further about the song; "This is about the process of proposing to my wife. About how I changed my opinions on marriage and how I changed my mind from it being something that I never wanted to do to being something very important to me!"

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Freschard & Stanley Brinks “Going to the Bar” video

We’ve got a new video from Freschard & Stanley Brinks for their track Going to the Bar, taken from the forthcoming LP Midnight Tequila.

“Clemence Freschard’s beautiful vocal tones lend this a rich, French indiepop/chanteuse vibe, complemented by Stan’s wistful timbre and characteristic warm instrumentation. A perfect accompaniment for that late night tequila.” Folk Radio premiere

“They craft a blend of playful indiepop and folk that fans of either genre will find endearing; they even manage to capture that playful air in their performance in the video for this single” Austin Town Hall

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Jessica's Brother - Humdinger video

For Folks Sake have premiered the new video from Jessica's Brother: "they mix elements of jangly indie, gothic country, and psych but while the styles change the constant is the engaging lyrical whimsy as Charleston is inspired by his favourites poets to tell irreverent tales."

Humdinger is taken from their forthcoming self-titled album, out July 20th, and available to pre-order now on vinyl, CD or digitally (and includes an immediate download of all the singles so far!).

City, Town and Country: a three day residency with Darren Hayman

City, Town and Country Web We're very excited to announce a three day residency with Darren Hayman at the The Betsey Trotwood in January - we'll be announcing special guests shortly for each night, who will all be incorporating the evening's theme in to their set.

City, Town and Country A three day themed residency with Darren Hayman.

Monday 18th: City with Dearbhla Minogue and one more TBA City themed songs from "We Love The City" and others

Tuesday 19th: Town with Deerful and one more TBA Town themed songs from "Local Information". "Pram Town" and others

Wednesday 20th: Country with Maia Sofia and one more TBA Country themed songs from "Essex Arms", "Great British Holiday EPs" and others

Tickets are available from WeGotTickets

We'll be announcing the final support for each evening in January - we're very excited and know you'll be in for a treat...

In the meantime, here's a wonderful video review of Darren's Florence record from The Guardian's Alexis Petridis.