Month: May 2018

Music, New blog post, New music

Who You Need: HONNE

by Blondie and the BeatLeave a Comment on Who You Need: HONNE

(image via nylon.com)

WHO: HONNE

WHERE: Bow, London

GENRE: Alternative/Pop

TOP SONGS: “Someone That Loves You” and “Warm On A Cold Night”

James and Andy of HONNE (which is the Japanese concept meaning “true feelings” and one’s “intimate self”) have been dropping new singles almost every week. All in preparation for their new album, Love Me/Love Me Not coming August 24th.

Mixing elevated verses and storyteller lyrics, these two have an alternative sound that will surely be the soundtrack to your summer.  One of their most recent singles, “Location Unknown” unveils the struggles of a long distance relationship alongside romantic lyrics; “I just need to know that you’re safe, given that I’m miles away, on the first flight, back to your side.” Electro-pop singer Georgia also lends her vocals on this one.

Releasing six singles so far, each portrays a different story featuring various genre blending elements. The London natives admit to being influenced by soul masters like Al Green and Bill Withers. Tracks like the low key, “Day 1” and funky “Me & You” feature slight soul elements that fuse into their already established “feel good” sound.

The duo explained the inspiration behind the pairs of new songs to Clash Music saying, “Those two sides have been rooted in us from the beginning, but now is the first time we’ve truly demonstrated it. One doesn’t exist without the other, and so this time these songs have to be there together. A lot of films and TV shows either explore the good or bad, but we wanted to show a balance and the grey space.”

Stay tuned for more new music to come…

To see HONNE live, click here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Music, New blog post, New music

Phantogram’s Important Return

by Blondie and the BeatLeave a Comment on Phantogram’s Important Return

(Image via smilepolitely.com)

After a two-year hiatus, the electro-pop band is back with two new tracks. Both are in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. A cause that is close to the band’s heart as we’ve seen over the past couple years (listen to their 2016 single, “Answer”).

“Someday” is a Phantogram original. Starting out slow and steady, the song picks up traction into a beautiful homage to lead singer Sarah Barthel’s late sister. “I’m always gonna miss you, I’m always gonna feel you, In everything that I do,” she sings lovingly. A jazzy horn line makes the song poignant and sweet; a somewhat lighter sound than we usually hear from the band.

The second track is a cover of “Saturday” by the band Sparklehorse, originally released in 1995. Barthel’s dreamy vocals glide gently on this one as twinkling sounds and soft beats take over. A simple song about love, almost anyone can sway to.

Band members, Sarah and Josh were recently just recognized for their efforts raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. All proceeds from the new music will go to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. After releasing the two tracks, the band went to Twitter to divulge into the inspiration behind the music, saying:

“We’re really excited to share new music with you today…We started work on ‘Someday’ during the ‘Three’ sessions – it was based on a beat Josh made from samples of the Al Green songs ‘I’m Still in Love with You’ and ‘Livin’ for You’. But then Becky’s (Barthel’s sister) death derailed everything in our lives and this song became too painful for us to work on. This spring, we were able to return to the song and finish it as part of our efforts to raise awareness about suicide prevention and to destigmatize mental illness. Like so many people, we’ve been through some very dark times, but we want everyone who is suffering to know that there is help and hope in the world. Love today and every day, -Sarah & Josh”.