by Catherine Pape
June’s mix-tape is a little later than normal, but fear not, we haven’t compromised on the quality. As always, we’ve got 8 tracks to take you into the month ahead sourced from the finest corners of the music world. We’ve had some awesome artwork contributed by AWESOME illustrators Catherine Pape, Emma Ridgway, Pamela Halomoan, Aliyahgator and Donna Letterese. This month’s theme was ‘no place like home’ and this is how that looks to these talented ladies…
by Pamela Halomoan
1. Now I can’t see the woods for the seas – Surf Sadness
Ambient and completely chilled, this track comes from Surf Sadness. We don’t know much about them, except that they’re pretty prolific on Bandcamp, and we quite like this track.
2. You have me surrounded – RJ Thompson
This guy has spent the last 3 years touring as support for the likes of Gabrielle Cilmi, Sandi Thom, Madeleine Peyroux, Cara Dillon, Joe Brooks and Midge Ure. It seems that 2011 is his turn to step into the limelight. The Newcastle native has been quietly plying his trade and is set to release his second single of the year on 17 July on Chicken Wire ‘When I get Old’.
3.You’re almost there – Lanterns on the Lake
Another coincidental Newcastle link (I’m from there if you hadn’t already realised), here’s the new release from the excellent Lanterns on the Lake. Endorsed by the likes of Simon Taffe (End of the Road Festival), these guys make stunning music and their latest track is no different. With a haunting atmospheric instrumental arrangement, this is LotL at their finest.
by Emma Ridgway
4. Landfill – Daughter
Daughter is songstress Elena Tonra and the north London native makes us more than just a little bit weak at the knees with her enchanting brand of confessional folk, a sound that blurs the lines between performance poetry and music. She tells stories about ghosts, has a hair cut that Paul McCartney’d be proud of and typifies when East End chic can actually looks good. And she’s playing in and around London, so go and see her. We insist.
5. Another volunteer – Oh Minnows
As if one OM treat wasn’t enough for you this month after our video exclusive, we’re offering you this delightful download from quirky song writer Chris Steel-Anderson. It might not have astronauts this time, but it’s got one catchy guitar lick.
6. Been better – Kyla La Grange
We featured an interview with Kyla earlier in the week, and if you didn’t get a chance to listen to her new single the first time round here’s a second go. Smart, cute and sensitive, this track prods delicately at the moral situations we feel growing older when a gap emerges between the person we are being, and the person we want to be. A pretty track, this one sits light despite its more rock-inspired roots.
by Aliyahgator
7. My Body – Young the Giant (Two Door Cinema Remix)
It wouldn’t really be a summer mix if we didn’t include a healthy dose of California sunshine now would it, so here is a track by Irving, CA five piece Young the Giant. Signed to Young and Lost Club, these guys produce really fresh pop songs that have attracted the attention of admirers including Two Door Cinema Club and Minus the Bear. This is a remix by TDCC of the band’s new single
8. Hearts- I Break Horses
We’re hot on this Scandinavian band, the latest signing to London label Bella Union Records. Look for our feature over the coming weeks with exclusive illustrations done to match… We don’t want to give away too much, so let the music do the talking.
by Donna Letterese
Illustrator links are:
Emma Ridgway
Thank you to all who participated in this month’s Mix Tape and who are already squirreling away for next month’s! Speaking of, it’s the 75th anniversary of the Surrealism movement this year, so we’re drawing on the ‘surreal’ as the theme for July’s submissions. Ready, steady, go!
