Lizzy Young goes bananas, Metò breathes deep, Le Twan makes an escape, Vincene Eckert is feeling amourous and more in today’s submissions from Groover, a platform that connects artists with critics like me for a small fee. You can (and should) subscribe to my Tinnitist Groover Top 100 playlist HERE, or you can listen to it via the widget at the lower right of every page on this site. If you want to be in an upcoming playlist, click the link just below the widget or go HERE.
Lizzy Young | Coocoo Banana
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Pop.
THE BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Originally from the suburbs of Paris, Lizzy Young found her way trough the Barcelona gutters to the streets of New York City, where she’s been based for the last 10 years. After dividing her time between acting and playing bass in bands, she started performing solo, giving a stage to her own particular take on pop. Her debut album Coocoo Banana is a collection of 10 songs with a refreshing take on modern pop music. Blending sardonic humor and poetry with lo-fi Casio keys and driving beats you can dance to, Coocoo Banana dives into the beauty and ugliness of life, at times melancholy but with a core of joy. Coocoo Banana brings a variety of feelings and energies together as a whole, pulling from personal experiences and direct influences of media and culture.”
Metò | Breathe For My Peace
HOME BASE: Canada.
GENRE: Folk-Pop.
THE BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Metò is a Quebec City multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and producer who moves through a multitude of tones and textures in his musical compositions. As his father fell seriously ill in 2019 and had to be taken care of until his passing, Metò decided to adjourn his reality in triumphant melodies of romanticized epiphanies. From his bedroom and a friend’s basement, he organically sewed a tunic of sound to produce his first EP Alstroemeria.”
Le Twan | Can We Escape
HOME BASE: Switzerland.
GENRE: Electronica.
THE BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Originally from Switzerland, Le Twan, aka Antoine Gautier, was a drummer in the L.A. rock scene. In 2003, he began producing and DJing at events in the California desert. Bringing an indie influence to his electronic productions, Le Twan has created his own genre-bending style. Finely detailed beat constructions unite with melodies grounded in the sound of analogue synthesizers. Think New Order and Tomita merging with Star Wars.”
Vincent Eckert | Amoureux
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Folk-Pop.
THE BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Vincent Eckert roots his poetry and his melodies in the soil of French rock, which he irrigates with fiery ballads — electric ones as well as with more intimate and acoustic arrangements; the whole sometimes brushed or jostled by the Celtic sounds dear to this landlubber fascinated by the ocean and who keeps a part of his soul riveted in Brittany. As a rocker, alone with his guitar or accompanied, he has carried his songs to stages in France, Bosnia, Germany, Switzerland. He has self-produced seven records.”
Mathias | Comme Un Écho
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Pop.
THE BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Mathias was a semi-finalist of the sixth season of The Voice Kids France. He dreams about having a name in the music industry. This is the first single from his upcoming EP.”
Anaté | Confusion
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Pop.
THE BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Anaté is a collaboration between singer & songwriter Anate and producer Delman. Based in Paris and Milan, the duo met in Bruxelles in 2019 and started writing together. Their style is defined by a downtempo influence, yet it covers a variety of genres. Influences recognizable in their music include iconic bands such as Hooverphonic, Massive Attack and Morcheeba on the production side, while vocal melodies and harmonies remind of artists such as Sade, Dido and Amy Lee. Confusion talks about duality. It’s about the conflict between what we want and what we are “allowed to want,” between who we are and expected to be; between emotion and reason. We all experience moments of inner conflict like that. Confusion explores those two sides and invites us to embract the fact that they are both part of life. There can’t be one without the other.”
Prieur & Landry | Surreal Memories
HOME BASE: Canada.
GENRE: Stoner-Rock.
THE BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Prieur & Landry are the sum of three series-connected amps and a vintage drum set. Gab Prieur and Eliot Landry have their own style of dirty rock ’n’ roll which is only dirty upon first look. In reality, their music is thriving on intensity, nuances and vintage sound aesthetics. On stage, the duo mess with the riffs and structures to go anywhere they want, thanks to their virtuosity and perfect symbiosis. Prieur & Landry leave the public bewildered but not confused with a sound that is up to date while paying tribute to the hard rock of the golden age!”
DeLord | Anema e Core
HOME BASE: Italy.
GENRE: Classical.
THE BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “I’m a pianist and composer from Italy. I wrote Anema e Core as a tribute to the beauty of Naples, one of the best Italian cities, and also to share a positive message to the world in this strange year. A melody entered my head and made me remember that day in Naples. The sunset lights were the perfect setting in which to let my words flow and turn them into notes …”
So Human | I’m A Fool
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Folk-Pop.
THE BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “So Human just released their album Power for the Fools, the first of three concept albums that take us on a picturesque and emotional trip. I’m a Fool, the first song, is a preamble to the story of Bear, a lost soul who, despite himself and his addictions, will be led to seek self-peace by reconnecting with nature and love. Alex Bart, Joe Hubert and Alex Barefeet met in senior high and found magic as soon as they played together. They have composed original songs from the beginning.”
FouKi | PCU
HOME BASE: Canada.
GENRE: Hip-hop.
THE TRANSLATED BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “After releasing the EP Grignotines in Octogber, chef FouKi takes all gourmets by surprise by tripling and refining his portionswith the release of the Snacks de Luxe album! The song ECP is a satire of a government measure put in place during the onset of the COVID crisis, the Canadian Emergency Relief Benefit.”
Myoon | Jump
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Synth-Pop.
THE BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Myoon is a French alternative duo. Two brothers creating catchy melodies on powerful electro sounds. A rise of light, emotions and energy. Jump is the second track from our new album. A song about confidence, like a shot of energy against the sad days. Do your best. Stop being afraid. You don’t always know where your actions are leading you, but they will get you somewhere. The universe will respond. As long as you can, keep moving!”
Mehdi Bahmad | Sukkar
HOME BASE: Canada.
GENRE: Pop.
THE BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Moroccan-Canadian newcomer Mehdi Bahmad makes a bold statement with his dreamy new single Sukkar (Sugar). “Sukkar is that missing flavor in a tasteless life,” Mehdi notes. Intoxicating with its romantic melody and graceful harp, Sukkar sees Bahmad infusing avant-pop with his Moroccan sweetness, bridging his two worlds for reasons that extend far beyond music. Gorgeously textured, Sukkar spotlights the Montreal artist’s silky warm vocal presence and intensely personal songcraft. “This year has been so challenging,” Bahmad says, “but that allowed me to really focus on where I am now as an artist.”
Brandon Child | SOS
HOME BASE: Canada.
GENRE: Pop-Rock.
THE BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “I’m just a solo dude from Toronto trying to make music that moves people. The song serves as a reminder that we are our own catalysts of change, and combines classic rock influences with modern sonics.”
Musicismost | Pheromone Too
HOME BASE: United Kingdom.
GENRE: Rock.
THE BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “We are a new band from London that formed in the summer of 2020. Our first song is called Pheromone Too. This song is about pheromones — the invisible aromas that we can’t smell, detect or notice, but which seem to affect our lives considerably.”
Lucie & the Robot | Time
HOME BASE: Germany.
GENRE: Synth-Pop.
THE BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Lucie & The Robot were founded by Berlin singer-songwriter and producer Lucie. Her goal is to tell the stories that take place beneath the surface — the events that only happen inside the world of our hearts and minds, where they seem isolated and secretive. Lucie’s lyrics open the gates to these hidden stories. Lucie’s songwriting is informed by her eclectic tastes. She is a fan of ’90s trip-hop artists like Björk and Sia, ’80s synth-pop bands like Depeche Mode, and contemporary producers such as Arca and Flying Lotus. Time paints a simple and uplifting picture of the little joys existing all around us, that we sometimes forget to pay attention to. It also asks listeners to risk stepping outside their comfort zones and breaking old habits in order to grow and liberate themselves from feeling cheated by time.”
https://soundcloud.com/lucia-vox/time/s-oUPf2bCSznj
Rose Rose | Sugar Hill
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Dance-Pop.
THE BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “For these two young producers and self-taught musicians, Rose Rose represents the outcome of two years of sonic research. Rose Rose blend a house sound with disco from the ’70s, dreamy keys and symphonic chords, layered on top of warm basslines and rhythmic guitars. Their first single Sugar Hill is filled with airy synthesisers, funky guitars and utopian vocals: a glimpse of the duo’s forthcoming debut album. Rose Rose introduces a new chapter in the iconic French movement guided by Daft Punk, Phoenix and Air.”
Oya Paya | Focus
HOME BASE: United Kingdom.
GENRE: Alt-Rock.
THE BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Art-pop trio Oya Paya are set to end the year in style with their dance-worthy single Focus. The track is the first from their upcoming mini-album Connect, arriving in 2021. Focus is filled with angsty vocals, infectious grooves and intricate interplay between each band member, setting a thematic precedent for the rest of the record. The sharp social satire is not only present in the lyrical content but is mirrored in the technical rigour of the instrumentation and the characterful drawl of the lead singer. Like the rest of the album Focus was recorded entirely remotely in the midst of lockdown with the three band members separated by nearly 7,000 miles and never once all recording in the same room.”
Elly | I’ll Be Late
HOME BASE: United States.
GENRE: Pop.
THE BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “I’m Bryan. I am solo artist from SoCal recording under the band name Elly. I like dreamy vibes and love making music as well as listening to new stuff.”
Cameron and the Slumberknights | Midnight
HOME BASE: United Kingdom.
GENRE: Hip-Hop.
THE BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Cameron and the Slumberknights are a South African-fronted, multi-national Nu-Jazz/Rap group rooted in London’s pop-soul scene with friends/stagemates Mathilda Homer, Isaac Waddington, Josie Man, Zebee and Orlando. Midnight is a passionate and vibey lament, where nostalgic rapper Cameron forsakes the frantic pressures of living in London, comparing it to Gotham City; he relishes a life by the fire beneath the stars. The track tackles themes of adulthood, youth and mental health.”
Hooded Poncho | Savant
HOME BASE: Canada.
GENRE: Synth-Pop.
THE BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Hooded Poncho is the pseudonym of Winnipeg multi-instrumentalist Jean-Luc Loiselle. His music blends many genres, creating an earthy sound with hints of funk-rock, soul and eclectic rhythms. Savant is his first bilingual release, part of a full-length album coming in 2021.”
Our Man In The Field | Great White Hope
HOME BASE: United Kingdom.
GENRE: Folk.
THE BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Think of Our Man In The Field — aka Alexander Ellis — as an independent correspondent, with his works dispatches from his travels. He and his brilliant band of pedal steel, guitar, banjo, upright bass and drums (with fine backing vocals) take inspiration from the alt-Americana and Caledonian soul stylings of Van Morrison, Neil Young, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Ryan Adams and Wilco. “I had heard the phrase Great White Hope used in the context of American sports and politics; Larry Bird and Bill Clinton were both described this way. Some years later I noticed that the term had made its way into British politics, and it made me wonder where it came from. I then read about the incredible life of Jack Johnson, the first black heavyweight champion of the world, whose career was so triumphant it led to his challengers being referred to as Great White Hope. I don’t know exactly when the phrase was co-opted by politics, but the last few years’ global rise of populism has swept many a Great White Hope to power, with promises of the incredible to those who needed to hear them. Great White Hope is a conversation between two people as these promises begin to unfold.”
Ribongia | IO
HOME BASE: Australia.
GENRE: Electronica.
THE BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Italian-born, Mauritius-based producer Ribongia makes music to take you places. Highly celebrated for his verve and inventiveness, Ribongia delivers quality electronica, full of sonic surprises at every turn. “In 2018 I travelled from Sydney (Australia) to Reunion Island (Indian Ocean) for an artist residency at La Cité Des Arts. The idea behind the project was to learn about the traditional local music (maloya), which descended from the slaves brought to the island. I wanted to make music that would acknowledge the heritage of this music while approaching it with a modern style of production.”
Gossi | Waiting
HOME BASE: France.
GENRE: Synth-Pop.
THE BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Gossi is the moniker of Victor Gauci, an electronic musician in Paris. Greatly influenced by artists such as Apparat, Foals or even pop superstar Billie Eilish, Gossi is a multi-instrumentalist who blends genres into a sound that takes its essence as much into electronic as in pop music. Waiting is Gossi’s debut single. In between electronic and pop music, the track is an empowering anthem, blending indie influences with pumped dance beats. Waiting is a sing-along banger encouraging people to follow their own path.”
Clide | Come Back
HOME BASE: Germany.
GENRE: Pop.
THE BIO & PRESS RELEASE: “Although still pretty young, Clide knows exactly what adjectives he wants his music to be associated with: Authentic, innovative and raw. He wants to talk about things that move him and are close to his heart. Of course, love is one of those things but so are questions around his own identity, the search for truth, dreams and interpersonal relationships. If you haven’t already, turn up the volume, lean back and enjoy so you can be one of the people who can say: ‘I’ve followed this guy since the beginning’.”
