Part two in the Black Sugar Transmission trilogy of 2020 continues this week with, The Flowering. Like any other great trilogy you cannot wait for the counterparts to arrive, I’m waist deep…and not disappointed. When an artist dares to release three records in a year you wonder how a blueprint may be laid out for such an endeavor. In the case of The Flowering (successor to Wandering Into the Bullseye) it’s not necessarily a step up, but more like a dynamic dart to the left. Which is wonderful. An intriguing thing I’ve always felt about Andee’s music is that it’s very familiar yet completely fresh at the same time. As The Flowering blooms, it is at times jarring like a classic NIN record (“Death Is Breathing”) and at others like a soundtrack to an 80’s movie drenched in neon (“Through the Torture”). Savory and decadent, it does its share of glamage to your ears but also has real proper indie rock street cred. This is just another trophy in the glitter lined sonic case in the Black Sugar Transmission world. I will await this quicksand to fully engulf me when part three arrives but for now I’m fully content clinging to the branches of The Flowering to stay afloat. Check out lead single and video “This Is Crazy Town” just below.
Sometimes dedication that starts with a grain of sand can turn into a whole beach. And in the case of UNFITS, they are creating their own island. Check out the wonderful interview below (courtesy of a mystery guest) with lead Unfit El Seuño for a glimpse into his and the bands world. They also seem to have a hell of a new single and video on their hands. Get clicky and check it all out below!
1) You’ve spoken in other interviews about the theory that we are all living in a simulated reality. Can you tell us more about this theory and how it impacts your music and videos?
At this point it is more than a theory, it’s a probability. Meaning, it is statistically more probable that we are living in some form of a computer simulation than living in base matter. I think both the scientific community and modern video game development makes it irrefutable that we are probably living in some form of a simulation. That then begs the question of whether this is the only simulation or whether there is a multi-verse with many simulations. It reminds me of the famous poem by Edgar Allan Poe “A Dream Within A Dream.” If that’s true, then I am a dream. That’s why my name is El Sueno.
2) What went into the decision to film the “Satisfy Me” video in different countries around the world? Which of the destinations was your favorite filming location?
Having been to 50 countries so far, we have such a wanderlust spirit. I literally want to go to all 215 countries as soon as we are able to travel when the COVID-19 pandemic is over. It made sense to travel to 7 countries for the music video because the synopsis is that the lead protagonist is being inserted “experiences” via computer chips that he can’t distinguish from reality. In keeping with that theme, we wanted a wild range of experiences from bathing in an active volcano in Tuscany, racing race cars through the Dolomite Alps, riding giant squids in Moorea, swimming with giant tiger sharks in Tahiti and shooting RPG’s with the military in Ukraine. The French Polynesian islands are my favorite.
3) Tell us about the band’s writing process. Which comes first, the music or the lyrics?
Sometimes the words come first, other times the melody comes first. There is no rigidity in songwriting, everything is flexible. Sometimes it’s neither the melody nor the words and it’s an idea or concept that comes first. Everything comes from the endless sea of consciousness and every writer is merely a conduit, not the originator of the song.
4) Do you find yourself revising a lot, or do you like to write automatically?
I am constantly revising everything. Nothing is ever “done” in art, the time in creating merely expires. That’s what makes a life in the arts so appealing, the dynamic flux and continuous tweaking of everything.
5) How do you feed your imagination?
Through creative visualization, travel, literature, experimenting with other instruments, watching documentaries, women, friends, speed, adventure. The point is that imagination likes momentum. It could be physical momentum or mental momentum. Imagination likes to jump into an already moving stream.
6) Have any of the other performers and artists you’ve met given you any words of advice that you’ve particularly taken to heart?
Sometimes performers tell other performers to “imagine the whole audience is naked” in order to overcome stage fright. I tried imagining the audience naked once and was very sexually turned on and it did nothing for battling stage fright. So I think that is bad advice. On a more serious note: demo your songs on a piano or acoustic guitar. If it can hold an audience’s attention at the most primitive level, it will certainly be compelling when all the production and arrangement is completed.
7) What are your feelings about performing live? Do you have any heroes who inspire you to perform a certain way?
What Ed Sheeran is doing live is really amazing and inspiring for me. I am also a big fan of Matthew Bellamy and showmanship in general like Hugh Jackman.
8. What are your top five albums of all time?
> Dr Dre, 2001
> The Clash, London Calling
> Bob Dylan, Bringing It All Back Home
> Michael Jackson, Bad
> Beatles, Rubber Soul
9) Who’s an underrated songwriter, in your opinion?
Don’t pinch yourself, this is not a dream and you are very much awake. The Lickerish Quartet have arrived to whisk you off to a magical place. The odds are good if you are taking the trip you are very familiar with the pedigree in which the gentlemen that make up TLQ carry along with them. And though this band is not about looking into the past, but rather, a very bright future I do believe they are firmly aware of how to tickle longtime enthusiast’s earholes. Thusly, the universe was gifted Threesome Vol. 1. Although only an EP (hang tight, more on the way) it is transcendent in every way imaginable. The three headstones in front of The Lickerish Quartet are Eric Dover, Roger Joseph Manning Jr., and Tim Smith. All powerhouses on their own and together an unstoppable cavalcade that ooze creativity and a knack to really bring the listener on a musical journey. A fine point to make about the 4 songs featured on this EP is that, although the arrangements are superb in every fashion the band manages to deliver it all with such a fun candor only leaving you wanting to take the ride over and over again. And you’d think that only 4 songs may seem served only as an appetizer the meal is quite satisfying. Having 3 voices all worthy of the lead singer role certainly does not hinder the band at all. However, I do not want to take away from the fact that Singer/Guitarist Eric Dover is, was, and apparently always will be a beast of a singer. From every high and every low the guy just delivers with such a gusto you’re almost left dumbfounded. You also have the sweetness put forth in every Roger Manning syllable that you can’t help but smile along with him. And quiet honestly, Tim Smith has never sounded better. All of this is rolled up into one giant ball of meticulous arrangements both vocally and musically. From the fun piano intro and danceable vibe of “Fadoodle” (look it up) all the way down to the hypnotic last moments of first single “Lighthouse Spaceship”, which unto itself is an epic and manages to collect all the components of the EP into one fantastical cocktail. With all of this said, my personal favorite track (currently) is track 3, “Magic Number”. There is a smoothness there that really hits you where it counts and is quite honestly mildly reminiscent of Chris Isaak’s unforgettable “Wicked Game”. With all of this said, the sophistication and attention to detail of this debut offering from these seasoned vets does not disappoint. And really, did we think it would? Threessome Vol. 1 is out this Friday, May 15th.
I’m very excited to present to you my interview with Eric Dover. This was a tremendous honor for me. We covered a great chunk of The Lickerish Quartet and talked a bit about the past and the future. Eric was great to talk to and gave a great interview. I hope all of you dig this. Thanks so much Eric, stay awesome, we need ya!
*UNFORTUNATELY I was unable to upload this to YouTube due to technical difficulties (very unhappy about this). Please enjoy the interview over at SoundCloud, there is also a free download. Thanks! (link below)
“This song was written with the idea of spreading hope during the Covid-19 Crisis! Frankie and I have been talking of doing a song together, and well, the song we originally planned to do together was replaced by this and I’m glad so! I want to say this: These times are tough but turn your mind to music, movies, and calls with loved ones. We will all power through this. I want to thank my parents most of all for putting up with my home recordings. Major thanks to Frankie Siragusa who has made my dream of one day being in a studio happen (I was not in studio during this, files were sent online!! Stay home folks please!!)” – Jebb
Some praise for “Isolated Dew” –
“Jebb’s new song Isolated Dew has the perfect balance of angst, optimism, and emotion. His lyrics and voice have plenty of soul. Exquisitely produced by Frankie Siragusa of The Posies, this track will leave you wanting more from this young talent.”-Scott Brown (Lurch 102.9 the Whale)
“Jebb’s finest song yet, which puts him together with another powerhouse musician that I admire, Frankie Siragusa, is a song which has me grinning from ear to ear every time I listen to it. Never give up on your dreams!”-Tyler Green (Host of Not Another Interview Show/Cohost of Jebb and Green Cast)
“Jebb’s finest work yet.. great writing and recording.. it’s powerful, driving and melodic, and has just the sort of optimism we can all use right now. Two enthusiastic thumbs up!”- Eric Barao (The Cautions/Turbo Charged)
Road Rat Records, an indie label based out of PA have just released their first compilation of Punk, Metal, and Rock artists from all over the map. Pleasantly enough my former band, NOX CULT made the cut and is featured on the 22-track Earth shaker. And, it is an absolute honor. I wanted to make sure to give this release an extra push as it is full of awesome independent artists busting their butts to be heard. AND, Road Rat Records is making this very easy for you. They are offering the comp as a free DL right on their BandCamp page. (Link Below) So, get on it, IT. IS. FREE. Be sure to share it with a friend too.
Earlier this week I posted on social media that I was looking for any and all music related indie artists of any kind to share with me the best place on the net to show off their work and I would compile a list here that we could share with each other and beyond. I guess it was a bit of a social experiment? Anyways, I had hoped for more participation. Whatever the case may be, below is a list of rad artists doing their own thing. Whether they at some point may have been on a major label, toured the world, or just make records right out of their bedrooms, it’s a list of honest and good folks doing it for all the right reasons. So please, check them out, share, and support. Especially in a time like now where we are all struggling and being faced with finding different ways to support ourselves and still put positive vibes into the universe. MUSIC-SURVIVAL-GUIDE is all of us. Stay safe out there. xxx
Welp, planets…stars…the heaven’s, have all aligned, and 75% of Spilt Milk era Jellyfish have reunited to bring us THE LICKERISH QUARTET! (:holy bananas:) And over the last week or so they have been going hard on getting the word out, and it is a beautiful thing. By the sounds of it Roger, Eric and Tim have A LOT in store for us. And it is great timing as many of us are social distancing and the world is dealing with COVID-19. Music is always medicine.
Anyways, did you hear the first single, “LIGHTHOUSE SPACESHIP”? They have released two videos, one being standard and the other being a new lyric video. Check it out below and prepare to drool over the delicious sounds and production that only was expected.
The band is currently impacting on all major socials and Youtube. May 15th will see the release of the first of 3 EPs, Threesome Vol. 1 – Check out the message from the guys below!
Follow along and keep up to date on the bands main website at:
Canadian band, THE SMILE CASE has sent M-S-G a brand new single to debut from their forthcoming album, Bipolar Bear Wildlife Park on Blacktop Records. A great description straight from the horses mouth is below:
“We are releasing a new album called ‘Bipolar Bear Wildlife Park’ on
March 6th which is more than likely one of the most painful ‘love’ records ever written. The band is an acquired taste and for fans of Elvis
Depressedly, American Pleasure Club & Craig Finn. This song and the new
album is an anxiety fueled rollercoaster that sounds better with a pair of headphones and 5mg of Diazepam.”
So, how could you NOT want to check that out? Be brave, here ya go:
Listener beware, you’re in for some intoxicating sensory overload courtesy of, Black Sugar Transmission. BST head-hancho Mr. Andee Blacksugar is at it again with new record, Wandering Into the Bullseye and it is everything you want in a musical meal. It’s got a ballsy dose of a cappella (“Like Glass”), a touch or two of nightclub danger (“Rescue Sirens”) it’s even got some 1980’s style snuff (“Padlock’s On The Cage”) and oh so much more. Look, it’s 2020 and we are overloaded (and overburdened) with computer and celebrity, we’ve digitized our brains to coma. Those of us surviving this chaos so ache for a troubadour like Blacksugar. Intelligent, witty and sharp-tongued. Andee certainly uses all his beta brain waves and frantic little fingers to the nth degree, presenting his sonic offerings as true artistic statements rather than just songs. This guy really wants to make it all matter. And, not to mention, this album is one part of a trilogy. Certainly prolific and poignant, this release sees Blacksugar isolating himself completely to perform it entirely on his own. This is music in a category all it’s own, from an unknown time and place. If you get it, then you GET IT. And if not, we don’t need ya. It’s always a pleasure to review a BST record, certainly one of MUSIC-SURVIVAL-GUIDE’s faves.
So, here’s your new soundtrack for a new year. Let’s dance, let’s break some shit. Let’s roll around in glitter and solicit sex from circus freaks while high on pixie sticks, and don’t forget…turn it up! Wandering Into the Bullseye will see the light in February.
“Don’t blame the horse cause you wandered off course”-BST
Road Rat Records, an indie label based out of PA have just released their first compilation of Punk, Metal, and Rock artists from all over the map. Pleasantly enough my former band, NOX CULT made the cut and is featured on the 22-track Earth shaker. And, it is an absolute honor. I wanted to make sure to give this release an extra push as it is full of awesome independent artists busting their butts to be heard. AND, Road Rat Records is making this very easy for you. They are offering the comp as a free DL right on their BandCamp page. (Link Below) So, get on it, IT. IS. FREE. Be sure to share it with a friend too.
