Keeping It Real (ft. The Covasettes, Electric High, Conrad Deadly and many more)
Welcome to our very first Keeping It Real feature where we introduce you to artists that are “keeping it real”! In this Keeping It Real we bring you a range of musicians from indie-rock to dream-pop. Let’s see who’s keeping it real this week!
CONRAD DEADLY – ‘SHE LIVES IN MY GIRLS YARD’
In addition to his modelling career, Conrad Leadley pursues a musical career playing in bands across the globe. Using his knowledge of the industry and experience of music, Conrad has started a solo project – Conrad Deadly. His debut track ‘She Lives In My Girls Yard’ is reminiscent of Blur with strong Britpop roots. Conrad finds a good balance between upbeat guitar, unique vocals and the underlying message of rebellion, fun and hope.
“Is she crazy or are we all crazy; maybe everyone’s crazy. What, what are we talking about?” – Conrad Deadly on ‘Sally Lives In My Girls Yard’
MORTIMER JACKSON – ‘FEEL THE ROAR’
Mortimer Jackson is one of those artists who have been involved in some musical project from Day 1. While Jackson was raised on Chuck Berry and Bob Dylan, it was his Britpop roots that shone through in his music. His second gig (ever) was at the infamous Pilton Party supporting the Lightening Seeds. The following year he was performing at Glastonbury Music Festival. After university and relocation to Western Australia, Jackson began work on a new project that would land him a slot at Isle of Wight Festival.
After the birth of his son, Jackson decided to pursue a solo career honing the sounds he gathered over the years. His latest single ‘Feel The Roar’ is evidence of the many influences featuring trippy guitars with trombone interjections inspired by The Specials. ‘Feel The Roar’ examines existence in a surreal haze then waking up in reality.
“I wrote ‘Feel The Roar’ a long time ago when I was travelling. It is about being lost in a surreal haze and wanting to get back to a sense of normality.” – Mortimer Jackson on ‘Feel The Roar’
‘Feel The Roar’ is set for release on April 20th. For now, you can check out more of Mortimer Jackson on Spotify:
RYAN WAITE – ‘TURN A LIGHT ON‘
Ryan Waite is from the Greater Salt Lake City area. His main goal is to write melodies that are catchy, yet lyrically driven. Waite believes there is a dearth in modern pop music where songs are catchy but their lyrics are meaningless or lack substance. Waite’s main themes involve sentimental, emotional and melancholic lyrics using memories, regret, religion and ethics narrated from real or fictional perspectives. His motivation right now is to get out as many songs as possible before his twins are born in October.
“This song is a push for listeners that are struggling to make the leap to seek something out that is uncomfortable. To turn a light on means to step outside your comfort zone and gain perspective and enlightenment that might seem scary at first but expands your perspective and brightens up your visibility on life.” – Ryan Waite on ‘Turn A Light On’
THE COVASETTES – ‘SPIN’
One of the top Manchester indie-rock groups, noted as “Ones To Watch 2020” by Indie Central Music, are heading on a new musical adventure with their latest track ‘Spin’. Almost eight months after the release of their successful EP It’s Always Sunny Above The Clouds, the lads are giving fans something new and fresh to wrap their ears around. Offering a more rock style, The Covasettes are moving away from previous indie-pop releases and finding a sound that has a bigger impact.
“It’s fierce and almost old school in its approach and I love it for that… We’re definitely unorthodox in the way we release music, our sound is constantly evolving and it’s important we evolve with it.” – Chris Buxton on ‘Spin’
LA ROBOKA – ‘INCEL BOY’
La Roboká began when classical soprano singer Lady K met film composer Robulus and decided to combine their sounds. Taking a unique stance on alternative-pop, this Berlin-based duo produce compelling releases causing controversy wherever they may wander. The latest from this female-fronted formation is the music video ‘Incel Boy’. An exploration of hatred towards women and a statement against this brutal form of misogyny.
“Yes, our video is upsetting and not easy to look at. We actually toned down the violence a few notches because it would have become unwatchable, but it is also meant as a wake-up call. When this hatred spills over into the real world as actual violence, we will have bigger problems than “just” hate-speech on the internet.” – La Roboká on ‘Incel Boy’ official video
ELECTRIC HIGH – ‘REPRODUCING MAN’
Given they are a relatively new band, Electric High is pumping out the sounds with high voltage rock. Hailing from Bergen, Norway, the group is one that takes you on a hard rock roller coaster from the word ‘go’. Fronted by two in-your-face lead singers, a guitarist, bassist and drummer, the fivesome is a pure electrical shock! Electric High draws inspiration from legendary rock bands Black Sabbath, Aerosmith and Wolfmother. Their debut single ‘Harder To Justify’ was released in January 2020 with ‘Reproducing Man’ being their follow up. Known for their passionate shows, intense tunes and out of control afterparties, Electric High is taking listeners to new heights. The video for ‘Reproducing Man’ will be released on April 10th.
” ‘Reproducing Man’ gives you an electric overdose of blistering riffs, a gut-kicking groove, and a chorus that is hard not to sing along to.” – Electric High on ‘Reproducing Man’
RUBEN DAWNSON – ‘SAYIMGOOD’
Personal, emotional and introspective – these are only three words to define indie-pop sensation Ruben Dawnson. Earmilk described Dawnson’s debut anti-anxiety release ‘FYALMA’ as “[a single that] delivers with remarkable tenderness, with a hint of punk-laced confrontation to boot.” The Scandinavian artist has a raw and honest approach to mental health awareness and demonstrates this in each release. The latest track is ‘SAYIMGOOD’ – a paradoxically upbeat song with fuzzy guitars and reverb.
“It revolves around the feeling of not being in a healthy state. It switches back and forth between singing to myself in third person and from myself in first person which symbolises a certain duality, disorientation, self-love and self-criticism.” – Dawnson on ‘SAYIMGOOD’
1001 INSTRUMENTS – ‘WILL WE BREAK THE WORLD’
Hailing from Devon, 1001 Instruments is an alternative rock band with a message. Using thoughtful vocals and layered guitars, the band creates rich sounds with a significant purpose. To answer the question of “breaking the world”, 1001 Instruments supports social causes and donate all money made from their music to different charities making the world a little more tolerable. Their first single ‘Smile’, a song promoting the charity Operation Smile where funds are raised for life-changing operations to ill children, gained recognition from the BBC. The latest release is the first single from the Little Free Trees EP. Using a dream-pop sound with impactful lyrics, 1001 Instruments discuss the state of the Earth at the moment. ‘Will We Break The World’ hopes to raise awareness of climate crisis and supports a charity called Little Free Trees.
‘The world is going through an incredibly challenging time right now. We hope the song inspires people to come together to help make a difference.” – 1001 Instruments on ‘Will We Break The World?’
LOUNGER – ‘CONTACT SPORTS’
Formed in 2017, London-based Lounger has delivered hit after hit with their unique Britpop sound. After two albums, Tom, Don and Sheldon release their new single ‘Contact Sports’. Reminiscent of Nirvana, Talking Heads and Blur, this is an alternative pop track about masculinity and surviving in the “good old days”.
“The song is about male pride and how stupid it makes men sound. It was written after a family member said his son shouldn’t wear makeup. It’s one of our favourite songs to play live.” – Lounger on ‘Contact Sports’
ST. BURYAN – ‘TELL ME’
Over the past couple of years, this Newcastle-based quintet has gained recognition from BBC Introducing and BBC 6 Music along with various music blogs including NARC and When The Horn Blows. In ‘Tell Me’ St. Buryan move from their bright synths and Foals-esque territory to a more upbeat sound in the realms of Panic! At The Disco and Fall Out Boy. Looking at issues of personal relationships and, basically, dealing with an ex-partner lashing out after being rejected the infamous “booty call”. St. Buryan also released a completely DIY video for ‘Tell Me’.
“The track was written by our ex-bassist, Eddie, who was kind enough to leave the song in our hands when he moved on. It’s been a live favourite for some time, and we’re buzzing to have it out as a single!” – Rhys Melhuish (drums) on ‘Tell Me’
