The Other Side

The Other Side: EM The Master

One of the things I really enjoy about this topic is getting to share bands/artists that you wouldn’t normally expect. A few weeks ago I was at a show and I saw someone that was quite intriguing. It was more than just seeing a band. There was a theatrical aspect to the show without being over the top and campy. An element of surprise and mystique made this performance all the more interesting. With this in mind let me introduce you to EM The Master. Her music is a mix of alternative rock, pop, classical and a tinge of dance. On her debut EP, What I Want To Say To You, it tells the story of her feelings of being a rape survivor. The full length follow up REBORN, chronicled her healing. EM’s ability to channel that experience into songs that give power, hope and strength to other survivors shows her brutally honest approach to her music. The performance aspect of what accompanies the songs makes it all come to life. That’s when you need to go see this all come together. The way EM works the room accentuating certain lyrics and at those moments in the song is pretty damn awesome to watch happen. EM The Master currently holds residencies at historic Harvelles Blues Club in LA, speakeasy The Red Door of Toluca Lake, and The End of South Bay as well as other venues across Los Angeles (FRIDAY APRIL 1 at The Federal in North Hollywood).

What I Want To Say To You:

REBORN:

The Other Side: Taryn Hadfield

A couple weeks back something interesting came across my email. It was about a singer/songwriter from Seattle and the description that accompanied said “Combining the energy of Stevie Nicks, the lyrical honesty of Joni Mitchell, and the musical experimentation of Led Zeppelin…” so needless to say, I had to take a listen. And to my surprise I rather enjoyed what I heard. And now I present Taryn Hadfield to you. Her debut album, Manic Pixie Dream Girl tells the story of an unapologetic, strong and determined young woman who’s over being afraid of taking risks. Taryn was one of the first musicians to take her talents to the online streaming platform Twitch, Taryn’s weekly performances have cultivated a vast and loyal fan base of listeners from around the globe who’ve fallen in love with her highly dynamic, intensely emotional and disarmingly honest songs. Interestingly a lot of the inspiration for this album came from a very deep introspective watching of Scott Pilgrim Vs The World. When asked where that came from Taryn said “I spent a lot of my life being the manic pixie dream girl. In every relationship, friendship, role, job, I tried to be whoever someone else wanted me to be. I wanted to be that perfectly vivacious and appealingly quirky girl for everyone. Then one day, during my millionth tearful viewing of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, I realized I couldn’t be the side character anymore. I, a former manic pixie dream girl, was going to be fully me and I wasn’t going to be sorry for any of it anymore. This album is that story.” With a story like that and songs to back it up, Taryn is sure to be on her way of leaving her mark along the way!

Check Out Taryn’s Linktree For More Info!

https://linktr.ee/taryn.hadfield

The Other Side: KLAE
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Music is truly one of the only things in the world with no boundaries. No matter the genre, there is always something and someone out there looking to push the limits with something interesting. Part of the fun of doing Audioeclectica is writing about new bands/artists that step outside the box and offer something different. Recently I was introduced to an artist that is taking drums to another dimension. KLAE is a very diverse musician that excels in drums and percussion. His ability to shift his styles to compliment different genres makes him quite exceptional. With over 20 years of experience be it playing, writing, recording and more, it’s the dedication that shows through in his music. On his upcoming EP, Stomp Out Hate, Love, Repeat (out October 19), we find KLAE (born Clay Barnum) digging deeper to enact change in a new way. Speaking on the first single “Stomp Out Hate” KLAE said “In the last few years I’ve learned that everything has a wide spectrum of perspective. We can choose to see the rainbow of colors that surrounds us or we can choose to ignore it. We have to make the choice within ourselves everyday to stop the hate and set a better example.” Armed with that mindset and a plethora of rhythms, KLAE is working to enact change with each beat.

KLAE- Stomp Out Hate:

The Other Side: Noumenah
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Over the last few years electronic music has taken the world by storm. It’s in everything you hear these days pretty much. Through the flood of electronic artists, there are a few that have really done something interesting with it and expanded upon the sound. One such artist is Noumenah also known as Andrew John Napier. His music draws from an expansive and eclectic myriad of influences. On his debut album, Seet, the lush soundscapes feel like they belong as part of a score. The interesting part of Napier’s music on this album, these instrumental tracks feel completely immersive. There is a bit of a narrative to it all as you listen. The ebb and flow of the parts and rhythms make this album something more than just your average electronic album. Having depth in this genre can really take the music to new heights and Noumenah does that with the right elements.


Noumenah- Seer:

The Other Side: Lady Lazarus

True artistry is not easy to find these days. So many supposed artists lack the depth, honesty, and creativity to make something truly compelling. A while back I found an artist that captures all those things and then some. Enter Lady Lazarus aka Melissa Ann Sweat. Since her debut album Mantic in 2011, Melissa has been honing her craft and delving deeper and deeper with each album. When you listen to her music there is a real sense of courage, urgency and truth pouring out of her. There’s also a journey taking place as you venture into the albums. There’s a darkness within the songs but, a feeling of hope and light at the end. The words conveyed are poetic and somber while the voice channels different energies and feelings to really encapsulate the mood. Musically, the minimalistic approach makes everything stand out and the chills that it gives is worth it. If you are looking for something that’s inspiring and hopeful, than Lady Lazarus is just what you need.


Impossible Journey Of My Soul Tonight:

Miracles:

All My Love In Half Light:

Mantic:

The Other Side: Gardening, Not Architecture

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I’m sure many of you out there have noticed that, as the years go by, your tastes change and you start to really appreciate the other side that music has to offer. Which is why when presented with something definitely outside of what I tend to be drawn into musically, I try to give it a real chance. Not long ago, I was sent over an artist to check out and since we are in these very odd times, I took the time to listen and the end result was something pretty cool and interesting. Allow me to introduce you to Gardening, Not Architecture.

This is the brainchild of Sarah Saturday. The history of how all this started is quite cool and interesting. After the demise of her punk band in 2005, Sarah began reworking the demos, and released a four-song EP in 2007 under the name Gardening, Not Architecture, which would eventually be shortened to G,NA. The songs began to circulate online, and soon there was pressure for Sarah to perform live. In 2008, she played the first two G,NA shows in Los Angeles. In 2009, she booked her first solo tour, performing with a bass guitar, backing tracks, and a homemade LED light wall.  By early summer of 2009, she recorded the first full-length album, First LP. By the end of that year, she was touring full-time. Between 2009 and 2012, Sarah played nearly 300 shows as G,NA, touring the United States and Canada multiple times including two months on a side stage of the Warped Tour in 2010. Over the course of the next few years, and a move to Nashville, Sarah released two more albums. Her third album Fossils, also accompanied a full length film, which received much critical acclaim. Since that time, Sarah has kept busy with numerous projects including scoring for Film and TV.

The best part of finding out about Gardening, Not Architecture is that this is the perfect type of music for right now. There is something so casual yet moving in the way the music wafts over takes you away. It’s cinematic yet pop driven but not, in a mainstream pop way. There is definite depth to what’s in these songs and arrangements. The alternative/indie side of me really digs what I’ve heard. Sarah’s songs have a nice helping of melancholy but enough of an edge to make the bittersweet elements strike at your heartstrings. So, if you are looking for something to listen to and just drift away, I highly recommend taking up Gardening, Not Architecture.

 

Fossils:

 

Saboteur:

 

 

First LP:

The Other Side: Zachary Kibbee

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The fun thing about writing this site is getting to hear so many different bands/artists. Every now and then something gets sent my way that really stands out to me. Over the years I’ve really been able to appreciate a good song no matter the genre. Recently Zachary Kibbee came to my attention. There is something interesting about this guy. His bluesy approach is quite captivating along with his voice. You can tell his influences which include The Black Keys and The Beatles, have set him on his way. You might have even heard some of his songs and you didn’t know.  His song “My Own Two Feet” was used in a Microsoft Surface Pro 3 commercial, and many of his other songs have been featured television shows and films including “Agents Of Shield,”  “Rake,”  “Benched,” and “The Drop.”  Zach’s newest album Songs From The Mud is bluesy with a bit of a rock edge to give it some grit. I would suggest Zach to anyone looking for some groovy blues rock. Zach is definitely on the right path.

 

See Right Through You:

 

Haunted:

 

Gone:

 

End Of Days:

 

Your Own Way:

 

https://www.facebook.com/zachary.kibbee

http://www.zacharykibbee.com/

Album Review: Soko- My Dreams Dictate My Reality

Soko

When I get an album one of the first things I look at is who produced and engineered it. Recently an album came across my email that sounded intriguing to me. Ross Robinson’s name was listed as the producer on the album. I’ve been a fan of a lot of the albums that Ross has done in the past. Specifically his work with Korn, At The Drive In, The Cure and a newer band Wild Throne. So needless to say my curiosity was peaked. The album I’m talking about is Soko’s new album My Dreams Dictate My Reality. This album is quite a departure from most of the stuff that I listen to, but it also was a nice change of pace. Soko’s album is soaked in early 80’s new wave influence, somewhat reminiscent of The Cure started out as. The first song on the album “I Come In Peace” has an almost electro Mazzy Star vibe to it, making it the perfect lead off song for the album. There are also moments when there are bits of post punk a la a Joy Division vibe especially on the title track. This is definitely something different to my ears, and it totally fits the alternative music climate that has taken over the radio waves today. If you are looking for an album chock full of early new wave sounds, this is one of those albums for you. Also on a side note, it’s nice to hear Ross Robinson spread his wings and show his versatility as a producer.

Soko: My Dreams Dictate My Reality-

 

http://sokothecat.tumblr.com/

 

By: Brian Lacy