Jan 4, 2025

Red Sleeping Beauty • Late Nights • 2025




”Another indie pop gem in electronic guise", one of the albums of the month - HELSINGBORGS DAGBLAD

“Mini-masterpiece”, “Everything is perfectly formed and immaculately conceived” - LOUDER THAN WAR

“All very elegant, refined but always engaging.“ - INDIE FOR BUNNIES

“Experts at constructing this sort of agile Euro-pop” - DAGGER ‘ZINE

“It's absolutely as superb as you'd hoped it would be“ - A PESSIMIST IS NEVER DISAPPOINTED

Dec 31, 2024

ifitbeyourwill Podcast 2024


 These are some of the amazing artists that join me on ifitbeyourwill Podcast in 2024… A playlist of a few of the artist featured. If you missed any or wanna catch up on the show check out all the episodes https://ifitbeyourwill.buzzsprout.com In 2025 we’ll start the engine up again with a new slew of amazing artists. Thanks for listening ❤️ 

Dec 30, 2024

best of 2024 • Hurray for the Riff Raff • Buffalo




Following a performance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Hurray for the Riff Raff has released an official music video for their song “Buffalo.” One of many highlights from The Past Is Still Alive, the 2024 Nonesuch album that Pitchfork just declared one of The Best of the Decade So Far, “Buffalo” is a love song about survival, patience, miracles, and memories of real people and places that bandleader Alynda Segarra (they/them) experienced during trips to New Mexico. In the video, directed by The Past Is Still Alive collaborator Jeff Perlman, Segarra takes over the Field Museum in their brand new home of Chicago, roams alongside a herd of wild buffalo, and shines a light on extinct and endangered species. none


Dec 28, 2024

best of 2024 • Shining Bird • No Silver Lining



best of 2024 • Devarrow • Likewise




Check out ‘Likewise’, the memorable new single written, produced, and performed by songwriter Graham Ereaux, also known as Devarrow.  Blending folk and indie influences, Devarrow has created a hugely compelling song, featuring a gorgeous melody and a sense of sonic urgency in the performance.  When writing songs for his new album, Ereaux discovered this amongst old demos and breathed new life into it.  He took the infectious, energetic outro, which stuck in his mind, and rewrote it as a dynamic chorus.  The end result is breathless and hugely likeable. AMUK

best of 2024 • hey, nothing • Maine (Live in Maine)



The group describes the message behind “Maine” as “an apology to those hurt by your distance but an acknowledgement of the pain you experience without it.”

Rough at the edges, the song is brutally honest and packed with experience — something that couldn’t be created from imagination alone. With lyrics like “I can’t wait not to go home, so far away from everything I know,” Tyler Mabry and Harlow Phillips use their pain to create a safe haven for themselves and everyone who’s felt the crippling guilt of leaving home and feeling better off because of it. luna

Dec 26, 2024

Finale • ifitbeyourwill S04E29 • Ellis Jones of Trust Fund

Thanks for listening to Season 4… Back in 2025 xox

Ellis Jones from Sheffield takes us on an emotional journey through the years, from strumming his first guitar at the age of five to forming Trust Fund in 2010. His story unfolds with tales of childhood bands and teenage recording sessions, eventually leading to Trust Fund's recognition in the mid-2010s. Ellis opens up about his creative process and the influence of Bandcamp during the height of his musical releases, offering heartfelt insights into how evolving personal interests have always been at the heart of Trust Fund's unique sound.

A new chapter in music-making begins in Bristol, where shifting priorities in our mid-30s have shaped a practical and heartfelt duo with my partner and bandmate, CD. We find inspiration in lyrical ideas that give birth to melodies, exploring how those creative sparks evoke emotional responses both for us as creators and for our audience. Balancing the quest for perfection with the permanence of music releases becomes a shared challenge, as we navigate the repetitive yet rewarding process of mixing and finalizing tracks.

The pandemic years have brought about a surprising transformation for many artists, including one musician who traded electric for classical guitar, crafting an introspective and courageous new record. The themes shift to a more observant tone, with raw, voice-and-guitar compositions that leave nowhere to hide. As the narrative unfolds, we confront the challenge of staying emotionally connected amidst professional demands, reflecting on personal milestones and relationships that might blur into the background. Join us for an episode that encourages reflection on balancing life's demands with heartfelt connections.







We thought it was all over. When Ellis Jones drew a curtain around his career as Trust Fund, it felt like the end of a particularly bittersweet long-distance relationship. That was in 2018, and Ellis had just dropped Bringing the Backline, the quintessential Trust Fund album: full of wry humour, heartache, energetic punk-pop hooks and glittering moments of indie-folk prettiness (it also gave us Carson McCullers, which, in this household at least, will always be one of the greatest pop songs ever written). That Jones had chosen to leave on such a high seemed like a statement of finality, an exclamation mark at the terminus of a convoluted, messy, beautiful sentence. KLOF



Dec 23, 2024

ifitbeyourwill S04E28 • Garlen Lo


Garlen Lo takes us on a personal journey through the vibrant musical landscape of his youth, growing up amidst the eclectic sounds of his London household. With a nod to nostalgia, Garlen recalls his auntie's love for country tunes and the bold Britpop rebellion of Oasis that shaped his songwriting vision. Discover how iconic albums like the Beatles' "Revolver" and the swagger of the Gallagher brothers fueled his creative fire, leading to a rich tapestry of over 180 songs. Garlen shares the serendipitous moments of inspiration that drive his songwriting, highlighting the delicate balance between catchy melodies and compelling storytelling.

But the journey doesn’t stop with Garlen’s past. We explore his current artistic endeavors, from crafting evocative music videos with a DIY flair to ambitiously planning future releases. Garlen's commitment to releasing four singles a year pushes him to explore new musical frontiers, leaving us with a sense of anticipation for what's next. As he reflects on his evolution from teenage aspirations to pushing production boundaries, the excitement in his voice is contagious. Don't miss the chance to hear directly from Garlen about his growth and future plans, as he invites listeners into his world of nostalgic and hopeful love.

 

Direct Link MP3


The eighth single in the catalogue of singer-songwriter Garlen Lo is ‘Pretty Baby’, a romantic number written over twenty years ago when the Londoner was only seventeen. A favourite at family gatherings, Garlen decided it was time to show the world. I can see why.

I must admit that before I gave the song a listen I was sceptical. There are many times where a simple chord progression sounds bland or inauthentic, but on this occasion it doesn’t. Knowing ‘Pretty Baby’ was written by a teenager in love, the admittedly corny lyrics give the song a rawness and provides an opportunity for us to reminisce about the euphoria of being young and in love rgm

Bonus Content - The whole episode on Video…. Please Support the show



Dec 21, 2024

best of 2024 • Little Kid • Bad Energy


On Little Kid’s new album and Orindal Records debut A Million Easy Payments, the urgency in Kenny Boothby’s voice matches the stakes of his lyrics, epic ballads and reveries that come at life from all angles and exposures, driving at and a little over the limits of self-reflection. The band’s lilting folk rock arrangements carry Boothby’s stories, occasionally lifting them skyward with flurries of cello samples, pedal steel, flute, and electric piano. It’s a record of depression and frustration that doesn’t stew in piety or aestheticize pain, that also explodes with life. Fragile and abundant. It’s a record with blood in its veins.



in occupied palestine
near the birthsite of christ
caught some footage that you wouldn't believe
that night on channel 7
ran a slanted segment
through the midwest on the mid-middle east
but you’ve told me how
you keep your volume down
cause all that's coming from your humming tv
is bad energy


“Bad Energy” is a song with many verses. Each verse talks about the concept of “bad energy” from a different angle. My overall goal with this song was to implicate Christianity – or, at least, the twisted, Americanized version of it that I grew up with – in a lot of the evil going on in our world: war, genocide, rape culture, capitalist greed, resource exploitation, climate change… There is some personal stuff in there, and some pretty universal stuff.
I was pretty preoccupied with form when I wrote this one (and the other long ones on the record), and I think I was pulling a lot from Bob Dylan’s approach to his longest, most repetitive songs. David Byrne summed it up well: Dylan lifted the style of his “epic songs… from old folk ballads with their many many verses, but then he added a genetic mutation to the form — surreal imagery and metaphors rather than the traditional narratives of the old ballads” (from this Stereogum feature on Bob’s 80th birthday). I think Gillian Welch’s “I Dream A Highway” (my favourite song) might do this even better than Dylan’s best ones did. StereoGum

best of 2024 • Nap Eyes • Passageway



I had the last verse of this song written for a long time, along with a bunch of earlier verses that I didn’t like as much that I eventually discarded. One quiet day when I was not doing too much of anything, I started to come up with the lyrics of the earlier verses — just in my head without an instrument or speaking them out loud, which is unusual for me. So the song was generated by this out-of-the-ordinary writing method, but I think this resulted in a song that is pretty different from anything else I’ve written to date. 




These songs are poetic, and not just because the words are poems. Their poetry lies in the music itself: Chapman’s reserved but powerful delivery, their lulling, hypnotic repetitions, the avian chorus of squawking guitars and chirping synths. This marriage of words and music captures something ineffable that lies between thought and expression (to borrow a phrase from Lou Reed), and with it, Nap Eyes have produced a beautiful, literary, aspirational, and inspiring work. post-trash

On the parade ground across the great divide
I saw 1000 candles flickering
And through a peasant’s eyes I saw a green-clad man
Ringing blue bells of offering
Beside him, astride, in neon fuchsia robes
And more beautiful than anything
A woman the sight of whom changed his mind
In a permanent way
Well, as for me, I rode the three miles north
Back to old York town
And lodged my horse in a stable there
Before walking to the castle grounds
Strange to make a parade so far away
Where there were so few others around
But I let the thought drop from my head
And that night my sleep was sound
When I awoke, I knew not the hour
But it seemed all the people had fled
I returned to my room and where the mirror had been
I found a blue doorway instead
Bracing myself against a bone-chilling wind
I wrapped my scarf around my head
And entered down a rainbow crystal pathway
Strangely compelled to follow where it led

Well, ever since then I’ve been in this gem-sea land
Where the night is as warm as the day
People talk on phones and they drive down roads
To places many miles away
As for me, I remain by my edge-of-town home
Watching the ocean’s peaceful sway
I’ve been drifting in and out of a mysterious dream
Of that old-time passageway
Is this what I get for listening to “Iris”
At nine o’clock on a Monday morning
In the shadow of the foreboding sculpture
In the diamond circular saw ring?
Far away, the dawn-bright dew
On some blue fields sparkling
In the deep mind, in the well,
In the heart of things

Dec 19, 2024

ifitbeyourwill S04E27 • Malia DelaCruz of CIAO MALZ


Ever wondered how a white MacBook and GarageBand could spark a musical journey? Meet Malia DelaCruz of CIAO MALZ, a talented musician from Brooklyn, who takes us through her captivating origin story. From her childhood fascination with instruments like the piano and clarinet, to those early days of crafting songs with the hum of background TV and basketball games, Malia reveals how he discovered his unique creative process. Her story is a testament to the power of embracing distractions and letting go of overthinking to allow musical ideas to flow with ease.

Malia's narrative unfolds as we explore her evolution from band member to solo artist. Listen as she recounts the serendipitous encounter with the band Frog and the label Audio Antihero, which opened doors to dream collaborations. Transitioning from collaborative projects to solo endeavors, Malia shares the liberating yet challenging experience of finding her voice and style. Her heartfelt EP Safe Then Sorry, showcases her growth as an artist and her commitment to creating richer musical textures.

Navigating the world of music production and performance, Malia offers insights into the balance between technical skills and songwriting. From opening gigs for bigger bands to receiving uplifting feedback from peers, her journey is filled with motivational moments that inspire aspiring musicians. Emphasizing the importance of consistency, discipline, and seizing opportunities while maintaining one's unique charm amidst a world of repetitive patterns. Join us for this lyrical journey, celebrating individuality and the allure of CIAO MALZ's irresistible presence in the music scene.

 

Direct MP3 DL


"Safe Then Sorry is a rest stop on the path most traveled. I wrote the bulk of the EP after work, these stories and characters came to me subconsciously and asked to be spoken into existence. These songs are about the unlikely connections we make, how they’re simultaneously inexplicable and meaningful. I work through these contradictions with unpredictable melodies, explosive choruses, and with the recording process itself. We did everything on the fly to capture as much raw emotion as could fit in the four walls of the basement studio. I wanted the project to feel how it did when I was messing around on GarageBand on my first computer — unrestrained." – Malia DelaCruz (CIAO MALZ) 





best of 2024 • Nemahsis • Coloured Concrete




Its latest preview, "coloured concrete," arrives alongside a music video directed by Hasan's frequent collaborators Norman Wong and Amy Gardner. 

With a steady pulse that crescendoes in the chorus as the artist sings hooky vocables and lyrics reflecting on dreaming of a certain unattainable lifestyle growing up, it's a prime example of Nemahsis's poised, thought-provoking and effortlessly catchy alt-pop approach. exclaim!

best of 2024 • Zack Keim • Battery Lane & Better Days (Live & Direct at Social Hill)






Zack Keim moved to the Washington DC area in the hope that new surroundings might help him discover the person he wanted to be. “Battery Lane had a mystic, almost timeless vibe,” he explains. “The building wasn’t fancy—built in the 1920s, with worn floors and old fixtures. But something about its age and character made it feel like a place where I could truly find myself.” Only just as he was finding his feet in the new area, 2020 arrived and with it inevitable disruption.

“That year forced many of us to look at our lives differently, and I was no exception,” Keim continues:

My relationship ended, my grandmother passed away, and I lost my record label. The weight of it all was overwhelming, but every loss and every mistake forced me to look deeper into myself. Within the walls of Battery Lane, I picked up my guitar again. Music had always been there, but now, it became the one thing that kept me grounded. It was in those quiet moments alone that I realized music wasn’t just a part of me—it was my one true love, the constant I needed. VF read more…


Dec 17, 2024

ifitbeyourwill S04E26 • Lucas Mayo of Pickle Darling


Lucas Mayo, affectionately known as Pickle Darling, shares the musical journey that took him from strumming a ukulele in his primary school days to becoming a defining voice in the indie pop scene. We explore the powerful impact of DIY ethos, drawing inspiration from artists like Dylan of Bedbug, and how these influences have shaped his distinctive sound. Lucas offers a candid glimpse into his time at music school, where songwriting became his refuge, and discusses the collaborative spirit that fuels his projects.

Continuing our conversation, Lucas reveals the art of embracing limitations to craft authentic music from his home studio. We dissect the evolution between his albums, "Cosmonaut" and "Laundromat," highlighting a shift towards a spontaneous, raw style that captures the essence of daily inspiration. Lucas offers a peek into his latest project, where experimental recording techniques take center stage, showing his relentless dedication to evolving his sound. Our discussion also reflects on the synergy between songwriting and production, underscored by his experiences with the legendary band The Bats, which transitioned him from studio work to vibrant live performances.

Performing live, Lucas finds a unique connection with audiences, from intimate solo shows to energetic band settings. He shares his admiration for Billy Bragg, whose simple yet impactful performances inspire Lucas's own aspirations. With exciting future projects on the horizon, including an upcoming album and a video game soundtrack, Lucas promises to push the boundaries of his creativity while keeping accessibility at the forefront. As we conclude, we celebrate the vibrant community that surrounds the podcast, leaving listeners eager for the new chapters yet to unfold.

 

Direct Link to MP3



Dec 16, 2024

Movieland • Icarus • 2024



Vancouver’s Movieland is a cult shoegaze trio from the early '90s, blending melancholic melodies with lush, textured soundscapes. Their early recordings are being re-issued as Then & Now (2024) with new music to follow in Now & Then (2025) on 604 Records


Dec 13, 2024

frog • DID SANTA COME • 2024


Did Santa come after midnight

Across the lawn covered in thin white

Lying awake in my bed

Thinking ‘bout what Daddy said

Covered in the color red

Setting down above my head

Did Santa come 

best of 2024 • Mammoth Penguins • Here


The new record leans into a raw pop-punk power-trio sound more than ever, with a deep growl in layered guitars and bursts of percussion and harmony. The songs and artwork explore themes about finding a place for yourself and familiarity with people and places. Although it turns back towards a classic three-piece sound, the band weren’t restricted by that palette, adding finishing touches of percussion, extra guitars and backing vocals in short bursts in a garden shed, and also bringing in gorgeous strings to sweeten the title track.



You know that it's the right thing to do
We've got the chance to achieve something new
And I will be here

It's alright to have doubts
There's always new things to find out
But I will be here

Picture the first wedding in four weddings and a funeral. A marquee. It’s the end of the night and the band have finished but not packed down yet. I go and pick up a guitar and start singing this song. Slowly the band come back onstage and join in. joyzine

best of 2024 • Cracker • Sick of Goodbyes (Re-Record with Members of Drive-By Truckers)




“To the uninitiated, Cracker might seem to be just another ’90s alt-rock band. However, fans recognize that they are much more than that, having skillfully explored a wide array of styles over nearly 35 years.

Regrettably, when newcomers hear a Cracker song and wish to learn more about the band, they often start with algorithmic streaming playlists. These playlists are typically limited to the dozen or so tracks with the most streams. As a result, these playlists are dominated by a few albums from the early 1990s, the heyday of alternative-rock radio. There are also a few “greatest hits” compilations for Cracker available, but these, at best, cover only the first third of the band’s 35-year career. Both of these sources overlook some of the band’s most critically acclaimed and fan-favorite work. tini


S04E17