http://www.justbecause.ch/archive.htmlNewest Archive at Just Becausehttp://www.justbecause.ch/archive_703E32363A3D3A.htmlSamual Galley2012-02-09T09:33:33 1am. Saturday, November 17, 2007. Manchester. In a disused WWII air raid shelter under Piccadilly Station, local heroes The Whip have 2000 rabid Mancunians eating out of their latex, mechanised palm. As 'Trash' - "an electro rock epic" (copyright Mixmag) - reaches its jagged peaks, the Warehouse Project explodes in an ear-bursting, elemental frenzy of air punching, pogoing and vicious movement. There is no trickery here. No expensive visuals, no Topshop new rave outfits, no gimmicks, just a band - Bruce Carter (vocals/ guitar), Danny Saville (machines/ synthesisers), Nathan Sudders (bass) and Fiona Daniels (drums) - utterly in tune with the crossover electro-rock spirit of the times, creating scenes of northern rave mayhem the equal of anything ever witnessed at Electric Chair or Bugged Out. http://www.justbecause.ch/archive_703E32363A393C.htmlSamual Galley2012-01-18T15:11:31 La musique, ça ne marche pas comme les mathématiques. Si vous ajoutez un musicien à un autre, vous n’êtes pas sûrs du résultat : leurs talents respectifs peuvent s’additionner ou s’annihiler, s’opposer ou se révéler complémentaires. Dans le cas de The Do, la rencontre artistique entre Olivia et Dan a été explosive, défiant les règles de l’arithmétique. Selon les intéressés, « ça n’arrive pas trois fois dans une vie » ! Depuis qu’ils se sont croisés début 2005, au moment de collaborer au débotté à une musique de film, leur trajectoire respective a été bouleversée, leurs plans complètement changés. Venant du milieu du jazz, connaissant davantage la musique classique contemporaine (Stravinsky, Bartok) que le rock, Dan travaillait dans son coin, composant à la commande des musiques pour le cinéma, le théâtre ou des spectacles de danse. « Jamais, je n’avais pensé travailler avec une chanteuse, ça ne me venait pas à l’esprit. Jusque-là, j’avais connu des rencontres artificielles où il fallait souvent faire des compromis ». Olivia, franco-finlandaise installée à Paris, avait auparavant chanté de manière très naturelle pour des groupes de rock, de jazz ou d’electro, sans trouver quelqu’un qui l’aide à canaliser sa créativité. « J’avais envie de faire tant de choses… Dan a fait sauter les barrières qui pouvaient me freiner parfois. Avec lui, musicalement je peux faire tout ce je veux ». L’échange et la curiosité sont réciproques : quand Olivia fait écouter PJ Harvey ou Queen à Dan, lui l’ouvre au classique et au jazz. Depuis, le ping-pong artistique ne s’est jamais arrêté et l’idée de The Do a germé. Pourquoi ce nom de The Do d’ailleurs ? A l’origine, il ne constitue que l’agrégation des initiales de leur prénom respectif. Mais d’autres sens se sont ajoutés : « le do est la première note de la gamme, c’est un nom qui a un pouvoir symbolique très fort », explique Dan tandis qu’Olivia rappelle que «  do veut dire “la voie” en japonais ». Bienvenue dans le monde de The Do, un monde toujours en mouvement et tout sauf unidimensionnel, où la prise de risque est une règle, une source de plaisirs. http://www.justbecause.ch/archive_703E32363A383C.htmlSamual Galley2012-01-11T13:33:17 The band formed in 2008, combining a group of friends who had all played in various bands on the local music scene. The members are connected in different ways; Hazel (vocals, guitar) and Paul Gregory (guitars, electronics) are engaged; the pair used to be in a band with Ol Ketteringham (drums, piano); Sarah Kemp (violin) and Hazel are old schoolmates; while Adam Sykes (vocals, guitar) and Brendan Sykes (bass) are brothers. They’re called Lanterns On The Lake and it’s easy to see how the name and their sound are one and the same. The album was produced by Paul, as he did the band’s first two EPs, The Starlight EP (2009) and Misfortunes & Minor Victories (2010) Budgets being tiny for the EPs, the band borrowed an eight-track recorder and captured every intimate breath and soaring crescendo in their own homes and at an isolated house in Northumberland. Handmade sleeves for both EPs reinforced the self-sufficient approach, as did a series of gigs (“we were reluctant to play normal venues like pubs”) in places such as a boathouse on the Tyne river, and the Tan Hill Inn in North Yorkshire (famously, the highest pub in Britain, an event is now an annual mini-festival). Relishing their independence, the band eschewed a recording studio for the album; “you only get to make your debut album once,” says Hazel, “so we wanted it to be personal and honest and special to us, so we recorded everything in our own houses again. Though the loud bits were done in a basement of a shop in Newcastle!” http://www.justbecause.ch/archive_703E3236393E38.htmlSamual Galley2012-01-09T15:50:04 Dirty Beaches is the sound of waves against a picturesque and putrid shore, the silent rumble of a Chevy as it speeds by in slow motion. Sparse but condensed, relentlessly edging forward: this is music for locomotive travel, for racing your weary motorcycle through neon archways and into dusky tunnels. The man behind Dirty Beaches is Alex Zhang Hungtai; solo performer, sound-smith, and trans-Pacific nomad. Born in Taiwan, Hungtai has made Toronto, Honolulu, Montreal, and Vancouver his homes. Like Bo Didley or minimalist synth provocateurs Suicide, Dirty Beaches’ compositions are not so much stripped down as refined to their essence. Drum loops entrance, Hungtai’s croon enchants, and the yearning melodies draped overtop belie as much a sense of haunting mystery as they do romanticism and wry humour. http://www.justbecause.ch/archive_703E3236393C3A.htmlSamual Galley2012-01-09T14:15:50 I was brought up in Totnes, South Devon.. neatly nestled between the moors and the sea. I travel lots, surf when I can, probably drink too much, often think too much, and at 23 still make irrational choices. I like the outdoors and the Autumn. I’m happiest at home with friends, and my favourite fruit would have to be a pear. Musically I started playing and writing as a kid and it’s the one thing that’s never changed. Mum and Dad were big listeners to all the greats- the likes of John Martyn, Joni Mitchell, The Rolling Stones, Simon and Garfunkel, Donovan etc so that’s played a big part in my life. Our tape collection is pretty good. More recently, i've been extremely fortunate to support some artists I really admire.. The likes of Xavier Rudd, Fink, Brett Dennen and Angus and Julia Stone have all had a big impact along the way. I've played shows in some crazy places both on my own and with the band and i'm starting to realise i couldn't really do anything else. At the moment we're laying the finishing touches to the debut album in a little barn studio we've got going on near home so all is gold and good. I guess I’ll leave it at that really. Keep it short. Really hope you all enjoy the tunes on here. Much love from Devon, Ben. http://www.justbecause.ch/archive_703E32363A3638.htmlSamual Galley2011-12-22T14:14:20 The Mondrians formed in the Summer of 2005, recorded their first home-made demo tape in their mountain-based rehearsal studio, including the songs « Pearl Of The Lake » and « The Shout ». Then, the young Swiss band started touring, first in Switzerland, then in France and the United Kingdom. They also played in Paléo Festival, Pully For Noise and Les Eurockéennes. Press and radio started talking about the guys like « Swiss pop-rock new talent […] one of the best rock'n'roll band at the present time ». After three years on the road gaining both critical success and a strong following, The Mondrians recorded their first album in Spain with producer Gordon Raphael (The Strokes, Regina Spektor). You will necessarily fall in love with this record full of energy, with lively songs and soft ballades. Their brand new album is scheduled to come out mid-november this year on distributed by Irascible. For the most impatient, you can already have an idea of how talented these four boys are, by downloading a few songs of To The Happy Few, following the link below. http://www.justbecause.ch/archive_703E32363A353A.htmlSamual Galley2011-12-16T10:54:38 Dels is an Ipswich-based new-kid-on-the-block, and hip hop wunderkid of huge potential. His debut single ‘Lazy’ will be released on the label in the Spring. A collaboration between Dels and Joe Goddard from Hot Chip, it’s a subtle masterpiece of Hot-Chip-esque production, wonky electronics, experimentation, and fresh rhymes. Already championed by Dazed & Confused, the rapper started out in 2002 making garage music and writing rhymes in his basement with best friend and local producer Eli-T. By chance, John Peel saw him perform in cafe in Ipswich as a teenager. Suitably impressed with Dels’ artistry, he booked him for a Peel Session. Dels (real name Kieren Dickins) moved on to academic endeavours soon after though, training as a graphic designer over the next few years. Nonetheless, schooled in the art of home production, he continued to write and record tracks as a solo artist. And then an act of chance steered things in a pretty thrilling and unexpected direction. In the summer of 2006, he myspaced Hot Chip offering up some props, and a personal appreciation for the production of the band’s second album ‘The Warning’. He got a swift response:- Joe replied with “I like your flow. Would you like to work with us?”. Dels was, understandably, both stunned and electrified. ‘Lazy’ then, is the product of Dels and Joe’s earliest sessions in which they traded influences, sounds, and production tips. Their work together over the past year has been instrumental in the development of Dels’ natural talents – the bar has been inexorably and indefinitely raised. Now good friends, Dels and Goddard plan to release an album together in 2008. http://www.justbecause.ch/archive_703E3236393B3E.htmlSamual Galley2011-12-15T09:09:29 When the members of Grouplove met it was like a dream. The setting was a remote artist colony on the exotic, mysterious Greek island of Crete. Drummer/producer Ryan Rabin and his childhood friend and former bandmate, guitarist Andrew Wessen came from California, guitarist Christian Zucconi and keyboarist Hannah Hooper traveled from New York, and bassist Sean Gadd was the lone Brit. Each member went to Greece for their own independent reasons but over time they gravitated towards each other and discovered the sound that unified them: a merging of richly narrated, intricate songs with anthemic classic pop production. It took the band the better part of a year to reunite after they left the island. The colony, which Andrew’s brother founded, allowed the members of Grouplove to step outside their comfort zones. “We spent our days together at a secluded beach far from the tourist traps, passing around the guitar or ukulele and sharing our songs with each other. Never Trust A Happy Song is a brawny, ecstatic album filled with ambitious, varied, expansive, tunes underscored by crisp percussion and killer harmonies. “The variety in the musical taste and writing styles of each member really makes each of our songs unique,” Ryan explains. “The honest, open-minded process we go through in rehearsal and in the studio brings the songs home and gives them the 'Grouplove' sound.” Under the Grouplove banner, “Colours,” became a delicate but powerful slow/fast jam. “Itchin On A Photograph” is a soaring epic propelled by spacey guitar licks and vigorous handclaps. And “Tongue Tied,” is an electronic infused dance anthem that showcases the band’s obsession with careening harmonies. In keeping with the progressive context of their meeting, Hannah, Andrew, and Sean all share vocal duties and take their turn fronting the band - though Christian sings lead on most songs – Ryan produces all of their material, and all five bandmembers receive songwriting credit on every tune: Grouplove is a true collaboration. The album’s title initially seems ironic: On the surface the band’s vibe comes off as happy, the songs soar with a kind of shimmering, youthful exuberance. But just beneath that sunny sheen, there is a reservoir of longing and melancholy. The Grouplove signature is blending those two pillars of life: sorrow and joy. Hannah explains, “As individuals we are heavier, darker, but when we are together we bring the love.” http://www.justbecause.ch/archive_703E3236393E3E.htmlSamual Galley2011-12-12T14:44:33 The Mondrians formed in the Summer of 2005, recorded their first home-made demo tape in their mountain-based rehearsal studio, including the songs « Pearl Of The Lake » and « The Shout ». Then, the young Swiss band started touring, first in Switzerland, then in France and the United Kingdom. They also played in Paléo Festival, Pully For Noise and Les Eurockéennes. Press and radio started talking about the guys like « Swiss pop-rock new talent […] one of the best rock'n'roll band at the present time ». After three years on the road gaining both critical success and a strong following, The Mondrians recorded their first album in Spain with producer Gordon Raphael (The Strokes, Regina Spektor). You will necessarily fall in love with this record full of energy, with lively songs and soft ballades. Their brand new album is scheduled to come out mid-november this year on distributed by Irascible. For the most impatient, you can already have an idea of how talented these four boys are, by downloading a few songs of To The Happy Few, following the link below. http://www.justbecause.ch/archive_703E3236393E36.htmlSamual Galley2011-12-09T15:39:27 When the members of Grouplove met it was like a dream. The setting was a remote artist colony on the exotic, mysterious Greek island of Crete. Drummer/producer Ryan Rabin and his childhood friend and former bandmate, guitarist Andrew Wessen came from California, guitarist Christian Zucconi and keyboarist Hannah Hooper traveled from New York, and bassist Sean Gadd was the lone Brit. Each member went to Greece for their own independent reasons but over time they gravitated towards each other and discovered the sound that unified them: a merging of richly narrated, intricate songs with anthemic classic pop production. It took the band the better part of a year to reunite after they left the island. The colony, which Andrew’s brother founded, allowed the members of Grouplove to step outside their comfort zones. “We spent our days together at a secluded beach far from the tourist traps, passing around the guitar or ukulele and sharing our songs with each other. Never Trust A Happy Song is a brawny, ecstatic album filled with ambitious, varied, expansive, tunes underscored by crisp percussion and killer harmonies. “The variety in the musical taste and writing styles of each member really makes each of our songs unique,” Ryan explains. “The honest, open-minded process we go through in rehearsal and in the studio brings the songs home and gives them the 'Grouplove' sound.” Under the Grouplove banner, “Colours,” became a delicate but powerful slow/fast jam. “Itchin On A Photograph” is a soaring epic propelled by spacey guitar licks and vigorous handclaps. And “Tongue Tied,” is an electronic infused dance anthem that showcases the band’s obsession with careening harmonies. In keeping with the progressive context of their meeting, Hannah, Andrew, and Sean all share vocal duties and take their turn fronting the band - though Christian sings lead on most songs – Ryan produces all of their material, and all five bandmembers receive songwriting credit on every tune: Grouplove is a true collaboration. The album’s title initially seems ironic: On the surface the band’s vibe comes off as happy, the songs soar with a kind of shimmering, youthful exuberance. But just beneath that sunny sheen, there is a reservoir of longing and melancholy. The Grouplove signature is blending those two pillars of life: sorrow and joy. Hannah explains, “As individuals we are heavier, darker, but when we are together we bring the love.” http://www.justbecause.ch/archive_703E3236393D3C.htmlSamual Galley2011-12-09T10:45:28 Dirty Beaches is the sound of waves against a picturesque and putrid shore, the silent rumble of a Chevy as it speeds by in slow motion. Sparse but condensed, relentlessly edging forward: this is music for locomotive travel, for racing your weary motorcycle through neon archways and into dusky tunnels. The man behind Dirty Beaches is Alex Zhang Hungtai; solo performer, sound-smith, and trans-Pacific nomad. Born in Taiwan, Hungtai has made Toronto, Honolulu, Montreal, and Vancouver his homes. Like Bo Didley or minimalist synth provocateurs Suicide, Dirty Beaches’ compositions are not so much stripped down as refined to their essence. Drum loops entrance, Hungtai’s croon enchants, and the yearning melodies draped overtop belie as much a sense of haunting mystery as they do romanticism and wry humour. http://www.justbecause.ch/archive_703E3236393D3A.htmlSamual Galley2011-11-30T15:32:05 Formed in the mid-90's by small town childhood friends, Figurines were already touring Northern Europe and Scandinavia extensively by the age of 20. On their second album Skeleton (2006), Figurines received massive international attention and they were sent out into the world on tours with Tapes' n Tapes, Cold War Kids and Kaiser Chiefs, touring North America three times. 2007 saw the international release of their third album, When The Deer Wore Blue, produced in cooperation with Chicago based Jeremy Lemos (Jim O'Rourke, Smog, Stereolab, and others). Even though, the three friends needed a break after touring this third album, Figurines soon managed to collect new impressions, they rediscovered the joy of making music and playing concerts. The result is their fourth, self-titled longplayer "Figurines". On a personal level it is a triumph. Musically the album reaches back to the power of Skeleton while remaining close to the more complex When The Deer Wore Blue. Figurines have managed to return to a point where the songs' structures, immediacy and extroversion are the focus. Pavement, Modest Mouse and Built To Spill were the early influences for Figurines (the boys) in their home town in rural Northern Denmark, where they were pretty much alone with their interest in that sound. From there they dug backwards and out internalizing the canonized pop and rock music of the Western world. Today Figurines (the band) are skilled and experienced musicians, almost veterans although barely reaching the end of their 20's, but also still growing and refiguring. On Figurines (the album) they've found a way to polish their songwriting in new ways: Sometimes accompanied by skillful yet playful instrumentation and breezy, inviting choruses. In other moments pulsating and popping with rock riffs, drive and soul. Songs like "New Color" with its shuffled beat sound like nothing ever heard of them before and turn this record into their definitely most mature one so far. http://www.justbecause.ch/archive_703E323639393A.htmlSamual Galley2011-11-18T12:00:58 Often described as one of the most talented voices in the country, Jarle Bernhoft has built his career step by step. From small roles as a child on stage in the Norwegian Opera, via success with heavy rock and a record deal in Los Angeles, to his first soul influenced solo album, has his music style taken many bends and detours. Now it starts to materialise like a long, wide road with a distinctive character which is unique in Norwegian music. With Bernhoft’s stage performance described as ‘a giraffe high on PCP’ and having once himself been called ‘the thinking man’s The Hives’, there was certainly never any lack of pace and energy. Span was the hardest working band. Intensive touring extensively across Europe led them to a deal with Island Records in London, later with the American label Interscope Records. When they released the debut album ‘Mass Distraction’, produced by Gil Norton (Pixies, Foo Fighters, Echo & The Bunnymen) in 2004, the future seemed bright for this four headed rock monster. However, Span played their last concert for a sold out Rockefeller venue in Oslo in October 2005. New challenges were waiting. The album ‘Solidarity Breaks’ is also the result of Bernhoft’s rediscovery of himself as a solo performer. It was recorded in London, produced by Fred Ball (Pleasure, Bertine Zetlitz, Brett Anderson) and has become an organic adventure where Bernhoft admits that being solo has its pros and cons. There are twelve tracks on the album. Most of them are written by Bernhoft and some in collaboration with the producer Fred Ball, one with the renowned artist Ed Harcourt, one with Jimmy Hogarth (Amy Winehouse, Duffy, Beverly Knight) and one with the keyboardist David Wallumrød. The album is mostly recorded by Jarle’s one man band with guest appearances by among others Knut Reiersrud (for the occasion on harmonica), drummer Torstein Lofthus, David Wallumrød, Ed Harcourt, bass player Audun Erlien and backing singer Kwame Ogoo. It is is mixed by Steve Fitzmaurice who has worked with among others U2, Depeche Mode and Kylie Minogue. As the title indicates, this time it’s about solidarity: “With this album I would like to tell many stories, but my main issue is solidarity on both small and larger scales. It’s about everything from solidarity in politics, solidarity with other humans, in society, in relationships - on how difficult it can be to live together both under small and big conditions”, he explains. When it comes to music, the album is a particular mix of some familiar and less explored directions for him: “I have among many things listened to a lot of hip hop, the part of pop music I think develops most today. I gather I’m more open today than before, and my shoulders are more relaxed. Jokingly you can say that the album sounds like my former one taking a couple of fish leaps via early Nik Kershaw and The Roots and has landed in 2020”, he laughs. http://www.justbecause.ch/archive_703E3236393938.htmlSamual Galley2011-11-15T12:52:27 The Mondrians formed in the Summer of 2005, recorded their first home-made demo tape in their mountain-based rehearsal studio, including the songs « Pearl Of The Lake » and « The Shout ». Then, the young Swiss band started touring, first in Switzerland, then in France and the United Kingdom. They also played in Paléo Festival, Pully For Noise and Les Eurockéennes. Press and radio started talking about the guys like « Swiss pop-rock new talent […] one of the best rock'n'roll band at the present time ». After three years on the road gaining both critical success and a strong following, The Mondrians recorded their first album in Spain with producer Gordon Raphael (The Strokes, Regina Spektor). You will necessarily fall in love with this record full of energy, with lively songs and soft ballades. Their brand new album is scheduled to come out mid-november this year on distributed by Irascible. For the most impatient, you can already have an idea of how talented these four boys are, by downloading a few songs of To The Happy Few, following the link below. http://www.justbecause.ch/archive_703E3236393738.htmlSamual Galley2011-11-10T19:49:04 The Mondrians formed in the Summer of 2005, recorded their first home-made demo tape in their mountain-based rehearsal studio, including the songs « Pearl Of The Lake » and « The Shout ». Then, the young Swiss band started touring, first in Switzerland, then in France and the United Kingdom. They also played in Paléo Festival, Pully For Noise and Les Eurockéennes. Press and radio started talking about the guys like « Swiss pop-rock new talent […] one of the best rock'n'roll band at the present time ». After three years on the road gaining both critical success and a strong following, The Mondrians recorded their first album in Spain with producer Gordon Raphael (The Strokes, Regina Spektor). You will necessarily fall in love with this record full of energy, with lively songs and soft ballades. Their brand new album is scheduled to come out mid-november this year on distributed by Irascible. For the most impatient, you can already have an idea of how talented these four boys are, by downloading a few songs of To The Happy Few, following the link below. http://www.justbecause.ch/archive_703E323639353A.htmlSamual Galley2011-10-17T15:41:22 2010 was a benchmark year for the young Miss Nika Roza Danilova. Under the moniker Zola Jesus, Nika released two stunning EP’s stateside via Sacred Bones, Stridulum and Valusia and abroad combined those (mostly) into her debut full length, Stridulum II, for Berlin based Souterrain Transmissions. This year’s first single, “Night” earned the estimable Best New Music seal of approval just before she embarked on several very well attended SXSW appearances. The video for this song quickly elevated her to fashion icon as it appeared in several regions of Vogue and the NME declared her “goth’s new figurehead”. Nika was hand chosen by designer Angelos Frentzos to make her European debut performance in Milan during his fashion week show. Zola Jesus continued to play shows in various incarnations in various parts of the country every weekend from March until August. Then she graduated college. Immediately following, Nika and band embarked on three back-to-back tours of Europe and the US opening for Fever Ray, The xx and Warpaint amongst dozens of headline shows. She played Berlin Fest, Primavera Club, headlined Pitchfork’s Offline Fest and her live performances garnered reviews as stunning as her recorded output. Valusia was released mid-October while on tour, and contained one new song (read: secret weapon) not on Stridulum II-- Chris Coady produced single “Poor Animal”. This undeniable dance-floor masterpiece soared up the radio charts and continues to burn brightly on BBC 1 alongside her simultaneously ranking re-working of previous cut, “Sea Talk”. All three of these singles along with “I Can’t Stand” ranked among the New York Times, Pitchfork and LA Times’ singles of the year. Stridulum II appeared on NME and Uncut’s albums of the year. Having just completed her 1st US headline tour, Nika Danilova is about to embark on US and EU festival circuit, including stops at Pitchfork, Bestival, Electric Picnic, Big Chill and the Hollywood Bowl amongst others. To say her follow-up full length due in early October is merely highly anticipated may be a bit of an understatement. http://www.justbecause.ch/archive_703E3236393538.htmlSamual Galley2011-10-17T14:41:11 Naeem Juwan aka Spank Rock comes from the wall-sweating, pipe-bursting, hip-grinding basements of the Baltimore Bass movement. After spending some time at Drexel University in Philly he linked up with the Diplo-powered Hollertronix crew and began crafting the type of live performances that have become underground legend. Diplo introduced him to the cutting edge UK-based label Ninja Tune and in 2006 he released the seminal electro/rap/booty album 2YoYoYoYoYo" with production partner Alex “XXXChange” Epton. The duo crafted a groundbreaking debut album that many credit as ground zero of the electro / rap movement. Along with Ronnie Darko, Chris Devlin and the sassy trash-talking MC Amanda Blank, the Spank Rock crew quickly set the blogs afire and become known for putting on some of the raunchiest, booty-shaking live shows in the world. Spank Rock has toured with everyone from Beck to Bjork to the Beastie Boys, has made records with Kylie Minogue, Mos Def and Santigold, and remains one of the most enigmatic and electrifying performers in music today. This summer he was featured along with The View’s Kyle Falconer on “The Bike Song” by Mark Ronson, which was a single on Ronson’s 2010 album release Record Collection, and he toured with Ronson’s Business International US & UK tour. Spank Rock’s sophomore album, "Everything is Boring and Everyone is a Fucking Liar", will be released in 2011 and has a renowned team of producers handpicked by Spank to up the ante from his critically acclaimed debut. http://www.justbecause.ch/archive_703E3236393536.htmlSamual Galley2011-10-17T09:56:53 Naeem Juwan aka Spank Rock comes from the wall-sweating, pipe-bursting, hip-grinding basements of the Baltimore Bass movement. After spending some time at Drexel University in Philly he linked up with the Diplo-powered Hollertronix crew and began crafting the type of live performances that have become underground legend. Diplo introduced him to the cutting edge UK-based label Ninja Tune and in 2006 he released the seminal electro/rap/booty album 2YoYoYoYoYo" with production partner Alex “XXXChange” Epton. The duo crafted a groundbreaking debut album that many credit as ground zero of the electro / rap movement. Along with Ronnie Darko, Chris Devlin and the sassy trash-talking MC Amanda Blank, the Spank Rock crew quickly set the blogs afire and become known for putting on some of the raunchiest, booty-shaking live shows in the world. Spank Rock has toured with everyone from Beck to Bjork to the Beastie Boys, has made records with Kylie Minogue, Mos Def and Santigold, and remains one of the most enigmatic and electrifying performers in music today. This summer he was featured along with The View’s Kyle Falconer on “The Bike Song” by Mark Ronson, which was a single on Ronson’s 2010 album release Record Collection, and he toured with Ronson’s Business International US & UK tour. Spank Rock’s sophomore album, "Everything is Boring and Everyone is a Fucking Liar", will be released in 2011 and has a renowned team of producers handpicked by Spank to up the ante from his critically acclaimed debut. http://www.justbecause.ch/archive_703E3236383E3C.htmlSamual Galley2011-10-06T18:20:14 PIONEERING musician and producer Matthew Herbert (Bodily Functions, Matthew Herbert Big Band) releases the second part of his "One" trilogy on his renowned label Accidental Records. One Pig is the story of a single farm animal from birth to death and beyond. Herbert was present, microphone in hand, as the animal emerged into the world and continued to document its life in audio as it grew to adulthood. Though he was prevented from recording the pig’s death, the process included the recording its subsequent butchery, cooking, consumption and the use of almost every part of the animal to make diverse products, from candles, a drum, paint and dye, to a new musical instrument which plays the animal’s blood. The result is an elegy to an otherwise anonymous farm animal’s life, a beautiful and compelling account which prompts questions and insight into the presence of an animal so commonly underestimated, under-appreciated and unacknowledged in our society. Using a brand new musical instrument – the StyHarp – to manipulate the samples of the animal, along with instruments made from his One Pig, Matthew and his band will retell One Pig’s story in a live show complete with live audio-visual composition and on-stage cookery. http://www.justbecause.ch/archive_703E3236383E3A.htmlSamual Galley2011-10-06T18:16:42 A native of South Dakota, the dead centre of America's great empty heartland, EMA’s unique and at times dervish-like guitar style, visceral songwriting expressions and DIY recording ethos have seen her develop a distinctive sonic signature, somewhat neurotically assembled and essentially raw, the product of obsession by somebody who never learned the ‘right’ way to do things. Besides making music, EMA has been involved in video, performance and curating multimedia shows in West Oakland and LA. If there is a grand unifying theory behind Past Life Martyred Saints, it’s that EMA treats fidelity and distortion like another instrument, being obsessed with the question of analogue vs digital. Songs switch seamlessly between lo-fi 4 track grunge, trashy dance beats and damaged girl group ballads, like all the car radio hits of the past fifty years absorbed and sweated out through pores of distortion, feedback and reverence. Fans of guitar noise will have crossed paths with EMA as the scorching guitarist in legendary folk/noise outfit Amps For Christ before forming the genre-defying cult duo Gowns with Ezra Buchla, which Pitchfork called “one of the most heartstoppingly great live bands on earth” and the Village Voice spluttered succinctly upon seeing them live: “Holy fucking fuck!”. Their 2007 album Red State was an electronic folk and feedback drenched masterpiece that left critics both raving and bewildered. It sadly proved to be their last. The upside is that that musical crossroads lead to the unveiling of EMA who has since opened for Throbbing Gristle on their last US tour. EMA’s songs are filled with harmonies and hooks that exist right in those sweet spots between melody and dissonance. It is a knowing voice, the sound of a drunken laugh while crying.