I have discovered Mr Tom few months ago while listening to the stunning Shell Zenner on radio. She played their song "feet hit the floor" and I literaly loved what I heard!
Mr Tom are this kind of bands, formed by a bunch of friends who play music for the fun but who knows how to keep it seriously.
Mr Tom is formd Nick Crowe, Steve Colver, Lee Marcer and Dom Andrew, they're from Southampton and New Forest in the South of England.
I can't say a lot about this guys, because unfortunatelly, I never saw them live yet but I can tell you that they tour a lot in England! Maybe one day, They will cross the channels and invade France!
I know that when you read my blog you can see that I am more a Rock Chick than a Disco Queen but I was born at the very beginning of the 80s so I grew up with the sound coming from the synthesizers and the videoclips full of colours.
2 years ago, I went to the cinema with my friend to see the movie "Tamara Drewe" , if you saw this movie, you know that there is a band called Swipe in this movie . After seeing this movie I couldn't stop singing one of the song call "Where are you now", I bought the songs and after few days, I needed to know who was the other members of Swipe ( The drummer is one of the important characters of the movie, played by Dominic Cooper ). Then I realised that those songs has been written by Dominic and his brother Nathan who is at the Keyboard for Swipe!!! I needed to find out more about his own skills and finally discovered his solo project Kid Kasio.
So Kid Kasio is Nathan Cooper who was before in the band The Modern (now know as Matinée Club) , and before again in other few little bands. He left that band to live his dream and become Kid Kasio.
If you love the sound that we used to hear in the 80s then you must love Kid Kasio music. If you like Duran Duran, A-ha, Depeche Mode, Hurts, La Roux, Mirrors, then you MUST love Kid Kasio! His music is full of synthesizers and robot voices, you can listen to one song without feelings your legs tickling and your feet moving in rythm. Personnaly I feel like I want to jump into my trainers and put my pink cap and t-shirt on and sing!
His first album, KASIOTONE, has been released at the end of January and is avalaible on Itunes , amazon , Emusic, Nokia, Tesco, and if you want a cd, just ask him!
So they did it!!! Yes, Broccoli Events worked again with one of my fave band, as I announced previsously Broccoli Eventsorganised a gig with The Lysergic Suite at the Gibson Guitar Studio in London.
First, you can find the official pictures HERE , on the official Facebook page Of Broccoli Events (that's why I used only one) .
Secondly, you can watch an interview of the band before the gig:
AND finally, you can watch some of the songs played by the band at the gig.
"Jasmine"
"Earth and Water" (the famous one)
And a brilliant new song "Gold"
If you're in London or around, don't forget that The Lysergic Suite will play 2 new gigs :
And they will be supporting Belakiss at the BarFly in May the 19th... :)
You can, since yesterday, download "Pravda Scrolls/Cynical Brother" the 1st EP of Modern Faces on this LINK but you can also order the limited 7" vinyl version of this 1st EP.
This vinyl version will be only limited to 100 copies so be quick if you want one!
They also begun a new tour in the UK, so have a look at their tour date and jump on some tickets. You MUST see this guys live! Or you'll regret when they'll be big and play only stadium!
1st, with the help of their fans, the band organised a big UK tour for end of April/May and a big date in Leicester in June.
So if you're in one of this town or can travel till one of those, you MUST go and see them!
2nd, you can pre-order a limited edition of their next EP "Pocket Rocket ( where the light is)" in a 7" vinyl version by following this LINK ! This version will be released on May the 5th. But you can also download the MP3 version from the 29th April.
Vito Emannuel is one of those band who just want to make live gig to be closer to the fans and will ask you to bring anything crazy to ake this gig the most fabulous and unforgettable. Brandon, the magician who created this band, kindly answered to some questions to introduce Vito Emmanuel and talk about his passion.
First of all, can you introduce yourself?
Hello! My name is Brandon Migliorisi and I write, record and perform live as Vito Emmanuel. The band members and myself are all from America and live in or around Covington Kentucky and Cincinnati Ohio. I have played many instruments in many bands in the past, but this time, with this band, I want to change the vibe of my shows. I want something different.
In Vito Emmanuel, there is you, Brandon, but also Kevin at the percussions and Ben at the bass. Plus other regular musicians on stage. How did you meet them?
Music is my life and only true passion. All the musicians that play live with me are close friends who also share this unyielding passion for music. Benjamin Franks (Bass guitar and backing vocal) is my cousin and one of my all time favorite musicians. We have been playing music together for about 15 years. Since we were both very young. I can't really imagine having as much fun in a band without as I do have with him. We have always vibed well musically. Benny Brown (Turntables and Sampler, Backing Vocal) and I met in a classroom at our university. We didn't know each other, but we knew of each other because people thought we were either related or the same person. It became quite humorous and ridiculous to the point I had to meet him. We instantly became solid friends and soon realized how much we had in common, musically. Kevin McNamee (Samplers, Backing Vocal, Percussion and Hype) was part owner at a local club where my friends and I frequently played music. I met Kevin through a series of good friends, and after seeing his (at that time) band play I knew I had to party with him! His love for live music and unrelenting positive energy on stage are genuine and unforgettable. Kamal Hiresh (drums) had played in some of my favorite bands at that same club Kevin was part owner in. After seeing him play just a few times I had decided that i'd ask him to jam some jams with my friends and I to see how things vibe. We all meshed together so well we agreed to set up a show. Other than Kamal being a total badass on the drums, he is one of the funniest people I do believe I've met in a long time! He is detrimental to the live shows and really brings a great amount of dynamic energy to the stage.
Can you explain to the public, where does come from the name of Vito Emmanuel?
There are actually two stories to this name. As you know, my name is Brandon, but before I existed on Earth my parents had a disagreement on what my name would end up being. My mother chose the name Emmanuel while my father strongly preferred the name Vito. It is a blurry story about how I was named Brandon, but I believe it to be mostly a compromise. After being asked by my parents as to why I chose to name my new musical endeavor what I had named it, I told them it was simply based on the two birth names I did not receive. My mother claimed she knew that was the reason. My father, however, thought there may have been another reason. He then informed me of some family history that I was completely unaware of. My father's grandfathers were named Vito and Emmanuel. They made their own wine and would sit on the front porch and play Fiddle and Accordion while drinking said wine till the early hours of the morning. The story is that they would be drunk by the time the neighbors were completely annoyed and would put a stop to their banter.
Would you say that V.E is a solo project or a full band?
Vito Emmanuel definitely has two very distinguishable
sides. All of the music is written by me entirely. I also record/mix/produce all the tracks in my studio/bedroom. I think of VE as a solo project while writing and recording, but there is a vast difference in the way the songs are put together in the studio and how they come together on the stage. When a live show is booked we prepare as a full band and exist as organs in the body, not one of us is more or less important than the next.
Where does come the idea to create Vito Emmanuel and what's your aim for this band?
My musical past is littered with rock music. Don't get me wrong, I love rock music, but after a while it can become the same jeans and t-shirts night in and night out. I needed something immensely different, thus a live show with not only musical instruments but interesting and styled apparel as well as balloons, lights, lasers, glow sticks and even light up swords if the night get wild enough ha ha! The goal is to bring something to the current music scene that truly entertains and possibly inspires some drunken dancing. A good time.
How will you "sell" Vito Emmanuel to someone you just met?
I promise something different. These shows are not your typical band shows, the music is not the same recycled indie pop electro dance rock that your older brother/sister got you into last summer. It's fun and it's different.
You're also the singer/guitarist in the band Rosemary Device, which music is completely different or Vito Emmanuel's one. How can you go from the hard rock of Rosemary Device to the indie pop of Vito Emmanuel?
Actually, I recently stopped playing and recording with Rosemary Device. I would have continued to play with the band, but I wanted to focus all of my musical energy into something that made people want to feel good. Don't be confused, I thoroughly enjoyed beating up my guitars, jumping into crowds and screaming into mics at dirty clubs, but my passion for music is becoming a friendlier, more approachable one. I have more creative freedom as Vito Emmanuel, and plan to always try new things and be as creative as I desire with the almost limitless options of a solo project / band such as this.
What is your biggest dream for Vito Emmanuel?
I just get a kick out of hearing people talk about the band in passing, or being mistaken as someone by the name Vito. I just can't help but to laugh at the rush of knowing friends and strangers are enjoying something I worked so diligently on.
Is there an artist you'd love to work with? And share a duet with? I would love to do a duet with possibly Cat Power (Charlyn Marie Marchall) or Karen O. of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. But as far as writing goes, could it get anymore interesting working with anyone other than Prince? That would be a treat!
Who would be your ultimate touring companion?
I would really like to have a little monkey as a touring companion. He'd make a great friend when you just don't wanna chat much, but don't want to be alone, haha! As far as bands go? Anyone bringing positive energy and good vibes to the table would be more than welcomed to join.
You used to post videos of you playing your music or covers on your Youtube channel. Is there a director with who you'd love to work for a videoclip?
Michel Gondry. He has done so many amazing things for artists like Bjork, Beck and the Foo Fighters to name only a few. He is my favorite director by far.
You made a cover of Nicky Minaj but if you could record a cover, which one would you choose and why?
I have been considering doing an all vocal (a capella) version of Bohemian Rhapsody lately, but that seems so time consuming. And in this technology age, I feel as though it would require a video to accompany the music. As of right now, the live band and I play "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" (Tears for Fears) and "Maniac" (Michael Sembello). Both seem to go over very well with this sound.
Do you have some heroes/idols in the music industry?
Trent Reznor, having created Nine Inch Nails by himself and taking it as far as he has taken it. I also mentioned Prince before, he is an incredible performer and a relentless song writer. Anyone with that much drive and passion for what they do could easily become a hero of mine.
What's your opinion on the MP3's invasion of the music industry?
It's evolution and can't be stopped. The rest of the music world must learn how to adapt or they're going to fade away. Having my music sold on iTunes and Amazon is far simpler and much less expensive than have CD's printed and shipped and carried from show to show. More fans prefer to find music online at their convenience rather than at a show that they'd rather be buying beer at. Spotify (in my opinion) is the next medium. Cassettes replaced things like records and 8-tracks because of their portability. CD's replaced tapes because of their higher sound quality and convenience of being able to skip around to your favorite tracks without winding a tape. MP3's had been replacing CD's due to portability and ease of sharing. The music industry has to understand that when someone buys a really good book, after they read it they pass it on to a friend that would also enjoy it. Music has become the same way. Spotify is free for the fans and is a great way for people to listen to our music without feeling like they had to invest their hard earned money into something that they may not have even heard yet. I'd be happier selling zero CD's and having people dance and party at Vito Emmanuel shows because they know the music and have been enjoying it for free on a friend's Spotify playlist. It's not about the money, it's about the Fun times and good vibes that money can't buy.
What was the 1st ever record you bought? What was the 1st ever gig you went to? Did they bring you some inspiration for your music's love?
I believe the first record I ever purchased was Nirvana's Nevermind (on tape) and Pearl Jam's Versus (on CD). I don't recall what my first concert was, but I know that there are many I'll never forget.
Is there a place/country/city where you'd love to play?
I think playing music anywhere but Earth would be unmistakably stellar. ;)
What would you do if the music and all kind of arts were banned from our world?
i would react the same way as I do with other things banned and continue to enjoy it anyway, Haha! It that weren't possible then I would fight till the death to live free again.
Last question, do you have a special message for me and your fan?
if you find Vito Emmanuel music online for free, please download it and pass it on. It's not stealing because I created it for free and don't need anything in return other than your enjoyment of it. Love and live life free before you die.
Well, the way I discovered Vito Emmanuel is special! I knew the 1st manager of Belle Histoire and guess what, he's in this band!
Vito Emmanuel is the project of Brandon Migliorisi who sings, writes the songs, make the design of the band and probably more! He collaborate with Kevin McNamee (the one who makes me discovered the band) and Ben Brown and sometimes on stage, some other artists complement the band.
I would describe their genre as Indie pop with some rock and fun. This is what Brandon wants with this band, he just wants people to have fun and dance on his music. Unfortuneltaly for me, they're from the U.S so it means that I haven't seen/meet them yet and won't probably before a long time again.. But Im sure they will travel soon and make the Europe dance too!
The name of the band come from something very touching, something that could only bring luck to that band. Vito Emmanuel is the combination of the name of the 2 grand-fathers of Brandon on his dad's side, who were 2 musicians who loved to play music on the porch of their house till the early hour of the morning...
I discovered this ladies one day, seeing one of their interviews... I was thinking they were only repoarters/interviewers during the gigs and festivals in London but few weeks after, someone from Broccoli Events told me to have a listen to their sound. So I realised that Red N Pink were more than just some interviewers with cool hair colors, they're also singer/songwriter/member of a duet.
Their music is a mix of Indie-Punk, Electro-Soul and Hip Hop! Red has been describe as "one of the best British female rappers" by Ffion Davies from www.altsounds.com.
I think either you like them either you hate them! I personnaly like their genre. Their single "Badman" says it all. You can stay on your chair, you have to jump and sing with the girlz! Or join them on the ring like in the videoclip.
They can also sing a "kind of "slow song like "Forbidden Love"
My favorite song of Red N Pink is probably "LadyBoy". I really like the genre they gave to that song...
Red N Pinkare the new big thing coming from London. Im sure you'll heard from them soon... (out of my blog of course.)
Another band I discovered thanks to the club This Feeling. Dexters is a young band from Hoxton
aka a "rough part of East London"; formed in 2011 by 5 friends.
In Dexters you can find:
Tom Rowlett at the lead vocals(& songwriter in"chief") Matthew Finnegan at the bass Jamie Finnegan at the rhythm guitar Ben Daboo at the lead guitar Chris Mardon at the drums
The 2 Finnegan's brother met Tom at school and kind of always been mates. One day, they decided to play together and "it just all started flowing together. It was just so easy." then the 2 others came add their talent and Dexters was born.
I can't describe you more the band because they made an excellent description on thier Soundcloud page and their words are just magical! I don't wanna steal anything so go on their soundcloud page and read about the story of that new band.
Their music is the kind of indie rock I cherish the most. If you don't wanna move on their song "Start to run" then you have a problem! I have this song in my Ipod and I only wish we will have some new songs soon...
In their influence they use to mention :
Captain Beefheart, Robert Johnson, The Specials (<3), The La's (<3), The Clash (<3), Richard Hell, The Jam (<3), Mucky Pups, Black Lips ,Storm Cat....
A great gig will happen in my second home in March. SO if you're in or around Leicester on the 20th of March you MUST go to that gig because it's great and because a good friend of mine is involved in this gig and needs the most support you can give. Share this event to the most people you can meet in your life!
Belakiss is one of this cool band I discovered last year through some common friends and This Feeling.
They're now 4 members and they come from the North West of London.
Belakiss are :
Tatia Starkey at the vocal and bass
Ruari Meehan at the vocal and guitar Ben Sheldrick at the vocal and guitar Alfie Milner at the drums
They describe their music as "A mix of moody, distorted, grinding, psychedelic rock with rasping vocals and heavy beats."
They just came back from a tour in Japan being the support band of Kasabian, but it was not a premiere for them as Belakiss is very big in Japan as their hit "Only You" reached the number 1 place in the international air-play chart and also entering the official Japanese charts at number 35. Then, their second single "Run Red", entered the official chart at number 20.
Fact that they're brilliant, Belakiss was the first band to be accepted for Fuji Rocks 2011, without having their album already out.
Do you remember that little band from the US but with a french name, that little band I was so happy they found me on twitter, YESBelle Histoire!
After a lots of good things for the band , they're back with a new EP that will be released on Valentine's day and for this EP, today their 1st ever videoclip has been shown to the whole world today!
You can see the video for the song "Be Alright" => HERE
The brilliant Bibelots has been asked to play, beside the great Belakiss, at the next serie of The HMV NEXT BIG THING 2012, which is for me, a proof that 2012 is gonna be a great year for them.
Fortunetaly for them BUT unfortunetaly for some of us, the gig is already sold out!!! This is just amazing to think that the tickets have been sold in something like 3 weeks....
This is a great start of the year for the 2 bands and this gigs will be brilliant.
If you're fed up of myspace or think there was not enought songs on Reverbnation, The Screening just created a Souncloud page where they put more than 30 songs!
Feel free to follow the link and to share that link too!!!
The brilliant trio that is The Narrows made a new cover recently and shared it on their Soundcloud, this is a cover of the song "Melody" written and sang by the great Serge Gainsbourg in 1971.
Have a listen to it and let me know what you think o it!!!
