Tue, 10/17/2017 - 12:46 pm

The Sound of Ghosts are an Americana roots musical collective hailing from Los Angeles, California. The five-piece collective of accomplished musicians have crafted a musical experience unlike any other with their unique arrangements and vast variety of influences. A culmination of traditional front porch Americana, folk-laden melodies and vintage rock’n’roll, The Sound of Ghosts have succeeded in bringing their own edge to this timeless genre of music.

The Sound of Ghosts are James Orbison (vocals, bass), Anna Orbison (vocals, ukulele), Ernesto Rivas (lead guitar), Phoebe Silva (fiddle) and Jon Sarna (drums). United they have pushed the boundaries of typical Americana and created an ever-evolving sound demonstrating the diversity of each of their own different musical backgrounds. Included in this are elements of classic rock, musical theatre, country and everything in between, Rivas explains “everyone's different perspective is an essential part to the diverse sound we create”.

The Sound of Ghosts formed in memory of the band’s friend Dave Lamb, who passed away too soon from Leukaemia. Lamb headed an acclaimed band ‘Brown Bird’ with his wife that was named NPR’s folk group of the year. James Orbison was touched and inspired by the impact Lamb had made on not only him, but the community around him. James Orbison fell back into music as a mechanism to cope with his grief, where he consequently rediscovered his passion for writing and playing again. They decided to name their band ‘The Sound of Ghosts’ which was the title of Brown Bird’s first album, as a way to honor Lamb and to be constant reminder of his love for music. Their upcoming release entitled Delivery and Departure is filled with diverse soundscapes and a multitude of sonic textures. The new music is set to be an immersive listening experience. Anna Orbison explains, “I hope it inspires people to look at the world in a little different way. Notice the things around you… that’s what we write songs about”.

Lead single ‘Train to Nowhere’ is an upbeat folky song with driving guitars, catchy hooks and story-telling lyricism. Showcasing the band’s signature sound of fiddle fueled melodies and soaring harmonies, accompanied by a powerful trumpet solo, it is assured to get listeners up and dancing. "This song is a perfect mix of what we do best”, reveals Anna Orbison.

Originally inspired after watching two acclaimed Netflix documentaries entitled ‘Big Easy Express’ and ‘Festival Express', the narrative was built around the ideology of escapism and the importance of adventure. The song symbolizes the journey of self-discovery and introspection. ‘Fall Apart’ exemplifies Anna Orbison’s expressive warm vocals with a toe-tapping, rhythmically contagious beat, New Orleans style trumpet, that are all tied together with a dominating bass line. ‘Fall Apart' highlights how people find solace in the familiar feeling of never being good enough. Thematically the single evokes the notion that we as a society need to learn to love ourselves and be content with who we truly are.

The Sound of Ghosts successes to date include opening for artists such as Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, The Sisterhood and Oingo Boingo. Their music has also been featured in national commercials for major brands such as Yahoo! and Kia. The Sound of Ghosts prides themselves on delivering an engaging, explosive yet intimate live performance, winning ‘best live performance’ at The Roswell Film Festival.

With their growing California following and authentic sound, The Sound of Ghosts are ready for their next musical endeavor with the release of Delivery and Departure due fall 2017.

Sat, 06/02/2018 - 2:57 pm

Barbudo are a British ‘Nu-eyed funk’ group from the south coast town of Havant, Portsmouth. Fusing elements of old-school funk, psych rock and smooth R&B, brothers Ben and Harry Stanworth, along with Elliot Salter have established an intoxicating sound which oozes charm and flamboyancy.

Taking inspiration from the pioneers of 70’s funk, soul and disco, as well as acts such as Steely Dan, Shuggie Otis and The Isley Brothers, Barbudo have concocted a sound equal parts contemporary with yesteryear’s glow. This unique marriage has given the band the distinct sound that has been winning over audiences across the nation.

Following the success of their last EP Pleasures, released under Pie & Vinyl Records, Barbudo are now ready to unveil their latest single ‘Secret Admirer’. Drenched in funk-fuelled melodies, shimmering vocal harmonies and groove-laden basslines, the single radiates sonic colours. Barbudo have succeeded in capturing the sound of summer, complete with the band’s signature clavinet and playful percussive elements. "We were going go for latin-infused funk vibe, like a blend of Michael Jackson and Santana” explains Ben. Thematically ‘Secret Admirer’ is a tongue in cheek interpretation of having guilty pleasures. “It's a playful confession of secretly liking something that is deemed ‘uncool’ by most people. You might not publicly admit to liking it, but beyond judging eyes you see it for what it is. Like listening to Coldplay when you are sad…”, reveals Harry. 

Barbudo have already received both critical and commercial success, having performed to sold out venues, whilst racking up a number of support slots with internationally renowned acts. DIY Magazine editor and record label executives recently chose Barbudo as the winner of ‘Record Store Day Unsigned’ competition for their video ’SXC', resulting in an EP being pressed to vinyl and sold in stores nationwide.

 
Barbudo continue to enthrall audiences with their distinguished sound, with ‘Secret Admirer’ currently available worldwide.
Fri, 07/02/2021 - 4:46 pm

Hannah Robinson is a singer-songwriter from the south coast of England, whose music blends her distinctive voice and soulful melodies with her nonchalant, percussive guitar style and lyrics which are rich with imagery.

With each release, her sound grows with expression and atmosphere and her latest single “Dig Me Up” is yet another example of her ability to create music which instantly grips the listener. “Dig Me Up” tells the story of being buried under self-doubt and worry and then meeting someone who pulls you out of that to reveal the real you again. Robinson shares, “It’s inspired by things I’ve felt, and the joy in being brought out of that state.”

“Dig Me Up” has a steady, thumping beat with a looping riff that screams bold and hearty, alongside an array of guitar licks, this is an energetic, rock-fuelled anthem. Robinson shares, “I like having the short, fixed, almost constrained verse lines to tell a story in a short time, playing with the imagery of being buried.” Featuring guitars from Scott McKeon (Sir Tom Jones, Lana Del Ray) and Paul Stacey (The Black Crowes, Tal Wilkenfeld, Noel Gallagher), bass and backing vocals from Phil Brickell and drums from Russ Parker (Thea Gilmore), “Dig Me Up” is a gritty and timeless track.

As a studio and live session singer, Robinson sings and plays guitar for John Illsley (founding member of Dire Straits), touring the UK and Europe.