Tag: NINA (Page 7 of 7)

Introducing SOL FLARE

19 August 2017 /

SOL FLARE are the up-and-coming London based trio comprising of Jenny Jones (vocals), Dominic Wood (synths + programming) and Matt Marlow (guitars) who recently unleashed their first ever single ‘Easy Line’.

While Wood’s lush electronics and drum machine beats provide the vital musical backbone to SOL FLARE, it is Jones’ magnificent voice, ranging from a piercing high soprano down to a powerful contralto growl reminiscent of Rindy Ross from Portland soft rockers QUATERFLASH, which gives them their USP.

Indeed, if QUARTERFLASH had been a synth wave act, they would probably sound a bit like SOL FLARE. Evoking images of widescreen sunsets and neon lights, SOL FLARE began their account with the impressive ‘Not Holding On’, offered as a free download via their Soundcloud. Inevitably, the ‘Drive’ soundtrack sprang to mind although ‘Not Holding On’ was far more direct and uptempo.

‘Easy Line’ develops on this introductory template with a pulsing four-to-the-floor bassline and Jones’ haunting vocals punching to the heart, embellished by Marlow’s subtle scratchy rhythmic six string and Wood’s cascading synths.

The visual  accompaniment created by Jesse Dvorak captures carefree youth in Reagan-era LA with echoes of the late Eric Watson’s video for PET SHOP BOYS ‘Domino Dancing’, as a love triangle and homo-erotic ruck in the sea provide the key moments of the storyline.

An engaging live act, particularly with Jones’ charismatic stage presence, there is more to come from SOL FLARE with the stomping ‘Find You’ and stuttering dance oriented essence of ‘The Hunter’ both highlights in their current set.

Sitting comfortably alongside acts such as NINA, AVEC SANS, PRIEST and FEATHERS, if they maintain the upward artistic trajectory that has seen them cross synth wave and classic synth pop with AOR and melodic new wave, then SOL FLARE might overtake them all and join CHVRCHES.

Having already impressed at gigs in London, SOL FLARE possess an attractive style blend that could see them appeal to many more.

‘Easy Line’ b/w ‘Hide’ is available as a download single from https://solflare.bandcamp.com/

http://solflare.co.uk/

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https://soundcloud.com/solflare/

Text by Chi Ming Lai
19th August 2017

NINA One Of Us

13 July 2017 /

Following a successful appearance at Synth Wave Live in London earlier this year, Berlin-born songstress NINA is back with a new single ‘One Of Us’, which she performed at the event.

A cinematic slice of synthwave pop with a Nordic twist thanks to the collaborative efforts of Swedish electronic artist and producer Oscillian, ‘One Of Us’ sees NINA develop on the promise shown by her previous singles ‘My Mistake’ and ‘Beyond Memory’. The self-confessed Retrophiliac told ELECTRICITYCLUB.CO.UK that “The single is about not quite conforming to what society expects from us.”

A steadfast percussive energy certainly comes over the tune’s nocturnal atmospheres although the accompanying video sees Fraulein Boldt walking around a gloomy city estate, reflecting about a time in her childhood when she saved a boy from bullies… “You’ll never be alone as long as I am here” she sings in a brooding tone of optimism.

In an artistic move reminiscent of classic PET SHOP BOYS, the B-side ‘Counting Stars’ is cut from a similar cloth to the A-side, combining NINA’s enticing vocal with a rich escapist soundtrack swathed in synths.

With a host of Autumn shows coming up in the UK, Germany and Sweden, NINA is making strides towards finally releasing her long awaited but as-yet-untitled debut album.

‘One Of Us’ is released by Aztec Records on 11th August 2017, available as a signed CD EP from http://www.ninasounduk.com/merch/autographed-one-of-us-cd

Download can be pre-ordered from https://ninasounduk.bandcamp.com/album/one-of-us

NINA 2017 live dates include:

Retro Future Festival (28th July), Glasgow The Hug & Pint (27th August), Berlin Maze (7th September), Hamburg Prinzenbar (8th September), Köln Arttheater (9th September), London Outland Festival (29th September), London Hoxton Bar & Kitchen (27th October), Stockholm Debaser Strand (4th November)

https://www.iloveninamusic.com/

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https://www.instagram.com/ninasounduk/

Text by Chi Ming Lai
14th July 2017

A Short Conversation with NINA

26 January 2017 /

Since her debut single ‘We Are The Wild Ones’ in 2013, Berlin-born songstress NINA has grown in profile and stature.

Support slots with ERASURE and DE/VISION followed in 2014 but it was her cinematic second single ‘My Mistake’ that was to become her breakthrough. Picked up by Mercedes Benz, the song featured on an advertisement that played throughout Europe.

2015’s synth laden cover of BLONDIE’s ‘Heart Of Glass’ kept the momentum going, but new material arrived in the shape of ‘Beyond Memory’ in 2016. Produced by Richard X, best known for his work on SUGABABES ‘Freak Like Me’ and Rachel Stevens ‘Some Girls’, the tune takes NINA’s own brand of pulsating electronic pop into nocturnal territory, with her vocals deliciously slicing the moonlit atmosphere with a superbly breathy chorus.

NINA kindly chatted to ELECTRICITYCLUB.CO.UK about her career to date…

How would you yourself describe your sound?

My sound is melancholic, dreamy and Paradise longing synthpop.

Many artists move to Berlin but you moved away from the city?

I moved to London over 13 years ago. Berlin was quite different back than (2004), especially the music scene. I guess I was a bit bored and wanted to explore a new world and really dive into the British music scene. However I’m a real ‘Berliner’ at heart and always will be. I guess you could say I never really ‘moved away’ from Berlin, as I fly over several times a year. I’m in between and got the best of both worlds.

Which artists particularly influenced you musically?

A lot of British artists like QUEEN, DEPECHE MODE and David Bowie but also growing up listening to German synthpop and new wave artists like ALPHAVILLE, KRAFTWERK and NENA.

How would you describe your composition and production process?

It varies but normally I come up with the concept and set the mood first. I write down whatever I feel. It can be moody, melancholic or abstract. Dreams, travels, fear, tears and the past inspire me. I then get together with my drummer Lau and decide what production we’re going to go for. We have an incredible network of producers like OSCILLIAN, SUNGLASSES KID and Richard X, so we tend to collaborate quite a bit with them.

What is the story behind ‘My Mistake’ getting picked up for a Mercedes Benz advert?

Mercedes Benz interviewed me for their blog M! a couple of years ago and they loved what I was working on and were very supportive. About a year later, my publishers Aztec Music Publishing sent the track to an agent (DMS) who was looking for music for the ad and it got chosen. The campaign was just renewed for another year, which is great.

You’ve shared a stage with German veterans DE/VISION and Marcus Meyn from CAMOUFLAGE, do you feel any spiritual affinity with bands from this past era?

Oh yes! We share the same passion. Music connects people like nothing else. I really admire all they have achieved. Watching them perform is very inspiring and I really take everything in. My favourite DE/VISION song is ‘Where’s The Light’ and I love CAMOUFLAGE’s ‘The Great Commandment’.

You also supported ERASURE on their US East Coast tour in 2014, what was that like?

Incredible! It’s been 3 years and I still can’t believe I actually toured with them. I wish I could do it all over again. Andy Bell is a fantastic performer and a lovely person.

One thing you have in common with ERASURE is that you have both covered BLONDIE’s ‘Heart Of Glass’; what made you choose that song in particular?

Well, ‘Heart Of Glass’ is my favourite BLONDIE song. I’m always quite mindful about recording a cover, as I want to show people who I am as an artist and make sure I put my own twist on it. I decided to slow it way down and make it quite emotional. I’m glad it was so well received.

Your most recent single is called ‘Beyond Memory’, what is it about?

‘Beyond Memory’ is a very personal song. It’s about failed relationships and the void you feel after a painful breakup, which really can make you lose yourself.

How is your debut album coming together?

We’ve got lots of songs ready, so I’m very excited. We’re releasing a new single first and the debut album probably sometime in 2017.

You recently had a discussion on Facebook about whether your drummer should use an electronic or acoustic kit. Why the dilemma?

We just wanted to hear the fans views. We’ll soon be incorporating some acoustic drums to her electronic kit. It’s all about finding that beautiful balance of sounds for the live shows.

What’s next for you?

My new single EP is out around February time via Aztec Records / Metropolis and I’m so excited for everyone to hear it. It will include a few awesome remixes too. The single is about not quite conforming to what society expects from us. I will be announcing more details very soon.

ELECTRICITYCLUB.CO.UK gives its warmest thanks to NINA

Special thanks to Laura Fares at Aztec Records

‘The Beginning’ featuring ‘We Are The Wild Ones’, ‘My Mistake’, ‘Dark Rider’ and ‘Heart Of Glass’ is released by Aztec Records as a CD-R, starburst effect multi-coloured vinyl LP, cassette and download, available direct from https://ninasounduk.bandcamp.com/

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Text and Interview by Chi Ming Lai
26th January 2017, updated 26th January 2021

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