tag:samnixmusic.com,2005:/blogs/welcome-to-my-websiteWelcome to my website! 2024-03-28T17:00:00+00:00Sam Nixfalsetag:samnixmusic.com,2005:Post/73728422024-03-28T17:00:00+00:002024-03-28T17:00:07+00:00What’s In My Ears #1<p>We’re a good chunk into the year and the taste of spring is finally in the air. I thought it’s about time to touch in with what I have been listening to with a quick rebrand of the ‘I recommend…’ series. I have been discovering more diverse music than ever this year and by May, will already have beaten my 2023 gig attendance record. I’m sure you’ve seen glimpses of that on my Instagram but I thought it best to do a proper write up of the very best tracks in my music mixes so far this year. </p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/545009/adaa9dca994c16104eaa70e1b91de9c3e24023b1/original/what-s-in-my-ears-blog-post.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="720" width="1280" /><p><strong>Greta Lovisa –</strong><span><strong> </strong></span></p><p>As with a lot of my favourite discoveries, this pick was fed to me by the mythical “algorithm”. I know many people have complaints about algorithms and they certainly create problems for musicians, but it does mean I get to discover absolutely gems such as Greta Lovisa. Scrolling through reels I came across a Jazzy acoustic pop fusion that immediately caught my ear with unusual intonation and plucky lyrics. I quickly became enthralled with many of her songs such as <i>Doing Alright (Clean Skin)</i> and <i>A Toast To Letting Go</i>. She also does a pretty brilliant cover of ABBA’s <i>Slipping Through My Fingers</i> which is no mean feat. If you follow her socials you’ll have been teased what might be her best song yet <i>So So Sweet</i> a candid anthem about being happy in yourself. There is something appealing about her style in a pop heavy world that is different and refreshing enough to truly liven up your playlist. <i>So So Sweet</i> is the perfect example of that. The track dropped on Friday 22nd of March and after listening through it’s entirety, it will definitely be falling into a few of my playlists.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/5xHkoaJV4LhzDfypcoVKKe" data-link-type="url">Music</a> - <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.instagram.com/gretalovisaa/?hl=en" data-link-type="url">Instagram</a> - <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.youtube.com/@gretalovisa/featured" data-link-type="url">YouTube</a><br> </p><p><strong>Myles Smith –</strong><span><strong> </strong></span></p><p>From Jazz to Country inspired records my next pick has been doing exceedingly well recently in the UK; Myles Smith. Occasionally you just hear a vocal that soothes your ear and Smith has that one in a hundred timbre. Soft and tender, his natural range smoothly compliments each phrase he sings. Three standouts that will be featured on his upcoming <i>You Promised A Lifetime EP</i> are <i>Betting On Us, My Home</i> and <i>Solo</i>, which has spread through TikTok like a wildfire.<span> </span>Each give a different flavour of what Smith is capable of from the gentle melodic ear worm of <i>Solo</i> to the hopeful romantic indie inflections of <i>Betting On Us </i>or the more traditional folk chord structures and rhythms of <i>My Home</i>. A harmonious set of tracks that remain understated just enough to wet your appetite for a future release that could blow you away. Myles Smith is a name to watch in the coming years.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/3bO19AOone0ubCsfDXDtYt" data-link-type="url">Music</a> - <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.instagram.com/mylessmithuk/?hl=en" data-link-type="url">Instagram</a> - <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.youtube.com/@MylesSmithT" data-link-type="url">YouTube</a><br> </p><p><strong>Amelia Day -</strong></p><p>Normally in past for the ‘I recommend…’ series i put forward a recent release of an artist, however for Amelia Day I simply usher you to listen through her entire back catalogue. After discovering her last year I have found there is some much to appreciate and gain in her music. While primarily a folk rock singer, Day has branched out into Jazz and Indie stylings, offering a slice of pie for everyone. If I were to pick two great examples of her musicianship it would be her Tiny Desk Concert of <i>Therapist’s Wet Dream</i> and the sleek music video for <i>Skippin’ Down The Sidewalk</i>. You’ll quickly see her audible pastel explosion of colour is irrefutably feel good. The live stripped back Tiny Desk Concert takes the fist pumping energy of <i>Therapist’s Wet Dream</i> and brings it into an equally heart stirring yet more intimate setting, allowing the viewer to really feel the song and it’s lyrics. The video for <i>Skippin’ Down The Sidewalk</i>, in contrast, is pure entertainment whisking you away with it’s funky guitars and sliding vocals and hooking you in with a visual dance performance you’ll wish you were in. Mixing toe tapping melodies with impressive vocal gymnastics (at times traversing a soft chest voice right up to falsetto) and a lyrical enthusiasm it’s hard not to find enjoyment in her music.<span> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://tr.ee/Yo9RfHv_4V" data-link-type="url">Music</a> - <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.instagram.com/ameliadaymusic/" data-link-type="url">Instagram</a> - <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.youtube.com/@ameliadaymusic" data-link-type="url">YouTube</a><br> </p><p><strong>Maggie Rogers -</strong></p><p>Finally a musician that should of been on my radar long before now; Maggie Rogers. Having only come into contact with her through recent gig listings, I knew from reading her bio she would be an artist I would love upon listening. Rising to prominence while studying at New York University through a video where her song <i>Alaska</i> was hailed by artist in residence Pharrell, since then Rogers has gone from songwriting strength to songwriting strength evident in her latest single <i>Don’t Forget Me</i>. A vocally raw, absolute powerhouse of a song, taking cues from classic Americana artists like Brandi Carlisle. If you’re a fan of the genre it immediately catches your ear and will have you enthralled through it’s stepping bass driven interludes and piano flutters. The song is simplicity at its best, proving that paired down instrumentation and chord progressions can highlight how exceptional the lyrics and melodic emotion of the song can be. It’s a perfect teaser to get new audiences into her music, which it has certainly done for me and I eagerly await the full album…</p><p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/4NZvixzsSefsNiIqXn0NDe" data-link-type="url">Music</a> - <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.instagram.com/maggierogers/" data-link-type="url">Instagram</a> - <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCteFOtSvvbnceka5zKsHBYw" data-link-type="url">YouTube</a> <br> </p><p><span class="text-big"><strong>Add To Playlist: Beth McCarthy, Noah Floersch, Jade Bird</strong></span><br> </p><p>A new feature I’m adding is a ‘Add To Playlist’ section where I choose a couple tracks that have particularly caught my attention recently that deserve to be added to your own playlist.<span> </span></p><p> </p><p>First is <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.instagram.com/bethmaymccarthy/" data-link-type="url">Beth McCarthy</a>’s<i> </i><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPFsS-SsmNs" data-link-type="url"><i>IDK How To Talk To Girls</i></a>. A queer anthem from the songstress who is about to embark on a uk tour. With it’s screamable hook, sincere lyrics and a beat that has an undeniable dance-ability to it, <i>IDK How To Talk To Girls</i> is going to be a clear festival favourite. Give it a listen and it’ll change your mood any time of day.<span> </span></p><p>Secondly is <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.instagram.com/noahfloersch/?hl=en" data-link-type="url">Noah Floersch</a> with <a class="no-pjax" href="https://open.spotify.com/track/1QzL5RIpZWS6Vuoi3bTTF4" data-link-type="url"><i>Clean</i></a>. I mentioned Noah Floersch’s <i>Ghost Of Chicago</i> being a contender for song of 2023 and yet again he has struck gold with this quietly seductive tune. Choosing interesting comparisons in his lyrics to annotate his feelings, this song is a real sleeper hit and worthy of some late night playlists.<span> </span></p><p>Finally <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.instagram.com/jadebirdmusic/?hl=en" data-link-type="url">Jade Bird</a> is back out with new music and doing something completely different. One thing I can commend in musicians is trying a different genre or tact to test their creativity and boundaries. Bird is doing just that with ease, side stepping into more electronically focused instrumentation while carrying over her unforgettable voice. Two songs out at the moment example this new approach and the one I’d like to highlight is <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9orR4DdFarg" data-link-type="url"><i>You’ve Fallen In Love Again</i></a>. It has a hazy psychedelic element emphasised by the falsetto chorus and syncopated beats grooving along it’s melody. It’s certainly different from the Bird we have heard before but it is an exciting new chapter of her discography that I hope develops along just as well as previous entries have.<span> </span></p><p><br> </p><p>If you liked the new feature or any of the artists mentioned let me know and of course go support the musicians. I’ve linked each of their work and will be creating a playlist for each new ‘What’s In My Ears’ post. If you have any new music suggestions yourself I’d love to hear them so send me a message on <a class="no-pjax" href="Https://instagram.com/samnixmusic%20" data-link-type="url">Instagram</a> or samnixmusic@gmail.com.</p>Sam Nixtag:samnixmusic.com,2005:Post/73653542024-03-14T17:00:00+00:002024-03-26T20:08:45+00:00Gig Review: Run Remedy X Vala @ LowFour <p>On Thursday, 7th of March, I headed down to Low Four for the launch of Run Remedy’s new single <i>Turf War.</i> What I experienced was a sonic concoction that was as texturally strong as the bare brick wall behind the bands. <br> </p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/545009/5ff224736eec9c96c421c0423e1a7e1d7a6a780d/original/website-thumbnail.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="720" width="1280" /><p>The night kicked off with the flowing vocals of Harriet Dagnall, an ‘alt-pop’ singer songwriter based in Manchester. A low fi mix of smooth vocals accompanied by warm guitar tones set up, perfectly, what was to come. After listening back through Dagnall’s <i>Dead Time</i> EP, released in 2022, there wasn’t a moment of dead time in her performance. With almost effortless flow between each song, and an added rawness that comes with live vocals, she performed an appetiser with enough bite to draw your ear and prepare you for an excellent night of music. I would happily see a full live performance and her EP will be making its way onto my favourites list.<br> </p><p>After a short break, Run Remedy took to the stage with a full band, synths, pedals and even at one point a mandolin in tow. It wasn’t long before the night was completely sold to any audience member. Every song felt like another stroke of paint layering up the full picture, even down to the instrumental and melodic choices in each song. The pitch perfect lead guitar motifs provided a sprinkle of treble to the top line, with the bass grooving its way through each note, and a bed of effervescent keys and backing vocals filling the space above Deansgate. I also want to make note of the masterful mix of electronic and acoustic drums, giving a rich, diverse and distinct rhythmic tone to each song. It just gave the performances that extra punch to what was already a magical engrossing listen. <br> </p><p>This instrumentation, paired with the core of Run Remedy’s songwriting (real name Robin Koob), created an uncompromised and ecstatic live soundscape. Every lyric was topical, understandable and always truthful, conversed excellently through Koob’s light yet rustic vocals, elements that are all present in the song of the night, the new single,<i> Turf War.</i> As stated by Koob herself, “We’re all just collage work and identity feels like a big, cluttered mess of things we pick up as we move along.” <i>Turf War </i> draws on many influences and is all the better for it, reinterpreting familiar tones. There are touches of Americana early on before the move into shades of indie pop and rock, culminating in a driving pulse of a song. In the moments before the single was performed live, you could feel the anticipatory energy building throughout the song to that cracking final refrain. <br> </p><p>The night was reaching high euphoria, and Run Remedy managed to keep that audience momentum in the palm of their hand for the rest of the set, before handing on the baton to indie Manchester natives, Vala, capping off the night with an incredibly strong set that kept the audience on their toes. My favourites that stood out, seeing the band for the first time live, were their ‘aquatic’ songs, <i>Fishes and Swimming.</i> Placed to go hand in hand with one another, bringing very different tones and enticing different emotions from the listener, they complimented the middle section of the set excellently. A refreshing interlude before snapping back into a high energy finish. Each member of the band seemed to be having as much fun as every member of the audience, leading to the room constantly moving to the music in some form or another. <br> </p><p>The atmosphere of the night just seemed to build and build and there was clearly a presence of musical love between the acts, the audience and the instruments. When I asked about the night, this sense of community was a joyful revelation for Koob, thanking Vala, the team at Low Four, James Paul (sound engineer), Dave from Ancoats guitars for lending a beautiful electric (which definitely added to the sound), and of course the audience, who filled the room. <br> </p><p>Koob went on to say if you watch the video for <i> Turf War. </i>you’ll see how she likes to have big collaboration days. “It’s kind of old school building up a local scene by word of mouth and by whatever organic connections and social media presence we have on our own.” The evening very much felt like that, a collaboration in support of friends. Even if you did not know anybody, no one was there alone. </p><p>“I dig the teamwork of the whole thing - No promoters, just bands and friends and local heads”, a sentiment from Koob that proved the buzz of each individual input that created this delightful sonic experience, wasn’t just present in the music, but in the people too. </p><p> </p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/545009/2710970a179c11e6d4e4b2348b9402319cbcdd2b/original/59ef1c3f-78e1-46b9-9ac2-b028887a55ce.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="700" width="700" /><p style="text-align:center;">(Turf War art by <a class="no-pjax" href="https://instagram.com/kbefftattoos" data-link-type="url">Kbeff</a>)<br>Check out Run Remedy’s new single <i>Turf War</i> on all available platforms as well as the brilliant Vala and Harriet Dagnall. If you liked this review please let me know on Instagram (<a class="no-pjax" href="https://instagram.com/samnixmusic" data-link-type="url">@samnixmusic</a>) and you can find all the artists links below…</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Harriet Dagnall</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.instagram.com/harrietdagnallmusic/" data-link-type="url">Instagram</a><a data-link-type="url"> - </a><a class="no-pjax" href="www.harrietdagnallmusic.com/" data-link-type="url">Website</a><a data-link-type="url"> - </a><a class="no-pjax" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/00pKMkEZLsqPAEFgTK1j0r" data-link-type="url">Music</a> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Run Remedy</strong> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.instagram.com/runremedy/" data-link-type="url">Instagram</a> - <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.runremedy.com/" data-link-type="url">Website</a> - <a class="no-pjax" href="https://runremedy.bandcamp.com/track/turf-war" data-link-type="url">Music</a> - <a class="no-pjax" href="https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/runremedy/turf-war" data-link-type="url">New Single <i>Turf War</i></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Vala</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.instagram.com/valamanchester" data-link-type="url">Instagram</a> - <a class="no-pjax" href="https://twitter.com/VALAmanchester" data-link-type="url">Twitter</a> - <a class="no-pjax" href="https://valamanchester.bandcamp.com/" data-link-type="url">Music</a><br><br> </p>Sam Nixtag:samnixmusic.com,2005:Post/73381392024-01-23T17:00:00+00:002024-01-23T17:00:03+00:00My first foray into poetry…<p><strong>In the past I have never been a huge fan or consumer of poetry. It just hasn’t captured my imagination in the way it has done for many others.</strong><span><strong> </strong></span></p><p><strong>Until recently, when I was studying some of the great songwriters of this generation, and someone commented how that one of the said artists was now creating lyrical poetry. The thought gave me cause to stop and think, and I realised what fascinated me about the lyrics of these songwriters. It was that element of poetry; the specific methodical choice of words and meter. So that the lyrics become a melody of their own. So after years of having poetry books thrown at me I decided to finally give it a try, and explain why you might see some of it popping up on my socials…</strong></p><p><br> </p><p><strong>Lyric poetry dates back to Ancient Greece as one of the forms of great entertainment, alongside plays and epics. It evolved through the centuries into medieval verse and, eventually, the verse of 19th century poets such as Percy Shelley and Lord Byron. What defines lyric poetry is its focus on expression of personal feelings which makes it easily comparable to songwriting. It is this aspect that has helped me the most.</strong><span><strong> </strong></span></p><p><strong>The issue I have with some my own songwriting is that it can become formulaic, with the verses often becoming short and rely on rhyming couplets. Putting my songs beside examples of lyric poetry I could compare what felt the same and what was different, and what impact those differences had on me as a consumer. My thought process was, if I could write lyrics by removing the crutch (and sometimes constraint) of the tune, hopefully the end product is even more engaging than what I have written before. With that mission in mind, I began setting about writing some poetry. Initially to get the ball rolling, I went in blind with the intention just to write what I felt. </strong></p><p><strong>What I found was a very similar approach to my songwriting methods. Once the bulk of the poem was complete, I would return to the work and pull it apart, improving a phrase or word here and there to create more resonance. Probably breaking 100 rules of poetry, but simply as a way to allow creative juices to flow, it was the best way for me to start. </strong></p><p><strong>Furthermore as a positive side effect, poems don’t have to</strong><span style="color:#000000;"> </span><strong>reach a certain threshold, like a conventional song does (ie three verses and a chorus). Giving myself a way of expressing thoughts, ideas and phrases that simply couldn’t stretch to a full 3 minutes. I began revisiting old half finished song lyrics put on the back burner and converted them into short poems. This has meant my creative output has gone through the roof and I am writing three-fold the amount I was last December. All because I have different forms of outlets for my ideas. Not to mention the dreaded proverb “practice makes perfect”. Unfortunately, it does, and the more I write and use creative language the easier it is for me to craft it within my work. </strong></p><p><strong>I plan to incorporate my poetic strand on my social media pages with the first poem below having a kind reception from my audience already.</strong></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/545009/a6dabb3dc2de9ca1ce05700288fa73bf0b6e4456/original/418981159-391076846819145-6668699383629956790-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p><strong>While nowhere near good, it has been a fun exercise and it was nice to have this new feature recognised by many. From here I will impose some literary constraints to test my abilities and hopefully hone my poetry craft. Whether I continue to post my poems or simply contain them to my own ramblings time will have to tell. For my first steps into this new creative world, I am finding it wholly beneficial and expansive. I would like to gather more experience and knowledge to improve my writing so if anyone has poem or poet recommendation please drop me a line on Instagram or Facebook as I would love to hear what you enjoy out of the form.</strong><span><strong> </strong></span></p>Sam Nixtag:samnixmusic.com,2005:Post/73272592024-01-03T17:00:00+00:002024-01-22T21:13:42+00:00My Crème De La Crème of 2023<p>Another year gone and another year of great music. In fact there has been so much brilliant bits of media associated with music I have decided to put together ‘My Crème De La Crème of 2023’. Everything I think you should check out while the iron is still just about hot. I’ll be covering films, TV, albums, singles and everything in between so cosy up as we look back on the past 12 months…</p><p><br> </p><p>Let’s start with the artists and more specifically the tracks that have blew me away last year. As a songwriter I am always on the look out for new music, often found scouring the Spotify Discover section late at night. This year three artists have peaked my interest.<span> </span><br> </p><p>Durry are a brother/sister duo who first caught my eye at the tail end of 2022. Since then they have gone on to release their debut album Suburban Legend in September 2023. This is a band that just hit the right note at the right time to connect with me. With a indie-rock style evolved right out of the pop-punk scene of my youth, their melodies, self deprecating lyrics, homegrown DIY spirit and mustard yellow spark clicked perfectly. Highlights of Suburban Legend include ‘I’m Fine (No Really), ‘Mall Rat’, ‘Who’s Laughing Now’ and my personal favourite ‘Coming Of Age’. All touch on aspects of that crisis we feel in our early 20’s to mid 30’s (or even beyond) where we don’t quite know where we’ve been, what we’re doing or where we’re going. <a class="no-pjax" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/0XBOirwu0hluwBbEb8hdMe" data-link-type="url">Suburban Legend</a> is truly an excellent album perfect for anyone who grew up in the 90’s and early 00’s.<span> </span><br> </p><p>Despite constantly trying to keep my ear on the pulse, I’m not a huge frequenter of the pop music scene. However every once in a while something falls into my path that is different and a delight. That description fits KiNG MALA perfectly. She is an alt-pop artist based out of Los Angeles who popped up in my reels in the lead up to the release of her single ‘never wanna know’. Immediately I was hooked by the offbeat ascending baseline and only further drawn in by the rhythmic spoken word style of the first verse. It felt like a fresh take on the genre that elevated well to an incredibly catchy pop chorus. Throughout the year she continued to drop quality tracks culminating in her latest EP Spilt Milk, that asa consequence I began listening to her back catalogue as well. Favourite tracks of mine include ‘sloppy’, ‘bug’ and ‘i hope you know what you’re doing’. On top she carries a distinctive visual style that your eyes are drawn to the screen. Probably the biggest surprise of the year, <a class="no-pjax" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Lz5CnywFeg4Rs4l76OtG2" data-link-type="url">KiNG MALA</a> is out doing her own thing and that’s the best sign I look for when discovering new artists.<span> </span><br> </p><p>Talking of reels and TikTok’s I imagine you may have seen my next pick Lawrence appear on your socials as well. The pop-soul group headed up by Gracie and Clyde Lawrence (children of Marc Lawrence, famous for directing Hugh Grant’s Music and Lyrics) have been blowing minds across the internet with their incredible live acoustic-ish videos. With a flexibility often not afforded in recorded versions, the live videos showcase their multi-genre soulfulness, outstanding lead vocals and musical abilities, crafting layered harmonies and ear worm motifs. I insist you go check out their <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvouKAgSX4HXrpcFohKwBsMTK3PxoiFDr" data-link-type="url">acoustic-ish sessions on YouTube</a>, particularly ‘i’m confident that i’m insecure’ and ‘23’ and if you like what you hear, discover more of their sounds on all the relevant platforms.<span> </span></p><p><br> </p><p>Stepping away from singles and albums into the visual landscape of TV, one of my favourite shows of the last few years dropped on Amazon Prime in March; Daisy Jones & The Six. Adapted from the book of the same name by Taylor Jenkins-Reid and starring Riley Keogh and Sam Claflin the series is a wonderful walk through the world of songwriting, stardom and the musky haze of the 1970’s music scene. Granted clearly a pastiche of Fleetwood Mac and at times can feel a little soapy, it may not be for everyone. However, there are some beautiful moments dotted throughout to keep you hooked.<span> </span>It also really captures the essence of collaborating with other musicians and knowing when you have something magic in your hands. Most importantly above all, the soundtrack absolutely hits the nail on the head. Every track and musical performance feels genuine, so much so the album passes as something that could have been released in the 70’s. The standout tracks for me are ‘Look At Us Now’, ‘Two Against Three’ and ‘By Myself’ but honestly the whole soundtrack stands up on its own. If you’re looking for a devilishly good watch to wrap yourself up in during the cold January nights, this is worth checking out.<span> </span><br> </p><p>Before I talk about my final choice of 2023, I wanted to briefly touch upon other great musical highlights of the year I couldn’t quite fit into this online journal. Firstly Hozier made a triumphant return to the charts with a groovy new album that’s been on repeat for a few months now. If I were to choose one track from the record, it would go to ‘All Things End’ which I almost instantly fell in love with. Nothing But Thieves came out of nowhere and released a rip roaring new album that took my by surprise. I’d been aware of their music in the past however it never really grabbed my attention until now. With fresh thunderous riffs and Killers inspired dance elements, ‘Dead Club City’ is a record definitely worth a listen. A band to watch for the future that emerged on the digital music scene this year was The Last Dinner Party. Infectious aesthetics and melancholy melodies put them apart from many others breaking out at the moment. I’ll be fascinated to see this grass roots band grow and could be a future favourite. Finally who can forget the needle drops in Emerald Fennell’s latest film Saltburn. The coming of age psychological drama is probably my favourite film of the year and helped a long way by the excellent music choices. I’ve never been happier seeing Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s ‘Murder On The Dancefloor‘ getting the international recognition it so rightfully deserves.<span> </span><br> </p><p>Finishing up my 2023 Crème De La Crème is a bit of live music. Last year felt like a return to form for touring, while there is still a struggle for independent venues, the gigs I went to felt very much alive. However one gig in particular was exceptional and that was the Manchester date of Victoria Canal’s debut UK headline tour. I have never been to a live performance where the audience and artist felt so in tune. We all huddled together and sat down on the floor in the beautiful Deaf Institute’s Lodge and hung on every note that was played. It was such an intimate and wonderful evening I won’t forget, all constructed by Canal herself who were we all in awe of. If you get a chance to see her live in the future I wholeheartedly recommend it.<span> </span></p><p><br> </p><p>That was my very best of 2023, and I’m sure 2024 holds even more on the horizon. What were your musical highlights of the past year or maybe what are you looking forward to that is coming up, I’d love to know. Follow me on <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.instagram.com/samnixmusic/" data-link-type="url">Instagram</a> and <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Sam-Nix-Music/100077504987559/" data-link-type="url">Facebook</a> to share your thoughts with me…</p><p><br> </p>Sam Nixtag:samnixmusic.com,2005:Post/72833482023-10-07T10:00:00+01:002024-01-02T20:09:29+00:00RISE: Of the subgenre<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/545009/d28353a9d2b900e1b14ba9e4314e62405904c9cc/original/blog-cover-photo.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p><span> One of the greatest assets music has to offer is its diversity. Be it rhythm, melody or lyrical content, you can create a song and it’ll fit somewhere along the wide spectrum of genres. However, an interesting thought came up recently when I was asked what genre I perform. For simplicity's sake, I often say Singer/Songwriter or Americana. However, these definitions are so broad, and people can have very different interpretations of them, that such descriptions of my music are not wholly accurate. So what genre do I perform? That’s what I want to explore and, at the same time, ask if there are too many genres.</span><br> </p><p><span>Most songwriters and performers begin their creative careers in the genre by which they were most inspired. For example, Ed Sheeran was brought up on rap and 00’s acoustic singer/songwriters so they make up the building blocks of his style. However, as we grow as artists, we’re influenced by lots of different musical talents. Taylor Swift is a great example. Initially, she was a firm country singer but, as her career has evolved, she has wandered into synth pop and even rock. So how do you describe these cross-genre experiments? You could go for the easy answer and say that as a person experiments he/she becomes a multi-genre artist. But, more often than not, unless the artist completely jumps ship, the style is often in the same ballpark. So, what is the answer? </span><br> </p><p><i><span>Subgenres. </span></i><br> </p><p><span>Subgenres are great opportunities to find niche artists. They also allow budding musicians to experiment with new sounds while remaining under the same general banner. For example, going back to Swift, she is now more likely to be categorised as a Pop artist than as a country singer, her genre to begin with. However, as her more recent albums each have different influences, they fall under subgenres: </span><i>Reputation</i><span> is Electropop while the back to back releases of </span><i>Evermore</i><span> and </span><i>Folklore</i><span> are Folk-pop. This little bit of freedom means artists don’t have to constantly feel as though they need to reproduce the same stuff over and over again. Furthermore, it can also be a means of revealing to their fans, other musical interests and sharing that journey with the community.</span><br> </p><p><span>Conversely, bands and artists that don’t feel as though they fit in a specific genre can create a new genre and sit between two or more. Take medieval folk rock. This genre emerged in the 70’s as an offshoot of prog rock that took things even further combining early musical elements with rock often ditching electronic instruments altogether. Whilst this is an extreme example, it does prove there is space for everything. </span><br> </p><p><span>With so many subgenres emerging in the last 40 years (wikipedia states that there are over 1,200 definable current subgenres) how do you find your style amongst them? For this, it’s often helpful to ask someone else to define you. I have found my subgenre by studying the artists I’m told I’m most similar to, as well as those that cross over with my own inspirations. I use this feedback and my own musical knowledge to help me whittle down the categories. These days my work has a strong raspy folk influence and some indie softer tones, so I would probably put myself in the indiefolk/anglo-americana camp, with occasional acoustic pop songs. Yet still, see how difficult I find it to pick a specific one. </span><br> </p><p><span>However with so many different genres to define your music, how do you learn to stop? If you have a Country album and each song has a slight influence from a different genre you could say you’re a Country, Hip-hop, Folk, Americana, Soul, Rock, Disco, Alternative artist, which in reality doesn’t describe your work in a pitch to someone very succinctly. This huge variety of minutiae under one “head genre” can also mean songs sound very similar from a general audience’s perspective despite the artist having passionately tried to put a unique spin on a track to help them stand out. </span><br> </p><p><span>Purists wouldn’t call my work Americana, but as I am British (anglo) and have country/roots elements in my songs, they technically constitute as such. This is why, in recent years, people in the industry have started to say that “Rock is having an identity crisis” or “Country music has lost its heart”. This could be true, or could it just be music evolving and we need to keep up with the times and redefine what genre means. Certain subgenres could become the new “head genres” or perhaps we’ll come up with new terms. </span><br> </p><p><span>I believe, with music and anything in the creative industry, inventing and exploring is the only way forward. To find new sounds and perspectives to identify with, we must continue to diversify, whether or not this comes at the cost of what we have previously known. Are there too many different musical genres? To some, possibly. But it’s my belief, by comparison to what the future probably holds, there is are barely any at all. </span></p><p><span>If you liked this blog let me know as I want to hear your thoughts! You can also follow everything I am up to on my instagram, facebook and twitter @samnixmusic. </span></p>Sam Nixtag:samnixmusic.com,2005:Post/72288752023-06-23T08:00:00+01:002023-06-23T08:00:01+01:00I Recommend… The Lottery Winners, Cat Burns, Noah Floersch and Jensen McRae<p><span> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/545009/d1a21f010af9b2b77b1e8876538e813a79d48901/original/i-recommend-4.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></span></p><p><span>I Recommend is back and by wow was it tough to narrow down all my suggestions to just 4 artists! I’m sure in 6 months’ time it’ll be even harder in time for the next edition. So, in the first bi-annual edition (or whenever I feel it’s about the right time) I have the No.1 album from the Lottery Winners, singles from Noah Floersch and Cat Burns and a new favourite of mine Jensen McRae…</span></p><p><span> </span></p><p><span><strong>The Lottery Winners - Anxiety Replacement Therapy (Album) </strong></span></p><p><span>I shockingly only first discovered the Lottery Winners at a Frank Turner gig back in January and was absolutely blown away with their back catalogue of songs. Infectious, funny, and hearty are three words I would use to describe not only the band but their songs. This is never more present in A.R.T. Their latest album was a shot at number one, and it hit the spot perfectly, gaining the title earlier this year. I’m not sure I’ve heard another album from 2023 yet that deserves it as much as TLW. From blasts of sonic energy like Burning House to the reflective and important Letter to Myself, this album has everything and capitalises on each band members best elements. Pulling in a few famous friends, including Sean Ryder and Boy George this album is one of ages and it’d be a crime not to give it at least one listen. </span></p><p><span><strong> </strong></span></p><p><span><strong>Cat Burns - People Pleaser, Live More and Love More, You Don’t Love Me Anymore (Singles)</strong></span></p><p><span>Cat Burns is a British singer/songwriter that has made her way up the charts and into my playlists across the past 2 years or so, and with good reason. Her blend of guitar-led indie music and gospel elements has created a beautiful little niche in the UK soundscape. Her vocal and lyrics also carry an honesty that reminds me of one of my all-time favourite artists, Tracy Chapman. It’s possibly due to this honesty that gives her songs such an appealing edge. In particular, People Pleaser has such a hook and recognition in its lyrical themes it’ll have you singing along in no time. I imagine we’ll hear some really great music come out of Burns in the future based upon these 3 latest releases. </span></p><p><span> </span></p><p><span><strong>Noah Floersch - Ghost of Chicago (Single) </strong></span></p><p><span>Usually once a year there’ll be one song that particularly stands out to me and just makes an impression like no others do. Last year it was William Prince’s Sing Me a Song, and this year (so far) it’s been Noah Floersch’s Ghost of Chicago. From the off time opening, to the muted trumpet, this song just has such a wondrous, smiling sound. Having previously listened through passing to Floersch, his indie, sometimes jazz inspired, style really lends itself to fans of Dodie, Tom Rosenthal, or Orla Gartland so if any of those names are on your regular playlist, give him a try. </span></p><p><span> </span></p><p><span><strong>Jensen McRae - Dead Girl Walking, My Ego Dies at The End, Machines (Singles/Album) </strong></span></p><p><span>There’s a specific genre and style from the early 2000’s that I have a real soft spot for, and Jensen McRae’s sound harks back to that unique period where an acoustic, melodic yet prose style of songwriting gained traction. To me it was notably made recognisable by the likes of Norah Jones, Jack Johnson, and John Mayer and now McRae has reignited that sound with a fresh and relevant twist. McRae’s vocals and lyrics are so rich with thought it’s irresistible to the ear and cover emotional subjects such as mental health. The three tracks I picked stand out as they are ones I instantly attuned to, but her whole debut album Are You Happy Now? has something to offer. She has an excellent production behind her, particularly present in My Ego Dies at The End with its recurring snare roll motif that caps off the breaks in lyrics perfectly. If you’re looking for a fresh, folky and thoughtful new artist to attach to, McRae is a revelation. I can’t believe I hadn’t discovered her before. </span></p><p><span> </span></p><p><span>Let me know if you check out any of these suggestions. You can contact me via Instagram @samnixmusic. I try to cover something for everyone, and I am always open to recommendations myself. I also have a Spotify playlist of my favourite tracks in 2023, including some of the tracks suggested here, as well a bunch of other hidden (and unhidden) gems. You can check it out here - </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ehvD6JF01cS30KLzPtBOS" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span>https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ehvD6JF01cS30KLzPtBOS</span></a></p>Sam Nixtag:samnixmusic.com,2005:Post/72158682023-05-28T10:00:00+01:002023-05-28T10:00:11+01:00Have our listening habits indefinitely changed?<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/545009/8fa6ee8181d9e109c61109411559a7edca799b86/original/blog-image.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" alt="" />One of my favourite pastimes is to listen to podcasts (yes, I know everybody does it these days), but one of the reasons I love podcasts is the meandering nature of conversational topics they can often delve into. Recently this very thing happened on the Elis James and John Robins Podcast. When answering an email about one of their song choices for the pod, the hosts began discussing how we discover new music and how that has changed since the rise of platforms such as Spotify, Deezer and Amazon Music. </p><p> </p><p>This is one of the most interesting points I have heard about the modern music industry, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. So, I have decided to do my own little excursion into the modern pop culture zeitgeist to understand the benefits and drawbacks modern streamers have on how we develop our music tastes.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Back In My Day…</strong></p><p> </p><p>Though only in my infantile days, I still remember when tape decks were in cars (before the introduction of the CD let alone a USB or aux cable). Back then, as a child most of my exposure to music came from my parents and family members. This would often be through car journeys or the radio stations they tuned into. I was lucky enough that they had a wide taste in music ranging from the Beatles, Busted, Dr Hook, Queen, and Dolly Parton. These formative memories gave a basis for my general tastes going forward. From my experience, people tend to like a certain type of music or artist because it has been there their whole life or they often associate it with a loved one, like one might support a football club. Because my parents listened to these artists so did I, as it was all I knew. </p><p> </p><p>Growing into my teen years, my tastes were further developed from the broader field around me, friends, my own choice radio stations, magazines etc. I remember the first album I bought was as I was entering my “cool teen” years. I wanted a heavier grungier rebellious soundtrack to my life, which I classically discovered on a compilation CD of my dad’s; Eddie Stobart: Trucking Songs. While most of the tracks I had heard before from the wider world; ‘Here I Go Again’ (Whitesnake) ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ (Queen), the one I hadn’t heard was from a band called Daughtry. At the time, recently formed after the lead singer’s (Chris Daughtry) appearance on American Idol. Their alt-rock vibe was the musical independence I was looking for. I promptly found out about the band and went out to buy their latest album ‘Leave This Town’ because I particularly liked the melody of the 4th track ‘Life After You’. From there, I found other bands they toured with and collaborated with, leading me further down the soft rock highway. </p><p> </p><p>In all honesty, I didn’t like all the tracks, but I listened to the album religiously because it was the only one I owned, and it was mine. This is something I know people of older generations have talked to me about. Saving up to buy a vinyl and wearing it out because you would play it for hours on end as it was all you had. It didn’t matter how much you liked it on first listen, you would generally eventually grow to love it. In today’s culture it’s so easy to skip and dismiss something before you really listen and understand what the music is trying to say, or give you the chance to connect with it, just because you might not be in the mood. </p><p> </p><p>On the subject of being cool, another thing that often-steered musical tastes was design. Since the inception of the physical copy, we’ve had some incredible album covers that people have adored. As a teenager you’d pick up an album because you thought it looked cool and could show it off, then once again listen to it until you loved it. It might not have even been the album cover itself, you might have seen a cover shoot in a magazine and want to dress and base your style off band members. This is an element that remains in today’s culture, though in a slightly different form. I will touch on this later. </p><p> </p><p><strong>The New Normal…</strong></p><p> </p><p>It’s very rare that I buy a physical copy now, other than collecting vinyl and buying the new release from my favourite artists. I won’t ever buy a physical copy of somebody brand new. This is simply because it is so much easier to check them out on Spotify, Amazon or even YouTube. It costs you nothing and means you don’t have to commit if you don’t immediately like them. Whilst this in theory makes more sense, to me it robs the audience of that chance to really fall in love with an artist. Furthermore, because of algorithms and the drive to get clicks, streamers will often only suggest the top songs, so you’re not even getting the full inventory and soundscape of an artist’s repertoire. This was a point raised on the Elis and John podcast to the approval of everyone. I’m not going to touch on the monetary implications of streamers on artists, but it should be noted how little they get paid per stream compared to a physical sale. </p><p> </p><p>On the other hand, the rise of streamers does allow people to discover smaller artists from across the globe they may never have found otherwise. Anyone can upload to Spotify, which means somebody in their bedroom with the right equipment can go from having 30 fans to 30,000. Streamers also do the work to try and give artists their fair share, opening playlist applications. Additionally, a regularly promoted Spotify feature is their Discover and Release Radar playlists which get updated weekly and are tailored to you and your tastes. This is a double-sided coin as they are based off your prior listening choices, so if you don’t actively go and listen to something wildly different, you will be suggested artists that are like one another (and probably a highly promoted artist by a record label). The rise in streaming playlists has also seen the decline in radio. Instead of getting a mix put together by a DJ you are now listening to suggestions made for you. These often lack diversity and the chance to discover something new. These algorithms are both a positive and negative and there’s no way around it. You have to find a way for them to suit you. As a songwriter, I make the active choice to try and listen to all kinds of music so that when my Discover/Release Radar playlists update it gives a range of different choices, but there will always be a way for them to try and direct what I want to listen to. </p><p> </p><p>The same goes for social media platforms. Their algorithms are excellent for directing you to another artist you might like from your previous follows but if you truly want to find something new you have to go out and look for it. Social media, like Spotify with an artist’s top songs, will promote the most clicked/viewed post. This will often be an album cover/photoshoot, taking designs intriguing the eye to the next level. It also gives a platform to then talk immediately about these posts rather than waiting to see your friends to chat about the cool artist you just saw a post from. Instead, you can share it directly and get the conversation started. We’ve seen it hundreds of times, with people seemingly “blowing up overnight” though it often isn’t as fast as that. </p><p> </p><p>The last time I bought a physical copy was Christmas last year. HMV were promoting their ‘Best of 2022 albums and artists’. As an avid music lover, I made a point to browse through the selection. For the first time in a long time, I made a choice to buy 3 albums I hadn’t heard a single track from. I simply went off the in-store recommendation and a small degree of name recognition. It paid off as I loved all 3 and could see why they had made the selection. It also reignited my love for just picking up a new record and giving it a go. However, in the months since discovering somebody new I’ve found it difficult to track down a physical copy, especially if they’re a smaller artist because producing a CD or Vinyl is so expensive. So, to try to replicate the above approach I will listen to an artist’s full Spotify discography uninterrupted with other artists. It’s not perfect but helps to form that same kind of relationship with the music. </p><p> </p><p><strong>Will it continue to change…?</strong></p><p> </p><p>In a world where everything has seemingly become easier, with suggestions made specifically for our likes, and music a free tap away, in my eyes to get an authentic experience you have to actually put in the work. Look up what’s trending in different genres, if a friend shares an artist search for them to find out why, go track down a tape exclusive EP. Realistically, it won’t change my listening habits. I’m still going to go down the easy route 60% of the time and listen to things I am comfortable with but if I am in the mood for something fresh and new, I will use these methods. As mentioned by Elis and John, modern generations probably have a wider appreciation and global access than older generations. However, there is a divide when it comes to diversity and true knowledge of bands and artists they follow and have nurtured over their lives. In a few years a new invention will probably come around to make the access and discovery of new artists even easier but as seen with the re-rise of vinyl there is always this instinct to return to past habits. Whether it’s because of the “retro” design, or there is a genuine love for the feeling of owning a personal copy, sometimes you can’t beat an album you know inside out. </p><p>If you liked this essay let me know as I want to hear your thoughts! You can also follow everything I am up to on my instagram, facebook and twitter @samnixmusic. </p>Sam Nixtag:samnixmusic.com,2005:Post/71862782023-04-14T08:00:00+01:002023-04-14T08:00:04+01:00The best venues to find new music in the Northeast…<p><span style="color:black;">As an original songwriter a large part of my life is searching for, visiting, and performing in music venues. Over the past 4 years I’ve been to almost 90% of those between Newcastle and Harrogate, seeing some absolutely incredible artists as well as meeting some wonderful people. As we’re now heading into the summer months and stepping out of our cocoons as the nights get lighter, I thought I would share some of the best venues to find new original music.<span> </span></span></p><p><span style="color:black;"> </span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.littlebuildingslive.com/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:black;">Little Buildings</span></a><span style="color:black;"> - Stepney Bank, Newcastle, and </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://thecluny.com/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:black;">The Cluny</span></a><span style="color:black;"> - Lime St, Newcastle</span></p><p><span style="color:black;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/545009/7a50c6f23d4145381476dda229a7278075794a56/original/2cc11316-70d9-4501-ae6e-972fd66d9534.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_left border_" /> Little Buildings and The Cluny are the beating heart of up-and-coming music in Newcastle. Always on the pulse and supporting grass roots artists, a night at either venue is an experience. A wide range of flavours is shared between the venues much like the Arches though both venues have a larger space allowing full bands to take to the stage.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/545009/f0bd5e0f2752f06f8271dd6e1b34a8be7eef9df5/original/515cc16f-39ad-457e-8baa-53a9a3c6d393.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><span style="color:black;">Hosting incredible musicians such as the Arctic Monkeys, Kate Nash, The Vaccines and Mumford and Sons across the years, who knows you might end up seeing the next big thing on their way up the ladder by visiting either venue.<span> </span></span></p><p><span style="color:black;"> </span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/claypathdeli/?locale=en_GB" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:black;">Claypath Deli</span></a><span style="color:black;"> - Claypath, Durham<span> </span></span></p><p><span style="color:black;">Claypath Deli has become a little bit of a haven for intimate gigs over the last few years through the promotion of Down by the River. With a small capacity and a wonderful atmosphere, the venue hosts monthly gigs from folk and alternative musicians, including George Boomsma, Benjamin Amos, and Jodie Nicholson. Often selling out, each event is a sought-after evening and if you’re staying in the area, I would certainly book ahead no matter the musician. Down by the River has excellent taste and will be sure to provide entertainment for you to enjoy. Talking of taste, the Deli itself does incredible artisan food as well so it’s a no brainier.<span> </span></span></p><p><span style="color:black;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:black;">The Quakerhouse - Mechanic’s Yard, Darlington, and</span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/VesuvioWineBar?locale=en_GB" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:black;"> Vesuvio</span></a><span style="color:black;"> - Houndgate, Darlington<span> </span></span></p><p><span style="color:black;"> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/545009/b594451fb7606df1b94fc5a87efec54bf7127309/original/9210d05f-4ab7-436a-9a9a-cf36d774f3ac.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_right border_" />My favourite gigs are the most intimate ones. If you’re looking for small grass roots music, then I can highly recommend The Quakerhouse and Vesuvio in Darlington. The venues host purely local artists who are as raw as they come, which can sometimes make for the best experience. The Quakerhouse is a tiny blues venue and real ale pub that over the years has built a reputation for the best ground level blues nights in the Tees Valley. Alternatively, Vesuvio, since 2020, has become an atmospheric wine bar perfect for any acoustic act. Vesuvio has become so popular in the last year they are booking acts almost a year ahead. Both venues are offer great entertainment and atmosphere and are often packed to the rafters. If you’re truly looking for something different these two are the places to visit.<span> </span></span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/545009/55e527c82850762e6fa7868577b00daa3382b761/original/35bf4111-3010-41d9-847f-2fc785f1a3cf.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><p><span style="color:black;"> </span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://georgiantheatre.co.uk/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:black;">The Georgian Theatre</span></a><span style="color:black;"> - Green Dragon Yard, Stockton <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/545009/1fdc535c34df7ab227770ca6a473bce0803bc5d8/original/063c9966-1fa1-4df9-a3e3-736c8c29a0c8.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></span></p><p><span style="color:black;">The Georgian Theatre is an independent, not for profit, venue dedicated to supporting musicians and the industry. Showcasing some of the area’s best artists, as well as taking part in festivals such as Stockton Calling it is a venue built for lovers of music. Many a great artist has graced the stage, including the Artic Monkeys, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas and Eve Conway. Nestled in an 18th century courtyard it has been the hub of Stockton’s music scene for many years and definitely worth a visit to see what great listings they have lined up.<span> </span></span></p><p><span style="color:black;"> </span></p><p><span style="color:black;">There are so many venues I haven’t been able to cover all of them but if you would like to know more, whether it be smaller or more mainstream venue, just contact me. Discovering new music is a huge passion for me and I’m often scrolling through discover weekly’s and other Spotify playlists. Another suggestion to find new music, and this applies outside of the Northeast, is if you’re seeing a bigger act, be it Hozier, Lewis Capaldi at a O2 academy or City Hall - turn up for the support act! There’s often a reason why they were chosen to support, and you might find your new favourite artist. </span> If you would like to send me a message or follow what I do you can find me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook (@samnixmusic).</p>Sam Nixtag:samnixmusic.com,2005:Post/71364482023-01-13T08:30:00+00:002023-01-13T08:40:04+00:00Three incredible albums you might have missed in 2022… and two to look out for in 2023! <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/545009/4333e4678733165a48f9515f795f9b345b2b4ee4/original/3-missed-2-look-for.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_medium" alt="" /></p>
<p>2022 was an incredible year for those under the radar artists who seemingly came out of nowhere with exceptional albums. To kick off 2023 I thought I would share with you some of my favourite albums I discovered last year that you might have missed, as well as two you should watch out for next year. </p>
<p><em><span class="font_large">You may have missed… </span></em></p>
<p><strong>Wild Rivers - Sidelines </strong></p>
<p> If you have been following me for some time you will know I have a deep love for Americana, Indie Folk, and anything in the surrounding genres. It’s my personal niche. Early last year my attention was brought to Wild Rivers, a trio from Ontario who sum up everything I love about this corner of the musical landscape. The songs play on timeless messages such as a stubborn hearted lover and the winds of change, while bringing new layers to the genre through modified electric guitar riffs, ambient sounds, and modern percussion. It’s a dreamy, laid-back winding road that takes you on a journey, one of my favourite ways to construct an album. Quickly added to my top 10 artists, I eagerly await their next release. </p>
<p>Favourite Tracks; Amsterdam, Bedrock, Stubborn Heart </p>
<p><strong>The Big Moon - Here Is Everything </strong></p>
<p>In 2021 I started playlisting on Spotify my top 50 Favourite songs that I found during the year. The playlist would shift and change but it gave me the opportunity to discover artists I might never have found before, one of which being The Big Moon. The name initially caught my eye but once I began listening to the tracks, I was convinced what a brilliant album their latest release was. A husky burst of indie rock driven by snare heavy drums and a lightly distorted guitar. With obscure and inquisitive lyrics as an invitation to thought, the album feels perfect for sitting down on a dark hazy evening with a drink and a book. At points it also feels reminiscent of some of the great female songwriters of our time, including Joni Mitchell and Patti Smith. Throughout 2023 I’ll be going back through their previous releases to see what delights I may have missed in the past. </p>
<p>Favourite Tracks; Trouble, My Very Best, Two Lines </p>
<p><strong>First Aid Kit - Palomino </strong></p>
<p>I bought First Aid Kit’s new album by chance after seeing it in the local record store and having vague memories of enjoying their previous work, but I was not ready when I put it on. Immediately you’re thrown into the thundering ‘Out of my Head’ opening with the piercing yet effervescent vocals of Klara Soderberg and evolving into the bass driven roaring chorus. Moving into the heart pounding unrequited love song ‘Angel’ it’s possibly the best start to an album I have heard in the last 20 years. The album touches on more folk/country inspired tracks such as Wild Horses II and Nobody Knows. It really has something for everyone and no wonder many are saying it’s their album of the year. It’s a must buy if you are looking to start the new year with fresh music. </p>
<p>Favourite Tracks: Angel, A Feeling That Never Came, Palomino </p>
<p><em><span class="font_large">You might be interest in…</span></em></p>
<p><strong>Paramore - This Is Why </strong></p>
<p>Paramore exploded back into the music scene in 2022 with a song people have called the track of the year, ahead of their album of the same name coming up in February. Paramore continue to impress me, evolving their sound with the times, while staying one step ahead and yet retaining that catchy punch they have always carried. Their 2013 self-titled album is one of my absolute favourites and if the first single of the upcoming release is anything to go by it’s going to be spectacular. </p>
<p><strong>Lewis Capaldi - Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent </strong></p>
<p>Capaldi grew to be a British pop culture figurehead with his natural persona and raw untameable voice in 2019 with a great debut album ‘Divinely uninspired to a hellish extent’. At least four of the songs could have been the headline tracks for a whole album in their own right. His sophomore release is highly anticipated with the first single ‘Forget Me’ having already stormed the charts. However, I will look forward to whatever he produces with a great lyrical nuance and knack for having the perfectly timed intonation. </p>
<p>Let me know if you check out any of these suggestions, you can contact me via instagram @samnixmusic. I try to cover something for everyone and I am always open to recommendations myself. I also have a Spotify playlist of my favourite tracks of 2022 which includes tracks from the mentioned albums as well a bunch of other hidden (and unhidden) gems. You can check it out here - <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3ZHfsmqvQsWgQGCZW7ZsrA" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3ZHfsmqvQsWgQGCZW7ZsrA">https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3ZHfsmqvQsWgQGCZW7ZsrA</a></p>Sam Nixtag:samnixmusic.com,2005:Post/70889172022-11-04T08:30:00+00:002022-11-04T08:40:02+00:00From a songwriter… Preparing and performing for a live audience.<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/545009/6f6a6d4ba90a064e0a392595172a69816c051273/original/297719021-526605685906517-2774053663504382851-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_medium" alt="" /></p>
<p>2022 is coming to a close in a couple months and so my gig diary is winding down. It has been absolutely packed this year as live music came back with a vengeance after the UK lockdowns. I’ve had some brilliant gigs in the last 8 months, including opening for famous cult artists Eddie and the Hotrods and John Otway, my first ever stage appearance at the Independent Sunderland and playing live in store at HMV Newcastle. So, with the prospect of a new year starting soon and for those of you who may want to get into gigging yourself, I thought I’d share how I prepare and get the most out of a performance. </p>
<p>Before I get into the preparation, I wanted to share some tips on how to get your first gigs. The best way I have found is start by going to local open mics for experience and networking. This is a great way to get used to an audience but also to pick up any contacts who can recommend venues to you. Booking agents can be useful but when you’re starting out, they are not the best way forward. You’re better off contacting venues yourself but remember to always be polite. Most venues are getting contacted by plenty of other musicians daily and a nice demeanour goes a long way. If you don’t get a response straight away, don’t worry. Venues have lots of enquiries to get through so follow up in around a week’s time and they will usually get back to you when they can. However, don’t pester as this can be a deterrent. </p>
<p>So, you’ve booked the gig, now how do you go about preparing? Your number one priority is to practice your setlist. Most bars usually want 2x45 minute sets, but you should always clarify as it can differ venue to venue. A song will cover around 2-4 minutes, so a set tends to be made up of around 12 to 20 songs. A little tip to remember is that when up on stage your adrenaline is running so you’re more than likely to play a track a bit faster than in rehearsal. Try and account for that by having a surplus of 5 or 6 extra songs in case you need them. </p>
<p>Having these songs committed to memory is important as it looks more professional but also lets you interact with what is around and not looking down at a song sheet all the time. The practice time it takes you to memorise 30 songs should be long enough to ensure they all sound great as well. When ordering the setlist think ahead about what an audience might like. They often like an upbeat song to kick things off then slowly build up to bigger songs toward the end. Also have a mix of things. I like to shake my sets up with different subject matters and tempos to keep the audience interested. </p>
<p>Your second priority is to make sure you have all the equipment you need. Check with a venue to see what they have and if they can’t provide what you need make sure you have a suitable PA, instrument/s, microphones, leads and stands. The last thing you want is turning up unequipped or having it break mid performance. For smaller pieces of equipment such as guitar capos, batteries, strings and leads, I always make sure to carry spare as these are the things most likely to go wrong or to be forgotten. Before you leave for a gig make a checklist of every bit of equipment and tick it off once you have packed and checked all the bags. It may sound like overkill but trust me it’s a pain in the neck travelling 50 miles to find out you left all your picks at home. </p>
<p>Once you turn up at the venue and meet the member of staff ask any questions you need to, i.e. where would they like you to play (if it is a bar or pub, they might not have an allocated stage). Most staff will be helpful if you reciprocate and it builds up a good relationship between artist and venue. Plus, after you’ve played, they’re more than likely to want you back and recommend you to others. I always arrive half an hour early which leaves me plenty of time to set up. Depending on your PA you may need extra, try to work it out accordingly. </p>
<p>I open a set straight off without any talking to grab people’s attention, but you may feel more comfortable giving yourself an introduction. It’s important to have a bit of interaction between songs so the audience is given breaks and gets more information on yourself and your music. You may have people come up to talk or request songs so be prepared and try to have a bit of flexibility in your set. This applies to how the room feels as well. Not every audience is going to be receptive but do your best to bring something out of them. This might involve swapping songs around from their normal order so be prepared to make changes. </p>
<p>Even with all your effort not every live performance is going to go great. You could mess up accidentally or the audience may just not be engaging. Don’t take it to heart because there’s always another chance round the corner. I have had my fair share of bad gigs and I have heard plenty of comedians talk about how the same material can work in one venue but not another - the same can apply to music. Take it in your stride put it down to experience and focus on what went well and where to improve next time. </p>
<p>The key to having a well prepared and enjoyable performance is professionalism. You should treat it like you would any job. Take pride in what you do and make sure you know the ins and outs - lyrics, chords, how the PA system works. Those who work hard are often rewarded, though it is not easy. You may be rejected or passed over by venues and have difficult gigs, but it should never stop you doing what you enjoy. </p>
<p>I hope this has helped any budding artists out there. As I know from experience it can be a strange field to navigate but keep going. If you would like to send me a message or follow what I do you can find me on <a contents="Instagram" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://instagram.com/samnixmusic">Instagram</a>, <a contents="Twitter" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://twitter.com/samnixmusic">Twitter</a> and Facebook (@samnixmusic).</p>Sam Nixtag:samnixmusic.com,2005:Post/70567682022-09-12T08:00:00+01:002022-09-16T18:03:24+01:00I Recommend... Nina Nesbitt, Matt Nathanson, Em Beihold, Unkle Bob<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/545009/259ab5bd8be0ebad40f43947e01a3e7bd90cbae4/original/i-recommend-3-2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_medium" alt="" /> </p>
<p>It’s been a few months since my last set of recommendations so I thought it would be a good idea to update you on some of the best artists I have been listening to recently. If you are looking for something different, this post is for you. This issue includes new albums from Nina Nesbitt and Matt Nathanson, a great sophomore EP from Em Beihold and a step into the past ahead of the release of new material by indie rock band Unkle Bob. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Nina Nesbitt - Älskar (Album) </p>
<p>I have been a fan of Nina Nesbitt for years but more recently she was brought to my attention through her collaborations with one of my favourite British country bands “The Shires”. I was really impressed with the modernity and pop qualities she brought to their style, while still retaining their important Nashville sound. Earlier this year while surfing through Spotify I discovered one of her singles from Älskar; “Pressure Makes Diamonds”. It immediately drew me in through its electronic pop guitar riff (the type of sound I have been trying to incorporate in my more recent work) and melodic yet elucidated delivery of lyrics. The whole album features these elements in some way or another, talking truthfully about Nesbitt’s experiences as a woman. It stands out from the other electropop works dominating the charts because of these choices and is all the better for it. Often in songs like “Dinner Table” and “When You Lose Someone” the electronic parts take a backseat and allow the vocals and lyrics to speak for themselves which creates a great flow and variety listening through Älskar. If you are looking for something fresh in the modern popular music landscape this is the perfect album as it retains the modern aspects but is succinct in knowing exactly what it needs to do, that it breaks through the noise. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Matt Nathanson - Boston Accent (Album) </p>
<p>An artist I hadn’t heard of until March of this year and was completely surprised as he has much in common with some of my favourite artists. Soon after discovering his music, he released his brand-new album, “Boston Accent”, giving me something to dive into and get a feel for his style. What I found was a pleasant revelation. Nathanson is an artist who can blend lots of styles seamlessly while still sounding like himself. There are tracks on “Boston Accent” that feel akin to an early 2000’s Jack Johnson and another that would fit in the discography of David Gray. Yet what stands out as Nathanson is his romanticised lyrics. “You kissed like the queen of California” and “Music used to be everything to me, now it’s just the soundtrack to you” are just some of the notable lines I really enjoyed and they’re what elevate the album above the normal affair. In short, the album is a simple, stripped back, sweet collection of thoughts and stories, ideal for the listener who is looking to lower the volume in life a little. After listening through this album, I’ll be sure to go back and check out his previous work. If you enjoy it as well, I’d encourage you to do the same, not just for Nathanson but for any new artist you find. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Em Beihold - Egg in The Backseat (EP) </p>
<p>Em Beihold was one of the big artists to come out of the Covid lockdowns with her timely appropriate song “Groundhog Day”. If you’re active on TikTok or Instagram I’m sure, you’ll have heard it. While the song became viral due to its lyrical content, I was thoroughly impressed with the musicianship and became an avid follower of her work. Other singles “City of Angels” and “Blink of An Eye” also caught my ear. After the success of “Groundhog Day”, Beihold was signed to Republic Records and released her second EP; “Egg in The Backseat” - a whimsical title befitting of Beihold’s light pop-y style. The quirky lyrics and bass heavy piano produce young and bright personality in the songs, despite some of the subject matter being less so. Encapsulating the mood of the current younger generation, it’s no wonder she has been a hit on social media. If you’re looking for songs to brighten your day “Egg in The Back Seat” is a delightful turn and from such a young talent I can only see her growing further in the public consciousness. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Unkle Bob - Invisible (Single) and Various </p>
<p>Unkle Bob are an indie rock group that hit their stride in the early 2000’s with an album that was hugely influential on me; “Sugar and Spite”. They had tracks featured on Grey’s Anatomy and CSI Miami and supported the Goo Dolls on tour before taking a hiatus in 2011. However, in 2020 the full band reformed and have announced new material coming our way. This year they released the single “Invisible” which dives right back into their indie rock quality with ethereal vocals, rhythmic snare, and piano and clean guitar riffs. If this is only an indication of what’s to come, I can’t wait to see what they have in store. However, I didn’t want to just take the chance to recommend their new work but also to revisit their past tracks which still hold credence today. “Swans” and “This Way” are beautifully haunting and a constant feature of my Spotify playlists. The melancholic nature of the music is easy to get lost in which makes them one of my favourite bands. If you can get into the music, it proves how powerful the writing is. I would definitely recommend you check them out and visit a couple of the live shows they are performing at this year. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Let me know if you check out any of these suggestions, you can contact me via instagram @samnixmusic. I try to cover something for everyone and I am always open to recommendations myself. I also have a Spotify playlist of my favourite tracks in 2022 including the tracks suggested here as well a bunch of other hidden (and unhidden) gems. You can check it out here - <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3ZHfsmqvQsWgQGCZW7ZsrA" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3ZHfsmqvQsWgQGCZW7ZsrA" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3ZHfsmqvQsWgQGCZW7ZsrA</a></p>Sam Nixtag:samnixmusic.com,2005:Post/69851412022-06-10T08:00:00+01:002022-06-10T08:00:01+01:00From a songwriter… Inspiration and how to turn it into a song. <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/545009/d1c2c6c7b77ee23e55a6bcd825efcdd28449969d/original/185e8914-c92b-4c9b-a676-3836e9c7d970.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_medium" alt="" /></p>
<p>Inspiration is the starting point for any creative medium, especially songwriting. Every artist/musician has been inspired or influenced by something or someone to help create their song. But it can be difficult if you are new to songwriting to pin down how to look for and use inspiration. So, let me take you through my best methods for finding new ideas and translating them into a song. </p>
<p>Firstly, inspiration can come from anywhere. It may be a phrase, an image, even a memory, all that matters is that it is a starting point. I draw from experiences, seeing actions happen in real life. For example, one of my songs “A Girl I Met on The Tube Last Week” came from riding the Manchester tram early one evening. While the events described in the song didn’t transpire in real life it was the action of riding the tram that kicked off the thought of turning the idea into a song. Billie Eilish has stated how her ideas for songs come from dreams, waking up in the middle of the night and then writing out whatever she just dreamt about. Alternatively, Noel Gallagher describes his writing process as “going fishing” often just sitting with a guitar and waiting for something to happen. It doesn’t matter where you find that initial spark, as long as you’ve found it. Sometimes you can benefit from trying multiple methods as I also often find written phrases in books an interesting way to find ideas. </p>
<p>It differs from person to person however, wherever you find inspiration it’s important to not let those ideas go. You never know when one might creep up on you and if you’re not prepared you might have let slip the best song of your career. My advice for this is to write it down. The best way to do this is in a small notebook that is easy to carry around, but scraps of paper can work too. You’ll find most writers will do this as it can be easy to lose track of every idea that pops into your head. Films about creatives like “The Personal History of David Copperfield” and “Tick, Tick… Boom” have both represented this as it is such an important trait for a writer to remember. It doesn’t matter how messy or nondescript it is as long as it is decipherable to you at a later date. </p>
<p>The difficult part is taking these ideas and turning them into a song. Sometimes it will just come to you and other times an idea may just sit in your notebook but that’s okay! Not every inspiration is destined to work. I won’t go into songwriting methods as there are so many and even then, they may not work for you. But my advice on how to expand an idea is to plan it out before you start writing individual lines. Occasionally a song can write itself, seamlessly flowing line to line. However, if you know where you would like to go with an idea it makes it much easier. This might be an emotion you want the audience to feel or a story you want to tell, it’s up to you. I sometimes don’t stick to my own rules, and I can find it difficult to finish the song as I just meander through chords and lyrics with no discernible end. Collaborating with another person can also be a great way to break the mould. They may have a different interpretation of the inspiration or be able to take your idea further than you initially thought. Working with another artist can also help with inspirations that you haven’t been able to develop. However, try not to give up. </p>
<p>Leaving a song unfinished is common but try to complete it as much as possible even if it sucks. Then, once you have left it for a while, come back and you may suddenly have a million ways to improve it because of the experiences you have had in the meantime. It’s amazing what walking away from an idea can do. I’ve had many an idea that after months I have revisited and had a newfound interest. These have gone on to become some of my most popular works among audiences. One, Autumn Glow, had a rewrite and is one of my personal favourites. You can listen to a live home recorded version on YouTube - <a contents="Autumn Glow." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrz4xBSL0WU" target="_blank">Autumn Glow.</a></p>
<p>I hope this has helped any budding or struggling songwriters out there. As I know from experience it can be a strange field to navigate, but always keep writing. If you would like to send me a message or follow what I do you can find me on <a contents="Instagram" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/samnixmusic/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a contents="Facebook" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://m.facebook.com/Sam-Nix-Music-102825625596473/?ref=page_internal&mt_nav=0" target="_blank">Facebook</a> (@samnixmusic). </p>Sam Nixtag:samnixmusic.com,2005:Post/69592102022-05-06T08:00:00+01:002022-06-01T15:14:16+01:00Repetition - the most effective and useful tool in music. <p> </p>
<p><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/545009/9a809a01df7c39cf0821143d2cb8c346febaf931/original/79f5452e-a232-4533-8ba0-6d4a178d35b6.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_medium" alt="" /></strong></p>
<p>There are many techniques in songwriting and composing to help push your music above the average standard, much akin to directing a film or writing a novel. One technique which shows up in all three mediums is repetition. Despite its simplicity, as a method, it can be used to great effect to grab the audience, which makes it one of my favourite applications to use in music. In recent times I have seen complaints that repetition is lazy but there are artists out there who prove how powerful a device it can be. So let me take you through some of my favourite examples of how repetition has been used to take music to a new level. Although, these examples span across multiple genres and decades I’m going to start in my wheelhouse… </p>
<p>Orla Gartland is an Irish singer/songwriter I discovered many years ago through YouTube. Starting out posting self-recorded covers and originals on her channel, Gartland didn’t have much room to work with, which meant she made the most of what she had. Specifically, the clever use of a looper. Loopers feedback whatever you record into them, making the very definition of repetition. However, this allowed Gartland to have a bigger sound than just the common vocal and guitar and it also gave her a distinct voice that has carried into her debut album - ‘Woman on the Internet’. Two great tracks from the album where repetition stands out are ‘Things That I’ve Learned’ and ‘Zombie!’. Both reinforce their themes through repetition in their lyrics; be it learning by repeating mistakes over and over and the monotonous almost cyclical lifestyle the person ‘Zombie!’ is about leads. The technique also works its way into her music, repeating memorable indie riffs on the guitar and electronic rhythmic percussion which provides a heart thumping constant throughout. It must be noted that repetition isn’t the only hallmark of Gartland who also writes stark truthful lyrics about today’s society, great dynamic shifts between sections and has a ludicrously soft but powerful vocal. When her debut album was released, it was by far the freshest sound I had heard that year and I wasn’t alone in praise for it. It brought her sound and smart writing technique to the forefront. While repetition is nothing new, Gartland is using it in a new way that will only continue to evolve and succeed in what she does next. </p>
<p>Whilst Gartland is possibly the newest popular artist using repetition in her work, many musicians have been experimenting with the device for much longer, one of which is the quirky rock/pop duo Sparks. It feels like Sparks have always been around in some form, but they first came to my full attention through their Edgar Wright directed documentary The Sparks Brothers. A hugely informative and interesting watch for any musician, it was fascinating seeing their composing methods. Throughout their career they have used repetitive song structures most notably in their 2002 self-proclaimed “career defining-opus” album, Lil’ Beethoven. The record was composed of only strings, piano and multi-tracked vocals harking back to the classical inspirations behind it. Of course, repetition itself is a nod to classical music as classical pieces were often composed of sections that would return and repeat with little variation. This was because in that period you couldn’t record works, so the melodies had to be memorable for it to stick with people and a way of ensuring that memorability is by repetition. One song in particular on Lil’ Beethoven which takes the technique to the next level is ‘My Baby’s Taking Me Home’ which only ever features the title as a lyric. This line is repeated over 100 times, yet somehow is so enigmatic and enthralling it feels as though a story is still being told. Despite being the same 5 words, the different inflections and emphasis placed in certain parts of the song elevate it and convey meaning. Many piano motifs also recur in each respective song and come back round to provide a sense of completion. Sparks have always pushed the boundaries of popular music and genre and Lil’ Beethoven is an excellent example of testing the direction of new music with the flavours of the old because of its use of classical instruments. As evidenced here repetition has been used since the inception of music and continues to be, as we are still not finished getting the most from a simple device. </p>
<p>This is a nice segway into Paul Englishby, a composer for film and screen. You may have heard Englishby’s works before which include Luther and Sunshine on Leith. However, the example I want to use is his incredibly impressive work on the BBC show The Musketeers. A swashbuckling adventure designed to entertain weekend audiences and music is a key component of making that work. Think of your big adventure films like Jurassic Park or Lord of the Rings, they have scores that stick in your head and remain with you well after watching. This is no easy task for a composer, but Englishby manages to achieve this with short catchy motifs which he repeated over and over. While repeating melodies in film score is common, similar to how classical composers would repeat melodies to remain in the minds of the listeners, Englishby tends to build on the each previous melody in dynamic and orchestral composition ensuring each cycle has a different impact. Often he repeats variations of the same motifs over certain sections of the story to indicate the mood of the scene. For example one track ‘The Christening’, which has a powerful slow 5 note build as it’s hook, is played every time there is a heavy emotional beat in the story. When the score returns to that hook within a scene it elevates in volume and vibrato having an emotional pull on the listener to reinforce how they are supposed to feel. The ending composition to the entire series is another highlight as it repeats the same melodic phrase constantly, starting with just a piano playing the notes before building to an entire brass and string section accompanying it. This gradual build over the long goodbye means that it’s crescendo feels earned, mirroring the story appearing on screen. Englishby makes repetition an integral part of most tracks and is smart about how he works it into his pieces, allowing it to highlight the strong melodies giving them deserved emphasis. It is one of the reasons when I write songs I try to maintain as close to the first verse melody as possible when writing a second verse. If you have a great refrain focus on that, don’t throw it away. </p>
<p>When writing my folk inspired song St. John’s, repetition was at the forefront of my mind. Folk songs and sea shanties would often have a refrain to allow other members to join in and sing, something that I wanted to replicate. In truth the song is only made up of 3 significant sections; the hook, the verse and the chorus which change very little in melody throughout the piece. But by using repetition by the end of the song most audiences know the chorus or certainly can hum the hook like they can with sea shanties. Though I am not pushing the device to the extremes like Sparks did, it was fun to play around with and allowed me to practice a technique which I think is invaluable in songwriting. These 3 examples prove that repetition is still beneficial and that in the future we may find new ways to use it. As it is also an easy device to put into practice it is more accessible to beginner songwriters and composers who want to develop their music. I still use repetition particularly when I am writing a guitar solo as I find it useful and important to return to a riff that I can then experiment on top of. </p>
<p>If this blog has opened your eyes let me know! You may even listen back to older pieces of music and notice recurring themes or use of repetition where you never did before. Below I have linked every song I have talked about if you would like to listen. If you like what I do and want to keep up to date you can follow on <a contents="Instagram" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/samnixmusic/">Instagram</a> and <a contents="Facebook" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/Sam-Nix-Music-102825625596473/">Facebook</a>. </p>
<p>Orla Garland: </p>
<p><a contents="Zombie!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpZv3BV1jxE">Zombie!</a> - <a contents="Things That I’ve Learned" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bonEOAMGkqw">Things That I’ve Learned</a> </p>
<p>Sparks: </p>
<p><a contents="My Baby’s Taking Me Home&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAez4VsSQXs">My Baby’s Taking Me Home </a></p>
<p>Paul Englishby: </p>
<p><a contents="The Christening" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIVgn4PZUHo">The Christening</a> - <a contents="Finale&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MlkQPauMeE">Finale </a></p>
<p>My Music: </p>
<p><a contents="St. John’s" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kgn1rtN67jA">St. John’s</a> </p>Sam Nixtag:samnixmusic.com,2005:Post/69358432022-04-06T10:00:00+01:002022-09-09T16:40:15+01:00I Recommend… Tears For Fears, Tommy Lefroy, Sigrid, Morgan Wade<p><strong><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/545009/71edf536ddc1c103d73f50a6b323cb16033eac9a/original/i-recommend-2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_medium" alt="" /></span></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I’m back with my recommendations of some of the best music I have discovered in recent months. If you are looking for something new to listen to then this is the place for you. This issue includes new tracks from Tears For Fears and Sigrid as well as new artists Tommy Lefroy and Morgan Wade. This time I’ve collected a range of styles for you to check out so lets dive in. </p>
<p>Tears For Fears - The Tipping Point (Album) </p>
<p>I was first introduced to Tears For Fears through their hit tracks Shout, Seeds Of Love and Everybody Wants to Rule the World many years ago. The distinctive smooth vocal of Curt Smith and heavy use of the synthesiser always made them stand out to me, on top of their trend of writing great songs. Now in 2022 they have just released their first new material in 18 years, and it’s exactly what you would want from a modern Tears For Fears album. Their easily recognisable sound is still there but feels updated with new recording technology giving the synth a crisp edge. The vocals are unfaltering, with Curt Smith seemingly unaged, reaching head voice with ease. Each song has a unique appeal to them, and it’s clear Smith and Orzabal put every effort into this album, despite the long journey, as it was initially conceived in 2013. It is evident in the lyrics of Long, Long, Long Time “The higher the mountain, the harder the fall” and No Small Thing “I’ve just got one more song to sing, one more story to tell” that their journey has not been an easy one, but I truly hope this isn’t the last “story” they tell. It is a triumph of a past artist returning and proving they still have something to offer. Mr favourite tracks from the album are the titular The Tipping Point and final track Stay, resonating with me as a songwriter who loves minor based melodies. This is a must listen for any fans of the 80’s or pop music in general. </p>
<p>Sigrid - Head On Fire/It Gets Dark (Singles) </p>
<p>One of my favourite emerging artists of the late 2010’s was Sigrid, a Norwegian electropop singer/songwriter who intrigued me with her 2017 single Strangers. I fell in love with her debut album Sucker Punch, I even covered the title track with my band for a while, and she has not failed to stop impressing me. This year Sigrid joining with previous recommendation Griff for their single Head On Fire; a heart pounding anthem that pairs the upbeat synth based melodies of Sigrid with the RnB inspired rhythms of Griff. It’s impossible not to groove to. Their voices blend perfectly with Sigrid providing a soft sweet tone that allows Griff to punch through with a smooth lilty pitch. This isn’t the only single Sigrid has released this year, she also dropped It Gets Dark ahead of her second album How To Let Go which releases in May. This song truly demonstrates her vocal range effortlessly gliding between notes in the opening verse before taking on a harsher drier tone in the chorus. The song itself has elements of alternative 80’s tracks, especially present in the bass line at times. As the third single from the upcoming album following Burning Bridges and Mirror, it sets a precedent that this will be a release to watch in 2022. Sigrid has mentioned she wrote this record for festivals and big stages. If you are wanting a soundtrack to your summer this is the album to jump on. </p>
<p>Tommy Lefroy - Flight Risk (EP) </p>
<p>Tommy Lefroy was a band I discovered through a suggested instagram reel in late 2021 and they have quickly become my latest musical obsession. A blend of genres and geographical perspectives, they create a unique romanticised indie folk/soft rock sound. Taking their name from a lover of Jane Austen tells you everything you need to know about their mission - to appeal to the dreamers. Their debut EP establishes their beautiful soft harmonies, guitar heavy riffs and dark but emotive lyrics. Often preferring the method of ‘less is more’ in their overall sound, works exceptionally in their favour highlighting Bethel and Mouzourakis’s quiet but untameable vocals. My personal favourite songs from the EP are the moody Knievel and Vampires, which features the brilliant emotionally lifting lyric “you can fall in love a thousand times, I just want for you to love your life”. Recently selling out a show in London and soon to be appearing at The Great Escape festival Tommy Lefroy is a band for your radar, especially if you are interested in transatlantic artists. </p>
<p>Morgan Wade - Reckless (Album) </p>
<p>If you have been listening to any country station or national radio you have probably heard Morgan Wade’s Wilder Days. This song is what initially attracted me to the singer with a fantastic vocal and unique lyrics. The deliberate choice not to rhyme in Wilder Days’ chorus lines “You said you hate the smell of cigarette smoke, you only used to smoke when you drank”, is just different enough that it immediately catches your ear and I knew I had to check out the rest of her discography. So I found Wade’s album Reckless which by this point had released a deluxe version and it did not disappoint. Country has recently becoming more and more popular with some of my favourite songwriters coming from the genre (including Chris Stapleton and Maren Morris) and Wade easily joins their ranks. Her honest lyrics drawn from personal experience create a rich picture that is relatable even if not experienced by all. As mentioned she has a incredible dry and thin tone to her voice that is unmistakable and sets her apart from many other artists. My personal favourite songs from the album are Other Side, a track that has brutal truths in its lyrics but hides them behind an easy listening composition, and Met You which strips Wade right back to just a guitar and her vocal, a rawness that is a refreshing sound in the world of music. I can see Wade being a big name in country circles going forward, so for any fan of country, old or new, this is a great new album that you will love. </p>
<p>Let me know if you check out any of these suggestions, you can contact me via instagram <a contents="@samnixmusic." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/samnixmusic/" target="_blank">@samnixmusic.</a> I try to cover something for everyone and I am always open to recommendations myself. I also have a Spotify playlist of my favourite tracks in 2022 including the tracks suggested here as well a bunch of other hidden (and unhidden) gems. You can check it out here - <a contents="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3ZHfsmqvQsWgQGCZW7ZsrA" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3ZHfsmqvQsWgQGCZW7ZsrA" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3ZHfsmqvQsWgQGCZW7ZsrA</a></p>Sam Nixtag:samnixmusic.com,2005:Post/69135962022-03-04T14:50:48+00:002022-06-01T14:40:18+01:00What it’s like releasing a debut EP…<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/545009/6d536204a0302f8bcb44610d44c38b8c06a23e00/original/ep-cover-no-text.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_center border_medium" alt="" /></p>
<p>In mid 2021 I sat down and spoke to Chris ‘Whiz’ West, a producer who has worked with Richard Ashcroft, Status Quo, Leo Sayer and When Rivers Meet among others. It was my first time speaking with a professional producer so a daunting yet exciting moment in my career. We were talking about new music. Specifically new music from me. For some time I have wanted to commit my original work to disc but only going so far as recording demos and the odd track. This time I wanted to make something bigger, a proper debut, an EP. Chris couldn’t have been more engaged and helpful in developing my idea and that’s where it all started. </p>
<p>I had been put in touch with Chris through a mutual friend Dave, who is incredibly supportive of live music and not afraid to get his hands dirty. I had been talking about working with a professional producer for sometime and Dave knew Chris was the perfect fit owing to his decades of expertise. So for 6 months or so after my initial conversation with Chris we sent ideas and tracks back and forth, figuring out what kind of style we wanted the EP to have, before settling on the best time to record. </p>
<p>December 1st 2021. Chris arrived to start work on the EP. It’s a long process that we wanted to get right so we had reserved 2 weeks. The first week was focussed on getting the songs practically finished before we even stepped foot into the recording studio. As Chris says, the more time you spend messing about in the studio with an unfinished song, the more of your own money is wasted. With a mini set up we gave each of the 4 songs it’s individual sound and laid down guide vocals to transfer over when we went in to record. This was possibly the most interesting part of the experience as Chris had an abundance of knowledge to share as we bounced ideas off each other. Songwriting is where my passion lies so when you get into the groove of putting down these ideas; a funky bassline? No try something else, a soft melodic string section? that hit the nail on its head. That’s where I thrive. As I’m only starting my career in comparison, it was fascinating to see Chris’ suggestions and to learn what worked and didn’t work. </p>
<p>So, five days later we went into the studio to start work on laying down the tracks. There isn’t a huge amount to say about recording as you often work one song at a time and play around with it when it feels necessary. A lot of studio time is recording multiple takes and listening back to the best bits and redoing it until you get the perfect track. It’s usually not until halfway through you’re time that you begin to hear it all coming together. This is where I had to learn to put my faith in Chris as a producer and engineer. Some of the most exciting parts are when you get session musicians in. We were lucky enough to get fantastic support from backing vocalists Moray and Rosie, and violinist Paul. It was great to see their thoughts on the tracks as well as their individual contributions to the overall record. By the time we had finished all tracks we were actually slightly ahead of schedule and in need of a well deserved break. All to do now was to mix and master the tracks. Chris sent through the finished versions just before Christmas which was a really exciting time but now was the hard part as I had to wait to release them. </p>
<p>It can be difficult when you finish something as new and exciting as this because all you want to do is share it but it’s not that simple. You need to make time to create promotion around the release, make cover art for online sites, research the sites to promote the EP and then contact radio and magazines outlets. All in all, it can take anywhere between 2 to 6 months, even a year! As a musician the work got a little tedious at times but with the help of: local photographer Richard; my friend Stef who helped with design work; and other contacts who provided advice and support, by the end of February it was full steam ahead. ‘She Is’ the first single from the EP was announced for release on the 1st of March. ‘She Is’ had its debut play on Nova FM Radio on the 24th of February, my first radio play in over 2 years. It’s a bit of surreal experience hearing your own music on the radio but also incredibly exciting. </p>
<p>On Sunday the 27th of February, I officially announced my debut EP ‘From the Stars Above’ which will be released on the 31st of March. Later that day I also had an interview on Bishop FM talking about the EP and the process behind it. It’s been a long journey up to this point but completely worth it as I have learned so much and met and worked with some fantastic people. I am ecstatic to announce new music that I’m incredibly proud of and can’t wait to share it. As my first time recording an EP I couldn’t have had a better experience. Thank you to everyone who helped along the journey; Dave, Chris, Tom, Moray, Paul, Rosie, Richard, Stef and my family as well as everyone who has supported me so far. I look forward to the 31st and I will be hyping it up to the last moment. </p>
<p>You can listen to ‘She Is’ on all major platforms now. You can pre-save ‘From the Stars Above’ at <a contents="https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/samnix/from-the-stars-above" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/samnix/from-the-stars-above">https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/samnix/from-the-stars-above</a></p>Sam Nixtag:samnixmusic.com,2005:Post/68043812021-11-10T15:41:15+00:002022-06-01T14:42:22+01:00Cinema Paradiso - Music and Media in Harmony <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/545009/c8c7aa26429fd9d8d736056bb7a2a68899d10173/original/665afe26-19c0-41ab-b6e4-bbaf5ab170d4.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_medium" alt="" /></p>
<p>Cinema Paradiso was a film that was on my list for a long, long time. As a huge fan of Ennio Morricone (see my blog <a contents="The Magnificence of Ennio Morricone…" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://samnixonmusic.com/home/blog/the-magnificence-of-ennio-morricone-and-his-influence-upon-me">The Magnificence of Ennio Morricone…</a>), I first became aware of the picture through his discography. However, what I wasn’t prepared for was how much l would enjoy this film. Whilst I expected the music to be great, having already heard the instantly recognisable “love theme”, and reading it had won acclaim upon international release, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect other than to feel an appreciation for the film making. After watching the film I’m not ashamed to say I was in tears. To me this is the perfect example of film and music working side by side to present a deep, thought provoking piece of visual art. Let me say why, but if you haven’t seen the film, I will be touching on details so go and watch it before you read any more! </p>
<p>Firstly, I will start with my area of expertise - the music. By now most people revere and recognise Morricone for his work on Spaghetti Westerns and big moving pieces. This score alternatively, feels much more personal. Not only was he working with a fellow Italian, director Giuseppe Tornatore, on a much smaller independent production, he was also working along side his son to produce the soundtrack. It was in fact his son, Andrea, who wrote the epic love theme that acts as a recurring motif throughout, whilst Morricone arranged the orchestration. However, because it is so personal it perfectly reflects the story being told. The story of a man looking back on his youth and journey to becoming who he is today. Something that Morricone could have done himself to produce such a masterpiece. Working with his son seems to have encouraged that, as many see shades of their younger selves in their children. </p>
<p>The score expertly rises and falls in both it’s melody and it’s dynamics reflecting the peaks and troughs we have in life. While we grow, we also falter, but it is all part of learning. The occasional use of a xylophone and a jaunty violin evoke feelings of mischief and childhood that are so present in the early stages of the film. Then the gentle piano and woodwind sections bring a maturity with their jazz like quality in the later scenes as protagonist Toto reaches adulthood. It’s an incredible ranging score all brought together by the sweeping strings that match the sensation of being swept away within a film. Morricone never feels the need to burst out with bombastic percussion or sharp staccato notes to shock the listener into feeling tension, even in the dramatic scene where the eponymous Cinema Paradiso burns down. Instead, he maintains uniformity by using pulsing chords on the piano and elevating the volume, and thus power, of the string section. The score is a journey, much like life, one continuous road, not a series of set pieces that can be boxed up into sections. The film itself shows this, each decision affects another. Even though it skips ahead in time, it is clear every moment in the past has informed the future. </p>
<p>This brings me to the filmmaking itself. This is not only outstanding in it’s score but it’s a feat of storytelling. For a film that spans decades, strangely not a lot happens but by the end of it you’ll feel like you have lived the life of Toto. Drawing from his own experiences and filming in his home town in Sicily, director Giuseppe Tornatore creates an encapsulation of youth, particularly for boys. From Toto disobeying his mother and winding up in trouble, to befriending a father figure whom he looks up to. At least one of these experiences everyone can relate to, and matched with the soul-touching music, it motivates you to retrace your own life. As well, it is a film that in many ways was ahead of it’s time. In recent years nostalgia has become rampant in media, be it through belated sequels, reboots or style trends. This is a film that teaches you, that whilst nostalgia is powerful, not everything is as perfect as you remember. When Toto returns in the “present” to his home town he sees much of it has changed. The Cinema Paradiso lays bare for demolition, the faces he knew as a child have now grown old and weary and the town has lost it’s classic charm with modern cars occupying the historic square. However, it doesn’t dwell on the misery and instead with the ending scene reminds us that the love we find between one another perseveres beyond the destructions of time. </p>
<p>In terms of the visuals, it’s a beautiful film and clearly a celebration of cinema itself. The cinematography by Blasco Giurato highlights this, ranging from wide establishing crane shots to close ups of characters reacting in the theatre. The background is pulled out of focus, visualising how the world outside becomes obsolete once you are enthralled in a film. In another aspect the misé-en-scene has exaggerated colours, such as the purple and orange hues of a sunset to capitalise on how the past can become exaggerated itself. This in turn only adds further to the film’s message. </p>
<p>The humanity in the acting shines in this effecting film, particularly by Salvatore Cascio as the youngest version of Toto, who steals the show. He has a smile and cheekiness that brings you right back to being a child without being annoying or unconvincing. The main heft of acting however comes down to Philippe Noiret as Alfredo. As the projectionist and Toto’s father figure he conveys the heavy lessons of life throughout the film via the stories he tells and his noticeable world weary nature. But at the same time, manages to always come across as loving and caring. Never more so than when he pushes Toto to leave town, even if Toto doesn’t see it himself. Noiret blends so well into the character that you understand this is a man who has seen everything the town has to offer and wants Toto to have more - there is only so much he can experience in these confines. This is exemplified in the final scene where Toto watches Alfredo’s passing gift - a super cut of every kiss cut out of the Cinema Paradiso’s reels by the local churchman when Toto was a boy. Toto finally understands that Alfredo wanted him to see the town was restricting him, and only by pushing him to go, could he reach his true potential - a decision we all have to make at a certain point in life. It’s only through Noiret’s characterisation that this scene feels earned. His repertoire with each version of Toto leading up to this point makes this scene entirely believable. This is all lead by Tornatore’s direction, knowing exactly where he wants his characters to end up and the prevailing message the audience should be left with. </p>
<p>As much as the filmmaking and music stand out on their own, they work as a harmony. One without the other would feel unfinished. Morricone beautifully captures the coming of age in his music so you understand this film even without context. Equally, Tornatore provides a visual stimulus to engage the audience and let them respond internally to the story being told. To me, this is a masterpiece of film, a gem of cinema. Never before, unless in a musical adaptation, have I felt the visuals and soundtrack be more interconnected to achieve a goal. I was left in tears, not out of sadness but of pure cinematic enjoyment. This is how films should leave you - fulfilled. If you haven’t watched it yet I highly recommend you do so and if you have, let me know your thoughts! </p>
<p>You can message me through my <a contents="Instagram" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/samnixonmusic/">Instagram</a>,<a contents=" Facebook" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/SamNixonMusic/"> Facebook</a> or <a contents="contact page" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://samnixonmusic.com/contact">contact page</a>!</p>Sam Nixtag:samnixmusic.com,2005:Post/67723852021-10-11T15:58:33+01:002022-06-01T14:43:13+01:00What live music and life is like as a singer/songwriter in a post-lockdown climate…<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/545009/e7f8b9552e4ed585574134e57cbac5e743798c80/original/244731086-287561232988997-6345808156724075803-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_medium" alt="" /></p>
<p>Earlier this year I wrote a blog about what lockdown was like as a singer/songwriter. I mentioned, while gigs and busking were forced to stop, it had given me a chance to focus on writing and look at the direction of my career. Now live music is back I am still focusing on those important part, but I thought I’d give you an update on where I am now in this post-lockdown climate. </p>
<p>First thing to note is that i’m back playing in front of live audiences, and the reception has never been better. Gigging opportunities have been popping up almost every week, and I’ve seen more open mics appear than ever before. Not only is the volume of events great for musicians, who depend on this kind of work, but it’s also beneficial for businesses too. I have seen bars and restaurants that are now looking for artists to play, despite not having ventured into that area in the past. This is probably because it brings more people into the venues than there might be otherwise. On top, it also encourages new artists to take the the next step forward, now there is an abundance of chances to perform. It’s a two way system that seems to be working wonders for both the hospitality sector and musicians. </p>
<p>As a singer/songwriter, the places I’ve been playing at couldn’t be more welcoming. The crowds have always been supportive and the staff excited to have new music every week. It has taken a bit of time to get used to playing live again, but at every venue people have been incredibly appreciative that I’m lightening up their night with some music. Occasionally individuals have come over and had a chat after I’ve finished, and for me that’s the best possible response. I love to get a bit of feedback and see what kind of effect my music has had. So, if you see me play in the future let me know what you think! </p>
<p>There are a few changes, as covid is still around, so Mics and equipment are sanitised or swapped out after every performer. It doesn’t make a huge difference, but is important to keep in the back of your mind, especially if you have to bring your own mic. As well, not all venues are back at 100% and some people are still weary of crowded areas, which is totally understandable. However progress is happening and now the vaccine is taking effect and it shouldn’t be long till you see artists playing to full house on every street corner. </p>
<p>Because I am playing all over the place I have also found more inspiration to write. Travelling from gig to gig, combined with meeting brand new faces has expanded my idea pool. There’s been so much more to draw from, so the amount of songs I’ve written in the past 6 months compared to 2020 has gone up tenfold. Not all the songs are good, but it’s the fact I have the stimulus to create something new. As just mentioned I am also encountering new people, people who I can collaborate with, bounce off and build new opportunities with. In lockdown while social media kept us connected, it was still difficult to reach out to other musicians and those who work in the industry. Now I have chances to connect with those I struggled to connect with in lockdown and the platforms to show what I can do, things are only looking up. </p>
<p>I am now doing what I love most; sharing my music and experiencing what other musicians have to offer too. It seems a lifetime since April when I wrote that blog, and a part of me couldn’t imagine we’d be where we are right now if I tried to predict it. The responses I’ve come across from other artists have all been similar; they couldn’t be happier out playing for people again, and in turn those watching are just as excited. So if you haven’t been out to support live music yet, get out there! You can start small at a local open mic, or go to a sold out concert, whatever takes your pick, because live music is back and all the better for it.</p>Sam Nixtag:samnixmusic.com,2005:Post/67358242021-09-04T11:17:35+01:002022-09-09T16:40:01+01:00I recommend… Maisie Peters, Griff, The Wandering Hearts, Jade Bird<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/545009/2752dca2f074b4b84638cc760f38e8db7c6c7fb3/original/i-recommend-1.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_medium" alt="" /></p>
<p>Have you been looking for music to dive into and spice up your playlists? Well, I’m here to recommend some of my favourite new albums for you to enjoy. In this new blog series, I will be sharing with you some of the best albums I have heard recently and giving my two ounces on them. This first post includes the debuts of Maisie Peters and Griff as well as the sophomore albums from Jade Bird and The Wandering Heart. So, sit back and let’s have a look. </p>
<p>Maisie Peters - You Signed Up For This (Album) </p>
<p>This debut album from Maisie Peters is something I have been waiting on for a while. Ever since hearing her song “This Is On You” on the radio in 2020, I have been following this promising performer. Her music is a wonderful blend of light acoustic melodies with electronic lifts and a little bit of emo heartache scattered in. What makes Peters stand out is her uniquely sweet and clipped voice, giving a wonderful bounce to her songs, especially those such as “Psycho”, the titular track on “You Signed Up For This”. By far, my favourite track on the record is “Boy”, which pops out at you on first listen and only gets better. It’s got a ton of style with influences of R’n’B matched with the classic British no-nonsense attitude in the lyrics. It reminds me of some of the work from Ed Sheeran’s second album, “Multiply”, which would make sense as Peters has just been signed to Sheeran’s own record label. As a young singer-songwriter myself, I can appreciate the way the lyrical content captures, so well, that moment in time when, for the first time, a young adult experiences break-ups, betrayals, love and friendship, that I may take a few lessons from it. All in all, if you like upbeat electronic-songwriter bops that you can listen to in the cool British summer, then this is a must buy. </p>
<p>Griff - One Foot In Front Of The Other (Mixtape) </p>
<p>Staying with the same lines of up and coming pop artists, Griff is a singer-songwriter, based more in the dance genre and whom I first heard of after she was declared the 2021 Brit’s Rising Star. Her leading single, “Black Hole”, has a pumping rhythm behind it, and a hook so infectious you’ll find it hard not to sing along. What sets Griff apart, and why she deserves that rising star award, is her unusual trick of blending the dance based electronics with (almost) theatrical melodies and vocals. Her steely tone control and wide vocal range wouldn’t be out of place in a musical, yet fits so sublimely here. The titular song “One Foot In Front Of The Other” really stands out and shows off the amalgam that she has created. It also highlights some of the individual sounds found cropping up across the mixtape, most notably the synth and electronic drum kit. As a real star to watch for in the future, I would definitely recommend this whole set of songs. </p>
<p>The Wandering Hearts - The Wandering Hearts (Album) </p>
<p>Now The Wandering Hearts have been around a few years, have already released a debut album and gone through a line up change. Their latest self-titled follow-up demonstrates perfectly, why they are so good. They are a band for lovers of country, particularly the British country scene, but that shouldn’t put you off. The songs on this record range from incredibly catchy and uplifting, such as “On Our Way”, to tear-jerking and relaxing, like my personal favourite, “Dolores”. Do not worry if you aren’t the biggest fan of the “three chords and the truth genre” as this album strays away from the more commercial angle of traditional country and really explores their songwriting talents. Delving deep into the rich American country soundscape, heavy drum toms accentuate the rhythms and acoustic guitars to act as the solid grounding for the harmonies to dance upon. In truth their harmonies are really what shine through here, giving them a distinct sound - a dry male voice and two soulful female high tones. In a way this album feels like a triumph. Many of the songs are based on the idea of working together and achieving, something they have clearly done here. It’s a fantastic follow-up that develops everything from their first outing and gives an indication of the musical direction they are heading in. Easily one of my favourite bands of the last five years. So go check it out! </p>
<p>Jade Bird - Different Kinds Of Light (Album) </p>
<p>Finally, my most anticipated album of this year is Jade Bird’s “Different Kinds Of Light”. The moment I discovered her music through a youtube video, I fell in love with it: part punk rocker, part Americana road trip. This follow-up release, like The Wandering Hearts, progresses Jade Bird’s style, stepping into slightly alternative waters with a distorted guitar and sliding minor melodies on tracks like “1994” and “I’m Getting Lost”. However, it still keeps that core Americana singer-songwriter quality in the personal tracks, “Houdini”, “Different Kinds Of Light” and “Red, White And Blue” each sung hauntingly by Bird. It’s a seamless ride, each track blending into the next with little effort, it’s so wonderfully crafted. It’s hard to pick a favourite track as I tend to be a fan of the slower more heartfelt tunes, yet the punchy guitar riffs of “Headstart” and “Open Up The Heavens” really grab the attention. In the end, it comes down to “Now Is The Time”, the 10th track, as my top pick. It walks in the footsteps of the likes of Bob Dylan and Neil Diamond with its free rolling ‘blue jean’ lyrics. At the same time it brings something completely new to the table with a light electric guitar and high tuned acoustic (playing D shaped chords I think) embellishing the cheery refrain. It has certainly been worth the wait and I shall be playing in full for the remainder of the year whenever I’m feeling down. Especially so, seen as I’m seeing her in concert in March next year! </p>
<p>I hope you find something new in these suggestions. They might not all be your cup of tea but that’s the thing about trying out new music - it’s all about experimentation and maybe stumbling upon something you like! </p>Sam Nixtag:samnixmusic.com,2005:Post/66172162021-04-29T17:23:04+01:002022-06-01T14:44:45+01:00What lockdown has been like as a singer-songwriter<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/545009/6e280e9312437560fd978ef0d75ada435f4cee8b/original/163066938-488375459237249-5986571549810145689-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_medium" alt="" />The past year has been a strange experience to say the least. The live entertainment and hospitality industries were stopped in their tracks, seemingly putting an indefinite hold on many artist’s lives. As a singer-songwriter I was very much included in this pause. During this time I have faced many difficulties and yet been given as many opportunities, so I thought I’d share my experience and give you a bit of insight into what it’s been like for a singer-songwriter. </p>
<p>First and most obvious, being that I have had no gigs. Though not the worst thing in the world it certainly took away a pillar of my career. Before lockdown gigs were one of the main ways I could earn money and get my music out there. It’s how I would meet other musicians and make contacts. More than anything else, not being able to perform live has been the hardest hurdle to overcome. There are obviously ways of making contacts through social media but it’s hard to do so where there are no gigs to showcase your talent. This meant my only option was to research venues, producers and studios so that now restrictions are easing, I can begin to reach out to the contacts I have found. However, for a few months that area of my career was almost non existent, which was disappointing to say the least. </p>
<p>Busking comes under this banner as well. Busking is a brilliant way of attracting public attention to your music because it is free for you and them. Again, for obvious reasons, it was shut down. Once more I was disappointed because busking is a chance not only to present your songs but to practice in front of an audience as well. While playing, I could perform new songs, judge the general reaction and then go back and adjust set lists for future gigs. Now I have a bunch of new songs lined up ready to be played, unsure whether they will work or not. On the upside, there a bunch in my back catalogue that I will have to test out when I get back on the streets. </p>
<p>This brings me on to one of the opportunities that lockdown did present and that was the chance to slow down and focus on my writing. As I mentioned in my previous blog ‘<a contents="My tips for first time songwriters" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://samnixonmusic.com/home/blog/my-tips-for-first-time-songwriters"><em>My tips for first time songwriters</em></a>’ a key part of songwriting is constantly learning new techniques, which is how I invested the time given to me. I began reading books on how to improve my lyricism and my vocabulary, as well as sitting down and improving songs I already had. I could finally enhance that one verse in the song that always bothered me. I could explore deeper meanings and themes that I hadn’t thought about writing before. As a songwriter this time was gold dust. Away from the hustle and bustle that came with a busy day to day life I could focus for a bit and now I’m ready to go with 2 albums worth of new songs! </p>
<p>This break wasn’t just useful for songwriting but also for evaluating my career so far. As noted, I could research contacts to make when everything opened up but I could also plan how to progress as well. I wrote down what I wanted to achieve and began figuring the steps I need to take to get there. While lockdown hindered the process, as I couldn’t get out the house to make those moves, at the same time I was making more progress than I had ever done before. I set up this website, streamlined my style and looked back on what hadn’t worked before so I could learn from my mistakes. As someone who is only just starting their career, while frustrating I can’t just get on with it, this gave me a once in a lifetime chance to emerge from it all and hit the ground running. It wasn’t just myself I could evaluate but other singer-songwriters too. What made them successful? How could I replicate that while maintaining my own distinct style. Coupled with hours and hours of practice, I constantly improved my opportunities to succeed. </p>
<p>While beneficial, it also became increasingly frustrating that I can’t just “get out there”. As a creative performative mind I can’t wait to go out and play, I just have to be patient. I also have to accept that while lockdown has given me the chance to improve it doesn’t mean I will automatically be successful. Things take time and this past year has certainly proved that. I’m hoping the better focus I have had will benefit me once we get back to normal and that, however annoying and restricting lockdown has been, in the long run it will also have given me the time to plan and prepare for my future career. All I can say for now, is wait and see. </p>
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<p>Facebook Page: <a contents="@samnixonmusic" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/SamNixonMusic/">@samnixonmusic</a></p>Sam Nixtag:samnixmusic.com,2005:Post/66016502021-04-12T16:28:00+01:002022-06-01T14:45:00+01:00Three "modern musicals" you need to watch...<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/545009/df26bac2f15425fd229b479527e4d1867ff5d100/original/1321288-shutterstock-1333826138-526064.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_medium" alt="" /> [Source: Shutterstock]</p>
<p>For me music and film come hand in hand. They are my two great passions and in truth film wouldn’t be the same without music. Over the years I have seen many films that employ the music to its strengths [<a contents="see my Ennio Morricone tribute" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://samnixonmusic.com/home/blog/the-magnificence-of-ennio-morricone-and-his-influence-upon-me">see my Ennio Morricone tribute</a>], but three films more than any other stand out to me. Those films are Once, Begin Again and Sing Street. They are all helmed by director John Carney, a director who doesn’t just employ music but celebrates it within his films. So I thought I would tell you how these 3 “modern musicals” have influenced me and why you should give them a watch. </p>
<p>Now I call these three films “modern musicals” because in a sense they are very contemporary from what you might expect. In all three, Carney approaches the music by having it as a natural element of the story rather than weaving the plot around big numbers a la ‘Mama Mia’. It’s a technique that has been used for years as far back as Judy Garland’s ‘A Star Is Born’. Very much in the same vein as ‘A Star Is Born’ these films all centre around a musician/musicians. Carney himself used to be a bassist so knows the ins and outs, and it’s what immediately attracted me to them. The first of the films I heard about was ‘Begin Again’ (released in 2013), when looking over projects of lead actor Mark Ruffalo. It wasn’t long before I found myself a copy and fell in love. The story is about Dan (Ruffalo), a struggling record label executive who discovers singer/songwriter Gretta (Keira Knightley) and is impressed by her fresh songs, so they pursue recording a low budget album in the streets of New York City. It’s a feel good film and has many nuances alluding to the ups and down of the music industry. As a singer/songwriter myself it is a bit of a dream for this scenario to happen, though very unlikely. However as a young kid this was something to aspire to. It gave me hope towards being an artist. Not only was it inspiring but there are some genuinely beautiful sequences that really stuck with me. Particularly one scene where Dan and Gretta walk about the city, in and out of night clubs, each wearing a pair of earphones and a splitter listening to Gretta’s personal playlist. Completely ignoring the distracting sounds around them, they bond over the fantastic music they are listening to. It shows how music can transport you to a whole different place, changing the context of your surroundings. The film constantly reminds me why music is such a passion for so many and still inspires me to reach for my goals as you never know what might happen. On top, the original songs are really catchy. </p>
<p>Soon after watching Begin Again I looked up Carney and found Once. Once is from 2007, made on a budget of only £112,000 and filmed on a skeleton crew. As a film enthusiast the indie nature of it drew me in further. Upon buying it, I yet again fell in love. This above the rest is truly a musicians film, because of it’s down to earth story and heavy focus on small time artists. Centred around the relationship between “Guy” (Glen Hansard) a struggling musician and “Girl” (Markéta Irglová) a young Czech flower seller, they bond over their shared interest in music to produce an album for “Guy”. While romance is undoubtedly where the bulk of the story lies, it also shows yet again how powerful music can be, bringing these two characters together despite the differences between them, and wonderfully using songs to explore the relationship as it grows. I particularly identify with Hansard’s character knowing what it’s like trying to make money where I can with my music, as will many others, and the essence of keeping the two lead roles so vague allows many to relate. Because their names don’t matter, the focus is put on the connection between them, the story they tell and the music they share. Capturing the mood of struggling musicians and how music lifts them is so well written, making it a fantastic watch, but don’t just take my word for it. Since it’s release it has won Best Original Song at the Academy Awards as well as being so successful that it later had a stage adaption that then won the Tony award for Best Musical. </p>
<p>The latest film Carney has produced is Sing Street. Slightly different to the previous two it is based around a school boy, Connor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo), who to impress a girl, Raphina (Lucy Boynton), starts a band with having little to no musical experience. It is a heart-warming, uplifting coming of age film that anybody can connect with. It speaks to me as music is Connor’s out, It’s how he expresses himself. For many artists like myself, music is a way to manifest feelings and the film nails that process. Set in the 80’s the soundtrack features bands like Duran Duran, The Jam and The Cure and really is a tribute to that era and the music that came out of it. The band begins to explore the diverse genres around at the time, while trying to find their own style, really stating how iconic the 80’s were and how important it is to not just follow suit. It’s a masterclass in showing if you have the drive you can do anything, something everybody needs to be reminded of time to time. A thoroughly enjoyable film, that commemorates the music of the 80’s and the experience of growing up in the middle of it all, which I wholly recommend. </p>
<p>Collectively the three films show how music connects people, how it drives people as well as how fun it can be. These films celebrate all sides of music as well as showing some of the unseen sides of musicians and the trials and tribulations they face, whether it be struggling against the tide like in Begin Again and Once, or trying to find your own distinct style like in Sing Street. Each film appeals to me in a different way and will appeal to other people for disparate reasons. Not only do they celebrate music but by being “modern musicals” it makes the genre more accessible. People who don’t enjoy the beaming tail feathers of a traditional musical, might find enjoyment in these, which to me is a win. To this day Carney is one of my favourite film makers due to his unique approach and inclusivity of music in his work. His films have left a huge impression on me as a budding singer/songwriter, an impression that I will take with me through my career. So if you enjoy music and film, these should all be on your watch list.</p>Sam Nixtag:samnixmusic.com,2005:Post/66016492021-04-07T16:00:00+01:002021-04-12T16:25:23+01:00Why #thepact is trending...<p>Over the past week or so you may have heard something called The Pact has been trending. There have been articles on BBC News, Variety and numerous other platforms. So what is it? Well it’s taken my interest so I thought I would explain why it has been trending and why it is important to songwriters. </p>
<p>The Pact is a group of top songwriters who have joined together in an open letter to end the practice of artists demanding credit and Publishing of songs they didn’t write. It has been an open secret in the industry since the days of Elvis Presley, when his manager Colonel Parker, would make sure Elvis was given co-writing credits on songs he only recorded. A phrase was even spawned, “Change a word, take a third”. While in truth it isn’t as cut and dried as that saying might suggest, the songwriters behind The Pact in an interview with variety noted, “There isn’t a songwriter who has released 10 cuts who hasn’t” [been asked about a percentage of Publishing being taken]. The percentage can range from 1% to as much as 20% and in some cases even higher. </p>
<p>For those of you who don’t know what Publishing is, Publishing is the part of a song’s profits that earns money from performance royalties (playing at a venue/on the radio), mechanical royalties (a copy is made) and sync (having it played on a tv show/movie/advert). Usually, the publishing goes to the writers and is divided between them while the other part, the Master (which includes sales, downloads, syncs...), goes to the label, producer, engineer and artist. This obviously can differ with some artists writing their own songs. The Master is more profitable than the Publishing, but percentage deals encroach on this smaller side of the profits. According to The Pact, this has become normalised and has sent them into action. On their website; https://www.the-pact.org they have very helpful posts, explaining the monetisation methods that I have just mentioned in more detail. </p>
<p>It is important to note this isn’t songwriters vs artists and labels, it simply bringing awareness to the fact that this shouldn’t be happening. The Pact states how it has two goals: </p>
<p>1. Create backing for songwriters, so that if a writer is faced with a deal they will have the support of the group; </p>
<p>2. To make sure writers know their worth. </p>
<p>In the same interview, Emily Warren, songwriter and one of the main organisers says that “Writers are often told how lucky they are to [work with a certain artist] or have a cut on someone’s album...” and because of that, Warren continues “we think that in order to continue to keep doing this as a career, we have to give in.” The Pact want to make sure up and coming songwriters are given the support and while conceding the song isn’t everything, it certainly isn’t the least important part. </p>
<p>Since debuting their letter, writers and producers like The Chainsmokers have become members of The Pact with half of the duo, Alex Pall, stating, “Songwriters are the foundation of the music and the business that surrounds it. It’s about time they get the recognition and respect that has long been deserved but missing.” It is a movement that is gaining traction with more and more followers each day. It wants to make sure there is fairness in the industry where in some cases there hasn’t been in the past. I hope this helps explain what has been going on. It’s certainly an interesting subject and one that, as a songwriter myself, I will be keeping a close eye on.</p>Sam Nixtag:samnixmusic.com,2005:Post/65765172021-03-17T15:24:14+00:002022-06-01T14:46:38+01:00My tips for first time songwriters...<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/545009/c62ee43bf25a4845857b3266be7c91a1b012438e/original/244645664-592537285355017-5905227547848549331-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_medium" alt="" />Songwriting can seem like a daunting task. Even if you don’t intend to write a Top 40 hit, you still have to write meaningful lyrics and a memorable melody to match. Don’t worry as every songwriter starts somewhere, myself included. So I thought I would share some of my best tips for first timers... </p>
<p> </p>
<p>First of all anybody can write a song. Just like how anybody can play an instrument, with enough time and practice. The main bulk of songwriting comes from simply being creative. You have to come up with an idea or message that you want to convey, and from there you can write your song. You can draw from personal experience or make something up entirely. Alternatively you can mix and match, fictionalising personal experience like I do occasionally. The important part once you have gotten your idea is deciding where you want to go with it. The best songs build meaning as they progress. Look at Adele’s ‘Someone Like You’. The first verse and pre-chorus note that while her previous love has moved on, she can’t help coming back and seeing them with the hope of getting back together. The chorus then shows that despite this, the singer is willing to let go and wish the best for the new couple. It’s a story that’s relatable and has a clear progression that pulls you in. This is what you should want to achieve. If you have a clear idea and know where you want to go with it, you can’t go wrong. </p>
<p>Every songwriter approaches the actual writing differently; music first, lyrics first or both simultaneously. In reality it doesn’t really matter, but I suggest you find the style that’s most comfortable for you. Try out the different approaches, you might find that more than one suits you. It is all about being comfortable, because my next tip is don’t over think it. Don’t try and compare yourself to the latest number one. The people who wrote that have years of experience. Just write what you feel fits. Write from the heart. That’s another way to build meaning in the song. If the lyrics are honest, the listener feels it. Obviously try and make it cohesive, but for the first couple times, just be yourself. If you begin to over think it, the writing will become automatically harder as you struggle to reach the perception you’ve built up in your head. </p>
<p>Once you have written your first few songs then you can begin to look more into the lyrics and music. Try experimenting with rhyme, rhythm, line length, chords and structure. If you want to create something really interesting musically, you should learn basic music theory. It will help widen your choice of chords and therefore create more diverse songs. Lyrically, start reading songwriting books. I do this myself because there is always more to learn. Even if the author teaches you nothing you don’t already know, they might have a different method that’s worthwhile learning about. Manufacturers are constantly picking up new techniques, and this is what reading songwriting books will do for you. I personally recommend Pat Pattinson’s ‘Writing Better Lyrics’. It’s full of great techniques that you can take on and even apply to songs you have already written. </p>
<p>My final tip is never stop writing. Think about setting aside some time each week to write a song. The only way you can truly improve is with practice. If you don’t enjoy songwriting then its fair game, but if you do and you want to further yourself you must carry on. Even if you aren’t in the mood, do it anyway. You don’t know what will come out of it. Sure, there will be songs that are better than others, but you can always go back and improve the ones that aren’t as good. Even if a song is irredeemable, it’s still a lesson learned. </p>
<p>I hope these tips have helped or inspired you to take up songwriting. I love it, which is why I want to pursue a career in it! Let me know how your songwriting has been going. If you sign up to my mailing list you can leave a comment or write to me directly via my contact page.</p>Sam Nixtag:samnixmusic.com,2005:Post/65729092021-03-13T20:48:55+00:002022-06-01T14:48:39+01:00Why I don’t write traditional love songs...<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/545009/aa168bf65a46989e1c8f1ce046287c97c90b842c/original/105416086-2726675010947947-4781134786088099304-o.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_medium" alt="" /></p>
<p>Why don’t I write traditional love songs? Well to answer that question we have to address that in fact, I do write them. “Traditional love songs” can mean a lot of things to different people. Some say that a “traditional love song” is a doting melodic piece in a crooner style. Others say it’s any proclamation of love within a song. When I talk about “traditional love songs”, I mean songs that include unconditional love, occasional escalation of events (meeting, dating, married) and happy endings. </p>
<p>So when I write “non-traditional love songs”, it means I write them with an unconventional subject or I play around with expectations. However, I’m not immune to writing happy, book-ended lyrics, just look at my first release; ‘The Englishman and the American’. It has a narrative that follows all the norms you would expect, and that’s fine! In no way are writers who write those type of lyrics bad, for that specific song I felt it was the perfect path to go down. We have always listened to love songs that are cheerful and uplifting and that you can’t get enough of because it makes you feel positive. </p>
<p>The reason I don’t normally write songs like this is because, as a songwriter, I get bored. They paint a picture of something that is rare to find; a perfect reality. In my opinion it is much more interesting for songs to reflect life, songs like Glen Hansard’s Falling Slowly or Joni Mitchell’s Both Sides Now. Both have an added depth and sadness that makes you fall even more in love with them. I find magic in the melancholy. There is something about a sadness in what should be a happy song, and that juxtaposition, that creates something brilliant. On top of that, in today’s world it is unusual to find a conventional relationship that works and we should reflect that. </p>
<p>Getting to how I write love songs. My process is down to avoiding/experimenting with typical lyric paths for a love song, or inserting a twist. Take my song ‘Never Knew’. This song is about a young man who falls in love for the first time, not knowing he could, indicated by the lines “I never knew, I could fall as hard as I did for you”. I go on to suggest that this relationship with the girl worked out, implied by the line “only feels like yesterday” suggesting the couple then went on to live a happy life. It is not until the bridge “catch in the night, I wake up cold and numb still wondering why” that you realise the young man is still alone, looking back. Maybe never even have spoken to the girl. See my thinking? It sets it up to be a traditional love song but has a twist that makes it more intriguing. </p>
<p>In comparison, my song ‘My Love, My Love’ is in many ways “traditional” but it has a much slower escalation of events and leaves you unknowing whether it reached that happy ending. I start off with two people exchanging glances; that firework moment: “Don’t look at me that way”. I then continue to build over the night until the narrator internally states “So let me take you into my arms”. Line after line the pair get closer and closer right down to the second they are about to kiss and you are left “waiting on the one” but you never actually reach it, going back into the narrators internal refrain. It has signatures of a traditional love song, confessing ones love (even internally) and an escalation but it plays around with the ideas in a way the listener might not expect. To me this makes the song more interesting. </p>
<p>Doing something unexpected lyrically instantly sets a song apart and gives it flavour. Songwriters have been doing it for years, Both Sides Now being a light song that quickly turns sour. You may notice that my lyrics are also conceivable. Moments like these could happen, in the same way songwriters use personal experience to write love songs, these lyrics reflect life. Not only does it make them more relatable but it makes them more compelling. It’s like telling a story. We will always be more interested in real life stories and sharing experiences, it’s the human condition. I hope this has given you a bit more insight into my writing process with what you already know about how I design songs to play over movie scenes. Yes, I know that seems to negate the part about reflecting life, but in this instance you can definitely have it both ways. You may or may not agree but this is why I tend not to write love songs that conform with the expected lyrical structure. If you found this blog interesting let me know, I’m always happy to hear feedback.</p>Sam Nixtag:samnixmusic.com,2005:Post/65572982021-02-24T12:46:46+00:002022-06-01T14:49:24+01:00Why walking is good for your health AND great for writing...<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/545009/44162cfe903a66e531d0d823fae974f53f31e9b2/original/154144465-431603111428622-5284287048309514801-n.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_medium" alt="" /></p>
<p>We all know that feeling of being stuck inside all day. Tasks become monotonous and nothing seems to be getting done. You do what you can, but at the end of the day you feel unaccomplished, and you worry that tomorrow will be exactly the same. Don’t worry because I have a solution; walking.</p>
<p>Since November 2020 I have tried to walk for at least an hour each day, often much longer on weekends. The results have been brilliant, and I’ll tell you why. When I fully committed to music a few years ago I started to notice a trend; I came up with my best hooks while walking. This would sometimes be a chorus, a whole verse or even just a line, but whatever I came up with I built a song upon. So when the COVID lockdown came around it gave me chance to really indulge in walking and spending that time with my thoughts. It also gave my dog a chance to exercise in her older years. I would block out what I had been working on that day, take in my surroundings and focus on my thoughts. Often a random lyric would pop into my head while thinking about a plot line in a book, or a tune might slide its way in while singing a bad rendition of a pop song. When I got back the only thing I could think about was completing whatever song I had come up with. It blew away any distractions or writer’s block and opened up a door of flowing creativity. Not only that but both myself and my dog noticed improvements in our health. I certainly saw a change in my breathing. I am now able to hold much longer notes and have far more control over my breath. On top of this it also keeps away those pesky calories you build up in excess through the day. </p>
<p>Now don’t just take my word for it, as there have been plenty of testimonials, from scientific studies to famous writers. Charles Dickens once spoke of how his “last special feat was turning out of bed at two, after a hard day, pedestrian and otherwise, and walking thirty miles into the country to breakfast” explaining how he was an “expert” at walking because he had done so much. Part of the reason he walked so much was because of travelling up and down the country however, while impossible to judge, it isn’t hard to believe he used the time to think about his novels. Another incredible writer Ernest Hemmingway wrote how he would “walk along the quais when *he* had finished work or when *he* was trying to think something out.” It shows a precedent for walking being able to open up your mind. There is even an ancient Latin saying ‘Solvitur Ambalando’ meaning ‘it is solved by walking’ suggesting that in the ancient world philosophical thinkers found solutions to problems while walking. I found these quotes while digging around for an explanation to my revelation in an interesting article by Nicole Bianchi, who quotes many more famous writers. If you’re interested in further reading I have linked the article below. </p>
<p>So why do we feel better and more cognitive after walking? Well it comes down to basic biology. When we do even the minimalist amount of exercise our hearts begins to pump faster, pushing more oxygen around all the organs (in this case the brain) and reinvigorating any cells that might have been put aside. The hippocampus increases in size which is highly important to creativity as this is the section in the brain that is crucial for memory, meaning you can remember ideas you may have forgotten. What walking has over a more strenuous activities such as running is that, because you set your own pace, the blood isn’t rushing as fast so you can ponder over thoughts rather than have a hundred at once. In 2014 Stanford researches conducted a study on the link between brain function and walking with 176 college students. The 4 experiments required the subjects to either sit or run on a treadmill inside, and walk or sit outside. They were then asked questions based on “divergent thinking”. Once the study concluded they found 100% of those who walked outside could come up with at least 1 high quality analogy, compared to the 50% who sat down inside. If that isn’t proof enough I don’t know what is. I will also link the study below for your further reading. </p>
<p>It is clear that there is a link between being able access more parts of your brain when walking, than when stuck within a confined room. I personally have experienced it and wholly recommend it. As noted famous writers from the past too have felt the effects. So if you’re feeling stuck and need that boost I suggest go out for a walk. If you don’t have a lot of time only go for twenty minutes, if you do have the time try planning a walk and going for as long as you like, but not enough to make you tired so you won’t want to work when you return. I also suggest if you fully want to shut off and not interact with your thoughts, you should listen to a podcast or some soothing music. This takes away the distractions while still giving you the benefit of fresh air and exercise meaning, when you get back you might find your have brand new ideas waiting for you. Obviously this is all my opinion, but I would love to hear your thoughts on it, so feel free to get in touch or leave a comment.</p>
<p>Nicole Bianchi Article - <a contents="https://nicolebianchi.medium.com/how-a-daily-walk-can-boost-your-creativity-a29a236582d2" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://nicolebianchi.medium.com/how-a-daily-walk-can-boost-your-creativity-a29a236582d2">https://nicolebianchi.medium.com/how-a-daily-walk-can-boost-your-creativity-a29a236582d2</a></p>
<p>Stanford Study - <a contents="https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/xlm-a0036577.pdf" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/xlm-a0036577.pdf">https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/xlm-a0036577.pdf</a></p>
<p> </p>Sam Nixtag:samnixmusic.com,2005:Post/65404332021-02-06T10:30:33+00:002022-06-01T14:54:39+01:00The magnificence of Ennio Morricone and his influence on me... <h2><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/545009/d147d62a62fda8dc6838cdf7a33ca4791c58f736/original/36d4f6bd-a06c-447f-be7e-eedc2c3c5371.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_center border_medium" alt="" /></h2>
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<p>The late Ennio Morricone was not only one of the greatest composers of all time but one of the great story tellers. His work has been revered and applauded for generations. His contribution to the film industry means that his work will not be forgotten for many years to come. Morricone was, and remains one of my biggest influences. His scores shaped the way I experienced stories, never failing to bring a lump to my throat. </p>
<p>Morricone’s genius is his ability to convey a story or moment in time without any visual stimulus. This is evident in his Once Upon A Time In The West (Leone, 1968) score, particularly the main theme. Closing your eyes and listening, you feel the desperate struggle of those who moved out west just trying to put a dollar to their name. Tingling with melancholy at the sparse desolate landscape that many are trying to make habitable, you admire the hope of those starting anew, unsure whether in time it will work or not. This from a simple suggestion of the setting from the title and the beautiful score. It has an emotional impact on it’s own but paired with Leone’s wide scoping shots of the scenery it becomes magical; bringing a moment, that passed over 100 years ago back to life. Morricone often wrote the music before filming began, adding credence to how perfectly he captures a mood without even seeing the finished product. On this particular film, Sergio Leone had the actors listen to the score in the background whilst on set. Undoubtedly, his score influenced the actors performance, creating a moving depiction of the old west. </p>
<p>In The Mission (Joffé,1986), Morricone demonstrates his skill to understand and communicate a setting numerous times. Gabriel’s Oboe magnificently paints the serenity of the South American jungles whilst conveying the power and beauty of god that compels the Jesuit priests to achieve their “mission” of educating and converting the natives. What contributes to this effect is Morricone’s ability to adapt. The score includes liturgical chorus’, Spanish guitars and native drumming in an effort to display the varying cultures and the time setting depicted. It doesn’t stop there! Not only could Morricone adapt, he could innovate. You only need consider why there is electric guitar in his scores for westerns to see this. ‘Man With A Harmonica’ is an excellent example. Firstly, the knife edge splitting Harmonica motif, perfectly capturing the tension of Charles Bronson’s character, then the distorted exploding electric guitar descent that pushes the tension further and further. It would not be the same track without this. Yet, if you were to accurately score the film for the time, the guitar would be absent, robbing the character’s theme, and the scenes it plays over, of the elevated tension. Time and again Morricone has demonstrated his ability to adapt, innovate and chronicle what he is tasked with describing to any audience, at the same time, breaking language, cultural and social barriers. </p>
<p>Morricone’s skill does not stop there, another feature being how recognisable his work is. His work is undeniably memorable, his melodies are catchy and yet never diminishing the overall sound. All you have to say is “the good, the bad and the ugly” and the theme strikes up in your head. Let’s not forget his delicate ‘Chi Mai’ which reached number 2 in the UK charts in 1981. Part of his memorability is down to the catchy motifs and their repetitive nature, but also because of how good the music is. Speaking as a film buff myself, to walk away from a cinema remembering the score as much as the events in the film is rare. Morricone can even improve the films presence in ways you may not even notice. Whenever you hear that combination of notes, or chord progression Morricone arranged, be it a fanfare from The Untouchables (De Palmer, 1987) or the unnerving dissonance and bass notes from The Thing (Carpenter, 1982), you will be taken back to the lasting image of the film in your head. This brilliance is another one of the reasons Morricone is remembered so fondly. </p>
<p>These significant aspects of Morricone and his work are instrumental to explaining why he is so influential. Hans Zimmer, one of the most notable composers of the 21st century, credits Ennio Morricone with inspiring him to become a film composer. During an interview with Gramophone, Zimmer notes upon seeing ‘Once Upon A Time In The West’ he walked away knowing his career path. What made Morricone stand out to him was the penchant for taking the influences of Bach and Mozart (who inspired both composers) and used “both styles so well and (gave) it completely his own voice.” He goes on to state how personal Morricone is with his scores, “each piece Morricone writes seems to be personal to the individual listening to it, and that’s a really amazing achievement.” I concur having had conversations with other people who each come away with their own experience of the music, yet still able to completely understand the main message behind the score. </p>
<p>Film director Quentin Tarantino has often stated Morricone’s scores as influential when growing up; going on to include numerous scores of his in his films. Not only have film industry professionals credited him as influences but bands such as Muse, Dire Straits and Metallica too. Personally, Morricone is a huge influence on my style of songwriting and writing in general. When writing a song, I take Morricone’s method of conveying a mood without having to state such. When I write melodies and chord progressions I want my listener to feel what the song is about before they even hear the lyrics. One of the main ways I compose is to imagine the moment or film scene in my head and write about what I see, trying to create the perfect accompaniment for that scene. I constantly ask myself as I compose ‘What would play over the top’? This method is directly attributable to my love of cinema. If I rely solely on the lyrics to convey what I’m trying to say I consider that a failure in the same way a director may feel having to rely solely on exposition. I also try to innovate and adapt. If I am working in a different genre than normal I will use the instruments or song structures of those genres whilst putting my own stamp on them by taking an unusual theme or lead instrument. Morricone, among other influences has not only helped me craft my own style of writing but style within in my genre too. </p>
<p>It is easy to see why Morricone is so influential and adored. His scores are technically interesting and inspiring, his melodies making strong impressions that people remember. Morricone is one of the greats, never to be forgotten and with over 500 contributions to the musical world, it is astounding that he only achieved one Academy Award for original score in his lifetime. Yet, Morricone has never been about winning. He has always been about the music, baring his soul and message to the audience. Words cannot describe the true emotion of his scores but it is the reason we keep returning to them. Last year was one of the worlds greatest losses to the music industry but because of his legacy his magnificence will be with us forever. May his work continue to inspire future generations as they did me. </p>
<p><strong>Ennio Morricone 1928-2020</strong></p>
<p><strong>Once Upon A Time In The West Soundtrack - <a contents="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efdswXXjnBA" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efdswXXjnBA">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efdswXXjnBA</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>The Mission Soundtrack - <a contents="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oag1Dfa1e_E" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oag1Dfa1e_E">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oag1Dfa1e_E</a></strong></p>Sam Nix