Watch “Solitude of Heart” by AMPERSOUNDS ft Rufus Wainwright

Published

2 weeks ago

July 19, 2021

Da Mixx

More often than not, we have come to recognise French DJ Fred Falke and LA-based Zen Freeman for their electrifying electro house music. Linking up as the duo AMPERSOUNDS sees the legendary “DJ/producers branch out from their realms to explore dreamier soundscapes on their curiously non-titled debut EP. We are more used to seeing Fred Falke’s name flag up on remixes or collaborate with some of our most loved pop artists. An endless list, that covers Robyn and Bastille through to Luciana and Ellie Goulding. Wanting to expand their sound, Fred and Zen go with a more theatrical vibe on their new project. AMPERSOUDS are joined by GRAMMY® Award-nominated artist Rufus Wainwright for two incredible tracks, “TECHNOPERA” and “Solitude of Heart“.

On paper, this seems like an exciting collaboration. Brought to life in music and vision, it is a lush and blissful interaction between three esteemed artists. They are delving into a magical elixir bound by all of their skillful artistry. On “Solitude of Heart“, AMPERSOUNDS and Rufus are actually interpreting the poetry of Rabindranath Tagore. This being used as the lyrics of the track. Rufus‘ steers the emotive verses penned by Tagore with a dreamy vocal performance befitting of the golden-voiced singer. Poignant. Intoxicating. Intensely heartfelt.

Speaking about the new track. Rufus Wainwright comments,

“I love sometimes working with existing lyrics, and “Solitude of Heart” by Rabindranath Tagore seemed incredibly fitting for our time. There is something very laid back about the track but also deep at the same time. I think it is the perfect track to listen to in the middle of the night. And we all know those can be very long, so one can listen over and over again.”

The lyrics have somewhat of a spiritual feeling about them. Words that build a sense of enlightenment and being uplifted. A softer kind of euphoria as if the first light of dawn is about to break on an azure blue horizon. With it comes a sense of new hope and optimism. The track is supported by a Glass Battles directed animated visual. Using soothing shades of colour and torchlight like embellishments. The clip taps into the rejuvenating sensibility of the track.

When the stresses of the day pile on. Give yourself a break. Live in the moment with “Solitude of Heart“. It works like, a remedy, Will, bring the heart rate right down. And you will feel a sense of well-being take over.

Connect with AMPERSOUNDS
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ampersounds/

Connect with Rufus Wainright
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rufuswainwrightofficial/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rufuswainwright
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rufuswainwright/

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Watch “are you?” by zeph

Published

15 hours ago

July 29, 2021

Da Mixx

I have New Zealand singer-songwriter Thomston to thank for an early introduction to Maryland-based bedroom pop auteur zeph (Zephani Jong). She featured on Thomston’s recent, dreamy offering “Magnolia” (review here), providing a splash of liquid gold harmonies to the sonically driven piece. She is also the latest artist to be snapped up by Neon Gold Records as a part of their fantastic roster of artists and has released her first single on the label. The catchy and fresh alt-pop track “are you?” arrives ahead of her forthcoming debut EP slated for arrival in the Autumn.

Her vocals are shimmering and hypnotic, with a notable breeziness about them. The best way of describing her style is that it is really, quite indie-pop angelic. And she is into creating vibes from the ground up. The debut “are you?” is written, recorded, and produced by, Zeph herself. She also exudes some quirkiness, which I love to see in pop artists (in fact applies to people in general). I am, loving that quite a lot of quirkiness has spilt over into the music video also. It is sweet and adorable to watch and is making me want to jump into the screen to join her because it looks like Zeph had the best kind of fun making this Erik Rojas (Isaac Dunbar, Rich Brian, Jessie J) directed video.

The track endearingly broaches the topic of relationships. Does this guy still want to be with Zeph? If only he would quit the mind games. Speak up, reciprocate with some answers and not be so vague and distant, Zeph politely inquires.

Zeph has a voice that is sweet enough to charm. Yet her honest, straight to the point style of lyricism is her weapon of choice and the embodiment of her signature style. This is the winning formula that culminates in the whimsical banger “are you?“. Dive into this fiercely cute pop track now. I guarantee after just one listen, it will be in your head for the rest of the day.

Connect with Zeph
Twitter: https://twitter.com/zephanijong
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zephanijong/

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Happiness Not Included: Soft Cell announce new album

Published

16 hours ago

July 29, 2021

Da Mixx

Soft Cell have shared details of their brand new album, Happiness Not Included, set for release in Spring 2022. The LP will be the first from Marc Almond and Dave Ball since 2002’s Cruelty Without Beauty.

The album’s release will be preceded by a new single, due out this Autumn.

“In this album I wanted to look at us as a society,” says Marc Almond, “a place where we have chosen to put profits before people, money before morality and decency, food before the rights of animals, fanaticism before fairness and our own trivial comforts before the unspeakable agonies of others. But in the album there is also a belief that there is a utopia if we can peel back the layers and understand what really matters.”

Dave Ball, meanwhile, describes *Happiness Not Included as “Science fiction stories for the 21st century.”

*Happiness Not Included is available for pre-order here.

The duo have also announced a string of live dates, kicking off on 10 November at Glasgow O2 Academy (full list below). Tickets go on general sale here from 10am on Friday, 6 August.

Read our Soft Cell interview here

*Happiness Not Included tracklisting

‘Happy Happy Happy’
‘Polaroid’
‘Bruises On My Illusions’
‘Purple Zone’
‘Heart Like Chernobyl’
‘Light Sleepers’
‘*Happiness Not Included’
‘Nostalgia Machine’
‘Nighthawks’
‘I’m Not A Friend Of God’
‘Tranquiliser’
‘New Eden’

LIVE DATES

Wednesday 10 November 2021 GLASGOW O2 ACADEMY

Friday 12 November 2021 MANCHESTER O2 APOLLO

Saturday 13 November 2021 LEEDS O2 ACADEMY

Monday 15 November 2021 LONDON HAMMERSMITH APOLLO

Tuesday 16 November 2021 LONDON HAMMERSMITH APOLLO

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James Blake announces new album Friends That Break Your Heart

Published

17 hours ago

July 29, 2021

Da Mixx

Friends That Break Your Heart

Mercury Music Prize and Grammy Award-winning singer and multi-instrumentalist, James Blake has announced his fifth studio album, Friends That Break Your Heart, due out 10th September 2021, via Polydor Records.

Blake joined Annie Mac on BBC Radio 1 to premiere the album’s first single, Say What You Will alongside co-hosting the show.

The accompanying music video for the single is directed by Bear Damen and features a guest appearance from Finneas.

Of the single, Blake says: “The song is about finding peace with who you are and where you’re at regardless of how well other people seem to be doing. Comparison really is the thief of joy.”

The new record follows the Covers EP – a collection of Blake’s favourite covers, including his version of Frank Ocean’s Godspeed – and his 2019 album Assume Form which was his highest charting LP in both the UK and US to date.

James Blake’s first new full-length album in two years, Friends That Break Your Heart will feature collaborations from JID & SwaVay, Monica Martin and SZA. James worked closely with British artist Miles Johnston to design a cover reflective of the album. The result is a visual encapsulation of the emotions brought forth throughout the body of work.

Pre-order the album here.