Songs of November 2021

Lazy Queen have released their brand new EP ‘A Human Reaction’ via Swedish label, Icons Creating Evil Art. Featuring the highly-acclaimed singles ‘Bed/Head’, ‘Alcohol’ and new single ‘Detached, Together’, Lazy Queen’s latest instalment is both an insurmountable emotional maelstrom and the exhausted, tattered calm that follows. 

It seems there is no topic too sensitive for the Oslo-based four piece, they delight in weaving bouncy pop melodies around the darkest lyrical sentiments, caught up in a howl of guitars and newly explored electronic elements. With a run time of just over 18 minutes, ‘A Human Reaction’ is packed full of comforting and danceable future favourites from Lazy Queen. 

‘A Human Reaction’ was first pieced together within the confines of Henrik García Søberg’s home studio. Melodies were mapped out from the same desk as the band’s most nuanced yet still edgy lyrics were being scrawled. Like almost every artist in the world in 2020, Lazy Queen were negotiating lockdowns and semi-lockdowns, and it is this combination of pressure and frustration that has led to their most honest and developed work to date. 

Produced by Morten Øby at Taakenheimen Lydriket in Oslo, Lazy Queen band members would head into the studio in fragmented slots, unable to exact their vexation in ways they had on previous releases. In spite of this, ‘A Human Reaction’ is an expansive record that integrates itself in the psyche of its listeners, leaving a sense of heart-warming riff-heavy recognition.

Vocalist/guitarist  Henrik García Søberg (they/them) explains “As a whole, I would describe the mood of this record as one of isolation, but writing about feeling lonely, it’s not to make other people feel alone or isolated, it’s rather the opposite. There’s always the option of letting yourself sit and get lost in those emotions, but making the choice of saying something, whether that be to write a song about it, picking up a phone to call a friend - you’re making a choice to prove those overwhelming feelings wrong.” 

In summing up ‘A Human Reaction’, Henrik offers a contemplative remark. “At the moment, like a lot of things, it’s hard to get a hold of - it’s hard to see the shape of this and what impact it’ll make.” They continue on, “We were really able to say what we wanted to say, even though I have no idea what that is. And it needed to come out like it has, in this moody, time capsule  but I’m still learning about how I was feeling”.

Keep an eye out for even more new music from Lazy Queen soon. 

More from Lazy Queen
Official webpage: https://www.lazyqueenband.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lazyqueenband
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lazyqueengang
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LazyQueenBand
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1U9zqBUEcScanms647YanK
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC78ksQbPjwC_3z79_DTwBJw
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/lazyqueenband

Buy/Stream

Lazy Queen - A Human Reaction

every single day

When I'm alone

N E W   R E L E A S E S

«Superstar», the debut record from Norwegian art-pop outfit Mall Girl, represents an exciting new chapter for the buzzed-about band. The release follows a string of successful singles, including their 2018 track “Slay Queen,” which introduced them as an act to watch in the alt-pop arena. The chaotic year of 2020 brought a string of infectious, vibey singles, including “My Sweet Mall Girl” and the fierce “Bad Girl." 

Members Iver Armand Tandsether, Hannah Veslemøy Narvesen, Eskild Myrvoll and Bethany Forseth-Reichberg were forced to get creative when the pandemic hit, sidelining best-laid plans to flesh out some songs before heading into the studio together. 

"Because of COVID regulations and the four of us living in two different cities, we changed the way we worked with the songs quite radically in the months leading up to the studio recording,” Narvesen says. "We’ve always been very oriented towards the live performance of the songs, including when we compose them together in our rehearsal space. That way of working has led to some challenges when recording, as you end up listening to the songs in a different manner and might figure out you should have done everything differently."

While others put their creative endeavors on hold, Mall Girl opted to try something different. Many of the songs on «Superstar» were tracks that the band regularly performed, but they wanted to seize the opportunity to evolve their sound even more.

“We actually ended up ‘remote composing’ big parts of the album, with everyone working from their own home studio and bouncing ideas back and forth,” Narvesen explains. "This was a very welcome change of workflow for us, and it lead to us making some songs which probably wouldn’t have turned out that way had we been together in the same room."

This experimental shift in their creative process led to the creation of songs bursting with infectious hooks, hypnotizing grooves and punchy lyrics. It brings all of the edginess from their previously releases, just through a slightly different lens.

“In many ways I think we’ve kept most of the spirit in the music, just the joy of playing together while exploring different genres and breaking conventions.”

Recorded at Studio Paradiso in Oslo with longtime collaborator Marcus Forsgren, «Superstar» runs the gamut of emotions and moments of reflection on our fleeting experiences. “Feel Like Crying,” the first song Mall Girl ever wrote together, taps into the overwhelming question of where we all belong in the universe. “Machine Gun Mystery” dives into a darker realm, presenting an alter ego we all wrestle with, who thrives on power. The beautiful chaos of love is at the center of “You And I,” while “Dance Alone” highlights just how much can be said through a wave of silence. 

As a whole, «Superstar» finds Mall Girl fully realized, with a fresh perspective that positions them as one of pop’s most intriguing new acts.

Mall Girl - Bubbly Cool Drink

Circles, the new single from Chris Liebing with Tom Adams (@oceantemple) and @ralfhildenbeutel
Single Mix feat. additional production from @janblomqvist
Album Version taken from the forthcoming #AnotherDay on @muterecords

Pre-order Another Day: http://mute.ffm.to/cl-ad or pre-save: http://mute.ffm.to/ad-ps
Subscribe to the Chris Liebing Newsletter here: http://bit.ly/CLMAILER

Circles (feat. Tom Adams)

Circles (feat. Tom Adams) - Single Edit

Circles (feat. Tom Adams) (Single Mix)

RHODODENDRON

Eat The Moon

Lazy Queen entered the Norwegian music scene like a breath of fresh air by way of New York, and today, the four-piece led by Henrik Gacía Søberg (they/them) have returned with a stunning cacophony of introspection on new single “Bed/Head”.  

Powered by their unique amalgamation of guitar structures from Brooklyn’s DIY scene and bouncy slacker pop melodies, the new track (produced by long-time Lazy Queen collaborator Morten Øby at Taakenheimen Lydriket in Oslo) sees the band take a tongue-in-cheek look at the causality between coping mechanisms and isolation, while knowing life continues all the same.
 
Speaking on the track, Henrik explains “Bed/Head is what your room smells when you haven’t gotten out of bed for a week straight. It’s feeling like your friends have forgotten you exist, and you’ve given them every reason to. It’s forgetting the sound of your own voice. It’s isolation and looking for a way out. It’s also a noisy pop song.”

The latest offering is an explicitly refreshed direction for Lazy Queen, who inked a new longform recording and publishing deal with Swedish label Icons Creating Evil Art in the summer of 2021. Said Henrik of the new union “we already feel right at home with our neighbouring brothers in ICEA. And we’re hoping to make this union of Norway and Sweden a little less “war-like” than the one from some 100 odd years ago, but only slightly”

“Bed/Head” follows the release of “Get Home or Die Trying”. Released through Eget Selskap and Pick & Mix labels, the darkly beautiful EP served as a crucial catharsis for the band processing personal trauma, allowing them to reassess, grow and move forward. Carefully considered singles “Bid Geal”, “Gutted”, “Throwaway” and “A Place (To Bury Strangers)” received widespread support and critical acclaim from renowned outlets such as Wonderland Magazine, Under The Radar, NYLON, Red Bull Music, Earmilk, Indietronica, Impose Magazine,  Medium and more. 

Along with extensive streaming and radio support they also played an incendiary set during the US festival #iVoted, where they as the only Norwegian booking shared the billing with artists such as Billie Eilish, Fantastic Negrito and Måneskin. 

With an increasingly vibrant Norwegian Indie Rock scene on the rise, Lazy Queen - as founded by Colombian-Norwegian Henrik García Søberg (they/them) - have made their mark with a sound inspired by the rich traditions of the Brooklyn DIY scene that birthed the band, ambitious and effervescent releases, coupled with their unique ability to convey personal and relatable experiences through García Søberg’s lyrics. 

The Oslo-based outfit effortlessly blends harmonic and discordant elements together with an instinctive ear for melody into a playful, innovative and vibrant sound, which affixes both context and contrast to lyrics that often explore life’s more maladjusted corners. It’s immediate. It’s urgent. It impatiently demands your attention.
Keep an eye out for even more new music from Lazy Queen soon. 

Lazy Queen was born in Brooklyn, raised in Oslo, and will never die. Join the wreckage.

More from Lazy Queen
Official webpage: https://www.lazyqueenband.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lazyqueenband
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lazyqueengang
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LazyQueenBand
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1U9zqBUEcScanms647YanK
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC78ksQbPjwC_3z79_DTwBJw
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/lazyqueenband

Bed/Head

Lazy Queen - Bed/Head

Lazy Queen return with their new single “Alcohol”, a jubilant slice of insistent and introspective guitar furore,  the latest track to be released from their hotly anticipated forthcoming EP “A Human Reaction”, set for release on 18th March 2022 via Swedish tastemaker label Icons Creating Evil Art.

Ahead of the release of “A Human Reaction”, Norwegian-New York bubble punk hybrids Lazy Queen are bringing their joyous, riotous sound to the UK in March. Be sure to catch the four-piece at one of the following venues: 
1st March - Birmingham, Sunflower Lounge
2nd March - London, Old Blue Last
3rd March - Brighton, Hope & Ruin 
5th March - Milton Keynes, The Craufurd Arms 
7th March - Bristol, The Lanes
9th March - Manchester, 33 Oldham Street 

“Alcohol” (produced by long-time Lazy Queen collaborator Morten Øby at Taakenheimen Lydriket in Oslo) is an ever-climbing energetic burst that delights in the chaos and unpredictability of oneself. There’s a certain sweetness that lies within the sing-a-long style lyrics, “maybe it’s the alcohol”. 

Henrik Gacía Søberg had the following to say about the latest single “Alcohol”:
"You know that feeling, when life feels impossibly confusing and difficult and everything is spiraling out of control, and then, in a sudden moment of infuriating clarity, you realize that the answer is simply a very sensible measure you’re absolutely not willing to take; ‘cause that sweet sweet wallowing in your own misery is just too good to let go… sucks, doesn't it?"”

“A Human Reaction” marks a new chapter for the band. Lazy Queen, the Norway-based four-piece led by Henrik García Søberg (they/them), have created a deeply personal and forward-thinking release that cohesively sees the band pay homage to both their roots in Brooklyn’s DIY scene and more contemporary pop sensibilities, coupled with their unique ability to convey personal and relatable experiences through García Søberg’s lyrics. In late 2021, the band shared the first taste of the new record in the single “BED/HEAD”, a stunning cacophony of introspection, the music video to which premiered on CLASH earlier this month and also received praise by the likes of KERRANG and Rock Sound.

The upcoming EP follows the release of 2021’s `''Get Home or Die Trying”. Released through Eget Selskap and Pick & Mix labels, the darkly beautiful EP served as a crucial catharsis for the band processing personal trauma, allowing them to reassess, grow and move forward. Carefully considered singles “Bid Geal”, “Gutted”, “Throwaway” and “A Place (To Bury Strangers)” received widespread support and critical acclaim from renowned outlets such as Wonderland Magazine, Under The Radar, NYLON, Red Bull Music, Earmilk, Indietronica, Impose Magazine,  Medium and more. 

Along with extensive streaming and radio support they also played an incendiary set during the US festival #iVoted, where they as the only Norwegian booking shared the billing with artists such as Billie Eilish, Fantastic Negrito and Måneskin. 
The Oslo-based outfit effortlessly blends harmonic and discordant elements together with an instinctive ear for melody into a playful, innovative and vibrant sound, which affixes both context and contrast to lyrics that often explore life’s more maladjusted corners. It’s immediate. It’s urgent. It impatiently demands your attention.

Keep an eye out for even more new music from Lazy Queen soon. 

More from Lazy Queen
Official webpage: https://www.lazyqueenband.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lazyqueenband
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lazyqueengang
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LazyQueenBand
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1U9zqBUEcScanms647YanK
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC78ksQbPjwC_3z79_DTwBJw
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/lazyqueenband

Alcohol

Lazy Queen - Alcohol

A Human Reaction

Lazy Queen - Rėāçtįöń

Lazy Queen - Detached, Together

lazy Queen - Hūmäń

Lazy Queen - Â

Art-Pop artist Bonander is back with a powerful and intimate EP, unpicking traumas connected to body and self-image
 
Enigmatic and alluring, Bonander released her visionary debut album, 'Things We Don’t Talk About' through Icons Creating Evil Art on 20th August 2021. The full-length was praised by media giants such as Rolling Stone, It's All indie, High Snobiety and GAFFA.  Now she is back with a new EP called "the thread", unpicking traumas revolving body and self-image. Leaning heavily on its acoustic element, the exquisite arrestments gives the EP's theme an even more naked and exposed edge.

Bonander is the shorthand for Ellinor Sterner Bonander. Sporting the role of musician, arranger and producer, the native Swede is a woman unchained. Boldly charging head first into her own fears in regards to the projects subsect, Bonander got to examine her own body image in a detailed and unforgiving way. It all began at a music residency where the artist spent a lot of time by herself a couple of years ago. She says: "'the thread' has been something of a therapeutic journey for me. I tried to challenge myself by writing on the topic of the body, precisely because it was initially experienced as something difficult and scary. I understood quite quickly that there were things to face and sort out there. I got the desire to, via music, lyric and image, put the spotlight on the self contempt for our bodies I and many others have, with the hope that it might lead to something else entirely."

Known for her cinematic soundscapes filled of dense bass lines, playful synth melodies and orchestral elements, Bonander sought to scale down the bombastic arrangements and let the music be more bare and intimate then her earlier work. “musically I wanted to go in a different direction. The challenge was to be as stripped down in the production as I dared, in the same way as the vulnerability in the lyrics I wrote.” she tell us.  
To further capture the essence and emotion of the music, she decided to record the EP live and contacted the pianist, organizer and colleague Sara Hermansson. Together they recorded and arranged five out of the EPs six tracksapart form it'sfirst single 'the loop', which Bonander wrote and arranged by herself. “The recordings are live takes where we play together without a metronome. I am incredibly grateful for Sara's artistry that’s contributed greatly to this work. She even lent me a piano piece she’s written as the outro of this Ep. As the icing on the cake, I also got to record the fantastic violinist Elias Sjöwall. Together, I hope we convey something fragile, naked and a little beautifully broken to the listener.”

“the thread” encourages the listener to join in discourse of uncomfortable topics and challenge the harmful social strukturs that is still very much in place. “We live in such an incredibly exposed society when it comes to appearance.” says Bonander. “As children, we are told that it is the inside that counts, but in every room you are in, it is disproved time and time again. In the workplace, at home, in love life, in the media. Appearance is capital and it's not until we acknowledge it that we can work towards it”.

‘the loop’ is the first single of upcoming EP 'the thread', released everywhere on September 29th, 2023 via Icons Creating Evil Art.

the thread

the loop

Bonander - the loop

REACH is back from their Europe tour with another crushing rock-anthem in new single Mama Mama
 
Recently recovered from an extensive and wildly successful tour around Europe supporting H.E.A.T., as well as the highly anticipated album release ‘The Promise of a Life’, REACH is back with a new thrilling tale in a punching Rock N’ Roll attire. ‘Mama Mama’ is the first offering from the band's brand new album and jump-starts the campaign with a healthy portion of energy, drama and attitude.

Apart from its high intensity and satisfactory rock casing, the song has some intriguing and horrifying storytelling wrapped in the grinding guitars and powerful vocal performance. Front singer and songwriter Ludvig Turner tells us about the dark lyrical theme of the single; “Mama Mama is one of the darkest songs from the new album. It’s written from the perspective of a kid seeing his parents fight, believing it's his fault. Classic… Mom beats dad to death and the kid worries what's gonna happen next. It all ends with him beating mommy to death”

REACH is known to incorporate a dramatic flare into their music, both musically and through their lyrics, and the new song does not disappoint! In this new album, the band teamed up with music producer Christian Schneider, who made it his mission to unite the playful essence of REACH’s music with their raw talent as musicians. Turner goes on to explain about his songwriting process: “I´m not really fantasizing about doing or experiencing the things I write about, but I will see or hear something really strange and then wanna make music and a story about it. This song takes inspiration from an interview Dr Phil did with a Teen named Zachary Davis. It is some dark horrific stuff, nothing for the faint of heart. But that's what I saw and “Mama Mama” is what came out of it.”

The trio consisting of Ludvig Turner, Marcus Johansson and Soufian Ma’Aoui is characterized by their mutual passion for music, their drive for experimentation and finding a very genuine joy in the process. The bond that connects the three musicians is evident in their explosive and unforgettable live shows, where their innate musical ability is bolstered by their unchained nature and love for improvisation.

After the extensive tour around Europe alongside H.E.A.T, Turner tells us: "We´re overwhelmed by the support and reactions from the tour. It was our first time playing the songs of "The Promise of a Life" live and they sound even better live than on record, and they sound damn well on record. We´re thankful for our chance to go out as H.E.A.T´s support act and we´re confident that we should keep doing what we do."

While making a name for themselves around Europe, steadily growing in supporters and fans, Reach opens this new era in thier Rock-Saga with a track that will no doubt keep their audience jumping and dancing. ‘Mama Mama’ is out September 15th via Swedish Boutique Label Icons Creating Evil Art.

Prophecy

Mama Mama

REACH - Mama Mama

Darkplace släpper de sista bitarna av sin episka berättelse om världens undergång med det nya albumet "About The End Of The World"

Darkplace är ett anonymt konstprojekt som intog musikscenen med imponerande närvaro och unikt berättarskap tidigare detta år. Musiken är rotad i postpunk men inspireras av en mängd andra genrer i sin komposition, där bland annat Experimentell Rock, Alt-Pop och Shoegaze är framträdande. Debutalbumet 'About the End of the World' är en monumental release som inte bara talar genom ljudmediet, utan också genom vackra och dystra digitala målningar och animationer. Konceptet bakom albumet utspelar sig i en mörk framtid eller kanske en alternativ nutid, där världen skildras i bilder inspirerade av verkliga platser, ofta centrerat kring det karga betonglandskapet i Stockholms Västerort, i en skrämmande  fantasifull tolkning.

Debutsingeln 'Arken över Hesselby' (video) skildrar en kuslig version av Stockholmsförorten "Hässelby". Videon visar oss en välbekant stadsbild, hemsökt av en okänd ark som iakttar från ovan. Dess efterträdare 'Fearmonger' (video) eller 'Skräckmakaren' tog oss till en annan del av samma universum, där vi vittnar om en ensam soldats öde när han står öga mot öga med den skrämmande luftfarkosten. I den tredje singeln 'Cars' (video) fokuserar historien på en man som följer kryptiska meddelanden på motorvägsskyltar norrut, och i den senaste singeln 'This Is Loud' (video) är vi tillbaka i Västeort, där lokalbefolkningen  skakas av oförklarliga enorma stenkors.

"Jag kunde inte gå ut längre, jag kände mig inte säker. Allt hängde ihop, jag vet inte hur men vi visste alla att det var en del av något större. I hemliga forum diskuterade vi. Vi visste vad det innebar, världen höll på att gå under. Är det möjligt att överleva detta? Kommer vi alla att bli galna? Ingenstans är säkert."

Låtarna på 'About the End of the World' skrevs alla med en specifik dramaturgi i åtanke. De filmiska musikvideorna beter sig närmast som kortfilmer, med egna berättelser från olika delar av det dystopiska universum som Darkplace skapat. Konstnären själv ger oss en spännande inblick i den kreativa processen: "Den första idén till en animation var Arken Över Hesselby. Jag började skapa konsten innan jag hade musiken, så stycket är skrivet som ett soundtrack till animationen."

Skapandeprocessen har flera lager som innefattar fotografi, skulptering, oljemålning, digital redigering och animering. Darkplace förklarar: "För strukturer som ‘Arken över Hesselby’ används Nomad Sculpt för att sätta formen, sedan exporteras motiven i specifika vinklar för varje scen och importeras till Procreate för att målas där. jag använder mig av oljepenslar och målar över fotot och skapar på så sätt en lager på lager-process. Det blir lätt rörigt och exporten blir ännu stökigare eftersom jag vill ha djup i scenerna och exporterar dem i olika lagerdjup. Några scener i det här projektet har också animerats bild för bild. Projekt har tagit nästan 2 år hittills, så jag försöker hålla det  rent och enkelt när det går."

Men sitt ambitiösa världs-skapande och berättande kommer det knappast som en överraskning att Darkplace har ett större fokus än enbart sin musik. Projektet vill utforska och kritisera tillståndet i världen genom ljud och bild och kommer säkerligen att vända huvuden med sitt innovativa tillvägagångssätt att skapa konst och diskussion.

’About the End of the World' släppas via det Stockholmsbaserade indie-etiketten Icons Creating Evil Art, streambar på alla större plattformar den 27 oktober 2023.

The End

Darkplace - The End

Art-Pop artist Bonander is back with a powerful and intimate EP, unpicking traumas connected to body and self-image
 

Enigmatic and alluring, Bonander released her visionary debut album, 'Things We Don’t Talk About' through Icons Creating Evil Art on 20th August 2021. The full-length was praised by media giants such as Rolling Stone, It's All indie, High Snobiety and GAFFA.  Now she is back with a new EP called "the thread", unpicking traumas revolving body and self-image. Leaning heavily on its acoustic element, the exquisite arrestments gives the EP's theme an even more naked and exposed edge.
 

Bonander is the shorthand for Ellinor Sterner Bonander. Sporting the role of musician, arranger and producer, the native Swede is a woman unchained. Boldly charging head first into her own fears in regards to the projects subsect, Bonander got to examine her own body image in a detailed and unforgiving way. It all began at a music residency where the artist spent a lot of time by herself a couple of years ago. She says: "'the thread' has been something of a therapeutic journey for me. I tried to challenge myself by writing on the topic of the body, precisely because it was initially experienced as something difficult and scary. I understood quite quickly that there were things to face and sort out there. I got the desire to, via music, lyric and image, put the spotlight on the self contempt for our bodies I and many others have, with the hope that it might lead to something else entirely."
 

But the EP doesn't focus solemnly on the negative thoughts we tend to have about the body. New single 'the void' is one of the songs that approach the subject more kindly, although still very intimate. Bonander tells us: "One of the more naked and warm thoughts about the body I encountered during this trip is the song the void, which deals with the desire of the body. To be attracted to someone, to long, to listen to the will of the body, disconnected from the rational, from norm and from prejudice. I think this feeling is easily suffocated under a lot of silly notions, and body anxiety is one of them for me. The void is my way of breaking free and admitting what I long for. The title reflects the endless sea of ​​desire and longing my body and the bodies of others carry with it. It looks different for everyone - but it's there."
 

Known for her cinematic soundscapes filled of dense bass lines, playful synth melodies and orchestral elements, Bonander sought to scale down the bombastic arrangements and let the music be more bare and intimate then her earlier work. “musically I wanted to go in a different direction. The challenge was to be as stripped down in the production as I dared, in the same way as the vulnerability in the lyrics I wrote.” she tell us. To further capture the essence and emotion of the music, she decided to record the EP live and contacted the pianist, organizer and colleague Sara Hermansson. “The recordings are live takes where we play together without a metronome. I am incredibly grateful for Sara's artistry that’s contributed greatly to this work. She even lent me a piano piece she’s written as the outro of this Ep. As the icing on the cake, I also got to record the fantastic violinist Elias Sjöwall. Together, I hope we convey something fragile, naked and a little beautifully broken to the listener.”
 

“the thread” encourages the listener to join in discourse of uncomfortable topics and challenge the harmful social strukturs that is still very much in place. “We live in such an incredibly exposed society when it comes to appearance.” says Bonander. “As children, we are told that it is the inside that counts, but in every room you are in, it is disproved time and time again. In the workplace, at home, in love life, in the media. Appearance is capital and it's not until we acknowledge it that we can work towards it”.

the void

Bonander - The Void

REACH unveils their latest single "A Million Lives" from the upcoming album "Prophecy"

REACH is making waves in the international Rock scéne. The upcoming new album's electrifying first single, "Mama Mama," has been on a remarkable run, featuring for three consecutive months on Radio Bob, one of Germany's largest commercial radio stations. The track's popularity continues to surge, as it's now being played on Star FM (Berlin/Nürnberg) and has also garnered support from Radio 21. This notable achievement places "Mama Mama" on three of the four biggest rock stations in Germany. But the excitement doesn't end there. "Little Dreams," the album's captivating second single, is making its mark in Sweden, earning a spot in the rotation of Bandit Rock. 

---

The dynamic Stockholm-based rock trio REACH is set to captivate the music world once again with their latest single, "A Million Lives," available from January 19th. This release marks another milestone in the band's journey towards their highly anticipated album "Prophecy," scheduled for release on March 29, 2024, under the esteemed Swedish Boutique Label, Icons Creating Evil Art.

"A Million Lives" is a testament to REACH's ability to weave dramatic narratives into their music. Known for their thought-provoking and emotionally charged lyrics, the band takes inspiration from real-life events, infusing a dark, compelling twist. This track delves into the psyche of youth, exploring themes of helplessness, desperation, and the tragic consequences of actions borne out of rage. Written from the perspective of a young individual on the brink of committing a crime, the song is a poignant reflection on the chilling reality of school shootings.

Ludvig Turner, the band's lead vocalist, shares his insights: "School shootings are so freaking dark and terrible in every way, and their increasing occurrence is frightening. We're all victims in this. 'A Million Lives' is our attempt to capture the consciousness of a moment that should never happen, a desperate plea to prevent a tragedy."

Musically, "A Million Lives" starts with an enchanting, almost crooning style before escalating into a full-blown rock anthem, characterized by powerful and gut-wrenching lyrics. The song's dynamic progression mirrors the tumultuous emotions it explores, capturing listeners in its intense narrative.

REACH, comprising Ludvig Turner, Marcus Johansson, and Soufian Ma’Aoui, continues to push musical boundaries. Their collaboration with acclaimed music producer Christian Schneider in crafting the upcoming album "Prophecy" has further honed their distinctive sound, blending playful elements with raw musical talent. This synergy is palpable in their explosive live performances, where their passion for music and improvisation creates an unforgettable experience.

Following their successful tour supporting H.E.A.T. across Europe, REACH has seen their popularity soar, with their previous singles gaining extensive airplay on major radio stations in Germany and Sweden.

"A Million Lives" is more than a song; it's a reflection of our times, a call to awareness, and a showcase of REACH's remarkable artistry. Be ready to experience the intensity and emotion of this powerful track. 

D I S C O V E R
Facebook: http:// https://www.facebook.com/reachofficialsweden
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reachband
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/REACHsweden
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4PAH2hYK4vEvxLEwCg9zQ2
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@reachsweden

A Million Lives

REACH - A Million Lives

"Save Me is about difficult situations in life… times when we are basically BEGGING for someone or something to "SAVE" us. Times when ANY solution sounds good… (any solution is better than nothing...) Usually these kinds of situations 'solve them selves' - we end up literally saving ourselves - but the song is about someone in the midst of that desperation... calling out for that elusive 'saviour.'"

Short bio:
Cole and Shpresa met on SoundCloud; where each had been uploading their music independently, in early 2012. At first, their love was simply for the other's music. That quickly turned into something more, however, and it wasn’t long before the two began a relationship on Skype which lasted more than five months. In June 2012, Shpresa flew to Cole in Minneapolis, from Stockholm, and stayed until the couple returned to Sweden two months later. It was there that Flora Cash was born.

Since that time, Flora Cash has lived, written and played in Stockholm, London and Minneapolis. They've assembled over nineteen-thousand YouTube subscribers and amassed over a million views on their videos. They've released several singles and three EPs and have recently signed with Swedish indie label, 'Icons Creating Evil Art,' with whom they'll be releasing an EP late this summer/early fall.

Follow Flora Cash 
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/floracash
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flora.cash.band

Icons Creating Evil Art
www.icea.se

Save Me

Flora Cash - Save Me

An old Swedish proverb goes ‘Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow’. Interesting on how we can all still relate to it today, most of the day, day after day, every single day…

In the shape of their upcoming new single “Nothing Lasts Forever (And It’s Fine)” the Scandi duo Flora Cash say stop to the worrying pessimism of our generation unable to simply ‘stress less- live more’. The band shares their on-going hope by spreading that powerful message, as described best by Robert Eliot “Rule number one is, don’t sweat the small stuff. Rule number two is, it’s all small stuff”.

“Nothing Lasts Forever (And It’s Fine)” is a good first step towards drawing a tad closer to that mind-set by putting a melodic hint of perspective into our lives and relationships, even if only for 3min 48 seconds.

The subtle guitar in the style of DIIV dressed with Poliça-like arrangements and led by male/female- vocal liaison, the duo adds: “The track is about embracing imperfection and temporality. It’s about an attitude of acceptance and the willing - (almost joyful) – embrace of change, not fear of it”.

“Nothing Lasts Forever (And It’s Fine)” does exactly what the title suggests. It helps the listener, as well as the band themselves, come to terms with the fact that although nothing lasts forever, it really is fine…

Find more from Flora Cash here:
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/6GpcBKNmZDIrRzYkPJu7Wd
Facebook: www.facebook.com/flora.cash.band/
Twitter: twitter.com/Flora_Cash
Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/floracash
www.floracash.com

Nothing Lasts Forever (And It's Fine) - single

The Bad Boys

Flora Cash - The Bad Boys

Flora Cash is a Scandi-American duo made up of Shpresa Lleshaj and Cole Randall. The couple has taken it upon them to sonically explore the diversity of human relationships through minor keys and brooding vocals, they double down on their palette of inky blues and blacks, standing wholly apart from their R&B-Pop peers. Having “met” via SoundCloud and instantly e-hitting it off musically, their “atmospheric in theme and vibe” material had soon after been supported by the likes of Noisey US, Paste, Wonderland, The Music Ninja, Earmilk, The Line of Best Fit, Clash, Impose Magazine and more.
 
Following the success of their last album, ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’ – most with lead single ‘You’re Somebody Else’, which has had over 6 million plays on Spotify and has also featured in numerous playlists. The track also went viral on YouTube with even more (millions) views, which was the breakthrough moment for the couple. Flora Cash also have a substantial year of live performances ahead of them; they’re set to be playing across the world, from Hanoi to Miami, and also making their debut at SXSW this year.
 
Flora Cash now release their new single ’18 Dollars’ where Randall leads the sincerely sublime R&B ballad with husky, reverberating vocals. Minor-keyed guitar wraps Shpresa’s stony harmonies, as they rest on a spine of solemn brass and bass synths. Lleshaj takes centre-stage during the bridge, and the contrast in vocals is poignant. The duo comes together again in the tragically touching closing chorus.
 
The pair skilfully blend elements of acoustic music with ethereal production, hinting at Mt Wolf, Poliça, Vogue Dots and Kings Of Convenience. The honesty of their lyricism is constantly tinged with dark moments, moments of doubt, of anger, of pain fully present in the sonic backbone of Flora Cash.
 
‘18 Dollars is a song that looks back on aspects of a relationship that has ended. There’s a stubbornness and a cockiness about it but that’s really only superficial. Beneath the surface there’s a deep longing to fix something that’s broken but a lack of insight as to how that might be possible. There is confusion about where things stand and how bad (or good) things really were. Ultimately, the track communicates the deeply felt ambiguity that often surrounds the ending of a romantic relationship.’ – Flora Cash

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Find more from Flora Cash here:
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/artist/6GpcBKNmZDIrRzYkPJu7Wd
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/flora.cash.band/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Flora_Cash
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/floracash
www.floracash.com

18 Dollars

Stream on Spotify

Flora Cash - 18 Dollars

© 2012 Flora Cash

Written by Randall-Lleshaj
Produced by Daniel Westerlund

lyrics...

Verse 1:

There goes the summer,
here comes the fall.
Bring back the winter,
bring back the shawl.

Verse 2:

There go the sunny days and,
here comes a change.
You bring the funny ways and,
I'll bring the strange.

Chorus:

(Ooh) Cold days are... coming soon,
I'll be warm enough if... I'm next to you.
(Ooh) Dark days well... we will be fine,
Long as I know I'm yours and... you know you're mine.

Verse 3:

There go the little faces,
here comes a train.
Bring me to better places,
I'll do the same.

Verse 4:

There go the many people,
we never knew.
Took all the love I had and,
gave it to you.

(Chorus)

Bridge:

There goes the summer,
there go the sunny days.
There go the little faces,
here comes a train.

(Chorus)

End.

Summerset

Mighty Fine

ICEA is a boutique music label and publisher with the intention of evoking feelings and reactions, we want to provoke, inspire, create, destroy, and disrupt old structures while having fun doing so. We sign and develop new talent from the ever evolving field of pop music. Fighting conservatism since 2015