So I thought that mixtape articles would become a regular feature on Artistic Echoes but what with a million and one things getting in the way, the last mixtape I shared was way back in dreary January. What has gone on since; well gigs, new staff, YouTube series, website updates and so much more. What you are really here for though is the music and what a cracking lineup we have this week.
This mixtape is a little self-indulgent featuring a few musicians that I have met and become friends with over the years but you may not know them and I am excited to say that they are finally ready to debut some new music with the world. On this week’s mixtape, we have Yopo, Souljacker, Chris Tavener and Koncept.
Yopo – Vision Adrift / Grunge Blues
Yopo “double dropped” their first single last Wednesday night hitting all the usual platforms. Their music is self-styled as grunge blues and is the product of Euan Coupland’s vivid imagination that mixes the mundane with mystical “From Snow Capped Peaks to Cistern Leaks” As you can tell it features many a reference to recreational substances, with band name Yopo referring to a natural entheogenic medicine that Amazonians use. These imaginings have been brought to life by a plethora of talented musicians from the delicate keys of Charles Ormrod, to the percussion of Neil Marshall, the bass of John Burr and Pete Mason adding the twiddly bits.
Find out more: https://www.facebook.com/yopoband/
Souljacker – Nocebo/Solen
I just so happened to be in Wrexham as Souljacker dropped there debut single Nocebo and caught up with Andy Salter a long time friend since my days hosting the Local Music Lowdown on Canalside Radio. After a few pints, we had a long debate on what a band is and Souljacker harkens back to the days when bands were simply a couple of guitars, bass and drums.
They have a traditional rock and roll sound inspired by the likes of Oasis, Kasabian and the general disarray our country and lives are in, with the odd lyric drawn from the usual ex-girlfriends and regrets.
Find out more: https://www.facebook.com/souljackersounds/
Chris Tavener – Bottle It Up
Chris Tavener is a satirical folk singer that always entertains, every time I’ve seen him perform the crowd has been in stitches even if it was just me in the studio. In past Chris has tackled such topics as Fakin Cool and Harry Styles but this track focuses upon a much more serious issue but in an equally humorous way.
Originally commissioned for a feature-length men’s health documentary the single has now been released to raise funds for CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) via sales on christavener.bandcamp.com
Find out more: https://www.facebook.com/ChrisTavener/
Koncept – Strong
The final song Strong comes from Koncept a Lo-Fi hip hop record straight out of Brooklyn. The Queens-raised globe-trotting emcee made a name for himself in the hip-hop mecca, from working at Fat Beats Records to releasing an album through Sony Music and touring around the world.
The single tackles mental health in a different way to the last mixtape artist, showcasing the hidden side of the artist’s life recording the single whilst having a fever, whilst dealing with a breakup, whilst dealing with the pressures of being with an artist and the social media circus. Whilst dealing with all the different pressures back home whilst being on tour. But the underlying message is one of hope that we are going to be alright.
Find out more: https://www.facebook.com/konceptfanpage/
