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Héroe by Francisca Valenzuela tickles your feet, your mind, your soul

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Héroe by Francisca Valenzuela tickles your feet, your mind, your soul.

by Patrick O’Heffernan

(Ajijic, Mexico) If you love great music, powerful women, and people who blend art, activism and style into potent tools to change the listen and the world and you don’t know Francisca Valenzuela,  now is the time to meet her because she has just released a single, Héroe, that shows why she is all of that and more.

Valenzuela is an American-born, Chilean singer, entrepreneur, fashion designer, activist, poet, author with two books and three albums to her credit and a long string of hit songs dealing with personal power.  Now in LA, she continues creating and producing on all cylinders and Héroe is her latest musical statement about the power we all have within ourselves – for good or evil.

Richly produced with a flowing, pulsing urban background and complex, addictive rhythms from her keyboard, it skates on the edge of pop and psychedelic Latin rock. The combination of unexpected rhythms captures your ears as the lyrics flow across your intellect. It is both a curriculum on your personal power and a kinesthetic orgasm in your dance muscles.

Once is not enough with this song;  there are too many layers, too many hooks, too many meanings for anyone to listen just once.  That is Francisca Valenzuela’s genius; she can tickle your feet and engage your mind in the same song so well that they are addictive.  Héroe does that, which is why it is boundlessly enjoyable and will be boundlessly popular. And why Francisca Valenzuela is a commanding force to be reckoned with and a superb artist to enjoy.

“Héroe”, available on all digital platforms.

Patrick O’Heffernan

Julia Church Pioneers Her Own Sound with Single Debut, Square 1

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Official Press Release:

JULIA CHURCH
‘Square 1’

Julia Church shares her debut single ‘Square 1’. South African born singer/songwriter Julia Church is pioneering her own sound, drawing from a range of musical influences as she establishes a reputation for innovative exploration in her craft.

Church’s first ever offering is a down-tempo, brooding pop cut, which she uses to evoke powerful imagery with her vivid songwriting right from the first line. She co-produced it with Matt Newman, bringing to life the effervescent sound complimented by Church’s beautifully arranged harmonies and her overall thoughtful yet expressive vocal performance.

Speaking on the track Julia states “Square 1 is my nostalgic anecdote of my young teenage years and falling in love for the first time. Now, as a twenty-something trying to navigate my life from a seemingly new perspective, it’s also the realisation that I haven’t really grown up at all.”

Talented as both a songwriter and a producer, Julia recently graduated from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts where she worked on a one-on-one songwriting session with Sir Paul McCartney. Growing up with her family in Durban, Julia was raised on Nora Jones and Joni Mitchell while later idolising the likes of James Vincent McMorrow and Jamie Woon both for their musical capabilities as well as their production.

Julia’s introduction to the industry saw her feature on a number of international dance hits which garnered millions of plays at the age of 17 while performing on global stages. Charting twice on the South African Radio Charts, at number 2 (“Something New” – Crazy White Boy ft. Julia Church) and number 6 (“Heart Shaped Box” – Goldfish ft. Julia Church). Julia’s cult following has seen her gain over 1.5million plays on just her Soundcloud covers. Whilst amassing over 50million streams writing for others, ready to now announce herself into the music scene on her own multi-talented accord.

Julia Church leads her music debut through a combination of raw soul and passion with the intricacy of true artistic innovation. Resulting in a sharp, original composition that embodies the potential she has as an artist with so much more to come.

For further enquiries please contact:

alice@lucidonline.co.uk

Julia Church | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

The Motion Breaks Routine on Their Explorative Second Single, ‘Sleep Talk’

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THE MOTION BREAKS ROUTINE ON
THEIR EXPLORATIVE SECOND SINGLE ‘SLEEP TALK’
LISTEN HERE NOW

(Photo by Barbora Mrazkova )

The Motion is the musical project of Non-Binary songwriter, engineer, and producer Penny Churchill. Originally from the Isle of Wight, the South London-based artist offers an emotionally driven, raw and dream-like presence to draw on deeply personal experiences.

New single ‘Sleep Talk’ follows The Motion ’s warmly-received debut ‘Hollow’, which picked up online praise as well as some air time on BBC Music Introducing Solent. Exploring themes of isolation and insomnia ‘Sleep Talk’ is a sonic representation of entrapment vs. freedom. Reflected in the weightiness of the verse’s eerie electronics and sharply delivered vocals, the comparatively airy chorus provides a fleeting moment of relief as washy guitars and carefully-crafted vocal melodies lighten the atmosphere.

The Motion explains: ”The track captures the mood of being stuck in a cyclical rut of routine. The verses are slow and sonically dark, whereas the chorus is directly contrasting with a warm, surreal feeling. This makes me feel as though, for a moment, I am elsewhere, somewhere with a more free and organic atmosphere in momentary bliss.”

** WATCH VIDEO HERE **

‘Sleep Talk’ arrives complete with a lyric video directed by Anxious Film Club, continuing the artist’s glitchy, DIY aesthetic.

“An emotion-strewn haze builds to a powerful swell of glitchy whirring hooks, creating a colourful slice of psychedelic electro-pop.” – Get In Her Ears

“If La Roux ever decided to go in a more industrial direction it would probably sound a little something like this.” – Rough Online

Live:

4th May – 229 The Venue | Great Portland Street, London
5th June – The Underbelly | Hoxton Square, London

Facebook | Soundcloud

For more info contact: Holly.majestypr@gmail.com

Dark Pop Artist Valencia James Releases Potent Debut Single, Flames

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(Official Press Release)

Can pop music be real? Can real music be pop? With songs as her weapon, singer/songwriter Valencia James confronts life’s issues with edgy melodies and polished production. Valencia’s brand of dark pop calls to attention the war between struggle and confidence. Her lyrics hold little back, navigating listeners towards the light that calls honesty to the front. Strong. Mysterious. Authentic. Life can throw shadows but one thing’s for sure — Valencia James isn’t afraid of the dark.

Born in New York and now residing in Sydney, Australia the dark-pop artist prides herself in crafting powerfully emotive music, which both thematically and sonically cuts deep to the soul. Valencia’s music is inspired by life events and aims to talk about darkness and shade, whilst casting a brightness and positivity to it.

Leading single ‘Flames’ stems from the tragic story of when Valencia’s family home was burnt down in the infamous Waldo Canyon fire in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Losing sentimental photos and videos of her childhood memories, the traumatic experience sparked inspiration in the songwriter and from the ashes came the song ‘Flames’. “The song also represents how easily a relationship can be destroyed through words and actions” reveals Valencia, “anyone that has ever had relationship difficulties or been hurt because of words or actions can probably relate to this song”. ‘Flames’ is a courageous anthem, blending playful instrumentation with powerful lyrics. Featuring pulsating rhythms, atmospheric soundscapes, and raw vocals, ‘Flames’ emits a potent and intimate experience for listeners.

The visuals for the single mimic the narrative, portraying explosive flames engulfing the singer. Bravely looking directly into the eyes of her audience, Valencia is expressing her story and remaining stoic through turmoil. This highlights Valencia’s message of taking responsibility for your words and actions and that seasons of heartbreak and difficult times will pass.

Valencia James is a hungry songwriter, unacquainted with defeat, her debut single ‘Flames’ is currently available worldwide.

You can follow Valencia on Instagram  Facebook  Twitter

Stream ‘Flames’ HERE  on Valencia’s Spotify Artist Page.  

 

Jazz Artist Fiona Ross Set to Release Her Much Anticipated Album ‘Fierce and Non-Compliant’

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‘Her talents are simply extraordinary’
Kind of Jazz

The much anticipated new album from Fiona Ross ‘Fierce and Non-Compliant’ will be released April 18, 2019, on Therapy Records.

Fiona has become known for creating her own contemporary jazz sound incorporating fast-paced Latin Jazz, vintage Jazz club, a little neo-soul along with heart-wrenching ballads that demonstrate that ‘Her style is poetic and the messages ooze with Millennial angst’ Jazz weekly. She came to the world’s attention as ‘the artist that gave Ed Sheeran his ‘first push’ Daily Express, but has very quickly established herself as an artist in her own right and has received incredible reviews across the globe.

Fiona’s new album brings an incredible line up of special guests. As a Jazz journalist, she has interviewed some incredible people (including Maxine Gordon, Steve Gadd, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Terri Lynne Carrington, Kyle Eastwood) and ‘I wanted to include some people on the album that have really inspired me as a person and as an artist. I was truly blown away that they said yes’

Maxine Gordon, renowned author, educator, Jazz advocate – and wife of Dexter Gordon – has written the sleeve notes.

Latin Grammy-nominated and world-renowned bassist Snow Owl is a special guest on two tracks. Having played with artists such as Anotonio Sanchez, Hans Zimmer, and Elton John and continually referred to in many bass publications as one the most influential bassists of all times, his playing on this album is mind-blowing. Fi explains ‘We recorded two songs in a castle, in Vienna. The same castle Snow Owl recorded his album ‘The Blue Road’ in. No real rehearsals, live takes. It was an overwhelming experience that I will never forget’ These tracks stand alone on the album as being recorded, mixed and mastered by Snow Owl himself.

Adam Cooper ‘the sexiest man in dance’, award-winning dancer, choreographer, and director, sings a duet, returning to their school days when Fiona and Adam use to sneak out of class, break into a rehearsal room and sing Gershwin songs together.

Other guests include Kim Cypher, one of the UK’s most exciting female saxophonists, ‘Exciting stuff, Clare Teal, BBC Radio 2’ is a guest on one track. Blues guitarist, Marco Piccioni ‘A force to be reckoned with, Evening Standard’ is another guest.

Artwork for the album features work created by Chris Cunningham. 

The album is an eclectic mix of songs that all sit under the heading of Jazz. From the big band feel of the title track, to the haunting, freer ballads, to some Latin and funk – something for everyone. Fiona has indeed created her own contemporary Jazz sound that appeals to a wide audience.

Written, arranged and produced by Fiona, she says that this album ‘has been a huge challenge on many levels, and I have reached into places I have just not been before. The ‘Fierce’ is coming from many different angles. It has been emotional!’. Her new album is creating a significant buzz prior to release and is indeed proving that Fierce and Non-Compliant is the perfect title.

  1. Fierce and Non-Compliant
  2. For My Dad (live vocal take in a stairwell)
  3. Woke Up This Morning So I Can’t Complain
  4. Be On My Side
  5. I Followed My Heart (with Adam Cooper Vocals and Kim Cypher Sax)
  6. Don’t Say (with Snow Owl, vocals recorded live in a castle)
  7. Feel (live vocal take in a stairwell)
  8. Use The Right Words
  9. Just Tell Me When
  10. I Don’t Want It (with Snow Owl, recorded live in a castle)
  11. Socialising With Misery (with Marco Piccioni on Guitar)
  12. I Thought I Saw Your Heart     
  13. Doing My Thing

Album Personnel:

All songs written, arranged and produced by Fiona Ross

Fiona Ross (Vocals and keyboards)
Snow Owl (Bass on I Don’t Want It and Don’t Say)
Kim Cypher (Sax on ‘I Followed My Heart’)
Adam Cooper (Vocals on ‘I Followed My Heart’)
Marco Piccioni (Guitar on ‘Socialising with Misery’)
Gibbi Bettini (Guitar)
Derek Daley (Bass)
Marley Drummond (Drums)
Loren Hignell (Saxophones)
Adam Brown (Trumpet)
Adam Hayes (Percussion)
Warren Woodcraft (Percussion and vocals at the end of ‘Doing My Thing’) Ashaine White (Backing vocals on ‘Doing My Thing’)
Engineered and recorded at Saige Studio by Gibbi Bettini
Mixed at Highfield Studio by Warren Woodcraft and Elliot Richardson Mastered by Nick Watson at Fluid Mastering

‘Don’t Say’ Recorded, mixed and mastered by Snow Owl
‘I Don’t Want It’ Recorded, mixed and mastered by Snow Owl

 

Pre-order a limited edition signed CD at http://www.fionaross.co.uk/

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