11/30/2021

Dot Allison Closes 2021 With Vinyl Release of Critically Acclaimed Album Heart-Shaped Scars and Premieres Lyric Video for album track “Constellations”

Singer, Songwriter and Multi-instrumentalist, Dot Allison Closes 2021 With Vinyl Release of
Critically Acclaimed Album Heart-Shaped Scars and
Premieres Lyric Video for album track “Constellations”
 
 
Purchase Heart-Shaped Scars Vinyl Here
Watch Lyric Video for “Constellations” Here
 

Photo Credit: Maria Mochnacz
 
 
"Constellations" is very dream-like and has the pure ability to take the listener on a journey between time and space."
 
Today, Dot Allison releases the vinyl version of her critically acclaimed album Heart-Shaped Scars. To coincide with the long-awaited vinyl release of the album, Dot is also releasing a lyric video for the album favorite “Constellations"

Framed by a backdrop of exquisitely sparse and intoxicating dream-folk, Heart-Shaped Scars is Dot Allison’s most personal record to date. By combining all of Dot’s primary fascinations - music, literature, science, and nature - Heart-Shaped Scars houses deeply personal and moving lyrics about the human relationship with nature and the earth within - lush, ethereal soundscapes of folk music previously unexplored in Dot’s long career as a musician.
 
Of all the songs on Heart-Shaped Scars, perhaps none better reflect Dot’s introspective philosophy of the universe than “Constellations,” which has just received a new lyric video that can be viewed here . ‘Constellations,” like all of the songs on Heart-Shaped Scars, is poignantly written with beautiful lyrics that explore the heart of the natural wonders and curiosities of the world. Of her inspiration for writing “Constellations,” Dot says, “I am interested in reading about Quantum Physics and research into our universe possibly being trans-dimensional and that this experience may be more of a Quantum shadow. I knew when I read of the likelihood of there being multiverses that I wanted to use the world multiverse in a song, so I managed to get it into this one. I like the single piano notes to signify stars and the random-seeming positioning of the stars and notes correlating. I like the idea of two lovers being at different parts of the universe but sharing the view of a constellation of stars as they gaze up at the sky from their different locations.”
 
Heart-Shaped Scars is an album that utilizes powerful visual imagery through its sound, and there is no better representation of this than being able to physically hold the record in its new, beautiful green double vinyl format and watching the lyric video for “Constellations.” The album’s visual beauty is also explored in the lyric and music videos for the tracks “Long Exposure,” “Can You Hear Nature Sing?,” and the video directed by PJ Harvey's visual collaborator Maria Mochnacz for “One Love.”
 
 
 
About Dot Allison: 
Dot Allison will always be identified with the band that initially launched her, One Dove, whose Andy Weatherall-produced album Morning Dove White became a downbeat electronic landmark, but her own albums and collaborations amount to a much more significant body of work, with a commanding range across genres and narrative ambition. “The records that I have made were more like a window into my world,” she says.  None more so than her first album in 12 years -- Heart-Shaped Scars. Tranquil in sound and passionate in spirit it's Allison’s most personal record yet.  Framed by a backdrop of exquisitely sparse and intoxicating dream-folk and Allison’s vocal at its most ethereal, the album is, she reveals about “Love, loss and a universal longing for union that seems to go with the human condition.”
 
Since her debut solo album Afterglow in 1999, Allison has strived to keep the listener on a journey – and herself too. She revolts against what she has done before, to evolve and not just occupy the same space.  That journey has taken her from Afterglow’s broad church (trip-hop, Tim Buckley-esque ballads, dance tracks, chilled psychedelia) to the sultry synth-pop of We Are Science (2002), the lush, baroque Exaltation Of Larks (2007) and the eclectic, rootsy drama of Room 7½ (2009). The range of guest stars on Allison’s records is equally broad: where else would you find a cast list that includes Kevin Shields, Hal David, Paul Weller, Pete Doherty and Darren Emerson. Likewise, Allison’s own guest roles with the likes of Massive Attack, Scott Walker, Slam, Philip Shepard, The Babyshambles & Pete Doherty, underlining the huge respect her peers hold her in.
 
Allison also hears elements of The Wicker Man film soundtrack (she once sung ‘Gently Johnny’ at Glastonbury) and the influence of folk-minded artists in her record collection, such as Linda Perhacs, Karen Dalton, Gene Clark, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Nick Drake, Opal, Mazzy Star, Brian Wilson and, most poignantly, the late Andy Weatherall. “Andy championed, signed and mentored me,” she says. “He gave me so many compilations that broadened my musical tastes… I hear his influence throughout all of my albums.” 
 
Heart-Shaped Scars may have the richness and metaphorical depth of poetry but it’s balanced out by classic tropes of singer-songwriters through the ages. The sentiments behind ‘Cue The Tears’, ‘Love Died In Our Arms’ and ‘Goodbye’ are direct appeals from the heart; melodically too, they chime with torch-singing and soul traditions. Allison’s father was a botanist, and her mother a musician; eventually, the DNA of music took this former bio-chemistry student in a very different direction – and with good reason too. “To me, music is a sort of tonic or an antidote to a kind of longing, for a while at least,” she concludes. 
 
Heart-Shaped Scars has that very same impact: an antidote to stress, a beautiful, restorative and inspiring balm for these times.
 
Follow Dot Allison

High Water Fest Announces 2022 Lineup: Jack White, My Morning Jacket, Modest Mouse, Black Pumas & More!

High Water Festival Announces 2022 Lineup Including Headliners Jack White and My Morning Jacket Alongside Modest Mouse, Black Pumas, Shovels & Rope, Old Crow Medicine Show, Caamp, Mavis Staples & More!

The Celebration of Music, Food & Libations Curated by Shovels & Rope Returns for Fourth Year to North Charleston’s Riverfront Park on April 23-24, 2022

2-Day Ticket SMS Pre-Sale Available Now – Sign Up HERE

HW22-Social-1080x1350

New York, NY – November 30th, 2021 – South Carolina’s High Water Festival will make its grand return to North Charleston’s Riverfront Park next year on April 23-24.

Artists set to perform at High Water 2022 include headliners Jack White and My Morning Jacket, alongside Modest MouseBlack PumasShovels & RopeOld Crow Medicine ShowCaampMavis StaplesLocal NativesSharon Van EttenBahamasDelta SpiritDrew Holcomb & The NeighborsJade BirdAmythyst KiahFelice BrothersAdia VictoriaShannon and the ClamsCedric BurnsidePalm Palm and Jeremie Albino.

2-Day Tickets are available for SMS pre-sale now and include General AdmissionVIP, the Platinum program and High Water’s first-ever Weekender package – a new top-tier festival experience which includes all the benefits of the Platinum program and an overnight stay on the festival grounds in your choice of stunning accommodations. To purchase 2-Day Tickets and for the full list of amenities, visit www.highwaterfest.com/tickets.

A Celebration of Music, Food, and Libations – High Water is a haven for foodies, showcasing the tastiest flavors around. In between performances, fans can stop for a bite to eat from local and regional eateries or grab a cold, crafter brew or cocktail. Festival-goers can also take a stroll through the local craft vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry and leather goods, and purchase festival and artist merch.

High Water Festival returns to North Charleston on April 23-24th. The pre-sale starts now and fans can secure their code by signing up for SMS on the festival website. Tickets are available to the public starting Thursday, December 2nd at Noon ET at www.highwaterfest.com.

High Water Festival is produced by Shovels & Rope, AC Entertainment and C3 Presents.

Stay in touch w/ High Water Festival:
Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

FOO FIGHTERS 2022 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR

FOO FIGHTERS
2022 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR
Tickets On Sale Friday, December 3rd at 10am Local Time

Newly inducted Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Foo Fighters will be giving the people a lot more of what they want in 2022. The band has confirmed 17 more marathon evenings of life-affirming rock communion, to take place at amphitheaters, stadiums and festivals across North America during May, July and August of next year.

Tickets for the newly announced headline shows will be on sale to the public Friday, December 3rd at 10am local time.

The 2022 dates will mark Foo Fighters’ most extensive North American run since the February release of the band’s 10th album, Medicine at Midnight (Roswell/RCA) — hailed as “brighter and more optimistic than anything they’ve ever done” (ROLLING STONE)” and “one of Foo Fighters’ best albums of this century” (WALL STREET JOURNAL). 

For further information on Foo Fighters’ 25th26th 27th anniversary tour—including special guests to be announced soon—keep an eye on foofighters.com and the band’s socials. 

Citi is the official presale credit card of the Foo Fighters Live in the USA Tour. As such, Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase presale tickets beginning Tuesday, November 30 at 12pm ET until Thursday, December 2 at 10pm local time through Citi Entertainment. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.

FOO FIGHTERS
2022 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR

5/14 – The Pavilion at Star Lake – Burgettstown, PA 
5/20 – Coastal Credit Union Music Park – Raleigh, NC
5/24 – PNC Music Pavilion – Charlotte, NC

7/17– Citi Field – New York, NY 
7/19 – Saratoga Performing Arts Center – Saratoga Springs, NY
7/22 – Rogers Centre – Toronto, ON
7/24 – Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia, PA
7/27 – Maine Savings Amphitheater – Bangor, ME
7/29 – Osheaga Festival – Montreal, QC

8/1 – Ruoff Music Center – Noblesville, IN
8/3 – Huntington Bank Stadium – Minneapolis, MN
8/6 – Empower Field at Mile High – Denver, CO
8/8 – USANA Amphitheater – Salt Lake City, UT
8/10 – Big Sky Events Arena – Big Sky, MT 
8/13 – T-Mobile Park – Seattle, WA 
8/18 – Banc of California Stadium – Los Angeles, CA 
8/20 – Banc of California Stadium – Los Angeles, CA

COTS RELEASES AUTUMNAL VIDEO FOR “SUN-SPOTTED APPLE”



COTS RELEASES AUTUMNAL VIDEO FOR “SUN-SPOTTED APPLE”


STEPH YATES’ ACCLAIMED DEBUT ALBUM DISTURBING BODY IS OUT NOW ON BOILED RECORDS


WATCH "SUN-SPOTTED APPLE" HERE

STREAM / PURCHASE THE ALBUM HERE

"A fascinating English language affair which evokes both the sophistication of Everything But The Girl's Eden and the sadness of Portuguese fado" - MOJO

“Disturbing Body feels like a meditation on loneliness and the complexities of the heart ... a secret told from Cots to you only - CBC Music

"Cots leans into gentleness” - Exclaim!

"Closeness and intimacy shine through on Cots' richly haunting debut" - The Line of Best Fit

"Nocturnal, pensive, and melancholic" - Atwood



Disturbing Body, the intimate debut album by Cots, paints a celestial portrait of lost love and consequence. Celebrated by CBC Music for its Feist-like softness – “carefully worded observations woven between sparse chords, holding your attention with each subdued syllable” – the solo project of Montreal/Guelph composer, singer, and guitarist Steph Yates blends elements of bossa nova, folk, jazz, and classical against a modern art backdrop, her subtly unconventional style brushed across its lush palette.

Released today, the music video for “Sun-spotted Apple” is a mysterious, autumnal affair that features sketches of late season baseball, peak season apples, and Yates eccentrically outfitted in multiple imagined glamour scenes. The song’s sensuous sway and morose organ are invoked by the stage of fallen leaves and visual artist Yates effortlessly acting out the song upon it. She says:

“I made this video with my friends Jade Perry, Sara and Emma Bortolon-Vettor, Emma Howarth-Withers, and Alanna Gurr. We shot it in one evening in my garden in Guelph. Jade coordinated the outfits and we dreamt up a series of vignettes to unfold over the course of the song—leaving ample room for improvisation and behind-the-scenes tomfoolery.”

In addition to today’s video, tomorrow Cots will release an alternate version of the song, entitled “Sun-spotted Apple (Silver Apple Version),” recorded with producer Sandro Perri and engineer Scott Merritt at the Disturbing Body sessions in a more spacious and delicate arrangement for guitar, voice, bass, keys, and horns.

WATCH & SHARE "SUN-SPOTTED APPLE" HERE

Sparked by the power of celestial mechanics and her fascination with mathematics' vast poetic potential, Disturbing Body explores the unexplainable interactions of interstellar bodies and human beings alike. The title – inspired by the phrase for a planet whose gravitational pull alters another planet's course – speaks similarly to the disruptive nature of love. The ten songs of Disturbing Body are asterisms drawn to Yates’s mellifluous voice, to her cryptic tales flushed with pastel colour. “Flowers” presents Cots’s masterful blend of the delicate and the macabre: a gorgeous meditation on death that highlights her provoking lyricism. “Our Breath” showcases the album’s experimental tint and sundown habitat, softly flooded with warbled vocal effects and flanged hand drums.

The album's opening track, “Disturbing Body,” is a starry, forlorn, askew dirge that pulls you into its mysterious space with Yates's enchanting voice: Searching for your disturbing body / The math doesn’t add up when I do it alone, amidst quiet passages of metallic percussion, bass solo, and strands of near silence. It is the perfect bookend to the album’s closing passage, “Midnight at the Station”: mysterious and lonesome, melodious yet vividly disquieting, an ambiguous end to the off-kilter note it began on.

The deft sonic precision of Disturbing Body evokes Yates’s understated yet detailed songcraft and attention to lyrical play. Over ponderous instrumental incursions – featuring the performances of Blake Howard (percussion), Josh Cole (bass guitar), Ryan Brouwer (trumpet), Karen Ng (saxophone), Thomas Hammerton (keyboards), and Perri himself (synths, samples, field recordings) – Yates’s crystalline voice carries the gravitas of the album’s ten elegiac movements.

“These songs, for the most part, have to do with the heart, something I was shy to write about previously,” Yates reveals. “It's possible my deepening love for Brazilian music, wherein some of my favourite artists sing freely about o coração, emboldened me in this way. As a collection, the songs give a prismatic view of a lone heart in its course having known closeness and having known loss.”

BUY / STREAM DISTURBING BODY HERE

Across Disturbing Body’s disparate touchpoints and searching melodies – somewhere between the stars and earthly interactions alike – Cots intersects, and starts to make a whole lot of sense. “A cot is a solitary, introspective, and dreamy space. It’s temporary too, suggesting liminality, moving on, passing through. It’s something you leave behind.”

“I find it strange, unsettling, mysterious; how incalculable the experience of feeling drawn to someone is,” Yates closes. “Human bodies are like celestial ones; just as a planet’s course is carved out in relation to others, our course - where we go and what we do - is compelled by forces of attraction.”




Cots
Disturbing Body
(Boiled)
Release Date: August 11, 2021

Track List:

1. Disturbing Body
2. Bitter Part of the Fruit
3. Sun-Spotted Apple
4. Bluebird
5. Inertia of a Dream
6. Flowers
7. Salt or Sand
8. Our Breath
9. Last Sip
10. Midnight at the Station



COTS LINKS:

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Bandcamp

Punk Rock & Paintbrushes Announces Sixth Annual Holiday ART Show Opening Night Artist Reception on Saturday, December 11 In Downtown Los Angeles


 
Punk Rock & Paintbrushes Announces
Sixth Annual Holiday ART Show
Opening Night Artist Reception on Saturday, December 11
 In Downtown Los Angeles, CA

Exhibition to Showcase Pieces From Musicians, Professional Skateboarders,
Tattoo Artists, Photographers, and Visual Artists Including
Members of The Vandals, Pennywise, NOFX, Strung Out, Flogging Molly & More


Plus One-Of-A-Kind Artwork Auction with Painted Guitars and TUK Shoes
To Benefit The Alexandria House & Rock To Recovery
With Live Music From Members Of The Bombpops, The Aquadolls, Sitting On Stacy
& Guest DJ Sets From Special Guests

RSVP at http://punkrockholiday21.eventbrite.com/

 
Romantic Rock’s highly anticipated Punk Rock & Paintbrushes Holiday Art Show returns for its sixth year, with its grand opening night and red carpet artist reception taking place on Saturday, December 11 at The Lazarus Experience in downtown Los Angeles. Punk Rock & Paintbrushes has become a household name, known for bridging the gap between music and art with their extravagant art shows with the release of their one-of-a-kind coffee table art book: The Insides Of Artists Written By Outsiders, which features art and stories from both world renowned talents in the music, art, and skateboarding communities.

This annual art exhibition celebrates the fine art and photography of creatives who share a passion for both music and art. The Punk Rock & Paintbrushes Holiday Art Show is an all-ages, family-friendly event that will feature artwork from musicians Warren Fitzgerald of The Vandals, Jim Lindberg of PennywiseJason Cruz of Strung OutMatt Hensley of Flogging MollyEric Melvin of NOFXMike Gallo of Agnostic Front, and Monkey Adicts of The Adicts; professional skateboarders Steve Caballero and Christian Hosoi; tattoo artists Tokyo Hiro and Jason Adams; photographers Blair Alley and Brent Broza, and visual artists Soma SnakeoilSarah MelvinNatalia FabiaChris SharyLori HerbstStacie StevensonThe Mad Twins: Olya & Vira IshchukShawn FoleyPaul Kobriger, Brian BentDan Smith, and Mark DeSalvo. Each artist will have multiple original pieces, prints, and much more.

The Punk Rock & Paintbrushes Holiday Art Show grand opening night reception will be open to the public from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm on Saturday, December 11 and will feature signings from featured artists, music throughout the night from special guest DJs including Josh Freese of StingThe Vandals, and DevoMama Troy, and Noodles of The Offspring, as well as live original and holiday music and from members of The BombpopsThe Aquadolls, and Sitting On Stacy. The reception will also boast a full cocktail bar, a coffee booth, a red carpet, live body painting, and more.

Emily T. Nielsen, founder of both Romantic Rock and Punk Rock & Paintbrushes says, “The Punk Rock & Paintbrushes community is looking forward to hosting our 6th annual holiday show this December. Coming back after two years, we are excited to host our highly anticipated holiday show and are more than ready to bring beautiful art to our community and to be benefiting amazing non-profits such as Rock To Recovery and The Alexandria House with the help of TUK Shoes. This year we were so grateful to publish our coffee table book and bring our story inside your homes... we hope that this holiday season we can share our stories even more in person on December 11 in LA."

The public can RSVP to this event at: http://punkrockholiday21.eventbrite.com/

Some of this year’s participating Punk Rock & Paintbrushes artists and performers said the following:

Warren Fitzgerald of The Vandals: “In the Punk Rock & Paintbrushes world, to me, it's kind of like everyday is Christmas. It was especially feeling like Christmas this year because we put out a book with 29 wonderful artists sharing their stories and that was like 29 Christmas presents. As far as I know, there's nothing like this event and I'm very proud to be involved with it.”

Soma Snakeoil: “Celebrating art, friendship and resilience, despite all we’ve been through and doing it together as a community, is pure joy. I am so grateful to Punk Rock & Paintbrushes and Emily for providing that space for us. I hope to see the top part of all your faces there.”

Jen Pop of The Bombpops: “I'm not quite sure how an art show can feel like a concert but Punk Rock & Paintbrushes somehow exudes the same electric spirit as a full blown festival. I’m thrilled to be playing some tunes this year because I’d be attending anyway!”

Admission to Saturday’s opening night reception is free for those who own the Punk Rock & Paintbrushes coffee table art book: The Insides Of Artists Written By Outsiders or $20 for a general ticket. There is also a VIP admission option which allows for early entry into the friends and family hour at 5:00 pm, and much more.

Punk Rock & Paintbrushes not only uses their community to lift the voices of artists, but to also help those in need. This year, Punk Rock & Paintbrushes has partnered with TUK Shoes and a plethora of musicians to drive awareness and funds to The Alexandria House and Rock To Recovery. One-of-a-kind designs will be painted onto TUK Shoes by members of SlipknotTaking Back SundayFishboneNOFX, and more. Each pair of shoes will be auctioned off with all proceeds benefiting The Alexandria House, who provide safe and supportive housing for women and children who are in the process of moving from emergency shelter to economic stability and permanent housing. Additionally, notable rock n’ roll musicians and artists will be painting a number of guitars that will be auctioned off, with proceeds benefiting Rock To Recovery, an innovative, therapeutic music program serving more than one hundred addiction treatment and mental health facilities in the USA.

The Punk Rock & Paintbrushes art exhibition will also be open to the public for free on Sunday, December 12 with gallery hours from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.  Sunday will feature local artists and artisans, and live music by Bent DuoWarren Fitzgerald of The Vandals, and Jason Cruz of Strung Out, as well as a DJ set by Stacey Dee of Bad Cop / Bad Cop, and more surprise guests.

The Lazarus Experience is located in the Fashion District of downtown Los Angeles, less than a mile from the Staples Center at 224 E. 11th St., Suite 501, Los Angeles, CA 90015.

Sponsors for the Punk Rock & Paintbrushes Holiday Art Show include: TUK Shoes, Topo Chico, KROQ, Jagermeister, The Alexandria House, and Rock To Recovery.

Punk Rock & Paintbrushes will also host a holiday show on Thursday, December 18 in Oakland, CA at Go Records with select artists. Stay tuned for details and RSVP information.

 
 

[Punk Rock & Paintbrushes ART show & book release in San Diego, CA; May 2021: Matt Hensley, Mark DeSalvo, Emily Nielsen, Paul Kobriger, Warren Fitzgerald, Soma Snakeoil, Brandon Novak, Steve Caballero, Stacie Stevenson, Christian Hosoi, Brian Bent. Photo Courtesy of Punk Rock & Paintbrushes.]

 

[Punk Rock & Paintbrushes book signing in Long Beach, CA; April 2021: Jim Lindberg, Mark DeSalvo, Steve Caballero. 
Photo by Sara Rose Wright]
 

Punk Rock & Paintbrushes ART show Q&A in Chicago, IL; July 2021: Brain Bent, Jason Adams, Blair Alley, Brandon Novak, Christian Hosoi, Steve Caballero, Dan Smith, Paul Kobriger, Matt Hensley. Photo Courtesy of Punk Rock & Paintbrushes.]

 

[Punk Rock & Paintbrushes VIP art event in Detroit, MI; July 2021: Bent Duo perform live with Matt Hensley of Flogging Molly. 
Photo Courtesy of Punk Rock & Paintbrushes.]

Self Esteem announces debut USA live dates, Stephen Colbert performance, album Prioritise Pleasure out now

UK’S SELF ESTEEM ANNOUNCES DEBUT AMERICAN LIVE SHOWS

SELF ESTEEM PERFORMANCE ON STEPHEN COLBERT HERE

THE GUARDIAN NAME “I DO THIS ALL THE TIME”
THEIR SONG OF THE YEAR HERE

photo credit: Olivia Richardson

Today, Self Esteem (Rebecca Taylor) announces her first ever American live shows in New York (March 10), Los Angeles (March 14) and at Austin’s SXSW (March 15-19). To celebrate the release of Prioritise Pleasure, Self Esteem performed “I’m Fine” for Stephen Colbert’s #LateShowMeMusic this Thanksgiving weekend HERE, and New York Times interviewed her HERE. Also this week, The Guardian named her single “I Do This All The Time” their Best Song Of The Year 2021 HERE.

A space for both catharsis and euphoric celebration, a Self Esteem live show is not to be missed; tickets will go on sale on Friday 12.3 @ 10am local time, see below for a full list of tour dates. 

Last month, she released her hugely acclaimed second album Prioritise Pleasure via Avenue A / Fiction Records. Featuring the acclaimed singles “I Do This All The Time,” “Prioritise Pleasure”, “How Can I Help You”, “Moody” and “You Forever”, Prioritise Pleasure is a remarkable step up from Rebecca Taylor’s 2019 debut Compliments Please and sheds light on important issues around female autonomy, comparison culture, self-doubt, heartbreak, sexual assault, comparison culture and self-acceptance, comforted and counter-balanced with an array of rhythmic flourishes that speak to the eclecticism of her experience and influence.

Buy tickets to see Self Esteem on tour
Listen / Buy Prioritise Pleasure


The follow up to Self Esteem’s acclaimed 2019 debut album Compliments Please, Prioritise Pleasure is a record that reminds us all of the importance of being our unapologetic selves, putting your insecurities out there in the hope that it can be the first step towards healing them. Honest disclosure has always been Self Esteem’s forte, and so each track on Prioritise Pleasure handles difficult themes with nuanced perspective, comforted and counter-balanced with an array of rhythmic flourishes that speak to the eclecticism of her experience and influence.

The funk-pop shimmy of "Moody" is anthemic in its analysis of self-sabotaging habits, while opener "I’m Fine" builds a stomp-and-clap wall of solidarity, staking out defiant new ground. Making use of Taylor’s penchant for voice notes, the song’s striking outro draws on snippets of conversation taken from work she did in 2019 with The National Youth Theatre, devising a short play with a group of young female-identifying creatives on the topic of consent.

“It turned into the most amazing month, sitting in a circle and having all these teenage chats,” Taylor says. “But every now and again, there would be some particular insight that would just put goosebumps all over my body.” One such moment was a story shared by a woman in her early twenties, whose fear of walking at night can be heard on the track. “It sounds so stupid, but me and my friends…if we are approached by a group of men, we will bark like dogs…there is nothing that terrifies a man more than a woman who appears completely deranged.”

“It sets the precedent for the whole record; like really, is that what we have to do to feel safe?” says Taylor. “I am so angry that I can't go on holiday alone. I'm so angry I can't walk home without someone freaking me out, or worse. And the idea that the only defence we have is to be terrifying is so wrong, but it’s as normalised in society as the idea of feeling heartbroken by a guy that doesn't text you back enough.”

"Breaking a personal cycle of trauma-suppression", Taylor says, "starts with laying out these instances of her personal experience – self-doubt, heartbreak, sexual assault, the urge to compare – and realising that one stands out as something that truly can’t be justified as part and parcel of life."

“What's the one thing that none of us deserve to have happened to us, but almost all women have had? But in order to fucking live and survive and not spend every day wanting to slay every man I see in the street, I've had to normalise it.” She pauses, finding a moment of clarity. “I guess this album, the reason it's so full of love for myself, is that I’m finally seeing that none of those things are my fault.”

Having allowed itself grace, Prioritise Pleasure is also a record of great joy. Working again with trusted producer Johan Karlberg [of afro-fusion trio The Very Best], it was stitched together throughout the pandemic in chunked sessions, the time between each batch encouraging Taylor to fully flesh out her ideas. With Prioritise Pleasure, Self Esteem comes one step closer to reminding listeners – and herself – that true success begins and ends with self-acceptance, telling your story in the way that only you can.

SELF ESTEEM tour dates:
28th February - The Parish, Huddersfield
1st March – St Lukes, Glasgow
2nd March – Stylus, Leeds  
3rd March – CHALK, Brighton  
4th March – Trinity, Bristol   
10th March - Baby’s All Right, Brooklyn, NY (tickets)
14th March - Moroccan Lounge, Los Angeles, NY (
tickets)
March 15-19 - SXSW, Austin, TX (details tba)

23rd March – Cathedral, Manchester
24th March – The Forum, London
25th March – Octagon, Sheffield

SELF ESTEEM - Prioritise Pleasure tracklisting:
01. I’m Fine
02. Fucking Wizardry 
03. Hobbies 2
04. Prioritise Pleasure - video
05. I Do This All The Time - video
06. Moody - video
07. Still Reigning 
08. How Can I Help You - video
09. It’s Been A While
10. The 345
11. John Elton
12. You Forever
13. Just Kids

Praise for Prioritise Pleasure:
"Musically smart songs that combine shiny appeal with real originality and spark, this is an off-kilter pleasure" - The Times, 5*

“A fierce, feminist, pop prism that is dancable, joyous and above all else - fun” - Rolling Stone

“Commanding, assertive, and powerful, Prioritise Pleasure is everything pop music should be. Wholly unafraid to tackle difficult subjects with ease, in Rebecca Taylor we also have the makings of a serious pop behemoth.” - The Line of Best Fit, 10/10

“Through her own personal stories - and those of others - Prioritise Pleasure manages to challenge accepted norms and helps to exorcise long-buried demons; it’s powerful to the last drop.” - DIY, 5*

"one of those special records that's importance and legacy will be felt for years to come... a staggering step up." Dork, 5*

“Assured and unapologetic, it’s charged with a dark, smirking wit that’s impossible to turn away from” NME, 4*

https://www.selfesteem.love/
https://www.instagram.com/selfesteemselfesteem/
https://www.facebook.com/RLTSELFESTEEM/
https://twitter.com/SELFESTEEM___
https://www.tiktok.com/@selfesteemselfesteem69?

 

U-Roy to release 2-disc gold vinyl Dec 17; Grammy-nominated Jesse Royal feat. in new remix

U-ROY FEAT. JESSE ROYAL “SMALL AXE (JAMAICA SOUNDSYSTEM REMIX)”
GARNERS PRAISE FROM MUSIC INDUSTRY GIANTS
 
 WATCH “SMALL AXE (JAMAICA SOUNDSYSTEM REMIX)” OFFICIAL VIDEO
 
NEW VISUALS EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY GABRIEL JAGGER
AND TROJAN JAMAICA CO-FOUNDERS ZAK STARKEY & SHARNA “SSHH” LIGUZ
 
LIMITED EDITION 2LP GOLD VINYL OUT DECEMBER 17
AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FOR PRE-ORDER VIA VP REGGAE HERE
(L-R: U-ROY, JESSE ROYAL)
Trojan Jamaica/BMG has paid homage to the late great U-Roy with the official music video for U-Roy Feat. Jesse Royal’s “Small Axe (Jamaica Soundsystem Remix).” Directed by Daryl Higgins and Executive Produced by Gabriel Jagger for whynow alongside Trojan Jamaica co-chiefs Zak Starkey and Sharna “Sshh” Liguz, the new video interpolates historic footage of U-Roy and the newly Grammy-nominated Jesse Royal captured during sessions for the late reggae icon’s acclaimed new album, SOLID GOLD U-ROY, alongside iconic scenes from the legendary 1978 Jamaican film, Rockers (courtesy of Blue Sun Film Co.) featuring cameos by reggae superstars including Big YouthGregory IsaacsKiddus IRas Michael and The Sons of Negus, bassist Robbie Shakespeare, drummers Sly Dunbar and Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace, percussionist Bongo Herman, engineer Sylvan Morris, guitarist Earl “Chinna” Smith, and horn players Bobby EllisCedric “Im” BrooksDavid MaddenTommy McCook, and Richard “Dirty Harry” Hall. U-Roy feat. Jesse Royal’s “Small Axe (Jamaica Soundsystem Remix)” is streaming now via YouTube.
 
I absolutely loved working with Zak and Sshh to create the ‘Small Axe’ video, says JaggerIt is such a privilege to work on this amazing track from U-Roy and Jesse Royal that breathes new life into Bob Marley’s iconic song.
 
“Rockers is one of our favorite movies,” say Starkey and Liguz“and we are blessed to have worked with Kiddus I, Big Youth, Horsemouth, Bongo Herman, Robbie Shakespeare, and other musical giants featured in the film, and we recently mixed a Gregory Isaacs tune. All of these guys represent the ‘Small Axe’ that is going to chop down ‘the big tree’”
 
WATCH U-ROY FEAT. JESSE ROYAL’S “SMALL AXE
(JAMAICA SOUNDSYSTEM REMIX)”
(SLY DUNBAR)
(LEROY “HORSEMOUTH” WALLACE, FROM THE FILM, ROCKERS)
The original version of U-Roy & Jesse Royal’s “Small Axe” can be found on the acclaimed new album, SOLID GOLD U-ROY, available now via Trojan Jamaica/BMG for streaming and download HERE. Limited Edition 2LP Gold Vinyl will be exclusively available at VP Records retail outlets in Queens, NY and Miramar, FL on December 17, and available for pre-order online via VP Reggae now.
The dub-powered new take on Bob Marley’s classic early hit, “Small Axe” sees the late, great Daddy U-Roy trading big vocals with Kingston, Jamaica-based singer-songwriter Jesse Royal over an indelible riddim that is rich with instrumentation and reverb, yet leaves enough space as to highlight the contrasting deliveries of the singer and deejay, as well as the guitar and piano by Zak Starkey, organ by Robbie Lyn, and fresh backing vocal arrangements courtesy of Robbie Shakespeare, Tony Chin, and Sharna “Sshh” Liguz.
 
On hearing U-Roy & Jesse Royal’s version of “Small Axe,” legendary producer and Island Records founder Chris Blackwell commented, I love the unique production sound, it’s “f*cking great!
 
It was and always will be an honor and a pleasure to work on U-Roy’s recordings,” says Zak and Sshh. “We miss him, but our mission is to keep his legacy strong with the music that lives on. Jesse Royal gives a stand-out performance with passion and talent that we have come to know from ‘the small axe’. Maximum Respect!
 
We are all from the same bloodline, says Jesse Royal. “Products of one of the greatest places on Earth! Walking talking blessings. The session for me was a school, as whoever knows me knows that I’m an avid studier when it comes to the ones who set it! The vibrations are always high, as the respect is mutual, and for me the level of gratitude was undeniable! Incredible concept that the team came up with, and brilliant execution by the musical team. Truly honored to be a part of such an amazing project!
 
SOLID GOLD U-ROY – which also features appearances from such icons as Ziggy Marley, Shaggy, Mick Jones of The Clash, Santigold, Sly & Robbie, David Hinds of Steel Pulse, Big Youth, Tarrus Riley, Rygin King, Richie Spice, and Scientist – has proven one of this year’s most celebrated releases.
 
Produced by Starkey and Liguz, with Martin “Youth” Glover (of Killing Joke), and mixed by David Sardy (Toots & The Maytals, Oasis, The Who), SOLID GOLD U-ROY further boasts a stellar band of superstar personnel comprised of Zak Starkey on guitar, as well as reggae royalty, including Sly Dunbar on drums, Robbie Shakespeare on bass and backing vocals, Tony Chin on guitar and backing vocals, Robbie Lyn on keyboards, Stingwray on trumpet, and the maestro Dean Fraser on saxophone and backing vocals.
 
The album recently spent several weeks atop the NACC (North American College & Community Radio) World charts, confirming that U-Roy's uniquely timeless sound has been fully embraced by a new generation of fans. Influential on-air personalities at key stations offered their thoughts:
 
"U-Roy has always been a huge staple in my musical collection, shared Santa Monica-based KCRW’s Jason Kramer. He continued, “this new album is special because U-Roy also seamlessly passes the torch to the future of reggae music. His infectious toasting makes you want these songs never to end on this final Solid Gold masterpiece of classic songs. Most important when I was a youth staying in Boston Beach near Port Antonio, I remember vividly U-Roy played over the bar sound system. His sound just amplified the importance of Jamaican music and culture. Even though I was visiting, I felt like I was home."
 
"Solid Gold U-Roy is a beautiful celebration of his inimitable style and far-reaching impact on music. The inspired updates sound stellar and bring U-Roy's timeless flavor to a new generation of music lovers," added Seattle-based KEXP’s Kid Hops.
 
Originally scheduled for release in 2020, SOLID GOLD U-ROY now serves as a musical memorial to the one and only U-Roy, who sadly passed away on February 17 of this year. One of the most profoundly influential reggae stars of his generation, U-Roy left behind an unmatched legacy as an originator of the chatty rhythmic vocal style known as toasting – a key foundational element in the development of rap and hip hop in the 1970s. Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, drummer and joint frontman of The Roots, paid tribute to U-Roy as “the god of toasting,” adding that “without him we wouldn’t have the concept of hip-hop.
  
PRAISE FOR SOLID GOLD U-ROY:
 
“U-Roy – in his late 70s at the time of recording – is at the top of his game, always toasting the track but never letting the song get in the way of his impressionistic approach to lyricism… a lovely reminder of the giant we lost
and a righteous reminder that his legacy should be handled with care.”
– THE GUARDIAN
 
“U-Roy remains on form throughout, delivering everything in his relaxed yet confident style,
all testament to his enduring talent.”
– MOJO
 
“A genuine triumph and about as good a capper to an influential career as you could hope for… The album really leaves you wishing you could see U-Roy strut that stuff on stage now, but glad you have this terrific final document of his greatness.”
– BROOKLYN VEGAN
 
“Instead of being another flower in the legendary reggae toaster’s pipe, the record
now arrives as a celebration of his talent and legacy.”
– CONSEQUENCE
 
“His joyous rhymes and cries can be felt in most MC styles, from dancehall to ragga to jungle to grime, and onto that multi-million-dollar performance at Coachella
where Beyoncé and crew told ‘the people!’”
– BANDCAMP
 
“SOLID GOLD U-ROY is about as majestic as one could hope for. A fittingly triumphant final act from an artist who dedicated his life to the advancement of art. It’s at once traditional and futuristic,
returning to some of U-Roy’s past victories
and somehow rendering them even brighter and more invigorating.”
– ALLMUSIC

U-ROY
SOLID GOLD U-ROY
(Trojan Jamaica/BMG)
Tracklist:
Trenchtown Rock – performed by U-Roy and Ziggy Marley
Man Next Door – performed by U-Roy and Santigold
Rule the Nation – performed by U-Roy and Shaggy
Tom Drunk – performed by U-Roy and Tarrus Riley
Wake the Town – performed by U-Roy
Stop That Train – performed by U-Roy and Rygin King
Soul Rebel – performed by U-Roy and David Hinds
Queen Majesty/Chalice in the Palace – performed by U-Roy and Robbie Shakespeare
Small Axe – performed by U-Roy and Jesse Royal
Wear You to the Ball – performed by U-Roy and Richie Spice
Every Knee Shall – performed by U-Roy and Big Youth with Mick Jones
Every Knee Shall Bow (Scientist Dub)
 
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RIDE @ Fonda Theatre // 12.19.24 // THE PORTABLE INFINITE

All photos taken by Martin Worster