Thursday, August 30, 2007
Get a ticket to Terrakota's Oba Train (PT)
Got the tickets? So prepare yourselves!!!!

Get the drums ready. Get your best shoes!! Get your clothes packed. Do not forget!!! You want them comfortable, loose and funky enough!!!

The train is here. The train is at its stop and is waiting for you all!!!

The reggae, roots, dub, African/Jamaican ethnic music inspired collective Terrakota are back with Oba Train, a 12 track album where Romi and partners lay down some of the most interesting and richest music made in Portugal lately. Music made in Portugal but with a scent of the world. Africa, South America, Cuba, Jamaica and others.... they all meet here.

With an album sung in several idioms (Portuguese, English, French, Spanish, Yoruba, Wollof), Terrakota return sounding more confident than ever, with their amalgamation of sounds transforming itself into an unique party we're all invited to, together with special guests U-Roy , Conductor (Buraka Som Sistema) and Ikonoklasta (Conjunto Ngonguenha).

Apart from the the music, their songs tell us stories about the world we live today: racism, capitalism, terrorism, diseases,.... but as well on happiness, joy and hope.

Do you have your bags packed? Got the ticket already? So step into Oba Train and join
Romi, Junior, Alex, Francesco, Humberto, Nataniel, Davide and Ze.

Check Terrakota live on the following dates:

07/09 @ Semintesta Festival, Frascati, Italy
09/09 @ Acqua Viva Festival, Siena, Italy
11/09 @ Festival Lusitano, Salerno, Italy
14/09 @ Grosseto, Italy (not confirmed yet)
21/09 @ Estarreja, Portugal (not confirmed yet)
22/09 @ Cascais, Portugal

04/10 @ Madeira Island, Portugal (not confirmed yet)
05/10 @ Lisbon, Portugal (not confirmed yet)
11/10 @ Guimaraes, Portugal (not confirmed yet)

17/11 @ Galicia, Spain (not confirmed yet)

Listen to the album right here, on their online jukebox. You can buy it as well on this online store.

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posted by SKL @ 2:41 PM   1 comments
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Under the Radar with .... Julia Marcell (PL)
"... My name is Julia and I write songs....."

These are the words Julia Marcell used to introduce herself to the world. Sellaband sky rocket, this Olsztyn-based young artist is taking her piano driven melodies to the world; and believe me, her world is getting bigger and bigger!!!

Having written her first song when she was just seven years old, by the age of eighteen two home recordings of hers had already seen the lights as demos.

This year, she's back with Storm EP, a 5 track release that captures some of the most beautiful songs from her repertoire. Starting with captivating piano notes dropping slowly as Julia's remarkable vocals slide, delicately whispered, along these enchanting 3 minutes of music on Twin Heart. Going further more, there's time for my favourite song, The Roads.

Compared to the likes of Joanna Newsom, Tori Amos or Regina Spektor, Julia gathers within these 5 tracks beautifully written lyrics, incredibly delicate and, yet sometimes, intense piano drunk melodies, altogether with violin magic sound powders, viola, cello and her unforgettable voice. 5 tracks perfectly sung in English (no accent at all) make this debut one of the most interesting releases this year, on this side of Europe.

As part of the Sellaband community, she was mentioned by the British newspaper The Guardian as a band to keep an eye on. So far, in a very short period, Julia gathered something like $25000 already. Once she hits the $50000, it is time for the long play debut.

But Julia Marcell is not only Julia Marcell. This project sees Anna Caban, on violin; Adam Bruderek, on violin; Anna Prokopczuk, on viola; Patrycja Taradejna, on cello; delivering their contribution to this extraordinary 5 tracks Storm EP.

Check this young artist on her MySpace, site or at her Sellaband. If so, invest yourself 10 bucks on Julia Marcell. For sure it'll be worth it!!!!

Jack The Ripoff - mp3 download here.

The album can be bought here. Just follow the link.

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posted by SKL @ 1:38 PM   0 comments
Sunday, August 05, 2007
U-Clic and Console Pupils (PT)
Every city has its preferred style of music. Tomar (or Thomas as it is often called) aimed its batteries to the world of electronic music.

Regardless if it concerns disco, electro, minimal or progressive,... you name it, most likely you will find someone from Thomar doing it, and doing it well.

U-Clic are a trio that drink inspiration from the 70's Kraftwerk synth driven melodies and catchy beats, adding to it guitar riffs, addictive loops catchy pop melodies, coming up with unique digital textures tainted by arty synth driven electro.

The robot like vocals, the spiral soundscapes, the arcade soundtrack look-alike sounds, the cosmic inspired rhythmic, electrified and loopy tunes do the rest.

With the album supposed to come out by late 2005/ early 2006, Console Pupils, saw the light only this year.

Nevertheless, these 3 youngsters do bring us 11 tracks that will leave no one indifferent. Luis Salgado, Filipe Confraria and Goncalo Figueiredo, or as they call themselves, U-Salgado, U-Confra and U-Goncalo bring us tracks like Satellite Club, Pixelised Scenario, Xhuttle, Robot 'n' Roll, Europa or the amazing Zumbido @ Paraizo that easily conquer those that listen to it the first time, transforming this album into something that you will want to keep an eye on for longer.

Addictive, fresh and electric dance orientated music. This is Console Pupils!!!

These are U-Clic!!!

Check their album following this link. Buy it here.

Check them live this August at

15th, Paredes de Coura @ Festival Paredes de Coura
25th, Lisbon @ Maxime

Get Robot 'n' Roll right here.

"...
more than retro, more than futuristic.

it's electronic, it's digital, it's organic, it's analogic....."

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posted by SKL @ 2:30 PM   0 comments
Thursday, August 02, 2007
On Tour with .... Ladybug & Graftmann (PL)
Attention, attention!!!! Read all about it!!!!

This week, Ladybug will join forces with Krakow-based singer songwriter Graftmann. Together they will take the Polish Songwriter's London Club Tour to a London club near you.

This unique and truly interesting singer/songwriter event promises to show two of the most interesting new projects Made in Poland.

Ladybug, together with her acoustic guitar and her strong and deep vocals, will fly you through folk inspired acoustic music, stripped down to the bones. You'll be able to see and listen to the melancholic melodies, the beautiful vocals and the acoustic tunes coming out of those naked guitars.

Armed with a harmonica and his guitar, Graftmann will take you and lead you into his vision of the world.
Do not hesitate!!! As he says "...I'm writing songs when I'm happy, when I'm sad, when I'm sleepy. I love music and films. I'm inspired by 80's indiepop, 60's movie stars, disco heartbeats, drunk women, scandinavian animals, polish literature, soft pornography, bad weather and other nice things....."

Do not miss it. Starts this Sunday, the 5th of August.

5th of August @ Bull and Gate, London
6th of August @ Dingwalls, London
7th of August @ The Cross Kings, London
8th of August @ The Pelican, London

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posted by SKL @ 2:51 PM   0 comments