Focus Music Notes. "Out of the Blues". Popular music through the decades

For the first time in years I watched the Eurovision Song Contest and enjoyed it.  I thought this was the best song of the night. "Silent Storm" sung by Carl Espen and written by Josefin Winther.  

Energetic and highly acclaimed synthpop trio, Prides , release Messiah on June 23 The band burst onto the scene with Out of the Blue which lived on the top five of the Hype Machine . They also enjoyed success on second single, The Seeds You Sow, which was met with rave reviews from fans and critics alike. Next up is Messiah , which is an infectious indie pop track that has a sense of impending bigness about it. And is set to be an anthem for this summer with it’s chant like repetitive vocals. Singer, Stewart Brock says, “ The idea for the lead synth line came about because we were discussing that no one used a pitch bend on a keyboard anymore. Usually that’s an incentive for us to try something and it stuck. We had recently seen The Killers headline T in the Park and with that in mind we really wanted our own ‘I’ve got soul but I’m not a soldier’ moment. That was the inspiration. The track is about love and self-doubt. It’s about wanting to achieve something, and reali...

Phantogram are Sarah Barthel (vocals, keyboard) and Josh Carter (vocals, guitar). They caused an impressive stir with the release of their debut album ‘Eyelid Movies’ in 2009 and follow-up EP ‘Nightlife’ (2011). Now they announce details of their highly anticipated sophomore full-length ‘Voices’, which is released on Island Records on June 30 th and will be preceded by the wonderful single ‘Fall In Love’ on June 23 rd . Since forming in Saratoga Springs in upstate New York, Phantogram have evolved their sound organically and gradually. The new album is an atmospheric melding of hazy dream pop and head-knocking rhythms which makes no concession to commercialism and stays ever true to the aesthetic that has won them a wide, devoted and disparate fan base. Drafted and written both back in Saratoga Springs and current hometown Brooklyn, where the duo build their compositions together around Carter’s often sample-heavy beats, it was finished with co-producer John Hill (MI...

After a busy couple of months touring the States with Tinariwen and debuting at Austin's SXSW Festival The Melodic are thrilled to be back in the UK and are excited about their  upcoming tour of Europe. The shows kick off this Wednesday 7th May with their biggest gig to date in London at XOYO, Shoreditch. Support comes from the excellent Deep Throat Choir . Tickets available  here :  Spread the Word - Join the Melodic Family on Facebook Keep checking The Melodic facebook, twitter and instagram for photos and updates from the road.   Please show some love and download the album Effra Parade HERE To buy a physical copy of the album Effra Parade click HERE. ----------------------------------------------- WHAT THE PAPERS SAY They have  had some great coverage so far in Mojo, The Sun, The Independent, American Songwriter and Electronic Musician to name a few, with the highlight being the four star album review from The Times newspaper this weeke...

2014 has officially been Pharrell Williams ’ year, and after g etting Lucky and Happy his sharp fashion credentials were sealed when he wore that iconic Vivienne Westwood Buffalo hat at the Grammys.The talented singer, music producer and designer will be making another fashion statement with his new collaboration with UNIQLO . Pharrell Williams is now the face of UNIQLO’s UT line and he has also created an exclusive collection for the brand.Called i am OTHER , this range includes men's T-shirts emblazoned with Pharrell’s designs, from ‘unlike any Other’ to ‘ The Same is Lame ’. Pharrell Williams presents: "i am OTHER" AVAILABLE ONLINE Pharrell Williams on iTunes G I R L - Pharrell Williams on iTunes

The Melodic just got in touch with the exciting news that their album Effra Parade is finally out this week in Europe and of course the rest of the world! You can discover the album below. This oh so hard working band is currently on the long winding road between Austin, Texas and Nashville, Tennesse. May 7th sees their return to the UK with their largest headline show to date at XOYO in London.  Tickets have been selling fast already so get yours  HERE  to avoid disappointment. They have just announced a series of headline shows across the US and the UK, as well as a support tour with Los Angeles singer songwriter Robert Francis across Western Europe throughout May 2014. Please scroll down for USA and European  tour dates. Please show some love and download the album HERE To buy a physical copy of the album click HERE. USA Tour supporting Tinariwen 18th March - Nashville, TN, High Watt - w/Tinariwen 19th March - St Athens, GA, Georgia The...

It's over fifty years since a young Bob Dylan made his way on the now famous "Highway 61" to New York's Greenwich Village. He first performed the iconic "Blowin in the Wind", which he wrote in 1962 at Gerde's Folk City. His debut album "The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan" came out in 1963. His vast back catalogue is testament to the fact that, over five decades, he has been influenced by every style of music. Bob Dylan and his music were featured in Martin Scorsese's documentary "No Direction Home" which was broadcast simultaneously in the USA on PBS and in the UK on BBC2's "Arena" on Monday 26th and Tuesday 27th September 2005". You can preview the songs from his debut album here . My all time favourite is Girl from the North Country and I love the sweet guitar chords on Oxford Town and Corinna, Corinna .  Bob Dylan available on iTunes Wikepedia Stub F ree Wheelin Bob Dylan Blowin in the Wind BBC Rad...