#web sheldon

Web Sheldon: EP ‘Today Is All’

out on 2nd of December 2016  Sheffield born musician Web Sheldon releases his second EP ‘Today Is All’ W on Friday 2nd December via iTunes, Amazon and Bandcamp. It’s a mixture of electronic music, pop and Hip Hop. It’s written, recorded and produced by himself and has guest rappers from Madrid (including Spanish lyrics), West Hollywood and London. After releasing his debut single in January with…

For those readers that haven’t heard of you before could you tell us a little bit about yourself your story? I was born in Sheffield, I’ve lived in Manchester and Athlone in Ireland for a bit but  I’ve been in London for the last 4 years now building up to getting my first official music releases this year.  I work as a SAP consultant in the day, which is like a IT support for a specific piece of software and then I’m a musician the rest of the time.  Music has always been at the centre of my life though.  I usually have some music playing for every occasion – silence doesn’t happen very often around me haha  I remember listening to my parents records when I was kid, which was mainly 60’s girl groups, 50’s rock ‘n roll and ABBA and stealing my sister’s records which was anything from Madonna to the House tracks of the late 80’s.  Since then though, I got into everything from Britpop to Hip Hop, Jazz and I love searching for traditional music from different countries; like Turkish art music, Bollywood from the 60’s, Cuban, Fado or Flamenco.

I think because of these influences, I had a hard time over the last few years trying to find my own sound.  I’d be writing a house track one minute, then a dark trip hop track the next and then a quiet acoustic song – and it’s not like you can throw all those on an album and call it finished, but I think the sound has come together well in the last year.  In terms of performing though, I love writing and I love singing – way more than I love playing guitar or piano.  Singing is something that comes right from inside you – it’s like you’re using your own body as an instrument and that kind of connection I’ve just never felt anything comparable when playing an instrument.

You’ve recently released your first EP ‘Modern Life Is Lies’ could you tell us a bit about recording the EP? I recorded it all at home, which was awesome, because that was my plan for a long time – to be able to do everything myself.  I started using Ableton to write and record in 2009 and I went to Point Blank Music School in 2014 to learn how to mix and master professionally so I wouldn’t have to pay for studio time anymore.  It was meant to be an album to begin with, but as the songs were emerging it was becoming clear that half of them were psychedelic trip hop/dark pop songs and the other half were more electronic/hip hop so I thought I’ll just split the album in two parts and have a couple of EPs instead.  So ‘Modern Life Is Lies’ was the first half of that and the next half is ‘Today Is All’ which is due out this autumn.

The album cover is quite striking is that something you designed yourself or did you work with a designer? I’ll be honest – I do not see myself as a visual artist at all.  I love taking photos, but when it comes to designing, it’s not something that comes naturally to me.  Having said that, I designed the cover myself on my iPhone and then my partner used his Photoshop skills to recreate the design in better quality – so I think that was good team work!

The lyrics of the record seem to question a lot of aspects of modern life, was that always the intent with the EP? It wasn’t like a concept album – although that would have been cool.  I just write about what I’m feeling.  I actually wanted to write an EP that was full of positive vibes although I do think there’s a lot of positive messages in there too.  In terms of matching the title, I like how the EP came together in the end, I think it’s a good snapshot of my state of mind over the last year. Li(v)es is about feeling quite negative inside but trying to stay positive when you’re faced with not just your own doubts about yourself but everything that is going on in the world.  How we’re lied to by our governments and the media, the control that money and more importantly corporations have over our life and how we think.

Then Purple Steeple is about meditation and the experience of living in London, Summer Storm is about the start of a relationship when you are excited about everything, but you’re also a little insecure because you don’t know where you stand them.  Memory of Footsteps is the Yoko Ono cover – I really love Yoko and this song in particular. Then Raat Ka Nasha is roughly translated as ‘enchanted evening’ in Hindi and it’s written like a stream of thoughts as a snapshot of an evening when I used to live in Manchester back in 2012.

Your music has quite a few different layers to it, is it difficult to perform live and reproduce the sound of the record? I use a machine to control the laptop and I can programme different slices of instrument samples into different pads and can play a different mix of the song on stage each time using that.  When I’ve used live instruments, I’ve either played the guitar or keyboard on stage.  I use a looper sometimes to record additional voices or if it’s too complex, I’ll have the harmonies recorded in the background. I made an acoustic version of Li(v)es a few week ago and changed it quite a bit – I guess it was like an acoustic cover of my own song but I wanted to be able to play it just on guitar – but then that lead to transforming the song quite a bit.  I like how a song does not have to be static though.  You write and record a song and you send it off into the world but after that point, if you’re playing it live, it’s still evolving all the time.

You also create various different remixes, how does that differ from working on your own material? I love making remixes! I love re-imagining other people’s songs and trying to take it to a whole new place or take one element of the original song and use that to build it up into a different direction.  I do feel a lot more pressure when making a remix for someone though.  You’re trying to manage their expectations whilst staying true to your own style and obviously you want them to be happy with it.  Now that I’ve finished the second EP, I’ll have more time for working on remixes and collaborations so I’m looking forward to that again.  I’ve recently just taken on a remix for an electro-folk band called Passion Bel Canon, so that will be the next remix out of the nest.

What are your favourite songs that people might not have heard of and why?

I’m a big fan of female writers and singers so most of my favourite music is by female artists.  There’s a song on Tori Amos’ ‘From The Choir Girl Hotel’ album that I have always loved called ‘iieee’ – the music is so dark, great production, vocal performance and her lyrics as well.  There’s a Joni Mitchell song I only discovered this year – it was originally on her 1970 album ‘Ladies Of The Canyon’, the song was ‘Rainy Night House’ but she made a new jazzy version of it that was released on a live album in ’74 when she was touring with L.A. Express.  The sound was completely magical to me; I love the jazzier side of Joni and I wish she would jazz up some of her other earlier songs as well to re-create some magic.  I’ll mention a third song too; ‘Memory Of Footsteps’ by Yoko Ono.  On my first EP, I covered this song but I really made it more harsh with crunchy electronic drums –  so I’d recommend to listen to the beautiful and delicate and original version of that song.

You also have a blog that people can follow is that just about your music or do you cover other artists as well? Yes – it’s for both although I use it more as an alternative to having a ‘News’ section on my website.  I usually cover either other artists in London or artists worldwide that have a similar genre to my own.  When I play gigs, I will usually write a review of the other bands from the same night, take a few pictures and add links to their songs and those kinds of posts tend to be quite popular so I’d definitely like to expand that side of the blog.

What are your plans for the rest of the year? The next big event is the release of my second EP, ‘Today Is All’ which I imagine is going to be the end of October now and I’m currently booking gigs around London to promote that release.  Having worked all year on my own music, I’m thinking this is a good time to work on some collaborations with other artists now, make some more remixes, spend more time on the live scene in London and expand the music blog. I started working in a recording studio a few months ago (BonaFideStudio, Muswell Hill) so I’m hoping to spend time with more experienced producers there and continue developing my recording and production skills.

Find out more: Website: http://www.websheldon.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/websheldonmusic Twitter: https://twitter.com/websheldon Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/websheldon Music Blog: http://web-sheldon.blogspot.co.uk/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/websheldon

Cadence + Bad Names + Web Sheldon @ The Workshop.

Stage @ The Workshop (+ the very attractive and alluring guitar Dahlia. She is looking at you seductively. Yes.)

As my grandma would have said, I am 'in the wars' this week.  I had a 2 day hangover (my fault, I know!) and since I got over that, I've been on the sofa wrapped in blankets with a ManCold.  I'm using the term 'ManCold' without actually *really* knowing what it is though.  Is a ManCold inferior to regular human colds? Or are they equal? Hmmm. I was worried how I was going to play the gig last night and was planning to sing the songs an octave lower or do it Phoebe from Friends style...my sticky shooooes...why you stick on me...ba-a-beee.. but thankfully my vocals chords had got their shiz together by yesterday afternoon.  I should have had an emergency Hot Toddy in a hip flask prepared for the occasion though...just in case.

Web Sheldon

There were 5 minutes to go and I was due to start playing at 8pm, and there was still only me, the bar man, and another guy sat at the bar..(hiii 'guy sat at the bar' if you're reading this and sorry I didn't talk to you... did you pick up a flyer I left near you? :-/ ) so yeah, I was starting to get worried! I had been stood outside the venue till the last few minutes before the gig having a rollie and trying to get a few people in. In the space of 5 minutes though, friends arrived, people started to come downstairs and I had a pretty decent audience to play to. Correction - the audience last night were not decent, they were awesome! Chatting to me on stage (even if that did involve talks of sexual acts with my guitar Dahlia *and* a possible threesome with a mic stand.. lol), dancing and shouts of an encore! And in the last few lines of my Yoko Ono cover (in celebration of her 82nd birthday yesterday), there wasn't a sound in the bar other than my a capella. Big thank you to everyone for listening with such attention last night.  It was a gig to remember :) Next gigs:

Saturday 7th March @ The Islington; with New Opera Hero (Post Electro Rock) + CRHØMA (Electronic Indie) + The Boom Dogs (Funk Rock) + Tango Pirates (Glam Rock 'n Roll).

Tues 17th March @ The Fiddler's Elbow - St. Paddy's Day Bash! With City Strays (rock) + Michael Foxall-Smith (Acoustic/Folk).

Ps. Click here to go and 'Like' my Facebook music page and be updated on all future gigs!

Web Sheldon @ Roadtrip & The Workshop. Weds 18th Feb 2015.

Bad Names

Bad Names are a 4 x piece rock'n roll band from London. First of all, I need to say that I think their song 'Mary' is pretty awesome. It reminds me a bit of early Radiohead (circa Pablo Honey) with the reverb of the lead guitar, and the playful weaving of melodies between the bass and vocal in the verses.  Before the chorus starts, the band stop and the vocal goes 'baby don't you worry cos...' and then the chorus kicks in with the full band and the lead vocal goes into his head voice to sing 'I couldn't leave you if I tried'.  The way its done, those elements make it sound sincere to me - and thats important for me in music; to have the link between the lyrics, the melody, the delivery and the band.  I want to hear that all the elements are working in unison - a song should be a single unit of delivery for me.  I think these guys are good at this; their individual parts work well together.  Great to see these guys on stage, the music works well recorded as it does live. Next gigs:

Proud Camden TONIGHT! (Thursday 19th Feb).

Roadtrip & The Workshop - Thursday 26th February. With The Flowerscents (rock/alternative) + Salt + Seven Red Lions (Funky Space Rock) + Duncan Etwart.

Bad Names @ Roadtrip & The Workshop. Weds 18th Feb 2015.

Cadence

Cadence were the headliners for the night; a 4 piece alternative rock band from Greenwich with influences such as Muse and Placebo.  I'd agree with the influences there but I'd also throw in Mew as well - there were some stacatto rhythms played by the guitars and bass with the vocal layering over the top that took me back to 'Frengers'.  My favourite song from the set was 'Sweet Asphyxiaton' - with an amusing introduction as different members of the band and the audience attempted to pronounce 'asphyxiation' - some more successfully than others.  There was a friendly and lighthearted atmosphere at this gig and I must give an honourable mention to Kuba's T-shirt with the words 'I'D RATHER BE AT A ONE DIRECTION CONCERT'.  I want one! haha

We had some nice harmonies going on in many of the songs (Rozâ is a classical singer) and you could tell Micah was really feeling the words as he was singing - this is a big plus for me, being a vocalist myself.  A nice touch in the middle of the set, was a quick 1 minute break to say thanks to the audience for coming, for the other bands playing and for the promoters for putting on the night. This is what playing unsigned gigs should be about; having fun, supporting each other, and trying to pronounce difficult words together when slightly tipsy. These guys had a lovely set of fans too!

You can buy their debut EP here. (iTunes link)

Next Gigs:

TBC! Follow their Facebook page for updates.

Cadence @ Roadtrip & The Workshop. Weds 18th Feb 2015. (L to R: Kuba, Alessandro, Micah, Rozâ)

Tomorrow night at The Workshop, free entry and a mixture of rock and electronic music courtesy of 3 acts!

Click play to listen to the Soundcloud playlist whilst reading a little about the bands below.

Cadence

4 piece alternative rock band from Greenwich, drawing influences from bands such as Muse and Placebo. Micah Rose-Trespeuch (voice, keys, guitar) "Composer/writer/musician from south-east London.  Brought up in a French/English household that has a passion for music, love (and France!)."  Micah has indulged in playing classical piano from the young age of four and more recently in terms of composing, has moved the focus from piano to guitar, putting his music into a band setting. Rozâ Kalnins (voice, bass) "While Roza's initial launch into music was through the history of music through the 20th Century, her recent endeavours have taken her to Classical singing as well as rocking out on the bass - a combination that has resulted in Cadence having a slight Rasputina/Portishead feel to it. With her bass and voice she brings a female touch to the band that is felt despite her 5'3" in height..." Alessandro Vitiello (drums) "On drums, Alessandro "Alex" Vitiello has brought a new sound to Cadence with his love and pride of his wonderful drumkit "T-Rex". A wonderfully Neapolitan expat, this hot blooded Italian drummer is so full of fire he can still kick ass in rehearsals after a 12 hour shift and always has a hilarious wisecrack to boot." Jakub "Kuba" Opitek (guitar) A recent addition to Cadence and I haven't got any info to post here for Jakub which means you have to go and speak to him and say Hi on the night :D Facebook / Soundcloud / Tumblr / Twitter / Songkick (get notified when they book a new gig!)

Jakub and Alessandro (Middle and Right)

Cadence - first photo shoot (right to left Rozâ, Micah, Alessandro)

Info and photo's taken from the Facebook and Soundcloud pages.

Bad Names

Bad Names have played a whole bunch of great London venues including Barfly and Underbelly Hoxton and last year had their track 'Sister Sister' featured on the Unsigned Guide monthly spotlight blog. Official Website / Soundcloud / YouTube / Twitter

Bad Names - Photo from https://www.facebook.com/badnamesuk

Web Sheldon

I play a mixture of electronic/trip hop/alternative pop armed with my voice, laptop and my guitar.  She's called Dahlia...I can introduce you tomorrow..she's kind of aloof and mysterious though!

I've been writing vocal/acoustic guitar songs for many years so my electronic songs are pretty vocal based but now they centre from hip hop beats and electro synthesisers.  I write mostly about my thoughts on modern life in London; consumerism, living (not just 'surviving') keeping a positive outlook (in what can be a pessimistic city). and through to anything from minority rights to religion.

Official Website / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / Songkick (get notified when I book a new gig!)

Back to tomorrow... it's free entry, door open at 7pm! Get down before 8 if you don't want to miss any music!