Dame Neema, F.Y.I.:
1 | Put out an album on a major label that will be at major retail chains for sale.
2 | Tour the world performing songs from albums I’ve released.
3 | Be considered one of Top 50 MCs of all time
This is smart and seriously well-produced hip-hop that leaves no stone unturned in terms of composition. Every opportunity for a great riff is taken. Every hummable melody and razor-sharp hook is put to use, making for an instantly danceable, ridable, head-noddable record. Do not miss this one. For fans of: Consequence, Rhymefest, The Alchemist
Danny Cieplinski, lead vox, The Vigils:
1 | I already achieved one of them when we recently recorded She’s Gone. I don’t imagine I’ll ever write another song that’s as important to me personally as that one.
2 | I would love the opportunity to perform our music around the world, in Australia in particular.
3 | Lastly, striving audaciously high here, I would ultimately like to be viewed, at least by some, as the Joe Strummer equivalent of my generation! Gene Vincent, Lou Reed, Phil Lynott, Stiv Bators, Michael Hutchence, Lux Interior, Peter Steele, the Ramones…It’s rather sad and pathetic to think that there’s no one under the age of 50 that comes remotely close to their level, representing and defining Rock ‘N’ Roll the way they did. I like to think it’s never too late. And there can only be one Bowie.
The best thing about rock ‘n roll in the late 50s and early 60s was undoubtedly its IDGAF sentiment, a vibe that’s been echoed through the decades by some of the very best artists and bands to coif their hair and pick up a guitar. The rebels behind the Vigils serve up exactly this calibre of quality rock, keeping the torch lit for generations to come.
For fans of: anything Phil Spector ever touched, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, The Cramps
James Cottriall:
1 | My number one goal has always been my dream from the moment I first strummed a guitar: to play at Madison Square Garden. I don’t care if it’s a sold-out headline show or in the foyer at a convention…I won’t rest until I have played in that building.
2 | The second goal is to play on every continent in the world, including the Antarctic. I’ve already played North America, Europe, Asia and Africa so I am well on my way to achieving this, but there’re still a few to go!
3 | Finally, number three would be to write a song for another artist that became a global smash, so that everyone sang it and loved it but no one really knew it was me responsible for that awesomeness: the unsung hero.
Confessional and heartfelt, with carefully placed synthy elements and a born-for-the-radio pop groove, James Cottriall’s music is as satisfying as a summertime road trip with best friends or the glint in the eye of a new crush. The production is perfection and Cottriall holds his own as a talent to watch. For fans of: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Noah and the Whale, Peter Bjorn and John
Paige Byrd, guitar & vox, The Captain’s Son:
1 | Tour the world.
2 | Get a parody about me/us on South Park.
3 | Build a recording studio in which I record my stuff and help other artists develop.
For fabulously loose-hinged min pop masterpieces, with jangly guitars and a fuzzed-out vibe that resists having the finger put squarely on it, The Captain’s Son sound like they time-traveled to every era of rock n’ roll, taking the very best elements from each and returning with a freakish, beautiful creation that’s impossible to turn off. Brilliant stuff.
For fans of: The Black Keys, early Nirvana, The Lovin’ Spoonful, The Who
Mackenzie Robert, vox & songwriting, HERØINE:
1 | To have never given up.
2 | To have created dialogue around God’s word.
3 | To have created a powerful community for my fans.
Want powerful electro-pop anthems with white hot vocals and made for the dancefloor grooves? Look no further than HERØINE, whose epic, beat-driven tunes are the glorious dance-pop gems you’ve been waiting for. Sure to put on a superb performance at youbloomLA; fans of slick, sexy electro won’t want to miss this. For fans of: Sia, Clean Bandit, Zara Larsson
So what’s on your list? If you had to write a BEFORE I DIE, what three things would be most important to you? Let us know below:
