I like music as a career because music reaches the masses and can influence and encourage those who tune in. I believe that most rap music has a negative tone and is wrongly shaping the younger, even older generations. I am attempting to counter that pattern through hip-hop by providing subtle but vibrant music that has substance in order to, perhaps, help to improve society.
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Brief us the feedback you are getting from fans on your music.
Most of the feedback I receive are positive. People seem to enjoy my music as well as the message it is sending. My fan base has grown 36% since April.
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Discuss the relevance of social networking to music.
Social networking is primary to music popularization. You could reach hundreds, even thousands in a matter of days if your social networks are strong and consistent.
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Tell us how you record your song.
I record on a microphone using Audacity.
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Tell us the story behind the song.
The story behind “Down” is relatively simple. Most people I know don’t listen to conscious music. They’d rather hear something about sex, drugs, money so that they can connect with what gives them pleasure and not what makes them think or feel guilty about not being the best person they can be. So “Down” is a reflection of that and it’s basically asking the public to listen and hear my message which is – it’s time to correct ourselves.
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State your musical skills.
I rap, write songs, compose beats, master tracks and produce albums.
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Tell us how long it takes to complete a song from the start.
It takes me about 2 to 4 hours to complete a song.
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Go into detail on how you develop your lyrics and melody.
I develop my lyrics based on the mood and feelings I get after hearing a beat. Sometimes I am inspired by other artist’s songs that I come across. In other cases it’s an experience I have or an encounter with people or certain environments.
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Discuss music in full details.
To me music is universal. It connects all people on some level. It is one of the best pass times, it motivates, it soothes and relaxes. It can reach, teach and influence. It can calm and even heal. It’s nostalgic and it helps obtain and preserve memories and experiences.
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State your five favourite genres of music with reasons.
Hip-hop, R&B, jazz, soul, classic rock and pop. These are my favorite types of music because they all provide mood and leave lasting impressions.
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Discuss your rehearsal.
Rehearsal is ordinary. I don’t rehearse too vigorously because it becomes more stressful, rather than just being natural.
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Describe the chemistry between you and your fans during a live performance.
Fans seem to connect to me on stage because my aim is to get them fully engaged; make them a part of the performance so that they not only enjoy my songs but view my movements, hear my words, and feel them at the same time.
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Discuss your personality in full details.
I am an introvert and not comfortable discussing things about my personality.
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Discuss your music career.
My music career has just begun so I’m just getting the feel of it now.
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List your musical work.
So far I only released one album called “Captive” which is currently available on Amazon, CD baby etc. I have worked with many local artists, composing beats and producing songs/albums for them.
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Share your memorable experiences with us.
Most memorable experience music wise was performing at my first show, opening for Rah-digga. Second to that was releasing my first novel entitled “Absence of Will”, which is also available in stores Barns & Noble, Amazon, Dorrance, etc.
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State your artist’s name and elaborate on it.
Servant – Basically I came up with this name because my life seems to consist of helping and doing for others so they’re happy, at the cost of my own happiness and peace of mind.
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State the title of the song and the meaning.
Down – The meaning to this song is that I’m down (troubled) because no one will listen to me even though I’m telling them what’s best for them and they know that I’m right.
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State the title of the album and the reason for choosing the title.
The name of the new upcoming album is “Uncut”. Simply put, there is no holding back.
Sony Music proudly announces the release of GOTTI (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), starring John Travolta in the title role.
The album features the film’s original score music by GRAMMY® Award-winning, multi-platinum international music icon, business entrepreneur and motivational Armando Christian Perez, aka Pitbull, and his long-time Grammy-winning producer Jorge Gomez. The project marks Pitbull’s first assignment scoring a motion picture soundtrack.
The soundtrack also includes three solo Pitbull tracks, one of them being the single AMORE featuring Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Leona Lewis.
“Everything about Pitbull – his style, creativity, and culture make his scoring of Gotti – the perfect marriage of the artist and the material” stated John Travolta.
“It’s a true honour to be involved with this project and working with icon John Travolta on the legendary story of Gotti,” said Pitbull. “By default, we were underdogs in our own right and found ways to survive against all odds.”
Leona Lewis says about the soundtrack: “I love working with Pitbull. It’s always so much fun and his energy is just infectious. This record was really interesting to put together as it was something new for me. Being a big movie fan, the fact that the song is in the GOTTI movie is so exciting.”
ABOUT GOTTI:
John Travolta (Academy Award® Nominee) stars as the legendary mobster John Gotti who was head of the largest and most powerful crime organization in North America, the Gambino Family. His flamboyant style, charm and ruthless personae made him the most famous mobster in the 20th Century. The story, told through the eyes of his eldest son John Gotti Jr., delves into the past and explores Gotti’s epic rise and fall in the mob. Gotti earned the name “Teflon Don” by the media, whom he did not shy away from, due to the FBI’s numerous unsuccessful attempts to convict him. Eventually he was sentenced to life in prison, and a young 24-year-old Gotti Jr. becomes the acting Boss of the Family. Gotti Jr. is also investigated and arrested by the FBI for his own connections to crime. Gotti Jr. ultimately rejects the legacy he was born into and walks away a “civilian.”
The film is directed by Kevin Connolly and stars John Travolta in the title role, alongside Kelly Preston, Ella Bleu Travolta, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Stacy Keach, Chris Mulkey, Lydia Hull and Spencer Lofranco.
ABOUT PITBULL
From Mr. 305 to Mr. Worldwide, Armando Christian Perez, aka Pitbull, rose from the streets of Miami to exemplify the American Dream and achieve international success. His relentless work ethic transformed him into a Grammy®-winning global superstar, business entrepreneur and motivational speaker. Landing # 1 hits in over 15 countries, 10 billion YouTube/VEVO views, 70 million single sales and 6 million album sales, Pitbull does not stop. In addition to the United States, his sold-out world concert tours have taken him to North and South America, Europe and the Far East. He has also completed headlining tours in China and Japan. Along the way in his journey, he has co-headlined with Enrique Iglesias, spoken to thousands as part of Tony Robbins’ motivational seminars, and will open for Britney Spears in the U.K. and Europe this summer. Pitbull ushered in 2018 with his fourth annual New Year’s Eve event at Bayfront Park in Miami and capped off another stellar year in 2017 that included the release of his 10th full-length album, Climate Change, a second co-headlining U.S. tour with Enrique Iglesias, the release of his first-ever Greatest Hits, and a new Spanish single. Whether it’s his Voli 305 Vodka, currently in the process of becoming available nationally and has its own signature cocktails at multiple Sugar Factory American Brasserie locations, or the fragrance line “Pitbull,” his influence has catapulted. His first Las Vegas residency, “Time of Our Lives” at the AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, has now accomplished multiple consecutive runs with spring 2018 dates recently completed at the newly renamed Zappos Theater. Pitbull has unveiled plans for the Summer 2018 opening of iLov305, a new restaurant and nightlife concept on Miami’s famed Ocean Drive. In addition to his music for Gotti, starring John Travolta, Pitbull has signed on to the STX UglyDolls franchise, based on the ubiquitous pop culture Uglydoll characters. Pitbull will write and perform an original song for the film UglyDolls, slated for release in 2019, and lend his voice talent to one of the film’s key characters. Norwegian Cruise Line handpicked him as Godfather to Norwegian Escape, one of the most innovative cruise ships ever built. He recently completed his second Pitbull Cruise in March 2018. Globalization, his 24/7 commercial-free channel on Sirius XM (Ch.13), has become one of the platform’s fastest-growing channels following its 2015 launch. Pitbull also serves as ambassador to the Sports Leadership Arts and Management (SLAM!) charter schools he has helped to establish. Launched in the Little Havana section of Miami where he spent some of his youth, the SLAM! model has now expanded to Las Vegas and West Palm Beach, Florida, and has plans to launch the first student-run national radio broadcast.
ABOUT LEONA LEWIS:
The British singing sensation has sold over 20 million records worldwide, and reached #1 in over 35 countries with her hit single “Bleeding Love.” A vocal powerhouse who is renowned for her vocal range and ability, Lewis is a 3-time GRAMMY Award nominee, 7 -time BRIT Award nominee, MTV VMA and World Music Award winner and has been nominated for MTV EMAs and Billboard Music Awards. Lewis became the first British female solo artist to top the US Billboard 200 album chart in more than 20 years with her debut album Spirit.
Leona is an extremely passionate humanitarian and animal rights activist working with a number of organizations including MTV Staying Alive. 2016 saw Leona nominated for a CMT Award and was recognized with the Music Pioneer Award at the United Nations Women’s Entrepreneurship Day. Recently, Leona has made her Broadway debut in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS playing the highly prestigious role of Grizabella, performing the world famous song “Memory’’. Currently Leona is back in the studio recording and most recently released a duet with Calum Scott of “You Are the Reason” in February 2018.
Multi-Grammy Award winning blues icon Buddy Guy has released his brand new studio album THE BLUES IS ALIVE AND WELL via Silvertone, RCA Records and Sony Music Entertainment Australia.
In advance of album release, Buddy shared a few songs for his fans: ‘Cognac’ featuring Keith Richards & Jeff Beck, ‘Blue No More’ featuring James Bay, and the Sonny Boy Williamson penned-classic ‘Nine Below Zero’. The album also features Mick Jagger joining Buddy on ‘You Did The Crime’. Grammy Award winning producer/songwriter and long-time collaborator Tom Hambridge produced the album and penned 13 original songs for the album.
The press have been raving about the new tracks released thus far. Rolling Stone called the first track out “Nine Below Zero,” “searing” and “masterful” and declared “Buddy Guy proves blues is alive and well” and Guitar World wrote “scintillating” and “powerful.” Of the second song released, ‘Blue No More’ featuring James Bay, Billboard described it as a “soulful slow-jam,” and Rolling Stone noted “…Bay knows he’s singing in the company of musical royalty, so he pushes his voice as hard as he can, exploring the rougher edges of his register. Buddy Guy is 81, but he shows no signs of decreasing productivity.”
Last week, Buddy released ‘Cognac’ featuring Jeff Beck & Keith Richards to continued raves. In their review, Rolling Stone writes “the five-minute six-string showcase doubles as a bluesy drinking session between the trio of ‘Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Guitarists’ as Guy howls about women, the past and one late bluesman who was a drinking buddy.” Guitar World calls ‘Cognac’ “the trio’s wonderful concoction” and Grammy.com writes it’s “a spell-binding dip into the blues.”
THE BLUES IS ALIVE AND WELL is the follow up to Guy’s 2015 critically acclaimed album BORN TO PLAY GUITAR, which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Blues Album charts. The album marked Guy’s fifth #1 album on the chart and twelfth Top 10 Billboard Blues album.
It was previously announced that Buddy Guy will be the recipient of The Americana Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award on September 12 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
In his quest to keep the genre vital, Guy recently spoke about the origin of southern blues and performed on David Letterman’s Netflix series, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction.
The recipient of the 2015 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Buddy Guy’s incredible career spans over 50 years with just as many albums released. Career highlights include 7 Grammy Awards, 37 Blues Music Awards, Kennedy Center Honors, NARM Chairman’s Award for Sustained Creative Achievement, Billboard Music Awards’ Century Award for distinguished artistic development, Presidential National Medal of Arts, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to name a few.
Mark Rogers is a BMI-published singer/songwriter with unique pop sensibilities. His musical heritage, dating back to high school, is what is now considered pure Americana. After college, Mark followed the chime of McGuinn’s 12-string in search of Zevon’s Los Angeles. In the 80’s, he headed a Cosmic American band in L.A. and played some of the loneliest clubs in Hollywood. An experience that contributed to his decision to spend the 90’s and 00’s raising a family in Washington, DC. In 2010, a number of factors conspired resulting in the modern proliferation of his songwriting, not the least of which was reconnecting with “the one who got away” a long time ago. Life’s funny that way.
In 2017, Mark released his first solo EP entitled “Rearranged” that has received wonderful reviews in “No Depression” and other prominent music blogs and publications. In June 2018, he’ll release his follow-up EP entitled “Qualifiers” representing his very best work to date. His music reestablishes the boundaries of Americana with a healthy dose of Pop, Folk/Rock, and some cool Bossa rhythm, just to keep things in order. Mark resides in eastern Virginia and tours with a 5-piece band.
Eddie Ancona is a Brooklyn, NYC born, raised and based singer-songwriter-producer who loves to create and break the rules when it comes to music.
Although “Pop” is what Eddie classifies himself as his identity, all genres of music sits well within his circle of inspiration.
Ancona provides raw, insightful lyrical melodies, with soft tone vocals over warm electronic-infused productions.
Although Eddie began writing and recording music in his early- 20’s, a music career was always in hindsight since his early years as a child, after learning how to mix beats together with his writing, the rest became history, and very clear of where he was headed.
Eddie looks forward to release many more musical ventures in the years to come, Follow the ride with his debut single ‘Curveball’ AND now just released 2nd single “I Want You”.
I am PhilAhsophie, a recording artist. I am originally from Kansas City, Missouri, but I live in Austin, TX. I started my career by performing Hip-hop at house parties and other venues around town. Later I began to record voice tracks. My art form is comparable to inspirational rap-poetry – with music of course and can be therapeutic for some and motivational for others. I enjoy sharing my passion with the masses, and I don’t do this for the limelight or to prove anything to anyone. I sincerely enjoy articulating words that I have composed with the public. If people enjoy my music then I’m cool and it makes me very happy. If not, hopefully my newest work, whatever it may be, may sway critics to enjoy what I do and to listen whole-heartedly to the words of my songs. I am unique and I do not attempt to follow any trends. I am simply authentic with my craft. I can also say that my tracks would be more on the socially conscious side. I like to touch on different topics that everyday people can relate. I also aim to deliver positive vibes and uplifting messages. I just like to make music that anybody can enjoy hearing without any negative content that would mislead our youth. My music is for the soul and to enlighten. Thank you for reading and be assured that more music will follow, and I DO appreciate your online support, continue to enjoy or follow me as I hope to elevate my music to another level of enjoyment.
Peace!
PhilAhsophie – Reflections
Discuss music royalties and how to get paid.
There are several digital distribution services that collect royalty payments from online store sales. That including the use to monetizing. Also In general, a terrestrial broadcast radio station pays the recording artist royalties. Any recording artist can get more details about this online.
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Brief us on how to impress fans during a live performance.
Really feel the music that you perform. When you are passionate about a particular song – performance, that energy comes with it. The audience will reciprocate your energy and feel what your music gives. Basically don’t just go with the flow or imitate somebody else swag. Come with your own energy and let the vibe radiate off you naturally.
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List the names of your biggest supporters.
I would have to say that my fan base are my biggest supporters. Can’t name them all individually.
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Explain what has motivated you so far in your music career.
Mainly Hip Hop from the 90s era. I eventually developed my own signature style. I like being able to convey thoughts, experiences, and certain aspects of life lyrically and creatively.
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Discuss your experience as an artist.
I began by rhyming over beats in house parties, clubs, and ciphers around the area of Austin TX. Later I experienced some touring and being on stage with a few local groups. Eventually I decided to just do my own solo tracks. My first live performance was Coast2Coast live 2017.
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Tell us the biggest mistake you have ever made in your music career.
I guess not putting my solo music out sooner than later in life. Although I try to take things as learning experiences instead of regrets.
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Discuss the story behind the song.
“Reflections” is about thought releasing on certain aspects of life. Giving perspectives from my personal growth and how Hip Hop can be like therapy. When used in the right way to be specific. Allowing listeners to hear for themselves what I lyrically convey. They can evaluate the logic and reasoning for themselves. In general my tracks are not only to be thought provoking but nostalgic to the golden era of Hip Hop in a sense. I enjoy bringing my own signature style and rhyme display.
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Tell us how to fund a music project.
A recording artist can start from using crowd funding services to gaining sponsorship. There is plenty online information for that.
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Discuss your opinion on the safety of fans during shows and live performances.
I would simply advise people to simply go for the enjoyment. Recording artists should also focus on the positives. Leave out any negativity or ridiculous beefs and that will help to eliminate bad experiences. Although things tend to happen in this world – a lot can be prevented that way. In other words it is better having a good time.
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Tell us the greatest piece of advice someone has given you as an artist.
To be original with my style for the most part. I do my best and faith does the rest.
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Tell us what you will improve or change in your music.
I never follow one particular format or idea for music. Each track will have its own type of message and vibe. I tend to be my own worst critic that critiques his own lyrics. Like they say “practice makes perfect” so my skills can only enhance with each EP release.
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Discuss vocal training and how you protect your vocal.
From my own personal experience I find that keeping myself healthy helps. Like they say “health is wealth” in a sense.
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Share your press release and reviews with us.
Well that sort of varies with different viewpoints. People can check my social media, fan base, play numbers, and the profiles that should speak for themselves. I just enjoy making the music and sharing for the most part.
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Discuss your best mood during performance.
When I can vibe to my own music while feeling the energy of going live.
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List your best artists with reasons.
I would say that recording artists such as Lauryn Hill & Mos Def from the east based on creativity & rhyme skills. Then Bun B & Andre 3000 from the south were some of my favorites there. These are recording artists with different approaches but all share one thing in common. That is being able to paint a vivid picture lyrically while displaying actual skills & tracks that vibe. Although there are great emcees from every coast that had an influence on me.
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Discuss your existence as an artist.
I express myself from the soul. I’ll give this for example. Any testimony should not come from fabrication. Each should have their own to provide. Everybody has a unique characteristic about themselves. I intend to express myself lyrically in that sense while showing that I actually have talent. I’ll include my fan base because without them I would probably not be motivated to make music on a professional level.
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Tell us the greatest problem you think is facing the society and the solution.
I would say that racism is society’s greatest issue in general. That has taken part in the judiciary, employment, political, and educational system. A solution would be to focus on more second chance options for those needing it. In addition more cultural history is important to help kids enhance knowledge of self-awareness. Decrease the anger and frustrations of lacking hope and more positivity will follow. These things can actually help with that issue. Although racism is unfortunately ongoing and a part of everyday life that cannot be eliminated completely. The point here is that there are ways to better the situation and resolve issues.
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Discuss your songwriting and recording.
I write what helps me to vent out certain thoughts along with expressing my creativity. I build on self-critique to enhance my writing skills. I find that reading more books can enhance the writing and thought process. In a professional studio my imagination goes free and I am more drawn into the music making process. I like being in that zone of feeling good vibes.
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State your artist name and elaborate on it.
My artist name is more creative than it is standard. Yet with similar meaning of the standard form. My artist name relates to the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. A focus on content of character is more important to me in a positive light. I try to convey that along with originality and my own views within lyrics.
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State the title of the song and the meaning.
The title of my track is “Reflections” that is about conscious awareness and self-expression. The lyrics were meant to be insightful and thought provoking. Listen to the track and get my message in more detail.
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State the title of the album and the reason for choosing the title.
The title of my EP is “Reflections” also. I chose this title to display insightful lyrics and express certain thoughts lyrically. It came from actually having much time reflecting on things in life including some personal and learning experiences. My lyrics come from a mature level of thought while displaying talent. While showing how I am able to use complex rhyme schemes with use of metaphors and word play; making sense with it all at the same time.
Villagers release fourth album The Art Of Pretending To Swim
Share new song ‘A Trick Of The Light’
Villagers – A Trick of the Light
Always restless and inventive while always true to the power and glory of songwriting and melody, Conor O’Brien has made another great leap forward with Villagers’ fourth studio album, The Art Of Pretending To Swim, released by Domino on Friday 21st September. Following the exquisitely sparse, intimate aura of 2015’s Darling Arithmetic, O’Brien’s new record reconnects with the multi-faceted approach of Villagers’ 2010 album debut Becoming A Jackal and 2013’s Awayland while adding a new-found soulfulness, rhythmic nous and dazzling panoply of sonic detail, both analogue and digital, creating feverish moods while writing effortlessly accessible tunes. Balanced with subtle aspects and lyrical themes that embrace existential fears and hopes in this desperate, technologically-centred dystopian age, The Art Of Pretending To Swim is the most brilliantly realised Villagers album to date. The album was written, produced, mixed and primarily performed by Conor O’Brien in his Dublin studio.
The video for ‘A Trick of the Light’, the first single from the album, was directed by Bob Gallagher.
Conor says of the collaboration:
“Myself and Bob got together and discussed the song thematically and came to the conclusion that there was no other option but to make a short film in which we follow a disheveled shamanistic protagonist who mysteriously triggers an altered state of consciousness in everyone he meets, or at least believes that he does. We also wanted lots of dancing and to inspire a general feeling of “what the hell did I just watch?” in the viewer.”
O’Brien has a string of accolades under his belt including two Ivor Novello Awards (the most recent being 2016’s Album Award for Darling Arithmetic), two Mercury Music Prize nominations and is also a previous winner of Ireland’s Choice Music Prize. Additionally, Villagers’ music recently featured in the high profile HBO drama ‘Big Little Lies’, Conor has collaborated with the composer Nico Muhly (that track featuring in the forthcoming Paulo Sorrentino Berlusconi biopic ‘Loro 2’) and Villagers’ Spotify session of ‘Nothing Arrived’ has hit over 100 million streams.
The Art Of Pretending To Swim is available to pre-order on Domino Mart-exclusive deluxe LP (includes 10” of a 12-minute version of ‘Ada’ and B-side ‘This Is The Art Of Pretending To Swim’ plus signed lyric booklet), Deluxe LP (includes ‘Ada’/ ‘This Is The Art Of Pretending To Swim’ 10”), Standard LP, CD and Digitally. Pre-order: Dom Mart | Digital.
