#Review: George FitzGerald – All That Must Be


   

facebook-like   Instagram


George FitzGerald is an English, electronic musician who previously worked for London label, Black Market Records, but after relocating to Berlin in 2010, began recording and releasing his own music. 2015 saw the release of his debut album, Fading Love, and now in 2018, he’s releasing his second record, All That Must Be. Here’s what we have to say about it…

George FitzGerald - All That Must Be.jpg

The album opens to the sounds of the hustle and bustle outside FitzGerald’s London studio, nicely setting the theme for the rest of the record, which very much echos the thrum of urban life.

In amongst the production, vocals are present, however, save for the tracks with guest vocalists, Lil Silva and Tracey Thorn (Everything But The Girl), they are barely recognisable, through much distortion and production wizardry. This is executed perfectly though, as they blend so well with the instrumentation, that it actually takes a few listens to properly realise they are in fact vocals.

George further explains, “In many of the songs the vocals are disembodied and processed to the point you can’t make out what they’re saying. I wanted that to mirror the uncanniness you feel when a massive event happens in your life. Everything looks and sounds the same but it’s somehow different. Your surroundings are less intelligible.” This is very much reflected in the album’s lead single ‘Burns’, which was also played regularly on Radio 1.

This album is a complete body of artistic work that has a unique story-like quality to it.

All That Must Be is very much an album of music that brilliantly depicts urban life. It is almost a soundtrack to the commotion of a city and represents the rhythm and heartbeat that so many cities often seem to have.

On first listen it’s easy to feel like all the tracks on the album are quite similar and that it stays the same from start to finish. However, it’s only when you listen again that you can truly appreciate just what a remarkable piece George FitzGerald has created, with subtle, intricate variations and changes in atmosphere. This is a complete body of artistic work that has a unique story-like quality to it. It might not be to everyone’s taste but it is astounding how an almost entirely instrumental album, can so clearly illustrate a picture in the mind and audibly represent so many moods. It’s both hypnotic and melancholic in places and there is a real sense of motion about it; it certainly doesn’t stand still.

Some of the most stand-out tracks are ‘Frieda’ for its meditative quality, ‘Burns’, for simply being the monster track that it is and ‘Roll Back’ and ‘Half-Light (Night Version)’ for their collaborations with Lil Silva and Tracey Thorn, respectively.

This is a record that could easily be experienced and enjoyed on a long drive at night, with the warm summer air breezing through the open windows or as something to ultimately sit back, relax and chill out to.

Rating
4


‘All That Must Be’ is out now and can be downloaded from iTunes – https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/all-that-must-be/1322664114


All That Must Be on Spotify

Roll Back featuring Lil Silva (Official Video)

Burns (Official Audio)

George FitzGerald Tour Dates

All tickets are on general sale now, via www.george-fitzgerald.com.

19 March – Munich, DE – Ampere
20 March – Berlin, DE – Schwuz
21 March – Cologne, DE – Yuca
22 March – Paris, FR – Nouveau Casino
23 March – Brussels, BE – AB Club
24 March – Utrecht, NL – Catch Festival
26 March – Brighton, GB – The Haunt
27 March – London, GB – Islington Assembly Hall
28 March – Glasgow, GB – The Art School
29 March – Manchester, GB – Gorilla
09 May – San Francisco, US – The Independent
10 May – Echo Park, US – The Echo
12 May – Salt Lake City, US – Kilby Court Gallery
13 May – Denver, US – Larimer Lounge
15 May – Chicago, US – Subterranean
16 May – Toronto, CA – Drake Hotel
17 May – Montreal, CA – Bar le Ritz PDB
18 May – Boston, US – Great Scott
19 May – New YorkUS – Rough Trade


We hope you’ve enjoyed our review of George FitzGerald’s second album, All That Must Be! What do you think of it and what would you rate it? Please let us know your thoughts in a comment or share your feelings about it via our social media.


Enjoyed this? Check out some of our other reviews here:

Muzik Speaks Album Reviews


Matt – Muzik Speaks
www.facebook.com/muzikspeaks
www.twitter.com/muzik_speaks

#MuzikSpeaks: An Interview with Club Drive


   

facebook-like

Instagram


Having recently been impressed by Club Drive when I saw them support Marianas Trench on their UK tour, I had to chat to Aaron and find out a little more about him and the band. Here’s what he had to say…


So you released ‘Voyager’ back in May and the reception seems to have been amazing, how exciting has that been for you?
It’s been overwhelming to be honest. When we write and record new songs, the focus is very much on getting them to a place that we’re really happy with. We never really get time to think about the end goal, so when we get news that the song has been picked up by Radio 1 or people are hearing it in their local shops/restaurants it always catches us by surprise. It’s been an amazing year so far and we’re really grateful for everyone’s support.

What future plans have you got? Any new singles or an album in the pipeline?
Absolutely, all the above. Brand new single ‘International’ is on the way very soon complete with our favourite music video we’ve done to date. Then we’ll be hitting the studio during festival season to start work on our debut album.

How was your UK tour with Marianas Trench?
It was amazing to be honest, the guys and their team are incredible at what they do and seeing a band who are so enormous the world over, coming to the UK to play (by their usual standards) tiny venues, was really something! We got to see a lot more of the country than we usually do and the fans in each city were so welcoming of us as a support band. We really hope to see everyone again later this year!

Where do you take inspirations from when writing your music?
All sorts really. Artists and songs that we love from all decades, personal experiences that we’ve been or are going through and a lot of the time, without sounding preachy, events that are going on around us on a bigger scale usually help shape what we’re feeling at the time.

If you could do a collaboration with anyone, who would it be and why?
Great question! I guess it depends on if we’re talking dead or alive so let’s go with…..

  • DeadMichael Jackson, obviously the biggest music icon of our lifetime and arguably ever.. But I actually think his vocal on our tracks would work so well!(saying that his vocal on any track sounds amazing)
  • Alive – is a harder one, we would love to collaborate with a female vocalist such as Katy Perry, Dua Lipa, Anne Marie, etc. but also we’d be really keen to hear the outcome of working with the likes of Sigma, Sigala, Mura Masa or The Chainsmokers, etc.

What music have you been listening to most recently?
Loads – we actually now have a “Club Drive Weekly” playlist on Spotify where each week we’ll share a list of new artists and songs that we’re really into, so recently it’s been the likes of Lower Than Atlantis, Eliza & The Bear, Don Broco, Clean Cut Kid, Dua Lipa & loads more!

If you had to cover a recent chart song, which song would it be and why?
Another tough one as there’s been a lot of bangers lately. I’m actually a sucker for the new Jonas Blue record ‘Mama’ – absolute tune & would love to see what we’d come up with giving that a go.

If someone famous was to cover one of your songs, who would you want it to be and which song?
Again, really tough question. Something like a John Mayer cover of ‘International’ would be really interesting OR maybe a Little Mix cover of ‘Spare Time’ just to hear something completely different.

Do you have any other passions outside of music?
Yeah, to be honest, we’re all really driven people and it’s probably what’s kept us together in harder times.. But I think any one of us would love to set up a business if the opportunity was there. We love sport, theatre, art, travelling and obviously food 😝 but Music is still very much top priority for us!

What really grinds your gears?
People with no manners, whether it’s a thank you for holding a door, an excuse me to get out the way or a thanks for letting someone go when driving. People with no manners REALLY wind us up! 

What’s the best film you’ve seen lately?
That’s a tough one, neither of them are particularly new but watched them both recently… War Dogs & Let’s Be Cops👌🏼

If, in say 20 years time, a film was made about your life, who would you want to play you?
I guess in 20 years time there’ll be an abundance of new, far more attractive, actors to chose from but based on who’s in the game today. I’d say the following:

  • Aaron – Robert Downey Jr (the guy can siiiiiing!)
  • Steve – Ryan Gosling (fun fact he’s an insane bass player)
  • Tommy – Jared Leto
  • Christian – Will Ferrell (cos you couldn’t not have Will Ferrel in your movie.. And he’s also an amazing drummer!)

If you could be any chocolate bar, which one would you be?
I’d probably go with Double Decker, there’s a harder side a softer side but ultimately what you see is what you get.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
ABC
Assume Nothing
Believe No-one
Check Everything


Club Drive‘s releases are all available:


Enjoyed this? Check out some of our other interviews here:

Muzik Speaks Interviews


#Two4Tunesday: The Weeknd – ‘I Feel It Coming’ featuring Daft Punk & Bebe Rexha – ‘I Got You’


Like our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/muzikspeaks)

   

Instagram


The Weeknd – ‘I Feel It Coming’ featuring Daft Punk

I’m often hit or miss with The Weeknd‘s songs but recently, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed his collaborations with Daft Punk.

Having released his single ‘Starboy’ to huge success, his album (of the same title) has followed suit.

This particular track is less ominous than ‘Starboy’ and steps up the funk factor; it’s a great song and looks set to be a new single since it’s being featured on BBC Radio 1 at the moment.

No official video has been released yet, but as always, we’ll keep you up to date with this.


‘I Feel It Coming’ is on iTunes for downloading now! – https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/i-feel-it-coming-feat.-daft/id1156443286?i=1156443908



Bebe Rexha – ‘I Got You’

‘I Got You’ is the second single to be taken from Bebe Rexha‘s upcoming, debut album All Your Fault.

Bebe has been hard at work writing songs for others and being a featured artist on many others’ tracks but now she’s stepping up to the centre stage.

This song continues in a similar vein of pop but stands out in its own right. Sadly, it hasn’t seen as much success her single with Martin Garrix‘In The Name of Love’ but I’m sure her album will be a huge hit with fans.

No official video has been released for this yet either, but we’ll keep you posted.


‘I Got You’ can also be downloaded from iTunes now! – https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/i-got-you/id1168315039?i=1168315046


Matt – Muzik Speaks
www.facebook.com/muzikspeaks
www.twitter.com/muzik_speaks

#FeelGoodFriday: Mount Cashmore – ‘Love You More’


Like our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/muzikspeaks)

   

Instagram


Very little is known about Netherlands-based act Mount Cashmore, but all I do know, is that after hearing this song played by Scott Mills on Radio 1, I love it!

‘Love You More’ is the debut single and my word it’s a huge anthem! All this needs is a bit more airplay and it could sky-rocket to Number 1! It’s got all the ingredients for success; a huge, sing-a-long chorus, banging beats and a strong tropical house flavour…I see big things for Mount Cashmore in the future!

What are your thoughts on this epic tune? Would you like to hear more? Please share your thoughts or own #FeelGoodFriday selection in a comment below or via social media!

HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE! Have a good weekend!

Matt – Muzik Speaks
www.facebook.com/muzikspeaks
www.twitter.com/muzik_speaks


‘Love You More’ can be downloaded off iTunes now – https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/love-you-more/id1150532994?i=1150533174


#Two4Tunesday: Major Lazer – ‘Cold Water’ featuring Justin Bieber & MØ & Charlie Puth – ‘We Don’t Talk Anymore’ featuring Selena Gomez


Like our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/muzikspeaks)

   

Instagram


Major Lazer – ‘Cold Water’ featuring Justin Bieber & MØ

Once again, Major Lazer have teamed up with previous collaborators, Justin Bieber and  to create a new, surefire hit, in the form of ‘Cold Water’.

‘Cold Water’ was penned by Benny Blanco and Ed Sheeran among others and features two awesome vocalists. It has major influences from the tropical house genre, as well as some dance style to it too. It’s a very vibrant song and sure to be a hit this summer, probably similarly to their previous smash hit, ‘Lean On’.

What are your thoughts on this new Major Lazer song?


‘Cold Water’ is on iTunes for downloading now! – https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/cold-water-feat.-justin-bieber/id1135417855



Charlie Puth – ‘We Don’t Talk Anymore’ featuring Selena Gomez

Charlie Puth rose to fame mainly after his feature on the Wiz Khalifa track, See You Again. Since then, he’s had a string of hits and most recently he released ‘We Don’t Talk Anymore’ from his debut album, Nine Track Mind.

This song is also tropical house in style with influences of dance – it’s actually beautifully crafted – the duet vocals sit nicely on top of the house beat and remain relaxed yet catchy in their feel. Although it hasn’t done amazingly in the charts, it caught my attention when I heard Nick Grimshaw play it on Radio 1 recently!

No official video has been released but I’ve included a live version as well as a YouTube audio video. *UPDATE* An official video has now been released – it’s really interesting with the split screen but it’s a shame he didn’t get Selena Gomez in it too.

Have you checked out this track yet? What are your opinions of it?


‘We Don’t Talk Anymore’ can also be downloaded from iTunes now! – https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/we-dont-talk-anymore-feat./id1041127262?i=1041127302


We Don’t Talk Anymore (Live Performance)

Matt – Muzik Speaks
www.facebook.com/muzikspeaks
www.twitter.com/muzik_speaks

#Two4Tunesday: ZAYN – ‘Pillowtalk’ & NAO – ‘Bad Blood’


Like our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/muzikspeaks)

Follow us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/muzik_speaks)


ZAYN – ‘Pillowtalk’

Zayn (Malik) has finally released his debut solo single and frig me, it’s blowing up! Zayn has opted for a modern house-style vibe, similar to that of Justin Bieber‘s new sound.

This song also marks a very clear departure from his One Direction days; not only is the sound so different, but the video is graphically more mature too! I truly think this could be his best move yet and predict humongous things from him as a solo singer – his voice is remarkable and the sound he’s creating is inspired.

I think he’s set to take on the world with this! Bring it on!


‘Pillowtalk’ is on iTunes for downloading now! – https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/pillowtalk-single/id1078293237


WARNING: Explicit Content


NAO – ‘Bad Blood’

NAO is a London-based singer-songwriter known for her unique blend of alternative R&B and neo-soul.

NAO recently graced the Radio 1 Live Lounge with a performance of this song, alongside a cover, and she has also been pegged for big things throughout 2016 and quite rightly so I think!

The video for the song is unusual and worth a watch, but again, like Zayn’s is rather risqué! Enjoy!


‘Bad Blood’ can be downloaded off iTunes now – https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/bad-blood-single/id1048085887


WARNING: Explicit Content

Matt – Muzik Speaks
www.facebook.com/muzikspeaks
www.twitter.com/muzik_speaks

 

#Two4Tunesday: The 1975 – ‘UGH!’ & Coasts – ‘You’


Like our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/muzikspeaks)

Follow us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/muzik_speaks)


The 1975 – ‘UGH!’

The 1975 sure know how to kick up a fuss…in a good way! They’ve got everyone talking about the follow-up to their debut album.

So far they’ve released Love Me and now are releasing ‘UGH!’, both taken from the upcoming album, ‘I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It’ due out on 26th February 2016.

This song still has that typical The 1975 feel, but turns it up a notch with the awesome! No video has been released yet, but we’ll sure keep you in the loop.


‘UGH!’ is out now on iTunes; please show your support! – https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/ugh!/id1062701750?i=1062702160



Coasts – ‘You’

In a similar vein to The 1975, I am bringing you Coasts. This Bristol-based band have gained support from the likes of Huw Stephens (Radio 1) and have sold-out shows at London’s Camden Barfly.

The five-piece consist of Chris CainesLiam WillfordJames GamageDavid Goulbourn and Ben Street.

I hope you like this song, as I think it’s cracking…so sit back, turn it up and enjoy! Once again, no video has surfaced as of yet, but we’ll keep you up to date.

The group are gearing up to release their self-titled debut album on 22nd January 2016 and I cannot wait to hear it!


‘You’ is available for pre-order on iTunes and is due out 01/01/16 now! – https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/you-single/id1048783879


Matt – Muzik Speaks
www.facebook.com/muzikspeaks
www.twitter.com/muzik_speaks