+ 5 Artists that never fail to bring me joy
It’s April 2020 and life couldn’t be stranger. Cooped up indoors with nothing to do but wade through the endless tides of heart wrenching information arriving at our screens every day, it’s not surprising that stress levels are high – for everyone. It may seem ridiculous to be reading about music during a global pandemic, but the truth is, this is the time when music is most important, where music has the greatest power over our lives. Music can bring us together and help us find happiness, not anxiety, in these uncertain times.
Already, we have seen musicians collaborating to provide much needed entertainment with the BBC’s epic live lounge cover of Times Like These by Foo Fighters and Lady Gaga’s One World Together at Home Festival, which raised $127.9million for the World Health Organisation. Not only that, but instrumentalists and singers all over the world have been performing from rooftops and balconies, projecting a bit of music into their neighbour’s constrained lives (or for Bocelli, from the Milan Cathedral projecting music into everyone’s lives!). Even Captain Tom Moore, who raised £23million for the NHS with his famous birthday walk, has decided to use music in his latest philanthropic act, performing in an uplifting rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone, which has made him the oldest person to claim a number one single. It’s brilliant to see that most artists, despite being faced with a wall of uncertainty right now, have continued to release music and virtual performances in lockdown.
Despite it always having been live music that has helped humanity through its hardest times in the past, it doesn’t have to be that way. The marvels of the modern world have allowed artists to connect with fans through social media but it doesn’t even have to stop there. Music can bring people together even at a distance! Next, time you listen to your favourite artists, think for a moment about all the millions of people who have listened to that song you love – millions of people that have felt the very same as you at that moment. The true power of music is the universal joy that can come from, well, the right notes in the right order. This crisis is the perfect time to find new music and rediscover old favourites that can relieve your anxiety and help you focus on better times. For that reason, I thought I’d share with you a few artists who never fail to bring me happiness:
1. Vampire Weekend
Known widely for their experimental fusion of pop, rock, classical and most notably African musical influences, Vampire Weekend are the perfect band to soundtrack your private isolation dance party. Their earlier albums are brimming with energetic African drum beats and punchy choruses whilst their newest release has all the soothing country-style ballads you need to take your mind off the current situation. There is even a Flamenco style piece named Sympathy if you really want to let loose and embrace your inner Spaniard! Ezra Koenig’s unique blend of musical interests makes his song writing fit for almost any occasion. If you want something loud and fun try Diane Young or Bambina. However it’s Mansard Roof or Hold You Now that you need to switch on to relax, rid yourself of your worries and enjoy the beauty of violins, flutes, djembes, bongos and, of course, good old guitars.
Alfie Templeman
17 year old prodigy, Alfie Templeman has already written, produced and played every single instrument on two EPs since his recent emergence into the music industry. Every single song is driven by calming synth lines, breezy guitars and his iconic drawl-like vocals. With a track called Liquid Happiness (co-written by the Vaccines!) there is no doubt in my mind Alfie Templeman is the reassurance you need to brighten up your constricted life. Speaking to the NME magazine, he expressed that he “hoped the track brought a little happiness into everyone’s lives” amongst all the suffering the Coronavirus has brought. Inspired by the Indie bands of the 90s as well as fellow home producers, Mac De Marco and Tame Impala, Alfie’s smooth, funky, psychedelic style will calm you down (that’s if he doesn’t make you very jealous of his sudden and very early success.)
Clean Cut Kid
Since 2012, when a blind date matched the now wedded Evelyn and Mike Halls, Clean Cut Kid have been churning out a stream a lovable, sing-a-long choruses to lose yourself in whenever you’re at risk of feeling down. Even before this crisis, critics hailed tracks from their latest album, Painwave, as a cure for “apathy and lethargy”, the definite symptoms of being stuck indoors for months on ends. Not only that, but there first album was recorded whilst the two singers were falling in love, and they’ve captured their feelings beautifully with the vocal harmonies in their song, Felt. With toe-tapping beats, fuzz guitars and plenty of moments to scream your lungs out to, it’s clear that making their tracks suitable for the wildest live performances was their primary aim. All I can hope is that by playing their records, you can bring that same atmosphere into your own home.
Circa Waves
This band chose June as the perfect time to release their debut EP, Young Chasers, to the world. Due to tracks such as T-Shirt Weather and Fossils, the band quickly became festival favourites for their unequivocally summery vibe - an aura which can of course be recreated all year round. First reminiscing on the sound of the past, the band have gone on to prove their worth by adding their own unique style to a myriad of indie genres. Their latest EP, accurately named Happy, is the one you needed right now. Each track is driven forward by heavy base lines or muted strumming; for me, it has that motivation I need to survive lock down. Meanwhile, unbelievably catchy choruses and non-stop guitar riffs ensure that, if they don’t achieve their aim of happiness, they’ll certainly get stuck in your head.
The Beatles
I’m sorry to have to end with such an obscure and niche band – I can’t help it! But, no, I couldn’t write my blog for this long without mentioning The Beatles. Their universal popularity is certainly due to their ability to make music incorporating nearly every genre and tell stories that everyone needs to hear. It’s not surprising then, that they have managed to create some of the happiest and most calming songs in popular music’s history. Take for example, Here Comes The Sun. It’s beautiful acoustic melody immediately creates a sense of nostalgia, reminding you of your favourite memories. Then there’s Getting Better, it’s sharp, staccato chords and steady rhythm emphasising the themes of hope and positivity that we all need at this time. The Beatles simply have a song for every emotion, occasion and brightly coloured sub nautical vehicle!
I hope some of these artists can help you through this dark period and I look forward to seeing you on the other side! Make sure to support your favourite musicians while their livelihoods are on the line and as they help you to find happiness when there seems to be none.