ON THE MOVE MAG - MARCH 2017

N THE MOVE MAG

Interviews with Bastille, Nathan Sykes and more

CHARLOTTE OC THE NEW BRITISH POP MUSIC STORM & 10 music festivals you won’t want to miss 1

INTERVIEW

Charlotte OC, meet the new british pop music storm

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INTERVIEW

Nathan Sykes, his new beginning as a solo sensation

ZOOM ON...

J Appiah, Kensington and Maggie Rogers

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Our Best Albums of February Our selection of the best music festivals 40

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‘‘

In the current music industry where radios, TV and streaming are the big players deciding to spread the word about an artist (or not), it becomes more and more difficult for a lambda artist to get his music heard if he doesn’t fit some kind of criterias. It takes time, it takes patience, talent but above all it takes a lot of hard work.

At On The Move Magazine, we give a particular attention to talent no matter where you come from, your musical genre, the amount of followers/views/fans you have got. We don’t talk quantity, we talk quality. We talk quality because we love music with the big M. We carefully choose the artists you’ll discover in this magazine to introduce you to «la crème de la crème». You’ll find big names, you’ll find unknown names. You’ll love what you’ll listen to, maybe you will hate it but at least, you’ll give our artists a chance. Because at the end of the day, every success story began with a chance given. ‘‘ Pamela Charbit, founder of On The Move

EDITORIAL

INTERVIEW

Bastille, behind the scenes

of the «Wild Wild World Tour»

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SUCCESS STORY

The Chainsmokers,

from American Idol to the Grammy Awards

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What’s Up In France ? 44

OTM Mag : Meeting the team 47

SUMMARY 3

CHARLOTTE OC

Charlotte OC is one of a kind and could be your next favorite artist. By fusing together powerful vocals, dark visuals and meaningful lyrics, she is already making waves in music industry and is ready to take over the world with her upcoming debut album ÂŤCareless PeopleÂť.

The mysterious british singer who will soon capture your heart gave us an exclusive interview in Paris. Be ready to be swept off your feet.

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On The Move Mag : You have both a sonic and visual identity, how would you explain your style and what you’re trying to do ?

Charlotte OC : A lot of my songs are about family, about me trying to figure out stuff. I’m trying to make things as real as possible. I think as an artist you have to try to find yourself otherwise it doesn’t really make sense, that was just the biggest challenge for me to figure that out. That’s what I wanted to do while making the record, it’s kind of me growing up from being a young girl turning into a woman.

On The Move Mag : Where did you find your inspiration for this debut album ?

Charlotte OC : I’ve been inspired by strong women. I’ve been reading a lot about how to be a woman in the music industry and in a world full of men and try not to make an album dictated by men telling you what kids want. I wanted to make something that was really me, and not something others wanted me to do. Also, it was inspired by my family, what I was going through and what my family was going through because we are all very close.

«I DIDN’T WANT TO MAKE AN ALBUM DICTATED BY MEN TELLING YOU WHAT KIDS WANT» On The Move Mag : Do you think it’s hard for women to find their place in this men dominated music industry ?

Charlotte OC : It is yes but I’m happy to see that more and more women are fighting to show they can be as good as men in this business. I personally always try to do whatever I want to do with my music without letting others decide for me and I think women shouldn’t be afraid of this - as you said - men dominated music industry.

On The Move Mag : Why did you choose the name « Careless People » ?

Charlotte OC : I’ve read « The Great Gatsby » book then I saw the movie for the first time and I just loved it. While I was watching it there was this quote where I just heard « Tom and Daisy, they are careless people » and instantly it struck a chord of emotion, I was really drawn to it and the whole scenario of how Gatsby is left to kind of die, and these two people who took him on a complete ride then just run away because they didn’t care anymore. I feel like it happens a lot in relationships with people, you can kind of just get caught up in something then all of the sudden the other person could go « this isn’t good for me, I’m just gonna leave » and you’re left to pick up the pieces. I think that happens a lot. I’ve done that to somebody before, somebody has done that to me. Also I think it’s a real strength when you find out that someone has been quite careless with you, where you think « I don’t really appreciate how that person has been with me » and once you could see that, you think « oh, I don’t want that in my life anymore » and I think that’s really strong to know what you want and what don’t want, and that’s what the record is, it’s me figuring out what I want and what I don’t want. It’s also figuring out just about caring a bit too much or I should have cared a bit more.

On The Move Mag : You spent a lot of time in Germany, in the US and in other countries all over the world. Which city inspires you the most ?

Charlotte OC : Creatively I think I’m a little bit better in Los Angeles but it doesn’t inspire me. I got really inspired by Germany, especially Berlin.

I just felt instantly at home there. I love electronic music, I love techno and I love bass music. I got inspired by listening to electronic music with no vocal on it because I can already hear something that I wanna hear. It’s like a demo with no vocal on it, when I listen to electro music I can kind of think stuff, so Berlin is definitely somewhere where I just go when I get this feeling.

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On The Move Mag : Who are your favorite electronic artists at the moment ?

On The Move Mag : Do you prefer recording or touring ?

Charlotte OC : John Talabot, he’s my favorite.

Steve Bug, I went to see Steve Bug a while ago and it was the best gig I’ve been to.

Charlotte OC : It’s so different ! (laugh). I still feel quite nervous in the studio, I find being in the studio really stressful. Not really stressful, it’s just a bit daunting . You’re surrounded by all of this equipment and you’re expected to just completely be into in but it’s a real intimate moment. I’m yet to find my space. I love touring but you end up getting really fat (laugh) because you just end up eating so much crap (laugh). It’s never good.

On The Move Mag : What do you think is the main difference between this new album « Careless People » and your previous EPs ?

Charlotte OC : I was a child when I wrote the EPs. (laugh) I think there’s a bit of darkness in this album, because when I was in the music industry at this young age I saw a dark side of it, I think it influenced me a little bit or just made me grow up quite quickly. I think that’s why my music got a dark influence.

On The Move Mag : Do you think you’d have developed artistically and your sound would be the same if you’d have stayed signed when you were 18 ?

Charlotte OC : Probably not. I think I needed to have a break from music after that. I think I would have been a completely different person.

I don’t think I would have carried on, I think I would have stopped doing music if I carried on when I was 18, because it was happening a bit too quickly and it was not right. I think I’ve done the right thing by taking my time to figure out who I wanted to be.

On The Move Mag : Are you planning on going on tour after the release of the album ?

Charlotte OC : Yes, I have some upcoming shows.

I have one in April in London, one in Paris soon we haven’t announced yet. I have some shows and festivals coming up which I’m really excited for.

On The Move Mag : What’s your writing process ?

Charlotte OC : It depends. I usually start with the melody first. I always know what I will be singing about when I’m singing the melody, it’s quite a nice way to write like that because instead of trying to hum a lyric that might not necessarily fit, it’s good to already have something you can start with.

On The Move Mag : If you could collaborate with someone, who would it be ?

Charlotte OC : Damon Albarn from Blur and Gorillaz, I do really fancy him but I do really respect him as an artist. (laugh) Radiohead, I’d love to collaborate with Thom Yorke and Little Dragons, I think they are amazing. I’d like to find a really obscure producer to work with.

- CHARLOTTE OC’S DEBUT ALBUM «CARELESS PEOPLE» WILL BE AVAILABLE ON MARCH 31 -

WordS by PAM CHARBIT PHOTOS BY DAVID FITT

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ZOOM ON...

While these past few months have been good to some musical big names -whose return were very much awaited- there is a bunch of new talents out there that clearly deserve a part of the light. May have they already drawn attention or may their name be rather unknown, here are 3 artists whose careers are bound to take off in in the near future !

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J APPIAH

music has found its soul

With artists like Ed Sheeran, Emeli Sande, or recently Jorja Smith, it is pretty well known that the United Kingdom holds a few treasures. Latest talent to date to have emerged from the british music landscape is J Appiah and his impressive yet perfectly mastered vocals.

Starting his musical journey at the age of 8, Jesse Appiah -also known as J Appiah, is now on the verge of making a global impact on the british music scene with soulful vocals and sharp and honest songs.

Born and raised in Hackney, the young singer found his passion for music while learning to play a multitude of instruments, including drums and keys, to play in church. Years later, the guitar became his favourite instrument and Jesse is now performing with famous british figures like Labrinth, Blur or even Will Young on major tv shows such as The X Factor and the Brit Awards.

Discovered through a stripped down version of «Holy Grail», J Appiah then introduced his second EP «Travelight», a beautiful musical trip with 4 tracks that carry real emotions and mingle with Jesse’s loyal guitar. Always well surrounded, Jesse invited the rapper Mic Righteous on «Moving In», a track in which the british expresses his desire to more forward and turn the page.

To describe his sound, you can’t simply limit it to his smooth and easy voice but also in the way each track is written and thought. The production itseft is impressive and his inspirations and musical tastes are as varied as they come, going from The Beatles and Taio Cruz, to Bob Dylan, Seal and Lynden David Hall. The singer himself often describes his sound as «soulful music that tells a personal story.»

However, as a good story teller, J Appiah needed time to unleash his creativity and confidence and became more and more discrete over the year. Without completely disappearing, Jesse offered his vocal services to some of his british compatriots as Jess Glynne, Maverick Sabre, Kwabs or Michael Kiwanuka.

Two years later, the singer is now ready to assert his individuality and present new original songs.

With his sharp and relevant lyrics, J Appiah aspires to arouse and shake your emotions by mixing wisely his Ghanaian inspirations with a classic soul sound.

Creating both personal and intelligent songs, Jesse is now seen as one of the most talented songwriters of his generation. Like in impressive open letters, the british singer shares his deepest and honest thoughts on mature and sincere subjects that tend to touch a large portion of fans and listeners.

On his latest single, «Run», the singer adresses the universal theme of the complexity of relationships and the difficulty for our generation to love and to be loved.

Always chasing dreams, Jesse often describes himself as a pretty laid-back, friendly and funny but extremely focused guy.

Listen if you are a fan ofSoulful music filled with pop sounds and impressive vocals. Highly recommanded if you’re already a fan of british singers Jorja Smith and Rationale.

One song to listen toRUN : Harmonious and honest, the track features warm and deep vocals, accompanied by the simplicity of Jesse’s famous guitar : «It is a piece in which I position myself as a subject, as if I was singing to someone. But in reality, I only imagined what this person would tell me.»

WordS by Lenaelle Fontaine PHOTO : ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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KENSINGTON

THE GIANTS OF DUTCH INDIE-ROCK

When most iconic figures of rock come from Great Britain or United States, there is a foreign band which success seems to bang on our doors without us letting it in... Get prepared to hear about Kensington.

Kensington is a dutch formation composed by Eloi Youssef and Casper Starreveld (vocals and guitars), Jan Haker (bass and backing vocals) and Niles Vandenberg (drums). The band formed in 2005 and, with 12 years of career, got time to shape his sound and prove his talent !

3 EPs in 2006, 2007 and 2008 were kind of introductions to their work, which fully expressed in a rock and confident way on their first album « Borders » in 2010. Then « Vultures » in 2012 and « Rivals » in 2014 confirmed their rising success !

their public, across Europe. With an unchanging and communicative energy, they convinced every crowd, making each place their own. It is probably on tracks like «Do I Ever» that this connexion between crowd and musicians is the most tangible... No matter where Kensington perform, his lead singer Eloi Youssef is inhabitated by the same passion, same intensity and each member gives the best they can to their public !

So, if Kensington didn’t ring a bell to you, take time to discover more about their addictive music, and do it quickly, because the dutch storm is only beggining !

With three studio albums, Kensington mastered a powerful and energic sound, with multiple contrasts and a clear message, at time uplifting, at time touching.

Instrumentals are always upbeat and brilliantly played ! And as true artists, the members of Kensington are never afraid to experiment and surprise with influences coming from different cultures as in the track « Killimandjaro ».

The band just ended his European tour but will be back across the continent during festival seasons : among others, they’ll perform at the Sziget Festival in Hungary and rumor has it they could be part of the Main Square Festival line-up...

With « Control », their last album to date, Kensington once again proved they don’t want to rest on their laurels as they went for a sound that’s even deeper than before. The band constantly keeps a spirit of challenge to their work, in order to create the best music possible ! By composing and recording abroad, outside of their comfort zone, the members of Kensington avoid getting caught in habits and somehow renew their proposal. This daring posture is probably what makes them so successful and appreciated in their home country.

Heavy rock as well as touching ballads or mixed cultures melodies. Kensington juggles with genres and influences to produce a sound you can’t really label.

As proper superstars, they’re going to headline the famous Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam for 5 nights in a row at the end of this year... And all the shows are sold out already ! But, before that, they willingly went back to tiny and intimate venues, closer to

Listen if you are a fan of-

One song to listen toDONE WITH IT : Drawn from their third album «Rivals», the track has an infectuous hybrid melody, mixing deep guitars and drums with light and foreign percussions. That African vibe also comes from the specific way Kensington has to write lyrics and use backing vocals. You absolutely won’t resist it !

WordS by CORALINE BLAISE AND ELODIE DUBOIS PHOTO : ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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MAGGIE ROGGERS

THE POP STAR WE WERE WAITING FOR

She may not have an album out yet but Maggie Rodgers already has what it takes to make it in the music industry. Following the steps of Dua Lipa and Jorja Smith, she’s already one of the new voices you can count on in 2017. At only 22, the singer is ready to leave her mark on the musical landscape.

The music industry may be more ruthless than tender, Maggie represents the next generation of female artists : rebellious and ready to make their voices and ideas heard. Whether you like it or not, Maggie is creating her very own musical path made of pop and intense tracks.

Regardless of the number of views or the degree of notoriety, Maggie has already caught the attention of Pharrell Williams. It only took her one song to conquer and move the famous producer to tears.

«Wow, I have nothing to add because you do your own thing and I can hear your whole story in your music.

I’ve never heard anyone sing like you, actually I never heard anything like that». said Pharrell Williams Approved by the American and international press, the track was streamed more than 2 million times during the first week.

In February, the young artist unveiled her debut EP «Now That The Light Is Fading». Like a collection of her inspirations, Maggie created a record that either makes dance or cry. Experimental and hypnotic, the four songs give presence to Maggie’s dreamy voice.

As the hard-worker she is, Maggie does not let fame goes to her head. She is constantly working on her songs even though she knows exactly what she wants in term of musical direction. She’s a synesthesiac, someone who feels a strong attraction to colors and music.

«I’m a creative. In the studio if I get stuck and can’t figure out what I want to do or what i need then I make a palette, visualising what I’m trying to do and then it’s like I can hear it.»

Despite her young age, Maggie is a commited artist, following the steps of Bob Dylan, one of her inspirations. A sensibility that you can clearly feel while listening to her songs : according to the singer, everything deserves to be written and sang about.

A cute boy, a museum, or even a controversial president , the young girl speaks out and wants to be honest about her feelings.

In a men-dominated world, Maggie truly believes that women should be the equal of men and that is necessary to listen to each other and give each other space. Wise words from an artist that is only 22 !

As a true feminist, Maggie is often surrounded by dancers with mixed origins and varied skin colors.

«We’re the best! I’m a feminist, so it’s just a really nice creative energy to work with a lot of women.»

You heard it first, Maggie is one of the promising artists we’ll keep our eyes on in 2017 !

Listen if you are a fan ofLight and opened songs that shows the artist’s inspirations and vision. Highly recommended if you’re a fan of Lapsley or if you like some girlpower !

One song to listen toAlaska : More than a folk-dance hybrid song, the track draws together her life experiences and make them musically spontaneous. “I reached a place where I wanted to make more music but I didn’t know what I wanted. So I stopped labelling music by genre and just got into a studio to be creative. Now I write whatever feels instinctive.”

WordS by LENAELLE FONTAINE ; PHOTO BY EMMA SWANN

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NATHAN SYKES

After getting worldwide success with irish-british boysband The Wanted, the youngest member of the former band Nathan Sykes goes solo. After being largely acclaimed while he was in the band for his outstanding voice, the 23 year-old singer is back with his long-awaited solo debut album «Unfinished Business».

Let’s have a chat with the next british pop superstar.

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On The Move Mag : Hey Nathan ! We are really happy to see you again, it’s been a while since the last time we met. You’ve now released your debut album as a solo artist. Why did you choose « Unfinished Business » as the name of the album ?

Nathan Sykes : It’s good to see you again as well guys, it’s been a while! I chose « Unfinished Business » because I felt that’s what I had to do. When the band decided to take a break I felt like I had more to give because I was only 20 at that time and I was like « I can’t retire, I’m just 20, I’m just too young ». It can’t happen. I’m far too young to stop doing what I love and I’m very fortunate that I had the opportunity to continue to make music. I didn’t want to stop doing it, I felt like I had more to give with « Unfinished Business » so I started writing songs and putting an album together. I had unfinished business since the minute we got off the phone and decided we would take a break. I said to my mom « oh I’ve got unfinished business ».

On The Move Mag : After the success you’ve had with The Wanted, did you feel like you had something to prove as an artist and not just as 1/5 of the band ?

« Strictly Comes Dancing », he was so good I might’ve cried (laugh). When I watched it the first week I was like (fake crying) : « OMG I’M SO PROUD OF HIM » (laugh). Tom is going to be in Grease which is gonna be amazing. My manager Rachel and I were looking to his dates the other day and try to figure out which ones we can go to support him / pay him off.

On The Move Mag : Was it your goal from the beginning to go solo ?

Nathan Sykes : No I don’t think so. Well, I had a choice when I got offered the chance to be in The Wanted. I was also offered the opportunity to be a solo artist with another record label but I chose to be in the band. I was really excited about the idea of doing something different for a boyband after meeting everyone. I was really excited about the people who were involved with The Wanted, so I think that when you are in a band you only focus on this band. When we decided to take a break, It was not until then - when I got off the phone I turned to my mom and I went : « what am I gonna do ? » and she was like « what do you want to do? » and I said

Nathan Sykes : I think so. I think you always have something to prove when you come from a band. As a solo artist, I think anyone who comes from a band has got something to prove, to show you are capable of singing more than 1/5 of a song and being more than 1/5 of a band. I wanted to prove to people and I wanted to prove to myself as well what I was capable of because I really didn’t know what my full potential was and I still don’t, because I’m still testing myself everyday, challenging myself everyday, and surprising myself everyday with really cool things.

On The Move Mag : Are you still in touch with your former band mates ?

Nathan Sykes : Yes, some more than others but it’s natural I suppose. I speak more to Jay and Tom than to the other two and they’re doing great. Those two have been really supportive which is really nice. I think it’s important that you can support one another and obviously I was so proud of Jay when he did

© On The Move Mag

« I want to make music ! That sucks ! » So It was from this moment that I started considering myself as a solo artist.

On The Move Mag : Did you have pressure while making this first album knowing it will be your own thing, 100% Nathan ?

Nathan Sykes : In a way yes, in a way no. I had no pressure because no one was expecting anything.

No one really knew what it would sound like, no one knew what the quality would be like, no one knew if it would work, no one knew if I would finish it and release it. I think all I could do was to surprise people but obviously with me being a massive perfectionist, I set certain standards and goals I wanted to achieve with this album. I really tested myself vocally to make a statement with this album. So, to be able to achieve this is a really cool thing.

On The Move Mag : How would you describe this album ?

Nathan Sykes : I think it’s essentially a pop album but within the pop there’s such a wide range of pop music. There are elements of soul in it, elements of jazz, funk and R&B. It’s what I listen to. I listen to a lot of old stuff like Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles ... that’s what I grew up listening to.

Obviously more recently I listen to people like John Legend and OneRepublic, I think they are brilliant.

So, I like mixing old stuff and different elements I can come up with. I think you have to be yourself and not try to be like someone else, otherwise you’ll end up as a lame « new version » of these artists. It’s important to stick to what you are good at and stick to what is natural.

On The Move Mag : You opened for Little Mix in the UK during their « Get Weird Tour », what can you tell us about this experience ?

Nathan Sykes : Oh my God, they are so talented ! I’d say that before anything, they’re just brilliant.

It was an honor being a part of that tour, it was the biggest tour in the UK last year or something, it was huge. To be able to do that was great. I did the whole

thing acoustic, so I was like in front of 12 000 people every night, just me and my piano (laugh). It was a challenge because I think at the start of the show you get a bit intrigued like « is he really doing the whole set acoustic? » and then two songs later « yes he’s definitely doing the whole set acoustic » (laugh).

Also, closing the set with « Over And Over Again » was amazing because you had like 12 000 people with their phone lights in the air, singing along. It was incredible.

« AFTER THE WANTED, I WANTED TO PROVE THAT I COULD DO THINGS ON MY OWN AS A SOLO ARTIST»

On The Move Mag : Are you planning on touring on your own ?

Nathan Sykes : yes, I think so at some point. I am always performing live but regarding an headline tour ... I think it’s definitely going to come, I love performing live it’s one of my favorite things to do.

I’m doing a lot of writing at the moment as well yes, album 2 (laugh). When things happen in your life I think you’ve got to take the opportunity and write about it because that’s when you get your best stuff. I think everything happens for a reason and writing at this moment is the best thing for me to do.

Hopefully I’ll be touring before the end of the year.

Now because of you I will receive a lot of messages on twitter saying « you have to come before the end of the year, we’re gonna hold you to this » (laugh).

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On The Move Mag : Your song « I Can’t Be Mad » has been co-produced by Babyface. Is he one of your idols ?

Nathan Sykes : Oh My God, you have no idea. I almost passed out (laugh). When I decided I wanted to write some songs I put together a list of dream people I’d like to collaborate with. Babyface was on the list. We sent the song to him. The biggest thing for me in the email he sent was « I love Nathan’s voice in ‘Almost Is Never Enough’ » which is a really big thing for me because it wasn’t « Oh I love The Wanted » or « I loved ‘Glad You Came’ ». It was « his voice is great ». It was the first time I’d really being single out as an individual and as a vocalist. It was incredible.

He said « I’d love to work with Nathan » and I was like « Stop, I’m gonna pass out » (laugh). I went to his unbelievable recording studio in Los Angeles and I’ve never seen anything like this, it’s ridiculous.

When he went out to get coffee the producer was like « you do know you can talk to him », I was like « Why ? What I have been doing ? » and he answered « you’ve just been sat with your mouth open ». I was just frozen, starstruck. Not starstruck it was just out or pure respect. And then we just wrote - for some reason - the most emotional song you could ever write. We wrote the song at his piano and I was like « I’m playing Babyface’s piano!!! » (laugh). He was just so special, it was an incredible experience. I learnt so much as a songwriter that day as well, he’s so full of knowledge. Did I make it clear that I enjoyed it ? (laugh)

On The Move Mag : On your song « Famous » you talk about the problem with fame when it comes to relationships. Is that something you experience in your daily life ?

Nathan Sykes : With « Famous » the underline question was « what have I got to do to make you care about me as much as I care about you ». I wrote about a personal experience. When I was in the Wanted, I was talking to this person and then when we decided to take a break, this person decided to stop talking to me. I was like « you can be that shallow, congratulations, that’s low » and then I was like « You know what, don’t call me when I’m famous »... and they did. I think it was the week « Over And Over Again » came out actually. « Hey

it’s been a while » and I was like « yes it has ». It’s just one of those things really but I wanted people to be able to relate to the song as well. Like, would you care about me when I’m at the bottom or when I’m struggling. You have to care when I’m at my lowest point or my highest point.

On The Move Mag : You collaborated with Ariana Grande and G-Eazy, now if you could choose someone to collaborate with, who would it be ?

Nathan Sykes : Ariana and I were together before « Almost Is Never Enough » so it was kind of natural. I really like G-Eazy, I think he’s really good. People are loving him, he’s getting this great break after so many years so I was like « let’s send him ‘Give Up’ and see what he thinks » and he loved it, I was so happy.

There were really cool collaborations. There are really « new » talented artists at the moment, like Shawn Mendes or Charlie Puth, they are phenomenal.

It could be interesting. A collaboration is always spontaneous so we never know.

On The Move Mag : If you could choose one song from your album to be the soundtrack of 2017, which one would it be ?

Nathan Sykes : Oh, it’s a tough one. I think it would be « I’ll Remember You ». I think mostly because looking back at the year and what I achieved with the album and repositioning myself and reintroducing myself as a solo artist, it was a moment in my life where I look back and I remember. At the same time there are so many different people I wrote about in the album so I think when the album came out I put all that to one side and all the people to one side as well. It’s like « I’ll remember you because we’ve had experiences together and I wrote about them, I’ll remember that but I’m gonna put that to one side now and focus on promoting the album and writing music about new experiences. ». That was very well put I must say (laugh), when I was talking I was really proud of that answer. I was like ‘yes Nathan, go in deep with that. Good. » (laugh)

WordS by PAM CHARBIT PHOTOS BY EVA PENTEL

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OUR BEST ALBUMS

OF FEBRUARY

Once again, this month, our team at On The Move Mag got to meet some amazing artists who talked to us about their careers and work with humility and passion. But, in the meantime, every week, a bunch of records were thrown into the world, portraying the singular influences, universe and sound of every artist involved. So, we opened our ears and dived into what matters most : music ! Here are our favourite recent albums.

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Praised by Ed Sheeran, Adele and many more, Stormzy’s debut album is going to leave a mark on British hip-hop. The record, which compiles 16 songs, is insightful and transparent: “the child of grime”, as he calls himself opens his heart and allows us to take a look into his mind, whether he’s making a personal statement, tearing down critique or also showing his romantic side with the songs “Velvet” and “Cigarettes & Cush” featuring the brilliant R&B singer Kehlani. “Gang Signs & Prayer” is a melodic and dimensional record which makes it obvious why Stormzy has emerged so fast.

Top 3 tracks: Cold, Big For Your Boots, Cigarettes & Cush

Stormzy – Gang Signs & Prayer

A tall guy with full beard and tattoos, a rare and deep tone in his voice, and a fragile heart, that’s what makes Rag’n’Bone Man. His debut album is hybrid, powerful and touching. Rag’n’Bone Man embraces simple themes of life - compassion, empathy, hope, redemption and love but sings as if his life depends on it. His force relies on his ability to alternate between soft and powerful to mix his influences in blues, jazz, folk and soul. But not just that! As if it was not enough, he also integrates rap and hip-hop, for instance in the magnificent “Ego”.

“Human” is endearing and Rag’n’Bone Man’s voice soothing. A must listen!

Top 3 tracks: Human, Skin, Ego

Rag’n’Bone Man – Human

Electric Guest returns with “Plural”, both suite and novelty in that the band has slightly changed its soundscape. But they prove with their second album that plurality does not prevent from having a conductive line and of delivering a coherent ensemble.

The quartet offers an elegant album, with finesse and a certain minimalism.

A perfect example is “Zero”, first track of the album which almost feel like a dream, thanks to Asa Taccone’s ethereal voice that perfectly highlights the neat production. Electric Guest did well to wait nearly five years to allow their musical approach to mature and offer such a complete record.

Top 3 tracks: Glorious Warrior, Dear To Me, Oh Devil

Electric Guest – Plural

The British rapper Devlin is back with a third album, more mature than ever. “Devil In” sounds like therapy and redemption as he takes a look back on the past and reflect on his feelings, aspirations and opinions in life and in music.

The songs are more minimalist, and his magnetic voice stands out filled with controlled aggressiveness and honesty. His perfect flow matches greatly with some soulful guest choruses as in “Blow your mind” and “Life”.

Top 3 tracks: Blow Your Mind, Life, Blue Skies

Devlin – The Devil In

Logical suite to “The Search for everything Wave One” released last month, “The Search for everything Wave Two” is a four-track EP before the singer-songwriter’s seventh studio album planned for later this year. John Mayer put everything he had in those songs that actually represent what his feelings during a particular period in his life. The lyrics are raw, touching and most of all relatable. The very nicely produced EP definitely gives a taste of what comes next and we’re looking forward to hearing it!

John Mayer – TSFE (Wave Two) Words by LUDIVINE DESUMEUR

Long-time fans of Courage My Love, don’t be scared! After 8 years of existence, the three-piece band from Ontario, Canada has finally released its first real album and it’s definitely different from what we were used to. From poppunk to electro-pop, Courage My Love has been experimenting different genres and soundscapes in order to find theirs: more synth, mature lyrics, with a taste for heady melodies. Don’t worry there are still some elements of what made Courage My Love so popular… You can expect guitar riffs, powerful vocals and groovy bass lines too!

Top 3 tracks: Animals, Love Hurts, The Year I Disappeared.

Courage My Love – Synesthesia

Lower than Atlantis are one of those underrated band and still they have a long journey and already 5 albums behind them. Compared to their previous album, it contains only 10 tracks, but those 10 tracks are worth to be listened to individually. Each has its own style, its own history.

The record is melodic while combining simplicity and efficiency, the lyrics are more mature and sweat personal experience. Lower Than Atlantis experiments new sounds, from punchy/aggressive to some bits of popelectro as in “Boomerang”, which makes it a complete and interesting record.

The band has definitely taken a new step in its career and is worth being watched!

Top 3 tracks: Had Enough, Dumb, I don’t want to be here anymore

Lower Than Atlantis – Safe in Sound

American pop-rock band has released a surprise Valentine’s Day EP and it’s adorable! Three cute fun little songs just for the sole purpose of celebrating this holiday with their fans is such a nice thought. While “Candy Hearts” is the most in accordance with the band’s traditional genre thanks to some punk undertones, “Happy Valentimes” is melodic and catchy and “BMI Valentine” is a nice acoustic ballad that shows a bit more the potential of Matthew Thiessen’s vocals. A sweet sugary EP for your ears and heart!

Relient K – Truly Madly Deeply

«Skin Companion II» is the second EP, coming from a series of tracks composed during the production phase of the Flume’s second album «Skin». It is also a way for the Australian to be more creative as he likes to produce songs during the day and be able to play them in the evening. «Skin Companion II» thus seems to close the era of «Skin» with various collaborations that shows that the DJ has not finished exploring genres and different universes like rap as in «Enough» featuring Pusha T. in order to compose its own musical world. Flume thus offers us melodic and neat compositions, with a changing atmosphere, without losing what makes his signature sound.

Flume - Skin Companion II

Simple but efficient. The Orwells are back with a third album and they have definitely come a long way. “They Put a Body in The Bayou” sets the mood and proves that the Chicago band has a well-built musical identity. The 13-song record sounds sometimes hippie, sometimes garage punk. It has a vintage side of course, influenced by 70’s rock with a grungy taste, namely thanks to Mario Cuomo’s raspy but sharpened voice and the band’s daring energy that stays throughout the whole album.

Top 3 tracks: They Put A Body In The Bayou, Black Francis, Heavy Head

The Orwells – Terrible Human Beings 27

BASTILLE

Since September 2016, Bastille is everywhere ! For the release of their second album « Wild World », the british band orchestrated a brilliant promotion made of hit-singles like « Good Grief », disturbing yet beautiful videos, as for « Blame », and unseen experiences organised under the « Wild World Communications » organisation. In our previous issue, we dived deep into this exemplary marketing campaign, where virtual and reality mingle.

Since then, our team was lucky enough to meet Dan Smith, Chris Wood, Kyle Simmons and Will Farquarson, before one of their european shows, to talk about the « behind the scenes » of their current « Wild, Wild World Tour ».

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On The Move Mag : You created a completely unique and surprising universe around Wild World with WWCOMMS. How did you come up with such a global concept, which is sort a fiction becoming more and more of a reality thanks to the pop-up stores, the shows... ?

Dan Smith : I think the album obviously came first and the idea was... you know, it’s kinda quite human reaction to everything that’s happening in the world, at the moment, at least for the last few years. And then, we thought about the visuals, the tour, everything from social media to how we announce stuff... We were trying to look for a way to remove ourselves from it slightly. The idea of this WWCOMMS thing actually initiated as an auto-bot on Facebook, where we talked to people. And it kinda just evolved from there. A lot of the time, when we create stuff, we just quite like to start with an idea and just see where it goes...

And you know, it started with this one symbol, and it grew and developped from there and then, our friends Crooked Cynics made a video of one of our songs « Fake It » which included this sort of politician, demiurge figure. We just wanted to play with ideas of, you know, the media and how we perceive the world, you know, and obviously we’re looking at a time where there’s a lot of really outspoken politicians, on either side of this perspective. And, you know, I think we just wanted to find a way to nod towards that, to make fun of it, to criticize it, but very much in a general way because obviously, we’re just four idiots in a band.

But it has just grown, and become more and more present now, because it runs through everything in this campaign.

The idea initially was in a cinematic way to have this kind of « 1984 »-esque Big Brother [George Orwell ndlr.] and it has just become a really helpful tool to look at what’s happening all over the world at the moment.

The « Wild, Wild World Tour » is not your regular music show. It proposes a real dynamic and structured experience. Lead by actor Simon Hepworth, as a semi journalist semi politician flirting with neurosis, the show highlights visuals, which mix architecture, landscapes, graphic composition and short narratives in a striking way.

«we want to do something more than just put the songs live together.»

On The Move Mag : With the « Wild, Wild World Tour », you took your shows in a whole other level, both musically and visually. Each song comes with a visual that can be a minifilm of itself. Which role did you play in the stage design process ?

Dan Smith : Yes ! I mean, we didn’t literally film it all (laughs) But bringing the show together was quite gratifying. I guess it was really satisfying making the album, releasing the album and then immediately doing the tour because it meant that we could be rehearsing and bring the production together and deciding what it was going to be, all at the same time. And it’s a show that is kind of growing and evolving and developing. Yeah, I think we’re just really proud of it, from the start to the finish. It tells a general story but it’s more....

Hopefully, a lot of them are really poetic images that make you think about a lot of different things.

But also we wanted it to be visually impressive...

You know, it’s mainly about the gig. It’s about the songs but hopefully we ‘ve structured that balance.

Chris Wood : I hope the visuals kinda make it, I mean, to say « immersive » would be a bit extreme but like, by saying « immersive » I mean that you can get lost in it for a couple of songs cause like some of it are linked together.

It’s better than just us turning up to play a song then stop then play a song, stop. There is more to the show than just a gig.

Kyle Simmons : As soon as you walk into the venue, even the bands that play before us, the videos are linked, as soon as you walk in, even to the point where we stop playing. When the music finishes, even that’s not quite the end, and then you leave. It kinda just makes the whole experience great, we’re joined together, it’s just nice because it’s not really static, it’s not one band, having a break, then another band, yeah, it’s just nice.

Unlike their previous tours, Bastille now hit the stage accompanied. Charlie Barnes, almost fifth member of the formation, plays keys and cords whiles three musicians and backing vocals bring the uplifting sound of horns featured in the « Wild World » album.

On The Move Mag : Now, you have other musicians with you on stage. Did you always consider it as a goal or did it came naturally with the evolution of your sound ?

our career, hopefully if we have one. And this one will be very much defined by WWCOMMS and that news aesthetic and like the scale of the horns into those songs... I’ve been looking to the next record and I hope it will be something completely different in itself. But, I love it when bands have like eras in their sound, visuals and all. As Kyle said, we just wanted the whole thing to be one big show from when you walk in I think we just felt like it would be fun and interesting to do something a bit more conceptual. And it’s always nice, as a fan of other bands, to see that they thought through every detail, everything from social media posts to photoshoots, to music videos, to the live shows, when you have all this continuity.

We kinda had that on the first album but I think it was a bit more subtle and we’re lucky to be in a position when we can put the time and thoughts and effort into these things. So we’re like « Fuck it !», this might be the biggest opportunity we’ll ever have to do this so let’s do something at least a bit different.

We could so easily have come out and just play the songs with a backdrop and some lights, and I’m sure that would have been a really fun tour as well but I don’t know, I just like the idea of never making things too easy for our fans and trying to keep things challenging and I don’t know, what I’m trying to say is just we want to do something more than just put the songs live together.

Dan Smith : I think it came... I mean, our sound have always been quite big and sprawling, it kind of incorporates a lot of different things.

Initially, when we first started playing in pubs, the question was « how are we going to achieve this ? » and I think, as the stages and the venues have gotten bigger, and the shows have just grown and become just what they are now. It is really about wanting to step up to the sizes of the rooms that we are lucky enough to play. And the musicians, I think, you know, with this new record, there’s a fair amount of horns but we have kind of also incorporated those horns into older songs just cause it feels exciting to us and I think...

I like the idea that now, we have kind of eras of

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Although « Wild World » seems to mark a new era of their career, Bastille still plays a fair amount of the iconic songs from their first album « Bad Blood » during their shows, whether they have always been highlights of the shows as « Flaws » or « Pompeii » or are more confidential tracks as « Weight of Living, Pt. II ».

On The Move Mag : You’re talking about different eras, yet, you mix old and new materials in the setlist. How do you choose the song to play and find a great balance ?

Chris Wood : This is a constant argument ! (laughs) Dan Smith : But It is also very interesting as well because a song like « Pompeii », that we finish with, it feels, lyrically, it feels like a kind of joyous end to the set and everybody knows it, but lyrically, it feels like even more... At the end of a set, it is about how fucked up the world is and how hard it is now to respond.

And having lyrics like « If you close your eyes, does it almost feel like nothing changed at all ? » at the end of a set, it’s about that. It kinda froze the song into a whole new life and I think it’s kind of a cathartic end to all that stuff. Also that song is one of our oldests and it was never intended to be about that but... It’s interesting to see that having the new songs among the old ones kind of reframes them all in ways that I’m still finding fun and exciting.

Chris Wood : We have tried to find a balance between the old and new material because people would have been upset if we just played the new ones and just left. It could be bold to do that ! but you gotta be mindful of the people who have been fans from the start and also newer fans but, basically, this album campaign is the time when all the most recent songs are gonna get their time in the sun and then, we’ll do a third album and that means new songs coming in as well so some of these are gonna fall down in the picking order so... For me, especially, I like to give every song as much of a chance to kind of do its thing while it can.

When they’re not in the frenetic rhythm of promoting their studio albums, the band never stops experimenting side projects, which are, in different ways, all linked to the sound of « Bastille » and help develop it.

On The Move Mag : You guys have a couple of side projects like, you Dan with « Annie Oackley Hanging » or the « Other People’s Heartache » mixtapes. How do you feel that a track will end up on a Bastille album ?

Dan Smith : I don’t know what you’re talking about ! (laughs) I feel like that everything that we do is Bastille. « Annie Oackley Hanging » is a whole other thing and it was really much done with that purpose in mind. And then, you know, the mixtapes, the whole point of the mixtapes was to take other people’s songs and other people’s stories and interprete them ourselves and kind of just playing with them.

The mixtapes are very much Bastille, they just sit in a slightly different lane to our albums. I think, the thing that I love about this project, the whole Bastille thing, is that, when it comes to sound or gender, I kinda feel like we can do whatever we want. As long as we’re doing it, that what makes it Bastille. So, yes, I guess, it’s quite nice to have that freedom. That’s potentially why our second album is like 19 quite varied tracks.

After hitting European roads for several months, the members of Bastille are now about to start an intense tour in America, before coming back to Europe for festivals season.They are already announced on the line ups of the best festivals. Go to page 40 to find out which ones in our special festival selection !

WordS by CORALINE BLAISE AND ELODIE DUBOIS COVER PHOTO BY WOLF JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY ; LIVE PHOTOS BY ANASTASIA AND LAURE BENSOUSSAN

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SUCCESS STORY : THE CHAINSMOKERS 35

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past two years, you couldn’t possibly pass on the electronic duo The Chainsmokers.

Alex Pall and Drew Taggart swept the world off their feet with the acclaimed «Don’t Let Me Down» released one year ago. The song was initially offered to Rihanna who declined it before the 17 year-old rising pop singer Daya got it. The duo is really happy with Daya collaborating with them on the song and claim that «the song wouldn’t have been the same if it wasn’t for her». «Don’t Let Me Down» spent 23 weeks in the Billboard Top 10 and reached #2 in the UK Singles Chart.

The Chainsmokers - who got their part of fame thanks to «Roses» released one year before - became one of the biggest EDM artists in 2016, releasing hit after hit. But did you know the two americans started in the music business in 2012 ?

You might remember the catchy and now overheard lyric «but first let me take a selfie», yes it was them. You might remember this incredible Fall Out Boy ft Steve Aoki «Back To Earth» remix, yes it was them as well.

Indeed, the DJ duo appeared on the singing competition American Idol for a guest performance where they put their leather jackets on and pressed play on their song before snapping pictures with many celebs including judge Jennifer Lopez.

The two DJs have been lambasted by their peers and electro music fans. It could have been the end of The Chainsmokers but it was actually just the beginning.

As Drake once said «they started from the bottom, now they’re here» here means the top of the world.

In fact, years after this incident, the duo have remade themselves and now dominate the pop and EDM music charts. Their biggest hit to date «Closer», featuring pop singer Halsey, tied record for most weeks at #1 on Hot Dance/Electronic Songs. Their 26 week reign at this spot matched the longevity record first set by Avicii’s «Wake Me Up» in 2013-2014.

We also remember their collaboration with actress Priyanka Chopra on «Erase», don’t we ? They unveiled in 2015 their EP «Bouquet» featuring a brunch of soft, flavored indie tunes where the double platinum single «Roses» was included.

Before unveiling the track that would change their lives forever, Alex and Drew played over 300 shows and festivals including the famous Lollapalooza, Tomorrowland and Ultra Fest but the music career of The Chainsmokers could have been over before they really got started.

© All rights reserved

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© All rights reserved

The Chainsmokers is coming to a city near you in the next couple of weeks...

After this impressive run, The Chainsmokers decided to do it again with their single «Paris» currently #2 on Hot Dance/Electronic Songs.

According to numerous promoters, «The Chainsmokers have blown past everyone and moving up to the level of Calvin Harris.»

Calvin Harris remains at this stage the world’s highest paid DJ and The Chainsmokers thanks to their incredible commercial success - could take the first spot very soon. The DJs who don’t even have an album out yet won their very first Grammy Award last month for Best Dance Recording with «Don’t Let Me Down», and announced the release of their debut album « Memories... Do Not Open» after unveiling their EP «Collage» earlier in 2016. They also surprised everyone at the Brit Awards last month with a collaboration named «Something Just Like This» featuring british band Coldplay.

«Memories... Do Not Open» will be available on April 7th and could be the dawn of The Chainsmokers’ reign.

WordS by PAM CHARBIT COVER PHOTO BY FRANK APOLLONIO LIVE PHOTOS FROM ON THE MOVE MAG

© All rights reserved

39

OUR SELECTION OF THE

BEST MUSIC FESTIVALS

Summer season is getting closer and soon enough, you’ll have to leave venues for a couple months and go enjoy live music under the sun (if you’re lucky) ! Each year, the list of festivals becomes bigger and bigger around the world, with line-ups always more impressive.

So, in order to help you make the most out of those summer days, we checked what festivals around the world have to offer this year and selected the ones not to miss !

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READING/LEEDS FESTIVAL (UK)

Reading/Leeds Festival is one of the biggest UK festivals. The line-up is mainly rock although it has evolved throughout the years to include some rap/hip-hop acts among others. Taking place in two different cities, Reading is one hour away from London while Leeds is in the North, two hours and a half from the capital. The festival has gained a reputation of being quite a young festival, a huge huge crowd of people dancing, surf crowding and singing their lungs out to their favorite bands and artists.

This year’s festival will take place from August 25th to 27th and bands like Kasabian, Bastille, Flume, Eminem, Major Lazer, Muse, Halsey will set your summer on fire!

Sziget Festival takes place from August 9th to 16th on an island in Budapest, Hungary (hence the festival’s name: “Sziget” means “island”) which proudly offers an eclectic line up including Alt-J, Major Lazer, Charli XCX, Billy Talent, Kensington, and many more for this year’s non-stop 7-day festival. The festival also offers non-musical activities such as art installations. Be ready to taste freedom and meet fellow music lovers from 100 different countries at this friendly and vibrant international summer festival.

SZIGET FESTIVAL (HG)

PUKKELPOP (BE)

MAIN SQUARE FESTIVAL (FR)

Among the festivals close to our borders, if there is one not to miss it’s Pukkelpop ! Every year the biggest Belgian festival offers on his nine stages a big artists’ panel going from Bastille, Tove Lo, Mumford & Son, Flume to Chance The Rappers, Band Of Horses and many more…

Over four days, Pukkelpop suggests to his visitors to take part of some various absurd activities like a silent discotheque where every person on the area dance with headphone plugged on ears. Pukkelpop also has a big relaxing/fooding space, the colored and charming place proposes an incredible variety of food of from all over the world, vegan, organic… shielded from the sun and away from the dance crowd. PKP is definitely the best place to have fun during those summer days. The 2017 edition takes place from August 16th to 19th in Hasselt, Belgium.

Main Square Festival is by far, one of the most beautiful festivals around Europe because of his uncommon location. Indeed this one takes place every year since 2004 in La Citadelle d’Arras in the north of France (near from Lille). This 2017 edition takes place on June 30th and July 1st & 2nd and will welcome artists such as : System of a Down , Don Broco, Major Lazer, Biffy Clyro , Radiohead , Machine Gun Kelly, KUNGS and many others.

A festival with an eclectic line up where every music lover can find what they are looking for. The festival also offers besides his international programmation, the opportunity for three young amateur bands/ artists to perform on the Greenroom stage during the festival ! Main Square Festival promises you a beautiful musical journey in a quite unique and gorgeous place.

The Isle Of Wight festival is widely known as one of the major festivals in the UK every year. Since 2002, the festival stages have hosted The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Muse, Kings Of Leon and Coldplay. Build on music and passion, the Isle Of Wight Festival constantly evolves and changes and is for real music lovers of all ages.

This year, you’ll be able to dance to David Guetta, Zara Larsson, Bastille, Rag’N’Bone Man, Nothing But Thieves, Catfish and the Bottlemen and Arcade Fire from June 8th to 11th. Get your summer ready !

Isle of Wight festivaL (UK)

V FESTIVAL (UK)

Sasquatch Music Festival (US)

COACHELLA (US) Photographs © All rights reserved

The V Festival often referred to simply as V Fest or VF is an annual music festival held in England over the penultimate weekend in August at two UK parks, Hylands and Weston Park, which simultaneously share the same line-up. For the past few years, the festival offered impressive line-ups including Justin Bieber, Calvin Harris, Ed Sheeran and Rihanna. This year, on august 19th and 20th, Steve Aoki, Craig David and Jay-Z will join the party and make hundred of music lovers go crazy !

Have you heard about Sasquatch Music Festival ? If you haven’t, you’re missing out big time ! The festival which takes places for three days over Memorial Day Weekend in Washington gathers a mind blowing line up including twenty one pilots, Chance the Rapper, Mac Miller, Kiiara, Catfish And The Bottlemen and the one and only Frank Ocean. Yes, you read right, Frank Ocean. This is a pretty good reason to go isn’t it ? The festival founded in 2002 by Adam Zacks aims to create an event that caters to the eclectic tastes of voracious music enthusiasts with a line up mixing acclaimed emerging artists and established headliners.

Probably the most well known music festival in the world, Coachella - which takes place in California for two weekends every year in April - has welcomed throughout the years the biggest names in the industry.

This year is no exception to the rule. Indeed, Radiohead, Lady Gaga and Kendrick Lamar will share the headline next month. The line up is pretty big this year with Dillon Francis, Bastille, Glass Animals, our frenchy Kungs, Mac Miller, Stormzy, Travis Scott, The XX, Bon Iver, DJ Snake, Martin Garrix, Majid Jordan, Lorde, Kehlani, the incredible Hans Zimmer and more wonderful acts. Coachella became a real institution and is now the place to see and to be seen during spring break.

Beside the music, Coachella is also known for fashion and the pictures taken at the festival inspire people all around the world. If you want to chill in the desert while listening to good music, tasting good food and maybe spotting a couple of artists, here’s the event you need to attend.

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WHAT’S UP ADAM NAAS, THE NEW FRENCH PRINCE OF POP

IN FRANCE ?

Words by LENAELLE FONTAINE

ALIOCHA, INSPIRING SONGWRITER

At only 24, Adam Naas is one of the few promising artists that are ready to make waves outside the french boudaries. Parisian and self-taught, his first appearance was on february 2015 when he posted his first track «Fading Away». Despite his soft yet amazing vocals, Adam took time to work on his sound and his musical identity, somewhat he wanted to find his true self before publishing his first EP a year later.

As a child, Adam grew up while listening to Nina Simone and some rap and RnB played by his brother, two different styles that probably pushed his musical career forward : «I always had music in my ears. It’s like a drug now, i can’t go without it. Deep down i knew that this is what i wanted to do. What I had to do. I couldn’t fight against this, i felt obliged somewhat.»

Even at a young age, Adam never took music lessons. He’s an autodidact, worked his voice while listening to the Destiny’s Child and played the guitar as well as singing some folk songs. For years, Adam created his own musical path and artistic palette until he got the opportunity to record his songs in a professional way. Then, the artist was born. While growing up, Adam Naas showed interest in the classical, rap and electro music. If there’s one album that helped him find his identity, it probably was James Blake’s first record : between mastered electro arrangements and soft vocals, the singer found beauty in the contrast which inspired his own sound.

Constantly writing and creating on his phone, Adam listened to Kate Bush, Grimes and unexpected french artists while recording his EP. Not something we would expect from such a talented artist but it’s probably the way he works that makes his music so pure and special. Somewhere between James Blake and the californian’s Rhye, Adam Naas delivers a refreshing sound with some soul touches which add a nice feature to his music.

Juggling between cinema and music, Aliocha is the living proof that talent has no limit when it comes to passion.

Music has always been a part of the young singer’s life. He started singing at 10, then picked up the guitar and a few years later, at 16, composed his first song inspired by Bob Dylan’s or Elliott Smith’s sound. Since then, his songs are torn between folk sounds and 1990’s grunge.

Working with Jean Leloup, Aliocha perfected his art in Montréal, Paris and Los Angeles until he found the perfect balance between what he wanted his songs to say and how he wanted people to feel while listening to the tracks.

His first EP «Sorry Eyes» unveiled several facets of the artist, both rebel and modern, some classic yet perfectly imperfect. The lead single is the perfect reprentation of what the young singer is capable of : folk rythm with a hint of rock and a delicious raspy voice.

Aliocha will be playing at La Maroquinerie on April 27th in Paris. Don’t miss it !

EUGENIE, TALENT AND SPIRIT

While pursuing her studies in communication and art, the young singer never really drifted away from music and started composing on her phone, away from any experimented musical ears : «I was just trying different things, having fun with music. It was never really serious at that time and I never thought that i could use any of this later !».

Vincent Vinel, the promising prodigy

He is the first sensation of The Voice France new season. Among a dozen of contestants, Vincent Vinel was able to pull out of the game and impressed the judges with a perfectly mastered cover of Eminem’s hit sing «Lose Yourself».

Introduced with sharped notes, the performance quickly attracked the curiosity of the four judges. «He’s fabulous», says the singer Mika before another judge adds «It is a pleasure to watch and hear you, you are truly inspiring !»

Born and raised in a small town in France, Vincent was firstly spotted at a train station in Paris where he used to play the piano at the same hour everyday after a day of work. What is even more impressive is that Vincent is partly blind and learned to play the piano when he was only 4 years old.

Few weeks and several promising encounters later, Eugénie got in the studio to record a first single but in the meantime started developping an online fanbase by posting impressive and acoustic covers on her facebook page. «I wanted to know what people thought of my voice and what kind of emotions I was able to trigger».

Proving she’s got both beauty and talent, she gave her first single «Puis Danse» a little twist by incorporating an electro vibe to the pop song. Powerful and unique, her voice easily mix her inspiration with her personal style and vision.

«People seek authenticy and sincerity in music.

Everyone has a story to tell, it’s up to me now to make people hear mine.»

Eugénie’s debut album will be out in 2017.

The character itself is atypical and you can feel it in his music : you simply can’t fit Vincent in a certain category. Himself finds it difficult to describe his sound : «I’d call it ‘rop’. Something between rap and pop. ‘Dubsa’, a mix of salsa and dubset. And ‘méçaise’, which is metal with french variety.»

Too shy about his own songs yet, Vincent performs the most unexpected medley and covers at the train station. Shamelessly mixing Eminem with some french rap and the Frozen theme song «Let It Go», the singer overcomes his inhibitions and feels free to break the rules.

Photographs © All rights reserved

As if being a piano prodigy wasn’t enough, the young artist also bet on his humour to conquer an audiance that is already hooked on his performance.

It’s up to Vincent now to prove that he has what it takes to be the winner of the 6th edition of The Voice France !

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OTM TEAM PAM I spend most of my time apologizing to my favorite streaming platform for ripping off their «add to playlist» button. When i’m not looking for new artists to talk to you about I drown myself in a sea containing a mix of old R&B and punk-rock sound.

Sometimes I go to concert venues more often than I go to bed and I listen to music even when I sleep. I’ll be probably deaf in 40 years but knowing you’ll discover new artists through this mag makes everything worthwhile.

ELODIE Longtime writer for OTM, I love being able to talk about my favourite tracks and artists online. Got a passion for pop, indie and rock bands, Harry Potter and photography. You can usually find me at venues, front row, next to the following curly girl.

Spending way too much money on those travels and gigs. But, we only got one life, better get the most out of it !

CORALINE Wannabe architect, musical writer by passion. I am in love with matter, music and words. Drunk with british indie-rock and popfolk. I guess my wildest dream would be designing and building a gig venue, for which I would decide the opening line-up. In the meantime, I am the curly girl with too much hair, front row.

LUDIVINE Who am I, in a nutshell? Daydreamer, traveler at heart, sees beauty in everything, concert addict, Germany lover. Music is my escape route and my best friend. Fun fact: I actually own a guitar since I was 4 but I don’t know how to play. I am also the girl that’s like “Hey you gotta listen to this!” and 2 hours later we’re still on YouTube… Oops!

LENA Meet the youngest of the crew ! Aspiring music journalist and communication student, I spend most of my free time surrounded by books and hot chocolate. Basically obsessed with british pop music and indie artists, if you’re looking for me you’ll probably find me singing my heart out at a concert. if i could turn back time, i’d definitely pop to the Panic! At The Disco show in Chicago in 2006.

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ON THE MOVE SPREADING TALENTS AROUND SINCE 2012 @OTMfr

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