Resonate Artist Of The Week : SHEARS

Resonate Live 2022 showcase artist SHEARS dropped her third EP on all major streaming platforms yesterday. Leith based singer-songwriter-producer Becca Shearing celebrates her first full body of works entirely self-produced. Blending euphoric electro house with masterful lyricism - this EP is a marvel to behold.

The East-Coast pop artist releases ‘Superhues’ in what feels like a natural evolution in her sonic identity with this latest instalment demonstrating her marvellous improvement in production.

For us, stand out track has to be‘Neighbourhood’ - a supercharged house-infused pop phenomenon which we have on repeat. Captivating with syncopated bass and clap rhythms topped with SHEARS’ perfectly tuned vocals. This is a real statement track.

There’s a beautiful balance to this EP, with ‘Neighbourhood’ bringing some frenetic energy, countered by the more traditional electro pop ‘Blurry’ and countered again by ‘We Can Still Be Friends’ , a slow-burner which quickly erupts into some stank drum & bass rhythm.

The EP has received a very warm welcome across press & radio with Clash Magazine describe it as;

"Sparkling of melody, crisp of lyric, 'Mind In Decline' presents someone who is coming to grips with their own talents."

and Wonderland Magazine saying of ‘Neighbourhood’:

"A rush of house-infused pop...sounds like a descendant of Sonique’s 1998 icy Eurodance hit 'It Feels So Good', before giving way to the insistent, hand-clap accented synthpop of the Robyn-esque chorus”

We can’t wait to see SHEARS perform alongside her live band at Resonate Live on Thursday 24th November in Platform, Glasgow. Tickets to Resonate Live are included in the price of a conference pass and access to the Resonate Live programme only are priced £8. Tickets are available here.

Q&A with Alice Faye

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Glasgow-based artist Alice Faye this week. We were absolutely spellbound following the release of her latest single Exact Same Thing.

• For those who are new to your music, which other artists would you align yourself with?

I’d say, in terms of my songs on guitar and ukulele, my music is inspired by artists like Angel Olsen and Aldous Harding - I also love Kacy & Clayton, specifically there most recent album with Marlon Williams called ‘Plastic Bouquet’. My piano music I’d say is influenced by songwriters like Rufus Wainwright and I’m very partial to a bit of David Bowie, particularly I adore his piano playing in his album ‘Hunky Dory’.

• You recently released your brand new single Exact Same Thing. An extremely moving piece of music, tell us about the inspiration behind it?

For Exact Same Thing I’d say I was heavily inspired by songwriters like Martha Wainwright and also the band ‘The Low Anthem’. I listened to TLA’s song ‘Charlie Darwin’ a lot when I was going through a break up earlier this year, which Exact Same Thing is about. ‘Charlie Darwin’ is a glorious song if you’re in the mood for a cry, which I often was then. I think I wanted to write a song like that, that feels ambiguous and bitter but also like it could comfort and soothe you through your tears!

• You have an incredibly unique and endearing vocal tone. Has this been inspired by anyone in particular?

I always say Judy Garland because its probably my best and most logical answer. I watched her movies on repeat growing up, just one after the other all the time come rain or shine! So I’d say she’s probably my main vocal inspiration. Other than Miss Judy I’d say Edith Piaf and Agnetha and Anni-Frid from ABBA. Agentha and Anni-Frid’s vocals are somehow a magical combination of folky and operatic — a dream to listen to!

• Exact Same Thing was recorded at Glasgow based Dystopia studios with Luigi Pasquini, tell us how this relationship came about

I recorded a live session over lockdown with Bloc that Chris Cusack offered me and met Luigi through making the video. I really loved the space they had there and everyone seemed to be on a similar wave length to myself — chilled, funny and positive — so I thought they’d be a great fit to record some of my tracks with. I think I was right as I’ve absolutely adored every recording and mixing session I’ve had in Dystopia, it feels like a world of its own, both comforting and super exciting to be a part of. Also Luigi’s always ready to go with the flow of an idea and makes some damn fine coffee, so he’s pretty much an ideal accomplice for making music with.

• What are your thoughts on the sense of community within the Glasgow music scene? Do you feel like other musicians support one another?

There is an incredible sense of warmth and community within the Glasgow music scene. I have always been a bit shy so was more of a solo wanderer when it came to my music. This year though after my break up and getting fired I started going to more open mics and gigging more regularly and my life has really changed in a way I didn’t expect. Though it sounds a bit naff I think I’ve found a community that really cares and understands the ways I feel about life and music — so I’d say its pretty damn wonderful, yeah!

• Three local artists you think our reads need to know about

I’d say Peter Cat, The Strange Blue Dreams and Begoña

• Your perfect meal is…

A Tesco Ready meal and a cigarette afterwards!