Band of the Week: Wise Children

After a long stretch of no posts (which we sincerely apologize for), we're finally getting back up and running. So, without further delay, this week's featured "Band of the Week" is Wise Children.

Wise Children is an alternative folk-pop band from the South Coast of England. The band was originally a three-piece band, but now primarily consists of just its founder, Robin Warren-Adamson. "I started the project at uni with a line-up of 3, and then over the years people have come and gone. Sometimes I perform by myself, sometimes with others. It's mainly based on where abouts I'm living at the time and who is around. At the moment there are three of us in London," says Robin.

The band has released three albums over the past four years. The first is a self tiled EP, released in 2008. Wise Children produced Absence & Reunion just 2 years later (2010), with their most recent, The Woods, to follow the year after (2011). Robin describes his music as "delicate, atmospheric pop songs." He pulls from a variety of different influences to achieve his incredibly unique sound. "I listen to a lot of electronic music and experimental classical music. This influences the kinds of atmospheres I try to create. On top of that, Sigur Ros, Frightened Rabbit, Nick Drake amongst many others." The combination of Robin's hauntingly beautiful vocals and lyrics often filled with heartache make Wise Children's music more than memorable.

After taking a break for the summer, Robin says that he's really excited to get back to writing a recording. Plans for the band are small for now. Ryan told us, "I don't have any grand dreams for it [Wise Children]. It's just on-going and adapts to particular times. I really like how it doesn't ask too much of me." Wise Children's next show will be October 7th at the Notting Hill Arts Club in London. They will be performing with six other London-local artists that night and the event is expected to be a sell-out. The band prefers smaller, informal venues (especially house parties), but they would love to play at Union Chapel in the near future.

 

Here are a few of our favorite Wise Children songs. Enjoy!

 

"Absence" - Absence & Reunion (2010)

 

"Compost" - The Woods (2011)



 

"A Heart You Can't Find" - The Woods (2011)

 

"You Were a Single Red Blood Cell But I Lost

You in This Knot of Capillaries" - Wise Childern EP (2008)

 

"Artichoke" - Absense & Reunion (2010)

 

If you would like to hear more music by Wise Children, look them up on Facebook, Twitter, or Youtube. Also, check out their website for a free download of their EP, The Woods.



 

Band of the Week: Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers

Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers hail from Detroit, Michigan and have become fairly well known in the Midwest. They smoothly combine a wide variety of genres like indie, folk, soul, and pop. With energetic lyrics and the playful sound of folk instruments, they easily pull the listener into their songs (in some ways they remind me of Matt Costa). The band has played along side several bigger name bands including The Civil Wars, Electric Six, and Frontier Ruckus, as well as having many sold out shows of their own. Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers released their debut album, "On Being," in 2011 and just recently released the single, "Home For a Funeral."

So, how did I find Joe and the Rainbow Seekers? I found them on one of those pesky Facebook ads (just another of many ways that I stumble upon new music). When I followed the link and liked the page, I discovered that their new single, "Home For a Funeral," was available for a free download. Who doesn't like a free download (especially when it's good music)? You can find more about Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers on their Facebook page and at their band website. Below are a few notable songs by them. Enjoy!

"What It Feels Like To Drown"

 "We Are Everything"

"Good Times"