C Z A R I N A - Wonderland

Galicia, Spain-based American synth and electronic artist CZARINA (styled as C Z A R I N A on all platforms) unveils her latest Pagan-themed Baroque Pop and Electronic Rock Single, Wonderland. A track she proudly dedicates to her new home in Galicia, which she refers to as her “Sacred Wonder,” Wonderland celebrates the magic and cosmic mysteries of the Spanish Kingdom’s Druid and Pagan history. Produced in the midst of the COVID19 pandemic, Wonderland is a song about rebirth and realigning one’s spirit with the wonders of nature and the cosmos as the world rises once again from “the ashes that once burned.” The anthemic track summons human and otherworldly spirits to welcome the dawn of a new age, celebrating life, strength, survival, and dauntless, unwavering faith. Written, arranged, performed, produced and recorded by CZARINA, Wonderland is an eclectic and powerful amalgam of electronic and organic sounds. The song starts with a huge undercurrent of large bass arpeggios and CZARINA’s hallmark topline piano riff that carry on throughout the song, followed by a simulated chamber orchestra consisting of strings, brass horns, wind pipes, taiko and timpanis with the traditional rock drum kit. It features a post-punk and darkwave vocal performance along with a full Gothic choir chants all performed by the artist. Co-producer, mixing and mastering engineer, Von Hertzog of The Social Club (Reading, PA), provided additional atmospheric sound designs and additional percussion (congas and syncopated hardwares) to enhance the track’s uptempo rhythm. The dynamic arrangements all lead into one giant final crescendo that would leave one breathless, spirited and hopeful. Wonderland and its accompanying music film are available across all platforms. It is the second single from CZARINA’s sophomore full-length record, ARCANA, due Fall 2021.

Stream or Purchase Wonderland here.

CZARINA recently sat down with electronic music journalist, THE ELECTROSCAPE for a full, in-depth look into her history in music, art, fashion, design, and shares her story. Read it here.

CZARINA is Vero Faye Kitsuné, an award-winning electronic musician, producer, songwriter, filmmaker, creative director, designer and visual and performance artist. She is known for her multi-disciplinary approach that combines trans-humanism and post-human aesthetic with new age mysticism, informed by her love for futurist culture, cybernetics, biomechanics and the discipline that comes with her Budo martial arts training.

CZARINA’s unique soundscape seamlessly melds electronic with organic sounds, transcending a vast spectrum of genres including progressive synths, art rock, Baroque pop, cyber-punk, industrial, trip hop, post-punk and darkwave. Her eclectic list of musical and visionary influences include Nine Inch Nails, TOOL, Massive Attack, Bjork, The Knife, Fever Ray, Puscifer, Vangelis, A Perfect Circle, The Cranberries, Enya, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, QUEEN, Blondie, Kate Bush, Siouxie Sioux, Tori Amos, and visual masters and storytellers Masamune Shirow, Yoshitaka Amano, HR Giger, Hayao Miyazaki, Katsuhiro Otomo and Hajime Sorayama. CZARINA takes her audience into a smoky, neon-lit dimension, filled with atmos-pheric and cinematic synths, shimmering arpeggios, sonic guitar riffs, catchy melodies, power-ful vocal hooks, and poignant, thoughtful lyricism that compels one to look inward, around and beyond the material world.

THORISSON + HEDBAND - In For The Win

Written by C Z A R I N A

It’s the way he dons the color pink and platinum-purple dégradé hair that first caught a lot of our attention. And then there’s the lucid and effortless saxophone and synth performances popping all over social media, and recently an appearance in ‘80s Revivalist, Blake Carpenter’s music videos on the Synthwave Twitch Channel, Static Realms. Who is this lovely pastel-tinted emerging synthwave charmer? He is no other than Iceland-based music maven, multi-instrumentalist artist/producer THORISSON. Thorisson has been turning heads with his own brand of saxophone and brass horn-gilded synthwave and synthpop. Thorisson’s musical palette and range contain all the ingredients of electropop, synthpop, and new wave with some touches of modern pop sensibilities especially in tracks like “Rise Up,” “Thinking Bout Us” (with Siri Linn), “Don’t Lie To Me” (with Nitika Budha Magar), “One Night” and “Neon Skies” with fellow Iceland synth pop duo Hedband. Thorisson also completes the musical spectrum, diving into the edgier side of synth-based music in tracks like “Showdown” that features some wild guitar heroics over sparkling arpeggios and heavenly, phosphorescent pads.

Then through Thorisson, we discovered the very lovely, dynamic duo Hedband. Thorisson recently teamed up with Hedband for a winning anthem with a perfectly-timed release at the dawn of the Summer Olympics in Tokyo: “In For The Win.”

“In For The Win” is a track for the underdogs, an anthem for all those who have been second-guessed by themselves or others. (We definitely know what that feels like!) Over the triumphant 80's synths, saxophone, electric guitar and stunning harmonies, the track wins with its uplifting lyrics and affirmations that we will get through all the hurdles just the way our all-time favorite Olympic gymnast, Simone Biles tackles her floor routine. Listen to the track here.

About THORISSON

Born in Iceland in 1993, Borgar Thorisson became interested in music from a young age. It was not until his late teens, though, that he developed an interest in music production. Thorisson made his breakthrough in 2014 with a remix of Sunset & Solid Skill’s “Alive” with Cloudland Music with huge success, making it to Markus Schulz’s top 10 songs for November 2014.

Following on, he signed 2 new tracks to the same label, and ‘Awake’ and ‘The End’. In 2016, Thorisson moved to England which gave his career a boost, seeing him teaming up with singer Molly Bancroft for ‘The One For Me’, followed by a collaboration with Simon Latham the following year called ‘Here We Are’, which was premiered by superstar DJ Armin van Buuren.

The producer has since re-established himself in the synthpop and synthwave realm, with his most notable releases to date being collaborations ‘One Night’ with Hedband and ‘Thinking ‘Bout Us’ with Siri Linn, which respectively earned him a spot on the 2018 Iceland Airwaves music festival and a top 50 position in Norway’s pop charts.

For more Thorisson, visit: thorisson.bandcamp.com

About Hedband

What started off as a fun idea between singers Karitas Harpa Davidsdottir and Inga Birna Fridjonsdottir, turned into a reality one day when they woke up to a message from Thorisson, who had been looking to take his production into a different direction.

The duo had already formed an idea of the band’s concept, with costumes and musical directions determined. Once that final piece had made its way into their puzzle, Hedband were set to release their debut single ‘One Night’ with Thorisson, which quickly found its way into Iceland’s national radio’s top list. Following on, the group performed at the 2018 Iceland Airwaves music festival and released a Christmas cover, ‘Snjokorn Falla’ the same year.

After a 3 year hiatus, Hedband have returned to the scene, spontaneously releasing ‘In for the Win’, for which they teamed up with Thorisson again. For now, Karitas and Inga have decided to take another break from their ‘80s infused ventures, but who knows what the future has in store for Hedband.

DIAMOND FIELD

Written by C Z A R I N A with Excerpts from Diamond Field’s Press Release

Diamond Field releases an album of “21st Century ‘80s Music.”

“Every song has elements that remind me of my favorite ‘80s songs; from Howard Jones, to Flock Of Seagulls, to The Cure, to Nik Kershaw, to Toto, to Chicago. It’s a feast. So good.” – Matthew J. Ruys, vocalist.

After a run of outstanding singles, on July 30th NYC’s DIAMOND FIELD unveils their self-titled debut album of 10 brand new songs, shimmering with the sound of the the 1980s. Diamond Field’s Andy Diamond worked on the album with vocalists and musicians from across the U.S., to Scotland and New Zealand. All fine artists in their own right, vocalists include Cody Carpenter (Ludrium, John Carpenter), Chelsea Nenni (Late Slip), Nik Brinkman (Junica, Over The Atlantic), Belinda Bradley (Selon Recliner), Kyle Brauch (MIDWAVE, Rain Rabbit), Becca Starr and Miriam Clancy, with return appearances from previous Diamond Field collaborators Nina Luna and Matthew J. Ruys. The Saxophone Warrior (Felix Pastorius’ Hipster Assassins, Fischerspooner, Lord Huron) makes a special appearance on sax, with LA’s Rodger Cunningham on guitar. Andy has also performed and recorded with many of these artists outside of Diamond Field, making the collaboration process feel like a musical family affair.

Diamond Field’s sound is inspired by ‘80s producers like Hugh Padgham (Phill Collins, The Police), Rupert Hine (Howard Jones, The Fixx) and Peter Wolf (Wang Chung, Survivor), whose production techniques mixed traditional instruments with the latest tech of the time. On Diamond Field, electric guitars, bass, and ‘real’ drums are combined with drum machines, sequencers, and synthesizers; vocals are up front and stacks of backing vocals regularly fill out the choruses.

For the songwriting, inspiration comes from many places – from ABBA to Michael Sembello, The Go Go’s to Orchestral Maneuvers In The Dark. Careful attention is given to song arrangements – intros to draw you in, pre-choruses build, choruses soar, solos and middle eights keep you engaged. Hooks are everywhere and stick in your head – this is “ear worm central”! Despite the varied song styles and different vocalists, Diamond Field still feels like a cohesive album – like a compilation of pop hits, but all from one artist.

All the album’s tracks were written before the covid-19 pandemic with final mixing taking place over the course of 2020 and early 2021. By chance, many of the song lyrics deal with hope and positivity, and combined with the album’s catchy music, it makes Diamond Field an ideal soundtrack as find our way forward.

The record starts with the very up-beat New Situation which features vocals by Nina Luna. The track harkens classic 80s new wave with its catchy hook and easy back-beats carrying anthemic toplines. Back-up vocals and traditional rock drumming styles are reminiscent of early Peter Gabriel and Genesis ballads.

Then the record takes a roaring, bombastic jazzy turn that bring old New York midtown jazz joints and prime time New York television shows to mind, with the piano, guitar, brass and saxophone work in Bring Back Love, featuring vocals and stacked harmonies by Matthew J. Ruys. This track gives a true New York classic vibe that stems all the way from ‘20s Flapper era that shaped the city’s core signature sound that has been a staple in every major New York event.

Glowing In The Dark shows that Diamond Field is just as effective with pared down instrumentation. A lot more simple in composition than the previous track, Glowing In The Dark featuring vocals by Miriam Clancy, still captivates with its retro, ‘80s vibe in a refreshingly understated execution. Steady arpeggiated bass undulates and carries the Kate Bush-esque vocals and fine saw-edged flourishes and sonic guitar swells.

In This Moment features smooth and emotive vocals by Nik Brinkman. The track presents a unique combination of early 90s synth pop / alt rock hybrid in its utilization of organic rock drums, understated bass lines, paired with ornamental guitar, crystalline synth toplines and backdrop flourishes.

Spills Like Love, featuring vocals by Cody Carpenter, spills in with tantric synth riffs and thumping large bass notes. More worldly and city pop in nature, this track offers quite an eclectic feast in its writing that is reminiscent of Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel with the heavy, funky grooves and key solos.

It’s Your Time features the dynamic vocals of Becca Starr that seem to crescendo to new heights with perfect ease. Bright, melodic and beautifully layered with giant chords off-set by delicate bells in perfect transitions, It’s Your Time is easily one of the record’s darling highlights with the sheer power of its delivery.

Like Glowing In The Dark, the next track A Kiss Apart, featuring vocals by Belinda Bradley, is also one of the more pared down tracks in writing with simple back-beats and bass riffs, but still delivers a smooth-sailing caressing number. The vocals reminiscent of romanticized Bonnie Rait gently hover over giant synth riffs, organic drums and ethereal pads with a steadily unaffected bass undercurrent.

Used To Be, featuring Chelsea Nenni, goes classic ‘80s rock and roll with vocals that remind of young Stevie Nicks. Keys and guitar harmonic solos punch in and out in tight rhythm over funky yet steady bass grooves, sprinkled with shimmering synth flourishes in the backdrop, sculpting more dimension to this solidly rock-out track.

Look To The Stars featuring Kyle Baruch, carries one of the most pumping, groovy and hyper-complex funk, jazz, bass with saxophone work. Another record highlight, it also features effortless supreme vocals and gives way to some seriously unique choice of vibey saw-edge bass breakdowns that just punch you in the gut each time.

The record wraps up with a bang in the ‘80s retro Out Here For Love, featuring Matthew J. Rays’ sublime vocals. The track starts with dramatic synths that speedily crescendo along Asian scales as guitars noodle in hyper solo true to retro heroics against down right punchy bass, key riffs and bouncy 808s. Giant chord and vocal progressions harken childhood memories and television shows of our animated or costumed heroes.

The result is an eclectic wonder of a record that is masterfully unique and that can stand alone with its own perspective and amalgamation of musical DNA, transcending a plethora of genres. It gives its retro flavor, but without being too affected or too honed in on trends, paying utmost respect to dynamic, nuanced writing afforded by the wide range of Diamond Field’s influences. The complex layers in the composition and the arrangements, along with the distinctive choice of vocalists showcase a seasoned, bold musician and producer with a vision that he can call his own. All we can say is Bravo! This is a record that everyone must listen to and take notes from.

About Diamond Field:

Diamond Field’s debut single in 2014 with Nina (Luna) Yasmineh ‘Neon Summer’ made an immediate impact, being named as one of the “top synthpop songs” of 2014 by pioneering synthwave outlet Synthetix FM. An instrumental version of ‘Neon Summer’ is used as the title music for Big Bike BMX’s popular YouTube channel. The 2015 cover of David Lynch and Angelo Badalamenti’s ‘The Nightingale’ (from Twin Peaks) with Rat Rios on vocals, continues to turn out new fans on a daily basis. 2015’s ‘This City’ with Matthew J. Ruys found its way into an episode of the New Zealand TV drama Filthy Rich (streaming on Hulu). 2017’s ‘Closer’ (also featuring Rat Rios) featured on Aztec Records’ Pure Retrowave Vol. 1 compilation alongside Nina, Sunglasses Kid, and Phaserland. In 2019 Diamond Field teamed-up with ‘80s BMX freestyle legend Bob Haro for their OMD/Pet Shop Boys-inspired single ‘Won’t Compromise’. Also in 2019, Diamond Field with Dana Jean Phoenix contributed the exclusive track ‘Freedom Pass’ to the compilation Vehlinggo Presents: 5 Years, along with The Midnight, Le Matos and Anoraak.

Remixes of Diamond Field’s singles by other artists have proved equally as popular in their own right. Morgan Willis’ remix of ‘Closer’ has had over 150K plays across streaming services, thanks to its appearance on New Retro Wave’s YouTube channel. Remixes from Sunglasses Kid, Phantom Ride, Le Flex, Dream Fiend, Furniteur, Vincenzo Salvia and others have collectively hit six figures, bringing many new listeners into the Diamond Field fold.

Production-wise, Diamond Field has been working with Bob Haro on his solo synthpop project, providing additional production, mixing and remixes. Diamond Field also lent a hand in vocal production and remixes for Bunny X and has remixed songs for a number of artists including Roxi Drive, Initial Talk, Von Hertzog, Retroglyphs, Stereospread, Matthew J. Ruys and Tangerine Beams.

As for “21st Century ‘80s Music” – Diamond Field believes this to be a descriptive way of describing its overall sound. For others, the music might fall under “synthwave” or “retrowave” but referencing the sounds of the ‘80s being made in 2021, and what that implies, puts a more accurate spin on things.

Diamond Field releases through their own label, Luca Discs, who in 2020 released Initial Talk’s single‘Skydiving’ with UK vocalist Sasha Brown. Initial Talk has had huge success with their official ‘80s style remixes for Dua Lipa, Kylie Minogue, Sia and Perfume Genius, with over 20 million plays on Spotify alone.

Diamond Field will be available on LP, cassette, Bandcamp and all streaming services. The physical release will be available on limited edition hot pink vinyl with a 12x24” insert and on high quality cassette distributed via LA-based boutique vinyl label Sofa King Vinyl. In 2019 Sofa King Vinyl released Diamond Field and Bob Haro’s ‘Won’t Compromise’ on colored 7” vinyl, the first title in Sofa King’s “Synthy Sevens” series which included 7” vinyl releases from Let Em Riot, TEEEL, Palm Lakes and Glitterwolf. Sofa King Vinyl’s previous releases include Opus Science Collective, The Motion Epic and Australia’s much loved synth duo Client Liaison.

Separate masters specially for digital, vinyl and cassette were cut by Adam Boose at Cauliflower Audio Mastering. Boose specializes in optimal mastering for vinyl and works closely with Sofa King Vinyl on all its vinyl releases. Cassettes will be duplicated in real-time from 24bit masters.

Diamond Field – released Friday, July 30th, 2021, on digital and

streaming platforms.

Pre-orders for vinyl and cassette editions available on the same day through Sofa King Vinyl.

Visit www.diamondfieldmusic.com for more info.

BUNNY X

New York City-based Italo Disco, synthwave and retrowave dynamic duo BUNNY X is Abigail Gordon and Mary Hanley. Seasoned players in New York City’s underground music scene, this duo has created a name for their fun, not-so-serious yet seductive musical charisma. Catching all-original acts like them at Brooklyn and Downtown music halls is what defines and brings life to the city’s nightlife. Bunny X’s brilliance is in their charming, sassy and nonchalant lyricism, catchy hooks, and fashionable retro and noir twinning outfits that enhance their synchronized stage performances. However, despite of all the fun and sass, Abigail and Mary exude sophistication, up-beat class and can evoke the deepest emotions through music. Since signing with premiere retrowave label AZTEC Records, Bunny X has released three emotive, poignant, and thought-provoking collaborative singles that deliver the usual fun, yet also all the feels - and sometimes, even tears. It is a pleasure to see artists hone in the right words and expressions for their lyrics to convey true feelings, and Bunny X does it with gusto with catchy hooks without losing depth.

NYC Sunrise is a collaboration with Marvel83’ released in the midst of the pandemic. This beautiful track rekindles memories of New York City nightlife consisted of staying out all night, “dancing in the fading light,” welcoming the dawn, and chasing time that’s moving fast. Glistening arpeggio baselines, brassy synth chords help carry the duo’s honey-coated vocals that bring 80s iconic trio Wilson Philips to mind. Perfectly nostalgic during the most unsettling times, those who’ve been living in isolation would definitely appreciate this as an anthem to carry them through and also to welcome back all nights full of life and fun once they return.

Can’t Wait is a collaboration with Sellorekt / LA Dreams. A powerful track circling around empowerment that talks about rewards of patience, and though often we “Can’t Wait,’ we need to remain strong for what’s ahead to get to the finish line. The track is wonderfully minimal, low-key with unaffected back beats, yet still very synthy with splashes of glittering topline arp, saw edges and heraldic brassy horns giving the track bursts of color throughout. Mary and Abigail’s retro-inflected and heartfelt vocal performances usher the listeners with sisterly affection and encouragement that one can’t help but nod, agree, and say “Yes, I can do this,” with firm resolve.

Bunny X’s most recent release, Perfect Paradise, is a collaboration with Don Dellpiero. A smooth-sailing, colorful and vibrant number with touches of French House, Perfect Paradise harkens palm tree-lined tropical beaches, neon sunsets over seafoam blue waters, and even some flamingos and other birds of paradise frolicking about. Along with the catchy chorus and cadences, the track features some fantastic rhythmic guitars over funky bass notes and giant synth chords. Shimmering arps enter the scenic soundscape like fireflies dancing about, giving some light, fire and glimmer to complete this colorful vision. A perfect summer track to welcome the reopening and rebound, Perfect Paradise is a playlist staple for summer parties of both retro and the modern kinds.

With these three dynamic releases, we look forward to seeing more of what Bunny X will be bringing us in the near future, which is looking bright and hopeful all around at dawn of a new era, especially with both Abigail and Mary around. New York City music carries two fine gems in these ladies, and both have grown into fabulous scene icons of their own right. It’s no fun if Bunny X ain’t around.

For more Bunny X, visit https://bunnyx.bandcamp.com