Db Productions

21/01/2025

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Tuesday brings with it, as usual, a journey through the Whiskey’n’Whiskers top shelf of our favourite Indie music. We’ve resisted so many times calling the new playlist the best one we’ve curated. Still going to resist, but this week that means biting my lip real hard.

This week’s musical journey is kicked off for us by Ric Gordon, demonstrating his extraordinary versatility with the latest in a string of hits. With this stripped back love song and a sweet soulful vocal over an instantly appealing reggae arrangement, Ric knocks it out of the park yet again. Speaking of a string of hits, the seemingly u.n.s.t.o.p.p.a.b.l.e Jay El Dee takes over with a bang up to date pop song, gorgeous vocals and some of the best production we’ve ever heard in an Indie song. It is utterly addictive. Next, elowel hits us with pop-level hooks too but here the DNA is unmistakably rock with some grit in the cool vocal and a driving back-beat. Then it’s when the synth moves over for some brilliant rock piano that the song lifts to a whole new level with a sound that is signature elowel, tight and musical and irresistible.

Changing the pace a little, we have some tremendous transcendental tunes from the marvellous mind of Myles O’Flaherty Music. Complex but compelling, Myles’ unique approach to orchestration and production still push the beautiful melody to the forefront in this gem. This has become our favourite of Myle’s recent string of great releases. And if Myles leaves your mind free to explore other worlds, what better world to land in than the world of Southpaw with their latest hit? Classic country story telling with a modern sound and some of the most beautiful vocal harmonies you will ever hear, make this another winner from one of our absolute favourite country stars. The New Nothings pick up now with our ‘golden buzzer’ song of the week. Of course the top quality Indie rock is as you’d expect but the genuine laugh-out-loud moments may surprise. Every day life lyrics presented with a genius comic delivery make this song the best combination of rock and humour since Frank Zappa’s ‘Montana’.

Next up we reveal a previously undiscovered collaboration with lyrics by Bob Dylan, music by Eric Clapton with Marc Bolan on vocals. Well not really - actually it’s a wonderful Electron Larry song but you’ll get my drift; it’s a compelling cocktail of classic and modern rock with a cool blues backbone and, to our ears, it is an Indie classic. Exquisite poetry and masterful progressive rock follow, delivered by Entropy In Motion Music and I believe the vocals are all from Andrés himself; bloody good vocals too. (The music is as amazing as you’d expect but better still with the lyrics in front of you first time around… https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1A44zNj37g/?mibextid=WC7FNe). The dreamy, trippy intro of the next song will have you guessing especially when it then reveals a kick-ass indie rock beat. As soon as you hear that stunning female vocal though, so sweet and with a hint of punk in the delivery, you will know it’s Orion Stars. This is their latest and, if you haven’t heard it yet, prepare for a treat. It’s one to have on repeat.

Volume up to 11 now. The hotly anticipated new song from Tension Splash is here. If you are reading this you’ve probably heard it already but it deserves repeated listening. This is rock that doesn’t just go in through the ears, it permeates the body and mind. Heavy AF but so melodic and delivered with the precision of a surgeon’s scalpel. In keeping with the theme of songs that permeate the mind, AFYRA takes up the baton with an equally rocking song but in the modern classical vein. Here’s an innovative masterpiece that demonstrates why she is considered to be one of the finest composers in the Indie world. We’ve enjoyed the juxtaposition of these two songs many times over the last week. Two different ways of expressing the best in Indie creativity with results that are so different on the surface but share much in common when you immerse yourself into them.

It’s Jan 21st as I write this and not a single day has passed this year that we haven’t listened to some The Space Sharks, so it’s a warm welcome back to the top shelf. Excited that there is new material coming this year but here’s another classic from the 2022 album; 70’s supergroup stuff with hints of psychedelic rock vibes combined in a way that makes their signature sound modern and unique. Laura Delson makes a Whiskey’n’Whiskers debut as a new discovery, for us at least. Here’s a beautifully crafted song (lyrics are on Spotify btw) with an acoustic alt-rock presentation and gorgeous melody. But it’s Laura’s voice that draws us in; her sumptuous texture and absolutely unique way of metering the phrases are stunning. Next up some Crash World. It’s no secret that we are huge Crash World fans. Well-crafted songs, impeccable production, amazing vocal harmonies and memorable tunes. Glen & Graham are promising some new music soon but while we wait, we’ve picked another sure-fire winner from the hit ‘So The Story Goes’ album with some folky 60’s vibes on this one; just awesome. There’s an old Whiskey Club song at the end too.

Enjoy the music ❤️
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https://open.spotify.com/playlist/54X5EIXSXiY2blpUmVIN12?si=jmpUMLelSwSiZ1BIjSAnhg&pi=e-q47ia_xFTYu5

18/01/2025

Amazing playlist!!

18/01/2025

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I think this is the biggest I’ve made here yet at my music page!!!

I’m incredibly honored and excited to be part of the Punk in the Corn lineup!!!!

This may seem strange…why??? Cuz I’m country, don’t perform live a lot, and don’t have a band!😂😂😂

But over the last year I’ve become part of a growing community of musicians that have taken me under their wing, encourage me, and influenced me greatly!!

So when Punk in the Corn’s organizer, Tim from the awesome band E:W:L asked….the answer was a resounding YES! I may be the only country act in the line up! But I’m gonna Fn BRING IT!!

14/01/2025

Amazing playlist!

“To live without my music would be impossible to do”. When John Miles sang that, he was making an emotional statement but I wonder if he knew how literally true that statement is. We are so wired to create and listen to music that our species would need quite different brains to do without it…

We have a part of our brains within the auditory cortex that is devoted to pitch recognition. It actually seems to have pitch selective neurons that map directly to the hair cells in the cochlea, themselves arranged to respond to corresponding vibrational frequencies. This type of direct mapping exists only for musical pitch recognition and has no equivalent for other senses. We build and store probability distributions for pitch classes for tonic keys so quickly that infants can already predict the resolution of diatonic cadences. This may explain why, as Philip Ball says in his masterpiece ‘The Music Instinct’ - “We know of societies without writing, and even without visual art - but none, it seems, lack some form of music”.

How all this came to be, is open to debate amongst ethnomusicologists and philosophers alike, but one thing seems certain: Music is not just entertainment. It isn’t a choice, it’s a need. Making and listening to music is an essential part of human experience. With that thought, Whiskey’n’Whiskers is proud to present a short selection of the songs we are listening to the most right now; songs that are an essential part of our experience. With thanks to…

🥃 The Lillypillies
🐈 Histheory, Drew Nold, Shannon Darcy
🥃 R-an-D
🐈 Back 45
🥃 JZ
🐈 Sirius Blueray, Black Marine, Stratification Music
🥃 Seems Like Tuesday
🐈 Scáthmusic
🥃 Mia'Nell Music
🐈 SOMEWHERE
🥃 Wayne W. Hacker
🐈 The Zombie Economists
🥃 Justin Ride, Alice Dexter
🐈 MX The American

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https://open.spotify.com/playlist/54X5EIXSXiY2blpUmVIN12?si=mn0BFOsMSrGUPQEqbnwHWw&pi=e-mhIVi5tPRsmt

12/01/2025

This is how we do it! ✨💜✨

Bammmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!!

Time to set the record straight!

Is a Home Studio Less Professional?

When we mention recording from home, there’s often an immediate assumption that it’s not serious—that home studios are just makeshift spaces. The reality, however, is that the tools we use are among the finest available, and in 2025, access to professional-grade technology has never been more attainable.

Each plugin, every piece of equipment, represents a significant investment—equally as important as anything you’d find in a commercial studio.

Being professional isn’t about the location of your setup—it’s about what you produce and how you approach the creative process. So, does it really make a difference if we’re working from a home studio?

In today’s music landscape, a traditional “big studio” is no longer a requirement to craft chart-topping tracks. From our own home studio, we write, produce, mix, and master our music, as well as collaborate with other artists. The notion that not working in a high-end studio diminishes professionalism simply doesn’t hold up.

True professionalism is defined by the quality of your output, the innovation behind your work, and your ability to master the tools at your disposal. Modern software and hardware have leveled the playing field, enabling us to achieve impeccable sound quality without needing to step foot in a conventional studio.

Whether you’re using a state-of-the-art mixing desk or a powerful DAW, the key lies in how you turn your ideas into reality.

We embrace our home studio setup because it’s where we pour our passion into every note and lyric. The value of today’s music lies not in the space it’s made, but in the connection it creates and the messages it conveys.

So yes, we record from home—and rest assured, it’s 100% professional.

R-an-D

(Versatile)

Db Productions

11/01/2025

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My reviews from the “voxxy + that new ish” playlist of new releases I’m building as we speak. For the Iink, get thee to the c°mments and send me your new tracks to be added!
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Distance Between by Marble Ghosts brings all the band’s signature skill and energy to a fully-badass new track. Provided you have functioning ears and a pulse, the chorus will 100% have you singing and banging along. Vocals are a highlight among highlights here.

Insomnia by Histheory, Drew Nold, and Shannon Darcy marries Histheory’s otherworldly instrumentals with Nold’s wistful vocals in an eerie, yet mesmerizing song that benefits (as everything does) from a feature by the singular Darcy. This one will haunt your nights in a great way.

Bouncing Bumblebee — Remix by Sweet Lord builds and builds into a glorious sonic structure that feels like it’s got lyrics even though it doesn’t. That’s because the music itself tells you a complete story without a single word.

Beautiful Nowhere by The Black Star Experiment is a gorgeous masterclass in how powerful and affecting instrumentals can really be when the composer knows how to access and convey emotion. The piano riff is one that will stay with you long after you listen.

Zenithal by Antonis Vlavo - Vlavogelakis carries you along gracefully and with great care in this sweeping instrumental that transforms about midway into something that could calm even the most troubled soul for a few moments. An unexpected and nostalgic ending caps it all off beautifully.

Purple Rain covered by Drown the Deep is a faithful version of an absolute classic. The fact that it’s done by a female-fronted band gives it a vocal twist, with an initially almost jazzy take on Prince. Fans of the original will enjoy and appreciate this tribute — and once the bridge starts to the out, buckle up for some SANGIN’.

The Curse of Eternal Contentment by Emily Gray is a jaunty, unique (and that’s not euphemistic — it really is unique!) acoustic track with a feel-good message and a quirky vocal. The second half is particularly good. A good sense of humor abounds here and will surely make listeners curious enough to keep going with Gray’s discography.

Flow by Redial Destination is a funky bop with great production choices and a super catchy sound. This is a song for summer for sure, in the vein of Marley, and it makes you want to find a convertible, a lover, and a warm night to enjoy both on.

Punk the Punk by R-an-D is 2:40 of delicious riffage, sexy vox, and irresistible beats that will get you moving before you even realize it. The guitar solo midway is a quick, but excellent surprise, setting the stage for the effortlessly cool, swaggy outro. If a track could seduce you by leaning against a muscle car with a cigarette dangling from its full lips, this is it.

Enemy by Mechanic A is a balls-out, nonstop metal rocker with all the grit and growl you expect from this project. Keep an ear out for the last minute in particular because it throws in some cool sonic Easter eggs that elevate the whole song.

Seven by Bond Of Iniquity continues its revelation metal mission with some face-melting guitar and bass, relentless blast beats, and intense, affected vocals. The breakdown is as tasty as you want it to be and the bright harmonies are a smart touch to balance the heaviness of the track.

Digital Detox by Mitxoda demonstrates exactly why we need a project precisely like this in the indie community. While the sounds are familiar enough to feel like home, nobody sounds like Mitxoda. It’s as if nature itself was creating music and had accepted one human as its own to document it. This is a simply lovely, intelligent, yet heartfelt track.

Autumn Moon by Bill Simpson, Aligned Alchemy, and Andrew Uhe is an intimate, simple, moving song that recalls love, both held and lost, memories that burn with bittersweetness, and all we never knew we had until we didn’t have it. This track manages to capture what’s fleeting and indelible all at once.

Truth from Lies by Six Hours For A Lifetime wants to change your frame on life, if only for a few minutes. It’s a quiet message of encouragement, hope, and love for those who may feel bereft of all those things. Authenticity rings through every note and moment of this track as it opens itself to you.

09/01/2025

06/01/2025

Thank you DC

06/01/2025

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What’s that you say? A playlist… with my new song? Well you’d be right. Always a hard task to choose, however it’s not hard to like the incredibly talented artists on this ‘ere playlist !

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5H5R9lISuHvd0rCetKzRwB?si=RYnix0jfQrK33XdPBT82yQ

31/12/2024

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31/12/2024

26/12/2024

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I’m Rob. I’m an independent, indie artist writing and recording music in my home studio. My music is a blend of alternative, rock, folk & pop. I started this channel to share my original music. I spent several years away from music and finally have the time I wanted to devote to this channel. Al...

22/12/2024

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If I have the time, I sometimes listen to new releases blind; maybe from Release Radar or if my partner in crime - Whiskers - hits play. It really focusses the mind trying to quickly guess who the artist is. I am not particulartly good at it, maybe because we now follow nearly 400 artists who we didn’t know this time last year (or it could just be my advancing years). Anyway, Whiskers knew that this one would keep me guessing - initially…

“Tomorrow” introduces itself with a delightful organ motif and I quickly reflect on how I’ve loved the organ making a comeback in modern Indie music from country to rock and even pop. The motif is simple, the organ sweet and percussive, the rhythm hints at the musical sophistication to follow. Mostly though, the tonal ambiguity from the monophonic presentation leaves a thrilling sense of tension in the air. I am hooked already and want to hear more.

It isn’t until 8 seconds in that the arrival of a bass guitar line resolves the ambiguity and draws attention to the F # Minor tonic. And what a bass guitar line it is. Accompanied by some delicate cymbal work, that initial slide up to the root note and the addition of a cool melodic fill tells me this ain’t going to be a plodder; it’s going to be tuneful and considered. At approx 16 seconds, bar 9 bursts into life and things get seriously funky, like everything makes me want to move. A super fast guitar right hand fills in the drums and bass as the soundscape explodes with the presence of a super-tight musically talented band. The anticipation builds. At 24 seconds I still don’t know who is delivering this treat but at 25 seconds I confidently call out Regifter because only Nikola has that voice. One of the best male voices in the indie rock scene; dry but still rich, sweet but still dynamic. Maybe it’s the accent, I don’t know, but he is one of our absolute favourite singers ever. Whiskers smiles. She knew I was going to love this one…

And what a song this is! The changes remain resolutely diatonic, the chord progressions simple but there is Beatles level craftsmanship in using simple building blocks to create something so engaging, a melody so memorable - so “gotta have one more listen”. Maybe it’s that groove that remains relentlessly danceable. Maybe it’s the cool production touches - that whistle (I assume it’s a sample?) for example. It could be the structure; just catch that ascending crescendo in the chorus first heard at about 0:57. Whatever it is there is a detailed perfectionist at the helm here and the overall is an absolute delight. There’s always depth and more to discover in the details of everything that Regifter does.

Speaking of depth, what about those lyrics. The first mention of “dying” tomorrow throws me. I was actually shocked. Later it’s obvious that another kind of death is implied. It made me think immediately of the proper interpretation of the death card in Tarot, meaning profound change. I don’t know if that trick was put there intentionally but I leave you to bask in these lyrics and come to your own conclusions. Ultimately the song, to me, is about the need for personal change and the inertia coming from the all too concomitant procrastination. This song speaks to me on a personal level.

You might have guessed by now that we are huge Regifter fans. “Dear Muse” might have been our most played song of the year. It’s always a pleasure to hear a new song and, knowing just how much work must go into creating at this level, we can forgive that the catalog remains small for now. I hope that Nikola continues not to compromise and will deliver more songs like “Tomorrow” because we are smitten with “Tomorrow”, today. ❤️

Link below.
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https://open.spotify.com/track/28ztgiqvJFkY7wrKNXAzkS?si=FZffqHzySdSRa6afbWiJpg