Bipolar Sunshine launches new mixtape - "Aesthetics 1.0"

Launched today, 'Aesthetics 1.0' is the first 6 tracks released from the new Manchester record label Aesthetics Sounds. The artists behind Aesthetics, long-time collaborators BIPOLAR SUNSHINE and Jazzpurple and the Manchester based August+Us artfully illustrate their ideology and champion a new sound that lies at the very core of their dream world.

This 6 track mixtape embodies the labels intent of living outside musical perimeters and the fallacy of genre conformity by being free to express oneself with the purity of truth. The mixtape is dropping just ahead of Bipolar Sunshine's new single 'Daydreamer', out via Polydor February 8th.

Bipolar Sunshine reveals "Daydreamer" video

Bipolar Sunshine will kick off 2015 with the release of a new single "Daydreamer" released on 25th January followed by a UK headline tour in March and April. And as he gears up for that his new single "Daydreamer" has a video out now, and you can watch it below.

Bipolar Sunshine 2015 UK Dates
March
26th Dublin Whelans
27th Belfast Limelight
28th Edinburgh Electric Circus
29th Glasgow Oran Mor
31st Newcastle Think Tank at Riverside
April
1st Leeds Belgrave Music Hall
2nd Liverpool Kazimier
3rd Nottingham Rescue Rooms
7th Leicester The Scholar
8th Birmingham The Library at The Institute
9th Oxford O2 Academy 2
10th Cambridge The Junction
12th Bristol Thekla
13th Brighton The Haunt
14th Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms
16th London Heaven
Fri 17th Manchester The Ritz

Sounds of 2015 - #17 - Bipolar Sunshine

He made it onto our longlist last year and has featured as one of our ones to watch at festivals such as Bestival and Y Not Festival over the past year. Now we think he's one you should be keeping your eyes on in 2015. With upbeat and danceable melodies like ones we've had a taste of so far, Adio Marchant, aka Bipolar Sunshine, is bound to bring more than just a ray of sunshine to 2015. He's had a great year under his belt with 'Deckchairs On The Moon' making it into Zane Lowe's hottest records in the world.

 The love song which sounds like one transmitted between satellites across outer-space, follows on from the electric, 'Rivers' and 'Love More Worry Less' which capped his final festival appearance of the year in a typically uplifting and heart-warming finale; chanting with a now well deserved crowd of fans.

You can read a chat we had with the man himself at this year's Bestival here.

// Free Downloads \\
Bipolar Sunshine - Long Live A$AP


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Interview with... Bipolar Sunshine

Bellows of 'so love more and worry less' echo around The Big Top as Bipolar Sunshine's first ever Bestival show comes to an end. The line itself could have been custom made for Bestival itself; a festival where love and happiness rule over all, and Adio Marchant, aka Bipolar Sunshine, may well be one of its chief wielders.

He can go home happy with his final festival of the summer under his belt, which he went about in his usual fashion. Lolloping around the stage in a baggy silk shirt and a now accustomed tall mountain of hair, his striking look and soulful vocals are hard not to notice. I was lucky enough to catch up with the man himself where we spoke about his style, new tunes and his Bestival experience, whilst in the company of Sam Smith wailing within earshot...

How did you feel your first appearance at Bestival went?

Really well, I enjoyed it. It's my first time playing here and I’m new so it’s nice that people turned out, it’s amazing.

You’re here for the rest of the weekend, what have you got planned?

Just go with it, I’m gonna just see where it takes me, no real plans to watch anyone except for maybe Outkast, but that’s about it.

Have you had a chance to look around yet?

I haven’t had time yet, but I think now I’m gonna try and see some bands and I can hear Sam Smith so I’ll probably go and see some of his set which is sounding good. It’s a nice little festival, it’s chilled.

Having played Glastonbury and Reading & Leeds, how do you think Bestival compares?

I like the vibe here, everyone seems really into the music and having a good time. There’s no point going to a festival with a negative attitude so you may as well just try and enjoy yourself. I’m just here to try and help them enjoy it more, I suppose that’s the main thing.

I’ve noticed your interest in your fashion is very apparent, would you say?

Yeah man, to me I don’t really think about it. It’s stuff I feel comfortable in so I wear stuff that I just generally like, I don’t think about it too much or it just gets all a bit ‘mirrory’!

I’m sure you’ll see lots of people around Bestival dressed up, are you doing anything special yourself for it?

I’m just gonna walk around and see some stuff, everyone seems chilled and I’ve seen some mad styles going off.

Are the rest of your band hanging around as well?

Nah it’s just me man. I’ve got a few friends here so I’m just gonna ride with them. Going home now would just be pointless.

What have you got coming up next then?

In November we’re going to Paris and then we’ve got a tour next year so that’s gonna be amazing, I can’t wait for that. That’s just gonna have so many new songs I wanna play because at a festival you’re doing a circuit of songs and there’s not time in between to revise a whole new set of songs. So now I wanna bring in so many new songs and really step the levels up even higher.

If you could tip another artist to do well within the next year who would you suggest?

I’d say ‘Little Silver’. I know a lot of his stuff and I feel like he’s got a vibe which is suiting people, who can really get into it. There’s another guy called ‘August&Us’ that is making some great music in Manchester, so if I were to name it off the top of my head it’d be them two. 

By Joshua Shreeve (@JJShreeve)

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Simply The Best; Four Days Of Fun, Frolicking and Foals at Bestival

The festival scene is currently thriving to say the least but amongst the teen-fest of Reading + Leeds and the difficult ticket purchasing of Glastonbury, Bestival sticks out like a sore thumb, or at least its 10-metre high disco ball does. Now at the still tender age of eleven years old, the festival has already matured like a fine piece of disco cheese.

Like Rob Da Bank's World Record breaking disco ball, the Isle Of Wight festival site was glistening from field to field this weekend. The 'desert island disco' theme brought out more glitter, inflatable bananas and 'wavey shirts' more than ever, the acts included. From Andre 3000's silver foil poundland-style wig to Chic's balloon feast, Bestival was once again not just a festival, but a spectacle.

Andre 3000 sprouts a silver barnet.

The crowd for The Port.

Despite festival-goers arriving in full flow on Thursday, the party really kicked off with Outkast making one of their 40 festival appearances this year. With a set that swayed in and out of enthusiasm, 'Hey Ya' spurred enough zeal to fill the rest of their remaining tour dates. Elsewhere on the Friday, the alternative vibes were running strong in The Big Top with Nick Mulvey's surprisingly upbeat set and Bipolar Sunshine's uplifting appearance brought about a euphoric sing-a-long.

Saturday is fancy dress day, vibrant flags included.

Bipolar Sunshine brings his soul to the party.

Saturday threw up a few surprises, not least Sophie Ellis-Bextor's hawaiian, leaving little to the imagination, costume. 'Murder On The Dancefloor' spawned a joyous, reminiscent ambience only mirrored later that afternoon by The Kooks surprise set in The Big Top, whose new album 'Listen' was released this week too. The night quite rightly belonged to Foals, who bombarded the crowd with ferocious party streamers who were left lusting for more plunges into their arms from frontman Yannis Philippakis. It's worth noting however, that the security aren't as reliable as the crowd when you do attempt a crowd surf and end up falling to your peril, as I found out.

Foals turn up the desert island disco heat on Saturday night.

With the final hours of Bestival looming, Sunday turned the island into a paradise of DJs. Major Lazer came up with one of the best live spectacles around, unleashing Diplo in a zorb ball over a sweaty, shirtless, all whistling dance enthusiasts. The love between them and their crowd is almost as strong as that in the blown up beams of the inflatable church (yes really). Whilst this must seem like the most intriguing place to be found in Bestival's boundaries, The Port is possibly even more so. A converted old ship, kept from last year's theme, hosted DJs such as Andy C, Wilkinson and Chase & Status whilst not just fireworks, but also acrobats flew above a sea bemused heads.

Festival-goers enjoy the stranger
sights of Bestival at the inflatable
church (above) and The Port (right).

It's worth wondering how 'Bestival' had been envisaged when the quite frankly poor play on words was come up with over a decade ago. Now though, it's a fitting tribute to just how we should experience festivals today. It's not about silent discos and drop-kicking someone to the face, it's about onstage crowd involvement, acrobatic transvestites and getting married to your boozed up mate in blow up church. 

By Joshua Shreeve (@JJShreeve)

Bestival; The Big Preview

The summer's drawing to a close but there's still one more big festival penned into everyone's calendars; Bestival. It's almost routine now, that the Isle Of Wight will be swarmed by glitter covered, head-dress donning, all singing and dancing folk to Britain's most vibrant festival of the year.

As a newcomer to Bestival myself, I'm expecting something special, and if you've been before I'm sure you'll agree. Every year there's a theme and this year it's 'Desert Island Disco' so get rummaging for the most striking and out there outfits - pretty much anything goes. Don't worry though, you don't have to look like a human glitter ball to get by the festival, just feast your eyes on some of the acts playing. I've picked out the main acts you can't miss.

The Big Names
These two headliners can't be missed. For the indie public they'll be delighted to see Foals at the top of the pile on Saturday night. After their mind-blowing headline shows at Latitude last year, they're pretty much unmissable. As for the other headliners, Outkast have made a return this summer to festivals world wide and it's unlikely you'll get another chance to see them after their Friday night slot. Be prepared for the biggest crowd participation of the weekend to 'Hey Ya'.

The Indie Kids
Too cool for the main headliners? Check out the array of indie talent over the weekend. My tips would be to make sure you see Wolf Alice. Their live game is getting better and better and they're bound to tear up the festival. Glass Animals are also ones to look out for if you're into the kind of tranquil funky nature of Alt-J's vibes. Singer songwriter Bipolar Sunshine is also worth a visit for a dance to his upbeat indie-pop tunes as is Nick Mulvey if you're wanting more of a chilled out sing a long. Years & Years too will be bringing the party vibe to The Isle Of Wight with their dance infused indie concoctions.

The Slick Movers
Guitar bands not your thing? The dance acts on hand are equally as exhilarating to go and see live. Basement Jaxx have got so many hits it's going to be hard to top them this weekend but Major Lazer may just be able to. They've got one of the best live shows out there filled with zorb balls, twerking members of the audience and a range of remixes. Elsewhere Caribou is worth a watch with his infectious music new and old. If you're looking for some more retro dance music, SL2 are making an appearance for what could be an interesting set. The ever popular SBTRKT is bound to gather one of the biggest crowds of the weekend and who knows, maybe his latest work with Ezra Koenig will see the Vampire Weekend frontman make an appearance. However if you're looking for something fresh on the dance music scene then Tourist is your man, who's collaborated with Lianne La Havas recently.

The Disc-Jockeys
Not strictly indie, so I'll keep this short and sweet. Mainly aimed for the non-stop ravers out there, there's something new that can be found in Bondax ; the duo who will throw their catchy beats at you as they headline the BBC Introducing stage. My Nu Leng are more focused on the bass side of the things with acute remixes to create instant house classics. As for affirmed house classics, DJ EZ is on hand to provide some of the best old-school mixes of house classics.

Of course it doesn't end there, and quite rightly, it's not all about the music. Feel free to check out the stand-up comedians, dance acts and some more intriguing events going on over the weekend.

Bestival takes place 4th-7th September this year on Robin Hill, Isle Of Wight. You can still buy tickets here.

By Joshua Shreeve (@JJShreeve)

10 Refreshing Acts To See At Reading and Leeds

It's that time of the year again, Reading and Leeds time, and boy hasn't it come round quick? Whilst the inevitable names of Queens Of The Stone Age, Arctic Monkeys and Blink-182 will be the names on most people's lips, it's the other acts which contribute just as much to one of Britain's most loved festivals.

Here's 10 acts you may not have seen yet, or even heard of, who will bring something new to the Reading and Leeds party...


NME/BBC Radio 1 Stage

Royal Blood (Saturday at Reading)
They're probably the hottest band around right now. With a debut album just around the corner, expect a huge crowd and some breath-taking bass playing from this duo. See them inside Reading's most famous tent quick before they start to sell out arenas.

Don Broco (Saturday at Reading)
Last year, Don Broco brought to life the main stage at Reading, with mosh pits and flinging rubber dinghies galore. Their upbeat pop-punk music is unmissable, as are their energetic live shows.

The Kooks  (Sunday at Reading)
Remember them? They're hardly a new talent, but they're sure to bring something extra special to Reading and Leeds this weekend after their surprise set at Glastonbury earlier this summer. Expect some classics and some new material too.

Jungle (Sunday at Reading)
Another duo in the limelight recently, and rightly so. Be prepared for the NME/Radio 1 stage to take off with these two on Tuesday afternoon. Debut, self-titled album 'Jungle' could gather one of the biggest crowds of the weekend, ready for some soulful dance music.

BBC Radio 1 Dance

Flume (Sunday at Reading)
If you like your dance, check this man out. He's headlining the Radio 1 Dance stage on Sunday night and rightly so. Expect a sweaty crowd and remixes which will churn your stomach with bass.

Festival Republic

Bipolar Sunshine (Friday at Reading)
Bipolar Sunshine has been a radio hit recently and hopefully he can bring his summery indie tunes to the fields of Reading and Leeds. He's second down from Palma Violets on the Friday afternoon!

Southern (Friday at Reading)
Southern are the bluesy-folk brother and sister duo of Thom and Lucy Southern. Not only are their live shows a jovial experience but they're also so humble in what they do. They've got an early slot on Friday so there's no excuses not to check them out.

Circa Waves (Saturday at Reading)
For fans of most indie bands ever, the Liverpudlian band have been bringing upbeat, indie-pop tunes to festival stages all summer. Expect a bouncy crowd, singing back lyrics with an atmosphere similar to the days of The Pigeon Detectives and The Wombats.

Saint Raymond (Sunday at Reading)
Saint Raymond can be found in a similar bracket to the recently broken through George Ezra. Whilst Ezra is deep and brooding, Saint Raymond is a light-hearted hit with the ladies and his poppy tunes have been surfing the charts.

BBC Introducing Stage

All We Are (Saturday at Reading)
All We Are are the act to go and see on the BBC Introducing Stage this year. Their music can be compared to the likes of Metronomy and their track, 'Feel Safe', is one of the most under-rated tracks of the year so far!

By Joshua Shreeve (@JJShreeve)

Daily Download... Bipolar Sunshine - Team

It seems to be everyone is covering Lorde at the moment, however, Biploar Sunshine's cover of "Team" is certainly one of the best we've heard. What's better is that you can download it today for FREE, ZILCH, NADA, £0.

Listen to Bipolar Sunshine cover "Long Live A$AP" by A$AP Rocky

Bipolar Sunshine covers "Long Live A$AP" by A$AP Rocky for the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge Late with Phil Taggart & Alice Levine. Bipolar's "Drowning Butterflies" EP is out now!

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Bipolar Sunshine unveils new track "Where Did The Love Go"

Following on from an impressive 2013, Manchester's Bipolar Sunshine has announced his new single "Where Did The Love Go", which is available to download now.

March/April 2014 Headline Tour:
Thurs 27th Southampton Joiners
Fri 28th Sheffield Leadmill
Sat 29th Oxford Art Bar
Sun 30th Birmingham Institute
Tues 1st London XOYO
Thurs 3rd Newcastle Think Tanks
Fri 4th Glasgow King Tuts
Sat 5th Manchester Academy 2

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Listen to Bipolar Sunshine's new track "Trouble"

Bipolar Sunshine's new EP is out today, and to celebrate that he has put up "Trouble" on soundcloud for you all to hear. The track has some tropical vibes to it and a delicate undertone of keys to accompany his smooth vocals.

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Bipolar Sunshine releases brand new track "Drowning Butterflies"

The band who supported Bastille earlier this year have released a new song called "Drowning Butterflies".

He has once again again put an exciting twist on his indie/pop roots and created something fresh and new. Never standing still, always moving forward.

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Gig Review... Haim @ Roundhouse, London, 21st September 2013

“We can’t be summed up in a sentence”, hailed Alana Haim in one of the band’s latest interviews. And The LA trio’s recent show headlining a night at this year’s iTunes Festival backs this statement up with little hesitation. From exhilarating guitar jams to childhood montages, accustomed family drum battles to crowd surfing and Jelly Tots to Percy Pigs; the packed out Camden Roundhouse certainly got what it had wanted. With it being almost a year to the day that fame vaulted them from support (to Ellie Goulding) to headlining, the sisters were very grateful to the UK crowd regarding this fan base as the reason for their ubiquity.

Kicking off with ‘Falling’ helped bring the Californian vibes to North London and in doing so got majority of the crowd swaying and jumping with harmonious chorus. Follow up ‘The Wire’ showed us why this band were so notorious over the summer festival circuit – providing an edgier material and atmosphere live than on record. Danielle’s voice seemingly croakier and more rugged than normal gave the performance a raw and exciting twist.

© 2013 The Line Of Best Fit / Courtesy of Burak Cingi

The sisters talked about family drum-offs and a homely living room before breaking out into a raucous rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Oh Well’. Choosing this heavier Peter Green-era Fleetwood Mac song advertised their pure talent, energy and outstanding technical ability with Danielle slaying riffs, Alana blasting the drums and Este rocking the bass (with typical bass face – always a thrill). ‘Honey & I’ (an album treat) was the only song of the night to not have featured heavily in their impressive back catalogue. However, the mixture of a softer, dreamier intro with a drifting rock finale was the highlight of the night incorporating every known influence of Haim from R&B to pop to Fleetwood Mac shtick.

‘Go Slow’ provides a nice change of pace to the set but one that is short lived as Alana emphasises that “this is a Saturday, we should be raging”. Fan favourites ‘Send Me Down’ and ‘Don’t Save Me’ are a testament to why Haim have been granted a headline slot, and confirm the band have undoubted chemistry without over-romanticising the sibling thing. Dispersed among the set is idle chatter from all three members which escalated to them praising M&S for the production of Percy Pigs and jumping down into the crowd to take advantage of spare chocolate and Jelly Tots.

During ‘Forever’, a montage of childhood memories are displayed on the large monitors placed behind the band; ranging from younger days of playing in the snow, first days of school and more current moments such as them dancing in front of the Union Jack. An obvious encore followed with “Better Off” and big finale “Let Me Go” with prompted a hoodoo riot involving tribal drum rallies rattling back and forth and belting vocals from Danielle has she gives everything left in the tank.

A quick stage dive from Este ends the show, to the crowd stomping in harmony to the chants of “Haim! Haim! Haim!”

With the release of their highly anticipated debut album 'Days Are Gone' set to hit us on September 30th, Haim made sure this was one performance that would have you pre-ordering their album immediately. Having started off the year on a high winning the coveted BBC’s ‘Sound of 2013’ poll, the Haim sisters, now signed to Jay Z’s Roc Nation label, have proved they’re a force to be reckoned with.

Supporting Haim on the night were an impressive list of artists including 20 year old singer/songwriter Gabrielle Aplin, Manchester based Bipolar Sunshine (Adio Marchant), and 23 year old singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Dan Croll. 
Be sure to check out full highlights on the iTunes Festival  website.

Written by - Richard Maver

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