Bandcamp Track of the Day: Haunted Leather. Shapes on the Wall.

Band: Haunted Leather.
Track: Shapes on the Wall.
Bandcamp.

Video: Day Ravies. Sunshine Punch.

New Video: A Shoreline Dream. 103.

Official video for "103" from the 2012 A Shoreline Dream's "333" series of EPs.

Video shot by the band.

EP now available HERE

So it's Monday. Again.

Bandcamp Track of the Day: Hammock. This Kind of Life Keeps Breaking Your Heart.

Band: Hammock.
Track: This Kind of Life Keeps Breaking Your Heart.
Bandcamp.

Don't Forget: Deadline for Band Submissions for WTSH Compilation is October 1st.

When The Sun Hits is now closing in on 300,000 blog views! Our minds are blown. We just had our 2nd birthday in the last week of July, as well, so we're pretty excited.

If you were around for the first 100,000 views, and then 200,000 views, then you know that at each of those milestones we released some pretty sweet shoegaze/dream pop compilations (The First 100,0000 and 200,000 Gazes Volume 1 and Volume 2, respectively). These comps consisted of donated tracks we received by calling for band submissions from the gazers and dreamers out there. We released the comps via Bandcamp, as free downloads, and both of them ended up having a much larger circulation than we could have ever anticipated (which is fucking rad, because all of the bands deserved that exposure). Which brings me to my point -

We are now taking submissions for our third compilation, Three.Hundred.Thousand.

The following is what you need to know:

It will be ONE volume, consisting of 30 tracks, end of story. No multi-volume madness this time (although we aren’t TOTALLY divorced from the idea…). However, since we get a load more submissions than will end up on the comp (last time we got about 250 entries), we want to give credit and exposure where it is due, SO –

When The Sun Hits has teamed up with Rav of WZBC Flyweight radio program to help us spread the Awesome via the radio airwaves. Rav and Amber will both feature compilation submissions on their respective radio shows throughout the Fall of 2012. Not only that, but WTSH blog will be featuring a weekly piece that focuses on superior compilation submissions. The idea is to get everyone maximum exposure.

Basically, if you submit a track for this compilation, there is a good chance you will:

a) get aired on the radio
b) be featured on the blog
– and then of course, you could end up on the compilation, too! Read on to find out how to submit a track for consideration.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS
OCTOBER 1st, 2012.
NO EXCEPTIONS.

The compilation will be released via Bandcamp in December 2012.

- If you are in a shoegaze and/or dream pop oriented band (even if you consider yourself on the fringe), then you can submit. You do not need to be on a label. You do not need to have an album out. If you are gazing and recording it, you can submit. Even if it's a solo effort. Even if this is your FIRST effort. You have a chance at this!

- Submit your track to editorwhenthesunhits@yahoo.com. You MUST put "300,000 Compilation Submission" in the title of the email, or be forever lost in the insanity that is our email.

- You can submit ONE track, in mp3 format only. Don't flood our email with multiple submissions or .wav files, please! Personally, I love .wav files, but they are huge and cumbersome in an email.

- Don't waste our time submitting a track with poor sound quality. Seriously. If you are recording music, you know the difference between good and bad audio quality. Use these skills. And there IS a difference between lo-fi and just plain bad quality. GOOD QUALITY AUDIO ONLY PLEASE.

- In the body of the email, you need to put 3 things: a) your/your band's name. b) The track title. c) links to anything promotional (bandcamp, a fb page, WHATEVER), if you have it.

Have any questions? Email editorwhenthesunhits@yahoo.com with a subject of "ATTN AMBER: compilation questions" and I will answer them. Don't message myself, Danny, Rob, WTSH, or any other WTSH staff via FB about this.

Pretty easy, right?! We are so stoked to hear what you guys have! Amber and Rav will update you more soon on the chance to get your band aired on the radio, so stay tuned.

The Three.Hundred.Thousand compilation will be even more widely circulated than the first two, so get onboard! Feel free to share this note with anyone you know. Ready, set, GO!!

Scott Heim to Guest DJ When The Sun Hits on September 19th, 2012.

Author Scott Heim to Guest DJ When The Sun Hits
September 19th, 2012 on Strangeways Radio

Scott Heim, creator of “The First Time I Heard” e-book series and author of novels Mysterious Skin, In Awe and We Disappear, will be guest djing When The Sun Hits on the night of Wednesday, September 19th, 2012. When The Sun Hits is Strangeways’ weekly shoegaze and dream pop radio show, normally hosted by DJ Amber of When The Sun Hits blog. She’ll be handing over the reins at 10pm EST on September 19th to Mr. Heim, who will be djing a full 90 minutes (that's a 30 minute bonus!) of his favorite shoegaze and dream pop music, as well as sharing his thoughts about the tracks, why he chose them, and discussing “The First Time I Heard” series.

Anyone familiar with Heim’s work knows that he is an avid music fan and self-professed music nerd, with a special place in his heart for shoegaze and dream pop music in particular. Heim’s writing tends to invoke the same dreamy, atmospheric space that shoegaze music is so well-known to occupy. For the film buffs, Gregg Araki’s critically acclaimed film adaptation of Mysterious Skin brilliantly captured the distinctive mood of Heim’s writing via its outstanding soundtrack, which heavily featured shoegaze music.

Heim’s most recent work revolves around his project, “The First Time I Heard” series. This is a series of music-related e-books that collect brief, conversational first-person accounts by musicians and writers about the first time they heard a specific iconic band. The first five books focus on (1)David Bowie (2) Cocteau Twins (3) The Smiths (4) Kate Bush and (5) Joy Division/New Order, with future books loosely planned to be based on The Pixies, Roxy Music, Public Enemy, Abba and more.

Don’t miss this very special edition of When The Sun Hits. Stream it live Wednesday, September 19th at 10pm EST on Strangeways Radio.

Set List for When The Sun Hits on Strangeways Radio. Aired September 12, 2012.

band name/track title
Echo Lake. Wild Peace.
Should. Pulling.
2 Hearts & Chemicals. Saturday.
The Depreciation Guild. Digital Solace.
The Jesus & Mary Chain. Head On.
Disappears. Little Ghost.
The Verve. She's a Superstar.
Exlovers. Starlight, Starlight.
My Bloody Valentine. Sueisfine.
I Break Horses. Empty Bottles.
Monster Movie. Vanishing Act.
Adorable. Homeboy.
Caribou. Sundialing.
Close Lobsters. The Prophecy.

Track: Echo Lake. Wild Peace.

Album Review: 2 Hearts & Chemicals. True Soul.

When The Sun Hits
Reviews
2 Hearts & Chemicals'
True Soul LP
Review by: Amber Crain

Artist: 2 Hearts & Chemicals
Album: True Soul
Release Date: September 4, 2012
Record Label: Self-Released

It would be a stretch to say the music of 2 Hearts & Chemicals falls strictly into the shoegaze genre, but as Eli Lhymn (the band's only consistent member; a revolving cast of friends makes up the rest of 2 Hearts) mentioned in his recent interview with WTSH, the shoegaze community has been extremely supportive of 2 Hearts' music. I think this is more evidence proving something that I posit quite frequently - "shoegaze", in the modern sense, is much more than a certain sound. It's an atmosphere. It completely makes sense to me that 2 Hearts has such a following amongst gazers; they are drawn to the dreamy atmosphere of this music.

One of the most striking things about True Soul is the sheer cinematic quality of it. It's an album best heard in it's entirety; listening to it otherwise doesn't cause the music to lose any of its magic, by any means - it simply alters the spell somewhat. As a whole, this album can take you on a journey; any journey of your choosing, in fact. On this journey, you're in the driver's seat, but True Soul holds the map.

Perhaps this is getting too abstract. But metaphorically speaking, isn't this precisely why we listen to music anyway - to be taken elsewhere; to exist in a different place, to be transported in some way? 2 Hearts does this very well, and I think this is why True Soul is such a satisfying record to listen to. It has that ability to transport you elsewhere, and along the way you realize there is no true destination to reach. It's the journey itself that matters.

Heavily synth-based and dreamy throughout, True Soul is filled with an air of nostalgia. Five seconds into the first track (which is the title track, "True Soul"), and the feeling has already descended heavily upon you. Just roll with it; you're in good hands. The beat comes in, then the vocals, and it starts to become The Song You've Been Waiting to Hear. (You know the one I mean.) The synth work in this track is absolutely otherwordly. One of 2 Hearts & Chemicals' strengths is orchestrating a very well-crafted melody, then creating just the right atmosphere for that melody to exist within. Like any title track worth its mettle, "True Soul" does this incredibly well.

The transition into track two, "Won't Stop", is nearly seamless, carrying the same mood and atmosphere over from it's predecessor. A moving instrumental, it acts as the bridge connecting you to the next track, "Straight into the Night". This track is definitely one of the standouts on the album; a lush pop gem that's somehow both melancholy and hopeful at the same time. The song-craft is what I can't get over; it's impeccable. The tracks are a true and absolute pleasure to listen to.

The LP's midpoint, "Saturday", is another standout. Haunting synths and striking female vocals create such a sense of nostalgia, it's almost as if you've heard the song before. But you haven't heard this song, it's just the song you've been wanting to hear. "Midnight" is another instrumental high point - it perfectly captures the sound of a certain midnight, whatever night that might be to you. We've all lived our own individual midnights and everything that comes along with those nights; likewise, we've all had this particular kind of midnight before. You recognize it's sound immediately, of course, but you could never explain it with words. You're not meant to.

By the time you get to track eight, "Runaway", you're feeling pretty damn good. Who cares where you're going; you're enjoying the ride. A gorgeously arranged instrumental that you could drift away into. The last track, "See You Soon", has all of the same elements that a song in the final scene of a film might have. It somehow revisits every theme or mood you've heard in True Soul and arranges them into a breathtaking and beautiful end. It would be almost heartbreaking, except a comforting nuance in the melody sends you off with the knowledge that you'll return; "See You Soon," it calls.

Stream True Soul in it's entirety
or Buy it on Bandcamp:

Interview: Eli Lhymn of 2 Hearts & Chemicals.

When The Sun Hits
Interviews
Eli Lhymn
of
2 Hearts & Chemicals

How and when was the band formed?

I started 2 Hearts a few years ago, and got my good friend Stephen to join on for the first release, the Coming Home EP. I was playing in one of my favorite bands at the time, Helen Stellar, and once that band came to a close, I just needed to do things on my own terms, and that's when I started 2 Hearts and Chemicals. Now it's become a vehicle for all of my collaborations. Every 2 Hearts release will have a different cast of collaborators.

Can you tell us what the band has been working on and what you've got forthcoming in the near future (new releases, tour, etc)?

We're releasing our debut LP, titled True Soul this month. It's a long time coming! In the near future, there will be LA shows, with a brass and string section! Also, expect another EP later this year...

Do you consider your music to be part of the current shoegaze/dream pop scene, or any scene? Defining one's sound by genre can be tiresome, but do you feel that the band identifies closely with any genre? How do you feel about genres in music, in a general sense?

I consider 2 Hearts to be a more electronic, cinematic thing, than a shoegazey sound. There are dream-pop aspects, but also a lot of string arrangements, and piano, etc. At the end of the day, it's just a sound that is nostalgic, cinematic, and lush. The shoegaze community has been really supportive of us!

What do you think of modern shoegaze/dream pop/psychedelia artists, any favorites?

I tend to like shoegaze / dream pop bands that do it a little differently. More melody, different production, etc. Not afraid of hooks!

What is the most important piece of gear for your sound? Any particular guitars/pedals/amps that you prefer?

Alesis Quadraverb! I used to have this ridiculous effects rig, but now, all I need is a vintage Rat, 80's Ibanez chorus, and a Quadraverb.

What is your process for recording your music? What gear and/or software do you use? What would you recommend for others?

There is no concrete process, other than following whatever is inspiring. Sometimes, it's a drum beat, or a guitar line, etc. I used to have this crazy stamina where I would work on the same idea forever, and never stop until it was “done” - but now I bounce around from song to song, and it's easier that way, and a lot more productive. For recording gear, there is too much to mention, but for me it all starts with an Apogee.

How do you feel about the state of the music industry today? There is no doubt a massive change underway; how do you see it and do you feel it’s positive at all?

Well...the days of buying music are coming to a quick close (incl Itunes). Subscription is most likely the future, like it or not. Spotify is showing itself to be a strong way to get your music out there to new fans (via apps, sharing playlists, etc.).

When it comes to label releases versus DIY/bandcamp and the like, what is your stance, if any?

Labels are becoming more and more obsolete. Label services like marketing and tour booking are in the hands of the artist now. Labels for the most part are entirely useless. Bandcamp is great, and your true fans will buy your music.

Do you prefer vinyl, CD, cassette tape or mp3 format when listening to music? Do you have any strong feelings toward any of them?

For the sake of ease, I prefer high-res mp3. Unless you grew up with vinyl and intrinsically know the sonic difference, there is no advantage to vinyl.

What artists (musicians or otherwise) have most influenced your work?

Sigur Ros, Brian Eno, Ulrich Schnauss.

If you had to choose one 2 Hearts & Chemicals track that was the ultimate definition of your sound, which would it be and why?

I'd say the title track “True Soul” - it has a nostalgic feel, lots of guitars, synths, bombastic drums, and pop sensibility. I always love a good pop melody combined with interesting production.

What is your philosophy (on life), if any, that you live by?

Family first.

WTSH Shoegaze Spotlight on the Strangeways Radio Blog: Adorable.

When The Sun Hits and Strangeways Radio are uniting on yet another level -

activate the weekly Shoegaze Spotlight!

Every week WTSH will present a shoegaze/dream pop band on Strangeways' blog, highlighting how very awesome the band is and how you should be listening to them and buying their music and supporting them because they deserve it.

This week's focus is on one of WTSH classic faves Adorable.

We at WTSH love Adorable and after reading this, so will you.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE STRANGEWAYS RADIO BLOG

New Video: A*Star. Star Control (Drive it Too).

Video: Pia Fraus. You Look Fine.

Interview: DJ Rav of WZBC Flyweight.

When The Sun Hits
Interviews
DJ Rav
of

WZBC

Flyweight

How and when did you start being a DJ? Are you also a musician (this seems to be a common trait among DJs)?

Flyweight began in 1997 by a former WZBC music director Petrina K. It had more of an ethereal/dreamy sound then. I took over the show in 2006 and began including shoegaze, dreampop, post-punk, psych, C86, drone, darkwave, Madchester, noisepop, spacerock, Krautrock, 80’s alt underground and ambient electronic.

Can you tell us what you’ve been working on and what you've got forthcoming in the near future?

October is going to be busy. WZBC has its biennial fundraiser that month. I’ll be spinning & presenting The New Highway Hymnal’s debut launch party on October 18th . And Deep Heaven Now (Boston’s psych/shoegaze fest) will be having its 6th festival on October 19th & 20th in Union Square, Somerville, MA. This fest includes Ringo Deathstarr, The Foreign Resort, Dead Leaf Echo, The Vandelles, Stargazer Lillies, and Love Culture among others.

Do you feel that the current shoegaze/dream pop scene will last? How do you feel about genres in music, in a general sense?

This is by far the best time to be around for shoegaze and dreampop. We have access to almost all of the 80s-90s material through reissues, blogs, and light-shedding on out-of-print releases. For me, the past 2 years have delivered some of the best releases I’ve ever heard, especially for dreampop. Because it’s been around for over 20 years, the genre(s) may seem to lack that out-of-the-package excitement that any scene is awarded when it first coalesces. Otherwise, it’s as healthy as ever.

I feel I over-specify genres for my show (see 1st question). And yet when I talk to people who hardly listen to music, never mind college radio or indie, I find myself resorting to terms like Pink Floyd and early U2 to reach common ground.

The term “shoegaze” and the definition of what it sounds like today has become harder and harder to pinpoint. Current shoegaze seems to be blurring the lines between itself and many, many other genres - especially electronica, but also plenty of others. Why do you think this is and how do you feel about it?

The spectrum across the board is certainly becoming less and less rigid these days. But even in its heyday there was overlap among shoegaze, dreampop, noisepop, and ambient.

What do you think of modern shoegaze/dream pop/psychedelia artists, any favorites?

Diggin’ this year’s releases by DIIV, Screen Vinyl Image, Violens, FWY!, The Lost Rivers, Landing, Disappears, Girls Names, Lumerians, Eat Lights Become Lights and TOY. Looking forward to forthcoming music by Slowness, Weekend, Factory Floor, The Soft Moon, Sulk, Tamaryn, and Spotlight Kid. And will Boards of Canada ever release a new album??

Describe how you typically put together a set for your show.

I try to play over 60% new music each week. I source new material from adds serviced to the station, listener requests and postings on Facebook – be it from listeners or band/label/blog pages. Then I hit some “classics” & “obscurities” from each of the genres that makeup Flyweight. Also, I feature an Artist of the Week spotlight every Sunday– up to 175 features now. I generally have Sunday night’s show ready by Wednesday. Flyweight’s playlists and audio streams are archived on Facebook.

How do you feel about the state of the music industry today? There is no doubt a massive change underway; how do you see it and do you feel it’s positive at all?

On the upside, emergent technologies have made it easier for artists to interface with fans, blogs, press, radio, booking agents, etc. As a DJ, this has been tremendously helpful because I can bypass traditional gatekeepers like radio promoters, label reps, journalists, and limited retail access (especially from overseas acts). And social media has allowed me to have direct relationships with small labels, bands and most importantly ZBC listeners.

On the downside, Boston lost 3 terrestrial rock radio stations in the past 2 years (WBCN, WFNX, WODS). And college radio licenses have become sellable assets for universities (KUSF’s license was recently sold.) We unfortunately still have Clear Channel, Live Nation, Ticketmaster, RIAA, Apple, Wal-Mart/Best Buy and increasing industry consolidation – models that still benefit a minority of stakeholders. But the major labels have a great trend going: The Big Six to The Big Three to hopefully The Big Zero.

When it comes to label releases versus DIY/bandcamp and the like, what is your stance, if any?

I rely heavily on Bandcamp and Soundcloud (and to an extent YouTube) as each allows me play tracks from the artist’s page live on the air. This has bridged the gap to finding those elusive (and expensive) imports or obscure domestic releases. I also like the immediacy these outlets provide. I’ve had bands finish recording on Thursday, faux-master on Friday, upload or email me the wav on Saturday and have it played on Flyweight by Sunday night. You can’t get any more DIY than that.

However, I still love the idea of a small label cultivating an identity through its roster and approach to design. Factory, Sarah, Warp and 4AD nailed this in the 80s-90s. Recently, Captured Tracks, Wierd Records, Saint Marie and Sacred Bones have been consistent since their inception. Speaking of consistency, Slumberland may be the greatest record label in the world.

Do you prefer vinyl, CD, cassette tape or mp3 format when listening to music? Do you have any strong feelings toward any of them?

Personally, I listen to digital files almost exclusively these days. But I still cue up records for the radio show. Can’t imagine Vaughan Oliver, Peter Saville, or The Designers Republic having their legacies without the vinyl format.

I always ask bands to send CDs, CDRs or vinyl to our station. It will allow your release to be accessed by all of our DJs. WZBC’s digital management is still in its infancy so mp3s often go into an abyss.

What artists (musicians or otherwise) have most influenced your work?

In the past couple years it has been the Boston scene that has encouraged me the most. 2012 has been a banner year for us with bands like Ghost Box Orchestra, Avoxblue, Andre Obin, Autochrome, The New Highway Hymnal, The December Sound, 28 Degrees Taurus, The Milling Gowns, Young Adults, Boom Said Thunder, Magic Shoppe, Soccer Mom, Infinity Girl.

Can you tell us a little about what you are currently into (books, films, art, bands, etc.)?

Heavy rotation on The Gun Club’s “Fire of Love” and The Mighty Lemon Drops “Happy Head”. My girlfriend has been pushing HP Lovecraft on me lately (and A&E’s “Storage Wars”). I’ve been obsessed with 19th century architecture - living in New England allows you to easily geek-freak on the 1800’s. But in summer I generally drop all culture and head up the coast for bodysurfing.

Tell us what classic gazer band you’d love to see reform and do a tour.

Pale Saints, Loop, Bowery Electric.

Your Top 10 Shoegaze Albums? Sorry, but you have to do it!

I took 10 albums to mean 20 songs ;)

Blur – Garden Central
Close Lobsters - Mother of God
December Sound - Drone Refusenik
Disco Inferno – In Sharky Water
Drop Nineteens – Kick The Tragedy
Field Mice – Sensitive
Loop – Vapour
Medicine – Aruca
Pale Saints – Porpoise
Ride – Unfamiliar
Secret Shine – Loveblind
Spacemen 3 – Mary Anne
Spotlight Kid – Forget Yourself In Me
Sun Dial – Easy For You
Telescopes - To Kill A Slow Girl Walking
Th' Faith Healers – Hippy Hole
Verve – A Man Called Sun
Wash – Fractal
Wedding Present – What Have I Said Now
Werefrogs – Forest of Doves

What is your philosophy (on life), if any, that you live by?
I wish life could be Swedish magazines…

About WZBC
WZBC 90.3 FM is a terrestrial broadcast service of Boston College servicing the metro Boston area and available worldwide online at http://www.wzbc.org. The station began in the AM frequency in 1960 and switched to FM in 1973. In 1979, responding to a vital punk scene, WZBC became one of the first stations in the country to devote its daytime programming strictly to post-punk/college/underground rock (“ZBC Rock”) and its nighttime programming to experimental, abstract, electronic, industrial, avant-garde (“NCP” – No Commercial Potential). Flyweight has been continuously on the air since 1997 spinning shoegaze, dreampop, post-punk, noisepop, psych, C86, darkwave, Madchester, drone and other fuzzed out bliss.