Beatique #1: Ora the Molecule Interview + 4 New Albums You Need to Hear
In mid-May, I caught Ora the Molecule at El Cid Silver Lake. The brainchild of Norwegian singer, musician and producer Nora Schjelderup, Ora the Molecule is a space disco diva whose intergalactic grooves come with a message of unity on the dance floor. The show was fantastic, a sci-fi and glitter extravaganza in the vein of 1970s variety show performances. Earlier this week, I caught up with Schjelderup, who had just returned to Norway from tour, for a video call. Read the story on Beatique and pick up her new album, Dance Therapy, out on Mute, when you have a chance.
As far as my own DJ gigs go, I’ll be in Phoenix on Friday night to play a new wave and darkwave set with Klub Nocturno at Crescent Ballroom.
Back in L.A., there will be a lot going on this weekend and into next week. If you’re making plans for tonight, consider checking out Swimming Bell, who are opening for Sebastian Schub at Permanent Records Roadhouse. I caught them at Oblivion in Highland Park a couple weeks ago and the band is fantastic live. Head over to the blog for more recommendations for the weekend and early next week.
Since this is the first newsletter, I’m going to keep it brief and mostly link back to what I’ve already posted on the blog. Next week, I’ll write more just for the newsletter.
This week’s music recommendations:
Sally Shapiro Ready to Live a Lie
Swedish duo Sally Shapiro are back with a new full-length album. The Italo disco influence still peppers their work, but there’s also a good amount very ‘90s house sounds and at least one song that I think will appeal to my Sophisti-pop friends. Read the full review.
2. Stereolab Instant Holograms on Metal Film
The first new Stereolab album in 15 years is well worth the wait. Read more about it, as well as a few other new albums I dig, in this post.
3. Maria Somerville Luster
Luster is the second album for Irish musician Maria Somerville and it’s also her debut with the venerable label 4AD. It’s a beautiful, ethereal collection that Somerville and band transform into a full-on shoegaze onslaught of sound in the live setting. I caught Somerville at Zebulon a few weeks ago and it was a fantastic show. Read my review.
4. Quinquis eor
The latest album from Quinquis is definitely in the running for one of my favorites of the year. It’s inspired by mermaids, is primarily sung in Breton and sounds like a fairy tale. Read my review.
That’s it for now. Thanks for reading.
Liz O.