An Interview All Things ‘Encino’: Pixie Lott Is Back and Better Than Ever

With the release of her stunning September album ‘Encino’, Pixie Lott is “just so happy to be back”.

Synonymous with infectiously endearing pop hits (‘Mama Do’, ‘All About Tonight’, and ‘Boys And Girls’), Pixie majorly dominated the charts throughout the 2010s. She also regularly showed her soulful side with tracks like ‘Cry Me Out’ and ‘Gravity’, hinting that there was more than what met the eye of the singer-songwriter.

Now, 10 years after her last self-titled album, Pixie is back with an album detailing the missing piece we were missing all those years ago. ‘Encino’ proves her emotional range, technical vocal ability, writing craft, and effortless ease within a full-band setting. ‘Encino’ reaches depths of brilliance and genius that previous pop offerings just ever so slightly struggled to reach.

In a whirlwind of press, performances, and general life, Pixie took the time to speak with us, remaining radiant, grateful, and utterly down to earth. We discussed all things ‘Encino’ and the joys of close-knit collaboration, our shared love of albums in a world of fast-paced consumption, and trying to keep optimistic above all else.

Stray Owls Experiment With Rock and Sound In New Album ‘When The Going Gets Weird’

Influenced by iconic bands like Pink Floyd, The Kinks and Grandaddy, Stray Owls is a trio from  Mebane, North Carolina, consisting of Jerry Kee, Mathew French, and Scott Griffiths.

Together, the band have released their latest album, ‘When The Going Gets Weird’, a hazy, psychedelic journey infused with a 90's alternative indie rock vibe. The album flows effortlessly, with seamless transitions between tracks and soundscapes, each flowing into one continuous, expansive song.  

‘Can’t Pretend to Know’: The Murder Capital’s Take On The Innocence Of Adolescence

‘Can’t Pretend to Know’ is The Murder Capital’s latest single, marking a year since their last track ‘Heart in The Hole’ was released. 

The single shows a return to their post-punk roots with screeching riffs and high energy that feel reminiscent of the bands 2019 release ‘Don’t Cling to Life’. 2024 saw The Murder Capital supporting grunge legends Pearl Jam in the European leg of their ‘Dark Matter’ World tour, and the moody basslines and effects on the track feel reminiscent of 90’s grunge.

Tender Claws Unveil 'I'm a Leech'

Belfast-born Tender Claws is the moniker of the now Liverpool-based solo grunge artist. Taking inspiration from the likes of PJ Harvey, Queens of the Stone Age and Iggy Pop, Tender Claws delightfully blends bleeding grunge with rolling and insistent rock to create genre-defying soundscapes that deliver personal and heartfelt-narratives.

Following on in perfectly marine-themed style from her break-out cut 'Anglerfish', 'I'm a Leech' sees Tender Claws baring her soul as she confesses her anxieties surrounding her future in the music industry. Juxtaposing the cynical lyricism, forceful basslines dominate the track and create an exhilarating soundscape that breaks free from the doom and gloom of pondering existentialism.

An Emotional Cleanse Lies At The Heart Of Lizzy McAlpine’s Latest Single

Lizzy McAlpine continually graces the musical industry with new, impressive, amazingly creative tracks. Her discography includes the viral single ‘Ceiling’ with over 600 million streams on Spotify alone. This is a perfect example of how social media can truly influence an artist’s career, and no one deserves this recognition more than McAlpine; she never fails to create this beautiful melancholic sound to lie underneath lyrics that break hearts. 

Recently, the artist has released a new track titled ‘Pushing It Down and Praying’, one that continues her impressive streak of music production. After writing her first album studying abroad in 2019 and releasing it the following year, McAlpine always finds the beauty in even the most woeful of life’s struggles.