New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Artist: TONICA
Track: 'Save Yourself'
Release Date: 11/08/17
For Fans of: M83, CHVRCHES, Poliça
Manchester is steeped in British history as a thriving hub of music and culture, particularly for the 90s brit-pop scene that gave birth to The
Stone Roses and Oasis, but TONICA, an emerging duo from the northern city are avoiding the cliché with their vibrant brand of electro-pop.
TONICA encompass a contemporary, hook-heavy alt-pop sound, but with a dark, mysterious edge that brings something new to the table in the form of their debut single 'Save Yourself' and their self-labelled 'neon-noir' stylings.
Listen to 'Save Yourself' here: https://soundcloud.com/tonicabandofficial/save-yourself/s-hFc02
Consisting of Amory (singer, songwriter) and Sam (songwriter, instrumentalist, producer), TONICA was formed off the back of a previous project which was more pop focussed. Now, the pair are looking to hone their craft in a more niche area that represents their new alternative electro-pop outlook. The change in direction of sound has been fuelled by a desire between the duo to offer indie-pop music that has substance, offsetting the typical 'all out pop' image.
Powered by brooding electro beats, vibrant synths and warped vocals, 'Save Yourself' was written about a romantic interest in a troubled friend, exploring themes of addiction and the plight of modern love. The track was recorded at TONICA's home studio, mixed by Lewis Gardiner (Prides, Klöe) and mastered at the legendary Sterling Sound, NYC by Chris Gehringer (Drake, The 1975).
In fact, many of TONICA's songs encapsulate ideas of the romantic and melodramatic, giving them a certain cinematic feel that reflects the 'neon-noir' aesthetic. TONICA have even employed the artistic talents of graphic designer, João Oliviera, for their artwork; an artist greatly admired by both Amory and Sam for his work in the style. You can check out his work here: https://onrepeattttt.tumblr.com/
TONICA explained their fascination with the 'neon-noir' stating: 'The mood and aesthetic of 80s/modern neon-noir cinema has definitely inspired what we do. Films like Blade & Drive have this shadowy, mysterious, sinister feeling to them - we feel like our music captures that sense of drama & suspense too. We love the use of neon glamour & rich colours mixed with industrial gloom within NN cinema, especially in film posters.'
In terms of musical inspiration, TONICA list contemporary alt-pop acts such as Banks, Honne, The XX and The
Weeknd as their primary influences, particularly for 'Save Yourself'. Sam and Amory are no strangers to the stage either, having played at Club NME at KOKO and supported The
Kooks on tour in the past. TONICA are set for a dynamic and energetic live show too, that will see them utilising a bespoke lighting set up, consisting of several light panels and strobe lights that are triggered by the beat of the music.
Find out more on TONICA here:
https://www.facebook.com/tonicaofficialband/
https://www.instagram.com/tonicamusic/
https://www.youtube.com/c/Tonicaofficial
https://soundcloud.com/tonicabandofficial
