I have known about both Beanie Tapes and Candy Says for quite some time, but it wasn’t until their gig at Modern Art Oxford back in June that I met them and first heard them perform live. Musically it was one of the most raw, intense and gifted performances I had seen.
Between the two of them they’re a collaborative and creative force to be reckoned with - a hypnotic combination of Julia’s haunting vocals, lyrics and guitar, with Ben’s multi-instrumentalist talents spread over drums, percussion and synth. Tragedy is made beautiful by the intimacy ignited by their lyrics, and each musical element evoked so much raw emotion and honesty - truly a breath-taking performance.
On top of this, as Beanie Tapes, they have regenerated a strong sense of community through they’re collaborative projects - even as a band there’s a strong sense of support buzzing around them.
In the band’s most recent news this month sees the duo release their latest song `You Are Beautiful; We are All Beautiful’ via Beanie Tapes - I’m really psyched. Live-wise you can catch these two at The Library, Oxford, November 8, 15 and 22.
[caption id=“attachment_42914” align=“aligncenter” width=“677”]
Continuous Play Cassette[/caption]
Since 2013 musicians and record labels have been taking over venues across the world to celebrate unsigned and independent releases in cassette form.
Beanie Tapes will be bringing the event to Oxford’s Truck Store - the event includes the exclusive release of a 19-track mix tape of Oxford bands, released on 30 neon pink cassettes, and several live performances.
Cassette Store Day at Cowley Road’s Truck Store is on Saturday October, 13 - it’s a free event and live music kicks off at 6pm. See you there!
[caption id=“attachment_42916” align=“aligncenter” width=“725”]
Max Blansjaar ‘Spit It Out’[/caption]
As well as the release of Continuous Play, which also features a track from Candy Says, Max Blansjaar - a 15-year-old musical protégé with a promising career ahead - will be performing at Truck Store to celebrate the launch of his latest EP Spit It Out via Beanie Tape’s label.
Talking about the release of the EP, available now via Bandcamp and Spotify, Beanie Tapes said: “Enjoy the riotous guitars, energetic beats, superb lyrical writing and the unexpected - we LOVE it!”
