Simon Smith
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Articles by Simon Smith
Introducing... Ana Palindrome - Higher Plain Music Original
Ana Palindrome is not a solo artist, but an Irish experimental art-pop trio. Newly signed to World of Echo, the trio celebrates with their new single ‘A MAN A CURE’. It paves the way for news about a debut album to follow in early 2027. The single is one of those earworms that mixes simple motifs and melodies with unusual delivery. The track was recorded in bedrooms, wardrobes, and homemade vocal booths as Ana Palindrome embrace and celebrate a DIY approach to music.
Big Thief has created a live bootleg archive of their shows and I love it
Alt rock band Big Thief still believes in websites, newsletters, and creating their own corner of the internet. It is something many musicians would do well to cultivate, as a social media follow is cheap. In their recent newsletter, they highlighted a fantastic live archive project they’ve been working on. The aim is to expand their collection of live recordings into a playlist archive, completely free, for fans to enjoy at any time.
Tonalics is a free in-browser digital instrument, rhythm minigame, and tuner website
I’m always on the lookout for interesting websites that open the gateway for budding musicians to learn instruments and their craft. Tonalics is a free website that has MIDI-style instruments laid out inside the web browser so they can be played using your mouse, keyboard, or touchscreen.
Charlotte Martin – ‘Stromata 2.0’ Review
Piano-alt-pop with an operatic, quirky flair. In 2006, Charlotte Martin released one of my favourite albums of all time. ‘Stromata’ was Charlotte’s second official album release and the first as an independent musician after leaving RCA Records. It was a bold swing and hit of electronica, tribal-infused drums, bold piano motifs, and a wild outpouring of vocals that proved utterly compelling to anyone who discovered the album.
Live Vault – Gia Margaret
Gia Margaret is a singer-songwriter from Chicago, Illinois, and she’s been out promoting her 2026 album ‘Singing’. This included a fabulous performance on the ever-amazing and diverse Live on KEXP. The album was born from sustaining a vocal injury and losing her voice as a result. It’s taken several years to recover, and during that time, Gia Margaret released instrumental ambient music as a way to explore other musical languages.
Arcana – ‘Magna Silentia’ Review
Medieval arcane darkness, with a glint of light in the distance. The last studio album release from Arcana came in 2012, before Peter Bjärgö focused on releasing music under his own name, but Arcana has never truly been over. The band perform at special events and, in the case of ‘Magna Silentia’, they reform when a band member needs them most. When Peter’s daughter Vendela died in 2024, he was naturally devastated.
Critical Thinking - what are you doing to evolve it in the AI era?
Critical thinking is exponentially accelerating as one of, if not the most important leadership skill – and that includes your personal leadership (how you lead yourself), which is the key foundation in any leadership journey – you are a leader at any and every level. With increasing use of AI, critical thinking is more important now than ever.
ATR Aussie music highlights all about October
October is filled with key events, album releases and notable birthdays that have shaped the Aussie rock music scene. Here’s a look at October milestones in Aussie rock – birthdays and album anniversaries that helped shape the scene, from the Australian Truck Radio Rock’n’Roll Diary. These moments are great to feature on air, social media or in your radio programming.
Introducing… Celyn of Gwent
Queer songs for dark times is the slogan behind Celyn of Gwent. Actively describing himself as a “gay bard for the anthropocene”, Celyn of Gwent channels folksy, dark bard musing into new wave, avant-pop, and electronic clothes. It sounds quite unique because there are moments of dark folk drones and monk-like bellows, and then we’ll have something more synth-driven with alternative pop sensibilities.
Elsiane’s vocalist and songwriter Elsieanne Caplette launches solo career, celebrating regaining her distinctive voice following an accident Original
Canadian electronic band Elsiane has long captivated fans with its dark, witchy trip-hop music. A large reason why the duo have been a cult success for so many years is the captivating vocals of Elsieanne Caplette. Her voice is distinctive, her range is huge, and there’s a tribalistic emotion that resonates through her vocal arrangements. Sometimes she is soft and motherly. Most of the time, there is an intangible wisdom.
Osborne Clarke advises Agilia Infrastructure Partners on its investment from Growth Capital Partners
International legal practice Osborne Clarke has advised the shareholders of Agilia Infrastructure Partners on a significant investment from Growth Capital Partners (GCP). Agilia, which was majority owned by an employee ownership trust prior to the transaction, has secured growth capital from GCP to support the next stage of its development.
The key risks of a DIY executry – are you the right person for the job?
When someone you know dies, there may be a temptation to deal with the estate as quickly possible - doing everything yourself in order to save on time and legal fees. The amount of information available online, especially via AI, may add to this temptation. However, contrary to common assumptions, winding up an estate is not simply a form-filling or admin exercise. There are a number of technical legal processes involved, with a risk of delays or extra expense if you fail to comply with them.
Skipton seal last-gasp draw after fighting back from double-figure deficit
Skipton seal last-gasp draw after fighting back from double-figure deficit Skipton really had to dig deep for three points on Saturday. (Image: JT Sports Media) Skipton recovered from 22-10 down to draw at home to Pocklington seconds, securing three Counties Three Yorkshire A points. Pocklington opened the scoring with an early penalty after Skipton had seen a try ruled out for a forward pass.
Live Vault – Florence + The Machine Original
The BBC have released a recording of Florence + The Machine’s Reading Festival headline performance from this year. In support of her recent album ‘Everybody Scream’, the anthemic singer-songwriter wows audiences with powerful vocals, festival-thumping drums, and catchy melodies. Backing dancers support Florence as she gracefully and passionately moves around the stage, and the night sky provides some superb camera shots, making the entire performance feel cinematic.
Sharkeologist’s Nirvana cover comes with a Nerdvana music video quiz
Seattle continues to be the home of grunge, and Jeff Grant, lead singer and songwriter for Seattle-based Sharkeologist, wants to pay his respects to those who trailblazed before him. Since releasing their debut album ‘The Last Gasp’ in 2024, the quintet have been busy touring and putting out new music.
Introducing... Mass Minor - Higher Plain Music Original
Hailing from Austin, Texas, Mass Minor is a darkwave project led by Andrew J. Martin Jr. Expect dark discoteque synths from the 80s mixed in with chugging bass, driving guitars, and a post-punk meets new romantic vocal performance from Andrew. If you are a fan of bands like Vision Video, Sacred Skin, Urban Heat, and TRAITRS, you’ll be at home here. Indeed, Mass Minor has performed alongside them. Long-established acts like Depeche Mode and Tears For Fears also spring to mind.
As Seas Exhale – ‘Boreal’ Review
Modern classical music, tinkered with electronics, and dressed in post-rock’s clothes. As Seas Exhale places his music in a very clever cross-section of various hues of ambient music. There is the contemporary classical element with soft, intimate, almost felt piano. Bubbling, drifting, ephemeral synths jingle and swim through the world unhurried. Electric guitar becomes a textural drone. At times, post-rock shades of drums and guitars seep in. A drizzle of strings might haunt certain tracks.
Djunah returns with a noise-rock opera about complex trauma, inspired by Italian horror films Original
Djunah released one of my favourite rock albums of the last couple of years with ‘Femina Furens‘. Three years later, Djunah is entering a new era, and Donna Diane wrote and performed it all herself rather than it being a band effort. The album was born out of playing around with analogue synths and enjoying 60s and 70s Italian slasher-horror film soundtracks, known as giallo.
Biomigrant – ‘Cetáceo’ Review Original
Organic electronic music that integrates field recordings of the natural world. With just their name alone, Biomigrant conjures up all kinds of exotic and extravagant cultural, glocal, and global thoughts. A world of life, forever in movement. What a great canvas to draw on. With their latest release, ‘Cetáceo’ transforms field recordings from Colombia’s Chocó region into downtempo, Afro-Latin folktronica. The Chocó region is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth.
Introducing... Essence Martins - Higher Plain Music Original
The inspiration for Essence Martins’ latest single ‘A Confession (I’m Broke)’ came from a morning from hell. The London-based musician creates pop-rock anthems that wriggle under your skin. A little bit playful. Some hard truths sliding in under the radar. You could hear the music on the radio, especially on BBC6, and think you’ve found your next big thing. Essence Martins’ experience of trying to be a thing, big or otherwise, is at the heart of the catchy single.
Extrapulmonary Rapidly Growing Mycobacterial Infections in Far North Queensland, Tropical Australia, 2008-2024
Submitted: 26 September 2026 Posted: 30 September 2026 You are already at the latest version Background: The global incidence of rapidly growing mycobacterial (RGM) infections is rising. We examined cases of extrapulmonary RGM infection in Far North Queensland (FNQ), tropical Australia, to characterise their presentation and the challenges in their management.
Postmodern Machine – ‘The End is a Beginning’ Review Original
A merger of classical music and machine-driven drum loops and sounds. On his fifth album, ‘The End is a Beginning’, Toronto-based artist Postmodern Machine explores the idea of piano and machine working in harmony. This is the ultimate soundtrack to a rainy afternoon. Expressive piano, drum machines, modular synths, an occasional bass guitar and a vocal sample here and there.
Marley Carroll – ‘Southern Research Station’ Review Original
Downtempo grooves and sensibilities, but usually with a chunkier, grittier house edge. Marley Carroll’s latest EP comes from the DNA of devastation and resilience. In 2024, Marley had just released ‘One More Year ‘, and was gaining momentum with his electronic production and smooth grooves. Then, a few weeks later, Hurricane Helene ruined his hometown of Asheville. Everything came to an immediate stop. Evacuation was followed by a period of rebuilding.
Higher Plain Music Radio: Synth Battle Euphoria (Ep.12) Original
The latest edition of Higher Plain Music Radio is a blend of synthwave-adjacent music from the world of electronic, pop, alternative, and video game music. I was listening to the Final Fantasy XIII-2 soundtrack earlier in the week, and it is an absolute banger. One of my favourite things about it is that there are a few vocal tracks that have original and aggressive mixes, taking something more electro-poppy to the dancefloor.
Poll: Would you like a forum to discuss music? Original
This post is a short poll to gauge interest in a closed forum for Higher Plain Music. It would be built using forum software like Disqus, requiring registration, to build a small community to chat about either the music we love or, as artists and musicians, how to thrive in the art of creativity. The reason I want to explore this is that tools like Discord are ephemeral, and information is lost over time.
NATO is concerned about the threat from Russia. But it isn’t panicking – yet
OVER the past few weeks, a striking theme has emerged in discussions surrounding NATO. Senior political figures and former Nato officials have raised the possibility of invoking Article 5 in response to severe cyber-attacks. Military leaders have warned that Russia may seek opportunities to test the alliance’s resolve. These developments have prompted an obvious question: is Nato worried about being drawn into a wider European conflict? The short answer is no. Nato isn’t panicking.
Aythis – ‘The Black Beyond’ Review Original
Usually, ethereal darkwave music, but this time we’re doing drone experiments in the primordial ooze. Stepping away from her usual ethereal darkwave music, Netherlands-based Aythis turns her attention to a scorched landscape for her new album. ‘The Black Beyond’ is a dark ambient album. Don’t expect to find melodies or lyrics here. Instead, you’ll be subject to cinematic and panoramic soundscapes of drones, keyboards, and ghostly vocal calls like sirens in the mist.
Introducing... Dana Margolin - Higher Plain Music Original
We are getting on board the hype train for the debut song of London-based singer-songwriter Dana Margolin. Whilst previously creating art in many forms, Dana has turned her attention towards singer-songwriting. The debut track is called ‘Big Beautiful Sound’ and, oddly, it’s a song of distance, echoes, and sad folk sensibilities. The thesis of the track is that collectively, we’ve gone down a giant spiral staircase into the Earth’s core.
Live Vault – Natalie Nicoles Original
Los Angeles singer-songwriter Natalie Nicoles gives a tender, hushed, and captivating rendition of her track ‘Hard Fork’. With just an acoustic guitar, the garden ambience, and Natalie’s soft and melancholic voice, I found myself drawn into a tiny world of secrets and wonder. Taken from her latest EP ‘Fruit Of The Sorrow’, the studio version has layers of hushed vocals and a swirling folktronica wash to its background atmospherics.
Nato is concerned about the threat from Russia. But it isn’t panicking – yet Original
Over the past few weeks, a striking theme has emerged in discussions surrounding Nato. Senior political figures and former Nato officials have raised the possibility of invoking article 5 in response to severe cyber-attacks. Military leaders have warned that Russia may seek opportunities to test the alliance’s resolve. These developments have prompted an obvious question: is Nato worried about being drawn into a wider European conflict? The short answer is no. Nato isn’t panicking.
Anamanaguchi signals a new era with hyperpunk anthem ‘Yes I Guess’ Original
Following on from their superb 2025 live-to-tape album ‘Anyway’, chiprockers-turned-punk-poppers Anamanaguchi are back with their kitchen-sink approach to music production. ‘Yeah I Guess’ has more in common with big punk anthems, as the band embraces huge guitar chugs and bold, raucous vocals, but fear not, the digital electronics are still here. Indeed, the single’s main melody started life being written on the Game Boy! That’s exactly why we love Anamanaguchi.
The Inner Echo community releases their field recording community challenge project to take you around the world in 30 minutes Original
When I think of ambient record labels in the UK, Whitelabrecs is always the first community that pops into my head. They do some fantastic events that go way beyond releasing music. These range from in-person performances and creative workshops to introduce people to making ambient music and sound recordings. Inner Echo is the private community for fans, artists, and friends of the Whitelabrecs, Driftworks, Elm and Evergreen record labels.
The Role of Continuous Meropenem Administered via Elastomeric Infusers as Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy for the Treatment of Melioidosis in Tropical Australiaa
Submitted: 10 September 2026 Posted: 11 September 2026 You are already at the latest version Background: Intravenous meropenem and ceftazidime are the preferred antibiotics for the intensive phase treatment of melioidosis. Most patients receive intravenous ceftazidime via elastomeric infusers to complete treatment as outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT). Concerns regarding meropenem’s stability in continuous infusion limit options when ceftazidime cannot be used.
Introducing... Bimbo - Higher Plain Music Original
Bimbo is a rowdy sibling art rock duo from Marquette, Michigan. Gretchen McKenzie plays guitar and performs vocals. Dawson McKenzie plays the drums. They are gearing up for their debut album ‘The Bimbonacci Sequence’, which comes out on 18th September. The final single in promotion for it is ‘Sick Moves’ and I’m instantly reminded of a more chaotic, trippy, time-signatured The White Stripes. The single is built around a rising guitar riff and an odd, polyrhythmic drum pattern.
Laura Misch releases stunning ‘Live at the Barbican’ concert on YouTube Original
Composer, singer-songwriter, and saxophonist Laura Misch released the stunning album ‘Lithic’ in the summer. I’ve yet to write the review for it, but the short version is it’s the best alternative jazz album I’ve heard in years. Laura’s voice is smooth and soulful, and her saxophone is omnipresent but never overpowering. The album is structured around stone, water, and soil. Laura spent time recording samples in quarries, caves, cliffs, and pebble deserts to bring the elements to life.
Manu Delago & Max ZT – ‘Deuce’ Review Original
Handpan and hammered dulcimer, evolved. The genesis of ‘Deuce’ comes from Manu Delago visiting a monastery in his home country of Austria. Inspired by its calming properties and being housed in the valley of the Austrian Alps, Manu was drawn to recreating that feeling of deep calm and inner peace. Max ZT, known for his hammered dulcimer work and incorporating different cultures and influences into his music, joined Manu Delago.
Baths – 3 Negative Pop(?) Songs – Review Original
The sadness of chamber pop music glams up and decides that for tonight only, we’re gonna be messy on the dancefloor. Eclectic pop runs the gamut of all kinds of experimental pop-adjacent sounds. Baths has been part of that wide trawling net for a while. Their latest EP comes with a wonderful title, where Baths is definitely embracing skittish pop and dancefloor anthems, but each song is also quite sad and twisted. If a song is sad or twisted, can it still be a pop song? In Baths’ hands, yes.
Thief’s dark electronica returns with lead single ‘Moon and Kill’ from forthcoming 5th studio album Original
‘Sermons from the Pit’ is the freshly announced album from dark electronica band Thief. Following on from the deeply personal and chaotic 2024 album ‘Bleed, Memory’, which focused on dementia and memory loss at the end of life, Thief casts its eyes to the world at large for this latest collection of songs. Speaking about the album, Thief said in their newsletter: These 11 tracks wrestle with heartbreak and the freedom of living in a universe that may have no plan at all.
ATR lists Aussie music history dates for superb September
September features many Australian and international rock anniversaries, classic album releases and notable birthdays. Check them out with the Australian Truck Radio Rock’n’Roll Diary! September 1 1946: Barry Gibb, the famous member of the Bee Gees, was born on this day before his band became of the most commercially successful groups in pop music history! 1957: Cuban-American singer, songwriter, actress and businesswoman Gloria Estefan was born on this day before winning five Grammy Awards.
Sheherazaad announces debut album ‘Khudgarzi’ with symphonic single ‘Andhera’ Original
Sheherazaad absolutely captivated audiences in 2024 with her EP ‘Qasr‘. The New York-based singer-songwriter has announced that her debut album ‘Khudgarzi’ will be released on 20th November. To celebrate, a darkly symphonic single, ‘Andhera’, showcases the moody side of ‘Khedgarzi’. It has been described as the centrepiece of the album and I can understand why. The chamber-folk strings and delicate tuned percussion move like a gothic ghost infused with a Bolly-twist.
Bison Rouge – ‘Her Salt’ Review Original
Cello pop that marries the classical and alternative worlds into one vision and sound. Sitting somewhere between orchestral pop, darkwave, and electronica, Bison Rouge has never played it safe, nor been part of this world. On her new album ‘Her Salt ‘, the German-based artist explores the fairytale myth. It is sonically diverse, complex, and expressive, as Bison Rouge wields her cello like a sonic weapon. The album opens with the driving electronics of ‘Crown Crescent Moon’.
Kishi Bashi – Kishi Bashi / ‘Tall Tall Trees & The Sound Sanctuary’ Review Original
Violin loops, electronics, orchestral pop, and this time… plants! Usually associated with orchestral pop that drags you to the dancefloor and then makes you cry, Kishi Bashi’s latest release is a recorded live session with long-term friend and collaborator Tall Tall Trees, and bio-sonic engineering project The Sound Sanctuary. The Sound Sanctuary is releasing four albums with artists on Joyful Noise Recordings to investigate how plants create sound.
Introducing... Pegzilla - Higher Plain Music Original
Southern Californian trio Pegzilla describe themselves as Black Sabbath placed under a spell by a riot grrrl witch and dragged through the desert at midnight. They are a heavy rock band that is loud, bold, and unapologetic. Flicking from crisp riff to crisp riff, they incorporate smatterings of doom metal, psychedelia, and punk, too. Fans of Sabbath and Queens of the Stone Age will be right at home. ‘Chelsea’ is Pegzilla’s latest single, the third from their forthcoming album ‘Disobedience’.
Steady Holiday sings about motherhood with her new single ‘New Generation’ Original
Dre Babinski, aka Steady Holiday, has returned with her latest single ‘New Generation’. As a new mum, she wanted to write about a universal experience that feels so deeply profound, yet personal when zoomed in to the individual level. In her recent newsletter, she has described the single as about “the whiplash of new parenthood”. I think many can relate. It reminds me of the realisation that your tiny human is going home with you, and there’s no exam to pass to make sure you can do a good job.
Gentle Love – ‘Prescription for Sleep: Ghibli’ Review Original
The chirpiest, most laid-back piano and saxophone jazzy duets. Gentle Love has been incredibly prolific with their Prescription for Sleep series. Norihiko Hibino and AYAKI have combined their saxophone and piano chops, respectively, and co-arranged music from various computer series to great effect. Their 17th album tackles Studio Ghibli songs. It’s another triumph for those who enjoy a beautiful, laid-back, jazzy affair. We open with ‘A Town With an Ocean View’ from Kiki’s Delivery Service.
Introducing… Lisa Michelle Anderson
Raised in Southeast Kansas, singer-songwriter Lisa Michelle Anderson has spent time in Australia and Greece before returning to her American roots. All those experiences have folded elements of desert folk rock into her musicality, giving her Americana-rock a certain twang that other musicians don’t have. Lisa’s upcoming album ‘Spend a Little Time’ is her most emotional and personal work to date. The theme is to explore the complexity of love, whilst expanding her sound palette.
Introducing… Lisa Michelle Anderson
Raised in Southeast Kansas, singer-songwriter Lisa Michelle Anderson has spent time in Australia and Greece before returning to her American roots. All those experiences have folded elements of desert folk rock into her musicality, giving her Americana-rock a certain twang that other musicians don’t have. Lisa’s upcoming album ‘Spend a Little Time’ is her most emotional and personal work to date. The theme is to explore the complexity of love, whilst expanding her sound palette.
Gregory Douglass returns with ‘Bespoke’, and announces first studio album in a decade
Pianist, guitarist, and singer-songwriter Gregory Douglass is someone I often describe as one of music’s best-kept secrets. Higher Plain Music has been championing his music since discovering him with his 2009 album ‘Battler‘ (excuse the ill-formatted review from 17 years ago). Whilst there have been various singles since 2015, we haven’t been treated to a full album in a decade. That changes today, as Gregory Douglass formerly announces ‘AMATEUR’, his forthcoming eleventh album.
Gus Ferguson – ‘Requiem for Gaza’ Review Original
Chamber music with a brutalistic approach. Gus Ferguson has led a varied life. In the 80’s and 90’s, he toured with Dead Can Dance, Test Dept, ICU, and many other bands, providing his string skills to the bands. Then, Gus moved into sound installations for Scottish events before becoming a Buddhist monk in 2003. Now, he lives in Kathmandu, Nepal, teaching music to young monks and orphaned children. It’s with that backdrop that his EP ‘Requiem for Gaza’ hits so hard.
Introducing... Aqualine - Higher Plain Music Original
Guildford- and Brighton-based alternative band Aqualine return with their single ‘Stupid Brain’. It isn’t often I borrow directly from press releases, but Aqualine describe the track as “The Bend’s era of Radiohead if they had a sense of humour”. I think that is spot on. It’s shoegazey, with that 90’s alternative grunge smear hiding underneath. Aqualine aren’t always straightforward alt rockers, though. They’ll happily veer into garage and hip-hop production to change the shape of their sound.
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