Julian Shah-Tayler a.k.a. ‘The Singularity’ presents ‘Devil Knows’, his new swagger-filled single with the A-single featuring the original version, the B-side involves three notable members of alternative rock royalty – David J,MGT (Mark Gemini Thwaite) and drummer Marc Slutsky.
The video is focused around fairy-tale-like dominatrix Eva Strangelove and her day-to-day happenings in suburbia.
The b-side is aptly named ‘Devil Knows Ruby Rock Version’ due to the fact that all three of these collaborators were involved in Peter Murphy‘s extensive international Bauhaus Ruby celebration tour. Bassist David J needs no introduction, having founded Love and Rockets and Bauhaus. Mark Gemini Thwaite is best known for his prolific work and touring history with the likes of Tricky, The Mission UK, Peter Murphy, Ashton Nyte and The Wonder Stuff.
This new single follows hot on the trail of his single ‘Evolution’, which also involves contributions by MGT and Gene Micofsky (and the b-side remix by Mark Gemini Thwaite himself)
“This song is about losing people. The devil is always present when we lose the connection with people. The death of Love, a break in the heart. Communication breakdown. But we try and try,” explains Julian Shah-Tayler.
Hailing from Leeds, England and now LA-based, singer, writer and producer Julian Shah-Tayler makes electro rock new wave ‘intellipop’ for the 30th century. He is currently working with the legendary Robert Margouleff (Stevie Wonder, Devo) on his next album, releasing a few tasters along the way.
Having spent much time as a touring musician, Julian has experienced the pain of meeting and “breaking up with” people every night.
After completing his degree at York University, Julian moved to London as a singer-songwriter with classical training on piano and self taught on guitar. After several abortive record deals with music industry legend Alan McGee, he joined the hip electro clash outfit Whitey as co-writer/ guitarist, recording many of those songs in his nascent home studio.
After parting ways with his bandmates, Julian moved to L.A. to launch his own project The Singularity. There, he has had considerable success with TV and film licenses, known for his work on ‘Plush’, ‘Riot on Redchurch Street’ and Disney’s ‘Maleficent’. He won a Golden Trailer award, along with Daisy O’Dell, for his work with Lana Del Rayon the trailer for the latter film.
In addition to scoring music with O’Dell for the two-time Emmy winning ‘Actors on Actors’ TV show, his music has been performed for Robert De Niro, Bill Clinton and Martin Scorsese via the Unite for Humanity charity at the Oscars.
Julian also recorded a unreleased album with Joaquin Phoenix and Antony Langdon (Spacehog), as well as directing Island Def Jam artist Kerli 4 for songs he co-wrote with Siobhan Fahey (Bananarama, Shakespear’s Sister). His remix of Nico’s ‘These Days’ with Daisy O’Dell was featured as KCRW’s “one to watch”. He also cofounded the ‘Art Angeles’ charity, teaching underprivileged kids music in Watts.
When he is not writing and recording original material or producing other arists, Julian Shah-Tayler is selling out venues with his David Bowie tribute band ‘The Band That Fell To Earth’, his Depeche Mode tribute band ‘Strangelove’ and moonlighting as singer-keyboardist in The Cure tribute band ‘The Cured’
‘Devil Knows’ is now available across digital outlets such as Apple Music and streaming platforms like Spotify, as well as directly from the artist via Bandcamp.
Keep up with Julian Shah-Tayler (The Singularity)
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Santa Rosa-based alternative pop artist Darwin presents his new single ‘Unkind Lover’, which features David J (Love and Rockets, Bauhaus) on harmonica, Dustin Heald on guitar noise and ambience, and producer/collaborator Julian Shah-Tayler (a.k.a. The Singularity).
Darwin (full name Darwin Meiners) makes alternative pop with a dark, electronic feel. While rooted in the 80s, his music straddles several genres simultaneously, assimilating new ideas, processes and instrumentation into his work.
A beautifully eerie tune, this was inspired by the writing of Dani Burlison (particularly ‘Shark Week‘, which is included in her book of short stories ‘Some Places Worth Leaving’).
I was asked to make the music for a spoken word video written by my friend, Dani Burlison. She had recently released a book of short stories called ‘Some Places Worth Leaving’. I love adding music to film and was especially moved given Dani’s talent. The short story is called ‘Shark Week’ and features a character known only as the Unkind Lover. When I saw the final video, it struck me that it would be exciting to develop the music into a song,” says Darwin.
After getting Dani’s permission, the first person I contacted was Julian Shah-Tayler and told him the plan. It was an inspiring song to work on sonically, but also writing in character – which I’ve grown to love. My friend Dustin Heald is a master at getting his guitar to make wonderful noise. He was enlisted to do just that. The final piece was the addition of David J (Bauhaus, Love & Rockets) on harmonica. Having been in a band with him for many years (David J & The Gentleman Thieves), I had gotten used to the sound of that instrument and I knew he would be perfect to put that final touch on it.”
This new offering follows Darwin’s latest single ‘Dance Alone’, a synthtastic explosion of energy attesting to the strength of human spirit with a fun self-isolation-inspired video directed by Linda Strawberry, featuring dance clips sent in by people sheltering in place.
In February 2020, Darwin also released his ‘We Are Matter’ EP on the trail of 2019’s ‘So Few Comets’ LP, an album involving contributions by David J (Bauhaus, Love and Rockets), Victor DeLorenzo (Violent Femmes), Brian Liesegang (Nine Inch Nails, Filter, Billy Corgan) and Kerry Brown (Smashing Pumpkins).
Informed via ethereal introspection, Darwin’s music takes the listener on a sonic voyage that blurs the boundaries between nostalgia and the future. His stunning electronically-driven arrangements that are often complimented with visual art projections that reflect the signs of our times and remind us how rare beauty can be. HIs work commands attention.
The cover artwork is by Mark Gleason. “He had recently finished a painting that perfectly matches the song. I was able to get his permission, as well as the gentleman who had recently purchased the painting, to use it as the cover art. I love this tune and think everyone involved did a fantastic job. It was a real collaboration,” says Darwin.
‘Unkind Lover’ is available everywhere digitally, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.
CREDITS
Based on ‘Some Places Worth Leaving’ by Dani Burlison
Written by Darwin
Produced by Julian Shah-Tayler
Performed / Recorded / Mixed by Darwin and Julian
David J – harmonica
Dustin Heald – guitar ambiance and noise
Artwork by Mark Gleason
Keep up with Darwin
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