BJSC 168: Talking to Shadows - “Valentina”

 

Another lucky YouTube algorithm find - Talking to Shadows are a "dream rock" band from Baltimore, Maryland (USA). A little bit of a slow burn of a song perhaps but it really does hit in the second half. Way too good to have as few streams as it does anyhow - it is the most obscure entry we've sent in a long while.

 

“Baltimore dreamgazers Talking To Shadows are back with their second single of 2024: Valentina. This track, blending the iconic ’90s guitar vibes of Siamese Dream with vocals reminiscent of Tamaryn or the Cocteau Twins, stands as their most poignant and approachable piece yet. With Cat Van Glide lending her hauntingly ethereal vocals, Greg Palmer’s guitar work evoking memories of a bygone era, Ron Weldon’s steady bass, and Alex Hughes keeping it all in rhythm on drums, the band delivers something special.

 

Valentina sorts through the emotional aftermath of two painful relationships, leading to feelings of desperation and recklessness. The song navigates betrayal and emotional struggle, with repeated references to the Eye of Horus symbolizing daily renewal. Addressing Valentina, they express devotion despite being broken, highlighting a deep, spiritual connection and the haunting impact of lost love. It’s like trying to hug a ghost, beautifully haunting and profoundly introspective. Talking To Shadows have managed to capture the delicate dance between despair and hope, all delicately performed in Van Glide’s effervescent soprano.” - post-punk.com

168 |

: Talking to Shadows - Valentina | [25/41 (158) / 10/28 (75)]

 

A mid-table result, about what we were expecting for this entry really so quite pleased to have landed comfortably outside the bottom ten. Our next entry could perhaps put us back in contention for a bigger hit again, as we plan to do everything in our power to get a belated whole calendar year of qualifiers.

 

Thanks to the 18 nations who gave us votes:

Jadakissnia [+18]

Terra Avium [+15]

Séyetana [+15]

Bronzil [+15]

The Spodic Empire [+15]

Kathaldazia [+13]

Aelandor [+12]

East Rukahavian [+10]

Persephonia [+7]

FARC [+7]

Cumulonimbia [+7]

Suedeonia [+6]

Skall [+6]

Macromia [+4]

Ajanaeda [+3]

Wholune [+3]

Singerpurear [+1]

Trifoski [+1]

 

And this is how we voted (Bronzil our +18 were sadly robbed of a decent final position agh):

 

+18 Attractive Chaos - Words on a Letter

+15 Leftwing : Kody; Raphi - Delirious

+13 TSHA - Green

+12 Pixel Grip - Stamina

+11 No Mana - Solarpunk

+10 DragonForce - Through The Fire And Flames

+09 Lissie - Further Away (Romance Police)

+08 Elderbrook - Numb

+07 TEMMIS - ICE 579

+06 Rachel K Collier; Saruri - Kiye Yuku Hana

+05 Blondfire - True Confessions

+04 benzii - beine spüren

+03 James K - Blinkmoth (July Mix)

+02 REYSHA RAMI - black0ut

+01 Active Child - Johnny Belinda

Cassie Henderson - Seconds To Midnight (11:59)

oqbqbo; Scandinavian Star - Dandelions

Loona - Vamos a la Playa

tuki. - ひゅるりらぱっぱ

Julie Bergan - Dive

ericdoa - dancinwithsomebawdy

N.Y.P.D. 南洋派對 - 冷氣機滴水

Victoria; Anitta - GET UP BITCH! shake ya ass (with Anitta)

Or:la - Chant

Bea and her Business - Safety Net

Coco & Clair Clair - My Girl

Poppy - Motorbike

Nemahsis - coloured concrete

Chrissy Costanza - If Looks Could Kill

emlyn - the devil called

Last Night On Earth - Sleeping Pills

Cassyette - Over It

Musta hanhi; K Henkka - SANON KAIKKI OK - K Henkka Remix

Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers - AHHHH!

ADÉLA - HOMEWRECKED

The Fizz - Amen

Meg Smith - jesus christ in a mini skirt

KATSEYE - Debut

CATTY - Healing Out of Spite

Lady Blackbird - Whatever His Name

BJSC 169: Klangphonics feat. Anna Metko - “Ghost (Find Me Again)”

album video posted for visuals, our entry is the first song

 

“After meeting in 2017 whilst studying music in southern Germany, Maxl, Ben and Markus are slowly redefining what live electronic music sounds and looks like. Initially a live band, Klangphonics are now becoming an act where the traditional boundaries of band, DJ and producer no longer apply.

 

In 2021 they released their debut E.P. „Songs to Try“ which was superbly received and has since garnered millions of streams on Spotify, all through their own self promotion. Fiercely independent from the start, Klangphonics have had a very DIY approach to everything, including social media, where they have racked up millions of followers across all major platforms through creative viral marketing.

 

2024 is now set to be an exciting new chapter, with the release of their debut album „Perfect Opposure“ planned for the Autumn. The lead single „In Between (Memories and Dreams)“ gives a first impression of a sound, which with its unique blend of modern electronic elements marrying traditional songwriting sensibilities, simply refuses to be labeled and put in a box. It paves the way for new tonality in the music, combining a more delicate pop-inspired production whilst retaining the techno and house influences that make them such a captivating live act."

 

 

One of the most exciting breakthrough acts in melodic house and techno, they came to my attention through one of their many viral video clips playing electronic music with 'real' instruments. A number of their songs now perform well in the official Danævii chart with their album lead 'Ghost (Find Me Again)' currently at pole position.

169 |

: Klangphonics & Anna Metko - Ghost (Find Me Again) | [17/41 (172) / 06/28 (75)]

 

Our 7th top 20 hit of the year, the lowest placed of said top 20s but a hit is still a hit! Pleased it has done so as Klangphonics are such an exciting act for Danæviia moreso than anyone else we've sent this year.

 

Thanks to the 22 nations who gave us votes:

Jupiterdonia [+18]

FSR Rontvia [+15]

Macromia [+15]

Cor Lupus [+11]

Ben's Sanctuary [+11]

Kathaldazia [+10]

Bronzil [+10]

East Rukahavian [+9]

Zanmatony [+9]

Pestolia [+9]

Aelandor [+8]

The Spodic Empire [+8]

Terra Avium [+7]

Séyetana [+6]

Niceland [+6]

Eastovka [+4]

Bøtanikkä [+3]

Cadelicia [+3]

Jadakissnia [+3]

Harmonica [+3]

Neliönoir [+3]

Cumulonimbia [+1]

 

And this is how we voted (pop bloc surprised with 3/4 of the top spots!)

 

+18 République d'Áskorza Lola Blanc - The Silence

+15 Terra Avium Father John Misty - Screamland

+13 FSR Rontvia Jude York - Monaco

+12 Hendinia Rebecca Black - TRUST!

+11 Trifoski TURQUOISEDEATH - So Far Away

+10 Bronzil No - Drive Faster

+09 Hinterlandia Psychic Twin - Lose Myself

+08 Aeroche Rein - How's It Gonna Be?

+07 Séyetana Godspeed You! Black Emperor - BABYS IN A THUNDERCLOUD

+06 Hushkanukia twocolors; ÁSDÍS - Gravity

+05 Skall Elkka - Make Me

+04 Dobago Krampf - I Know A Place

+03 Cor Lupus Baby Jane - Cemetery Date

+02 Cheiron The Warning - MORE

+01 Ben's Sanctuary Blank & Jones - Beyond Time - Short Cut

 

Ece Era - Inner Feeling

CXLOE - Shapeshifter

Wail Bouri; Idd Aziz - Jogolo

Ela Minus - BROKEN

BENNETT - Lullaby

GIMS - Est-ce que tu m'aimes ? - Pilule bleue

Izzy Camina - Seraphim

DjRUM - Broken Glass Arch

Patty Gurdy - Brighter Days Come

Geordie Greep - Blues

Caroline Kingsbury - Take My Phone Away

Lo Lauren - Wonder

Caribou - Broke My Heart

Alban Ramosaj - Theje

Keli Holiday; Alex Cameron - Online Jesus

LEXXE - Disco Witch

KAIYI - Eryima

ASTON - Mama Didn't Raise No

Remi Wolf - Kangaroo

Tom Aspaul - Listen 2 Nicole

Sampa the Great; Angelique Kidjo - Let Me Be Great [Feat. Angélique Kidjo]

Bohren & Der Club Of Gore - Ganz leise kommt die Nacht

Samantha Jade - Minutes to Midnight

The Dreadnoughts - Joli rouge

Suki Waterhouse - Model, Actress, Whatever

BJSC 170: Clann - "Arise"

 

Going for modern-classical for our final entry of the year, you may remember them from being entered by Rolloland a few years ago.

 

“ CLANN is the music alias of artist, filmmaker and self-taught composer Sebastian McKinnon.

In 2013, McKinnon and his brother/business partner Benjamin, created KIN Fables, a grand-scale multimedia project, with a special focus on music and film. McKinnon directed, produced and composed the music for the trilogy of short films: KIN (2013), Salvage (2015) and Requiem (2015). The trilogy won several awards worldwide, most notably 2 Vimeo Staff Pick awards and a Best Cinematography award at the 2013 Fantasia International Film Festival.

The soundtracks for the films were compiled on the KIN Fables Album, packaged with several other tracks by McKinnon, and released independently on Bandcamp, under the name CLANN, a moniker inspired by the relationships between the musicians and collaborators of the KIN Fables project.

McKinnon frequently works with Canadian singer/songwriter Charlotte Loseth, aka Sea Oleena. For McKinnon, her voice is very much the soul of the project. Another frequent collaborator is French violinist Chloe Picard, providing heart-wringing string performances to McKinnon's blend of trip-hop beats and orchestral arrangements"

2012: x-x-x-x-Q-x-x-x-x-Q

2013: Q-Q-x-Q-x-Q-Q-x-Q-x

2014: Q-x-Q-Q-Q-x-x-Q-Q-Q

2015: Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-x-Q-Q

2016: Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-x-x-Q-Q-Q

2017: Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-x-Q-Q

2018: Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-x

2019: Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-x-x-Q-Q-Q

2020: Q-x-Q-x-Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-x

2021: Q-Q-Q-x-Q-Q-x-Q-Q-x

2022: Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-x-Q-Q-Q

2023: Q-Q-x-x-x-Q-Q-x-Q-Q

2024: Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-Q-Q

 

A stat over 13 years in the waiting but tonight we complete a 10th consecutive qualifier within a calendar year for the first (and perhaps only) time!

It marks the end of the year where the success of Blackshape in BJSC 159 prompted us to self impose a challenge of sourcing non-EDM songs for half of our 2024 entries.

 

We encourage you all to vote for Clann in the final and end the year on a high!

Dan really on a roll this year giving me 2 amazing discoveries :yahoo:

Sovarasma :hic: Danæviia

 

170 |

: Clann - Arise | [10/42 (206) / 04/28 (103)]

 

We round out the year with our 5th top 10 / 8th top 20 hit! What a result 2024 has been for Danæviia. :wub:

A few less voters than our previous entry however this was made up for by receiving FIVE sets of maximum points including from the hosting nation Terra Avium (pandering to the host works sometimes yay!).

 

Thanks to the 19 nations who gave us votes:

Jadakissnia [+18]

Rolloland [+18]

Séyetana [+18]

Sovarasma [+18]

Terra Avium [+18]

Fljótavík [+15]

Macromia [+15]

The Spodic Empire [+15]

East Rukahavian [+13]

Skall [+13]

Aeroche [+8]

Summericia [+8]

Hinterlandia [+7]

Jupiterdonia [+7]

New Lexico [+6]

Bøtanikkä [+3]

Neliönoir [+3]

Eastovka [+2]

Utopia [+1]

 

And this is how we voted (pop bloc surprised with 3/4 of the top spots!)

 

18 🐑 Altyr Muunilinst 🐑 Metteson - Waves

15 🦁 Summericia 🦁 Beyond The Black - Is There Anybody Out There?

13 🐒 Bøtanikkä 🐒 BABYMETAL & Electric Callboy - RATATATA

12 🐨 Kathaldazia 🐨 Mona Yim - Baby Dragon

11 🐳 Kluminican Republic 🐳 Chloé Caillet & SG Lewis - B Somebody

10 🐬 Skall 🐬 DJ BORING - Winona

09 🐼 Aeroche 🐼 Leftfield - Full Way Round (Ewan McVicar Remix) (feat. Grian Chatten)

08 🐇 Jadakissnia 🐇 Madeline Goldstein - 1996 Expectations

07 🐃 Cor Lupus 🐃 No Mana & SOFI - Digital Friends

06 🦊 Cheiron 🦊 CMAT - Where Are Your Kids Tonight? (feat. John Grant)

05 🐹 République d'Áskorza 🐹 Cloudy June - CREEPY!

04 🐕 Singerpurear 🐕 Jackson Sisters - I Believe In Miracles

03 🦡 Land of DW 🦡 Kalte Liebe - Tränen Stillen Keinen Durst

02 🦦 Terra Avium 🦦 Mr. Scruff - Sweetsmoke

01 🐆 Cumulonimbia 🐆 Social Order - Miss You

Becca Hatch - Think of You

HAYLA - Only I

School Of Seven Bells - Ablaze

Ugly (UK) - Icy Windy Sky

Cimberly - bye bye bye

Weather Systems - Untouchable Part 3

ADÉLA - SUPERSCAR

Grace Davies - Another Night

NAHABA - VESNIANKA

Faux Real - Rent Free

Kai Bosch - Everything Is Beautiful

Sara Landry; Shlømo - Play With Me

Blankenberge - New Rules

JACOTÉNE - Stop Calling

Chrissy Chlapecka - My Only Dream Is To Be Loved

HWASA - NA

Daniel Allan; Lyrah - I Just Need (with Lyrah)

Diskoria; Danilla - Flamboyanku

Skye Riley; Naomi Scott - Blood On White Satin (performed by Naomi Scott)

RIKKI - SUTEKI DA NE (Isn't It Wonderful?)

HINA - Tararua

Leah Kate - But I Lied

SOFIA ISELLA - I Can Be Your Mother

Geowulf - Nightmare

Laurel Halo - Carcass

CHINCHILLA - 1:5

 

We will now take a recap of 2024 in anticipation of the end of year season

 

2024

161 |

: Adrianne Lenker - Ruined | [04/41 (252) / 03/29 (96)]

162 |

: Leblanc - Palladio | [14/41 (178) / 11/29 (70)]

163 |

: Castle Rat - Cry For Me | [34/41 (125) / 18/32 (53)]

164 |

: Marie Davidson - Y.A.A.M. (Soulwax Version) | [10/41 (205) / 11/31 (69)]

165 |

: Kalandra - Bardaginn | [12/41 (201) / 10/30 (69)]

166 |

: Tinlicker (feat. Brian Molko) - Nowhere To Go | [05/42 (237) / 03/28 (99)]

167 |

: Aaron Hibell & Felsmann + Tiley - Levitation (Extended Icelandic Version) | [05/41 (220) / 01/28 (109)]

168 |

: Talking to Shadows - Valentina | [25/41 (158) / 10/28 (75)]

169 |

: Klangphonics & Anna Metko - Ghost (Find Me Again) | [17/41 (172) / 06/28 (75)]

170 |

: Clann - Arise | [10/42 (206) / 04/28 (103)]

 

Personal rank: Tinlicker > Leblanc > Clann > Klangphonics > Kalandra > Adrianne Lenker > Aaron Hibell > Talking to Shadows > Castle Rat > Marie Davidson [all very strong still imo, the quality control was on point x – although I really ought to have just leapt for Ben Hemsley over Marie Davidson, didn't anticipate he'd be taken so soon as I'd have sent him the following contest otherwise]

Danaeviia's favourite nations of 2024:

 

Congrats to FSR Rontvia who scored 89 points from us in the year, much more than anyone else in the list. in particular, '1990' was much loved and appeared in the nation's top 100 most streamed songs of the year.

 

Their points total is made up of the following:

+18 Valtos; Elephant Sessions - 1990

+18 Die Arkitekt; Lena Platonos - Mirkhel

+15 Victor Le Masne 'Higher'

+13 Sophie Straat; Metropole Orkest - Gebroken Spiegels

+13 Jude York - Monaco

+06 Rachel K Collier; Saruri - Kiye Yuku Hana

+03 Lea Heart - If I Did What You Did

+03 Beast In Black - Power Of The Beast

1. 89 FSR Rontvia
2. 62 Jadakissnia
3. 60 Kluminican Republic
4. 59 Bronzil
5. 54 Kathaldazia
6. 46 Aeroche
7. 44 Abeltesfayeton
8. 43 Summericia
9. 40 Dobago
10. 36 Sovarasma
11. 34 Terra Avium
12. 34 Séyetana
13. 33 République d'Áskorza
14. 32 Bøtanikkä
15. 32 Neliönoir
16. 30 Cumulonimbia
17. 29 FARC
18. 27 Cor Lupus
19. 26 Cadelicia
20. 25 Ben's Sanctuary
21. 25 Zanmatony

Danaeviia's biggest supporters of 2024

 

Many thanks to Sovarasma who were the biggest supporters of Danæviia in the year. Their jury awarded Danæviia the following points in the year:

+18 Kalandra - Bardaginn

+18 Clann - Arise

+18 Aaron Hibell & Felsmann + Tiley - levitation (extended icelandic version)

+13 Adrianne Lenker - Ruined

+13 Marie Davidson - Y.A.A.M. (Soulwax Version)

+13 Tinlicker (feat. Brian Molko) - Nowhere To Go

 

Also thanks as ever to our all-time biggest supporters in East Rukahavian, who awarded us just one point less than Sovarasma. Our president Sir Gareth Emery invites the leaders of both your countries to one of his infamous laser-heavy raves. :dance:

1. 93 Sovarasma
2. 92 East Rukahavian
3. 85 Terra Avium
4. 78 Séyetana
5. 76 Aelandor
6. 69 Bronzil
7. 68 Summericia
8. 62 The Spodic Empire
9. 59 Jadakissnia
10. 54 Kathaldazia
11. 54 Neliönoir
12. 53 Zanmatony
13. 48 Skall
14. 47 Niceland
15. 45 FSR Rontvia
16. 45 Persephonia
17. 43 Fljótavík
18. 43 Pestolia
19. 39 Cadelicia
20. 38 Rolloland
21. 38 Kylienips

A collation of our favourite entries of the year will follow later in the year.

You can have a free giant haddock meal oomf x

Danæviia presents BJSC 2024 Yearmix: The Best Five Hours of BJSC This Year

 

 

COMPACT DISC 1

1 Tinlicker; Brian Molko - Nowhere To Go (feat. Brian Molko)

2 Ben Hemsley; Chenai - Closer (feat. Chenai)

3 Fat Dog - King of the Slugs

4 Metric - Days Of Oblivion

5 Sadness - I Want to Be with You

6 Kalandra - Bardaginn

7 BABYMETAL; Electric Callboy - RATATATA

8 akiaura; LONOWN; STM - Sleepwalker

9 Leftwing : Kody; Raphi - Delirious

10 Doechii; JT - Alter Ego (with JT)

11 Yseult - BITCH YOU COULD NEVER

12 METTE - BET

13 Grossstadtgeflüster - Ich kündige

14 6euroneunzig - Zur Party

15 No Mana - Solarpunk

16 Justice - Incognito

17 Golden Features; Louisahhh - Vapid

18 Die Arkitekt; Lena Platonos - Mirkhel

19 Chimo Bayo - Asi Me Gusta a Mi

20 Pixel Grip - Stamina

21 Victor Le Masne - Higher

22 JDX; Sarah Maria - Live The Moment

 

COMPACT DISC 2

1 Leblanc - Palladio

2 Valtos; Elephant Sessions - 1990

3 Metteson - Waves

4 Debbii Dawson - Happy World

5 Bingo Players; Pure Shores - Summer Dreaming

6 Jude York - Monaco

7 Lola Blanc - The Silence

8 COY - Promises

9 Rebecca Black - TRUST!

10 Quarterhead; Norma Jean Martine - Throw Me Out The Club

11 Marie Davidson; Soulwax - Y.A.A.M. - Soulwax Version

12 Chloé Caillet; SG Lewis - B Somebody

13 Mona Yim - Baby Dragon

14 Anish Kumar - Everything Blooms Around Her

15 Klangphonics; Anna Metko - Ghost (Find Me Again)

16 TSHA - Green

17 ascendant vierge; TDJ - Illusion

18 CHROMEBODIES; Centre Court - 2 Many Lies

19 Dj Cinéma Quartier Latin - XTC

20 dj something - american dreamer

21 Ultra 5; J.Cee; Lange - Potion - Lange Remix

22 Aaron Hibell; Felsmann + Tiley - levitation - icelandic extended version

 

COMPACT DISC 3

1 Adrianne Lenker - Ruined

2 Father John Misty - Screamland

3 DragonForce - Through The Fire And Flames

4 INXS - Don't Change

5 Talking to Shadows - Valentina

6 Twin Tribes - Monolith

7 Attractive Chaos - Words on a Letter

8 Juice Newton - Angel Of The Morning

9 Beyond The Black - Is There Anybody Out There?

10 Castle Rat - Cry For Me

11 Dog Race - It's The Squeeze

12 Royel Otis - Oysters In My Pocket

13 Night Tapes - drifting

14 Vitesse X - Eternal

15 No - Drive Faster

16 Psychic Twin - Lose Myself

17 TURQUOISEDEATH - So Far Away

18 Catching Flies - Halo

19 Vegyn; Lauren Auder - Halo Flip

20 CLANN - Arise

21 Seycara Orchestral - If You Were Mine

22 Sophie Straat; Metropole Orkest - Gebroken Spiegels