SPECIAL FRIEND (US/FR) | 23.04.24 | Kulturhaus Insel Berlin

SPECIAL FRIEND is a French/American indie-noise-pop duo based in Paris. Formed in 2018 by Erica Ashleson (drums, vocals) and Guillaume Siracusa (guitar, vocals), after having met at a concert in Paris. At the time, Erica was learning to play drums and Guillaume accompanied on guitar and the two friends made their first compositions within just 4 months.

In 2019, they released a self-titled EP recorded in their rehearsal studio in two days, unveiling a singular sound of minimalistic indie-noise-pop, recalling the likes of Yo La Tengo, Duster, and Electrelane. A first album “Ennemi Commun” released in 2021, was positively received, allowing the band to tour and play at the prominent festivals La Route du Rock, La Cathédrale – Binic, and the Paris Pop Fest 2022 edition.

The duo spent most of 2022 composing and recording their next album, “Wait until the flames come rushing in” which was released June 30th 2023 on Skep Wax (UK), Howlin’ Banana Records (FR), and Hidden Bay Records (FR). An honest, rhythmic and mesmerising brand of modern pop, still in line with their unique, spontaneous, minimalistic sound, the band has stretched further allowing more arrangements including keyboards and violin, marked by their signature: harmonising, unobtrusive vocals that blend with the rest of the instruments in a restlessly inventive, exquisitely melodic sound.

www.instagram.com/specialfriendmusic
www.facebook.com/specialfriendband
www.specialfriend.bandcamp.com

WIND MILE is an indie-rock/dream-pop band based in Berlin, Germany. With sounds close to Beach House, The Cure or Wu Lyf, the elegant, gritty yet soft compositions will be your soundtrack when you drift away. The shared melancholy of the five members became the band’s hallmark, crafting a global symphony of emotions.

Composed between Germany and France, between student life and the beginnings beyond, their first EP « where, there » has been released on September 15th via Groover Obsessions, with the ambition to have created a coherent opus in which one can dive again and again. Remotely mixed with Guilherm Frénod (Born Idiot, Niteroy, La Mante) and mastered by Sébastien Lohro (Totorro, Zenzile, Fuzeta), the sound of WIND MILE reached levels that can fully transmit the powerful yet delicate atmosphere created from the compositions.

« WIND MILE delivered glimpses of a remarkable elegant, atmospheric and lyrical songwriting, drawn from the hazy nostalgic and melancholic 80s British New Wave /Indie-Pop » WL//WH

« With their meticulous attention to detail and the harmonious blending of different musical elements, WIND MILE creates a sound that is both powerful and delicate, leaving a lasting impression on the listener. » PFBR

« Sounds like The Sundays if they’d been on Sarah Records. » The Devil Has The Best Tuna

« Sonically it recalls Cocteau Twins and Beach House with a delightful shoegaze gloss. » Right Chord Music

www.instagram.com/wind.mile
www.facebook.com/wind.mile