KAYAM is no stranger to creating music that defies the usual expectation, and
its most recent release, “Omens,” is a perfect example of what it means to set the bar higher in
terms of one-of-a-kind enthusiasm and innovation. This release happens to be the siblings’
sophomore full-length. The duo, which consists of siblings Kim and Mike Rauss, features a huge
range of creative influences, to the point that they affectionately refer to their wide-ranging
sound as “Falafel Pop,” not only a reference to the fusion of styles that defines their music, but
also a tribute to one of their favorite foods: chickpeas!
From the intimacy of folk to indie-pop, organic sounds, and alternative, the sound of the duo has
a lot to offer in terms of nuances and originality. The diverse sounds that animate the band’s
music are deeply interlinked with the pair’s diverse backgrounds in life. The siblings enjoyed a
multicultural upbringing, as they experienced life in places as diverse as England, Germany,
and Israel. All of these places and their different twists really inspired the band’s music and
ability to continually expand their soundscape in order to portray a vast range of personal
experiences and beyond. If you have the chance to witness a live performance from the duo,
you’ll certainly notice how KAYAM’s music is incredibly layered. Kim, who provides beautiful
vocals, also plays the Celtic Harp. This instrument brings a magical, almost otherworldly vibe to
the duo’s sound. Mike is a versatile performer who plays guitar and sings. In addition, he also
builds intricate fabrics of looped parts, often using his guitar as a percussive instrument and
even beatboxing from time to time!
The album features eleven songs, including the track “Omens” which is the album’s
groundbreaking lead single. KAYAM are always ready to embrace new creative challenges and

take their music to a more personal dimension, allowing their creativity and wide range of
influences to stand out. From the edge of alternative music down to the melodies of alt-pop, Kim
and Mike are always eager to splice up different influences into a cohesive and one-of-a-kind
sound.
KAYAM value the ability to approach music from a very eclectic point of view and a style that
could be described as a fusion of genres. This is exactly what the audience can experience on
the album’s lead single “Omens,” which is a truly amazing achievement from the duo. The song
offers a really interesting and pristine sound with some lush acoustic guitars, gentle harp and
soothing vocals, in the vein of artists such as Sufjan Stevens or Elliott Smith. “Mike’s Trip to the
Desert” has a different vibe, with a psychedelic touch and some dreamy soundscapes that make
the formula all the more haunting and mesmerizing. In addition, “Lately” brings back some of the
more intimate tones and some electronic experimentation to the mix. “Let’s go for a walk” adds
to the variety of the album with some articulate acoustic arpeggios and ambient tones, while
retaining the intimacy that makes the album so special. “11 Days” brings some field recordings
to the mix to add to the organic nature of the mix, offering a more spontaneous flow.
Each tune is an opportunity for the siblings to let their creative side shine and explore new ideas
and a funky / blues touch that makes it stand out. “A Dreamt Up Moment” brings back the lush
acoustic tones with an intricate layering of arpeggios and a truly stunning, cinematic
atmosphere. “Bloom” follows right after, giving the album yet another touch of organic sounds
and a distinctive rhythm using the guitar as a percussive instrument. “Atlas” lets the many vocal
layers through, and the result is a soothing, peaceful and almost spiritual atmosphere that
makes the sound very dream-like and otherworldly, along with the stunning stringed
instruments. “Personal Song,” is energetic and edgy yet extremely nuanced. This song stands
out as a great introduction to the pair’s concept, highlighting the siblings’ ability to consistently
spice things up with innovative sounds. Last but not least, “Kim’s Fairy Memory” is another
beautiful acoustic interlude with melancholic Harp arpeggios and a dreamy atmosphere.
This release is a great new beginning for KAYAM and an exciting chapter that makes this
release so special and one-of-a-kind, a perfect calling card for the artist.
Find out more about KAYAM and listen to “Omens.” This release is going to be available on all
digital music streaming services from February 16th, 2023.
KAYAM’s music is highly recommended to fans of artists such as Blanco White, Nick Mulvey,
Billie Marten, and Rhye. Their sound falls along the same lines, but it adds a distinctive
personality that makes it stand out. “Omens” is a perfect example of this, and it stands out as a
really great introduction to the sound of a duo with a focus on bringing an innovative twist to the
music. KAYAM is eager to let its creative side shine and defy the usual expectations and
constraints that make most artists fall into a comfort zone and into a creative rut. With KAYAM,
you can always expect a fresh, original sound with a unique flair and lots of layers.

Your daily dose of indie goodness! Dive into these epic tracks below!

On March 31st, House of Independents will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Hello Nasty, the Grammy winning platinum album by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Beastie Boys, with a live tribute concert. 

Asbury Park mainstays, Chris Rockwell Collective, will headline what promises to be a raucous evening, featuring loads of special guests and a set list of fan favorites. No strangers to the Beastie Boys catalog, the last time the group paid tribute to the iconic band was at The Stone Pony to a sold out crowd on New Year’s Eve 2018.Special guests for the evening include Kosha Dillz, cast member on MTV’s Wildin’ Out, and Alexander Simone, the grandson of legendary singer Nina Simone. Enlisted to assist on vocals are award winning Hip-Hop artist Nick Nubz, and internationally acclaimed rapper Andre Velazquez.“Beastie Boys are one of the biggest influences on my music, as well as who I am as a person,” says Chris Rockwell, who, like Beastie Boys, is originally from Brooklyn. “They fought for my right to party, and I won’t let them down.”In an effort to drum up local awareness and funds, portions of merchandise and ticket sales of the evening will be donated to Asbury Park African-American Music Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to developing accessible resources that reflect Asbury Park’s African American music heritage for the City of Asbury Park and others to use as a basis for interpretive heritage projects.The roster of talented musicians joining the stage for this momentous night includes Telegraph Hill Records recording artist Alixandria Gagliastro of the band Lake Champagne, plus Andrew Oliva, “BassKidd” Timmy Douglas, James Dalton, Josh Cabrera, and more.Location: House of Independents / Asbury Park, NJDate: March 31stTime: Doors 7pmTickets: $18 in Advance/ $20 at the doorwww.mrchrisrockwell.com for tickets

Alex Whorms crafts music that is essentially a genre unto itself. From her beloved piano, the Hamilton singer, songwriter and screen composer flows freely and flawlessly between styles and sounds, gracefully blending classic singer-songwriter pop, jazz, rock, folk and almost anything else that strikes her fancy — while investing everything with honest tales and authentic emotions drawn from her own life and experiences. 

Alex shares “One Day I’ll Be Gone” in anticipation of her third EP due later this year. This is a song telling you to go for it, whatever “it” is. Not settling, or becoming complacent or too comfortable. It’s about chasing down those special moments and experiences, and truly appreciating them in the moment instead of wasting time “wishing and waiting” for them to happen.    

For nearly two decades, Blair Colwell and Skyler Cafferata have been (mostly) living in Saskatchewan, Canada creating music together. Their latest project, Grimelda (fka The Faps),  has spent the last 10 years dragging itself across the country, blasting chaotically joyful punk rock into the precious ears of any soul within arms reach. 

With unhinged rock songs that blast art-punk to a unique level, Grimelda’s upcoming EP, It’s So Feeling When You Rock” (April 2023), is a collection of tracks that embellishes rock ‘n roll tropes as much as it tears them apart with its bare hands.

Their new single, “Freedom,” goes pedal to the metal with guest vocals from Casper James of the Welsh band TELGATE. “Angry, satirical, and celebratory of authentic people all at once,” Blair explains that “we’re so lucky to have support from such a wide array of communities everywhere we go, and that’s real Freedom…it’s about how crummy attitudes around gender hurts all of us, and our way of trying to show up for people who always show up for us.”

Denim-clad and donning a cap, Miles Evans-Branagh is a musician on the move, a modern-day troubadour. When he is not on the road lending his talents to groups like The Commoners, Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar, he is miles from nowhere. Toting a blend of indie soul and alt-pop into 2023 in ambling adventure, Slow Down, he draws on life’s lessons, losses, and loves. These eight tracks are deeply personal and uniting in their relatability, lyrically travelling from the garden, past the circus, to the museum, to play like Polaroids: glimpses of moments, fragments of a life’s story.

Honest and upfront, Slow Down offers a clear message: it’s not about where you’ve been, where you are, or where you’re going, what matters is who you’re with. The album opener, “A Little Bit,” carries the sentiment of going through life and losing people along the way, but feeling okay because of the people and love that you have here and now.

miles from nowhere. has honed his tune smithing abilities with long-time collaborator Jason Bhattacharya, gathering inspiration from folk to funk. The result is a sound that expresses melodic maturity, precise yet playful. While there is an element of experimentation, one can’t deny the intentionality behind every horn line, harmony, and Hammond pad. The combination makes for an unpredictable, and utterly enthralling listen.