Lovespirals 3-song single, ‘Smile,’ is out NOW on all digital platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Mp3, Tidal, YouTube, Deezer and Bandcamp. In addition to the brand new title track, ‘Smile’ features the moody song “Why Not Today,” that was previously only available on Bandcamp. All three songs continue the band’s tradition of working new influences into their signature dream pop sound. While a much lighter offering that 2018’s Life Goes On, there’s still a good deal of melancholy amidst the deceptively light, retro-esque, jazz and blues inflected indie pop tunes. Cover art by Tom Pathe, longtime friend of bandleader, Ryan Lum, and photographer for the 1992 debut album, Idylls.
Tag Archives: Lovespirals
Tim, where are you now? CD & Digital Album
Projekt Records founder, Sam Rosenthal of Black Tape for a Blue Girl, just released a new album to commemorate what would have been Timothy Leary’s 100th birthday. Entitled Tim, where are you now?, this collaborative album features many special guests, including Lovespirals, Steve Roach, Erik Wøllo, Mike VanPortfleet of Lycia, Brian Viglione of The Dresden Dolls, Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth, Reggie Watts, and more. Be sure to check out “Starseed,” featuring classic ambient guitar leads from LSD band founder, Ryan Lum, as well as “PSY PHI love means High Fidelity” featuring both Ryan and Anji Lum alongside Byron Metcalf, Martin Bowes, and Rosenthal. Seems fitting to be part of an album dedicated to “the guru of LSD” created by the owner of the label that gave Love Spirals Downwards it’s start!
The CD is currently in preorder on Bandcamp, where you can alternatively purchase a digital download on the “Name Your Price” deal (meaning you can pay $0 if you want…), and it’s also available to stream on all digital platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube.
“Life Goes On” Out on CD & Digital
After 6 years of hard work – and having experienced some of the most life changing years of my life – Lovespirals‘ 5th album is finally out. This one is dedicated to the fans of my earlier work from the Projekt Records years; you won’t be disappointed. Buy/stream/listen on all your favorite sites or buy it directly from us on our Bandcamp store. Limited edition 4-panel eco-wallet CDs with a matching pin are still available at the time of writing. You can also check out ‘Life Goes On’ via Pandora and give a thumbs up to your fave tracks!
“Stunning… Gorgeous… Some of Ryan Lum’s best work as a songwriter and musician.. Haunting and ethereal. Absolutely Anji Bee’s most nuanced vocals… beautiful and sultry.” — Matt Rowe, MusicTAP
Preview of Lovespirals’ New Album on MusicTap
MusicTap made a little write up about our very soon to be released album, Life Goes On.
Since 1992, the genesis of the current Lovespirals began a recording career as Love Spirals Downwards (Ryan Lum and Suzanne Perry) with four exquisite recordings (Idylls – 1992, Ardor – 1994, Ever – 1996, Flux – 1998), all on Projekt Records. After a short hiatus, the band regathered with a new vocalist by the name of Anji Bee, and released four additional excellent sets (Windblown Kiss – 2002, Free & Easy – 2005, Long Way From Home – 2007, Future Past – 2010) as Lovespirals. After a long, long break from recording as a duo (Anji Bee released a solo album, Love Me Leave Me, back in 2013), the Lovespirals iteration will deliver their fifth album, Life Goes On, with a collection of ten new songs written by the pair. Having been a fan from the beginning, I’m excited for this new collection of music from Ryan and Anji.
— Matt Rowe
Head over to MusicTap to read the full article.
New Single & Music Video
Part Dream Pop, part Americana, the new single from Lovespirals is considerably more upbeat than it’s predecessor, “Brother Against Brother.” Bandleader, Ryan Lum, juxtaposes driving blues riffs and dreamy shoegazer guitar, finding a delicious balance between his earlier Love Spirals Downwards work and more recent Lovespirals work. His wife Anji’s vocals exude a confidence born from years of familiarity with the material, with a lovely harmony of her natural earthy tone and haunting upper register.
“Heartstrings” is a high point in the tracklisting for Lovespirals’ upcoming 5th album and a celebration of the duo’s creative connection. The music video, created by the band themselves, is a beautiful representation of the song, shot during the height of California’s wildflower season. With 3 years experience shooting, editing and producing videos for their YouTube channel, Happy Healthy Vegan, this artistic couple have created what is surely their best and most professional looking music video to date.
Buy the new single & music video on Lovespirals’ Bandcamp to help fund the band’s upcoming 5th album
New Single & Music Video
The first new single from Lovespirals since their 2010 album Future Past marks a return to form for band founder Ryan Lum. Lum burst onto the American dream pop scene in 1991 as Love Spirals Downwards on the Projekt label, quickly establishing himself as one of the best ethereal producers and guitarists in the genre. “Brother Against Brother” is a swirling, ambient, folk-tinged dream pop track featuring heavily effected ethereal guitar and female vocals by bandmate Anji Bee. You can grab the digital single from Bandcamp or watch the official music video on YouTube.
Buy the 2-song single at http://lovespirals.bandcamp.com
Ryan’s DJ Set at Club Violaine
Another fun night at Club Violaine. This time it was a Saint Marie Records night to launch a new release by local band, Broaddaylight. Ryan was one of several DJs that night, along with James of Broaddaylight and Mo of The Flir, plus house DJs Doomie and JuaNN. Local bands Sway, The Bixby Knolls, and Ancient Arms also performed.
Check out a few pix from the event:
Ryan’s DJ mix included an unreleased brand new Lovespirals song plus an unreleased Closedown song Ryan produced in the mid-90’s Check it all out on MixCloud:
Projekt Holiday Comp Features New Lovespirals
Check out the brand new Lovespirals recording of an original holiday song by Lovespirals vocalist/lyricist, Anji Bee, for the Projekt Records holiday music compilation, ‘Ornamental‘ — available on double CD or digital download. Love Spirals Downwards band founder, Ryan Lum, returns to his vintage Projekt-era roots with melancholic dream pop guitars and lovely female vocal harmonies. Stream it or download it from Bandcamp or check out the official upload on YouTube.
“Little Drummer Boy” Single Now Available
It’s been a dozen years since Love Spirals Downwards founder, Ryan Lum, created this ambient drum & bass rendition of the classic Christmas song, “The Little Drummer Boy,” but at long last, it is finally available for sale! Originally conceived and recorded in 1999 for the Projekt Records holiday music series, Excelsis, this recording has never been properly released. This was the last song that Suzanne Perry contributed vocals to, and it’s sound is very reminiscent of the band’s final album, ‘Flux.’ Like the 1999 Lovespirals song, “Beatitude,” it features jazzy Rhodes piano by guest musician, Gabriel D. Vine, of Monkey Bars.
Over the past decade, 2 versions of this cover song have been floating around the Internet under different titles; there’s the polished aforementioned vocal version, as well as an earlier demo mix which features vinyl vocal samples from a classic old-school Christmas record. This demo mix is stripped down, with more emphasis on Ryan’s funky live bassline, and less use of synth pads. Both versions are quite catchy and a fun addition to anyone’s holiday music library. Pick up the 2 track single for just $2 in the high quality digital audio format of your choice from the newly launched Lovespirals Bandcamp Store.
Special Thanks to our friend, Susan Jennings, for her 1998 band photograph used as the cover art!
Gothic Beauty Reviews Future Past
To our great surprise, Gothic Beauty included a review of Lovespirals’ 2010 album, Future Past, in the latest issue of their 80 page glossy color magazine. Gothic Beauty Issue 33 is available now at Barnes & Noble, Borders, Hastings, Chapters, Walden Books, Book World, Sheltam Books and Copperfield’s Books – or directly via gothicbeauty.com. Reviewer Michael writes, in part:
“This album is designed for chill atmospheres. It reminds me of late nights at the bar and a jukebox loaded with good music. The song “Rain” is not to be missed — I’ve fallen in love with the song and want to have the song’s babies.”
