Brooklyn-based noise rock band Russian Baths will be releasing their debut EP, Penance, on February 23, having recently signed with Good Eye Records. Russian Bath is comprised of Luke Koz (guitar, vox), Jess Rees (guitar, keys, vox) and joined by Evan Gill Smith (bass) and Jeff Widner (drums). They have already dropped their first single, “Slenderman”, and have just released their brand new single “What’s Your Basement”, both of which will appear on Penance.
“What’s Your Basement” certainly packs a punch into just over two minutes, and will leave you wondering what just hit you. A masterful combination of noise rock/punk with intriguing, at times mellow, vocals provides “What’s Your Basement” with the perfect amount of juxtaposing sounds. With clean drums alongside excellent guitar and bass moments, “What’s Your Basement” makes a statement. While Penance will be their debut EP, Russians Baths has also previously released a split single, “Ambulance / Ghost”. Keep an eye out for Russian Bath’s EP Penance, out February 23.
Chicago’s own Fiona Grey is making a name for herself in the world of music with her signature “dirty pop” sound and fantastic style. She’s just come off a Midwest/European 2017 tour and we expect her to have an even more stellar 2018, which promises us an upcoming EP. Now LA-based, Fiona Grey has been exposing the world to her sensational performative skills in her dramatic shows. Her singles “Money” and “Dirty Dream” provide a taste of what she’s all about. Fiona Grey is her own person, and it shows in every aspect of her artistry.
We couldn’t resist a conversation with this “dirty pop” queen, so we were thrilled to catch up with Fiona about her music, style, and background.
You refer to yourself as a “dirty pop” artist. Was there a point where you decided this was your genre of choice, or how did that come to be?
Genres are so confusing! People used to ask me constantly that genre my music was – I thought calling it pop was too clean of a description, it needed a little grit. So boom – dirty pop! Added bonus it usually confuses people enough they’ll actually check it out.
Did you always want to be involved in music?
It never was a conscious decision to be “involved” in music. It’s been a part of my everyday life since I was a kid – I just never stopped.
As a Midwest based publication, we’re always happy to know a fellow Midwesterner! Did you find it difficult making it into the music industry without coming from NY or LA or the likes?
There are definitely elements about building new connections in a saturated industry like LA that make it harder to break into. However, in some ways it makes it easier to work on your craft and hone your skills before heading out to one of the major music cities. You can be a hometown hero and have that practice and local press before heading out of LA or NYC.
“Dirty Dream” is such a disco-like bop! Where did the inspiration for that track come from?
It started off a heartbreak ballad and when we were in the studio we were messing around with the arrangement and my guitar player Devon (currently on tour with Katy Perry) started playing that funky breakdown part. We just started jamming it into a disco dance song. I love taking songs with strong emotional centers and making them danceable!
Biggest fashion inspiration?
Bowie and Madonna …duhh
How did you decide on your own style/aesthetic, musically?
When I was younger I remember being more conscious of what the audience would think about my music. There’s that childlike want to be liked. The moment I decided to not care about how other people perceived my music and just be true to myself is when my style and aesthetic came to life. It wasn’t really a decision, more of a larger than life version of myself,
What’s the best part about being a musician today?
Opportunities to have success and get exposure without the need of the gatekeepers approval.
L.A. four piece garage rockers Bird Concerns have just released their new single, “The Monster”, Comprised of Marcus Buser on bass, Jake Sucher and Travis Meador’s guitar and Cooper Wolken’s drumming, Bird Concerns also features vocals from all four bandmates. While they have toured the west coast, we are hopeful that Bird Concerns will soon be spreading worldwide. Bird Concerns brings freshness and authenticity to this rocking, yet easy-going track.
“The Monster” concerns everyone’s battles with their inner demons, and how we handle them. With fantastic guitar and drums, Bird Concerns provides not only an instrumentally pleasing experience, but also some great (not to mention comforting) lyrics, like “you are not the monster inside your head”. Because “The Monster” concerns situations that many, if not most people go through, anyone who listens to it will be able to make a connection with the track. By being honest and vulnerable, while making such a subject approachable in a song, Bird Concerns has accomplished no small feat, and we are impressed. We’re looking forward to hearing more raw tracks, stunning vocals, and well-designed instrumentals from Bird Concerns.
When you hear the name Thoreau, you might be thinking of Henry David’s daguerreotype. Well, here to take a completely fresh spin on the name is Denver based Thoreau (irl Harry Myers) just dropped his single,“Like We Used To”, featuring Jeris. Thoreau has seen love from Trap Nation, and was even reposted by The Chainsmokers. An electronic beat paired with emotion-infused vocals makes for a solid song from Thoreau. Thoreau will also be releasing his debut EP later in 2018, which is looking to be quite well received. Teeming with of-the-moment vibes, “Like We Used To” fits right into the modern music scene. With lines like “What if I was being honest/For the first time in a long time”, “Like We Used To” hits the heart and ears in all the right ways. It encapsulates the desire for things to be as they once were in a relationship. One of the most interesting aspects of this song is that even though the subject matter is rather deep, it’s still danceable, and is infused with electronica. We’re looking forward to hearing more from Thoreau throughout 2018 — keep your ears and eyes open for more!
Brand new on the scene, EDM/electronica artist Very Yes has just dropped his debut single, “Collide” via Magic Magic Records. Creating a tantalizing soundscape throughout the track, “Collide” combines a multitude of heavy and gentle beats along with scattered ethereal vocals. Not much is known about the elusive new artist, but it is evident that Very Yes puts a lot of thought into his music, as well as having experience. Somewhat ODESZA-esque, the inter-genre track, “Collide” is the perfect title for the single. The track brings together a blend of the old and the new, providing the perfect song to vibe to. Not too chill, not too rave-like, “Collide” is the epitome of a happy medium song. We’re looking forward to hearing more from Very Yes (and possibly learning more about the mysterious artist).
Who hasn’t wished to be loved back by someone who never will? Be prepared to find yourself in love with “Love Me Back” by J.D. King.
With an extensive knowledge and musically-attuned upbringing, Los Angeles’ J.D. King brings attention to detail into every aspect of his work. Coming February 2, J.D King’s single “Love Me Back” is not one to miss. Not only is “Love Me Back” a wonderful song, but King is also set to drop the accompanying music video, full of retro eye candy, and we’ve got the exclusive premiere.
“Love Me Back” encapsulates the pangs of unrequited love and doing everything possible to win the affections of a significant other. With nostalgic guitar that brings the listener back to the 70’s, King has really made a treat for the ears, with a video to match – the sort of song you instantly want on repeat. With equal parts effortlessness and evident skill, “Love Me Back” is testament to King’s musical expertise.
Says King of the track:
“Love Me Back” was a subconscious ditty I just came up with while waiting in a car. We recorded it live to tape and it sounded pretty great with just 4 tracks. The film represents the fool who looks to others for love and validation while not yet realizing that love truly comes from within. So, myself acting the fool in this case, gets quite a lickin’ from a carefree wildcat goddess for this misunderstanding. I sort of used a Buster Keaton persona for the acting part which I’ve always wanted to try. I hope you enjoy “Love Me Back”!
From the guitar solo to King’s soothing, clear vocals, we’re falling for “Love Me Back”, and we think you will too.
Previously of Victory Records, the four piece hardcore punk band American Standards independently produced, mixed, and released their album, ANTI-MELODY in April of 2017, following a tumultuous time in the lives of the bandmates, losing their founding guitarist to suicide amongst other traumatic events.While much has changed since their founding in 2011, Phoenix, AZ based American Standards have been putting out gritty tracks, always with a drive for authenticity, and ANTI-MELODY is no exception. Currently comprised of Brandon Kellum’s vocals, lead guitarist Corey Skowronski , Steven Mandell on bass, and Mitch Hosier providing drums, American Standards has never been a band to be put in a box. Described as noise/hardcorepunk, mathcore, and/or metal, American Standards makes their own name in the music world.
With explosive vocals and instrumentation to match, ANTI-MELODY not only touches on the band’s personal problems, but also global issues and relevant conversation – all, of course, wrapped up in music.
Coming off of the release of ANTI-MELODY, we had plenty of questions for Americans Standards, so we caught up with American Standards vocalist Brandon Kellum. He decided answer our seven questions about the band in all 90’s references, and we’re here for it.
What’s your favorite snack to eat while making music?
Dunkaroos washed down with an ice cold Fruitopia.
When was the defining moment for you guys to realize, “Wow, music is my life now!”
Somewhere in the 2nd chorus of “What’s Up” by 4 Non Blondes.
Do you come from musical families, or was your interest in music a deviation from “normal” growing up?
The closest thing I had to a musical family was watching Jesse And The Rippers on Full House.
Favorite track on your latest album, ANTI-MELODY?
The hidden track.
With so much accessibility to all kinds of music today, how do you make yourself stand out in the wide world of music?
ANTI-MELODY was birthed from what sounds to be a very emotional time. Do you consider writing/creating or performing music live to be more therapeutic?
It’s a nice distraction and more then anything, a vessel to connect with others. It allows us to start a conversation with people we may not have met otherwise, in a place we likely wouldn’t have gone. So out and create something and revel in the experience it brings you.
Manchester native and former solo artist Johnny Lucas has just released“High Wire” and “Got It Together” with his new band, LUCAS, joined in Nashville by bandmates Seth Endleman, Dave Dombroski, and Chris Amond. Their EP, High Wire, dropping this summer, was produced and partially co-written by Cage the Elephant’s Lincoln Parrish. Known for stellar loop pedal skills that have even caught the attention of Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, Johnny and the rest of LUCAS have their sights set high for this year.
“Got It Together” grabs your attention immediately, with a strong beat and passionate vocals paired with thunderous drums. A rock and roll anthem type of track allows you to feel deeply, “High Wire” cleverly crafts a song around the title that makes the listener feel a surge of adrenaline. Even though it is not quite the same genre, “High Wire” reminds us of Panic! At The Disco’s classic A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out. With the release of “High Wire” and “Got It Together”, we absolutely cannot wait to hear the rest of High Wire and anything else LUCAS has up their sleeves in the future.
Austin, TX rock/pop/r&b/guitar/soul artist Jackie Venson is coming off an an exciting national solo tour for her EP, Transcends, which was released in September of 2017. It was highlighted by shows with Gary Clark Jr. She has also dropped the music video for her song “Mysterious” off of Transcends.
With confidence and phenomenal guitar skills, Jackie brings a mix of genres to the table. After attending Berklee and playing piano for most of her life, Jackie took up guitar in 2011, and has been performing for over five years. She brings authentic, soulful feels to every song, at times with a playful twist. Her latest EP, Transcends, is teeming with talent-filled tracks. Be sure to check out Transcends .
Recently, Venson curated a playlist exclusively for Imperfect Fifth. Check it out – and the inspiration behind it – below!
Folks always ask me ‘what do you listen to Jackie?’ and I can never answer their question. I don’t believe in genres, I believe in great music and I think confining oneself to playing or listening to only one genre is dooming oneself to a life of monotony. Here is my super random playlist of songs I love that I have listened to all throughout my life.
africa – toto
come around – marc broussard
maggot brain – funkadelic
multiply – jamie lidell
soul rebel – bob marley
shade of a shadow – teitur
addicted – amy winehouse
unthinkable – alicia keys
defying gravity – Wicked
young blood – the naked and famous
to zion – lauryn hill
retrograde – james blake
waltz between eva and che – Evita
We wanted to speak with the voice behind this wonderful music, so we caught up with Jackie, who answered a few questions from us about her musical career, fears, and inspirations.
What’s your biggest fear? – Getting pregnant anytime within the next 5 years. It would impede on goals I have for sure which horrifies me because I have worked so hard.
How was your tour with Gary Clark Jr.? – it was really fun, exhilarating, and eye opening. It was cool to see how things work on that level.
Who would you call your favorite biggest musical inspiration? – hmm pretty impossible to narrow it down to 1. It’s a mixture of Stevie Wonder, Lauryn Hill, and Disney.
How much does social media affect your musical journey? – tremendously. It is responsible for about 90% of the opportunities I get as well as the fact that folks even show up to my shows on tour.
Do you prefer to be put in a genre, or make your own type of genre? – I like hybrid genres, I consider myself rock/r&b/soul.
Favorite song on “Transcends”? – gotta be Flying. We were able to capture the groove so well, it feels like how we play it live.
Favorite instrument to play? – definitely the guitar by a long shot. It feels like it’s a part of my body.
