by Jai'Tyria Hatton | Feb 7, 2018 | 5 to 7
Ships Have Sailed is an alternative pop-rock duo hailing from Los Angeles. Today, they released a new single titled “Let’s Just Dance”. Ships Have Sailed also plans on working on more music as 2018, so this is their year for creativity, a fact we found out when we got a chance to speak with them briefly. So check out the new track below, and read on for a little Q&A fun!
After releasing your new single “Let’s Just Dance” what are your next plans music-wise?
2018 is going to be a year of creativity! We’ve spent the last couple years pretty much out on the road, and so this year we’re going to be writing a lot and working in the studio…while we don’t have specific plans on whether that will result in an EP, an Album or more Singles, we do know we’re ready to make some more music.
How has your music evolved since your first EP Someday?
Well I think everything is an evolution, that’s just how life, experiences and time work together, so definitely our music has seen evolution. I would say we’ve become more attuned to our sound and creativity, and definitely my production chops get better and better every year, so while ‘Someday’ is near and dear to my heart, I would say it’s a little rough around the edges…which is great – it gives it its own character, but these days I’m much better at accomplishing exactly what I want sound-wise. With that said, I don’t like to hold us back creatively, so definitely we’re excited to continue to evolve as we continue to create!
Your new single “Let’s Just Dance” digs a little deeper when it comes to exploring human emotions. What do you think causes people to act upon their emotions rather than instincts?
That’s an interesting question…honestly I don’t think emotions and instincts are entirely separate from each other…just kinda different flavors of the same inner mechanism. But as far as leaning towards emotions or instincts, I think emotions often take the reigns because you can actually feel them, whereas instincts can be a bit more subtle, so you really have to pay attention to them.
Why do you think often times as humans we want more than what we already have?
This is something I ponder almost constantly! The honest truth is that I couldn’t dream of knowing the answer to why, but I often wonder if it started out as kind of a survival mechanism back in the very early stages of humanity. Think about it…we were not the top of the food chain, we didn’t have fire, tools, art, language, and over the course of time we developed all of those things…why? I think the progression of civilization (both the good and bad aspects) and technology can stem back to this gut feeling of wanting something ‘better’ …call it motivation or curiosity…regardless of whether this is really how or why this feeling originated, it’s a pretty fascinating topic to think about!
What was the influence behind “Let’s Just Dance” and what inspired it?
Well the idea itself just popped into my head at 2am one night and wouldn’t leave me alone until I sketched it out…it was just the main part of the chorus that kept repeating itself and wouldn’t quit, so I sketched it out really quick so I could get some peace and went to bed. The next day, I listened back and thought it was really good…but I didn’t want it just to be a shallow vapid love song, so I thought I would tie in the “Let’s just dance all night” theme into this fascinating topic of always wanting more that you asked about in your previous question. Through several collaborations including with co-writer Robert Gillies, co-producer Wally Gagel and the extremely talented team (Talkboy TV) who helped create the music video, these themes really developed themselves thoroughly, and the music morphed from something that started out to be a very circular, repetitive idea, to something that goes to all sorts of different places, sometimes unexpectedly…it was really amazing to watch it all come together!
How is “Let’s Just Dance” different from previous songs that you have released?
So, every song is different, but specifically I wanted this one to maintain the indie pop vibe that we’ve become known for, but to add a little edginess and also a bit of a classic vibe as well. People have compared the production to Walk the Moon (who I love, so that’s a huge compliment) but if you listen, you’ll hear a lot of classic influences in there as well…they’re just nicely blended, so I feel like there’s a little more depth to this track than some of our other singles.
What message do you hope people get from “Let’s Just Dance”?
Live your life…be happy, don’t be afraid to stay up a little too late, or have that extra glass of wine. Laugh with the people you love and enjoy every moment…I feel like we’re all distracted by the past and the future, regrets and anxiety and we generally don’t spend enough time in the present. It’s definitely something I personally try to do a little better at each day, month, year…and so, yeah, I think that’s the message behind this one. We’re human, imperfect, and beautiful…we were made to enjoy life moment by moment.
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Keep up with Ships Have Sailed here.
by Veronica DeFeo | Feb 6, 2018 | 5 to 7
Former opera singer and Northern Irelander Claire McKeown is joined by Claire Boutelle, Aimee Jacobs, Danielle Mandell, Dayna Richards, Jacquelyn Sky, and Cynthia Zitter to create a unique chamber pop choir dubbed Honey Child — and you’ve never heard anything like it. With a backstory that is full-on movie material, L.A.- based Honey Child was birthed from tumult and talent. This ensemble is a one-of-a-kind musical experience, and one you’ll want to keep up with. Their self-titled debut album will be out February 9th, and we can’t wait.
We were excited to speak with Claire McKeown, the founder of Honey Child about her background, current projects, and creativity.
Honey Child is a much different project compared to your opera/classical background — what made you take a different musical path?
I was about ten years deep into my training as a Wagnerian Soprano and performing scenes from Tannhäuser, Lohengrin, and Die Walküre at The Orange County Performing Arts Center. There was a Q and A after the performance and I got to talk to my audience. They clearly loved me and were excited about my voice but it hit me hard that these are not the people that I want to spend my life pleasing. I wanted an audience of freaks like me! I wanted my peers.
I fell into a dark spot after turning my back on my Operatic dreams. I started partying way too much and had a complete nervous breakdown including a brief conversation with the devil. I had never written music before that and I haven’t stopped since.
What was the inspiration for the fun and eclectic “Gotta Wait Another Night” music video?
It’s the classic tale of a night and day in the life of a baroque goddess who takes her nun to the beach.
Sprung from the brilliant mind of the Director Dawn Carol Garcia (Kaputt by Destroyer, Mercy by TV on The Radio) and produced by Cheeky Films. I think the original concept was to mix the worlds of ‘A Clockwork Orange’ and ‘Sarah McLachlan’. We loved the idea of a performer that dressed up even more in real life than their stage life. The main characters are based on alter egos of mine from past music projects. I have played a nun (Suor Angelica, Dialogue of the Carmelites) on the opera stage and the powdered wig look is from my last band, Dirt Bird.
When casting the role of the Nun I had my hottest friend in mind for the cigarette smoking nun role. Dawn thought that was too predictable and suggested to go left field and cast a man. My friend Daniel Leland Crook (Crook) popped instantly into mind. I knew he could play this part with elegance and just enough of the madcap we wanted.
The video ends at El Matador Beach and yes plenty of “You Maniacs, You blew it up” (from The Planet of The Apes) were recited while there. We picked this place because it is usually filled with surfers and were hoping to ask one to swim on the board to break up a struggle between me and my nun in the ocean. It would have been hilarious but there was not one Surfer there that day. Instead we were gifted with this beautiful couple taking wedding pictures on a rock that allowed for the gloriously ridiculous moment in the video that I think would have made Fellini proud.
What’s been the most exciting part of forming Honey Child?
I love making videos, I love writing and arranging songs, I love performing, and I love recording but the true excitement of Honey Child is during our practices. Every Sunday night I make dinner for the 7 of us and we all gather around to eat, talk, and sing. It is the highlight of my current life and such a treasured time.
How do you bring elements of your Irish background to this project
I think that finds its way in through the collective unconscious pumping in my blood of my ancestors. I also have a soft spot of sweeping melodies and songs that tug at your heart like ones in Only Our Rivers Run Free, The Fields of Athenry, and As she moves through the fair. My voice is very Irish, too. We are blessed with clear voices and I am told that you can hear my dormant Irish Accent best when I sing.
Favorite part of being in an all-female group?
I get to make music with 6 of the best musicians I know and create a sound that constantly moves us all to tears.
Everyone is so kind, thoughtful, helpful, and respectful. I hope that Honey Child is creating this positive environment but I am pretty sure I also just lucked out and attracted good humans. I’ll never understand why women are portrayed as caddy in pop culture because I have worked with men and women and it is always the women who are the most integral and free of drama.
Honey Child, as a band name, has Southern/Americana vibes to it. Was this intentional, or is there a story behind the name?
I used to have a choir director back in Middle School that would always call me Honey Child …but not in a good way. I think I may have given her a hard time because she was always pissed off at me. One day she and I were alone in the choir room and she started laughing and said “I can’t wait for you to go to High School because you’re going to be a nobody”.
A normal person would have let this crush them but I took it as such a complement. She thought I was a somebody!! At least at that moment. So a couple of years ago when I was thinking of starting a choir project it made complete sense to call it Honey Child.
Who do you hope to inspire through your music?
Anyone who thinks they are a nobody.
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Keep up with Honey Child below!
Official Site \ Facebook | Bandcamp / YouTube
Spotify | Apple Music | Twitter
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | Feb 6, 2018 | 5 to 7
After releasing his debut EP Swimming in Circles in June 2017, founder and vocalist Ryan Parmenter enlisted the help of David Lee (guitar), Abraham Kim (drums) and Brian Blake (bass) to create Former Faces, an incredible indie rock quartet based out of Silver Lake. We’re expecting them to take the world by storm – as if they aren’t already well on their way – with the release of their first full length album Foreign Nature this spring. Learn more about Former Faces in our exclusive, quick interview below!
Your debut album Foreign Nature will be coming out soon. What was the creative process like when it came to developing the album?
Typically, Ryan would bring a sketch to Brian who would help to focus and arrange it. Then the idea would be presented to Abe and David whose musicianship would transform it into a song. Some of the tunes came together quickly and organically, others were reshaped several times. Completing the album was a journey and we learned a lot about the value of collaboration, persistence, and patience along the way.
What was the inspiration behind your new single “Forc# Fi#lds”?
Inspiration for Forc# Fi#lds began as a desire to reconcile the past and open up to the future. It is a song about letting your guard down and being “wide awake” to new relationships, ideas, and endeavors.
What was the best part about developing your debut album?
Our epic recording adventure in Dear Valley, Utah. We packed two SUVs to the brim with gear, trekked up to the mountains just outside of Park City, and reconstructed Brian’s studio in the living room of a friend’s cabin. We tracked for the better part of 5 days. The view and the vibes were incredible. And no plug-in in the world can match the natural room reverb we captured! We’d been playing together as a four-piece for a few months prior to that trip. When we headed back to L.A., we were a band.
What were some challenges when it came to developing Foreign Nature?
With limitless sonic options at musicians’ and producers’ disposal these days, it can be very difficult to define one’s sound. We set out to create a record that was organic, highlighted musicianship, and was true to our live sound. Accomplishing that while still creating ear candy that sonically competes with our idols’ music was definitely challenging (the record is entirely self-produced, a feat in and of itself!), but we feel like we pulled it off and couldn’t be prouder of the results.
What is a typical day like for you all?
Busy. Musical. Sunny. Busy.
What are your plans after releasing your album? Any tours in the future?
No tours as of now but we will be performing all over L.A. and have our sights set on the festival circuit. Foreign Nature is meant to be performed outdoors for a meandering crowd of nature-loving music fans 🙂
Who would you say are your musical inspirations?
The Sun. The Sea. Clouds and colors. Mountains, Bowie, Mercury, Byrne, Harrison, Martsch, Parker, Tortoise, York, Beck, Granduciel, Air… Former Faces is planning on releasing their debut album Foreign Nature this Spring 2018. In the meantime, check out their new single from Foreign Nature “Forc# Fi#lds”:
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Keep up with Former Faces here.
by Veronica DeFeo | Feb 5, 2018 | 5 to 7
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.
Keep up with Fiona Grey:
Website / Spotify / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
by Veronica DeFeo | Jan 31, 2018 | 5 to 7
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?
Lime green cassette tapes.
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.
Keep up with American Standards and grab a copy of ANTI-MELODY today.
INSTAGRAM – TWITTER – FACEBOOK
by Veronica DeFeo | Jan 30, 2018 | 5 to 7
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.
Keep up with Jackie Venson
INSTAGRAM – FACEBOOK – TWITTER
