by Veronica DeFeo | May 1, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
Ever wanted to watch someone in an animal mask play electric guitar with a saw? Look no further! Indie-rock band Stardust Creatures has just released a new video for their single, “Spaced Out”. Stardust Creatures is made up of lead vocalist/guitarist Colin Coogan, George Sarpola on drums, Colin O’Rourke on bass, Kristen Mita providing backing vocals, synths, bells, and Adam Marks bringing keys and vocals to the mix. The Brooklyn-based five-piece’s new video brings quirky and honest visuals to the viewer. Balancing ethereal and realistic scenes, “Spaced Out” is one-of-a-kind.
Says Colin Coogan of the new song: “I’m a distracted, fidgety person. I zone in and out, I have a hard time sitting still for long periods of time, and I lose things pretty often. As people like me grow older, we quickly discover the need to work out survival strategies- you can’t make excuses forever. You get better as you work at it, but sometimes it feels like you’re just treading water, and you end up learning a lot of lessons the hard way. There’s always a tension between the desire to be unapologetically yourself and the need to make compromises to get by. I still haven’t fully figured it out. Writing music is part of how I process things, so a lot of those frustrations ended up inspiring this song.”
Stay connected with Stardust Creatures:
Website // Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // SoundCloud
by ImperfectFifth | May 1, 2018 | soundtrack
Brooklyn-based indie funk/rock act Cosmonaut Radio – consisting of Austin Deyo (drums, back up vocals), Russell Castiglione (lead guitar, back up vocals), and Freddy Millan Jr (lead vocals) –
Austin:
Peg-Steely Dan – Could’ve chosen any of their songs honestly. And although we don’t sound like them (I don’t think anyone ever will), the way they wrote music, and found success with strange vocal melodies and crazy jazz chords is inspiring.
The Chicken-Jaco Pastorius – Arguably the best ever, this song paved the way for fusion music and bands like Snarky Puppy. It’s so catchy and the band is so top notch.
Thing of Gold-Snarky Puppy – Some of the best music I’ve ever heard, and the Moog solo will change your life.
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings-100 Days, 100 Nights – Brooklyn based, funk revival, powerful vocals, groovy horns. It’s the best of like 5 different kind of musical genres combined. They’re one of the biggest reasons that funk and funk based music is popular again.
And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going-Jennifer Holliday – Jennifer hudson’s version is also impressive. This song is so epic. Musically, it’s interesting, and complex, vocally, it’s out of this world.
Love On The Rocks-Sara Bareilles – I love everything Sara Bareilles does.
Miss You-The Rolling Stones – This is one of my favorite songs, and we used to cover it. I put it on this list because it also symbolizes the end of “The Cosmonauts” and the beginning of Cosmonaut Radio. Although rock, and more specifically, blues, will always influence our music, this new record is an evolution and graduation to the next level for us. And I know you can’t graduate from the stones, but this song specifically signifies the next chapter for me and and for the band.
Another Kind of Green-John Mayer Trio – Steve Jordan, Pino Palladino, and John Mayer. Come on. The pocket is as solid as solid gets. And everything else about this song is fantastic.
Freddy:
1. “Daylight” by Failure
“Daylight” is a weird but great song to jam out to while pondering life and the universe, and it serves as the final song (and bookend) to my favorite album of all time.
2. “Dance, Dance” by Fall Out Boy
The song that originally made me want to join a rock band, the appeal of “Dance, Dance” is right there in the title, with an energy and style that always makes me want to get up and move.
3. “Ogre Battle” by Queen
One of the best songs by one of the best bands of all time, “Ogre Battle” is a microcosm of everything that made Queen great: experimental yet catchy songwriting, intensity and energy bred from tight and layered musicianship, and the inimitable vocal stylings of Freddie Mercury.
4. “Emotions” by Mariah Carey
What else can be said about Mariah Carey? Her insane range and riffing abilities were big inspirations to me as a vocalist growing up, and this song is a showcase of those talents at their peak.
5. “Greedy” by Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande is one of very few A-list pop artists right now who I think is bringing anything interesting to the table, and this song combines her pop, R&B, and theater sensibilities, powerhouse voice, and knack for insanely catchy hooks and key changes into something that’s arguably better than any radio single she’s ever released.
6. “Run Away With Me” by Carly Rae Jepsen
Carly Rae Jepsen is what I wish more radio-friendly pop sounded like, and “Run Away With Me” perfectly tinges her overt sentimentality with slightly more melancholic tones to produce a song that’s somehow both romantically fleeting and timelessly grounded.
7. “Dorothy Dandridge Eyes” by Janelle Monae
As far as I’m concerned, Janelle Monae is almost single-handedly carrying on the musical legacies of Prince and David Bowie in the mainstream, and she’s doing justice to both of them. I debated between a lot of songs to put here, but few songs demonstrate Monae’s effortless cool and subtle sensuality as well as this one.
8. “Starship Trooper” by Yes
Yes is one of my favorite bands to put on and just chill out to, and “Starship Trooper” puts their unusually long song runtimes to good use by constantly changing while remaining consistently catchy and engaging from start to finish.
9. “Glory Box” by Portishead
I love Portishead because they are a seemingly very sad band with certain songs that speak to an inner torment that I never knew I had, but I decided to go with the vaguely more upbeat closer to their stellar first album.
10. “Fortress” by Queens of the Stone Age
I’ve always liked Queens of the Stone Age, but I was not expecting to love their newest album as much as I did, and this song about vulnerability and getting back up when life knocks you down is definitely one of its many highlights.
Russell:
1. People Get Up and Drive Your Funky Soul – James Brown
This song has definitely influenced me as a funk guitar player. It was one of the first James Brown songs that I fell in love with instantly.
2. What A Fool Believes – Doobie Brothers
I love this song because Michael McDonald has a hauntingly amazing voice, the harmonies are killer, the key change into the chorus is a lovely change, and the song itself is so happy! I could have the worst day, listen to this song, and instantly feel better.
3. Reckoner – Radiohead
This is my favorite song from Radiohead at the moment (it changes). Thom Yorke is a huge inspiration for me because of his high falsetto range and the melodies he chooses over the band’s interesting chord progressions.
4. Skate U – Snarky Puppy
This song has an incredible build up with great breakdowns and solos, one of the best by this band in my opinion.
5. No Quarter – Led Zeppelin
This is my favorite band of all time so I had to include this. This song in particular captures the expertise of each member so well and is just really a beautiful/powerful song.
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Keep up with the band here.
by Abby Trapp | Apr 30, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
RF Shannon just released their latest single “Tooth Ache”, which is off of their latest album, Trickster Blues, due out May 5th. “Tooth Ache” pays tribute to all things alternative-indie, but also throws in a western vibe. The intro gives us that western sound with an acoustic guitar, slow drums, and sounds of a classic piano. “I take it slow right in the back road,” hums the band.
Aside from the amazing instrumentals, the vocals are haunting and will capture you. My favorite thing about “Tooth Ache,” is its ability to put a new twist on a classic rock sound. Shane Renfro, of the band says, “I tend to feel like all is right in the world when I’m slowly driving down old country roads with the windows down, so this song is kind of an ode to that vibe. I wanted to write a good backroad song.” A vibe we have all felt, RF Shannon encompasses the feeling on “Tooth Ache.”
Keep up with RF Shannon here.
by Abby Trapp | Apr 25, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
LGBTQA rockers Carry Illinois announce their new EP Work In Progress which will release May 25th. The band will hit the ground running with show release on May 25th in Austin, TX. In the meantime, the indie-pop rockers have released their latest single off of Work In Progress “Runaway.” “Runaway” dives into the synth-pop world of alternative indie with its electronic sounds. The lyrics tell of an uphill battle between anxiety, body image, and internal struggles. “When did you first begin to hate your body and your heart? I was six or I was seven…wasn’t I too young to feel that way?” proclaims the track. Diving into the chorus, Carry Illinois talks about the one thing that is familiar to them: “I know, I know how to runaway– I know, I know it’s not good to runaway.”
“Runaway” shows off a raw and open emotional narrative with no shame. Inspiration for many of Carry Illinois’ songs comes from the loss of a close bandmate, John Winsor. Frontwoman Lizzy Lehman explains this saying, “After John committed suicide in March of 2016, I decided that I no longer needed to shy away from the real struggles that I face. I decided that writing about it, singing about it, and performing with utmost strength and courage is what I need to do.” The cathartic writing that Lizzy touches on is present on “Runaway” and the latest Work In Progress.
Work In Progress is out May 25th. Keep up with Carry Illinois here.
by Veronica DeFeo | Apr 13, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Seattle based duo Prize the Wild have just released their debut track, “Go Nowhere”. Prize the Wild is made up of Ben Litwin and Eli Mueller, who met in Boulder, Colorado in 2014 and are now based in Seattle. The pair brings an organic element to electro pop, bringing in trumpet and a lively beat to a sprawling soundscape that is both diverse and concise. “Go Nowhere” is only a first taste of what Prize the Wild can do; their debut EP is coming soon, and looks to follow the same authenticity that “Go Nowhere” possesses.
In a world of increasingly mixed-genre music and interconnected sounds, Prize the Wild has clearly found their niche. Appealing to a variety of listeners, “Go Nowhere” includes both indie-rock aspects and a tinge of electronica. Whatever side of electro-rock-pop you’re looking for, Prize the Wild has got you covered. Their song may be called “Go Nowhere”, but Prize the Wild is certainly going somewhere, and we can’t wait to see where their musical journey takes them.
Keep an eye out for Prize the Wild’s debut EP, out May 1. Stay connected with the band here:
Website – Twitter – Instagram – Soundcloud – Facebook
by Meredith Schneider | Apr 13, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
Self-proclaimed indie “space” rock duo Neverthere – comprised of Andrew Sclafani and Robert Ragosta – is hitting the ground running with the cinematic new music video for their single “Labs”. While raspy vocals encase the listener in this rich, indulgent sound, the video takes you through what looks to be a couple’s pretty insane romantic journey. What pulled the man in? What happened during the course of it all? What are they fighting about? And why did he just wake up on a beach alone?
Figure it all out during the course of the 3:36 video right now!
EP1 is out now. Keep up with Neverthere here. (If they’re ever there. HA!)
by Abby Trapp | Apr 10, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Alt-indie newcomers, FEVA, just release their latest single. “Makin’ Waves” is a debut off of the English based band self-titled album FEVA. The song is sure to be an indie-rock classic with focus on guitar, drums and vocals, while maintaining an upbeat feeling. “Don’t feel like you gotta settle down—baby lovin’ ain’t for us all.” “Makin’ Waves” encompasses an important message in the song for people of all ages. The line I specifically mentioned: “Don’t feel like you gotta settle down,” is especially crucial. In today’s world of have a stable career, education, and S.O. (significant other), by the time that you’re thirty is not only stressful—it’s daunting. “Makin’ Waves” really came around full circle for me, making me realize that you have to go out there into the world and make waves…literally. Settling down isn’t an option, so don’t make it one. FEVA sure didn’t.
Keep up with FEVA here.
by Meredith Schneider | Apr 4, 2018 | 5 to 7
As he revs up to release his new track “Passenger’s Side” this Friday, Ontario-based folk rock talent John Muirhead seems to be absolutely glowing with excitement. His music – which has an almost Broadway musical feel to it with the way he emphasizes every syllable and makes sure his audience is crystal clear on his meaning – is absolutely captivating, the new track setting the tone for what’s to come later this year. Check out our quick hit interview below, and be sure to peep the new song on Friday!
Your new single “Passenger’s Side” is amazing. How has your music evolved since releasing your first EP Yesterday’s Smile?
Thanks so much!
I’m still very proud of Yesterday’s Smile, but with it being my first EP, the whole record was a learning process. I learned a lot about how to be comfortable in the studio and how to create interesting arrangements that serve the song. The songs themselves were written between the ages of 16 and 19, so looking back as a more mature songwriter there are definitely some things that I would change if I were to do it all over again.
With “Passenger’s Side” and the rest of Foundational (The new EP, released in June 2018) I’ve taken the experience from Yesterday’s Smile and applied it. I feel that my voice has matured, my confidence has grown, and the songs are more representative of myself.
What message would you like your fans to get from “Passenger’s Side”? (Out April 6th)
The song is about defying the feeling that maybe our best days are behind us, and the appeal and romanticism of leaving it all behind. With this song I hope that listeners know that they’re not alone in that feeling.
I also hope the song can be the soundtrack to late night drives and lazy Sunday mornings.
How have you grown as an artist since you first began making music?
I think I’m just more sure of myself as a musician. I’ve sharpened up my guitar playing, singing, and performance through the constant repetition of touring and playing live, and my songwriting is getting closer and closer to the level I want it to be. My artistic vision is much clearer now, and I know what I want to accomplish in music.
What is your favorite thing about making music?
My favourite moment in the process of making music is seeing and hearing people sing along to songs that I wrote. I make music in hopes that my songs can effect others the way my favourite songs have effected me, and seeing people sing along is a reminder that maybe I’m on the right track.
In a much broader sense, my favourite thing about music is the fact that it’s a universal language. Regardless of language or culture we can all connect to music, and it plays such an integral role in all of our lives. I’ve made so many meaningful connections to people through music that I may not have had if I didn’t play, and I think that’s amazing.
What inspired you to begin making music?
Like a lot of musicians my age, Guitar Hero actually played a big role in inspiring me to pick up a real guitar. It introduced me to so much great music and it felt really cool to hold a guitar in my hands. When I picked up a real guitar it felt amazing to actually play the songs from the game and from there it didn’t take long to start writing.
What musicians would you say inspire you as an artist?
There are too many! I would have to say Frank Turner would be one of my biggest influences, he bridged the gap between my indie/punk rock upbringing and my current appreciation for folk music. Seeing the intensity of his work ethic and reading about his crazy tour stories really made me want to push myself to the limit as a musician. Recently I’ve been really inspired by Brian Fallon, Jason Isbell, Phoebe Bridgers, and a whole bunch more.
Following the release of your new EP this spring will there be a tour in the future?
Yes! I will be heading out to Eastern Canada in June, touring as part of VIA Rail’s Artist on Board program. I’ll be announcing all of the dates shortly, make sure to follow me on social media to stay up to date!
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Keep up with John Muirhead here.
by Meredith Schneider | Apr 4, 2018 | 5 to 7
On March 16th, The Jacks came strolling into our lives like old, familiar friends on the street. We were set to meet them at 6th and San Jacinto in downtown Austin, right outside of San Jac Saloon. We knew we were looking for four musicians – Johnny Stanback, Thomas Hunter, Scott Stone, and Josh Roossin make up this collaborative indie quartet – but we didn’t realize just HOW rock n’ roll the experience would be.
For example, Scott made it to the corner several minutes before the rest of them came meandering up, but every single one of them was donning dark wash jeans and black shirts, often layered with a black jacket. But let me put this into context for you: It was 88 degrees outside.
But that’s just how these guys handle it. They deal with the heat. They’re comfortable in tight spaces together, and they’re excited about expanding their reach and their audience, bringing their music to the masses. So let me leave you with a sweet little ditty by them, and the transcription of our time together in interview form!
Introduce yourselves please. Tell me your name and what you do with the band.
Johnny: We’re The Jack’s. I’m Johnny, and I sing and play guitar, rhythm.
Tom: I’m Tom Hunter and I play lead guitar.
Josh: I’m Josh and I play drums.
Scott: I’m Scott Stone and I play lead bass guitar.
And mother. We hear you’re mother of the band.
Scott: Yes, Momager.
I guess that is because of the fact that he was on time and we were already late.
He’s like ‘hey it’s me – the band’. So guys, how’s South By been for you? Is it your first South By?
Yeah. We got in Monday night… So we’ve been here for three full days now, three and a half. We’re headed off to Dallas tonight… Very excited. That will be a great crowd. We played two [shows] at South By and we’re playing one in Dallas, then heading back.
Awesome. That’s good – pace it a little bit. What have you guys seen here that you liked?
Lots of awesome fans. Lots of great food too. We just had breakfast at Moonshine and it was unreal. You learn not to use Yelp, you ask people. All our local Austin friends gave us good food suggestions.
What was your favorite aspect of South by Southwest as a band?
Both shows we played were really awesome, we had a great time. Obviously, it’s just hanging out, we have a lot of friends here performing, bands that we’ve played with before. It’s so good to see them and see how well they do and spend time. It’s just an amazing environment – it’s all artists and a great time. It’s like adult summer camp!
I like that! That metaphor makes sense! What’s coming up next that you want to tell people about?
Our next show is March 27th at the Peppermint Club in L.A. We’re excited about that one. Then we booked a Pacific Northwest tour for the end of May we’re really excited about. What else… We play Brick and Mortar in San Francisco on the 23rd of May… All the way up to Portland and Seattle so far. That’s what we have in store for the next month or two. And obviously a bunch of great new music hopefully coming.
It’s not up to us anymore, but we get to release it, hopefully in October… We recorded a new single, got a new music video for that.. Hopefully tour on that in the fall.
Fingers crossed it all pans out! Alright, you guys have really committed to the dark jeans, the boots, how are you faring today, although the weather has changed slightly and it’s at least breezy?
We took them off…the day was a little long…yeah…
Here’s a question I have – aesthetically, you guys tend to go toward the black and the jeans, how’s that going to happen when you’re in Florida? (laughter)
We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it .. We haven’t had that issue…Maybe Mexico? The Jack’s booty shorts… Make that our summer line.
How do you guys calm down or pump up before a show? Do you get nervous or do you have to rev yourself up?
It depends on the show. Like the Troubadour, the one we did that sold out – that was obviously a big one for us. It’s just kind of like we’re just so comfortable with each other, we’ve grown up together and we’re all best friends. When you get on stage, you kind of just into that element, you don’t really think about those things I guess.
We usually have one or two beers before a show, but that’s about it. OK. Eighteen. Maybe eight hundred.
That’s fair. Favorites?
Coors Light… Coors Light… Coors Light (laughter) That’s Southern California.
We have a fancy palate. Actually, there’s this new beer coming out called Tower Park that they just opened in Anaheim, California. Really, really good.
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Keep up with The Jacks at thejacksbandla.com, on Facebook, and Instagram.
