Echo Bloom’s founder and frontman Kyle Evans creates rigorous, detailed and well-thought out music. With the creation of Echo Bloom, Evans took their freshman album Jamboree and honed specific songs to create Blue, Red, and now, their latest album, Green. Accompanied by vocalist/keyboardist Aviva Jaye, Alex Minier playing bass and Cody Rahn on drums, Evans has created a collection of music that covers a variety of soundscapes and genres. Echo Bloom has been based in a variety of places, recently in New York City, and the multitude of locations mirrors the multitude of sounds they put out. Keep an eye out for Echo Bloom’s Green, out March 9th.
We were able to catch up with Echo Bloom recently — here’s what they had to say:
Echo Bloom is an evocative name. How did it come about?
The Baby Boom generation were folks born post WWII, so ~1946-1964. I heard once the phrase “Echo Boom” talking about the generation of kids that the baby boom generation had. My family always gardened a lot – we had this great big vegetable garden in our backyard – so “Echo Boom” became “Echo Bloom”.
Favorite live show played to date?
Breminale, in Bremen, Germany, in 2016. We performed under this beautiful circus tent, and it was our bass player Alex’s birthday, so we got about 500 folks to sing to him on stage before we started. It was about 400 degrees out and there a ton of lights, so everyone was *covered* in sweat by the time the show was done. But we got two encores, and ended the night at kind of this hub of Bremen called “Heartbreak Hotel” singing and toasting and laughing. It was the 8th or 9th show of a 60 date tour, and set the tone really nicely.
Recording: disciplined and rigorous or laid back jam sesh style?
More on the disciplined and rigorous side. We went into the recording of a record we put out a few years ago with a note-by-note score of everything, so the actual recording was more a documentation effort. We’ve gotten a little more away from that – we work more as a band to collaboratively arrange everything. But once we get in the studio, we usually have a very good idea of how everything is going to turn out.
Biggest influences for Green?
Ah, that’s tough. Musically – Big Star, Brian Eno, Neutral Milk Hotel, Debussy, and Pink Floyd. Lyrically -Georges Seurat, John Steinbeck, and Carl Sandburg.
Best part of touring?
The family. I am constantly amazed and humbled by the generosity and spirit of giving that we experience on the road. There is an amazing community of people that support art and go to shows – and being on tour allows you to experience that directly.
How did you come up with the idea for the album processes evolving from and following Jamboree?
It was pretty intentional. I finished Jamboree and took stock of what we’d come up with – there were a lot of good songs on there, but stylistically it was too diverse to make for any kind of consistent listening experience. We had a reggae song, a metal song, a country song, a weird French-sounding song. It was a *ton* of fun to make, but listening back to it – I mean, maybe we’re not a metal band? Maybe we’re not a reggae band? So I did an audit, and tried to figure out what the best songs were on the album. I took the three best songs, and wrote albums around each of them. The first was Blue (off of the song ‘The Prostitute’), then last year’s Red (off of the song ‘The Businessman’), and now Green (off of the song ‘The English Teacher’).
If you had one word to describe Echo Bloom to someone who had never heard of you, what would it be?
California-based singer-songwriter RIVVRS is gearing up to release his track “Don’t Wanna Know” on February 9th. A guitar-and-drums filled, mellow yet intriguing track with classic rock elements, “Don’t Wanna Know” brings a variety of pleasant sensations to the ears.
A talented artist who has even gotten songs on TV shows, RIVVRS (aka Brandon Zahursky) is no rookie to the music game, but still provides freshness in every track. RIVVRS will be releasing Cosmic Dream this year, having already released its lead single, “Don’t Give Up On Me”. RIVVRS says of his music: “I hope people listen to the songs that I have, and can somehow hear what is happening in their own lives. Everyone wants to feel a connection.”
His single “Don’t Wanna Know” does just that – it is approachable, relatable, and of course, enjoyable. With guitar that has you hooked from the first notes and vocals to match, “Don’t Wanna Know” is equal parts compelling and calming. RIVVRS also brings a hint of Americana to the song with just a bit of twang in his voice. Keep an eye out for not only “Don’t Wanna Know”, but all of Cosmic Dream as well.
Australia’s Ruby Boots, now based in Nashville, TN is about to release her label debut Don’t Talk About It February 9 with Bloodshot Records, having previously released a 2016 album, Solitude. Born Bex Chilcott, the talented artist is backed by The Texas Gentleman and produced by Beau Bedford on this album — and we’re here for it. With confident vocals and sumptuous instrumentation, Ruby Boots delivers a treat for the ears. To sum it up, the album is an experience, a journey. Navigating a country/Southern-rock inspired soundscape that is still accessible for the country-hatin’ folks, Ruby Boots oozes real emotion and authenticity, especially in tracks like “Believe in Heaven”. From the bold opener, “It’s So Cruel” to the title track, “Don’t Talk About It”,Chilcott displays both her range and variety of styles while maintaining the album’s theme. “It’s So Cruel” already has a music video to accompany the scathing track, full of neon lights and rockin’ vibes, utilizing slow motion and close-ups to pack even more of punch for this track.One of the indubitable highlights of Don’t Talk About It is the stunning acapella track “I Am A Woman”, perfect and raw. Ruby Boots says of the song, “As tempting as it was to just write an angry tirade I wanted to respond with integrity, so I sat with my feelings and this song emerged as a celebration of women and womanhood, of our strength and our vulnerability, all we encompass and our inner beauty, countering ignorance and vulgarity with honesty and pride and without being exclusionary to any man or woman. My hope is that we come together on this long drawn out journey. The song is the backbone to the album for me.”“Infatuation” is another great track on Don’t Talk About It, full of both yearning lyrics and a catchy beat. Closing out with “Don’t Give A Damn”, which combines all the soulful elements of a country blues song with a tinge of almost jazzy piano. Don’t Talk About It is a strong album for a variety of reasons, but it is clear that Ruby Boots knows what she’s doing. Whether you’re looking for some rockin’ folk or some folksy rock, Ruby Boots has got you covered.
We can’t wait for Ruby Boots to drop this masterpiece of an album tomorrow!
Fueled by their passion for music, Everett Bird – an emerging Montreal-based trio – is preparing to release their debut album this month. Through clever and catchy song writing, Everett Bird is able to convey relevant and relatable content with twangy hooks that rings similar to popular 90’s hits. Written in an old Montreal apartment, their first full length album was written with the help of band members Mikey Arcidiacono and Liam. Together, their music heavily reflects the popular sounds and vibes of their hometown and is deeply rooted in the indie rock genre.
Though this album is their first to release to the public since signing on with Royal Mountain Records, they have not been shy when it comes to performing around Canada. These three have performed in some of the hottest cities, such as Vancouver and Montreal, which has brought them a significant fan group eagerly awaiting the release of their album on February 23rd.
The hook to this band is found in their wide variety of incorporated styles. They have written music that dabbles in not only traditional indie rock, but also music with noticeable jazz, R&B and punk undertones. Their song, “Bucket of Dark Meat,” which is included in the album, has already been released to preview – so grab some dark meat and tune into Everett Bird’s new release, “Bucket of Dark Meat!”
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.
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.
Formerly known as The Reign of Kindo, Kindo has resurfaced after 4 years with a new single “Return to me” from their latest album “Happy However After” set to be released in April of 2018.
This 6 piece from New York has shown that you don’t need a major label and their money to gain an audience.
Giving the fans a new spin of alternative jazz that is fused with R & B, pop and soul shows that just like topping off your drink, combining old and new, can create something truly refreshing. Not only have they innovated a successful sound, Kindo has also proudly been at the helm of all their recordings.
“Return to me” begins with a rainy day stay in bed piano line. The vocals give a strange appeal to the jazz-ish backing music. Imagine Lenny Kravitz being backed by a piano at a dim lit jazz club applying his pop-rock vocal style and later adding a high gain guitar riff. I am amazed at how Kindoimplements all these musical elements and how they compliment each other. “Return to me” at first listen is calming. Once it sinks in what the lyrics are about it is hard to believe this song is depicting heartbreak. Especially when some of the rhythmic grooves wake you up and influence your body to take the hand of the beat and swing. The atmosphere of musical freedom and exploration is definitely a spark lighting a flame rich with creativity.
Kindo will be touring the Eastern U.S. in March and is surely not a band you want to miss. If they aren’t hitting up your hometown be sure to head over and check out their prior albums which should tide you over until “Happy However After” is released in April.
Noctis Magazine describes Modern Me as…ushering in a fresh new era of indie rock.” Noctis hit the nail on the head. Modern Me’s new track “Dead to Me” is a sharp, infectious, tongue-in-cheek epistle for the former lover that twisted your jaw to the point of “don’t text me anymore, I’m SO over it.”The Southern California natives’ music video to the track opens with a couple in a café and lead singer looking upon them.His contempt for the girl (ex) sets an absolute theme for the song and the video.
The videomoves to the band in a car unenthusiastically singing their lyrics with expressionless faces.I love this song because it screams an I-don’t-care attitude while giving you courage to move on.Modern Me is definitely worth checking out.To keep with all things Modern Me visit http://www.modernmemusic.com .
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”:
