After traveling from Mallorca to Morocco and then back to the United Kingdom and several placed in between as a child, Julia Sykes, voice of up-and-coming band PLYA, has put together a team that has been pitted for success since the beginning. With all of her foreign and international influences, PLYA (pronounced “Ply-ah” Spanish for “beach”) has a unique sound that not only strengthens their ability to relate to people and cultures from all over the globe, but it also gives them a unique edge unlike anything we have ever experienced up to this point.
Since their start, they have been fine tuning their dream electric pop sound by bringing on highly talented artists such as Kris Taylor (guitar) and William Brown (drums). This trio has the skill and talent to write and produce music that is relateable, infectious and darkly gorgeous. Layered with deep emotion, lush soundscapes and poised perfection this budding band has released, “Feast My Eyes,” a wonderfully enriching and addictive track that is rapidly gaining popularity not only in her home country, but on an international scale. This track embodies everything that PLYA has been working towards and is an exciting new addition to their developing repertoire. Without any doubt, this is a group worth keeping an eye on as they continually work to climb up the ladder and move towards releasing more music for the enjoyment of their fans.
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.
Despite the overwhelming response from fans and critics around the country, and the time consuming consequences of that measure of success, members of Still + Storm were able to answer some of the questions that we at Imperfect Fifth have been dying to ask. Not only have they had favorable outcomes from all of their releases, but this group has shined a new light on how people perceive melancholy melodies and boisterous beats. Check out the new music video for “All of These Things”, and then read our interview, where they talk about what has brought them to this point and where they are headed in the near future.
Throughout your career, have you ever felt like you reached your dream/goal or are you still reaching for something greater?
Dave and I consistently set goals for ourselves and for Still + Storm. We believe in this project and make sure to designate the time and effort to it. Our standing goal is to continue to create and share.
Have you considered going on tour anytime soon to share your music with a wider demographic of fans?
Our first set of shows we ever played was a tour, actually. It was a positive experience, and we made some new friends along the way. We’ll tour again when the time is right, but for right now we’re focused on Chicago and what we can do / be a part of here.
In your experience, is there a particular song of yours that really gets the audience moving?
I feel like we get a little more movement when we play In/Out – it cruises along and then swells up at the outro. It is a fun song to play, and I think the audience feels that.
When you’re off stage and out of the studio, what do you like to do with your free time?
Usually something music related, like attending shows or writing. I also enjoy Pilates and have instructed classes in the past.
If you could compare your sound to any famous artist in history who would it be and who? Did you intentionally model your music after this person or group?
We haven’t intentionally modeled our sound after any one artist, but I am personally influenced by Radiohead and the original Saddle Creek bands (Bright Eyes, Rilo Kiley, Azure Ray). We probably sound more like the latter. Our producer, J Hall is an enormous contributor to our overall sound. Historically, we’ve gone to his studio very open minded and together we’d dream on where to take the songs. It’s a unique relationship.
When did you realize that you wanted to pursue a career in music?
As soon as I wrote my first song on guitar, I fantasized about being a professional musician. I have a day job as an Occupational Therapist that affords me enough flexibility to fund and dedicate time to music. I think most artists would agree that it is difficult to pursue music full time, financially. I do believe that I will always dedicate the time and resources to it, though, in some capacity.
In five years, where do you see yourselves? What do you have planned for Still + Storm?
Because we’re partners, we’ve been able to create an environment in which we support each other. Musically, and otherwise. Still + Storm came to be in the most natural way possible, so I think that as long as we’re sharing our lives we’ll be making and sharing music. Meanwhile, we’re excited to premiere a new song and video called “All of These Things”.
Tellers have just dropped their brand new track, “Walking Blind”, and we’ve got the exclusive premiere. Masterfully layered vocals, guitar, and percussion combine for a song that will give you goosebumps. The Washington-based four piece, composed of Sarah Feinberg, Brad Heyne, Isaac Melum, and Tyler Chism, is gearing up to release their new LP Shook. If the title of their record is any indication, Tellers knows how to blow listeners out of the water, and “Walking Blind” is no exception. The new track evidences the careful composition of Tellers, and their ability to balance lyricism with instrumentation.
Says lead vocalist/guitarist Sarah Feinberg of the new track:
I wrote “Walking Blind” about hitting an impasse in a relationship that was worth fighting for. Being faced with the tough reality that it may not work out in the end we were still making the seemingly blind choice to keep going in hopes that we would find our way wavering on the edge of unraveling.
“Walking Blind” takes the listener on an auditory journey that is simultaneously new and familiar, haunting and comforting. It’s not one you’ll want to miss.
After their last single “Look Now”, Swimsuit Issue returns with tour dates and a new single titled “EP3”. Swimsuit Issue is co-headlining a tour that begins in San Diego on May 13th and finishes in San Francisco, California May 22nd.
Swimsuit Issue is a seven person American rock founded by Miles Garber and David Gagliardi. The American rock band came together after bonding over 90s British rock and has since then grown into something bigger.
“EP3”starts with a guitar and drum sound that captivates the track. The singer voice then pops on the track showing a hint of sorrow and regret while getting their point across. “EP3”is a song that shows that Swimsuit Issue has officially found their sound. The song is a great follow up to their previous single.
Following the re-release of their Brain EP on Castle Face Records, Once & Future Band – the Oakland-based psych pop collective expertly comprised of Eli Eckert (bass, vocals), Joel Robinow (keyboards, vocals), Raj Ojha (drums), and Raze Regal (guitar) – sat down briefly with us for a quick interview. The EP is pieced together with four enigmatic, moody tracks that will make your tastebuds water with excitement as you stumble along the quirky and wonderful soundscape that the four piece provides. Check out everything they had to divulge to us about their musical lives below!
What was your first musical memory, and did it have an impact on the way you create now?
(Joel Robinow) My first musical memory was actually seeing les miserables on its first run when it came to San Francisco. It was with the ideal cast, Michael ball, the incomparable colm Wilkinson, lea salonga, and Tim Curry as Javier. I was electrified. I didn’t know that music was capable of making you feel emotions…I had butterflies in my stomach the entire time, the intricate arrangements, the opulence…it’s all still very clear in my mind. Dunno. That and the video for “steppin out” by joe Jackson.
Your Brain EP was just re-released, and we’re super super smitten. Any fun anecdotes from that original production process that you can share with us – or any new details in getting the re-release out?
(Raj Ojha) We do most of the production / recording ourselves, recording wherever our home studio is at the time. For some songs that need a larger space, we’ll record basics (drums, bass, some keyboards) at our buddy Phil Manley’s studio(s). For the Brain EP, we recorded two songs entirely (basics, overdubs) in Joel’s bedroom at the time. I remember shag carpet everywhere and low ceilings which really aided in the vibe and dry / tight sound we got for the bass and drums on those tracks. The drums, bass and keyboard for the other two EP songs were recorded in San Francisco, at Lucky Cat Studios (which is also where we mixed the EP). The room there was the literal antithesis of what we had at Joel’s.
While we did have a clear vision of what we wanted to achieve sonically, there was a lot of experimentation, a lot of trial and error. There were many long nights spent trying layered vocal harmonies, scrapping them, replacing them with synths, then guitars, and sometimes going back to mix all of them together just for a chorus or outro. It’s those parts of the recording process we enjoy the most, where we sculpt the song’s arrangement and sounds beyond what we initially had in mind. Deadlines really help us from going off the deep end when we go down those paths, usually because we never want to stop. Since then (about 5 years ago), we’ve gotten a lot better at knowing when a song is done, and when its final voice is apparent.
How does it feel knowing that your creation is finally out in the world – with wider distribution this go’round?
(RO) It feels great! We’ve been playing these songs for so long now, and they’ve changed over time in a live setting. It’s nice to show some our newer fans a little piece of our history. Hopefully it also helps tide over people while we work on a few other releases, including our next LP.
Do you have a favorite track from the EP, or one that you prefer to perform over others?
(RO) The song “Brain (Watching Your Eyes)” has been a mainstay in our live set since the beginning. It’s one of the first songs we started playing as a band and over the years has morphed into something that the EP couldn’t contain (we’ve been known to extend this song to over 15 minutes live). One reason for it’s longevity in our live show is because it really lets us stretch out, improvise and add new twists and turns that aren’t featured on other tracks of ours. Improvisation is an important aspect to our group, especially in a live setting and even though “Brain” has a tight arrangement, it allows us the freedom to do something new every night in the second half of the song. It’s nice to take chances in front of an audience, it keeps things fresh and allows us to communicate musically in new ways between each other.
How do you imagine people listening to your new EP?
(RO) I imagine it right now, probably because you suggested it…let’s see….there’s a guy, wait actually it might be a girl…hard to say, their back is turned. They’re holding something in their right hand, I can almost see it, it glints…a knife? No, that’s unlikely….oh…it’s a pen. Phew!!! They are bobbing their head in time with the music.
(EE) My dream scenario of someone hearing our EP is that it just feels to them like something they’ve been waiting to hear. It fits like a glove and they’re as stoked on what we created as we were to create it. They’re just all “Hell yes”.
If you could be any superhero – “real” or made up – who would you be and why?
(RO) I’m not a comic book head but great musicians usually fall under the category of superheroes for me personally. Wayne Shorter-For his stunning composition ability and otherworldly playing(Check out any of his work with Miles,Weather Report and any recordings where he’s the leader ie, JuJu, Adam’s Apple, Speak No Evil, Night Dreamer et al for the proof)
(JR) Yea Wayne is an inspiration…I dunno. Being a superhero seems like too much responsibility, I’d prefer to be one of those people pointing at the superhero when they are doing something cool
(EE) I know Wayne Shorter used to love to read comics (maybe he still does???) so this makes sense!
Now that the EP is out, what’s next? What are you most looking forward to? Tell us all the crazy details!
(RO) We’re about to embark on a North American tour in April, supporting Chris Robinson’s “As The Crow Flies” band, hopefully we’ll also get back to the UK and Europe (we just finished out first major tour of the UK) before the end of the year. We’ve also been working on a lot of new material which we’ve started recording ourselves. We have a lot of ideas for releases, videos, collaborations right now but it’s best that we keep a lid on those plans until the moment is right. We’ve also been playing out a lot recently which is our next favorite thing to being in the studio!
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Keep up with Once & Future Band here, and catch them out on tour at the performances below!
2018 “AS THE CROW FLIES TOUR” – With Chris Robinson Apr 17 Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY Apr 18 Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA Apr 22 Iron City, Birmingham, AL Apr 24 Thalia Hall, Chicago, IL Apr 25 Manchester Music Hall, Lexington, KY Apr 26 The Signal, Chattanooga, TN Apr 28 Joy Theatre, New Orleans, LA Apr 29 Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN May 01 The Pageant, St. Louis, MO May 02 The Truman, Kansas City, MO May 06 Ogden Theatre, Denver, CO May 08 Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV May 09 The Wiltern, Los Angeles, CA May 11 The Fox Theatre, Oakland, CA May 12 Montbleau Resort & Casino, Tahoe Village, NV May 13 Crystal Ballroom, Portland, OR
Honey and Salt just released their self titled LP. The grunge/rock/punk band has a variety of ten tracks on the LP starting with “A Nihilist Takes Up Knitting” and ending with “Cascade.” The band is described as sociopolitical or as I like to call it “music with a purpose.” Honey and Salt has good reason though. Wade Allen, on main vocals, is a philosophy teacher which definitely influences the bands lyrics. On “A Nihilist Takes Up Knitting” Wade pleads “Right or wrong is not subjective.” “Blame game” is an anthem of “who and what is blame?”
My favorite, though, is “Bowling Green Memorial.” “Bowling Green Memorial” rounds out at a whooping eight minutes and nine seconds. What most impressive though, is that the majority of that is a drum/guitar solo that will take you be surprise. Just when you think the solo is over, Honey and Salt will bring you back into the music. Honey and Salt is definitely worth the listen. The LP is more than just an album—it is truly one big box of sociopolitical prompts, wrapped carefully and neatly to give to any listener so that they can ask themselves “How and why are we here now?”
Following a gloomy week in Kansas City, April 4 brought crisp and clear weather – and a sold-out show by L.A.’s Billie Eilish at recordBar in support of her Where’s My Mind tour. Some of her fans waited for hours in the cold for a chance to be close to their favorite artist. Imperfect Fifth writer Veronica DeFeo and photographer Michael Porter were there to capture the one-of-a-kind evening. Killer performances from openers Reo Cragun and DJ Kiero got the night off to a great start. Reo busted his lip open a few songs in, but he didn’t let that stop him from delivering a fantastic set, much to the delight of the energetic crowd.
Following Reo and Kiero’s set, anticipation was evident as the concert-goers started chanting Billie’s name. In a moment of electric delirium only found at the best of shows, the lights went down and drummer Andrew Marshall and Billie’s brother, Finneas O’Connell, came onstage to an electronic sample of “my boy”, dressed in white coveralls and Billie Eilish kerchiefs. The crowd went insane when Billie came on seconds later, starting off the night with her acclaimed single, “bellyache”. Every voice knew every word, evidencing Billie’s deep connection with her fans. Not skipping a beat, Billie led the crowd into her hauntingly beautiful “idontwannabeyouanymore”, showcasing her velvety vocals. Next up was “watch”, immediately followed by “&burn”, which features Vince Staples on her record, dont smile at me. Billie not only flawlessly sang “watch”, but also took on Vince Staples’ verse from “&burn”.
Billie gave the crowd a chance to fill in some vocals on the next song, “Bored” (which was anything but boring). Fans were eager to give Billie their gifts throughout the set, and Billie expressed her love and gratitude for everyone who came multiple times, letting them know that she would not be where she is without them. Taking a more serious and mature tone, Billie performed an older track, “Six Feet Under”, which displayed not only her vocal talent, but also her lyrical skills. Billie introduced her drummer and brother to the crowd before inviting Finneas to perform his slinky, moody track, “New Girl”. As her producer, co-writer, backing vocalist and guitarist, but most importantly, brother, Finneas is always supportive of Billie, as well as having his own career as lead singer of The Slightlys and starring as Alistair on Glee.
Billie took the stage once again, enthralling the crowd with a unique cover of Drake’s hit song, “Hotline Bling” – on ukulele. In her next song, “party favor”, Billie showcased more of her ukulele skills during the fun track, which also features hitting lyrics. Billie next treated the crowd to an unreleased song, asking them all to be in the moment with her. The track that got Billie discovered, “Ocean Eyes”, was up next, and the crowd got a unique, lighthearted rendition as Billie accidentally bumped a fan with her mic; following this, Billie closed out the song on a stunning note. An electric, flawless performance of fan favorite “my boy” finished her regular set, but Billie wasn’t done yet. After raucous shouts for an encore brought her back onstage, Billie delivered with “hostage” before taking a selfie with the crowd and hugging fans. Billie closed out her show with a rocking performance of “COPYCAT” that did not disappoint. After commanding her fans to get low during the bridge, the crowd went wild with the signal word “sike!”, and the last seconds of the song were unforgettable.
At just sixteen years old, Billie Eilish has accomplished more than many artists dream to at a young age. When she makes up her mind, she gets the job done; despite her youth, Billie knows her craft and how to work a crowd. Her March 4 performance is not one that will be forgotten. Kansas City can’t wait for Billie to come back.
St. Louis-based blues rock artist Anthony Gomes played the Winter Blues Fest in Des Moines on February 9, 2018. The Toronto native and 2017 European Blues Awards winner for Best Musician, rocked the crowd with his ripping guitar solos and soulful lyrics.
