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”:
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.
Today, Kings & Associates brings their unique blend of soul, funk, blues and folk to a colorful peak with the music video for “Deadwood”, and we’ve got your first look. Taking place in what looks to be a recording studio, the band is able to showcase their talents in a live performance-type scenario, while playing out a quirky timeline in the background. The coloring is warm, vibrant, and lends itself perfectly to a sound of a similar kind. The guitar work is electrifying, so make sure you don’t miss this one!
After releasing their single “Chorus”, front man Nate Cardaci of Literature decided that he would assemble a band that would act as an outlet for songs of a similar vibe. This is what brought about the birth of one of the newest groups to enter the indie-dream pop scene. Along with several other members from the original Literature group such as Steven Garcia and Seth Whaland as well as recruiting new friends such as synth player Ian Jensen. With this new lineup the newly formed Très Oui was able to show the music world what they had to offer.
Even though the full album Poised to Flourish will not be released until February 9, 2018, their single “Red Wine & Dry Ice” already has fans on the edge of their seats with anticipation. Not only have they used Jensen’s synth skills to create a unique sound, but they have also incorporated lots of jangy guitar loops that has strong 80’s overtones and beach-worthy vibes. In the words of the group, “We want the songs to be in your head, but we don’t want to force our way in there. More of a hug than a handshake.” This young, new group has emerged and is hitting the music scene with energy and excitement that is worth keeping an eye on.
Parker Matthews is back with another single titled “Hit and Run”. The song starts out with a very nice guitar composition, followed with Parker Matthews’ upbeat vocals. The song is very catchy down from the first verse to the hook. After listening to the song a few times, the song is bound to get stuck inside of your head.
Parker Matthews makes love seem so simple with the song and lyrics that he uses in the song. The song is talking about what it is like the morning after a romantic rendezvous between two lovers. In the song, Matthews wants more than just a fling with his potential lover. He wants his potential love to stay all night no matter what it is that get into that night.
“Hit and Run” sets out to shatter gay stereotypes that men only want physical relationships. It is very catchy, with a trendy pop sound. With music like this Matthews is bound to go far in the music industry.
Russian musical group Tiavara entices heavy metal fans with their latest single “Celestial Dance” from the upcoming album, Delusional Tales of Grand Intentions. Guitar solos, haunting vocals, and uplifting lyrics give this song an old school metal feel while keeping it fresh and relevant. Hints of Middle Eastern guitar add an extra layer to this metal anthem while hard-hitting drums drive the song’s tempo making it mosh-worthy track.
Tiavara describes “Celestial Dance” as an objection to seeing the world in absolutes while accepting oneself despite flaws and virtues. Their evocative insight is a signature of theirs which is apparent in the band’s past discography. The band aims to encourage and promote open-mindedness through their music. This is apparent through the song’s lyrics “you are free, don’t let them clip your wings” which repeat frequently throughout the song instilling the idea of free thinking into the minds of listeners.
This song is sure to draw metal fans in with its gritty, expressive nature while its powerful lyrics make this song appealing to a variety of music enthusiasts.
While the band appears to be straight out of a 1970’s psychedelic acid flashback, Krantz comes from the unlikely place of Nashville, TN. Best known for country, honkey tonk, and the grand ole opry, Krantz has cranked out a college alternative rock song “Run away with me”.
With a musical structure similar to that of the Killers yet an experimental flavor of The Muse, you will find Krantz has added fun to the mix with “Run away with me.” It has a sweeping back and forth medium paced beat that is fused with group vocals during the chorus and a guitar lead that provides good traveling music that will make the vast nothing of the road seem more like a runway for liftoff.
While the song itself sounds as if clean-cut and serious college kids created it, you will understand the “fun” description once you see the branded panties for sale in their “Merch” or the furry pink jacket worn by their singer in promo pics. Yes, even seasoned adult musicians can captivate a listener without taking themselves too seriously and draw a crowd by making people wonder,”whats going on over there with them?”
Like a potato chip, one song just isn’t enough to get the real feel for Krantz. “Run away with me” will spark a curiosity that will lead you straight through their SoundCloud playlist of music.
“Run away with me” is a catchy pop-ish alternative rock song, with softly sung parts that lead the way to an impressive strong note being held out while the guitar line answers back like a conversation between friends. The lyrical content begs to leave the cold weather behind and head out to a warmer location. I can’t blame them. I am here in Arizona and it’s 80 degrees of wonderful in January while the weather in Nashville shows a high in the upper 40’s. For all of you suffering in the bitter cold, time to pack it up with this hit the road anthem “Run away with me.”
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.
