by Meredith Schneider | Mar 23, 2018 | 5 to 7
DC-based quartet BRNDA is hitting the ground running, almost literally. While the band is on tour, they’re also set to release their new full-length – a collection titled Thanks For Playing – on March 30th. The preorder includes an instant download of two already available tracks – “House Show” and “Five Dollar Shake” – which just so happen to be perfect for this warmup our country is (hopefully) starting to experience for spring.
Despite the madness in their lives currently with the new release, the band sat down to chat briefly about the album, displaying their dry humor along the way for our eager ears. Check out our words below!
Each of you are important assets to the band. How did each of you get into music?
Actually, we’re not that into music. What we like is podcasts.
Fair response. Thanks for Playing is your third release. What makes this album different from the previous ones?
We haven’t released a record since 2015. This is our first time releasing a record in 2018. This is our first third release. This is the first time Christian has ever played bass on a BRNDA record – he is our bassist. This is the first record featuring a song where Leah sings lead. This is the first record we partially recorded at Alex’s house in Mt. Rainier. This is the first record featuring Dave soloing with guitar feedback. This is the shortest record we’ve ever made. We also worked with a different group of people this time, they are mentioned later in the interview so we won’t mention them just now.
What has been the biggest accomplishment that has come from Thanks for Playing?
Our greatest accomplishment of this record has been the collaboration with other cool people. Thomas William Rossi (Reyna Valencia) recorded it at lurch studios in DC; Justin Wm. Moyer (of so many of our favorite bands… Edie Sedgwick, Light Beams, Puff Pieces, Antelope, etc etc) mixed the record; TJ Lipple of Inner Ear mastered it. Christian’s sister Hadley Whittle painted the piece that is the cover art. Adam and Blake from Banana Tapes are putting it out. The National Film Board of Canadian Industry provided the footage for our recent music video for House Show. You’re writing about it. You’re reading about it. We’re collaborating.
What was the best part about developing the album?
Probably downloading the Adobe Creative Suite 10-day trial multiple times on multiple computers in order to create the album art j-card. We’re grateful for their love and support and collaboration.
We feel that! (Currently working on a trial of Lightroom.) You are out on tour right now. What sort of different experiences have you all had since being on the road?
Being on the road has a way of expanding your family. We kicked it with some truly wonderful people on this tour. We’ve been touring with Poppies, our forever buds from new York. We played the Community Records 10th anniversary celebration in New Orleans, a very special night in a very special town. We also played Mammal Gallery’s temporary location in this gorgeous former department store and shared the bill with 3 Great Bands (Breathers, Sad Fish, True Blossom). Touring around SXSW is like jumping into a giant vortex of favorite bands and friends that converges on Austin. We played three wonderful showcases. Dave saw Shopping and had a religious experience. All in all very good things and times.
What plans do you have after you wrap the tour?
Do laundry, vacuum the van, celebrate Torrey’s birthday, play our tape release show on March 29th, attend the melted mag release show at bathtub republic on March 31st, and then collaborate on some new songs.
Where do you see yourself as a band in the next 5 years?
Probably on tour.
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Preorder your copy of Thanks For Playing here and Keep up with BRNDA here.
by Madison Blom | Mar 23, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
After releasing his widely popular and acclaimed single, “Good for That,” fans around the world looked forward to what this artist had in store for them in the future. With his newest release, “SFWU,” that exposes toxic relationships for what they are. Through lyrics clear as crystal, rising hip hop artist L8LOOMER is able to express thoughts and feelings in a unique way that not only conveys a topic, but deep thoughts and feelings that are highly relatable among fans and followers. This new single is meant to be the anthem for those incarcerated in toxic relationships that are fighting the continuous battle between love and hate.
Despite the serious nature that this theme presents, clever artistry allows L8LOOMER to not only create a rhythm and beat that is memorable and easy to sign along to, but he brings light into his music that sheds itself over previously shadowed ideas. Through these methods, L8LOOMER reminds his fans that love is meant to be lighthearted and enjoyed by all those who are involved. Although there hasn’t been much work released by this artist, there is evidence that he will continue to grow in talent and popularity as he continues to hold true to the sound persona that he has developed since his debut.
Keep up with L8LOOMER here.
by Abby Trapp | Mar 23, 2018 | albums, review, wolf tracks
Today, Erika Wennerstrom’s debut LP Sweet Unknown is unleashed upon the world. The alternative indie artist’s latest album takes us through nine tracks. Sweet Unknown is a melancholy, yet pensive, take at life and love. “Staring Out The Window” tells us of a haunting of a past love. “I didn’t understand what it is that I did,” is a broken heart asking for questions as the track proclaims. “Gravity” is a reflective track on ones self. “Getting to know myself like I’ve never known…I’m ready for whatever life brings to me” screams the track. Fittingly enough, “Gravity” is the last track of Sweet Unknown. It is the acceptance, it is ending- but for the artist, a new beginning. My personal favorite is “Letting Go.” Starting off with “Come with me my friend,” the track feels lighthearted on a heavy album.
Sweet Unknown is definitely personal for Erika Wennerstrom, maybe even healing at time. This album is for you if you want to do some soul searching or simply wallow in your sorrows. I’m sure you can make Sweet Unknown personal to you too. Sweet Unknown is now available via all leading digital service providers and comes with an instant download of the album’s first single, “Extraordinary Love.” The physical copy includes a limited edition version pressed on double white vinyl.
Tour Dates
Mar 23 – Macon, GA – Cox Capitol Theatre**
Mar 24 – Wilmington, NC – Greenfield Lake Amphitheater**
Mar 25 – Norfolk, VA – The NorVA**
Mar 26 – Charlottesville, VA – Jefferson Theater**
Mar 28 – Wilmington, DE – The Queen**
Mar 29 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl**
Mar 30 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl**
Mar 31 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer**
April 2 – State College, PA – The State Theatre**
April 3 – Toronto, ONT – The Mod Club**
April 4 – Toronto, ONT – The Mod Club**
April 6 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall**
April 7 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall**
Pick up your copy of Sweet Unknown here, and keep up with Erika here.
by Meredith Schneider | Mar 23, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Oregon-based beach rock/alternative collective Cities & Coasts – comprised of singer/songwriter/producer Nathan Hedges, drummer Michael Gould, engineer/producer/multi-instrumentalist Jimmy Weaver, along with a list of accompaniment – has completely tickled our summer-lovin’, springtime-craving fancies with their latest track “Long Time Coming”. Set to a mid-tempo, head-boppin’ beat, we can almost feel the sun’s warmth dancing on our shoulders when we spin this record, and we’re all about sharing that wealth.
Keep up with Cities & Coasts here.
by Abby Trapp | Mar 22, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Band of Gold just premiered their single “Well Who Am I” off of their forthcoming album Where’s The Magic. PopMatters describes the band sound as “A really unique take on pop music… an intriguing sound.” It is in fact an intriguing sound as the track is quirky, unique, and very zany. What you think is going to start off as an alt-pop song, leans into a rock guitar solo, but not until the vocals pick up the pace and end the song abruptly.
The most interesting part of “Well Who Am I” is the bands’ seemingly random lyrics. It starts off “I like the way you comb you hair” and is followed by “I like the neatness of your hair….but I don’t think you’ll ever dare.” The uniqueness and array of sounds/genres is what makes this song so fascinating, and addicting.
Keep up with the band here.
by Meredith Schneider | Mar 22, 2018 | snapshot, visual
SXSW 2018 was absolute insanity. We caught up with the infinitely amazing – and beautifully decorated – band Gold Casio on Friday, March 16th, for a quick portrait session. (Did we mention it was in a back alley?) Here are some fun photos from that, with more on the band to come!
Keep up with Gold Casio here.
by ImperfectFifth | Mar 22, 2018 | snapshot, visual
Recently, The Hillary Watts Riot made an incredible performance at The Rino, with support from Closed Quarters and Eggs on Mars. Photographer Zaria Dukes snapped some photos exclusively for us.
Keep up with The Hillary Watts Riot here.
**photos by Zaria Dukes
by ImperfectFifth | Mar 22, 2018 | snapshot, visual
Mt. Joy made its Kansas City debut last night at The Riot Room. The LA/Philadelphia alternative band filled up the Westport venue bar on the beginning of its spring tour. Opening acts included local singer Chloe Jacobson and rocker Olivia Jean.
Concert goers travelled from all over, including a few members of lead singer Matt Quinn’s family who trekked from their hometown three hours away. Now, less than two weeks after debuting its self-titled album, Mt. Joy is no stranger to drawing and playing for the masses with a solid setlist consisting of now 15 songs, thanks to the new album. Songs like “Astrovan” and “Silver Lining” mix the setlist with new and old tracks.
Fresh off playing 10 shows at SXSW in just a few days, it won’t take long before the rest of the Spring 2018 tour sells out clubs and theatres all over the United States.
This band is hungry and excited to see what comes next the tour continues through the end of May. “Mt. Joy” features 13 songs with deep lyrics and meanings. Find it on your favorite streaming service.
**Photos and writeup by Ashleigh Lee
by Veronica DeFeo | Mar 22, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
British Columbian duo Violet Night is gearing up to show the world what they can do. Violet Night is made of vocals and guitar from Connor Pohl and T.J. Rounthwaite on keys. Violet Night is set to release their debut record Colours Of You which will be out May 4.
Pohl says of the upcoming album:
We grew up on everything from heavy metal and rap, to emo and pop. We try to create a colourful mosaic of all those influences when we write; we’ve never created with borders or put limitations on what we are allowed to sound like. We’ll always do whatever feels most honest to us at that moment in our lives and I think we’ve done that here. We are really proud of the album and hope the hues presented complement yours: the colours of you.
Featured on the album is lead single “North”, along with an accompanying studio music video. The song captures a spirit of adventure, longing, and energy. “North” encompasses the emotion that Violet Night does so well at capturing. We look forward to their upcoming album and we think you will too.
Stay connected with Violet Night:
Website: www.violetnight.org
Instagram: www.instagram.com/violetnightmusic
Facebook: www.facebook.com/violetnightmusic
Twitter: www.twitter.com/violetnightband
