by Meredith Schneider | Oct 9, 2017 | 5 to 7
Melbourne-based artist Slow Dancer (Simon Okely) is rounding out his U.S. tour with two more performances before heading to London. Tonight, he plays at Resident in Los Angeles and tomorrow, he will be entertaining on stage at Hollywood’s Hotel Café. He has been touring in support of his 2017 release In A Mood, which is just smooth and sensuous as its title would indicate. What the title doesn’t indicate is his ability to drift in and out of James Taylor-esque and Anthony Kiedis-tinged vocals, wrapped in a deeper level of instrumental soul. The entire 10 track album is a winner, which made us all too happy to ask Slow Dancer a few questions as he wraps up his time in the United States.
If you could tell us a little bit about how you got into music and what led you to choose it as a lifestyle, that would be amazing!
I fell in love with Elvis Presley at age 5 and developed a passion for all things cool since.
Your video for “I Would” is incredibly beautiful. What inspired that video, and do you have any stories from production to share?
The film was directed by Mclean Stephenson – he wrote my character as social outcast. It was a character I easily identified with. By the end of filming It actually took me a few days to rebound from the character. We shot it all on super 8.
You are just coming off an immaculate run on tour with Petal and Margaret Glaspy. Any fun tour memories or crazy fan stories?
A fan in Minneapolis who happened to have his saxophone jumped up onto stage and ripped a blistering sax solo in ‘leave it to me’. We hadn’t rehearsed a thing and it was just marvellous.
What has been your favorite meal on the road thus far on tour?
My favourite thing on the road was probably the icehouse in Minneapolis’ vegetarian gnocchi. It was truly delicious.
Do you have any pre-show rituals you’d like to tell us about?
No, I’m not superstitious or ritualistic. Maybe that’s my pre show ritual! (Practicing mindful pragmatism)
Be honest: What’s your favorite song to perform?
“I’ve Been Thinking” or “I Was Often”.
If you could collaborate with any artist on any medium, who would you work with and what would you create together?
Solange or Kanye. We would make the smoothest record ever made.
Anything else you’d like to add?
How are you? How is your day going? I hope you are having one of those days where life is effortless. It’s busy enough with engaging activities that you don’t know the time is passing but balanced enough to not feel pressure to over perform. If it’s not this day, when you get back home tonight, put on the Smiths, eat a snickers bar and have a cup of tea.
___
We know what we’re doing tonight. (Thanks for the advice, Simon!) Keep up with Slow Dancer here. Tickets are available for upcoming events now.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 9, 2017 | wolf tracks
Durham, North Carolina’s rock collective Hardworker – comprised of Sus Long, Mike Conner, Danny Nowell, and Alex Treyz – recently released a full length album titled Go Alone. Among the 11 high energy, folk-tinged rock, there is a standout track titled “Look More Like A Girl”, a track with a message we are 120% on board with. Starting with direct, quirky vocals and then bringing in a steady, catchy rhythm (and not to mention clapping), Hardworker has created a hip swaying track. With lyrics like “we gotta talk about your hair / and the message that it’s sending” and “why don’t you act more like a lady?” the song jabs at unwelcome comments that – unfortunately – women hear every single day. In its own way, the track is a feminist anthem, but it also comes from a place that makes it relatable, instead of coming off as the artist standing on a soap box. Especially with what’s been coming to the forefront in society – both in entertainment in the last week, and other industries overall -, “Look More Like A Girl” is done in a tasteful way, simply throwing these comments back into the world at everyone.
This track is a well-composed equalizer, and as a woman-led publication that aims to bring positive messages and conversations to the forefront in music, we thought it was important to bring your attention to this solid track – and complete album – by Hardworker.
Go Alone is available now. Keep up with Hardworker here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 9, 2017 | wolf tracks
London based collective Brunch is at it again, having partnered with MadCap Industries to create and release the music video for their track “Swell”, which can be found on recent full-length release Useless. A mellow track, the video mirrors that thought as the guys chill, play music, and drink beer. It gives us a good glimpse into how Brunch runs a live appearance, and for that we are totally grateful since they tend to tour their home country a little more often than The States. But when the recreational ping pong table becomes a magic carpet and carries one of them around New York City, that’s when things get slightly interesting.
It also makes us wonder if it would be legal to drink and “steer” a magic flying anything, but who are we to judge?
UK Dates
20 Oct – Nottingham, JT Soar
21 Oct – Manchester, A Carefully Planned Festival
21 Oct – Sheffield, Delicious Clam
27 Oct – London, Birthdays
28 Oct – Brighton, House Show
2 Nov – London, Kamio w/Slowcoaches
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 9, 2017 | wolf tracks
Beginning with simple beat, slowly layering in percussion with vocals. Stripped down is how you first hear indie-pop solo artist Ryan Egan‘s voice in his new track “Tongue Of Yours”, and – to be completely honest – that’s how the majority of the song feels even with the added instrumentals. It feels close, intense, raw. And perhaps that’s how it’s meant to be heard, especially since Egan created “Tongue Of Yours” while he had two injured hands and no instruments to work with. Left to his own devices, he sang every chord and programmed the drums, making the song itself a step away from what he’s known for, and an almost primal experience.
Egan’s sophomore effort Fever & Bloom is out December 1st. Keep up with Ryan Egan here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 7, 2017 | wolf tracks
New York based rock outfit Late Night Episode gets super outdoorsy in their video for chill track “Golden Age”. Rightfully so, as the lyrics glide along and discuss the way “we’re all living on the internet” and missing out on what’s right in front of our faces. Essentially, what the video and song are trying to do is point out one of society’s greatest flaws: our attachment to technology. It’s something we talk about constantly, but you’re reading this piece on your computer or phone or tablet and watching a (really fun) video by a group of young men on a screen. It just brings up a very real conversation about striking a balance with your tech, and it does it in a fun, pop-tinged way that will get anyone on their feet.
Also, we might be able to take them in basketball. Challenge!
Keep up with Late Night Episode here.
by ImperfectFifth | Oct 6, 2017 | soundtrack
In honor of the release of his self-produced video for his track “Right Now”, Brooklyn based R&B/pop artist and producer
Johnny has curated a fun playlist for us to jam out to in the car. So check out the video below, and enjoy a little write up from Johnny himself with your new favorite playlist playing into the weekend!
I drive just about every day. It’s about as stressful and damn near psychosis inducing of an experience as any non-driver might imagine. Anyone who drives in a major metropolitan city can relate, but driving in NYC is different; It’s like this sick club, full of crazy people, side eyeing every vehicle / pedestrian / delivery boy motorized bike in sight.
That being said, I tend to find a LOT of my creative inspiration while I’m in the car. ‘Aha’ moments meet euphoria and somehow the concept stars align. Music can have that weird phenomena of great escape. It can also act as a mirror offering us a reflection into some of our deepest thoughts.
I put together a playlist of a handful of songs I like to listen to while driving that always seem to help me on the road. Some bring my brain back to very specific emotions. Some have incited ideas for my own songs. These just make me feel like Ryan Gosling switching lanes in a mustang. “Driving for movies.” Press play and drive with me.
Keep up with Johnny here!
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 6, 2017 | wolf tracks
Singer/songwriter Thee Conductor (Jason Butler) is revving up to release his multi-faceted album Cotton Tornado later this month. But while we wait with baited breath for the 20th, we actually have the exclusive video premiere for the title track on this fine Friday, and we can’t wait for you to get your eyes on it.
Produced by artist Dave Bryant, the video takes on the same tranquil, yet colorful personality as the track alone. Simple, honest lyrics (“Everything moves too quickly for this man”) play gently over what looks to be television screen static, blending a kaleidoscope of toned down colors on the screen in a quirky way that makes you realize there was no better direction for this video to go.
Thee Conductor will play a record release show on November 4th with Damien Jurado. More information is below. Make sure to nab those tickets for a beautiful evening celebrating the new album!
Cotton Tornado is out October 20th and is available for preorder now. Keep up with Thee Conductor here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 6, 2017 | wolf tracks
Chicago collective Mutts – comprised of Mike Maimone (keys, vocals), Bob Buckstaff (bass, guitar), and Ian Tsan (drums) – have had an incredibly busy few weeks, having just released their new EP Stick Together amongst re-released videos for included tracks “Neighbor” (ft. Jennifer Hall) and “Tin Foil Hat” while simultaneously opening for Company of Thieves on their reunion tour. Even with all the buzz around the EP itself – for which the title is a clear political (and human) statement in these times of trouble – we wanted to make sure everyone got their ears on it. Because these five tracks are certainly something special.
“I’ll Be Around” starts the EP in the most soulful and serene way, deep, raspy vocals serving as the standout aspect while Maimone lets you know “you don’t have to be alone tonight,” serving comfort in a very audible and strong way. Second track “Neighbor” – and its accompanying DIY video – is simple, a testament to the power of trusting in the people that surround you. Jennifer Hall’s vocals add a layer of beauty that makes the song feel more universal and hearty, keeping upfront honesty as soulful as its predecessor. And seeing as third track “Let’s Go” played often during the Cubs’ World Series run at Wrigley Field, this one is already an upbeat fan favorite that can honestly be played in any situation that you need a little bit of an energy boost.
By the time we get to “Tin Foil Hat”, the energy is already up and we’re properly prepared for both the track and its quirky music video, also created in its entirety by the guys in Mutts. Its fun nature almost makes you feel as though the song is a fun one, but its message is very anti-hate and incredibly important. (“Get yourself a tin foil hat and get the government out of your head.”) After such a direct and important message is delivered in such a creative and fun way, the only way to round out the EP is to bring the energy down slowly with “Don’t Touch It”, a track you can absolutely sway your hips to, but we can’t imagine for a second anyone head banging to.
If you want to prove us wrong, though, you’re welcome to post a video and let us know.
Stick Together is available now. Keep up with Mutts here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 5, 2017 | wolf tracks
Montreal based pop quintet Stars – comprised of Torquil Campbell, Evan Cranley, Patrick McGee, Amy Millan, and Chris Seligman – just released the latest single off their upcoming album There Is No Love In Fluorescent Light, a relatively mellow track titled “Alone”. Slowly building up from silence at the beginning, the strong vocals indicate an inner struggle, perhaps, with the idea of being alone. As they croon “I want to live where there’s room to breathe/Take one step closer and I’ll swear I’ll live alone” there is almost a claustrophobic feeling, though you also feel free with the space-establishing words that come from their lips.
There Is No Love In Fluorescent Light is out Oct. 13th. It is available for preorder now.
