by Meredith Schneider | Jun 21, 2018 | 5 to 7
Dallas, Texas-based musician Garrett “Sleepy” Zuhoski released his debut album Better Haze this month, and if you haven’t yet gotten a taste of it, you’re missing out. That’s not just a simple statement in our eyes – as we’re sure you know, of course – but a testament to how truly enamored we are by his genre-bending style. With each line comes an array of influences, leaving the listener constantly questioning what’s to come. What’s more? The album in its entirety is perfect for a lazy summer day, the recent video for “On a Cloud” all-too-entertaining to miss.
Good news? We’ve got the video and Better Haze in its entirety to share with you, so you don’t have to go searching far and wide for this goodness. We also got a hot second with Garrett himself, so read on for more fun!
What was your first musical memory, or the first album or song you heard? Do you think that has any bearing on who you are as an artist now?
I remember listening to Bob Dylan a lot as a kid. The first time I ever thought a song was beautiful was These Are Days by 10,000 maniacs. Those both probably influenced me quite a bit. I still just want to make beautiful music, but love a gruff matter-of-fact delivery.
After all these years sitting on some of your work and working with other bands, what made you so keen to work with Salim Nourallah when the opportunity arose?
He offered to put me in a real studio and press vinyl haha. I mean, his reputation preceeds him in Dallas. I have been aware of his various projects for about 10 years and know several bands who he’s produced. I knew I was in good hands.
Better Haze is jam packed with a variety of sounds and nuances. How do you want fans to feel after listening to it in its entirety?
I love whole albums; albums as journeys. While I wasn’t really ready to do a proper “concept album” or really have a premeditated flow to it, I want people to feel like they were taken on a pleasant musical tour. I really enjoy making mixes and thinking hard about the flow of a collection of songs. I guess it has less to do with having a specific feeling in mind, I just want a satisfying collection of songs.
“On a Cloud” is such a fun and mysterious music video. What was the production process like on that music video?
Well, that was really all Weird Life Films. The label contacted them about making a video, and they pitched us the idea. We kinda just let them do whatever they wanted. They submitted the idea and we basically just said “go for it” without making any changes. I feel like it’s important to have trust in collaborators. I am not a film maker, and haven’t put much thought into that type of creative outlet, so I pretty much tried to leave it up to the experts. We were so pleased with the outcome that we worked with them on a second video (out soon) where we gave them free reign again to great results.
On a broader spectrum, what drives your passion to create music?
Honestly, I usually write songs to soothe anxiety. Thats probably why my songs have a darker depressed feel, even though people generally refer to my actual personality as goofy and cheery. I feel like theres a natural high that comes from performing music you love. I make music to feel good about myself.
If you could be any superhero – “existing” or made up – who would you be and why?
Oh dang, I’m really not a superhero kinda guy. Maybe be a Doctor Who companion, or Finn The Human.
Keep up with Sleepy Zuhoski here!
by Karina Marquez | Jun 21, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
The four-piece band from North Carolina named Echo Courts has a new single and it is charming in every way. It is catchy, upbeat, and incredibly nostalgic. “Take Away” has this innocent, high-school-teen-romance-movie kind of vibe, which is what makes the song so appealing. It takes me back to the late nights at the local movie theater and bonfire parties in my friend’s backyard. It encapsulates the feeling of summer in the way that only indie pop can. Matching its easygoing tone, the lyrics are simple but poignant: “In the earliest of evenings, I know that you think of me … Well, all I’m asking is will you come take me away?” Echo Courts really delivers with their latest single, and is a testament to my high expectations for their upcoming album Room With A View, which comes out on July 13th.
Keep up with the band here and try to catch them on tour.
by Aubrey Hanson | Jun 21, 2018 | premieres, singles
Based in Los Angeles, singer Hayley Johnson also known as The Little Miss has recently released her new single “American Dream”. In “American Dream”, Johnson ties in folk music along with a traditional beat to give you that sweet summer feeling. The song can make you feel a number of emotions depending on how you yourself interpret what the “American Dream” is actually perceived as. It can be either you striving to be happy with your own dream, or just feeling free in a world of captivity. The song talks about the stereotypes of what the American culture is, or what it could be. The strong vocals in the song make you wonder what really is the “American Dream” while also giving you the urge to listen to this song over and over again due to the strong sense of emotions portrayed throughout the song. Admits Johnson:
I wrote “American Dream” at a time when the tension in our country felt palpable. This was five years ago. Now, seemingly more divided than ever, I questioned whether or not I should release a song that sounds so blindly idealistic. To be clear, “American Dream” is not an endorsement of this country as it stands now. I don’t think that it is unpatriotic to think that we can do better than this. The American Dream, as it has been fed to us – Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness – has not delivered on its promises for many (if not most of us). So, while the song yearns for this made-up, sepia-toned time that never existed, it notes exactly that: that it never existed. We’re enchanted by our own, but very limited folklore – the pioneers, the Wild West, the civil war, the nuclear family, the moon landing, etc. We have romantic notions about who we are and who we’ve been, and it is tempting, for all of us, to want to wear those rose-colored glasses. But in order to become better, and in order to progress, we need to take off the glasses and take a good look in the mirror. We all want the same thing: to feel proud of the country we call home – we just need to accept the fact that it might be healthier to learn from our history rather than glamorize it. The lives of so many depend on it.
If you are in the need of finding some good, emotional summer music, be sure to check out The Little Miss for substantially strong vocals and meaningful songs.
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 20, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
Austin Ward has already begun to make a name for himself with his signature sultry vocals and laid back atmosphere to his music. The brand new music video for his single “2 of Us” drops today, and we’ve got one of your first looks at the masterpiece, which is shot beautifully and follows him around while he interacts with a love interest. The video itself, directed by Elliot Wolf with creative direction by Wolf and Ward himself, seems to take place over a short period of time, acknowledging the back and forth of a relationship along the way, and incorporating mesmerizing dance and live performance tactics by both Ward and his female cohort, Mani Krishna (choreographed by Emily Duncan).
The video is soulful, and one you won’t soon forget.
Phenome is out June 29th. Keep up with Austin here.
by Karina Marquez | Jun 20, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
English trio Muncie Girls are cooler than ever in their new video for “Picture of Health,” the lead single from their second album Fixed Ideals, which is set to come out on August 31. Lead vocalist/guitarist Lande Hekt, along with guitarist Dean McMullen and drummer Luke Ellis, create an anthem for friendship with a sound that is reminiscent of the early days of Paramore and 90s pop-punk. The video captures the song’s theme in a real and organic way, right down to the silver fidget spinner. This is a modern-day representation of what it’s like to maintain a friendship and how we tend to get in our own heads, worrying about problems that don’t even exist. “Picture of Health” is a song that everyone can relate to, with a poignant video that emphasizes the importance of platonic love that is very refreshing to see.
Keep up with the band here, and don’t forget to preorder their upcoming album.
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 20, 2018 | snapshot, visual
Broken Social Scene has inspired an array of artists who are living out their own moments to shine now. How wonderful an experience to witness their live performance tactics at Bonnaroo 2018! (Plus: Check out the reflection of the growing audience in some of those sunglasses photos!)
Keep up with Broken Social Scene here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 20, 2018 | snapshot, visual
St. Paul & The Broken Bones brought their unique brand of magic to the stage at Bonnaroo 2018. Having never seen them – but having heard the buzz around them for quite some time – we were floored by their set. Here are some photos.
Keep up with the band here.
by Aubrey Hanson | Jun 20, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Following some of their other tracks such as “Tidal Wave” and “Sunflower Lady”, up and coming band Tempesst recently released their new single “A Little Bit Of Trouble” which connects alternative and indie genres along with a little mix of old-time, traditional folk music that sets up the perfect mix of genres so anyone can enjoy their unique style of music. “A Little Bit Of Trouble” is the perfect song to listen to if you are cruising through the countryside during the summer, or just looking for a good time. Tempesst uses their distinctive sound and music style to create a somewhat relaxing yet exhilarating song that will make you want to go on a summer adventure, and maybe even cause a little trouble yourself.
Make sure to stay up to date on Tempesst if you are ever in need of some good summer vibes.
by ImperfectFifth | Jun 19, 2018 | snapshot, visual
On June 11th, the illustrious Middle Kids took the stage at recordBar in Kansas City to a packed room of fans. Photographer Ashleigh Lee got into the grit to nab some photos for us of the fun Australian trio.
**photos by ashleigh lee
