by Meredith Schneider | Jul 11, 2018 | 5 to 7
Johnson City, Tennessee-based self-proclaimed “giggle-pop” trio Achy – comprised of Achy (Samuel B.) (songwriter, composer) and his cohorts Mahto Bowder (bass), and Sam Love (drums) – just unleashed their seven track stunner Friendly Animals unto the world. Laced with a psychedelic, garage rock feel, the trio somehow pulls off a brit-pop soundscape above it all. Each track is refreshing, and honestly something we would enjoy at an outdoor barbecue. (You know… IF the heat ever dies down anywhere close by!)
Feel free to check out Friendly Animals below, and then check out our quick interview with the trio, where we get deep into their production process and – of course – superheroes.
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?
Samuel: My absolute first musical memory is sitting in the living room of my folks old apartment, and my dad had this little record player set up and was playing Money by Pink Floyd on it. And that memory has always stuck with me super strong. My dad and my mom showing me their music growing up definitely impacted the way I make music though.
Sam Love: My first musical memory that really really made me love music was Pink Floyd. Particularly the Syd Barrett era, which was a more spastic and creative-sounding time for Pink Floyd in my opinion. However Lonesome Crowded West by Modest Mouse was the most influential album on my drum playing.
Mahto: There was always stuff like the Grateful Dead, Augustus Pablo, Bad Brains, Neil Young playing at the house. My folks had a fairly wide taste. My first cd was Help by the Beatles. I feel like the set me up pretty well. I do remember going to see a stage production of beauty and the beast and suddenly being much more interested in the piano at the the house. All that said I’m sure it must be why I act in the way I do now.
What is this self-proclaimed “giggle-pop” genre you’ve come up with on Facebook? Where did that term come from? Don’t necessarily disagree — just SUPER curious.
Samuel: It’s to describe that lil giggle you let out when a pop hook sounds real good. And we found it just online I can’t remember where or who but some beautiful stranger described us with the perfect genre! We also crack a lot of jokes at the live gigs.
Sam Love: Our term “giggle pop” comes from how much fun we having playing and learning music together; I think Samuel and Mahto have great senses of humor and we always make each other laugh in between songs! Although we take the music we make seriously I think it’s important to also have fun with it and they are great fellas to have around for that!
Mahto: I think someone else called us that in a Facebook event. It’s pretty accurate though. We get pretty giggly pretty often.
Friendly Animals is so refreshing and upbeat. We hear it all happened in 2 days. (AMAZING!) Any fun anecdotes?
Samuel: Thank you! It was the most exhausting two days I’ve ever had, we as a group literally rehearsed the songs one day before recording them and a lot of the parts were actually written as we recorded. By the end of recording I couldn’t even redo guitar takes cause my fingers hurt so bad!
Sam Love: The recording process for our EP Friendly Animals was a blast! It’s was a lot of work, but working with Henry of Taped Records in Knoxville was absolutely amazing. He has done a great job setting up an environment where work and productivity explode like a volcano, but in a way that doesn’t stifle the creative process. I feel like it was refreshing for all of us.
Mahto: It was very hot. And very hard on the hands. I thought the improv jam was the most fun though. After spending all day trying to get the songs right, after learning them the day before, it was really nice to be able to turn the brain off and slip into the rhythm off this new thing.
Do any of you have a favorite track from the album, or perhaps a song you prefer to perform live? Why? What makes it something to look forward to for you?
Samuel: Mine would have to be “Breakfast w/ You”, seeing people smile and get excited that we’re playing it just makes me so happy. That or “Telephone P’lease”!
Sam Love: My personal favorite song from Friendly Animals is “Summer Sweater” because I really like how the grooves kind of take on a funkier sound. I always look forward to playing it live!
Mahto: I rather like playing “Telephone P’lease”. It makes me feel like a rockstar.
How do you want fans to feel after listening to the album in its entirety?
Samuel: That they feel like they know us! By the end of the record I’d love it if people felt a little closer to what we’re doing and like they could come up after a show and talk like old friends.
Sam Love: Ideally, after listening to Friendly Animals for the first time, I would like the listeners to feel like they just heard something different in an interesting “fresh” way.
Mahto: I want listeners to feel like Samuel for a minute.
On a broader spectrum, what drives your passion to create music?
Samuel: The people and connections I make everyday doing it, the strongest and funnest connections you can make are when you become besties with another band or artist, that’s true love right there.
Sam Love: I always find myself in and around musical environments, and being able to play music with good friends and musicians like Samuel Bowman and Mahto Browder really helps drive my passion to create music. I also love how music can bring so many different people together, and even serve as a sort-of medicine.
Mahto: It just something I have to do. I think there is something primal that makes people want music.
If you could be any superhero – “existing” or made up – who would you be and why?
Samuel: Definitely Hellboy, coolest hero ever! Also the best graphic novel hands down.
Sam Love: If I could be any superhero, pre-existing or otherwise, I firmly believe I would be Father Captain Doctor Love. The man who, of course, had humble roots in a church eventually becoming a Priest. After seeing the ugly underbelly of religion and understanding religion’s sinister and corrupt nature in his town he quit the church to join the army. He quickly became a Captain, but after seeing the unjust conflicts and unspeakable horrors of war he left to further his academic career and reflect on his experiences. He decided to become a heart surgeon, and graduated at the top of his class successfully becoming a doctor. It was then he learned he could just also read minds and become temporarily invisible for 10-15 minute intervals on Thursdays.
Mahto: Batman. He just does what he wants. No powers or anything.
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Keep up with Achy here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jul 5, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Looking for that bright pop of summer fun to inject into your latest playlist? Rumor has it that XYLØ‘s new track “Don’t Panic” is making the rounds, so we had to give it a spin ourselves. And, to be honest, the soundscape is just as juicy and alluring as the cover photo. It’s about a casual romance, where the girl is just trying to live an uncomplicated life. She’s essentially instructing herself not to panic as she notes how close this guy is trying to get to her, as he embeds himself into her life. It’s relatable, to say the least, and we’re impressed with how she expresses the issue of boundaries in a fun, sticky sweet way.
“Don’t Panic” is out now. Keep up with XYLØ here.
by Meredith Schneider | Jun 6, 2018 | albums, premieres
Portland-based art-folk musician Michael Charles Smith is hitting a high note with the soundscape provided by his often ambient melodies and soft – yet assertive – vocals in his new 12-track release, In The Shadow. Bathed in a raspiness that is both emphatic and ethereal, Smith’s lyrics are apt to tug at the heartstrings of many, as they paint him as a vulnerable, masterful lyricist.
Beginning with the upbeat track “Hello Hello”, the album establishes a true journey for the listener, pace changing with each no track, and mindsets shifting from one end of the spectrum to the other, as he repeats, “I’ll die alone” in third track “Angel, and then softly croons, “I must have fallen in love” immediately following, in fourth track “One Word”.
The variety in the soundscape of In The Shadow makes sense, when the album is put into context. Inspired by his past struggles with addiction, Smith has come to terms with his circumstances, transforming that energy into a beautifully well-rounded body of work that you might never turn off. We’ve got the exclusive streaming premiere below.
Keep up with Michael Charles Smith here.
by Madison Blom | May 24, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Breaking into the new year with a new single that is sure to get her name heard by thousands of new listeners is LA based artist, Tessa Rae and her first single of the year entitled, “Downtown.” Not only does this song have a deep meaning to the artist herself, but it is sure to touch the hearts of fans around the world with its generally universal message. In her own words, Rae stated, “‘Downtown’ is a story about loss and dealing with its aftermath…I lost my best friend and someone who I felt was a soulmate to me in this world. The song is kind of an outward expression of the shoulda-woulda-coulda games we all play with ourselves when we lose someone we love. Initially In.Drip. was only going to produce the song, but the first version he sent me was with my verse followed by his hook and it honestly blew me away. I loved it and asked if he’d be on the track.”
Just as was indicated in the statement, this song was built to embody the pain that one feels when they experience loss — a sentiment that is felt within each individual, painstaking beat. As the song begins, ears are immediately met by Tessa Rae’s fantastic vocal skill meshed with a tenderness that is indescribable. Not only is this a talent that is hard to come by, but it also has a unique way of fluctuating with the instrumental component that stabilizes the track. Throughout the entire track, fans also have the pleasure of experiencing the raw power behind the lyrics that hold so much meaning through the minimalistic soundscape. Without a doubt, there is much in store in the coming years for this incredibly talented young artist.
Keep up with Tessa Rae here.
by Abby Trapp | May 17, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
Budding pop star Syrena has just released her latest song “Diamonds In My Head”. The 20 year old NYC native is woman of many talents including belly dancing, fire eating, and snake charming. Her most recent talent includes her cunning knack for music. Her latest “Diamonds In My Head” is a pop song with a style all its own. While the beat is what captures you, Syrena’s captivating vocals ranging high and low, are what will keep you listening. The writing is inspiring as well as Syrena sings on empowerment and ambition. “I’ve got diamonds in my head, you see- Imma to do what I want….I’ve got diamonds in my voice, in my soul.” The most powerful lyric for me is “Love is great, love is kind, but it’s just not on my mind.” Syrena is focused on her goals on “Diamonds In My Head”. “Power and confidence are big themes in my music. Maybe it comes from being a New Yorker, or maybe it comes from performing live since I was three…if you doubt yourself, this city will eat you alive,” says the pop artist. Maybe it does come from performance, or maybe Syrena just has “it.” Either way, after listening to “Diamonds In My Head,” I felt more inspired,and focused. And to me, that’s music worth listening to.
Keep up with Syrena here.
by Kayla Hutton | May 17, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
On May 9th, 2018 Brighton, U.K.’s rising band Thyla – comprised of Millie Duthie, Danny Southwell, Dan Hole, Mitch Duce – released their single “Blame” via B3SCI Records.This female fronted semi-pop/punk/rock band has definitely captured something extremely energetic. “Blame” begins with a steady but loaded enthusiasm. The picking and sound of the guitar is like that of The Cure. With a sprinting verse the chorus kicks down the door and leads the race with the propulsion of a jet engine. The pulse of “Blame” never runs dry providing a positive and motivating driving force. With enough fuel to get through any morning this would be the perfect track to start the days routine to. The kind of song that after hearing you’d walk out the door with an extra oomph in your step ready to take on the world. The punk like attributes are subtle but enough to show a little attitude. Thyla originated some time ago, however after not wanting to be one of those bands you hear potential in, they refocused and held back until they were ready. Ready they are. With only 5 single tracks available, you can’t help but let the anticipation build for a full length album. The vocals are melodic and at times a little bubblegum pop-ish. Never screeching or whining. The music section sounds very in sync and well rehearsed as if they were celebrating the release of a 5th album rather than a 5th single. Thyla has a commercial appeal that isn’t sleazy or trying to cash in on a female singer. They write realistic and catchy hooks leaving the lyrical content open to interpretation based on however it applies to the listeners life. They offer a modern approach, yet deeper into the heart and core of the band you can hear the 80’s alternative influences. For those of you in the U.K. be sure to catch Thyla as they have a couple of shows lined up. The rest of us will sit biting our nails waiting for a full album.
Tour Dates
MAY 12 @ Norwich Arts Centre
MAY 18 @ The Bees Mouth
MAY 19 @ Brighton StMary
MAY 23 @ The BOILERROOM
JUN 26 @ The Castle & Falcon
You can keep up with Thyla on their website or via Facebook.
by Abby Trapp | May 15, 2018 | albums, review
Courtship. recently released their debut album, Denial in Paradise. I had the pleasure of being acquainted with Courtship. earlier this month as I interviewed them. It was then that I fell in love with the first single off their album, titled “The Kind of Woman.” I was lucky enough to have a chance to listen to all of Denial in Paradise, an album where the tracks flow effortlessly to create a one-of-a-kind pop sound. “The Kind of Woman” is just the start and enters with a groovy 70’s feel. Courtship. sings “…the kind of woman I want to be with, you know I’m going to put a gold plated watch on her wrist,” on their idea of the ideal woman. The track even incorporates French. Listening to it made me feel like “the kind of woman.”
Following up “That Kind of Woman” is “Nice Guy.” The infectious track has Courtship. and me wondering as they sing “Why is it so hard to be a nice guy?/Could have had a nice life, friendlessness could never stop…I can’t even fake a smile,” Courtship. declares. “Nice Guy” is the perfect anthem not just for guys, but for a world that struggles to be nice from time to time. “Nice Guy” isn’t as somber as it sounds, the song stays upbeat with its synth and funky sounds.
“Perfect People” has a different, misunderstood and creepy feel to it. The vocals are emphasized here and Courtship. makes another great point “We’d do anything just to be perfect people, blonde and beautiful on the beach.” They are not far off, candidly calling out the societal pressures to look, be, and have “perfect things.” “Live! with D+J” remains the quirkiest track. The track is only 34 seconds long, but samples the band as if they were on a radio station with a DJ. It give the pop album a unique twist. Of course Denial in Paradise is more than just Courtship.’s latest album; it is an array of feel good, wind in your hair, summer night, love sick anthems.
Keep up with Courtship. here.
by Madison Blom | May 8, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Kicking off this season with a single that is bone chilling beautiful is multi-faceted young talent Nick Lopez and his latest release, “Carousel.” Not only is this incredibly mature piece a wonderful tribute to the intense emotional ride that many of us find ourselves on, but musically and vocally speaking, it is composed in an artistically complex manner that seems to inject the listener with the push and pull of Lopez’s emotional tide. With each passing beat, fans find themselves swaying with the beat that is so full of meaning that, like the song declares pulls them back in again and again. After making hundreds of sacrifices for the music career that he has been dreaming of since his teenage years, the rewards are finally starting to match the hard work of this young artist.
Ever since a young age, Nick Lopez has dreamed of a life on stage and decided at age 17 to move from the comfort of his childhood bay-area home to Los Angeles to pursue a goal that he has come to achieve over and over again. His alluring vocals and talented duet counter-pieces have added to his musical credibility and has raised the bar of expectation even higher. Coupled with his layered pop-sensibilities, Nick Lopez’s incredible thirst for success will continue to drive him to the top of the billboards and allow him to take his current streams from the current millions to billions.
Keep up with Nick Lopez here.
