by Madison Blom | Apr 9, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Continuing to build on their past success is dynamic duo, Joan with a plethora of infections lyrics that are sure to pull of the heart strings of fans and followers throughout the world. Regrets and experiences have fused this group together into a force to be reckoned with. Once again, Joan has released a new single that has all of their talent and skills on display for their fans to soak up and adore. “I loved you first,” is a single that is laced with lyrics reminiscent of words unspoken to middle school crushes.
With this new release, Joan invites listeners to roll up those denim sleeves and prepare to be catapulted into a pool of emotions. Like many of their other tracks, “I loved you first,” was written from personal experiences that were particularly poignant in the lives of this Arkansas based group. Speaking of the new single Alan said, “I went through a relationship with this girl, I thought she was the one for me. right when I started falling for her, though, she started feeling really distant, I still had crazy feelings for her, but it turned out that she had feelings for Brandon the whole time. this one is for you, Brandon.”
Keep up with Joan here.
by Meredith Schneider | Apr 9, 2018 | 5 to 7
Following the re-release of their Brain EP on Castle Face Records, Once & Future Band – the Oakland-based psych pop collective expertly comprised of Eli Eckert (bass, vocals), Joel Robinow (keyboards, vocals), Raj Ojha (drums), and Raze Regal (guitar) – sat down briefly with us for a quick interview. The EP is pieced together with four enigmatic, moody tracks that will make your tastebuds water with excitement as you stumble along the quirky and wonderful soundscape that the four piece provides. Check out everything they had to divulge to us about their musical lives below!
What was your first musical memory, and did it have an impact on the way you create now?
(Joel Robinow) My first musical memory was actually seeing les miserables on its first run when it came to San Francisco. It was with the ideal cast, Michael ball, the incomparable colm Wilkinson, lea salonga, and Tim Curry as Javier. I was electrified. I didn’t know that music was capable of making you feel emotions…I had butterflies in my stomach the entire time, the intricate arrangements, the opulence…it’s all still very clear in my mind. Dunno. That and the video for “steppin out” by joe Jackson.
Your Brain EP was just re-released, and we’re super super smitten. Any fun anecdotes from that original production process that you can share with us – or any new details in getting the re-release out?
(Raj Ojha) We do most of the production / recording ourselves, recording wherever our home studio is at the time. For some songs that need a larger space, we’ll record basics (drums, bass, some keyboards) at our buddy Phil Manley’s studio(s). For the Brain EP, we recorded two songs entirely (basics, overdubs) in Joel’s bedroom at the time. I remember shag carpet everywhere and low ceilings which really aided in the vibe and dry / tight sound we got for the bass and drums on those tracks. The drums, bass and keyboard for the other two EP songs were recorded in San Francisco, at Lucky Cat Studios (which is also where we mixed the EP). The room there was the literal antithesis of what we had at Joel’s.
While we did have a clear vision of what we wanted to achieve sonically, there was a lot of experimentation, a lot of trial and error. There were many long nights spent trying layered vocal harmonies, scrapping them, replacing them with synths, then guitars, and sometimes going back to mix all of them together just for a chorus or outro. It’s those parts of the recording process we enjoy the most, where we sculpt the song’s arrangement and sounds beyond what we initially had in mind. Deadlines really help us from going off the deep end when we go down those paths, usually because we never want to stop. Since then (about 5 years ago), we’ve gotten a lot better at knowing when a song is done, and when its final voice is apparent.
How does it feel knowing that your creation is finally out in the world – with wider distribution this go’round?
(RO) It feels great! We’ve been playing these songs for so long now, and they’ve changed over time in a live setting. It’s nice to show some our newer fans a little piece of our history. Hopefully it also helps tide over people while we work on a few other releases, including our next LP.
Do you have a favorite track from the EP, or one that you prefer to perform over others?
(RO) The song “Brain (Watching Your Eyes)” has been a mainstay in our live set since the beginning. It’s one of the first songs we started playing as a band and over the years has morphed into something that the EP couldn’t contain (we’ve been known to extend this song to over 15 minutes live). One reason for it’s longevity in our live show is because it really lets us stretch out, improvise and add new twists and turns that aren’t featured on other tracks of ours. Improvisation is an important aspect to our group, especially in a live setting and even though “Brain” has a tight arrangement, it allows us the freedom to do something new every night in the second half of the song. It’s nice to take chances in front of an audience, it keeps things fresh and allows us to communicate musically in new ways between each other.
How do you imagine people listening to your new EP?
(RO) I imagine it right now, probably because you suggested it…let’s see….there’s a guy, wait actually it might be a girl…hard to say, their back is turned. They’re holding something in their right hand, I can almost see it, it glints…a knife? No, that’s unlikely….oh…it’s a pen. Phew!!! They are bobbing their head in time with the music.
(EE) My dream scenario of someone hearing our EP is that it just feels to them like something they’ve been waiting to hear. It fits like a glove and they’re as stoked on what we created as we were to create it. They’re just all “Hell yes”.
If you could be any superhero – “real” or made up – who would you be and why?
(RO) I’m not a comic book head but great musicians usually fall under the category of superheroes for me personally. Wayne Shorter-For his stunning composition ability and otherworldly playing(Check out any of his work with Miles,Weather Report and any recordings where he’s the leader ie, JuJu, Adam’s Apple, Speak No Evil, Night Dreamer et al for the proof)
(JR) Yea Wayne is an inspiration…I dunno. Being a superhero seems like too much responsibility, I’d prefer to be one of those people pointing at the superhero when they are doing something cool
(EE) I know Wayne Shorter used to love to read comics (maybe he still does???) so this makes sense!
Now that the EP is out, what’s next? What are you most looking forward to? Tell us all the crazy details!
(RO) We’re about to embark on a North American tour in April, supporting Chris Robinson’s “As The Crow Flies” band, hopefully we’ll also get back to the UK and Europe (we just finished out first major tour of the UK) before the end of the year. We’ve also been working on a lot of new material which we’ve started recording ourselves. We have a lot of ideas for releases, videos, collaborations right now but it’s best that we keep a lid on those plans until the moment is right. We’ve also been playing out a lot recently which is our next favorite thing to being in the studio!
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Keep up with Once & Future Band here, and catch them out on tour at the performances below!
2018 “AS THE CROW FLIES TOUR” – With Chris Robinson
Apr 17 Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY
Apr 18 Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA
Apr 22 Iron City, Birmingham, AL
Apr 24 Thalia Hall, Chicago, IL
Apr 25 Manchester Music Hall, Lexington, KY
Apr 26 The Signal, Chattanooga, TN
Apr 28 Joy Theatre, New Orleans, LA
Apr 29 Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN
May 01 The Pageant, St. Louis, MO
May 02 The Truman, Kansas City, MO
May 06 Ogden Theatre, Denver, CO
May 08 Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV
May 09 The Wiltern, Los Angeles, CA
May 11 The Fox Theatre, Oakland, CA
May 12 Montbleau Resort & Casino, Tahoe Village, NV
May 13 Crystal Ballroom, Portland, OR
by Veronica DeFeo | Apr 8, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Toronto bred, L.A. based Alexander Vincent is about to drop his brand new debut single, “I Won’t”. Following four years as the drummer for Magic!, Alexander (aka Alex Tanas) has also established himself as a producer. Now, Alexander is able to put his own sound out, including his first track, “I Won’t”.
Says Alexander on where he’s at now:
My favorite word right now is ‘vulnerable’. You just have to open yourself up, and a lot of us are just closed down. When you’re open to your emotions, when you’re crying to a pop song, there’s actually something very mature about that. Being vulnerable means challenging yourself to connect with something deeper. Saying ‘yes’ means really opening yourself up, to musicality, to a more profound experience.
His new track is the culmination of this vulnerability. “I Won’t” combines the gently delivered hard-hitting lyrics. With Alexander’s versatility as a drummer, producer, and singer, he’s able to bring the best aspects of all his talents to the table.
Alexander hopes the future will bring an LP (including “I Won’t”), and we hope so too.
Stay connected with Alexander Vincent:
Instagram – Facebook
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | Apr 6, 2018 | albums, review, wolf tracks
Sarah Shook & the Disarmers are back again after their debut album Sidelong. This year Sarah Shook and the Disarmers are back again with their follow Years. This album shows the groups growth from their previous album and shows the fearless and powerful stance that the group has taken on. Years has an even greater impact than the previous album.
In Years, Sarah Shook shows off her strong vocal delivery. Shook’s powerful vocals match the lyrics that are from her songwriting.
In “Heartache in Hell” Shook’s vocals display the sense of hurt that reflect the emotion of the lyrics in the song. The song has a country tone to it along with “The Bottle Never Lets Me Down”. “The Bottle Never Lets Me Down” shows submerging your emotions in alcohol.
Years takes you through several different emotions. The album tells a story of challenges. Years shows the struggle of having to pick yourself back up after going through challenges. The album is well worth the listen and shows a new transformation of Sarah Shook and the Disarmers.
Keep up with Sarah Shook & The Disarmers here.
by Madison Blom | Mar 30, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
Back again after the successful release of their last single, Lume is back with the release of their second single, “Unending” from their next album Wrung Out. Not only is a perfect complement to their previous release, “Unending” is full of a new excitement, rhythm and beat that is a new angle fans have yet to see in their previous releases. Originally, when the band began their journey of writing and producing their new album, they were inspired by the weight that society tends to place on certain subjects. Highly affected by the death of three friends, taken too soon from this earth and who suffered from drug abuse and suicide, Lume was motivated to speak out and express these deep emotions with their music. Although the themes of their lyrics are of great societal concern, “Unending,” avoids being dismal and bleak. Instead, it takes the listener on a journey that is beautiful, but also leans far over the edge until you are forced to take a plunge into their crashing finale.
With two singles from their next album out on the market, band members of Lume are preparing for the release of their full length album that is scheduled to drop on April 20. Also, more exciting news from this budding band includes the announcement made recently of the their upcoming tour with REZN. With a new album scheduled for release and a tour just around the corner, Lume is finally getting the attention from the music community that they so crave and rightly deserve.
Keep up with Lume here.
by Abby Trapp | Mar 28, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Ah, ARLO. I recently wrote on him and I am excited to do so again. Not only did the London-based newcomer sell out his headlining show at The Waiting Room, he also just released a new single “Settle.” I’ve listened to ARLO before so I know that he has a beautiful voice, but “Settle,” really takes the cake. Contrary to the title, “Settle” isn’t about settling for less at all. Packed with emotions ARLO asks the question we’ve all asked ourselves at one point “So why don’t you choose me?” Even more painful on the track, “It’s obvious to me that I don’t mean much to you.” No, the lyrics aren’t happy-go-lucky but the don’t have to be as ARLO’s emotion and soul on the track is what really makes this beautiful.
Check out ARLO on Facebook here.
by Madison Blom | Mar 28, 2018 | 5 to 7
Reaching new heights since the release of their second album is Melbourne-based band Pretty City who have not only taken over the Britpop grunge scene in Australia, but have also been gaining radio traction here in the US. Most recently, this group has been busy writing, performing and producing their new album Cancel the Future which was released this month. Despite their busy schedule, the band members of Pretty City took the time to sit down with us and talk about some exciting news, here’s what they had to say.
When you started working together, what were your goals and plans for the future? How have they changed since then?
When we started, we had all been in other bands that weren’t playing as many shows as we’d have liked. We were all kind of frustrated, so we just played as many shows as possible. We said yes to absolutely everything and started touring straight away. I guess it was a very explosive but scattergun approach. Over the years we’ve refined this to try and build a more of a global fan base and not limit ourselves to Australian shores.
Was there ever a time where you felt that you had achieved what you set out to do? Or are you still chasing that dream?
No. Never. We’re always chasing better song writing and better albums. I don’t think we’ll ever stop trying to create that piece of art that we think is perfect, which is the trap because there’s no such thing. I think the four of us are just those kinds of people.
Are there any bands or artists that you like to model your sound or style after?
I don’t think there’s anyone in particular that we’ve tried to model our sound and style after but we certainly have strong influences. The four of us have really diverse tastes and influences, but the band has always been great at allowing those influences to shine through and take Hugh’s songs in interesting directions. I think we draw we draw a lot from other band’s attitudes and approaches to song writing. We all love the Beatles and the Stones and the art of simplicity, but we also love bands like the Killers, Jet, and the Brian Jonestown Massacre for how they were able to reinterpret older ideas and make them their own. From the grunge era there are so many bands but I’ve been prettyinfluenced by Green River, Soundgarden, L7, Hole and the Smashing Pumpkins. From an attitude perspective we love Black Sabbath and the Doors and T. Rex. It’s just sexy stuff.
What does your writing process look like? Is it a team or individual effort?
Hugh, our lead singer and guitarist, writes the songs for the most part. Or he at least has melodies and some lyrics and then we work on structures and parts together. It’s really very collaborative and each of us is totally free to make our own parts and contribute to the song writing. Hugh’s got an incredible ear for melody and for capturing and distilling complex emotions into catchy sing along lyrics, which is such a hard thing to do. We’re very lucky to have him, and the group dynamic is really productive and supportive.
As you prepare for your 27-day long European tour, what are your expectations? What are you most excited for?
I’m expecting a lot of time on the autobahn. I’m expecting to eat more cheese and pork products than I would usually consume in a year. I’m really excited to go back and experience the amazing European hospitality. We had such a great time last year and we can’t wait to get back and reconnect with all the friends we made.
Now that you are looking to take your music and sound to an international level, what are your expectations as far as reactions from fans and crowds?
I guess we’re excited to share our new music with people. That’s the unchanging thing for all of us that is the same whether we’re in Melbourne, Austin or Hamburg, we are excited to play music and share our experiences with everyone. I hope more people will come share that with us, but at the same time, we love playing music so much, so we’re happy either way. I think the crowds will grow in Europe significantly though.
What can fans expect in the year 2018?
Well, we’ve already recorded our third album, so you can expect to hear an early single from that later in the year. Other than that, I think we’ll be doing some more touring back home and enjoying our home town for a bit 🙂
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Keep up with Pretty City here.
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | Mar 26, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
From the beginning of their formation, Fond of Rudy – a four piece indie alt pop band out of Brighton – has planned on creating pop music that brings your emotions to the forefront with catchy lyrics and great production sound. Their latest single, “Next”, is a song that dives into the serious issues in life. This song captures people fighting a battle with themselves and life. The song may seem like a pop track but if you listen closely, you will find a deeper meaning. “Next” shows that as humans we do not have to be perfect all the time and when we fall apart it is not our fault.
The song is perfection from start to finish with its great vocals and smooth beat behind it.
Keep up with the band here.
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | Mar 13, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
Los Angeles-based Michael Goldman continues to entertain with his solo project NONA. His new track “Girls” and its accompanying video are evidence of his talents as a solo musician. A creative video, “Girls” is full of drawings of a man and a woman. The video goes through a span of a relationship and what a relationship goes through. A powerful message behind it, the video shows the power that some partners in relationships have over their partner’s body. Raw emotions that couples often deal with in their relationships come to the forefront in this visual.
Although a illustrated video, it shows the pain partners cause on one another and how they are connected. “Girls” is a fantastic video from start to finish due to the illustrations and its realism.
Keep up with NONA here.
