hollow fortyfives release strange times, talk

hollow fortyfives release strange times, talk

Having just released their brand new album Strange Times this morning, Los Angeles-based psych pop trio Hollow FortyFives – comprised of Lucas Renberg, Brett Incardone, and Travis Corsaut – is revving up to play their album release party tonight at The Troubadour. Which means they have absolutely no time to bask in the glow of their work and treasure the audience response, as they’re focused on what’s to come with the entirety of the week still to unfold.

Luckily, we got a hot minute to catch up with them to find out the inspiration behind their work as a whole, the album you’re probably about to listen to on repeat, as well as to poke and prod them with silly little questions that give us peace of mind. Check out our words below!

What was your first musical memory? Did it have any bearing on how you respond to or create music now?

Lucas: Listening to a Beatles cassette that my Uncle had made for me. Then seeing some footage of The Who play live, after that i knew i had to play music.

Brett: Driving in my dad’s car and asking him who the band was on the radio. Also, asking my brother which instrument was playing and him teaching me the different sounds.

Travis: Being taught to play the guitar by my uncle. I quickly gave up and when I got a drum set 5 years later was forced into lessons. I really grew to love it.

Where do you believe you pull the most inspiration from for your work?

Lucas: A big chuck of it comes from the music I listen to and care about, My two favorite songwriters are John Lennon and Bob Dylan. The rest i would have to say come from the way I see the world. Anything can spark a song.

Brett: My biggest inspiration for lyrics would be the people I’m surrounded by whether it be friends, family, or even strangers. For music, simply, it can be bands I like, a riff I hear, or something that just grabs my attention.

Travis: I’d have to say that Lucas and Brett are my biggest inspirations in writing.

What inspired the track “Return Ticket” specifically?

Lucas: “Return Ticket” came about from the feeling of wanting to leave and get away. I live in this paradise that is California, but it’s a huge world out there. Always nice to take a look around, and no need to fear when you have a return ticket back home.

Your album is finally coming out, and we are so excited about it. What was the process for creating this album like for you guys?

Lucas: It was great writing the album and giving these songs the treatment they deserve. As a band it was our first time not recording ourselves, which was a whole new experience itself. We didn’t have to worry about mic placement or levels, we could focus on just playing the songs. And that really helped us grow as a band.

Brett: The process was very fun and smooth. The creative process was an absolute blast to be a part of and recording the album was a lot how I had hoped it would be: lots of late nights, laughs with my band mates, and excitement for being in a professional setting.

Travis: It was eye opening creating this album. The most important part for me was seeing how the songs had grown into something we’re all really proud to show you.

How do you imagine people listening to this release in its entirety?

Lucas: In a smokey room, either laying on a carpet floor or dancing away as the music flows out the speakers.

Brett: Driving in a car on a nice, sunny day, windows down with a cigarette in your hand.

Travis: When you listen to this song, I want you driving to Joshua tree in the rain with one hand out the window. If your friends are awake belt it with them and if they’re asleep wake them up by belting it. Noise is for the boys.

If you could be any superhero, who would you be and why?

Lucas: As a kid i was obsessed with Robin. So it would have to be Robin! He’s got the bat bike and is the only one I know who can question Batman.

Brett: Spiderman because he’s been my favorite since I was a kid, I’ve always loved Spiderman stories, and no matter how tough his life gets he always finds a way to overcome his struggles. Besides, who wouldn’t want to swing from skyscrapers?

Travis: Captain Planet, let’s strive to always improve this world guys.

If you could collaborate with any artist on any medium, who would you choose and what would you make?

Lucas: I’d love to be able to do a split single with my favorite current musician Tim Presley of White Fence.

Brett: Co-writing an album with Jeff Tweedy at the Wilco loft. It would be the craziest thing ever.

Travis: I want to do covers of the Barenaked Ladies with the ghost of Buddy Holly.

Cats or dogs? Substantiate your claim.

Lucas: Dogs who act like cats and cats who act like dogs. Best of both worlds.

Brett: Dogs. I had a cat once when I was a child, but she was a demon. Now I’m not saying all cats are evil, but I have a dog now and he is an absolute angel.

Travis: Cats AND dogs, lil cuties are a damn blessing.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Lucas: Keep living life between the headphones.

Brett: Tip your bartender.

___

Strange Times is out today and will be available here. Be sure to catch them at their album release show TONIGHT and keep up with the band here.

ms. mohammed, “pandora”

ms. mohammed, “pandora”

Hailing from Trinidad and of South Asian descent, Ms. Mohammed is out to confront xenophobia and islamophobia head-on with spectacular songwriting and seamless vocals. Not only does her music have powerful beats, but they are also equipped with dynamite messages that are meant to speak out against hate and encourage understanding and compassion. In her most recent release, “Pandora,” this talented artist raises an “anthemic battle cry” which captures her fierce and inspiring conviction concerning feminism. The video which was releases recently for this track was also graced with gritty groundbreaking visuals and stunning displays of feminist pride.

While speaking of the context that supports the “Pandora” visual spectacle Ms. Mohammed states:

The video features women/femme identified non binary artist and activist friends of mine; all with personal experiences of femme phobia and were keen to appear, based on the themes addressed both in song and video. We danced like the patriarchy has ended.

As female empowerment dominates 2018’s headlines, Ms. Mohammed is embracing the worldwide message with her delicious indie-rock masterpiece.

Keep up with Ms. Mohammed here.

kiah victoria, “remedy”

kiah victoria, “remedy”

After distancing herself from the stage and performing, singer/songwriter Kiah Victoria is back with beautiful new hits that prove that she hasn’t missed a beat. Most recently, she has released a new single, “Remedy,” which was released on March 8 of this year. Throughout this track, Kiah speaks of love being the remedy to things that ought to be left in the past and covering the cracks that might expose weakness or dark realities. Like music that she has released in the past, this single is full of dreamy vocals and stunning juxtaposition. Vocally her sound is laced with lovely bluesy tones with rich resonance. Not only has she perfected a sound that is sure to capture all who listen, but she has put together strong lyrics that are as relatable as they are hypnotizing. Her voice, coupled with smooth beats and instrumentals has broken down the walls that would have previously held her back in years past.

Looking forward, this artist is planning on traveling around to several different stages in order to perform her music new and old for fans across the United Kingdom. Fans are excited to hear new music from this up and coming artist, especially after taking such a sudden break in her music career.

Keep up with Kiah here.

corina corina’s music to drannnk to

corina corina’s music to drannnk to

Since I am gearing up to release an album called Hangover Music, I decided it was only right to put together a playlist of songs about alcohol by some of my favorite drinkin’ artists (and a few by me!)

Like “Hangover Music,” this multi-genre collection of songs explores all the facets of the relationship between artist and booze: the fun times, the dark times, the messy times and the head-pounding hangovers. Alcohol doesn’t always make for a productive next morning but it sure makes a damn good song!

Keep up with Corina Corina here.

jimi charles moody, highbury

jimi charles moody, highbury

Harley Alexander-Sule, otherwise known as his stage name Jimi Charles Moody is taking the world by storm with his new EP Highbury. Branching off from the duo Rizzle Kicks, Jimi Charles Moody only plans to go up in the music industry, especially after an EP like Highbury. Highbury consists of four songs jam packed with R&B music. After listening to the EP, four songs are simply not enough.

One of the hidden gems on the album is Shame. Shame is filled with raw vocals and a great sound. The song is about not regretting love. Shame is hands down a great song to start Jimi Charles Moody’s solo career. Each song on the EP has a different sound to it. Happy Song is a song that will instantly make you want to get up and snap your fingers while Prolong the Pain and Only You will automatically make even your heart shed a tear. The entire album is perfection in its own right due to each song being different in its own way.

Highbury is pure gold from beginning to end, this EP has just the right music to set Jimi Charles Moody’s career soaring. Highbury is available now.

Keep up with Jimi Charles Moody here.

the aces, “volcanic love”

the aces, “volcanic love”

Four-piece girl group The Aces are releasing their highly anticipated debut record, When My Heart Felt Volcanic, on April 6, and have just dropped the title track, “Volcanic Love”. After a successful 2017, performing with Portugal. The Man, Joywave, and others, The Aces prepare to take center stage with their brand new single. The quartet is composed of vocalist/guitarist Cristal Ramirez, her sister Alisa on drums, guitar from Katie Henderson, and rounded out with bass player McKenna Petty.

Not only has the Utah band dropped “Volcanic Love”, but also an accompanying music video. The beautiful music video was co-directed by Nico Poalillo and Alisa Ramirez, and tells not only timeless love stories, but that of The Aces as well. with nods to The Great Gatsby, Heathers, and 500 Days of Summer among others. If the visuals of the video alone don’t, the musical aspects of “Volcanic Love” will make you fall for The Aces immediately.

If you’re wondering what the new record might sound like, give The Aces’ previous EP I Don’t Like Being Honest a listen for a feel of their sound on Spotify.

Stay connected with The Aces here.

hinds, “the club”

hinds, “the club”

Hinds are back at it again with a brand new single, “The Club”, appearing on their upcoming second album I Don’t Run. The Madrid-based girl group is comprised of Carlotta Cosials (vocals and guitar), Ana Perrote (guitar and vocals), Ade Martin (bass and backing vocals), and Amber Grimbergen (drums). Having amassed a loyal following, the four-piece are now ready to start their world tour in support of the sophomore album. Filled with devil-may-care attitude, killer guitar moments, and a rollicking beat, “The Club” is the epitome of the unique sound that Hinds have made their own.

Hinds say of their new track:

When we wrote ‘The Club’ and first listened to it we couldn’t believe that we hadn’t [written] it before and that we hadn’t been listening to it for years. A friend said that it is more Hinds than Hinds themselves hahah. That’s why we chose putting it as the track 1 of the album. From now on it’s our presentation card.

Stay connected with Hinds
Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  | Spotify

this time last year: john cena @ sxsw

this time last year: john cena @ sxsw

Damn near close to the crack of dawn on Monday, March 13th, we found ourselves on our way into downtown Austin. One member of our party was extremely jazzed about going to see John Cena speak at an official panel for SXSW. Unbeknownst to us, that hour of time would convert us into real fans of the Cena empire – something we cared little for previously. After all, big muscles and rough ‘n tumble WWE nights are not our main calling. But that panel opened our eyes to the type of conscientious, kind, and practical businessman he really, truly is. And we think we could all take a lesson or two out of his book. So here is the panel in its entirety, courtesy of SXSW.

Check out more from SXSW 2017 right here.

**Originally published to moshery.com. (You know, before the owners broke it.)