by Veronica DeFeo | Feb 12, 2018 | 5 to 7
Echo Bloom’s founder and frontman Kyle Evans creates rigorous, detailed and well-thought out music. With the creation of Echo Bloom, Evans took their freshman album Jamboree and honed specific songs to create Blue, Red, and now, their latest album, Green. Accompanied by vocalist/keyboardist Aviva Jaye, Alex Minier playing bass and Cody Rahn on drums, Evans has created a collection of music that covers a variety of soundscapes and genres. Echo Bloom has been based in a variety of places, recently in New York City, and the multitude of locations mirrors the multitude of sounds they put out. Keep an eye out for Echo Bloom’s Green, out March 9th.
We were able to catch up with Echo Bloom recently — here’s what they had to say:
Echo Bloom is an evocative name. How did it come about?
The Baby Boom generation were folks born post WWII, so ~1946-1964. I heard once the phrase “Echo Boom” talking about the generation of kids that the baby boom generation had. My family always gardened a lot – we had this great big vegetable garden in our backyard – so “Echo Boom” became “Echo Bloom”.
Favorite live show played to date?
Breminale, in Bremen, Germany, in 2016. We performed under this beautiful circus tent, and it was our bass player Alex’s birthday, so we got about 500 folks to sing to him on stage before we started. It was about 400 degrees out and there a ton of lights, so everyone was *covered* in sweat by the time the show was done. But we got two encores, and ended the night at kind of this hub of Bremen called “Heartbreak Hotel” singing and toasting and laughing. It was the 8th or 9th show of a 60 date tour, and set the tone really nicely.
Recording: disciplined and rigorous or laid back jam sesh style?
More on the disciplined and rigorous side. We went into the recording of a record we put out a few years ago with a note-by-note score of everything, so the actual recording was more a documentation effort. We’ve gotten a little more away from that – we work more as a band to collaboratively arrange everything. But once we get in the studio, we usually have a very good idea of how everything is going to turn out.
Biggest influences for Green?
Ah, that’s tough. Musically – Big Star, Brian Eno, Neutral Milk Hotel, Debussy, and Pink Floyd. Lyrically -Georges Seurat, John Steinbeck, and Carl Sandburg.
Best part of touring?
The family. I am constantly amazed and humbled by the generosity and spirit of giving that we experience on the road. There is an amazing community of people that support art and go to shows – and being on tour allows you to experience that directly.
How did you come up with the idea for the album processes evolving from and following Jamboree?
It was pretty intentional. I finished Jamboree and took stock of what we’d come up with – there were a lot of good songs on there, but stylistically it was too diverse to make for any kind of consistent listening experience. We had a reggae song, a metal song, a country song, a weird French-sounding song. It was a *ton* of fun to make, but listening back to it – I mean, maybe we’re not a metal band? Maybe we’re not a reggae band? So I did an audit, and tried to figure out what the best songs were on the album. I took the three best songs, and wrote albums around each of them. The first was Blue (off of the song ‘The Prostitute’), then last year’s Red (off of the song ‘The Businessman’), and now Green (off of the song ‘The English Teacher’).
If you had one word to describe Echo Bloom to someone who had never heard of you, what would it be?
Handmade.
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Keep up with Echo Bloom
Facebook – Instagram – SoundCloud – Twitter – Website
by Veronica DeFeo | Feb 12, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
California’s Robert Vickers of The Incredible Vickers Brothers is truly a man for all seasons. Having dabbled in just about every aspect of the music world over the yearsand dealing with midlife crisis, he’s come around to putting out his own music that he wrote over the years. The result of years of musical sojourning is The Incredible Vickers Brothers. The latest single, “In Memory”, is off the album Torch Songs for Swingers, which is produced by Allen Clapp. The song oozes bittersweet nostalgia, acknowledging the past and learning how to cope with what is to come. Laced with smooth saxophone and dreamy guitar, “In Memory” pays tribute to heartache in an honest, mature, and beautiful way. If you’re looking to be entertained musically while still wanting to hear a specific message, “In Memory” is the track for you. It’s the perfect song if you’re in your feels on Valentine’s Day. Fun fact: “In Memory” even features a vintage 1978 drum machine for all you retro aficionados out there.
Keep an eye out for “In Memory”, off Torch Songs for Swingers, out March 9th via Mystery Lawn Music.
Keep up with The Incredible Vickers Brothers: Facebook I Soundcloud I Spotify I Bandcamp
by Katie Pugh | Feb 12, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Welsh quartet Kidsmoke debuted their latest song, “Sister Sadness” earlier this week which is the perfect follow-up to their 2017 EP Save Your Sorrow.
With an upbeat, optimistic melody and melancholic lyrics, this song bode feelings of summer and promise. The song features a confident and fresh guitar melody blended flawlessly with the bands signature mellow, calming lyrics and hazy, dream-like vibes. While the lyrics express heartbreak and a tender sensation, there’s a tinge of optimism, a trademark to Kidsmoke’s signature sound.
The inspiring indie sound, pulsating drum, and driving guitar creates bright, buoyant feelings of hope which is perfect any setting. Whether a winter bonfire or summer road trip, this song is must for any playlist. Its diverse sound allows listener to experience a variety of feelings while listening. Each time I listened, a new feeling was awakened in me both morose yet exhilarated.
With “Sister Sadness” being featured on BBC 6 Steve Lamacq’s Music Recommends Track of the Week and a previous track being featured on Netflix’s Black Mirror, it’s safe to say Kidsmoke is a band to watch if you’re not following them already. If you’re a fan of The Beatles or The Smiths, this is a song to check out!
Keep up with the band here.
by Abby Trapp | Feb 9, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Luxgaze has three singles under her belt and soon, an album. The Toronto native recently just released “Pretty Eyes” an instrumental piece described by some as a “psychedelic abstract.” It is an accurate description for the song. I’m not usually one for instrumentals unless it’s jazz, but Luxgaze is the exception. My best description of her music would be being stuck in a tunnel, and being completely fine with it. It’ll leave feeling completely zen while getting just the right amount of that “psychedelic vibe.” But really to experience this, you’ll just have to listen to “Pretty Eyes” on your own.
To listen to more Luxgaze go to www.facebook.com/luxgaze
by Katie Pugh | Feb 9, 2018 | Uncategorized
X Ambassadors’ latest track “Don’t Stay” follows the release of “
JOYFUL” adding a contrasting dimension to their upcoming album. While “JOYFUL” produced a light, airy musical tone, their latest single seems to bode the opposite instrumentally.
“Don’t Stay” showcases frontman Sam Harris’ vocal range with his soulful falsetto sitting at the forefront of this song. The smooth vocals are driven by the rhythmic beat of the drums making the tortured yet hopeful lyrics the focus of the song.
The lyrics are maturely crafted, cohesive, and painfully relatable. Harris repeats the phrase “don’t stay for me” quite frequently throughout the song’s chorus depicting pain and anguish as the singer wishes a lover the best, even if it means continuing on separately.
There’s something about a song that mixes dance-like rhythm with heartbreakingly honest lyrics that draw listeners in. At first listen, the melodic drums give an urgent sense to move your body and dance. As the lyrics move in, it’s easy to get caught up in Harris’ polished vocals and well-spoken lyrics. This song is the perfect mix of heartbreak and taking the higher road.
“Don’t Stay” is a powerfully written dance ballad that effortlessly illustrates a great blend of rhythmic, electronic drums, extreme vocal talent, and wonderfully crafted lyrics.
Keep up with X Ambassadors
here.
by Abby Trapp | Feb 9, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Amy Guess is no stranger to music, as she started her career at the age of 12 by moving to Las Vegas. She’s worked with producer Rusty Varenkamp which led “Moonlight” to grab over 500,000 views. But “Moonlight” was just the start as Guess is a sought after collaborator in the EDM scene.
I love EDM, and what I love about Amy is that she not only has the beats in her music to qualify her as “EDM”, but she also has the vocals to carry herself into other genres making herself flexible as an artist. “Sorry” confirms this as it’s clearly personal with lyrics like “but how could I have been so blind” and “wish I could say I feel your pain”. “We write our stories, we define our breaking point, no one can destroy in us what we refuse to allow them to. Only we hold those keys. Know your strength, know your worth, always keep your head high,” Amy says on her latest single.
Visit Amy on Facebook.
by Veronica DeFeo | Feb 9, 2018 | albums, wolf tracks
Milwaukee-based No No Yeah Okay, an electronic/pop/hip-hop/punk band is dropping their sophomore EP, Cabal, on February 9. Comprised of Mark Gage (producer), Christopher Quasius (guitar), Colin Plant (vocals) and Joshua Paynter (bass), the group, founded in 2014, signed to LA-based indie label Little Assembly last year. No No Yeah Okay came together to combine their music as one group, releasing their debut EP, Dual in 2014. They have already released their single, “Make Believe” and an accompanying music video. You can check it out here. It has been well received, being added to Spotify’s New Music Friday and streamed over 114K times, as the group has been growing in both recognition and popularity.
Kicking off Cabal with “Boulevard”, a synth-filled track that is highlighted with streams of even vocals. “Get Lost” provides more of a soft-punk sound with electronica that is not over-the-top, but perfectly present. “Make Believe” blends soft pop with hip-hop beats, while “That Ain’t You” is an upbeat, catchy track melding tight pop sounds with clear vocals. “What Can I Say” is one of the most hip-hop/electronic of the tracks, combining snappy beats with flowing vocals. Cabal shows No No Yeah Okay as more experienced, synced, and mature.
Connect with No No Yeah Okay here:
Website – Facebook – Twitter
by Veronica DeFeo | Feb 9, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
California-based singer-songwriter RIVVRS is gearing up to release his track “Don’t Wanna Know” on February 9th. A guitar-and-drums filled, mellow yet intriguing track with classic rock elements, “Don’t Wanna Know” brings a variety of pleasant sensations to the ears.
A talented artist who has even gotten songs on TV shows, RIVVRS (aka Brandon Zahursky) is no rookie to the music game, but still provides freshness in every track. RIVVRS will be releasing Cosmic Dream this year, having already released its lead single, “Don’t Give Up On Me”. RIVVRS says of his music: “I hope people listen to the songs that I have, and can somehow hear what is happening in their own lives. Everyone wants to feel a connection.”
His single “Don’t Wanna Know” does just that – it is approachable, relatable, and of course, enjoyable. With guitar that has you hooked from the first notes and vocals to match, “Don’t Wanna Know” is equal parts compelling and calming. RIVVRS also brings a hint of Americana to the song with just a bit of twang in his voice. Keep an eye out for not only “Don’t Wanna Know”, but all of Cosmic Dream as well.
Connect with RIVVRS
Youtube – iTunes – Instagram – Facebook – Website – Twitter – Spotify – Soundcloud
by Madison Blom | Feb 9, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
LA darling Veronica Bianqui is out with a soulful new single titled “Sunday Cups” that brings out the best in her tone and ability to portray relevant relatable topics. “Sunday Cups” addresses the pressure of society to build up impenetrable facades that hide the real personality of the individual. With her bluesy undertones and traditional garage-pop sound, Bianqui is able to share with her listeners what she has observed in those around her all too often. Lyrically, the single relies heavily on well constructed metaphors that highlight the social norms and deconstructs the aforementioned facades of society.
Bianqui also has a deeply rooted history in performance throughout states in the US as well as across Europe. She has had the opportunity to relish in what the music scene has to offer her as she performed along side several different bands. Not only does she have a vocal powerhouse to rely on, but she also has training in musical theatre which adds a unique element to her live performances. However, this artist cannot take all of the credit for herself. In her own words, she attributes most of her success to her mother’s love for blasting The Beatles and Joe Cocker around the house as she grew up. All of this experience has fans on the edge of their seats for what Bianqui has to offer in the near future.
Keep up with her here.
