by Veronica DeFeo | Feb 7, 2018 | 5 to 7
Vancouver-based, Northern BC born singer-songwriter and voice actor Noble Son (aka Adam Kirschner) is gearing up to release his self-released debut full length album, Joy In Violence on March 30th, having previously released two EPs. Birthed after a period of time filled with indecision and cumulation of talent, Noble Son’s debut LP, recorded with Joel Hamilton (an idol of Kirschner’s) is the result of honing in on authenticity. If the title isn’t enough to entice you, the title track and single provides a glimpse into what Kirschner is about to drop. His unique sound filled with precise piano, guitar, and other instrumentals paired with his clear voice provides for not only an enjoyable listening experience, but also a deeper understanding of Noble Son’s attention to detail.
Keep an eye out for Noble Son’s debut LP, Joy In Violence, out March 30th, and enjoy the title track now.
We caught up with Noble Son about Joy In Violence, and a few questions about his favorite things.
This album has been a long, careful time in the making. Can you pinpoint a particular moment that was pivotal for its creation?
This record actually came very suddenly. The eight songs were written over twelve days and then recorded in under a week. We kept it as live and raw as we could. The most pivotal moment was probably that initial writing period.
“Joy in Violence” is such an intriguing title for an album – how did it come to be?
“Joy in Violence” is the name of the album as well as the title track. The song is about those moments when you wake up, look in the mirror and think, “You old piece of garbage.” But instead of saying “garbage” you swear, y’know.
Favorite animal?
Pandas have such a great lifestyle. Really doing well.
If a color was used to describe “Joy in Violence”, what would it be and why?
Vancouver April grey.
As a Canadian artist, do you integrate your nationality into your work in any way?
Naw. Canada is cool though
What’s your go-to song you’d recommend to a friend?
“The Working Title” – Wolf
If you weren’t playing music, what job would you have?
Big time American movie star.
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Keep up with Noble Son here:
Facebook – Instagram – Website
Listen to Noble Son: Soundcloud – Bandcamp
by Madison Blom | Feb 7, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
London based artist Mae Muller has proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with. it is clear that she not only has a new, fresh sound, but that she has the ability to produce music that is current and relevant to her listeners. “Jenny” showcases all of these traits as well as favors her beautifully smooth and rich R&B-tinged tone. Not only do her vocals match the message of the lyrics, but she also exudes vibes similar to well known female pop artists such as Pink and Gwen Stefani.
Muller’s love of music started young as she wrote songs as a little girl. However, it wasn’t recently that she realized that she wanted to even pursue a career in something that she already possessed so much talent in. From the roots, the idea that music could transform her lyrics into something exhilarating and new. For Muller, her music contains lyrics that pertain to her own personal experiences which gives the music she releases a depth that is very real and relatable. Now that she has pushed through the release of a few songs, she was gathered fans throughout the world who are eagerly awaiting new music from her in the near future. In regards to where she wants to be by the end of this year, she has revealed that she would like to perform live more regularly, which is good news for all those who already love and adore her music.
by Abby Trapp | Feb 7, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Local Natives sound familiar? They should as they just celebrated the fifth anniversary of their LP Hummingbird. Hummingbird was released in 2013, and definitely allowed the band to make a name for themselves since then. You may know, them their top singles including “Wide Eyes” and “Dark Days” have reeled in over 30,000,000 streams on Spotify. The band recently commemorated their success and retention as one of the leading names in alternative by giving us a melodic demo of “Colombia”, co-produced by Aaron Dessner and performed at Ditmas Park in Brooklyn.
If getting a listen to that wasn’t generous, a behind the scenes look at the making of their new album can be found on their Tumblr. For all things Local Natives and to keep up with their new album visit them on Twitter.
by Madison Blom | Feb 7, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
Releasing his newest single is Jordan Sudak under the moniker of Koda. Since his debut, Koda has pulled all the stops in order to chase the greatness that he knows could be within his reach within the coming years. Not only is Sudak an artist that can create an atmosphere for the listeners, but he is also able to relate a strong and powerful message through his creative lyricism. Like many of the other artists in this genre, Sudak feeds off of the brooding intensity of his music that is sincere and fueled by passion that has been growing since he first started performing.
“White Dove”, like much of his other music, brings something different to the scene that fans and critics alike have latched on to and have began to crave and expect. Not only does Koda’s music bring in traditional sounds, but it also overlays many of the hooks with loops that sound foreign and has become a signature of this artist. Now that he has released this new single, fans are really wanting to see Koda perform live more often in order to hopefully show off his unique talent.
Keep up with Koda here.
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | Feb 7, 2018 | 5 to 7
Ships Have Sailed is an alternative pop-rock duo hailing from Los Angeles. Today, they released a new single titled “Let’s Just Dance”. Ships Have Sailed also plans on working on more music as 2018, so this is their year for creativity, a fact we found out when we got a chance to speak with them briefly. So check out the new track below, and read on for a little Q&A fun!
After releasing your new single “Let’s Just Dance” what are your next plans music-wise?
2018 is going to be a year of creativity! We’ve spent the last couple years pretty much out on the road, and so this year we’re going to be writing a lot and working in the studio…while we don’t have specific plans on whether that will result in an EP, an Album or more Singles, we do know we’re ready to make some more music.
How has your music evolved since your first EP Someday?
Well I think everything is an evolution, that’s just how life, experiences and time work together, so definitely our music has seen evolution. I would say we’ve become more attuned to our sound and creativity, and definitely my production chops get better and better every year, so while ‘Someday’ is near and dear to my heart, I would say it’s a little rough around the edges…which is great – it gives it its own character, but these days I’m much better at accomplishing exactly what I want sound-wise. With that said, I don’t like to hold us back creatively, so definitely we’re excited to continue to evolve as we continue to create!
Your new single “Let’s Just Dance” digs a little deeper when it comes to exploring human emotions. What do you think causes people to act upon their emotions rather than instincts?
That’s an interesting question…honestly I don’t think emotions and instincts are entirely separate from each other…just kinda different flavors of the same inner mechanism. But as far as leaning towards emotions or instincts, I think emotions often take the reigns because you can actually feel them, whereas instincts can be a bit more subtle, so you really have to pay attention to them.
Why do you think often times as humans we want more than what we already have?
This is something I ponder almost constantly! The honest truth is that I couldn’t dream of knowing the answer to why, but I often wonder if it started out as kind of a survival mechanism back in the very early stages of humanity. Think about it…we were not the top of the food chain, we didn’t have fire, tools, art, language, and over the course of time we developed all of those things…why? I think the progression of civilization (both the good and bad aspects) and technology can stem back to this gut feeling of wanting something ‘better’ …call it motivation or curiosity…regardless of whether this is really how or why this feeling originated, it’s a pretty fascinating topic to think about!
What was the influence behind “Let’s Just Dance” and what inspired it?
Well the idea itself just popped into my head at 2am one night and wouldn’t leave me alone until I sketched it out…it was just the main part of the chorus that kept repeating itself and wouldn’t quit, so I sketched it out really quick so I could get some peace and went to bed. The next day, I listened back and thought it was really good…but I didn’t want it just to be a shallow vapid love song, so I thought I would tie in the “Let’s just dance all night” theme into this fascinating topic of always wanting more that you asked about in your previous question. Through several collaborations including with co-writer Robert Gillies, co-producer Wally Gagel and the extremely talented team (Talkboy TV) who helped create the music video, these themes really developed themselves thoroughly, and the music morphed from something that started out to be a very circular, repetitive idea, to something that goes to all sorts of different places, sometimes unexpectedly…it was really amazing to watch it all come together!
How is “Let’s Just Dance” different from previous songs that you have released?
So, every song is different, but specifically I wanted this one to maintain the indie pop vibe that we’ve become known for, but to add a little edginess and also a bit of a classic vibe as well. People have compared the production to Walk the Moon (who I love, so that’s a huge compliment) but if you listen, you’ll hear a lot of classic influences in there as well…they’re just nicely blended, so I feel like there’s a little more depth to this track than some of our other singles.
What message do you hope people get from “Let’s Just Dance”?
Live your life…be happy, don’t be afraid to stay up a little too late, or have that extra glass of wine. Laugh with the people you love and enjoy every moment…I feel like we’re all distracted by the past and the future, regrets and anxiety and we generally don’t spend enough time in the present. It’s definitely something I personally try to do a little better at each day, month, year…and so, yeah, I think that’s the message behind this one. We’re human, imperfect, and beautiful…we were made to enjoy life moment by moment.
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Keep up with Ships Have Sailed here.
by Veronica DeFeo | Feb 6, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Dana Lynn Hobson and Daniel Wolf of Dana and the Wolf have dropped a brand new track, “Got Me Poly”. A polyamorous couple of over a decade, they have recently started working as musical partners as well, testing boundaries and in this single, share their thoughts on polyamory. Daniel was a classically trained musician, and Dana has much different musical taste than him, so their project together is very much a melding of their styles. Says Dana of the track: “As open minded as people seem these days, there’s still so much prejudice towards people with multiple lovers. I don’t want it to sound like I’ll f*** anyone. I have a big heart. I don’t see the benefit in closing it off to certain people I meet in my life.” A thoroughly modern single, “Got Me Poly” provides Dana and Daniel’s opinions on their romantic lifestyle, poking fun at monogamy and traditionalism. Laced with tenacious instrumentals, unapologetic lyrics, and sultry vocals, Dana and the Wolf brings something new to the table with this track. Their previous singles “Attitude” and “Him” have been making waves as well.
Follow Dana and The Wolf:
Spotify – Instagram – Facebook – Twitter
by Veronica DeFeo | Feb 6, 2018 | 5 to 7
Former opera singer and Northern Irelander Claire McKeown is joined by Claire Boutelle, Aimee Jacobs, Danielle Mandell, Dayna Richards, Jacquelyn Sky, and Cynthia Zitter to create a unique chamber pop choir dubbed Honey Child — and you’ve never heard anything like it. With a backstory that is full-on movie material, L.A.- based Honey Child was birthed from tumult and talent. This ensemble is a one-of-a-kind musical experience, and one you’ll want to keep up with. Their self-titled debut album will be out February 9th, and we can’t wait.
We were excited to speak with Claire McKeown, the founder of Honey Child about her background, current projects, and creativity.
Honey Child is a much different project compared to your opera/classical background — what made you take a different musical path?
I was about ten years deep into my training as a Wagnerian Soprano and performing scenes from Tannhäuser, Lohengrin, and Die Walküre at The Orange County Performing Arts Center. There was a Q and A after the performance and I got to talk to my audience. They clearly loved me and were excited about my voice but it hit me hard that these are not the people that I want to spend my life pleasing. I wanted an audience of freaks like me! I wanted my peers.
I fell into a dark spot after turning my back on my Operatic dreams. I started partying way too much and had a complete nervous breakdown including a brief conversation with the devil. I had never written music before that and I haven’t stopped since.
What was the inspiration for the fun and eclectic “Gotta Wait Another Night” music video?
It’s the classic tale of a night and day in the life of a baroque goddess who takes her nun to the beach.
Sprung from the brilliant mind of the Director Dawn Carol Garcia (Kaputt by Destroyer, Mercy by TV on The Radio) and produced by Cheeky Films. I think the original concept was to mix the worlds of ‘A Clockwork Orange’ and ‘Sarah McLachlan’. We loved the idea of a performer that dressed up even more in real life than their stage life. The main characters are based on alter egos of mine from past music projects. I have played a nun (Suor Angelica, Dialogue of the Carmelites) on the opera stage and the powdered wig look is from my last band, Dirt Bird.
When casting the role of the Nun I had my hottest friend in mind for the cigarette smoking nun role. Dawn thought that was too predictable and suggested to go left field and cast a man. My friend Daniel Leland Crook (Crook) popped instantly into mind. I knew he could play this part with elegance and just enough of the madcap we wanted.
The video ends at El Matador Beach and yes plenty of “You Maniacs, You blew it up” (from The Planet of The Apes) were recited while there. We picked this place because it is usually filled with surfers and were hoping to ask one to swim on the board to break up a struggle between me and my nun in the ocean. It would have been hilarious but there was not one Surfer there that day. Instead we were gifted with this beautiful couple taking wedding pictures on a rock that allowed for the gloriously ridiculous moment in the video that I think would have made Fellini proud.
What’s been the most exciting part of forming Honey Child?
I love making videos, I love writing and arranging songs, I love performing, and I love recording but the true excitement of Honey Child is during our practices. Every Sunday night I make dinner for the 7 of us and we all gather around to eat, talk, and sing. It is the highlight of my current life and such a treasured time.
How do you bring elements of your Irish background to this project
I think that finds its way in through the collective unconscious pumping in my blood of my ancestors. I also have a soft spot of sweeping melodies and songs that tug at your heart like ones in Only Our Rivers Run Free, The Fields of Athenry, and As she moves through the fair. My voice is very Irish, too. We are blessed with clear voices and I am told that you can hear my dormant Irish Accent best when I sing.
Favorite part of being in an all-female group?
I get to make music with 6 of the best musicians I know and create a sound that constantly moves us all to tears.
Everyone is so kind, thoughtful, helpful, and respectful. I hope that Honey Child is creating this positive environment but I am pretty sure I also just lucked out and attracted good humans. I’ll never understand why women are portrayed as caddy in pop culture because I have worked with men and women and it is always the women who are the most integral and free of drama.
Honey Child, as a band name, has Southern/Americana vibes to it. Was this intentional, or is there a story behind the name?
I used to have a choir director back in Middle School that would always call me Honey Child …but not in a good way. I think I may have given her a hard time because she was always pissed off at me. One day she and I were alone in the choir room and she started laughing and said “I can’t wait for you to go to High School because you’re going to be a nobody”.
A normal person would have let this crush them but I took it as such a complement. She thought I was a somebody!! At least at that moment. So a couple of years ago when I was thinking of starting a choir project it made complete sense to call it Honey Child.
Who do you hope to inspire through your music?
Anyone who thinks they are a nobody.
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Keep up with Honey Child below!
Official Site \ Facebook | Bandcamp / YouTube
Spotify | Apple Music | Twitter
by Madison Blom | Feb 6, 2018 | albums, wolf tracks
Cutting their teeth in Chula Vista, California is doom metal band Of Ennui. Band members Christian Cate (guitar), Brian Strauss (vocals and guitar), Angus Garcia (bass and back vox), and Indigo Machado (drummer) have formed together to create music that fans and followers like have come to love. Their artistry truly lies in their ability to emote an amazing amount of feeling in what some have called, “poignant narrative lyricism.” Their latest EP, Tone Poems, is no different from all of the other music that they have put out since forming together in 2015. Not only does Tone Poems embody everything that their fans love about this group, but it also features new, insightful imaginative artistry that projects feelings experienced by the band members themselves. Not only does the music express difficult topics, but also addresses intense issues that make their work relateable to many of their fans.
Tone Poems was recorded in San Diego and mixed by award winning Jerik Centeno. This release has a tone that separates itself from their prior work, but still acts as nice addition to their collection of music that they have produced this far. Those who follow them are excited about this new release and, as always, are avidly awaiting the release of more work in the future as well as attending their live performances.
Tone Poems is out February 23rd. Keep up with the band here.
by Kayla Hutton | Feb 6, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Formerly known as The Reign of
Kindo,
Kindo has resurfaced after 4 years with a new single “Return to me” from their latest album “Happy However After” set to be released in April of 2018.
This 6 piece from New York has shown that you don’t need a major label and their money to gain an audience.
Giving the fans a new spin of alternative jazz that is fused with R & B, pop and soul shows that just like topping off your drink, combining old and new, can create something truly refreshing. Not only have they innovated a successful sound, Kindo has also proudly been at the helm of all their recordings.
“Return to me” begins with a rainy day stay in bed piano line. The vocals give a strange appeal to the jazz-ish backing music. Imagine Lenny Kravitz being backed by a piano at a dim lit jazz club applying his pop-rock vocal style and later adding a high gain guitar riff. I am amazed at how Kindoimplements all these musical elements and how they compliment each other. “Return to me” at first listen is calming. Once it sinks in what the lyrics are about it is hard to believe this song is depicting heartbreak. Especially when some of the rhythmic grooves wake you up and influence your body to take the hand of the beat and swing. The atmosphere of musical freedom and exploration is definitely a spark lighting a flame rich with creativity.
Kindo will be touring the Eastern U.S. in March and is surely not a band you want to miss. If they aren’t hitting up your hometown be sure to head over and check out their prior albums which should tide you over until “Happy However After” is released in April.
