by Veronica DeFeo | Feb 6, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Brooklyn-based noise rock band Russian Baths will be releasing their debut EP, Penance, on February 23, having recently signed with Good Eye Records. Russian Bath is comprised of Luke Koz (guitar, vox), Jess Rees (guitar, keys, vox) and joined by Evan Gill Smith (bass) and Jeff Widner (drums). They have already dropped their first single, “Slenderman”, and have just released their brand new single “What’s Your Basement”, both of which will appear on Penance.
“What’s Your Basement” certainly packs a punch into just over two minutes, and will leave you wondering what just hit you. A masterful combination of noise rock/punk with intriguing, at times mellow, vocals provides “What’s Your Basement” with the perfect amount of juxtaposing sounds. With clean drums alongside excellent guitar and bass moments, “What’s Your Basement” makes a statement. While Penance will be their debut EP, Russians Baths has also previously released a split single, “Ambulance / Ghost”. Keep an eye out for Russian Bath’s EP Penance, out February 23.
Follow Russian Baths:
Facebook // Instagram
by ImperfectFifth | Feb 6, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Noctis Magazine describes Modern Me as …ushering in a fresh new era of indie rock.” Noctis hit the nail on the head. Modern Me’s new track “Dead to Me” is a sharp, infectious, tongue-in-cheek epistle for the former lover that twisted your jaw to the point of “don’t text me anymore, I’m SO over it.” The Southern California natives’ music video to the track opens with a couple in a café and lead singer looking upon them. His contempt for the girl (ex) sets an absolute theme for the song and the video.
The video moves to the band in a car unenthusiastically singing their lyrics with expressionless faces. I love this song because it screams an I-don’t-care attitude while giving you courage to move on. Modern Me is definitely worth checking out. To keep with all things Modern Me visit http://www.modernmemusic.com .
by Abby Trapp | Feb 6, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Oakland natives The Minnesota Child just released their new single “Stay With Me” off of their new EP “Fireflies.” Proclaimed as an indie folk group, the single “Stay With Me” touches on heartbreak and love. Atwood Magazine describes the single as “…some sort of musical magic, ‘Stay with Me’ is a love song, a song of struggle, and a song of acceptance: From the heart, to the heart.”
When I listened to “Stay With Me” I was surprised as the song made me feel calm and tranquil while the background of the guitar and banjo evens the song out. It is definitely a song that would pop up in a local coffee shop or a Nicholas Sparks movie…and I mean that in the sweetest, simplest way.
To hear more of The Minnesota Child visit http://theminnesotachild.com
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | Feb 6, 2018 | 5 to 7
After releasing his debut EP Swimming in Circles in June 2017, founder and vocalist Ryan Parmenter enlisted the help of David Lee (guitar), Abraham Kim (drums) and Brian Blake (bass) to create Former Faces, an incredible indie rock quartet based out of Silver Lake. We’re expecting them to take the world by storm – as if they aren’t already well on their way – with the release of their first full length album Foreign Nature this spring. Learn more about Former Faces in our exclusive, quick interview below!
Your debut album Foreign Nature will be coming out soon. What was the creative process like when it came to developing the album?
Typically, Ryan would bring a sketch to Brian who would help to focus and arrange it. Then the idea would be presented to Abe and David whose musicianship would transform it into a song. Some of the tunes came together quickly and organically, others were reshaped several times. Completing the album was a journey and we learned a lot about the value of collaboration, persistence, and patience along the way.
What was the inspiration behind your new single “Forc# Fi#lds”?
Inspiration for Forc# Fi#lds began as a desire to reconcile the past and open up to the future. It is a song about letting your guard down and being “wide awake” to new relationships, ideas, and endeavors.
What was the best part about developing your debut album?
Our epic recording adventure in Dear Valley, Utah. We packed two SUVs to the brim with gear, trekked up to the mountains just outside of Park City, and reconstructed Brian’s studio in the living room of a friend’s cabin. We tracked for the better part of 5 days. The view and the vibes were incredible. And no plug-in in the world can match the natural room reverb we captured! We’d been playing together as a four-piece for a few months prior to that trip. When we headed back to L.A., we were a band.
What were some challenges when it came to developing Foreign Nature?
With limitless sonic options at musicians’ and producers’ disposal these days, it can be very difficult to define one’s sound. We set out to create a record that was organic, highlighted musicianship, and was true to our live sound. Accomplishing that while still creating ear candy that sonically competes with our idols’ music was definitely challenging (the record is entirely self-produced, a feat in and of itself!), but we feel like we pulled it off and couldn’t be prouder of the results.
What is a typical day like for you all?
Busy. Musical. Sunny. Busy.
What are your plans after releasing your album? Any tours in the future?
No tours as of now but we will be performing all over L.A. and have our sights set on the festival circuit. Foreign Nature is meant to be performed outdoors for a meandering crowd of nature-loving music fans 🙂
Who would you say are your musical inspirations?
The Sun. The Sea. Clouds and colors. Mountains, Bowie, Mercury, Byrne, Harrison, Martsch, Parker, Tortoise, York, Beck, Granduciel, Air… Former Faces is planning on releasing their debut album Foreign Nature this Spring 2018. In the meantime, check out their new single from Foreign Nature “Forc# Fi#lds”:
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Keep up with Former Faces here.
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | Feb 6, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Gyasi has done it again, following up the release of “Sugar Mama” with new single “All Messed Up”, a rock song that is full of life. The song is catchy with a beat that is easy to dance to. It seems to have drawn influence from David Bowie or Slade with a new and vibrant beat. “All Messed Up” talks about being messed up over someone. Gyasi himself says that the lyrics came from some “characters” he met while being on the road with another band.
Hearing the song, it would be great to hear the song played live at a concert. Gyasi is able to draw the listener in with his raw talent which is prominent throughout this song
If you enjoyed this song, Gyasi’s debut EP Peacock Fantasies is available now. Keep up with Gyasi here.
by Abby Trapp | Feb 5, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Electro-pop is one of my favorite genres. NYC native, Penguin Prison recently confirmed my soft spot for the genre with his single “Keep Coming Alive.” The single is off of his new EP Turn It Up set for release on February 9th. “Keep Coming Alive” is nothing but a wave of positivity with its funky beat and uplifting lyrics. My favorite lines include “keep coming alive even when they try to cut you down to size” and “we can even make that money on the side.” “Keep Coming Alive” conveys a message on how sometimes life throws everything at you and you just have make it work, which I really appreciate as we are all just trying to “figure it out.” It’s also one of those songs that you have to roll your windows down for and just jam.
To keep up with Penguin Prison, who also just announced tour date, visit http://penguinprison.com.
by Abby Trapp | Feb 5, 2018 | singles, videos, wolf tracks
If you haven’t heard of singer and actress, Brittany Campbell, get ready. Not only is the Brooklyn native a part of Chicago’s cast of Hamilton, she is also featured on Netflix’s remake of “She’s Gotta Have It.” Most recently, Brittany has been showing us her musical talents on BRIC TV’s B-Side sessions. Brittany discovered her for music at a young age when her music teacher insisted she enter an opera competition. When watching this session I was truly blown away by her smooth yet soulful voice. On “Still In Love” she shows off her impressive vocal range while keeping you drawn in with her passion and energy. My personal favorite is Brittany’s “Mean.” This is her final message to a soon-to-be ex lover. Its jazz undertones and poetic lyrics such as “…and shame on you for letting such a good thing go to pieces, and shame on me too” makes for an emotional performance and will leave you thinking about the “one that got away.” With a voice like Brittany’s, it is no surprise that she here to stay.
Keep up with Brittany by visiting http://brittanycampbellmusic.com and be sure to look out for her album Stay Gold releasing April 10th.
by ImperfectFifth | Feb 5, 2018 | singles, Uncategorized, wolf tracks
2018 is set to be a big year for rising London-based singer/songwriter Freja Frances. With her new single “Papercuts”, Freja Frances displays her effortless vocal talents. The inspiration behind the track is very deep. “Papercuts” is about feeling isolated and being distant from the real world.
Sonically, the song seems like a fairytale dream. Freja pulls at the listener’s emotions with her raw and real vocals alongside a beautiful piano melody. The song is very relatable. “Papercut” is not only captivating, but it is authentic as well.
Keep up with Freja Frances here.
by Veronica DeFeo | Feb 5, 2018 | 5 to 7
Chicago’s own Fiona Grey is making a name for herself in the world of music with her signature “dirty pop” sound and fantastic style. She’s just come off a Midwest/European 2017 tour and we expect her to have an even more stellar 2018, which promises us an upcoming EP. Now LA-based, Fiona Grey has been exposing the world to her sensational performative skills in her dramatic shows. Her singles “Money” and “Dirty Dream” provide a taste of what she’s all about. Fiona Grey is her own person, and it shows in every aspect of her artistry.
We couldn’t resist a conversation with this “dirty pop” queen, so we were thrilled to catch up with Fiona about her music, style, and background.
You refer to yourself as a “dirty pop” artist. Was there a point where you decided this was your genre of choice, or how did that come to be?
Genres are so confusing! People used to ask me constantly that genre my music was – I thought calling it pop was too clean of a description, it needed a little grit. So boom – dirty pop!
Added bonus it usually confuses people enough they’ll actually check it out.
Did you always want to be involved in music?
It never was a conscious decision to be “involved” in music. It’s been a part of my everyday life since I was a kid – I just never stopped.
As a Midwest based publication, we’re always happy to know a fellow Midwesterner! Did you find it difficult making it into the music industry without coming from NY or LA or the likes?
There are definitely elements about building new connections in a saturated industry like LA that make it harder to break into. However, in some ways it makes it easier to work on your craft and hone your skills before heading out to one of the major music cities. You can be a hometown hero and have that practice and local press before heading out of LA or NYC.
“Dirty Dream” is such a disco-like bop! Where did the inspiration for that track come from?
It started off a heartbreak ballad and when we were in the studio we were messing around with the arrangement and my guitar player Devon (currently on tour with Katy Perry) started playing that funky breakdown part. We just started jamming it into a disco dance song. I love taking songs with strong emotional centers and making them danceable!
Biggest fashion inspiration?
Bowie and Madonna …duhh
How did you decide on your own style/aesthetic, musically?
When I was younger I remember being more conscious of what the audience would think about my music. There’s that childlike want to be liked. The moment I decided to not care about how other people perceived my music and just be true to myself is when my style and aesthetic came to life. It wasn’t really a decision, more of a larger than life version of myself,
What’s the best part about being a musician today?
Opportunities to have success and get exposure without the need of the gatekeepers approval.
Keep up with Fiona Grey:
Website / Spotify / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
