by Meredith Schneider | Oct 15, 2018 | 5 to 7
If you have not witnessed the glory that is Thunderpussy – live or otherwise – it’s time to wake up. We had a chance to glimpse their live performance tactics at this year’s Sasquatch Music Festival, and we were absolutely blown away as they upstaged the other performances going on around them. Seattle-based, this all-female band – expertly comprised of Molly Sides (Vocals), Whitney Petty (Guitar), Leah Julius (Bass), and Ruby Dunphy (Drums) – is taking their chops to the road, giving North America a taste of their high energy, brilliantly colored stage presence and gorgeous rock music. We’re about to join the party at Riot Room on Tuesday night, and we got the unique experience of asking guitar extraordinaire Whitney Petty some questions leading up to the tour. Check out the brief moment we got, as she explained finding her musical soulmate and creating tantalizing melodies.
Let’s get back to the basics. What was the first song or album you ever remember listening to, and do you think it has any impact on who you are as a performer today?
When I was 12 I bought my first Aerosmith CD, Nine Lives, it had just come out. I still know every word and nuance of each song on that record. I am still totally in love with Steven Tyler. Aerosmith are a huge influence on me.
While you’re busy “piercing the walls of Valhalla”, does anything about your conception story strike you as amazing? Was it a meet cute? Tell us about your beginnings!
Well, meeting Molly was an incredible event in my life. It’s a singular feeling when you meet your soulmate. And like I said, I love Aerosmith. I had always hoped that one day I meet my musical accomplice, like the Steven to my Joe. That’s Molly.
What is the recording process like?
It depends on the song, but there is usually always a melody first. Sometimes that melody is on the guitar, and sometimes it is with a lyric. Each song kind of has its own DNA.
You put out your s/t EP in May, and it’s absolutely captivating. Any personal or behind the scenes anecdotes from the recording process you’d like to share?
Working with Sylvia was a dream. Everyone learned so much about the process from her everyday. We should have had a film crew with us in the ‘Real World Ashland house’, as we called it. One of the highlights was recording Young and Pure very live and very stoned (as per Sylvia’s request) in the dark at the very end of the session. There is some magic on that track!
Anyone have a favorite song off of that EP, or something you prefer to perform?
There isn’t any song on there that we don’t like to perform, but some are more lively than others! Velvet Noose is always thrilling, and we all love to play Torpedo. With three distinct parts it’s always a journey…
We got the unique pleasure of witnessing you perform at Sasquatch earlier this year. How does festival life compare to your regular touring life? Is there something you prefer or dislike more?
CATERING. Is what’s up. Festivals are rad!! We love getting to meet artists and see big shows up close and personal.
And. Your OUTFITS. Are you always that bedazzled? What inspired that choice for Sasquatch? (We are in love.)
Yes!!! We love the glam;) Shout out to Pakio Galore out of Seattle, who makes a lot of our costumes. Molly is very instrumental in the vision of how we present ourselves onstage. And who doesn’t love a good color theme?!
When you need time to regroup – to conquer writer’s block or find your new sound or take a minute – where do you go? What’s your safe haven?
Molly and I love nature. We go to the mountains fairly often, in Idaho. And I love Kauai, when I can get there. But there is no place like our native Seattle!!!
Any fun pre-performance rituals?
Drink the blood of virgins, sacrifice a goat, that kind of thing…
Your rider list is probably pretty modest compared to, say, J.Lo. But if you could have anything on your rider list, what would you do?
Kittens and puppies in the green room, obv.
Something a little off-kilter… Do you believe in intuition and. the power of psychics? Why or why not?
Of course. I believe in the collective unconscious and synchronicity. I believe in Karma. I think there is a subtlety to life and events that many people perceive and many miss.
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Don’t forget to head out to Riot Room on the 16th to enjoy the magic of Thunderpussy’s live performance, and keep up with them here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 15, 2018 | singles, soundtrack
You can tell it’s the last big new music push moment of 2018 – RIGHT?! – as we have been enjoying amazing, brand new music around every corner for the past two weeks. It’s almost exhausting, but we’re not crying about all of the gems we’ve found. Take a gander at this soundtrack – featuring Phildel, DYVR, Dayo Bello, Lauran Hibbard, Orogeny, and more -, and keep it close for the rest of the month if you want to check out brand new tracks that will make your heart sing!
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 11, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Yesterday, Brooklyn-based musician Pearla released two refreshing new tracks, “Forgive Yourself” and “Pumpkin”. The former vocalizes the need to allow yourself some space to acknowledge that you are not perfect, and that that’s OK. Explains Pearla, “I wrote ‘Forgive Yourself’ while sitting in my backyard, trying to meditate but failing because a bee kept flying around my face. I got frustrated with myself that I couldn’t stop reacting to the bee. This song is about all of those little knee-jerk reactions. It’s about accepting them, and not faulting yourself for simply… being human.” The release of this song is integral to this month’s theme of mental health awareness.
Before we even push play on “Pumpkin”, we’re smiling at the perfect timing of the release of that single as well. (Anyone else craving it?) The sound is perfectly autumn, Pearla’s lyrics painting a picture of the perfect setting during this time of year, her vocals wrapping their listener in warmth.
Both songs are sonic dreams. Check them out below, and be sure to add them to your fall soundtrack!
Keep up with Pearla here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 11, 2018 | premieres, videos, wolf tracks
We can’t wait until tomorrow. Tomorrow is Friday, it’s the last day of the work week – except for some of us, who never have a day off, of course – and Irish newcomer Rory Gillanders is releasing his new track “Waiting” along with its music video. Luckily enough, Imperfect Fifth fans don’t have to wait, as we’ve got the exclusive premiere of that music video right here for you to feast your eyes on, a day early!
“Waiting” displays Rory’s acoustic live performance style, with shots of him performing alone outside are interwoven with scenes of a love story between two young people, and the feelings of loss after that relationship ends is also witnessed. It perfectly depicts the bittersweet nostalgia of the memory of a great love. The video is gorgeously presented, heartbreaking and yet full of hope.
Keep up with Rory Gillanders here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 9, 2018 | premieres, videos, wolf tracks
New York-based indie pop collective Big Spirit has a little treat up their sleeve for us. The music video for their track “Spanish Avenue” – off their Get This album – is ready for your curious eyes, and we have the exclusive premiere! The steady beat – provided by fast percussion – sets the tone, the video dark and brooding. The song itself is reminiscent of an 80’s dream, the visual something that fits in quite well, displaying singer Sed Pepper’s performance tactics… and, of course, his dance skills. The video seems intimate, focusing on Pepper as he sings directly into your soul.
Keep up with Big Spirit here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 9, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
London-based experimental artist Lua Sonique is bringing the 80’s vibes with new track “Leave”. With twinkling synth sounds layered in to an indie rock facade, we’re catching bites of energy that would be easily placed in a John Hughes film. So don’t “Leave” quite yet, just play the track and get dancing with your high tops and a fun, carefree fall feeling!
Keep up with Lua Sonique here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 8, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Swedish art pop songwriter and producer Be The Bear – otherwise known as Christine Wehage – released her new single with GOLDHOUSE on Friday titled “Ruler”. Having hit the scene with an incredible array of remixes, it’s fun to see what she and GOLDHOUSE have accomplished together. With a luscious, earthy backdrop, the vocals take a slight island vibe that entices you to move to the beat. It’s definitely an elevated dance mix that will have you swaying in the autumn air!
Keep up with Be The Bear here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 5, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
Get yourself in pinup mode for No Small Children‘s new video for “Radio”. The rock trio – comprised of Lisa P., Nicola B., and Joanie Pimentel – formed in 2012, and brings the fun they’ve cultivated from years of being school teachers to their performance. The video itself is silly and fun, with the girls sporting matching bright outfits that could take you back in time, or perhaps just remind you of a fun television broadcast program. The music itself, though? It rocks. HARD. So take a gander at the new visual, and check these ladies out. We’re big, big fans!
Keep up with No Small Children here.
by Meredith Schneider | Oct 5, 2018 | albums, review
After her riveting performance of “Woman” on Colbert, Cat Power releases her 11-track album, Wanderer, in its entirety today. The luscious, soft sounds of the title track lead us into the piece, slowly and confidently building up sound and backing instrumentals to provide the robust, ethereal sound that continues through second track “In Your Face”. Third track “You Get” has a bit of a punk edge to the instrumentals, while “Woman” provides a more soulful sound, reflecting the strength of an entire gender. “Horizon” stays at that level, while “Stay” slows things down a tad bit more and seems to play more with dissonance and vocal placement than its predecessors.
“Black” is hauntingly beautiful, the vocals presented akin to Imogen Heap, while “Robbin Hood” simplifies the instrumentals a little more for us. Cat Power’s raspy vocals in “Me Voy” are alluring, drawing you right into the mood and sounds of last track “Wanderer/Exit”, which provides quite the closing to the album.
The journey you go on with this album is at a manageable pace for you to slow down your thoughts and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. We advise you to take advantage of the soothing soundscape this week.
Keep up with Cat Power here.
