by Veronica DeFeo | Apr 9, 2018 | premieres, videos, wolf tracks
You haven’t experienced anything like this. Florida-born, Los Angeles-based No Name Hotel is about to drop his debut EP, Tristan, on May 4. No Name Hotel (the musical pseudonym of Farahd Abdullah Wallizada) has been involved with music his whole life, but Tristan will be his first ‘official’ release. Featured on Tristan is No Name Hotel’s “Blood On Sky”, a brooding, searching track that lays down the thematic landscape of the EP. A unique track that is comprised of a two-way internal musical conversation, “Blood On Sky” brings to the surface many thoughts and feelings that we hide away: anxieties, insecurities, self-doubts.
No Name Hotel is releasing the music video for “Blood On Sky”, equally stunning and unique, and we’ve got the exclusive premiere. Spread across three screens, the video takes the viewer on not only an aural journey, but a visual one as well. Featuring both lyrics from the song and interpretative choreography/visuals, “Blood On Sky” is a treat for the senses, no matter how you take it in.
No Name Hotel is doing something completely new, authentic, and unprecedented. Eyes, ears, and heart – let your senses be engulfed by “Blood On Sky”.
Stay connected with No Name Hotel:
Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Bandcamp
by Veronica DeFeo | Apr 9, 2018 | premieres, singles, wolf tracks
Tellers have just dropped their brand new track, “Walking Blind”, and we’ve got the exclusive premiere. Masterfully layered vocals, guitar, and percussion combine for a song that will give you goosebumps. The Washington-based four piece, composed of Sarah Feinberg, Brad Heyne, Isaac Melum, and Tyler Chism, is gearing up to release their new LP Shook. If the title of their record is any indication, Tellers knows how to blow listeners out of the water, and “Walking Blind” is no exception. The new track evidences the careful composition of Tellers, and their ability to balance lyricism with instrumentation.
Says lead vocalist/guitarist Sarah Feinberg of the new track:
I wrote “Walking Blind” about hitting an impasse in a relationship that was worth fighting for. Being faced with the tough reality that it may not work out in the end we were still making the seemingly blind choice to keep going in hopes that we would find our way wavering on the edge of unraveling.
“Walking Blind” takes the listener on an auditory journey that is simultaneously new and familiar, haunting and comforting. It’s not one you’ll want to miss.
Stay connected with Tellers:
Facebook
Website
Bandcamp
Instagram
by Jai'Tyria Hatton | Apr 9, 2018 | videos, wolf tracks
When Sasha Velour battled her way to the crown in RuPaul’s Drag Race, it was there the night Meric Long, the singer behind FAN decided to create his new single “Velour” because he was inspired by Sasha Velour’s artistry when he saw her lip sync performance.
Meric Long recreated Sasha Velour’s win through the song “Velour”, which showcases the energetic feeling of what he felt when he saw Velour win. The video shows a person watching the television through different things such as binoculars, sunglasses, blinds, and many more. The video is very creative and the colorful scenes that capture the true essence of the video.
The song is vibrant, loud, and very creative.
Keep up with FAN here.
by Meredith Schneider | Apr 9, 2018 | 5 to 7
Following the re-release of their Brain EP on Castle Face Records, Once & Future Band – the Oakland-based psych pop collective expertly comprised of Eli Eckert (bass, vocals), Joel Robinow (keyboards, vocals), Raj Ojha (drums), and Raze Regal (guitar) – sat down briefly with us for a quick interview. The EP is pieced together with four enigmatic, moody tracks that will make your tastebuds water with excitement as you stumble along the quirky and wonderful soundscape that the four piece provides. Check out everything they had to divulge to us about their musical lives below!
What was your first musical memory, and did it have an impact on the way you create now?
(Joel Robinow) My first musical memory was actually seeing les miserables on its first run when it came to San Francisco. It was with the ideal cast, Michael ball, the incomparable colm Wilkinson, lea salonga, and Tim Curry as Javier. I was electrified. I didn’t know that music was capable of making you feel emotions…I had butterflies in my stomach the entire time, the intricate arrangements, the opulence…it’s all still very clear in my mind. Dunno. That and the video for “steppin out” by joe Jackson.
Your Brain EP was just re-released, and we’re super super smitten. Any fun anecdotes from that original production process that you can share with us – or any new details in getting the re-release out?
(Raj Ojha) We do most of the production / recording ourselves, recording wherever our home studio is at the time. For some songs that need a larger space, we’ll record basics (drums, bass, some keyboards) at our buddy Phil Manley’s studio(s). For the Brain EP, we recorded two songs entirely (basics, overdubs) in Joel’s bedroom at the time. I remember shag carpet everywhere and low ceilings which really aided in the vibe and dry / tight sound we got for the bass and drums on those tracks. The drums, bass and keyboard for the other two EP songs were recorded in San Francisco, at Lucky Cat Studios (which is also where we mixed the EP). The room there was the literal antithesis of what we had at Joel’s.
While we did have a clear vision of what we wanted to achieve sonically, there was a lot of experimentation, a lot of trial and error. There were many long nights spent trying layered vocal harmonies, scrapping them, replacing them with synths, then guitars, and sometimes going back to mix all of them together just for a chorus or outro. It’s those parts of the recording process we enjoy the most, where we sculpt the song’s arrangement and sounds beyond what we initially had in mind. Deadlines really help us from going off the deep end when we go down those paths, usually because we never want to stop. Since then (about 5 years ago), we’ve gotten a lot better at knowing when a song is done, and when its final voice is apparent.
How does it feel knowing that your creation is finally out in the world – with wider distribution this go’round?
(RO) It feels great! We’ve been playing these songs for so long now, and they’ve changed over time in a live setting. It’s nice to show some our newer fans a little piece of our history. Hopefully it also helps tide over people while we work on a few other releases, including our next LP.
Do you have a favorite track from the EP, or one that you prefer to perform over others?
(RO) The song “Brain (Watching Your Eyes)” has been a mainstay in our live set since the beginning. It’s one of the first songs we started playing as a band and over the years has morphed into something that the EP couldn’t contain (we’ve been known to extend this song to over 15 minutes live). One reason for it’s longevity in our live show is because it really lets us stretch out, improvise and add new twists and turns that aren’t featured on other tracks of ours. Improvisation is an important aspect to our group, especially in a live setting and even though “Brain” has a tight arrangement, it allows us the freedom to do something new every night in the second half of the song. It’s nice to take chances in front of an audience, it keeps things fresh and allows us to communicate musically in new ways between each other.
How do you imagine people listening to your new EP?
(RO) I imagine it right now, probably because you suggested it…let’s see….there’s a guy, wait actually it might be a girl…hard to say, their back is turned. They’re holding something in their right hand, I can almost see it, it glints…a knife? No, that’s unlikely….oh…it’s a pen. Phew!!! They are bobbing their head in time with the music.
(EE) My dream scenario of someone hearing our EP is that it just feels to them like something they’ve been waiting to hear. It fits like a glove and they’re as stoked on what we created as we were to create it. They’re just all “Hell yes”.
If you could be any superhero – “real” or made up – who would you be and why?
(RO) I’m not a comic book head but great musicians usually fall under the category of superheroes for me personally. Wayne Shorter-For his stunning composition ability and otherworldly playing(Check out any of his work with Miles,Weather Report and any recordings where he’s the leader ie, JuJu, Adam’s Apple, Speak No Evil, Night Dreamer et al for the proof)
(JR) Yea Wayne is an inspiration…I dunno. Being a superhero seems like too much responsibility, I’d prefer to be one of those people pointing at the superhero when they are doing something cool
(EE) I know Wayne Shorter used to love to read comics (maybe he still does???) so this makes sense!
Now that the EP is out, what’s next? What are you most looking forward to? Tell us all the crazy details!
(RO) We’re about to embark on a North American tour in April, supporting Chris Robinson’s “As The Crow Flies” band, hopefully we’ll also get back to the UK and Europe (we just finished out first major tour of the UK) before the end of the year. We’ve also been working on a lot of new material which we’ve started recording ourselves. We have a lot of ideas for releases, videos, collaborations right now but it’s best that we keep a lid on those plans until the moment is right. We’ve also been playing out a lot recently which is our next favorite thing to being in the studio!
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Keep up with Once & Future Band here, and catch them out on tour at the performances below!
2018 “AS THE CROW FLIES TOUR” – With Chris Robinson
Apr 17 Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY
Apr 18 Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA
Apr 22 Iron City, Birmingham, AL
Apr 24 Thalia Hall, Chicago, IL
Apr 25 Manchester Music Hall, Lexington, KY
Apr 26 The Signal, Chattanooga, TN
Apr 28 Joy Theatre, New Orleans, LA
Apr 29 Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN
May 01 The Pageant, St. Louis, MO
May 02 The Truman, Kansas City, MO
May 06 Ogden Theatre, Denver, CO
May 08 Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV
May 09 The Wiltern, Los Angeles, CA
May 11 The Fox Theatre, Oakland, CA
May 12 Montbleau Resort & Casino, Tahoe Village, NV
May 13 Crystal Ballroom, Portland, OR
by Veronica DeFeo | Apr 8, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
A true femme fatale, Jesse Jo Stark, has just dropped a brand new single, “Fire of Love”. Oozing with devil-may-care attitude and old-fashioned appeal, Jesse Jo creates a truly modern take with her music.
The southern California songstress has garnered attention from the likes of Teen Vogue, V Magazine, Elle American Songwriter, Vice, and more. “Fire of Love” will make new listeners realize why she has been so successful. The track is filled with nods to legends of the past while making a unique and authentic sound all Jesse Jo’s own.
Says Jesse Jo of her new music : “It tells the story of lost, but it’s empowering & fearless. The woman knows just what she wants from it. It’s a continuous love story, each one a different feeling, a movement of our hearts. Some are sweeter, and some a bit more grim.” The release of “Fire of Love” follows half a year of writing and production of new music, and it is evident that her hard work has paid off.
We can’t wait to see what is to come, including her upcoming untitled EP, out this summer.
TOUR DATES w/ Sunflower Bean:
6/8 Houston, TX White Oak Music Hall Upstairs
6/10 Dallas, TX Club Dada
6/12 Phoenix, AZ Valley Bar
6/13 San Diego, CA Che Café
6/14 Santa Ana, CA Constellation Room
6/15 Los Angeles, CA Teragram Ballroom
Keep an eye out for her upcoming EP, out June 1, 2018. Stay connected with Jesse Jo Stark:
Instagram – Twitter – Soundlcoud.
by Veronica DeFeo | Apr 8, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Toronto bred, L.A. based Alexander Vincent is about to drop his brand new debut single, “I Won’t”. Following four years as the drummer for Magic!, Alexander (aka Alex Tanas) has also established himself as a producer. Now, Alexander is able to put his own sound out, including his first track, “I Won’t”.
Says Alexander on where he’s at now:
My favorite word right now is ‘vulnerable’. You just have to open yourself up, and a lot of us are just closed down. When you’re open to your emotions, when you’re crying to a pop song, there’s actually something very mature about that. Being vulnerable means challenging yourself to connect with something deeper. Saying ‘yes’ means really opening yourself up, to musicality, to a more profound experience.
His new track is the culmination of this vulnerability. “I Won’t” combines the gently delivered hard-hitting lyrics. With Alexander’s versatility as a drummer, producer, and singer, he’s able to bring the best aspects of all his talents to the table.
Alexander hopes the future will bring an LP (including “I Won’t”), and we hope so too.
Stay connected with Alexander Vincent:
Instagram – Facebook
by Madison Blom | Apr 6, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
In the world of alternative rock and upcoming young artists, Ward has sprinted up the ladder, gathering a large fan following and quickly making his name known throughout the country. Most recently, Ward has unveiled his newest single, “Crush,” which is both hypnotic and full of vibrant soundscapes which show his knack for skillfully arranging beats and lyrics in a harmonious work of art. Since the beginning of his career in the music industry, Ward has found more success and fulfillment than at any other time in his life. In 2016, it was clear to him that the life he was living was lack luster and far beneath his talent and skill. Since then, he has put all of his efforts into developing and maturing his unique sound, performing on stages throughout the country and spending all of his time offstage in the recording studio.
Not only does Ward come with copious amount of skill and talent, but his team has also been known to propel artists into a perpetual line of success. Producer Chris Keup and Darrell Thorpe have taken the raw aptitude and turned it into a alt rock masterpiece. Over the past few years, Ward has been able to maintain his catchy 90’s rock feel and the fans are eating it up.
Keep up with Ward here.
by Abby Trapp | Apr 6, 2018 | albums, review, wolf tracks
Honey and Salt just released their self titled LP. The grunge/rock/punk band has a variety of ten tracks on the LP starting with “A Nihilist Takes Up Knitting” and ending with “Cascade.”
The band is described as sociopolitical or as I like to call it “music with a purpose.” Honey and Salt has good reason though. Wade Allen, on main vocals, is a philosophy teacher which definitely influences the bands lyrics. On “A Nihilist Takes Up Knitting” Wade pleads “Right or wrong is not subjective.” “Blame game” is an anthem of “who and what is blame?”
My favorite, though, is “Bowling Green Memorial.” “Bowling Green Memorial” rounds out at a whooping eight minutes and nine seconds. What most impressive though, is that the majority of that is a drum/guitar solo that will take you be surprise. Just when you think the solo is over, Honey and Salt will bring you back into the music. Honey and Salt is definitely worth the listen. The LP is more than just an album—it is truly one big box of sociopolitical prompts, wrapped carefully and neatly to give to any listener so that they can ask themselves “How and why are we here now?”
Keep up with Honey and Salt here.
by Veronica DeFeo | Apr 6, 2018 | singles, wolf tracks
Full of emotion and fantastic beats, Mikky Ekko has dropped a brand new single, “What’s It Like Now”. Ekko also recently released a new EP, Advance Copy. His recent releases follow his time travelling all over the world and coming back home to Nashville. “What’s It Like Now” combines an infectious beat with synthy-electronic vocals that still have a natural edge to them. With a perfect chorus, “What’s It Like Now” brings a smooth, rock-tinged side to a modern electronic sound. His balance of old and new, while maintaining a unique sound is certainly a feat. Mikky Ekko certainly knows how to captivate the listener, and “What’s It Like Now” is no exception.
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