2012: Issue 14
also featuring
Lovers Jump Creek The Lazlo Device
Jodi Shaw Junkie Joker
The Relative Strangers
! Dead Sea Navigators ! Andrew Luttrell ! Dirty Shannon ! The Amends
Editors Janet McCulloch Marianna Roetto
Promotions Director Wendy Andries
Contributing Editor
The New Age of Independent Music
Kristi Curry
Editor Assistant Marguerite M. O'Connell
Contributors Dr. Kenneth Love
Photographers: Upstate Photography (cover)
Paul Smollen
10 Copyright 2011.Rising Magazine, LLC. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, without written permission of the publisher. The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher or Rising Magazine, LLC. Rising Magazine, LLC welcomes submissions, but accepts no responsibility for unsolicited materials. Material is accepted for Rising Magazine, LLC on the understanding that it does not infringe on any copyright or libel laws. Copyrights to be declared on submission.
All free downloads used with artist permission.
MIRK
ree or F s f k Loo nload Dow ide Ins
Mission Rising provides a platform for Indie artists to share their music with the world and for fans to experience the incredible talent and variety of independent music that is available world wide.
We Support Indie Music! 2
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16 The Relative Strangers
Jodi Shaw
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20 Junkie Joker
The Lazlo Device Hot and Rising
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! Dead Sea Navigators ! Andrew Luttrell ! Dirty Shannon ! The Amends
Lovers Jump Creek !
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The Buzz Rising To The Top Festival My Words Support Indie Music
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Kim Adamson
From THE DESK
W
e would like to introduce our newest feature of Rising Magazine. We have so many artists that are releasing new music, we thought it would be great to put up a blog style page on our website as one more way of introducing new indie music to our readers. This way, every few days there are new songs to listen to, and new artists to learn about. As the indie world expands, while the major label world seems to shrink, we are always looking for extra ways to bring music into your lives. We have decided to publish the magazine as volume based rather than monthly based so that when we have an issue ready for you, you
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get it without having to wait for the beginning of the month. From now on, the issue will have a number instead of a month for reference. We will strive to continue to bring you the brightest and most promising new artists. We also love hearing from you so be sure to let us know who your favourites are, and which features in the magazine you like best. Have a great summer and TURN IT UP!
Janet !Culloch
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2012: Issue 14
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Rashid Belt
Dead Sea Navigators
- Steph Naylor (vocals, piano), Nik Williams (bass), Claire Brock (drums) – had all been in bands before doing guitar music. We felt the scene had become stale and unimaginative, or perhaps we had, and decided to clear the decks of guitars and start from scratch using other things as lead instruments. We wanted to create a dynamic sound not directly linked to loud guitars. Itʼs a bit like weʼve removed the safety net. We also wanted to avoid falling into a sort of "coffee table music" trap, the sort of music you hear every time you go into a crappy bar during the day, and weʼve done a lot of that. We wrote and rehearsed a lot together and started doing gigs around London and recording demos. The Animal Farm label liked what they heard and so we recorded an EP with them. We are currently working on new material for either a follow up EP or album. We have to keep it interesting and challenging for ourselves as well as for anyone else.
Baltimore front-man Andrew Luttrell (Andrew Luttrell Band, The Coal Mountain Ramblers, Luttrell-Grimm, Luttrell-NoonWenger, EchoSeven) assembles a lineup of band-mates and musicians heʼs worked with over the past six years and hand-picked for this project, forming a rock band to attack the senses. Recorded by Christopher Freeland (Wye Oak, Beach House) and mastered by Roger Seibel (The Decemberists, Death Cab for Cutie), Andrew Luttrell Band's PAINT BY NUMBER$ is a diverse musical ride with narrative themes focusing on the arts, creative survival, current social and political economic structures, and the recent occupy movement. Andrew Luttrell is a singer/ songwriter and rock/folk/bluegrass/jam-band multiinstrumentalist who has been performing throughout the Baltimore area and beyond for well over 15 years. His large catalog of high quality original songs is incorporated into all the electric-rock and acoustic bands/configurations he steers with creative raw energy and expressive improvisation.
http://www.reverbnation.com/andrewluttrell http://www.deadseanavigators.com/ http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/uncharted-ep/id479659088
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/andrewluttrellband
http://soundcloud.com/andrewluttrell/sets/thursdaymorning http://soundcloud.com/user6085507/price-of-admission
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Our Southern Rock sound is derived from a variety of influences that we have all grown up with. The guitar sound comes from classic models such as Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, and the likes where as our rhythm section was heavily influenced by bands like Rush and the Police. Lead vocalist Victor Scott, with his background in Southern Rock and Country, completes the ensemble with a powerful voice in the vein of Ronnie Vansant, Edwin McCain and Rob Thomas. Our styles have intertwined in such a way that no one influence really overshadows the rest. It's this pool of creativity, muddied by individual experiences that truly make us Dirty
Shannon.
www.dirtyshannonmusic.net
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/dirtyshannon
http://www.mediafire.com/error.php?errno=999
2012: Issue 14
With crunchy riffs and soaring melodies,
The Amends are trying to breathe new life into old-fashioned rock n roll. Formed in 2010 in Boulder, Colorado, The Amends members are Drew Weikart (lead guitar, vocals), Tyler Taylor (rhythm guitar, keys, vocals), Chris Childress (bass), and Shay Byington (drums). Main songwriters Drew and Tyler have brought their different influences - blues and indie rock - together to create a sound that's both new and exciting, and nostalgically familiar. They released their debut, self-titled album in the summer of 2011 and are currently in the studio working on a follow-up. New songs will be released over the next couple months.
http://www.theamendsmusic.com/ http://theamendsband.bandcamp.com/
http://theamendsband.bandcamp.com/track/dance
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Think INDIE MUSIC IS HOT? Help keep the fire burning! every dollar helps..... Click HERE to #SUPPORT INDIE MUSIC 8
2012: Issue 14
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Photography by Upstate Photography
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MIRK: an edgy 7-piece alternative hip-hop powerhouse that seamlessly blends elements of Soul, R&B, Rap, Rock and Pop into a completely original, utterly unique hit making machine. Formed in Albany, NY in 2009 and led by frontman Josh "MIRK" Mirsky, MIRK has quickly established themselves as the MUST SEE live show in the region, starting with a sellout debut performance to mark the release of their album LOVE. Instantly recognizable hooks, five-part vocal harmonies, world class sax and an unrelenting rhythm section have made their live show an explosive, dance heavy, in-demand event. The Band has performed alongside notable artists such as J. Cole, Mr. Cheeks, Third Eye Blind, Fabolous, Red Café, French Montana, Badfish and more. An already accomplished producer, Josh "MIRK" Mirsky has produced tracks for and worked with artists including Jay Z, Ciara, Yung Jeezy, Petey Pablo, Mickey Factz, Eamon and many more. In 2010 MIRK was recognized by Russell Simmons and given a celebrity blog on the site GLOBALGRIND.com.
2012: Issue 14
The SOURCE magazine said "“Mirk Music always comes correct - with soul, style, and bearing gifts...Mr. Cheeks! This team gets the "I'm focused man" award. The music, lyrics, and stage presence are equally sealed tight. If only Drake and Ryan Leslie could see this...they'd be jealous.” MIRK'S upcoming sophomore release GRIND is further evidence of genre-twisting excellence, and is completely self written/ produced/recorded/mixed/mastered in house. Boasting 13 new songs and a wall of sound mix approach, MIRK has also worked with graphic designer Robert Simpson to create artwork inspired by the lyrics the female form for each individual track. A futuristic approach to marketing is taken with the introduction of the MIRKcard; a swivel USB flash drive in the shape of a credit card that contains mp3's, videos, links and allows fans to access bonus materials at live shows via MIRK's merch table, simply by uploading new content. With the upcoming release of their sophomore album GRIND, MIRK has raised the bar yet again with an 8 video promotional campaign, including the single "Beautiful Music" featuring Mr. Cheeks. A national tour is set to begin in March in NYC with the official release of GRIND taking MIRK to SXSW , the Midwest and along the East Coast.
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Rising: How did MIRK come together? Did you always envision it as a seven-member band? How difficult is it to insure that the band's music is reflective of all seven members? MIRK: Joshua, the lead singer, produced the first album LOVE with help from our guitar player Mike. After playing a few shows, Josh realized it would sound so much better with a live band. He utilized craigslist and the local Albany music school scene to fill in the instruments. Initially, we envisioned it as a 10 member band, but practically, 7 worked way better. Once the initial production is put down, all band members take the template and put their own spin on it on their respective instruments. We all contribute a piece to the creative puzzle. Rising: You successfully funded a Kickstarter campaign to make a music video. Can you tell us a little bit about the making of that video? Where was it shot and who was the director? MIRK: First we would like to thank all of our fans, friends and family who helped us achieve our Kickstarter goal. The video was for our first single called “Away” off of our new album Grind. The shooting of the video went very well. We shot over 3 days, all around the Albany area. Unfortunately, we have yet to receive the final cut of the video from our "director", 'Picture Perfect'. We would like to apologize to all of our fans who have patiently been waiting for this video. Sometimes the industry promises one thing and never delivers. We are currently working with a different production team to create a new video for “Away”. Rising: MIRK has been described as an
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alternative hip hop/soulful pop band and was named "Best R&B New School" by Metroland in 2010. What is "R&B New School?" How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music? MIRK: Also, we were just named “Best Local Hip-Hop” by the Metroland in the 2012 readers poll and we were also runner up behind Ernie Williams in “Best Blues/R&B”. This means a lot to us because it is voted on entirely by the
it" and GRIND as more of a “band album." Do you agree? MIRK: Yes we do. The first album was written with a band in mind, but all the parts were sequenced. GRIND was written with everyone's specific instrumentation in mind because the line up was already there. All of us were part of the creative process. Rising: How was the songwriting and recording process different for each of your albums LOVE, LOVE/ LIVE, and GRIND? MIRK: LOVE was done all sequenced in the studio with some live instrumentation, using an MPC and various keyboards. LOVE/LIVE was recorded with the whole band, all in one take, live in the studio. We did this to capture as much of the live show feel as we could. GRIND was the marriage of the both; live band along with studio wizardry.
fans. If you ever listen to our albums, you will notice that each song can fit into a different category. It is difficult to put us in a box. We love many different genres of music and since there are 7 of us, we like to reflect as much of our personal tastes in our collective songwriting. The great thing about music today is you don't have to be one genre anymore. Rising: Your first album LOVE has been described as "a studio album with a band put together to play
2012: Issue 14
Rising: Tell me about the MIRKcard. (Credit card shaped flash drive that allows fans to upload new content at live shows.) How does it work? Has it caught on with your fans? MIRK: It is a credit card shaped USB flash drive that can fit in your wallet. It includes music and videos and pictures. This allows fans to bring their MIRK Card to a show and get bonus material from our merch table. Our fans really appreciate this, but it has really caught on with industry professionals who love the marketing aspect of it.
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Rising: You are just starting a national tour to promote your newly released album GRIND. Who are some of your favorite bands/artists to tour with and why? What is your least favorite thing about being on tour? Most favorite? MIRK: This tour has been a solo tour. We found it convenient as an independent band to gig swap with other bands in other cities. We are currently planning more gig swaps and will let you know our favorite group to do that with! The best thing about being on tour is getting new fans, seeing new cities and developing a tighter band relationship. Our least favorite things are dealing with issues with our tour vehicle which include, but are not limited too, the smell of the bus, getting locked out of the bus, packing the bus, finding places to park the bus, etc....
New Single Available http://www.mirkmusic.com/_1./MIRK-Home.html Now! http://www.facebook.com/MIRKMUSIC http://twitter.com/#!/mirkmusic
http://www.myspace.com/mirktheband
http://www.reverbnation.com/mirk http://mirk.bigcartel.com/ http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/grind/id526911793
http://www.mediafire.com/?9h75nmmo19af61h
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http://www.indiebible.com/rising Click for The Indie BIBLE
https://nt4.magma.ca/
Click for bigmeteor/ivbrising_order.cfm The Indie Venue BIBLE
The band promoting podcast. Not your ordinary podcast http://tunecast.net/ 2012: Issue 14 15
David Alcala-vocals/keys Daniel Alcala-vocals/guitar Craig Garcia-bass Chris Garcia-drums Comprising of two sets of brothers, The Relative Strangers is a quartet of southern California natives who invite you to a buffet of musical styles. From hard-driven guitar rock to moody keyboard melodies and everything in between, this finely tuned unit desires to give their take on the variety of styles found in modern pop music. For their debut release What's the Weapon of Choice?, The Relative Strangers chose to showcase a main course of rock with a side of groove. While the twin singers Dano and Davy Alcala echo lyrics back and forth between the smooth rhythmic punches their
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respective instruments (electric guitar and a Rhodes keyboard), the groovy back beat is held tight by the Garcia brothers with Craig on bass and Chris on drums. It's a refreshing take that these brothers have given on modern rock, all the while paying homage to music that influences them. In addition, The Relative Strangers thrive onstage as they are able to use their family intuition to their advantage when performing together – this is evident in the professional level of musicianship as well as the teases of improvisation for a bit of added flavor to the music for the live setting. Keep in touch to see when this strange brotherhood is coming to your town. http://www.therelativestrangers.com/ http://twitter.com/#!/trstrangers
http://www.facebook.com/therelativestrangers http://www.reverbnation.com/therelativestrangers
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/whats-the-weapon-of-choice/id424690443?i=424690451
http://soundcloud.com/therelativestrangers/a-sweet-fear
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Your band is your business, and as every entrepreneur knows, your business is your life. "Rising To The Top" features hints, tips, and the do's and don'ts of the music industry. If you're just starting out, or have years of experience, these monthly articles will help you rise to the top!
Support Indie Music: House Party How-To's by Kristi Curry Want to support indie music by throwing a party? Many artists offer House Parties as a way to raise funds for upcoming projects. For a certain amount, your favorite indie band may give a private performance for you and your friends at the location of your choice. Sound like fun? It is! Here are a few tips to get your party started: LOCATION: Your living room or backyard to a traditional bar venue – the location of your party sets the stage for the event. • Choose a venue that fits with the “feel” of your party. Are you looking for an intimate acoustic atmosphere? Casual or dressy? Rock n roll vibe? • Consider the number of guests attending and how to make them comfortable. Seating? Food/ drinks available? Restrooms? • Make certain that your location meets the sound/ lighting needs of your artists. BUDGET: A realistic budget is critical in having a successful versus stressful event. Some of these costs may need to be factored in: • Kickstarter or other fundraising fees • Flights/transportation costs • Hotels • Food for artists and/or guests • Bar venue: in US, typically free with a food/drink minimum • Equipment (“backline”) rental & tip for delivery • Sound technician & tip • Miscellaneous: decorations, door prizes, etc. • PAD YOUR BUDGET: Unknown expenses WILL come up!
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RAISING FUNDS: Pooling resources with friends can make having a House Party a reality for almost anyone. • Set a realistic “ticket” price. How much on average would your guests be willing to contribute? Remind friends that this is a fundraising event to support the artists' new project – most people are willing to contribute more knowing this. • Gather funds ahead of time (Paypal is a great resource). People are much more likely to show up and promote a concert that they've already paid for. If they don't attend, their contribution can be considered a donation. PARTY TIPS: • If it's an informal event, consider having a potluck. This can create a comfortable atmosphere for artists and guests alike, plus it's a great way to offset hosts' costs. • Programs or photographs that the artists can personally autograph make great keepsakes for guests. • Help your artists raise additional funds by providing a merch table for cds, Tshirts, etc. • Allow plenty of time for set up, performing, socializing, and clean up; expect everything to take longer than you've planned. • Get plenty of helpers. Teamwork makes it more fun for everyone! Having a House Party is an unforgettable experience – for you, your guests, and your artists. Have fun and #SupportIndieMusic!!
Festival Five A small Rising selection of Independent Artists at Music Festivals The Festival: Outside Lands Music Festival Where: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco When: August 10-12, 2012 More Info: http://www.sfoutsidelands.com/home/
Sigur Rós
Iceland Post-rock Web: http://www.sigur-ros.co.uk/ Video: The name means “Victory Rose” named for the lead singer's little sister. With an “out of this world” sound, you need to just experience this band for yourself.
City and Colour
Canada Rock Dallas Green IS City and Colour Web: http://cityandcolour.ca/ Video: His latest album “Little Hell” explores the “blissful and harrowing experiences that come with relationships and life as a whole”.
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band
New Orleans, LA Funk Web: http://www.dirtydozenbrass.com/ Video: The sound of New Orleans... for 35 years now... 'nuff said.
Honey Island Swamp Band
New Orleans, LA Blues or “Bayou Americana” Web: http://www.honeyislandswampband.com/ Video: Imagine a dark, smoky bar in a back alley where all the natives go to avoid the tourists. Got that visual? Then, you'll understand this band.
Trampled by Turtles
Duluth, MN Folk-pop Web: http://trampledbyturtles.com/ Video: Using unique and traditional acoustic instruments, this band makes music that breathes.
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J unkie J oker Luciano De Lucca : vocals Eddy Limongi: guitar Charles De Trois: guitar Rodrigo Mardaran: drums Tiago Rostirolla: bass
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Started in late 2009 by Eddy Limongi and Luciano De Lucca and not ashamed to classify themselves under the dreaded “commercial” label, Junkie Joker tries to deliver honest radio-friendly tunes. Deemed “too American” to play London clubs, Junkie Joker is trying to reach an international audience with their first album called Save the World.
All money generated from the CD sales will be donated to an institution that helps pets in need of veterinary treatment: The Peopleʼs Dispensary for Sick Animals. Since we canʼt seem to be accepted in live gigs in the UK, we thought donating the money would be a good way to help the pets and show our work to people as we don't need it to pay for our expenses in gigging or traveling. We love what we do and we believe we can find our audience and help a charity in the process.
http://www.pdsa.org.uk
http://www.junkiejoker.com/ https://twitter.com/#!/JunkieJoker http://www.facebook.com/pages/Junkie-Joker/148855588464125?sk=info
http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/junkie-joker/id489737846
http://soundcloud.com/junkiejoker/in-my-blood
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MY WORDS
This is a place where artists, fans, and music industry professionals, in their own words, can share their experiences in the Indie Music World
"A Brave New 'Music' World" By Dr. Kenneth Love Very often, operating as a musician or recording artist in this brave new 'music' world is akin to the risk of walking a dilapidated rope bridge over a 30-feet waterfall in pitch dark. Having been on hiatus for several years from writing music industry articles, I briefly struggled with the topic of which to reintroduce myself to the music community. A first consideration was a brand new article that provided a general consensus on my perspective of the current state of the music industry as it relates to the daily experience of musicians and recording artists. A second consideration was to address one of several subjects that I have previously covered, but which I feel still bears great consideration for musical artists. Ultimately however, I decided that the former was best fitting for a re-introduction. And, here we are... A little over a year ago, I retired after twenty years of service (1990-2010) to the music industry and, more poignantly, representing musicians and recording artists as an international radio promoter, video promoter and media publicist in order to return to the artistry of my own music career. I had gone into these areas to assist other artists with success of their releases while also staying in tune (pardon the pun) with the music industry from behind the scene, so to speak. And, to maintain my musical "chops," I would occasionally venture back into the studio for a production through the years, although I only released a couple of songs during the first decade of the 21st century. But serving as an artist once again, I was witness to quite a few more resources that spoke both to the positive and negative
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elements that now exist within the industry. Although more opportunities seem to, indeed, exist for artists today, with a "capped" budget it is very difficult to decide on which opportunities will result favorably while it is extremely easy to make wrong choices and decisions that can significantly impede an artist's music career.
Hence, and if I may, I would like to offer a bit of timeless financial advice that may best serve your efforts and interests, regardless of how the industry continues to evolve, for better or for worse.
1. Be Choosy: When either approaching services or being approached by services, i.e., promoters, publicists, managers, agents, etc., exercise due diligence through researching such services through the service's past clients, its longevity in the industry, rates, commissions, and more. It is not enough to simply take the service's own "word" of its status in the industry. As an example, when releasing my "cAsE sEnSiTiVe" Jazz CD last year, and not wanting to self-represent, I contracted outside promoters and publicists for representation. One particular publicist became at odds upon learning that I had requested confirmations from several of its clients, presenting the idea to me that it was beyond questioning. As might be expected, I opted to not utilize this particular publicist.
2. Create a "Reasonable" Budget: While you don't want to financially shortchange your ability to gain qualitative and quantifiable exposure for your project, you also don't want to experience the financial burden of a "bottomless money pit" in effect, whereby, you are spending money with no budget "cap" or limit. Therefore, prior to starting your "cost" process, of which an external recording studio may be the first on your expense list if you don't have your own home-based studio, your budget consideration should begin at this point, followed by amounts you appropriately and reasonably allocate to your post production phases that include, but are not limited to; manufacturing, marketing, promotion, publicity, and advertising.
3. Barter As Much As Possible (And Often): If your finances are limited, consider contacting musicians in your area to barter, swap, or trade your musical talents with their own possible recording projects. An example is, if you don't currently have production software or equipment, but are a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, etc., you could offer an exchange to a musician who does not have these particular talents but who may have the software and equipment that you do not. This barter exchange could serve to save you a good deal of money from costs that you would, otherwise, incur in commercial studio production. Also, don't limit your fellow musician contacts to your own genre or style of music, because you may find that a Country artist can use your bass playing, even if you consider yourself a Rock bassist. A great place to seek like minded musicians in your area is Craig's List, local music instrument repair shops, or local music or arts and entertainment weekly newspapers. In retrospect, upon my return as an artist to the music industry, I must admit to finding that very often, operating as a musician or recording artist in this brave new 'music' world can be akin to the risk of walking a dilapidated rope bridge over a 30-feet waterfall in pitch dark. In many instances, you simply are not absolutely sure where to place your next step (decision) until you have done just that...placed your next step (decided) on a solid plank (correct decision) and survived that step (succeeded). And, going across that same bridge (past project) at a previous time (different era) is no assurance that the same solid planks (past resources) will still be in their places (exist) to break a possible fall (possible failure).
Editor's Note: Dr. Kenneth Love is a retired international radio promoter, video promoter, and media publicist who now manages 1 Way Public Relations (http://www.1waypr.com), which sends affordable press releases to media for musicians and recording artists. Additionally, he is a Jazz recording artist, with his music website at http://www.kennylovejazz.com.
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Y E H E I IND TS S I T AR
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Jodi Shaw
Born in Canada and raised in coastal New Hampshire, Jodi dropped out of graduate school at age 27 to pursue songwriting and performing. Largely self-taught, she recorded her first album in a music studio in the hayloft of a barn in Maine. The recording earned her a nomination for “Best New Artist� in her hometown newspaper. She moved to Brooklyn shortly afterward and began performing on the subway platforms. In 2003 she recorded The Pie-Love Sky, followed by the sparse and haunting Snow on Saturn ( 2005). In Waterland, her fourth studio album and most intense sonic experiment to date, showcases Jodi's work as a budding producer. Her artistic process is heavily informed by visual artists, writers and other musicians. Her personal heroes include Anne Sexton, Eva Hesse, Jackson Pollock, Tori Amos, and Imogen Heap. Her songs have been referred to as "hauntingly sexy," "healing," and having a "delicate toughness."
http://www.jodishaw.com/ http://twitter.com/#!/jodi_shaw http://www.facebook.com/jodi.shaw.music
http://jodishaw.bandcamp.com/album/in-waterland
http://www.mediafire.com/?7st63ky9rpaeahc
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Photography & Interview by Paul Smollen Lovers Jump Creek is: Mark Webber (Vox + Guitar) Sam Thomlinson (Guitar) Ferg McCulla (Bass) Jaz Young (Drums)
Watch the interview on video CLICK HERE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCWp5MxJbcA&feature=plcp
Lovers Jump Creek are four young gentlemen from Sydney who enjoy each others' company and share a mutual taste for loud guitars, deafening drums, bluesy vocals and big-ass riffs. A live show typically ends with four pulverized masses of quivering human flesh on the floor after the band has given everything they've got in shaking their shake-bits to the horror of onlookers. Released in late 2011, the band's debut EP Bless This Mess was recorded live to tape and produced by David Hemming (The Angels, The Screaming Jets). It captures their raw, energetic live sound and highlights their musicianship and finesse in songwriting.
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After our photo shoot I sat down with four very wet boys (Sam, Jaz, Ferg and Mark) who make up Loverʼs Jump Creek - the reason why they were so wet was I shot the water pistol fight scene before we did the interview. Oh well, it was a very hot summer day in Sydney so they didnʼt mind. Itʼs very clear that this interview is going to be interesting and fun and I hope I get a straight answer from them. The only topic that was off limits with the band was the mysterious love of garden gnomes and the large debts I had heard the boys had accumulated in the underground world of gnome racing. Rising: Lovers Jump Creek is a great name for a band. Who came up with it and is there any significance to you? Mark: Ferg came up with it. We were arguing on what kind of name we wanted for weeks and weeks and we were coming up with things that were sounding really good to us at the time, but then I am so glad... Jaz: Shaved with Resentment! Ferg: Dr. Acular... Pistols at Dawn... Mark: …that one was the front runner for a while, then we had Amber Theory. (Jaz interrupts with the news that it wasnʼt Ferg who came up with the name but he himself, which starts a heated debate. While Ferg and Jaz discuss where they were when the name was created, Mark claims ownership for it himself ). As for the significance, I dunno…….we heard the name mentioned and it sounded quite
The only topic that was off limits with the band was the mysterious love of garden gnomes and the large debts I had heard the boys had accumulated in the underground world of gnome racing. 28
cool, a little bit dark. Jaz: We are a rock band and yeah, it sounded cool to us. Rising: How did you all meet? Jaz: We all went to high school together and we had another guitarist before Sam, who was in our year. (Sam, it turns out, was a few years ahead of the other band members and that heʼs “old”.) I had an 18th birthday and wanted a band to play. Ferg was invited and so was the other guitarist - then I heard Mark could sing, but Mark wasnʼt invited (to the laughs of the rest and feigned look of shock from Mark) but I decided to invite him anyway just because he could kind of sing. Mark: I have no redeeming qualities apparently, except for my vocal abilities, and like I wasnʼt even that good a singer at the time… Jaz: You're still not very good… Mark: Well, thatʼs debatable. Jaz: ….but we do work out though that Mark is fun to hang out with, or at least he thinks so. What was the question? Oh yeah, how did we all meet. Well, about a year ago Sam joined and now we are the best of pals! (to which they all high-five each other. Mark wants to hug, but the boys decline so he hugs himself.) Rising: Whatʼs the smallest crowd you have played in front of excluding your parents? Ferg: That would have been Candyʼs apartment a few months ago - it was a last minute gig and we
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played this tiny room to Markʼs girlfriend. (sorry ladies, but yes Mark is taken) Jaz: Also the sound dude... Sam: Yeah, the sound dude really liked it and Markʼs girlfriend even did some guest vocals for us. (Mark goes on to talk about the other band that played before them that borrowed half their gear, didnʼt say thank you, and then left. See the video for what the boys really thought and a lesson in manners.) Rising: Can you describe a Lover Jump Creek fan? Jaz: Morbidly obese with rotting teeth. Mark: Old and has a taste for younger flesh, like a cougar perhaps. Ferg: We were doing a gig in Adelaide and this guy wrote us a note on a train ticket, he was a cool dude.. what did it say… Mark: … “Musicʼs not hard enough these days, love it…Timbo”. (The boys all offer Timbo a cheers and thanks.) Seriously, though, I donʼt think our fans have a particularly type. We have never been a band that particularly fits perfectly into a genre or scene - punk rockers enjoy us, sometimes the indie kids and sometimes emo kids, everyone probably except for electro fans. Jaz: It's not only kids, but adults and even senior citizens sometimes, too! (The senior citizens comment I think is tongue-in-cheek, but it's hard to tell.) Mark: We are like a fine wine. (laughter) Ferg: We are always making friends with other
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bands at gigs and festivals. Jaz: Thatʼs the best part about playing - meeting people. Rising: Who takes the longest to get ready? All fingers point straight to Jaz, who denies and counter-points to Ferg. Mark reconsiders, agrees, and calls Ferg “Mr. Hair Straightenington”. Jaz: Ferg canʼt leave the house without straighten his hair first, and Sam canʼt go out without hair product in his hair otherwise he melts. Mark: All the boys are terrible, not just at getting ready, but at always being not just late, but fucking late. (Did I mention how easy it is for these boys to segue into other topics?) I'm always sitting at the venues and other bands ask me, “So, whereʼs your band?”. Jaz: ...your band... his band… so, you own the band? We are not slaves to you… Mark: We will discuss this later, Jaz. Anyway, I am still sitting at the venue and they go, “Whereʼs your band?” and I go, “I think one is straightening his hair.” Jaz: Is this point going anywhere? Mark: Youʼre out of my band. (laughter) Rising: Do you have any superstitions?
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Ferg: Too many! Sam: Yeah, the one about pooing before we play. (Ferg admits he has a big fear of having to excrete while on stage.) Jaz: Mark almost did that once. He had a bad can of shredded beef one time and a whole lot of aloe vera water in Adelaide and it was the best crowd and our best gig, the crowd was loving it and wanted an encore. Mark: I was like, “Guys, I canʼt,” and they wanted an encore and Iʼm like, “I really canʼt!” I lean over to Jaz and say, “I really canʼt… I shat myself”. I hadnʼt, luckily, but was very close. Ferg: Our rehearsal warehouse is haunted. (All the boys agree and that you always see someone in your peripheral vision.) Mark: We all get night terrors when they sleep there. Ferg has a personal superstition that he must have the back left seat of the car when touring, in case the driver falls asleep he can grab the wheel and be the hero. Ferg is the Superman of the band. Rising: What the best piece of advice you have ever received and have you followed it? Mark: I think the best piece of advice we had was we met a band who we all really like called Cage The Elephant out the front of one of their gigs and
they were so happy to talk to us. We asked them what they could tell us to move up as a band, and they said, “Just play as many shows as you can we started out playing in karate halls.” Thatʼs something we have definitely followed - we were already doing that but it was good to know that it's a good thing to do. Ferg: It's good to know that people who have done well are doing the same thing. Rising: What is your favourite word? Ferg: Strumpet! Jaz: Thatʼs a good one. Sam: What's a strumpet? Jaz: It's like a harlot… harlot - thatʼs a good one too, actually. Mark: We have a lot of phrases that we like. Jaz: (over the top of Mark) ...most of our songs... Mark: Froth. Jaz: We donʼt have a song called “Froth”. Mark: I know, I am just saying froth is a good word. Jaz: Froth is indeed a good word. Frothing is the band's favourite word, and there's a story behind that. Mark: Yeah, but it's not very interesting. Sam: We have a friend that goes frothing, or imagines that he does. Mark: (sarcastically) What a wild story, guys - tell
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me it again! (laughter) (Meanwhile, I am trying to work out what the hell frothing means…and I am still waiting) Rising: What noise or sound do you love? Mark makes an annoying sound (see the video for the full effect). Ferg loves feedback, but itʼs a question that has almost stumped the band into the first silence of the day. Mark: We are all thinking it, so I am going to say it. I love the sound of a fart, I think farts are funny. I donʼt care how old you are, farts are hilarious. Rising: What profession other than music would you like to attempt? Ferg: I would love to be a history teacher. Jaz: (disbelief) Really? Mark: I would never let you near my child. Ferg: Itʼs a bad arse job to teach ancient history. Sam: After watching Boston Legal, I wanted to be a lawyer. Mark: There are a lot of professions I would like to do. I wanted to be a carpenter for a while, but I was real bad at woodwork. Jaz: I wanted to be a writer - I like writing stuff. Mark: Well, you obviously have a way with words. “I like writing stuff.” Jaz: (laughs) When I do it on the... (struggles for a word)… parchment, it's alright.
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Rising: What profession would you not like to do? Mark: Everything except music. Ferg: (looks meaningfully at Jaz) Me and Jaz work in a warehouse together and its pretty rewarding (as he looks and me and shakes his head no). Jaz: If I could pick a job not to do, itʼs the one I am currently doing. Mark: Imagine if you were the guy that had to paint the [Sydney] Harbour Bridge, cuz you would never be done - you have to start again once you finish, youʼd just be in this infinite loop. Look how big it is, it's huge! I donʼt care how good a paint they use. What is your favourite curse word? Mark: I think the F word gets a lot of mileage from us. It's kind of like a comma. Ferg: Swearing has just slipped into my life. The amount I swear in front of my family should be contained, it's not right. Mark: I accidentally said fuck in front of my mother as she spoke to an elderly neighbour and didnʼt realise til my mum informed me later. Thereʼs a lot of funny swear words like….like “bollocks”. (The boys agree and suggest that swear words from England are the fun ones, to which I am then subjected to a barrage of them… twat, boob, strumpet (that was mine), tit, bell-end. Mark has as theory that they think they like them because the cool English gangsters use them in the movies. I
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somehow think he is correct and that swear words always sound cooler in an English accent.) Rising: Whatʼs next for Lovers Jump Creek? Ferg: Heaps! We have many plans - we are still touring our EP from last year Bless This Mess. Then get to recording after that and do another EP, which should be out mid year 2012, and we will be touring again. We have a few more video clips coming out which we are excited for. Mark: The whole thing is to keep building on the momentum which we have at the moment. While we might get huge overnight, we have always had this really strong work ethic and been really well rehearsed, played a lot of shows, written all of our songs - so taking that and running with it and building is what we want to do. Rising: Complete this sentence: “People should listen to Lovers Jump Creek because…” Mark: Because weʼre poor. Ferg: Because we have no other hope in life. Jaz: (pleading) We wonʼt survive! (laughter) Mark: Petrol is expensive! (more laughter) Jaz: Because the music is alright, too. We like it and we enjoy what we write and hopefully others do, too. Mark: Probably because there is no bullshit. We donʼt try and be a particular thing, we just let it all
http://www.loversjumpcreek.com https://twitter.com/#!/loversjumpcreek
http://www.facebook.com/loversjumpcreekmusic
http://www.reverbnation.com/loversjumpcreek
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/bless-this-mess-ep-ep/id487284265 http://www.youtube.com/loversjumpcreek
http://triplejunearthed.com/loversjumpcreek
hang out literally and metaphorically, so if you like your music to be honest, raw and a bit rock and roll, (then in a sexy English accent says)….then you should listen to Lovers Jump Creek. And, boys, I am sure everyone will. Three days after we did the photo shoot and interview, the band bravely shaved their heads for leukemia research in a national event here in Australia called “The Worlds Greatest Shave” where people either shave their heads or colour their hair it to raise money for the Leukemia Foundation. Special thanks to Ally and Nick for letting us shoot in their back yard and kitchen.
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www.paulsmollen.com
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THE LAZLO DEVICE hit the headlines last year with a series of sell-out shows http://www.thelazlodevice.com across London, earning them the giddy title of “Ones to Watch 2012” The successful winter launch of Step Forward EP saw them gain radio play, with the http://www.facebook.com/thelazlodevice video for the first single “Battle On” making it into the rock top ten. An eclectic mix of bouncy grooves, lush ambiance and epic finales characterize this band's epic http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/step-forward-ep/id499341120 sound, with influences as diverse as Wild Beasts, Modest Mouse and Amon Tobin. http://soundcloud.com/the-lazlo-device/future/s-PhBXh
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Rising
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2012: Issue 14
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Check out these artists showing their support for Indie Music in their own unique way!!! Want to show your support too? Send a pic to submissions@risingmag.com and we may publish it! Use the words “Support Indie Music� in a creative way!
Paul Smollen
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Tony Gigov
Emina
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LOTAÂ Photography
Nomi Abadi 2012: Issue 14
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See our April 2012 issue for these artists!
Wendy Andries
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Travis Royce
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Gentlemen Hall
Chamber of Echoes
R始Chive
Eric Lawson
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Kylie Edmond
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LizMartin SoundQ
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Brian Patrick
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turn off your television
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Tha Vill
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2012: Issue 14
Asteria Photography
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Marie Bergstrรถm
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Evolove
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Greg Eident
2012: Issue 14
Stitched Up Heart
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Vintervila Johanna Elvira Bakke Haarstad
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Lü Qiang Qiang
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Patrick J. Eves
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Brian Mackey Steve Reganato
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2012: Issue 14
Vicky Sue Baucom
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Greg Eident
Monte Pittman
Paul Smollen
Barbara Dengel
Mouth
Alo and The Narcissist Steve Reganato
Aspen Switzer
See our May 2011 issue for these artists! 50
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A sincere Thank You to all of our readers, artists and sta that make Rising Magazine possible