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Artists past and present on the Los Angeles record label founded in 1996 have been nothing but impressive. The manager of Face To Face, Rich Egan, had a specific vision when creating the label, which is currently headed by President Jon Cohen. Previous artists such as Dashboard Confessional, The Get Up Kids, Saves The Day, and Alkaline Trio are just a few of the big-name artists who are Vagrant Records alumni. Even The Replacements front man, Paul Westerberg, went on to release solo material through the illustrious record label. Nowadays, Vagrant primarily takes on endowed indie artists who embody a unique idiosyncrasy. The 1975, Bad Suns, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Placebo, and Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros are just a few of the many lavish artists who are signed by the label.
BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB - Straight out of North London,
Bombay Bicycle Club (named after a restaurant chain) began their journey as young teens that later entered and won a battle of the bands type competition. This victory was the launchpad for numerous label offers, leading into the creation of two EPs and four full-length albums, yet the group was still able to complete their educations. The quartet’s style is an array of genres blended into one, with a majority of upbeat tracks that have been heavily influenced from touring around the world and soaking in cultural traditions. Exotic instruments such as the marimba are used frequently to add another dimension of character. Their hit single, “Shuffle” even features a ragtime piano intro that gives the song, like many of their others, an identity of its own. Fans of Two Door Cinema Club, Vampire Weekend, and Arctic Monkeys will be shocked if they have not heard of the indie rock band before.
Listen to: “Shuffle”
CALIFORNIA WIVES - The power and influence of music has
always been considered strong, but it was powerful enough for lead vocalist/ keyboardist, Jayson Kramer, to abandon his education in pre-med to pursue his true dream of creating music. This life changing decision was what created the Chicago-based indie rock group. At first listen, California Wives sounds like the type of band one would hear in an Urban Outfitter’s dressing room. Keep listening, and this stereotype will soon be washed away. Like many bands today, there seems to be a trend with the mixture of alternative rock and electronic music, which has created a melting pot of genres. California Wives have molded their style by playing traditional instruments while adding a modern twist with the use of synthesizers. With only their debut album, Art History, under their belt, it will be interesting to see how future releases will add to the band’s style and if it will change or remain solidified.
Listen To: “Purple”
JAMES VINCENT MCMORROW -
This indie solo artist would file under the category of indie folk with striking similarities to artists such as Bon Iver and Iron and Wine. McMorrow’s silvery voice commonly carries over a subtle piano ditty and steady backbeat in each of his individual tracks. There is a certain whimsy with the use of various instrumentations including: horns, harps, cymbals, and synthesizers coupled with his falsetto and intertwining harmonies. His discography is compiled of three major releases: Early In The Morning, the We Don’t Eat EP, featuring a phenomenal cover of Steve Winwood’s “Higher Love,” and his 2014 sophomore album, Post Tropical. With a new album, television performances, and a spot on the Coachella lineup, 2014 has been and will continue to be McMorrow’s year. The eccentric artist stands out among others in his genre and has the talent to hang up with some of the biggest names in indie music.
Listen to: “Cavalier” 10 - HIGHLIGHTMAGAZINE.NET
WORDS: Haley Black