Issue 12

NORTH OF NINE MASON NOISE MAJOR LEAGUE DALAL BRUCHMANN HEARTS LIKE LIONS KATIE COLE

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STAFF FOUNDER EDITOR IN CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER & DESIGNER S H A N A MY E R S

co desi gner & photographer B R A N DY N N L E IG H

P HOTOG R A P H E R S Abby Gillardi, Abby Griffey, Amanda Jensen, Amanda Puglisi, Anam Merchant, Brandynn Leigh, Brian Baker, Cassie Deadmond, Chelsea Gresh, Evgeniya, Kait Rairden, Kelli Coyne, Kim Cisneros, Kylee Gregg, Lauren Zaknoun, Lindsy Carr, Lori Gutman, Maeva Valbousquet, Meaghan Brown, Melanie Jacknow, Mika Schmeling, Penelope Martinez, Priten Vora, Sami Wideberg, Shana Myers. Taylor Novak, Victoria George

W R IT E R S Branda Cavanna, Candace Carter, Caitlyn Tanner, Josie Adnit, Lu Lu Green, Maisie King, Mike Martin, Mila Hrisimova, Sarah Kempster, Scarlett Grant, Victoria George

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ON THE COVER

M AC H I N E G U N K E L LY

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CONTENTS SHOW REVIEWS

ALBUM REVIEWS

L I N K I N P A R K 14

INTERVIEWS

16 K A T I E C O L E 18 D A L A L B R U C H M A N N 20 M A S O N N O I S E 22 N O R T H O F N I N E 24 H E A R T S L I K E L I O N S 26 M A C H I N E G U N K E L L Y

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C H EC K O UT SO M E O F O U R H IG H LY A NT IC I P AT E D

NOVEMBER A L B U M S FO R T H E MO NT H O F NOV E M B E R

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10 THE VAMPS M E ET T H E V A M P S

17 5 SECONDS OF SUMMER GOOD GIRLS - EP

10 NICK JONAS NICK JONAS

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P I N K F LOY D THE ENDLESS RIVER

24 F I F T H H A R MO NY R E F L ECT IO N

ATTILA G U I LTY P L E A S U R E

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album r e v i e w s 8

ARTIST: LIGHTS ALBUM: LITTLE MACHINES RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 19, 2014

Little Machines is the synth-pop singer, Lights, third release. It follows 2011’s well received Siberia that had gritty, experimental pop. This time around, the songs have a lighthearted nature to them and have continued to mature. The songs showcase themes from her personal life and plenty of pop anthems you can sing along to.

The album opens with Portal, a very mellow and relaxed introduction to the album.It is followed by “Running With The Boys” which contains a chorus that’s hard to not sing along to and uses guitars which pleasantly adds more to the song. The lead single, Up We Go, brings you back to her 2009 debut album. She sings “it’s been a hard year with nothing to show/From down this road/It’s only on we go, on we go”. It’s an uplifting song for anyone going through a rough patch while still containing a fun spirit

to it.

With their overall sound and lyrics, Muscle Memory and Oil & Water, are tied for my favorites off the album which is something that does not happen often. They both contain memorable lyrics with substance and are the highlights of the album. Lights has stated that she was inspired by bold female artists (Bjork, Kate Bush, Patti Smith) while also wanting to remain accessible and she does just that. Little Machines is an exceptional album that goes far beyond the current mainstream pop that can be found on the radio today. If you are going to listen to one pop album, this should be the one.

REVIEW BY: LINDSY CARR

ARTIST: STATE CHAMPS ALBUM: THE ACOUSTIC THINGS RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 7, 2014

State Champs have been gaining momentum since the release of their debut chart topping album, The Finer Things, back in December. Since then they’ve been constantly touring and have just released their acoustic EP, appropriately titled “The Acoustic Things”. It features five songs off their album along with two brand new tracks.

The EP begins with “Elevated” which takes on a whole new feeling along with the other songs. In contrast to the fast paced pop punk songs that the band consists off, they are slowed down and the instruments provide a whole new style to the songs.

Within each of the songs, lead singer Derek Discanio’s smooth vocals are highlighted and it allows for the meaning full lyrics to have their full impact.

The new song, Leave You In The Dark, was released as a single back in August. It shows the more vulnerable side of the band with its lyrics that deal with change. Overall, the song has a very nice flow due to the acoustic guitars and shakers used. It provides for a very light and calm song, like something that you’d listen to on a rainy afternoon. The song “If I’m Lucky” does the same with its soothing balance between vocals and instruments. If you have yet to become a fan of State Champs, this EP will win you over.

REVIEW BY: SCARLETT GRANT

ARTIST: TARA TERRA ALBUM: DAUGHTER RELEASE DATE: AUGUST 30, 2014

Tara Terra is a six piece alternative band from Illinois and has just released their first album, Daughter. The album has nine songs and each tell their own stories which are full of emotion.

The album starts off with “Smoke”, which sets a slow tempo backed by vocalist Emily Otnes’ effortless voice. It is followed by the more acoustic song, “Borrowed”. The song states “love is a sweetness/ love is a medicine” and goes through the motions of someone forgetting about a relationship. However, being far different from your average “love song”. My personal favorite is the faster paced “ Don’t Call Me Darlin’”. The song is about seeing through someone’s fake intentions and not allowing for them to use you. With lyrics “Some cannot see through you-- let me do you a solid/And point you the other way”. The song is completely honest and about female empowerment.

The songs smoothly transition through the themes that go along with change and growth. Being Tara Terra’s first release, they are definitely an up and coming band to look out for. Each song is carefully put together with lyrics that standout.

REVIEW BY: LINDSY CARR

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ARTIST: FRANK IERO ALBUM: STOMACHACHES RELEASE DATE: AUGUST 25, 2014

Frank Iero has been part of many acts (Pencey Prep, My Chemical Romance, and Leathermouth to name a few) and has now released his first solo album. Though, with his live band “The Cellabration”, they have already played a few of these songs live throughout 2013. The highly anticipated album is now out and showcases his abilities to play multiple instruments along with his voice.

The album starts off with “All I Want Is Nothing”, followed by debut single, Weighted.

The song starts off slow, then quickly speeds up when the instruments start. The song has a very catchy chorus of “But I only speak the truth/and I’ll always bleed for you/ so let’s laugh, let’s learn to laugh again.” The song’s theme of moving on from the past and living without question yourself is present throughout the album. A definite standout is “Stage 4 Fear Of Trying”. The song is slowed down and guitar heavy while the rest of the album is very fast paced.

The song is as the title states, going back to the start without change despite your attempts to have success.

While the songs are personal and individual, the album is connected with its overall sound. The album provides comfort with the extreme honesty the songs hold. It allows a different side of Frank that was never shown in his previous work to be put in the spotlight.

REVIEW BY: LINDSY CARR

ARTIST: TWIN ATLANTIC ALBUM: GREAT DIVIDE RELEASE DATE: AUGUST 19, 2014

The Scottish alternative rock band,Twin Atlantic, established popularity with 2011’s “Free”. Since then, the band has toured with well-known bands (Blink 182, The Used) and had singles chart in the UK. They’ve now gone in a new direction with the release of the album, Great Divide.

The album begins with “The Ones That I love” which starts of slow while having a great message. The song questions why people accept what they’re told without using their voice. It is followed by the single, Heart and Soul. The song is guitar driven with something they’re very known for,singer Sam McTrusty’s heavy accent. One of my favorites is the fast, upbeat song, “I Am An Animal”. The song highlights the band’s talent and capabilities of having catchy, meaningful songs.

As a whole, the album is an explanation of the power that music allows. While being more on the verge of radio friendly poprock, they do provide songs that any longtime fan can enjoy.

REVIEW BY: LINDSY CARR

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ARTIST: GERARD WAY ALBUM: HESITANT ALIEN RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

Gerard Way’s eccentricity is pretty well demonstrated by his twitter history. There he vacillates between profoundly sage and worryingly unhinged. His first solo album, Hesitant Alien, is somewhere between those two extremes.

As the frontman of My Chemical Romance which disbanded in 2013, he was responsible for much of the artistic and creative direction the band took. Just about every era in the band’s history spawned personas and alter egos to breathe even more life into the music. Hesitant Alien is no different. Inspired by fuzz pedals, Britpop, and David Bowie, Way takes on a Ziggy Stardust-like persona defined by an orange coif and a dapper blue suit. Accompanying his new image is Pink Station Zero, an entourage made up of his band The Hormones, The Presenter, a man with Johnny Bravo’s hair and Freddie Mercury’s mustache, and Lola, his perpetually smiling cat-alien companion covered in fuzzy pink fur.

The album opens with “The Bureau,” a shrieking, gritty mash of distortion and wailing guitars. The ghastly instrumentals coupled with the corporate lyrics are reminiscent of MCR’s last album Danger Days, an album set in a dystopian California following the lives of the Fabulous Killjoys, a quartet of desert-thriving vigilantes fighting a corporate apocalypse. “Action Cat” is a bouncier song which sets the tone for much of the album. Its upbeat vibe is matched by “No Shows,” a jauntily mellow track. The music video features a performance with Way and The Hormones on an Ed Sullivan-type show with appropriately lo-fi 60s quality special effects.

“Brother,” the fourth song on the album, is a sentimental shout-out to Way’s younger brother, Mikey. It’s filled with nostalgic ruminations and shared memories of growing up in New Jersey and aspiring to greatness with lines like “Remember when you and I would make things up? / So many nights, just take me down to the place we would hear them play” referring to shows they would go to together.

“Millions” is a sonic, lively song that quintessentially encompasses Way’s love of guitars and British rock, as is “How’s It Going To Be” which can only be described as comparable to instrumental tracks in older Pokemon games. “Zero Zero” and “Juarez” are some of the more distortion-heavy tracks that lean more toward gritty rock than the general Britpop vibe the rest of the album carries and are arguably a bit more daring. Tracks like “Drugstore Perfume” and “Get the Gang Together” lack some of the excitement of the rest of the album. However, “Maya the Psychic” picks up some of the slack with an edgy, expansive sound that encapsulates all the important elements of the album.

Hesitant Alien at its heart is an amalgamation of Gerard Way’s unapologetic love for rock n’ roll and eccentricity. Lyrically, the album contains much of the imagery and vision that Way has become iconic for. Though it departs heavily from the My Chemical Romance’s trademark nihilism and lacks some of the urgency, Hesitant Alien remains a bold and unapologetic foray into new dimensions of creative freedom.

REVIEW BY: LAUREN ZAKNOUN

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TV Show Reviews NAME: RED BAND SOCIETY DAY: Wednesday CHANNEL: Fox TIME: 9/8C

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“We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blo od with me shall be my brother”, recites Leo Roth, a 16-year old osteosarcoma patient, while standing on Ocean Park Hospital’s ro oftop surrounded by his peers.

It’s the first of many triumphant speeches he’d give on FOX’s new show Red Band Society, a coming-of-age dramedy set in a Los Angeles hospital. Although, I can’t help but immediately wonder how many teenage boys with one leg lean on the words of Shakespeare to make a point... no pun intended. Regardless, it’s a moving way to end a pilot episode even if it did tug on the heartstrings a bit to o so on. The show is narrated by Charlie, a young kid in a coma. There’s Kara, the stereotypical cheerleader with an enlarged heart and drug addiction who is more than unnecessarily bitchy, but of course, there’s more to her than you think. There’s Emma, the straight-A student suffering from an eating disorder. You’ve got Jordi, the self-proclaimed orphan (spoiler alert: he’s not - he just has mommy issues) with the same cancer as Leo. And then you’ve got Dash, a close friend of Leo’s with cystic fibrosis although he seems to be stuck in that black-best-friend role to even things out. The pilot is immediately a tad unsettling in the sense that it makes living in a hospital with terminal illness lo ok fun. But I really don’t know what else to expect from a FOX show. It caters to teens who still aren’t fully over their obsession with The Fault In Our Stars. As so on as you can lo ok past those flaws, it’s rather enjoyable.

Octavia Spencer gives a convincing performance as an intimidating nurse who doesn’t take crap from anybody. The more we see Nurse Jackson though, the more we get the impression that she’s got an extremely sensitive back story regarding her relationship with Charlie (Griffin Gluck) and that’s why she puts on such a hard exterior. “Sweetie, it’ll be a cold day in hell before I apologize to anyone for doing my job,” she explains. Jordi

(Nolan Sotillo) and Dr. McAndrew (Dave Annable) share most of their scenes together with great chemistry as patient and doctor,with an extra curveball thrown in by episode three. Leo (Charlie Rowe) can’t help but spend a lot of his time reminiscing his past. He was on his way to getting a soccer scholarship before he got sick and lost his leg. There’s some built-up anger in Leo, and he often rebels against Nurse Jackson’s orders just to feel like a normal teenager. Not only that, but he and Emma (Ciara Bravo) had an innocent relationship before his surgery, and he regrets ending it with her as so on as she and Jordi start showing interest in each other but she resents him for it.

Kara (Zoe Levin) is pretty much clashing with everyone in and out of the hospital because she doesn’t want their pity. She’s constantly getting herself into trouble with Nurse Jackson, and the kids at her high scho ol are already preparing for her funeral.

Overall, Red Band Society has a fair balance of humor and sentiment. The cast works well together and it feels fresh. So far,the show is supposed to have been over the course of five days as each episode picks up where it left off. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea especially if you’ve been or known someone ill. The quirkiness is played up while the harsh reality of most of these kids’ illnesses is toned down a fair bit to keep the mo od light.

Perhaps that will change the more the season goes on. A couple of these young actors stand out more than others.

I’ve been familiar with Charlie Rowe for a few years, and he’s already proven himself to be a perfect fit for American television (you’d never know he was English!). Nolan Sotillo plays his role so perfectly that it’s impossible not to sympathize with him. And even Griffin Gluck, who has only had scenes from the “in-between” during his coma stand out, but that might also have something to do with his witty narration. Five episodes in, I was ho oked by that silly ro oftop speech at the end of episode one. Red Band Society airs Wednesdays on FOX at 9pm/8c.

REVIEW BY: Kelli Coyne

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LIVE REVIEWS

I have been a fan of Linkin Park for as long as I can remember. I remember sitting in my room, watching their music videos on MTV when I was just 9 years old. As the years went on, my love for Linkin Park grew tremendously. So much to the point that they are now one of my favorite bands so as you can imagine, getting the opportunity to take pictures during the first three songs of their set was not only a shock to me, but also one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I never believed in a million years that I would ever get the chance to do what I do; to see my favorite artists, famous or not, and help others find a love for these artists’ music. I have always had a passion for sharing my music with others in hopes that they too would become a fan. I had tried several methods throughout my life (or at least since I got my first computer at the age of 16) and they all failed. Hopefully that streak ends with this magazine, as I get to share not only my musical interests, but the staff’s musical interests as well.

Since I do enjoy Linkin Park’s music, this might be a little bit biased but let’s face it. You can’t say things like this when attending a show you don’t even want to be at so is it really considered being biased when attending a show you want to last forever? I have had the pleasure of seeing Linkin Park live in concert twice. The first time was on the Honda Civic Tour and the second time on The Carnivores Tour with AFI and 30 Seconds to Mars. I have been to several, several concerts, my first one being when I was just 9 years old, and out of everyone I have seen, Linkin Park is in my top 5 performers. Not only is their energy on stage enough to give you energy yourself, but their performance, both stage and vocal, proves nothing more than the fact that these guys are extremely talented. They know just what to do to get their fans singing along to every song. Speaking of fans, the two times I have seen Linkin Park, their fans have been so focused on the band and giving their full attention to them that I can’t help but to stand there, sit back, and watch at just how much these people are getting into Linkin Park’s show.

I don’t mean that in a bad way, either. In fact, I have never seen audience act the way that these guys’ fans do and it leaves me being rather impressed. I would love to see these guys as often as possible and would highly recommend you go see them.

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P H O T O A N D R E V I E W B Y: S H A N A M Y E R S

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INTERVIEWS

Katie Cole Start off by telling us a little bit about yourself.

I’m an Australian singer-songwriter based now between Los Angeles and Nashville. Aside from music, I also like to draw weird pictures and I’m a cat person.

How would you describe your music to people who haven’t heard it?

I usually say American country meets British pop. It’s pretty melodic and uptempo as I like to put a fairly positive spin on lyrics I write, while maintaining catchy melodies. I’ve heard my music described as slices of Tom Petty, Shania Twain, Leann Rimes and KT Tunstall. One thing I’m still asked is why I don’t sing with an Australian accent. I tell people it comes down to who you listen to the most. The majority of people sing with a generic accent...although I’m still trying to work out who Mick Jagger listened to. I have no idea what he is saying.

to take my craft seriously vocally and in a songwriting sense. I listened to a lot of Eurythmics growing up because I was obsessed with Annie Lennox’s voice. I love the style of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Fleetwood Mac. They make epic timeless songs sound easy to write. Which they are not.

Having musical parents, did you know from the beginning that you wanted to be a performer?

Nope. Just thought it was what everyone did. Had no idea until I was sort of pre-teen that other families play sport or board games....they didn’t just listen to an entire album together or sit around the piano and sing. I sort of came into my own as a performer when I was 15. The rest was sort of trial and error – organic fumblings. And I’ve been throwing tv’s out of hotel windows ever since. Kidding. ;)

When did you move from Australia to Los Angeles? Was that a Who are some of your biggest influences when it comes to tough decision to make? songwriting and performing?

I moved about 4 years ago now. Any decision that involves a I suppose Sheryl Crow was a big influence when I really started big change is hard to make. For me, I realised that deciding to

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not change was also a decision. I came out in LA twice before I Unbelievable players and some amazing co-writers on the knew I had to relocate. That part was easy as I saw that I would songs that were collaborations. I think songs were written in be giving up more to stay in Australia.

LA, Nashville and Melbourne. It was an international event with many timezones and tons of coffee.

Your record producer has worked with artists like Stevie Nicks, Sheryl Crow, and The Wallflowers. How did it feel when he How has this album been received by fans online and by tourreached out to you? Tell us about working with him. ing?

Pretty incredible experience. When Howard Willing reached Really well. I’m looking at releasing another single soon too. A out, he was someone I always wanted to work with. I had narlot of fans have different favourite songs, so that’s tough when rowed down my list of producers I wanted and he was one of choosing the next single. Can’t please everyone. The first 2 them. Of course this list I made was purely hypothetical and it singles received airplay on BBC Radio 2 (UK) so I’ve had a good included some great people along with some songwriters like run so far. I think, for most indie artists, the life of an album is Linda Perry and Sheryl Crow. I included it on my public website about 1-2 years. So I’m still at the front end of that window. I bio, but fate played a huge role here and changed everything. just released it in March. I’m doing a lot of touring again now. A A friend of Howard’s read my website and told him to listen to west coast tour this month, then a great opening show for Billy my music. Pretty incredible, yes. Granted I wasn’t sitting in Aus- Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins, Americanafest in Nashville and tralia eating vegemite, riding a dingo and wishing on a star or then back to Australia in September. I travel a lot, ugh. It’s a anything. My wishes don’t stem from thin air with no weight to good problem to have, however. Online, the response has been them. I was already writing songs for international artists and I so great and supportive. I’m working on some new videos next. had a side project on the radio and had released my first EP in Oz. Fate/luck/craziness just played a role when I was writing my What can we expect next from you? follow up record and I was ready for it. I once heard to be an Still promoting this album, so I’ll be releasing a new single next. artist you don’t have to be crazy, just crazy enough. That’s sort On top of that, I’m always writing and collaborating with writers of my approach. for various projects and TV placements. My life is strange, haha. I also started writing a new EP. I don’t have my head Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians that depend on fully wrapped around it yet as I’m bouncing around both songs social media to get their work out there? Any do’s and don’ts? and styles. It’s important to me that everything I do has a solid I think depending on only one thing whether it’s just music, just heart to it and a fluid sound. There can be some variation in social media, just live shows, or just videos.... I think it needs to there, but I like to have a theme to a project in mind before I be a combo. But that combo differs from artist to artist and go into the studio. There’s a lot happening, so the best way to needs to involve what works for them. Many musicians play live stay up to date with my music and touring is to log onto www. shows and think the social media will grow organically because katiecoleofficial.com. All my social media and conversations they are out rockin out. No. No. No. Unless you are playing take place there. See you all soon.

200-500 seater sold out venues...no. You need to work on that, provide interesting content that showcases your music AND your personality. Some people will read what you say because I N T E R V I E W A N D P H O T O S B Y: K E L L I C O Y N E they like your music, but almost as often people will listen to your music because they like what you’ve said or the way you look. Complaining about life or talking about the food you ate counts as neither music or personality. Also don’t badmouth other artists. You have the right to an opinion, but like anything, unless you would be willing to walk up to that artist and say that to their face, don’t. It’s better to find nice things to say about artist you do like. That shows support and good values.

If you’re inclusive and friendly, other artists will more likely want to include you.

You’ve worked with some big names in music. Are there any artists that you would like to work with in the future?

I’ve been so lucky to work with Glen Campbell, Carlene Carter and now Kris Kristofferson on my new record. There are a lot of artists I’d LOVE to work with, are you kidding me? U2, Tom Petty, Paul McCartney, David Bowie, Carole King.....and newer writer/artists like Ryan Tedder, Pharrell, Eric Church, Lorde and I think Lana Del Rey is really dark and interesting.

Tell us about your album Lay It All Down. What was the recording process like?

Such a long process. Took ages to raise money on Kickstarter... then start. Then an EP turned into an album...so more delays. Took a full year. Great A-level musicians were brought in, tracking mostly between East West studio and Sunset Sound.

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DALAL BRUCHMANN Tell us about yourself.

I’m a recording artist/composer/actress born and raised in a small village in Austria/Europe.

How would you describe your music to people who haven’t heard it?

Musical Impressionism.

Your single “Suddenly” recently won the Akademia Music Award for Best Pop Song and has been played on radio stations in places like the U.S., Australia, Canada, and Europe. What has all the attention been like for you? What has the response been like?

It’s incredible that the song is doing so well! I’m very happy! The response has been amazing. The reviews so far have all been fantastic. The feedback from the fans all over the world has been great!

Who are some of your musical influences? Who would you love to work with?

My musical influences are Michael Jackson, Kate Bush, Kylie Minogue, Edvard Grieg, Dave Brubeck, Hans Zimmer… oooh, I’d love a chance to work with Justin Timberlake, David Guetta, Starsmith, and Ellie Goulding!

Not only do you sing, but you’ve acted in commercials, films, and TV shows; modeled at NY Fashion Week; and you’ve worked behind the scenes as a visual effect artist. How do you keep yourself grounded with so many impressive accomplishments? Is there one thing you enjoy doing the most?

Thank you very much for that compliment! All these different areas pose their various challenges and I love that! I think that all knowledge you can acquire in one field can make your work better in other fields.

The entertainment industry is a tight knit web.

Do you have plans for releasing an EP? What can we expect to hear on that, and when?

Yes, I’m actually working on my debut album and I hope to be releasing it sometime during early 2015.

The album is very much “me”. It’s romantic, dreamy, and mysterious. You will hear a gospel choir feature on it and some instruments that have never been used in a recording.

What else is next for you? You’re shooting your music video for your next single. Tell us about that. When can we expect to see it? What else is coming up?

I’m actually shooting two music videos. This one I just shot is for an upcoming single release and the music video for “Suddenly” will come out in October! I can’t wait for you to see it!

Where can we keep updated with you?

I’m on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can find me under @dalalmusic. :)

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I N T E R V I E W B Y: K E L L I C O Y N E P H O T O S B Y: H A M I D M O L E S H I symphonaticmagazine.com

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MASON NOISE Thank you for taking the time to talk with us, Mason. For our readers who may not have heard of you, can you tell us a little about yourself?

Im Mason Noise and Im a new artist from the UK. And the main aim of my music is to really bring good music and incredible visual entertainment back to the world!

to make my stuff as organic as possible.

How does your music set you apart from other up and coming rappers?

I am a singer. So I think in history people will be able to define Mason Noise with a certain sound. Maybe its own genre. I think thats powerful.

Who do you draw inspiration from?

I can draw inspiration from the biggest artists and movies to What are your thoughts on the direction the genre is heading? the smallest things from just sitting in my bed. It really depends Do you want to change that or be at the forefront and why? on the mindset and the concept. Its nobody in particular as i try I think music in general is too focused on making money and not

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entertaining people. Im passionate about creating exciting and passion for a true artist again. I want to be an artist with an era attached to him not a 5 year career.

Can you tell us about your new single, Boyfriend?

Boyfriend was purely inspired by LA and my trip there. Winding down your windows and feeling a certain vibe. And as I was there i always turn quite introspective and the message is really about taking risks to be happy also inspired slightly by an ex girlfriend too!

What has been your best experience as a performer so far?

As a performer Ive had many. Non will quite beat when I walked through a crowd of around 700 people in a club with a gas mask on and jumped on stage to start performing. Nobody new it was me and the reaction was insane. I scared a few people but this is what I mean by entertainment again. Something new.

Do you have any upcoming performances? How about plans to tour?

After this upcoming EP i really hope to perform it yes. Hopefully next year as soon as I can.

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would you choose?

Love to collab with Timbaland and Jayz. Pharrell and Justin. I think that era was one of the best for RnB. What is your favorite album of all time?

Thats very very tough. Would have to be between Bob Marley and the Wailers and Thriller.

Do you have any advice for up-and-coming artists? never take no for an answer. and never let anyone tell you your vision wont work.

I N T E R V I E W B Y: A Y L A E L D E R

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north of nine

Previously Jackson had only performed solo, what has made you want to form a band at this point in your career?

Jackson: I have always wanted to make music with people who have a high music IQ, so I can bounce ideas off of them while doing radio promo tours, music tours, etc. I love the guys that I work with on a daily basis and I can be very creative with them. We have been on a creative path from day one.

When writing what comes first, the lyrics or the melody?

Nolan: A lot of the time the melody comes first - or at least a chord progression. Jackson has a lot of raw ideas that he brings to the table every day. I feel like it’s our job as a band to help filter these ideas, and a lot of the time we’ll finish the rest of the song as a group. Personally, some of my best lyrics come to me along with a melody - as if that’s the only way my mind could hear those words being sung.

How did all the band members meet?

Nolan: Jackson and Rob had been on the road together for a while, and I know they liked playing and working together from the get-go. Jackson told Rob about the idea for the band, and then through word of mouth and friends of friends, Edison, Michael, and I ended up in the same room.

You could tell they had spent time playing with a lot of mu22

sicians - trying to get the chemistry right - but something special happened the first time the five of us got together.

It was so effortless to jam, write, hang and laugh. I loved the vibe of the band from the start.

What was it like performing on the Ellen DeGeneres show when you were only 15-years-old, Jackson?

Jackson: It was cool. Ellen has always been a super awesome person. She was one of the very first people to back up my career up and support me.

You’ve been on tours with artists such as Victoria Justice, Big Time Rush, One Direction and 5 Seconds of Summer, did any of them give you any advice for your advancing career?

Jackson: The cool thing about doing those tours was that it gave me a sneak peek into what it is like. Every one of them was super humble and gave me great advice. I am very lucky to have those experiences. I also saw what it was like to perform in front of a huge audience, and what kind of melodies and lyrics affect them. I took a lot away from the experience.

Jackson, if I am correct, you started to play the piano when you were four-years-old, have you always wanted a career in music or at that point was it just a hobby?

Jackson: I have always had a love and passion for music, so I

knew this was something I always wanted to do as a career. done a crazy amount of touring, and headlining festivals.

I still play piano at least two hours a day...when my fingers hit the keyboard, that’s when my ideas start to come out.

Finally, why the name “North of Nine?”

Jackson: A lot of it derives from my mom and about how The debut North of Nine single, “We Ride,” has only been on she always said you have to find your true north. Like one YouTube for two weeks, yet already has over 25 thousand thing you are striving for and one thing you are trying to views, is this kind of momentum surprising? reach. I try to apply that to every performance and every Jackson: Doing my own stuff before, I knew people would song we write – asking myself, “Is this the best I can do?” Or, cross and gel​with the stuff I am doing now. My fans are “Is this song expressing exactly what I want it to say?” amazing and I cannot ask for better ones. It is really cool to INTERVIEW BY: SCARLETT GRANT have their support. At the same time, I am very grateful and humbled to experience this. I think that many of my fans have grown just as I have.

Michael: Yes! Whenever you’re creating music and gearing up to release it you can’t help but get excited and a little nervous because you hope people will like the music you’re making. And when it exceeds your expectations, it is a great feeling.

If you could tour with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?

FULL BAND: The Rolling Stones, Nirvana, Coldplay In about 10 years, where would you like the band to be?

FULL BAND: We would like to have recorded multiple albums, symphonaticmagazine.com

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HEARTS LIKE LIONS

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When did you form and how did you all meet?

We started playing as Hearts Like Lions in 2010 originally with 5 members, all friends from high school & church. In the Spring of 2012 our drummer, singer, bassist left the band for personal reasons. We had some shows coming up, and asked Nick to step in quick along with Luke who was an original member.

We’ve just stuck together since then.

This album was actually funded by your fans through a Kickstarter page, what does it mean to have this kind of support? Did you expect this kind of response?

Kickstarter is a gamble, and we were definitely stressing out as time squared in on the last couple of days. Seeing fans step up and play their part in making the record a possibility was incredible. It felt great to know people were willing to make a financial How did you come up with the name of your band? investment in our music. Others told us it was a very Ariel (former band member) thought of it, and since bad move and that we wouldn’t get the money, so we are all Christians, it was derived from that kind of reaching the goal was a very big moment for us. worldview. Someone who’s been made new by God can have the heart of a lion despite their weakness On this page you explained that you were writing in humanity. music for Jesus, do you consider yourselves a Christian rock band?

For those who have not heard of you how would you I think most “Christian Artists” that are making a describe your music? name for themselves in secular music get asked this Alternative/ Indie rock. A mix of As Cities Burn, Circa question a lot, and i’ve seen many respond in differSurvive, Kings Of Leon. Fun stuff. ent ways. We’ve held true to the idea that while yes, we are Christians in a band, our songs are not limitYou are about to release a new EP “These Hands” ed to only that topic. So no, I wouldn’t consider HLL a what can you tell me about it? Who or what inspired Christian Rock band. We are a band that consists of you to write this EP? real dudes who attempt the Christian lifestyle. Some This EP definitely is our most personal bunch of songs are definitely about Jesus, but not all of them. songs we’ve written yet. This past year has been I know the focus of the band has shifted from a very challenging for each of us individually. Kind of Christian-Rock outfit (in the beginning) to more of an crazy how it all lined up that way, but battles with indie rock band that sings to get things off our mind depression, change, and difficult relationship situin a creative way. ations fueled each song. Our hope is that the EP is a message of hope despite whatever you may be What do you expect from the rest of 2014? going through. Everything changes.

A lot of writing, touring, and building the band. This is fun.

INTERVIEW BY: BRANDA CAVANNA What was it like recording this? What is your recording process like?

We were in Sacramento for 3 weeks tracking the record with Dryw Owens. He is an incredible producer. He would just randomly get up and walk out while editing and listen to songs for inspiration and ideas.

He pushed us hard. The results were incredible!

Is there a song that are you most proud of? Why? Personally, I (Nick/ Drummer) really like the song “I’m Not Running Away From This.” I think it’s one of the catchier ones in terms of instrumentals, and lyrically it is more desperate, more raw. It is heavy with emotion, and I dig that.

What can your fans expect from this album? How do you think your fans will react to this new music?

The fan’s reactions have been incredible. People were messaging, commenting, and texting us with nothing but encouragement the day we streamed it.

I think this EP was the final factor in getting this ball rolling. Fans can expect a lot more out of Hearts Like Lions within the next year.

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My first question is, you’ve been on tour with Limp Bizkit for a while now, how has it been so far?

Best tour of my life. It the most cohesive I’ve ever been with a headliner.

Are there any interesting tour stories from this current tour or past tours?

Fuck yeah. Uhhhhh, damn it sucks when theres so many and they all blend together into one. It’s always crazy shit man, girls sucking and fucking a lot dicks on the bus, always crazy shit. I don’t know, we took mushrooms and went to a contemporary art museum in Minniapolis, then went to the mall of america and rode all the rides, acid in South Dakota, girls fucking everybody. I guess it’s all crazy, everyday is crazy I guess.

What are some goals or plans for 2015?

Releasing that second album. It’s my proudest body of work to date. Hopefully doing a world tour. I have a movie being released this year, 2 movies coming out next year, so I’m excited to see how those do.

You are a role model for so many people, did you ever think that the EST family (as they call themselves) would grow to be as big as it is today?

Definitely not, but if you just think about it logistically, I mean why not fall in love with something that’s real and something that is, you know, for the underdog when there’s so many of us here in this country that are unspoken for, you know, so like what is there not to love about that after you sit back and look at it. But did I think that I would be the person that was gonna spark that, no way, but I always dream big so I guess that’s inspiration that’s gonna get even bigger.

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G A L L E RY

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PARADISE FEARS

WILLIAM BECKETT

AGAINST THE CURRENT

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SHAWN MENDES

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AUSTIN MAHONE

AUSTIN MAHONE

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