Issue 17 by Symphonatic Magazine

ART STIDHAM + HAVE MERCY + ICE NINE KILLS + ILAN RUBIN & MORE!

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SM S Y M P HO N A T I C M A G A Z I N E

FOUNDER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / PHOTOGRAPHER / DESIGNER shana myers / shanalynnphotos@gmail.com CONTACT US GENERAL: symphonaticmagazine@gmail.com PRESS: symphonaticmagazinepress@gmail.com

STAFF Abby Gillardi, Abby Griffey, Alicia Rangel, Amanda Jensen, Amanda Puglisi, Amber Chillscyzn, Ashleigh Brooke, Brandynn Leigh, Brian Baker, Cassie Deadmond, Chelsea Gresh, Claire Tullius, Courtney Cook, Cydnee Burden, Hannah Christine, Jaclyn David-Martinez, Jacob Lahah, Kait Rairden, Kelli Coyne, Kim Marie, Kimberly Manfre, Lauren Zaknoun, Lori Gutman, Maeva Valbousquet, Matthew Howard, Meaghan Brown, Melanie Jacknow, Mika Schmeling, Penelope Martinez, Priten Vora, Shana Myers, Taylor Novak, Victoria George, Alexa, Ayla Elder, Branda Cavanna, Candace Carter, Hannah Liming, Josie Adnitt, Lindsy Carr, Lu Lu Green, Maisie King, Mike Martin, Mila Hrisimova, Miriam Morek, Pitrina Gilger, Sarah Kempster, Scarlett Grant, Teigan Bond, Tom Robertson

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INTERVIEWS

52 A R I S T I D H A M 56 H A V E M E R C Y 60 I C E N I N E K I L L S 62 I L A N R U B I N KY EA L EL LF U RC I EANSD S 64 R

66 T H E W O R D A L I V E 70 T O O C L O S E T O T O U C H

76 V I E N N A I N L O V E 78 M I S S M A Y I

ON THE COVER

74 T O R C H E

SHOW REVIEWS

B A Y S I D E 18 C A N D Y H E A R T S 22 F U T U R E H E A R T S T O U R 24 G O O D G U Y S & A G I R L T O U R 28 G L A M O U R K I L L S T O U R 32 B R E A K I N G B E N J A M I N 36 P O I N T F E S T 38 T A K I N G B A C K S U N D A Y 44 A U G U S T B U R N S R E D 46

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album r e v i e w s 6

ARTIST: ALL TIME LOW + ALBUM: FUTURE HEARTS + RELEASE DATE: APRIL 7, 2015

Pop-punk band All Time Low has finally released a new album, and to many’s happiness and dismay, it is not another upgrade to Don’t Panic! The album, however, is fabulous. This album has a mix of their signature pop-punky sound along with more mixes with a sound similar to Love Like War. Actually, this reminds of something similar to Mallory Knox, so all of you Knox fans, you might’ve just found a new favorite band. Kids in the Dark reminds me so much of A Love Like War. I don’t know why but I actually thought that that was what I was listening to at first, except there’s no Vic Fuentes in this case :(. You can look forward to appearances from Mark Hoppus and Joel Madden, which are pretty great if I might add. If you are anything like me, you will find a new favorite song in Kicking and Screaming. Kids in the Dark and Something’s Gotta Give are also both extremely relatable and catchy. All around, this album has factors that almost anyone can relate to, and the different sounds make it possible for fans of numerous genres to appreciate it. Now although I’m a huge fan of Nothing Personal and I don’t think anything can compare to Dear Maria and Weightless, I’m actually in love with this album and I really recommend it. Just give it a try, you never know. REVIEW BY: MIRIAM MOREK

ARTIST: TWENTY ONE PILOTS + ALBUM: BLURRYFACE + RELEASE DATE: MAY 15, 2015

The Columbus, Ohio duo, Twenty One Pilots is known for their deeply personal lyrics that allow fans to connect with the band’s music. The follow up to 2013’s Vessel, Blurryface, is the band’s fourth studio album and the second to be released on Fueled by Ramen. On this album, the band goes beyond their routine use of piano and ukulele by adding new elements to their songs and creating a multi-genre sound. The album begins with “Heavy Dirty Soul” which shows off drummer Josh Dun’s abilities with a quick paced, differentiating drum beat that is paired with heavy synths. In the song, lead singer Tyler Joseph states ,“This is not rap, this is not hip-hop, just another attempt to make the voices stop”. Throughout the album, Joseph’s anxiety, fears and doubts are represented in the character the song “Blurryface”, which he describes as “All the things that I as an individual, but also everyone around, is insecure about”. It is followed by the song “Stressed Out”, where Joseph addresses how his dreams are traded for insecurities. The mid-tempo song uses clever lyrics with nostalgic elements and reflecting on childhood. The album’s first single, “Fairly Local”, is a glimpse into the albums overall sound, allowing listeners to get accustomed to the darker side of the band. On the song, there’s a verse where voice effects are used on Tyler’s voice and the lyrics contrast to the first verse, “What I want to save I’ll kill, is that who I truly am?” versus “What I shouldn’t do I will fight, I know who I truly am”. In the next single, “Tear In My Heart”, the band again showcases their duality with a uplifting love song. They have brought back their use of piano and the song contains a strong, engaging bass line. The second half of the album contains “The Judge” and “We Won’t Believe What’s On TV”, two songs that remind me of their previous releases with the use of ukulele and minimal instruments. In “The Judge”, Tyler’s vocal abilities shine with his high notes and in “We Won’t Believe What’s On TV”, Dun plays the trumpet which adds a new, interesting element to the song. The album closes out with the key driven “Goner”. The slow tempo song reflects on Tyler’s need to conquer his fears and as the instruments begin to grow crescendo, he pours all of his emotions into his words. The album shows the bands ability to step out of their comfort zone and expand on their previous releases. At over 50 minutes in length, some may be quick to make up their mind about the album just a few songs in. However, all of the songs are worth listening to and each brings something appealing to listeners. As stated in “Message Man”, the lyrics may not be for everyone but they still contain as much significance and power as tracks found on any of their previous records. REVIEW BY: Lindsy Carr

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ARTIST: RED + ALBUM: OF BEAUTY AND RAGE + RELEASE DATE: FEBRUARY 20, 2015

Six years later, Red fans are still going to be waiting for Breaking Benjamin with strings, aka Red themselves, to make an Innocence and Instinct Pt. 2. A

mouthful, but that about sums it up for Red in 2015 with this, an epic return to form by the name Of Beauty and Rage. Return to form? But wait, you just said it’s not Instincts Pt. 2? Well, it’s not. Rage is still a quality return, as long as you define that return as being a justified backpedal to massive distorted guitars, longer song structures (5 to 6 minutes, sometimes), and, and, epic string arrangements.

Now on the other hand, Red’s songwriting and melodies – lets not even mention the (still) Linkin Park-quality-level lyrics – leave something to be desired on Rage. Listeners will have to spin the rather lengthy 60-minute album a number of times before any choruses begin to really stick. But don’t let that deter you: as stated, in many ways this is Red getting back on track, which comes as a surprise given the band’s more recent releases. Because 2013’s Release the Panic sucked and 2011’s Until We Have Faces before it felt a little washed out, many a fan were left in dissolution with the work of the Nashville alternative metal/rock band. So when you cue first proper song “Imposter” up on this bad boy, and singer Michael Barnes comes in after a brooding (yes string-y) build up into a chorus that has him return to his snarling, intense performance of Instinct’s “Out From Under”, well, shit gets intense, to say the least. It’s size, intensity, and epic-ness make Rage the closest Red have come to sounding like their 2006 equally-intense, epic debut, End of Silence. Miss the serene build up of “Lost?” There’s “Yours Again”. How about the devilishly vigilant climax of “Let Go”? “Shadow and Soul” has you covered, coming in at just under six minutes in length even. Now, let’s see if there is something as catchy as the band’s hits “Breathe Into Me” or “Shadows” from Instinct - tough luck, it’s not here, but hey, at least the band is trying. Trying is a good verb to describe what Red are doing this year. Rage’s density is certainly due to (1) the return of the band’s original producer, Rob Graves, but (2) also due to the fact the band really took time to write these songs: you can hear it, as a direct contrast to the lazy boring-ness of Panic. There’s also something to be said about the band’s more careful creative process this time around when the second half of the album is better than the first, which these days is rare for alternative metal bands (or any kind of band in general). 30 minutes in and the band are still giving you songs that sound bigger and bigger. So all that is to say Red is back being Breaking Benjamin with strings, which is what the fans want them to be as they rock at it. Nine years later melodramatic string build ups and crushing guitars still haven’t gotten old, which is impressive on record as Barnes is still belting about “hating your love is a lie” or some shit. That’s not a complaint though; the lyrical-musical combo works well for them. All they need to do is write some better melodies next time and give us that Instincts Pt.2. REVIEW BY: Brian Baker

PHOTO JOURNEY #2 P H O T O S & S T O R Y B Y: L A U R E N Z A K N O U N

SEETHER symphonaticmagazine.com

The days really start looking the same when you’ve been buried in snow for the better part of two months. As a native of Massachusetts, possibly the worst place to be in the USA this winter, you’d think I’d be able to deal with the brutal cold. Well, no. When it first started snowing back in January, I nearly ran myself ragged with all the things I wanted to do and all the photo opportunities I’d have with a fresh blanket of snow draped over the Hudson Valley. Seven weeks and countless snowstorms later, I’m over it. To backtrack a bit, my name is Lauren Zaknoun. I love pizza, art, and using strange expressions and I generally spend my days flying by the seat of my pants. I’m wrapping up my college career down in upstate New York, and I shoot bands whenever the two-hour train to the city doesn’t seem too daunting. I’m a drawing and journalism major because somewhere along the line I probably thought “Hey, doubling up on two fairly useless majors will probably increase my chances of actually getting a job.” I like to pretend I’m something of a renaissance woman so I tend to jump headfirst into new mediums and just hope I turn out to be good at them. That’s pretty much how I got into photography in the first place and it’s been turning out alright. I also play around with surreal photography and levitation photography whenever the weather cooperates enough for me not to freeze to death. Drawing is my true love though these days I tend to carry around my camera more often than a sketchbook. I pick up weird little artsy hobbies like painting, needlepoint, and upcycling clothes whenever I have a spare minute even though I generally have no idea what I’m doing. 10

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I have a real knack for doing things the hardest way possible. Bulk editing my photos in one sitting, double-majoring, and shooting film at the worst lit venues you can begin to imagine. Fortunately, my terrible ideas tend to pay off and I snuck away from Candy Hearts show with a few rad film shots under my belt. Though it did mean ruining half a roll of film and spending two and a half hours getting well-exposed prints. I will admit that I spent a fair chunk of time shuttling back and forth for pizza so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good thing this isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the standard mode of operation for most venues.

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Having snow up to my knees made the jump from upstate New York to Delray Beach, Florida that much sweeter. On March 15th, my housemates Lanna, Michelle, and I flew out to Delray Beach where Lanna’s friend p up for a week at her grandma’s place. You’d be surprised how sick a 50+ community can be especially w there are two heated pools and the beach across the street to keep you busy. Also, bingo night was pre wild, but I digress. This was the kind of vacation where if you weren’t eating or napping on the beach, you were doing it w All homework, articles, and responsibilities fell to the wayside while I did my favorite things: eat and nap Forays to visit away from the beach to Lion Country’s Safari, Atlantic Avenue, and fast food joints were t notable exceptions. We got a do-over for IHOP’s Free Pancake Day on March 17th since the first time it snowed so much tha couldn’t make the drive. That same day, no one felt much like moving so I ditched everything and every to take a walk down the beach. I spent the midafternoon chucking shells into the waves and enjoying t quiet. As I was getting ready to head back to the apartment, I heard what can only be described as triba yelling over the sound of the waves. I laughed under my breath until I saw two women dump a tub of a

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into the water. They stood there for a while, the older woman intermittently chanting over the waves while a younger woman held her. They were both dry-eyed, and they even smiled when a stranger passing them by stopped, hugged them, and kept on her way. Naturally, I’d left my camera at the apartment and my phone had conveniently died. So as quickly as I could, I ran back to the apartment and sketched out the scene. I didn’t care so much about remembering how it looked, just that it happened at all. Nothing so dramatic happened for the rest of our stay if you don’t count the sheer volume of fast food and takeout I managed to consume. Returning home was a painful affair that involved waking up at 5AM, turbulence, and a train ride nearly as long as the flight. Now, I’m back in the land of winter jackets and responsibilities I put off for far too long. Hopefully that taste of summer will sustain me for another 60 days until I’m home free.

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

Seaway formed in 2011 and are from Ontario, Canada. They have released four EP’s and one fulllength. During their thirty minute set, they played hits like Puddles, The Let Down, Sabrina the Teenage Bitch, and Shy Guys. They asked the fans to raise their hands if this was their first time seeing Seaway, and almost every fan rose their hand. Which is understandable because they have been touring more overseas in the UK than in North America. Prior to this tour, they toured the UK with Neck Deep, Knuckle Puck, and Trophy Eyes. They are currently on tour in the UK with As It Is, and This Wild Life. They will also be on the Vans Warped tour all summer long, so make sure you find out when they’re be playing because you will not want to miss them! Man Overboard formed in 2008 and are from New Jersey. Over the course of the years, they’ve released 3 full-length albums, 7 singles/EP’s, a live album, and 2 collections/B-Side albums. Their latest EP, Passing Ends, was released on October 27th via Rude Records/Lost Tape Collective. Man Overboard played some of their hits including, Real Talk, I Ate My Gluestick, Love You Friends, Die Laughing, and Rare. Man Overboard performed a fun set, and it’s no wonder why 170,000 people have liked them on Facebook. Man Overboard will also be on Vans Warped Tour all summer, and are sure to have a fun and entertaining set, so don’t miss out!

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Senses Fail formed in 2002, and are also from New Jersey. Senses Fail is a hardcore band that has been around for a while. The second the band went on stage, it was apparent that the fans came for Bayside as well as Senses Fail and the other openers were just an added bonus. They have released 5 full-length albums, and 2 EP’s. Last year, the band signed to Pure Noise Records, and they plan to release their next full-length, Pull The Thorns From Your Heart, this summer. Which will coincide with their run on the Vans Warped Tour. Senses Fail played some of their biggest hits including, Calling All Cars, Bloody Romance, Buried A Lie, and Can’t Be Saved. During their set, the fans were singing along to every song, and crowd surfing to their hearts content. Buddy Nielson (vocalist) has an incredibly high energy level not all that different from Jason of Letlive. Senses Fail has a set that shouldn’t be missed, look out for them at Vans Warped tour this summer. Bayside formed in late 2000, are from Queens, NY. They have released 6 full-length albums with the first 4 being on Victory Records, and their newest on Hopeless Records. They played songs off of all of their albums, Sirens and Condolences (2004), Bayside (2005), The Walking Wounded (2007), Shudder (2008), Killing Time (2011), and Cult (2014). During their set, they played hits like Pigsty, Duality, Masterpiece, Carry On, Already Gone, Sick, Sick, Sick, and Devotion and Desire. It was clear that the fans had saved their energy for Bayside. They were screaming the lyrics back and continuously crowd surfing. Anthony (vocalist) reminisced about playing The Middle East nightclub in Cambridge, MA, and how cool it was it so many fans come out for the 15th Birthday tour. Bayside played an incredible 20 song set list. They will be touring the UK and Europe from May 20 until June 6 with their headliner with Creeper and Tigerclub opening in the UK.

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R E V I E W & P H O T O B Y: L A U R E N Z A K N O U N

When people think of New York State, New York City’s glamor and grit is typically what first jumps to mind. Towns like Poughkeepsie tend to fall to the wayside, but on March 7th local concert goers jammed into MyPlace Pizza on Main Street to support Candy Hearts and a handful of local acts. MyPlace Pizza is arguably one of Poughkeepsie’s funner (and numerous) venues; there’s not a venue around where you can’t grab a beer to enjoy the show. Enjoying some pizza instead is infinitely more satisfying. One For the Braves and The Posture opened up the night, show-goers intermittently joining the fray or sidelining with pizza in hand. The Underline had a one-night reunion with a setlist of bouncing, witty songs that catch somewhere between Third Eye Blind and old school Paramore. It was more than a little disappointing to know that this show was a one-off. Candy Hearts’ front-woman and guitarist Mariel Loveland, turquoise haired and petite, is a charming counterpoint to drummer Matthew Ferraro and bassist John Clifford, both almost imposingly large but perpetually

smiling. Their setlist dipped into their reservoir of catchy 90s pop punk-inspired songs, including a mishmash of upbeat highway love songs like “Brooklyn Bridge” and “Miles and Interstates” mixed in with their vivacious hits like “I Miss You.” Candy Hearts, native of New York/New Jersey, has been a band on the rise the past two years. All The Ways That You Let Me Down, their latest album, was released in June 2014 and has since been vaulting them to the forefront of pop punk consciousness. Last year they toured with select dates with New Found Glory, whose frontman Chad Gilbert also produced their latest record. Candy Hearts will be touring this summer on Vans Warped Tour, where they will no doubt be enjoying even more success. Their catchy, uncomplicated songs definitely carry something that a lot of Warped Tour-goers have been nostalgic for over the last few years

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the future hearts tour

R E V I E W & P H O T O S B Y: M E A G H A N B R O W N 24

State Champs were formed in 2010 and are from Albany, NY. They have released 4 EP’s and one full-length album, The Finer Things. They signed with Pure Noise Records in 2012, and released their EP, Overslept, shortly after. In the fall of 2013, they released The Finer Things, and it debuted #2 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. Since then they have toured with Bayside, Motion City Soundtrack, We Are The In Crowd, William Beckett, Set It Off, Candy Hearts, The Wonder Years, A Loss For Words, Handguns, Forever Came Calling, Heart To Heart, and Brigades. In 2013, they performed on the Vans Warped Tour. On March 25, 2015 it was announced that State Champs had completed their second album, but no other details have been announced. During their set, they played a majority of songs off of The Finer Things including, Nothing’s Wrong, Deadly Conversation, Easy Enough, Simple Existence, and Elevated. Tonight Alive were formed in 2008 and are from Sydney, Australia. They have released 2 full-length albums, What Are You So Scared Of? (2011), The Other Side (2013), and 3 EP’s, All Shapes & Disguises (2010), Consider This (2010), and Let It Land (2011). They plan to release their third full-length in 2015 and started production in March 2015. In 2013, they toured with Black Veil Brides, Chiodos, Fearless Vampire Killers, The Story So Far, Man Overboard, Citizen, The American Scene, Hands Like Houses, D At Sea, Set It Off, Decade, You Me At Six, Conditions, Dinosaur Pile-Up, The Downtown Fiction, For The Foxes, and Echosmith. They were also at Slam Dunk Festival 2013, Vans Warped Tour 2013, Bazooka Rocks II 2013, Vans Warped Tour Australia 2013. In 2014, they toured with All Time Low, Taking Back Sunday, The Used, Sleepwave, You Me At Six, Chunk! No Captain Chunk!, Mayday Parade, PVRIS, and Major

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League. During their set, they played some of their hits, Lonely Girl, Listening, The Other Side, and What Are You So Scared Of? Issues were formed in 2012 and are from Atlanta, Georgia. They were signed to Rise Records in 2012, and have released one full-length and two EP’s. Their full-length, Issues (2014) peaked to #9 on the Billboard charts. Their EP’s, Black Diamond and Diamond Dreams, were released in 2012 and 2014, respectively. On January 2, 2015 it was announced that the band had started writing and pre-production for their second full-length, and they have booked studio time for writing of the second album in July. During their set, they played some of their hits including, Stingray Affliction, Never Lose Your Flames, Mad At Myself, Princeton Ave, and Hooligans. Issues played a very energetic set with security constantly pulling the crowd surfers down. The fans were singing back the words to all the songs, which seemed to surprise members of Issues. Lowell was the first night of the tour, and that usually means that kinks need to be worked out, but luckily there were no kinks to be worked out. The band also had a Pokémon theme onstage, which thrilled the fans the second Tonight Alive’s gear was cleared off the stage. Issues will be on tour with All Time Low until May 24th. All Time Low were formed in 2003 and are from Baltimore, MD. They started out as a high school band and have transformed into one of the biggest bands in the pop-punk scene. They have released 6 full-length albums, The Party Scene (2005), So Wrong, It’s Right (2007), Nothing Personal (2009), Dirty Work (2011), Don’t Panic (2012), Future Hearts (2015). Future Hearts was released on April 7, 2015 and debuted at #2 on the Billboard US Top 200 chart. They have also released a live DVD, Straight To DVD (2010), and 5 EP’s, The Three Words to Remember in Dealing With the End (2004), Put Up or Shut Up (2006), Live from MySpace Secret Shows (2009), Live Session (2009), MTV: All Time Low Unplugged (2010). The Future Hearts tour started in Lowell, MA on April 15th and will go all over the US until May 24th. All Time Low played a mix of brand new and old songs. They played Lost in Stereo, Damned If I Do Ya (Damned If I Don’t), Runaways, Weightless, Therapy, The Reckless and The Brave, A Love Like War (with Jenna from Tonight Alive), Time Bomb, Something’s Goot Give, Jasey Rae, and Dear Maria, Count Me In. During Time Bomb, the band invited about 15-20 fans on stage to sing and dance with them. During the eighteen song set list, fans were screaming the lyrics of their favorite songs back to the band as well as crowd surfing. During Something’s Gotta Give as well as the encore, All Time Low sprays the fans with confetti. This tour is everything you would expect from All Time Low with their usual teenage banter that some would call childish and others would call obscene, but that’s how All Time Low’s shows are. Whether you love or hate their banter, their fans love it and that is all that matters to the band. This may be the first tour for Future Hearts, but it certainly won’t be the last

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

Good Guys &A Girl Tour

On March 21st the much-anticipated “Good Guys & A Girl” tour rolled into Philadelphia. The sold out show took place at the Theater of Living Arts, just off of South Street. The line up featured Rachel Platten, Paradise Fears, Alex and Sierra and Andy Grammer. Fans of all ages lined up to catch a glimpse of their favorite artists and enjoy a night full of great music.

First on the roster, was pop singer Rachel Platten. She delivered an incredible vocal performance, which was quick to grab the audience’s attention. Rachel’s set included original songs “Lone Ranger” and “Fight Song,” as well as her own rendition of Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud.”

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Next to take the stage was alternative rock band from Vermilion, South Dakota, Paradise Fears. The sixpiece group commanded the stage, bringing a fun and entertaining set to the show. The band gave it their all on each song and interacted well with the crowd. Paradise Fears performed fan favorites such as “Sanctuary,” “You To Believe In” and new track “Back To Life.” Quickly following were X Factor winners Alex and Sierra. The duo performed an acoustic set, generating a more mellow and intimate atmosphere. They performed a slew of both originals and covers, including A Great Big World’s “Say Something” and popular single “Scarecrow.” With each note sung, Alex and Sierra’s voices blended perfectly. Their performance moved the audience, making it definitely a performance to remember. Finally, it was the moment the fans had been waiting for. Andy Grammer was about to take the stage. Cheers and claps filled the venue as the lights went low once again. Moments later the Andy’s band started to emerge from back stage. The screams instantly got louder, echoing all throughout the venue. After the first chord was struck, Andy Grammer took center stage. The crowd went wild. Andy showcased talent on both the keyboard and guitar, each note beautifully complemented with his voice. He performed hits from both albums including “Fine By Me,” “Keep Your Head up,” and “Honey, I’m Good.” Andy dominated the stage, matching the crowds energy all the way through. He looked as if he was having the time of his life up there. It was truly an outstanding performance. What a great way to wrap up the night.

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Glamour Kills Spring 2015 R E V I E W B Y: M E A G H A N B R O W N P H O T O S B Y: M E A G H A N B R O W N & C Y D N E E B U R D E N

Roam is a pop-punk band from Eastbourne, UK. They were founded in the fall of 2012, and are currently signed to Hopeless Records. Their EP, Viewpoint, was released on January 27, 2015. This was the first time the band toured in the US. During their set, they talked about how they’ve eaten nothing but fast food for the past six weeks, and how America has way too much fast food. They played two songs off their new EP, Warning Sign, and Over Your Head. They also played Foresight, Nothing In Return, You Never Said, and Head Rush. Following this tour, Roam headed to the UK and Europe with Man Overboard, Moose Blood, and Smile and Burn. They were in Europe from April 11-21, then they headed to the UK from April 23-May 5 with one stop in Ireland on May 6. They will also be opening for All Time Low on 4 dates in Europe from June 14-20. As It Is was formed in 2012 and they’re from Brighton, England. They have released 2 singles, 4 EP’s, and 1 full-length. They signed to Fearless Records in October 2014, making them the first UK band signed to the label. Since then, they’ve released Dial Tones, and Cheap Shots & Setbacks as singles, and they released their full-length, Never Happy, Ever After, on April 21, 2015. As It Is isn’t new to touring as they toured a lot last year in the UK before being signed to Fearless. They toured with Miss Vincent, Nightlife, Roam, Light You Up, Like Torches, Underline The Sky, 48 Hours, and Homebound. The Glamour Kills tour was the third tour for the band this year, with them playing with Save Your Breath, Cardinals, Trophy Eyes, and Trash Boat. It was announced that As It Is will be playing on the Vans Warped Tour this summer with them touring all over the US, and Canada. The band plays a very energetic set with the band using the whole stage to their advantage, and Patty going into the crowd whenever he can. They played five songs off their new record, Concrete, Dial Tones, Cheap Shots & Setbacks, Sorry, and Can’t Save Myself. symphonaticmagazine.com

Against The Current were founded in 2011 and are from Poughkeepsie, NY. Against The Current is made up of three members, Chrissy Costanza, Dan Gow, and Will Ferri. If Will Ferri sounds familiar it’s because his older brother Mike Ferri is in We Are The In Crowd, and is also their manager. Last summer, Against The Current opened for Paradise Fears, and have gone on to tour Asia with Alex Goot in August, then in the fall they toured with The Ready Set and Metro Station. They then played small headliners in the UK in December to round out 2014 before laying the Glamour Kills tour this spring. They released their latest EP, Gravity, on February 17, 2015. In March 2015, Against The Current signed to Fueled By Ramen. During their set, Against the Current played their Gravity EP in full, and played almost all of their Infinity EP. During Dreaming Alone, Patty from As It Is came out to sing with Chrissy, which was a real crowd pleaser. Against The Current is going to be a band to watch. Set It Off were formed in 2008 and are from Tampa, Florida. Prior to signing with Equal Vision Records in 2011, they released 2 EP’s, Baby, You Don’t Tripajaharda (2008), and Calm Before The Storm (2009). They re-released their last EP, Horrible Kids (2011), and have since released 2 full-length albums, Cinematics (2012), and Duality (2014). Set It Off has toured with Yellowcard, Tonight Alive, Decade, and the Vans Warped Tour in 2013. In 2014, they played with We Are The In Crowd, State Champs, William Beckett, Candy Hearts, Our Last Night, Stages & Stereos, Heartist, Black Veil Brides, and Falling In Reverse. The Glamour Kills tour was the first US headliner for Set It Off and several of the dates were sold out, including Boston’s. They played several songs off of their new record including, Ancient History, The Haunting, N.M.E., Bleak December, Tomorrow, Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing, Miss Mysterious, and Why Worry. Set It Off played a fourteen song set, while keeping the energy up for the whole time. Cody (vocalist) also reminisced about all the times they’ve played in Boston and surrounding areas. Dan (lead guitar) also grew up in Massachusetts. He talked about the times they played the upstairs of the Middle East nightclub in Cambridge, MA, and how there were some shows where they only had about 10 people show up. It is incredible to see a band go from playing shows for a few people, and walking up and down the line at Vans Warped tour to selling out their headliner. If you missed Set It Off on their headliner, fear not because you can see them on Vans Warped tour all summer long!

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BRE

I’ve been listening to Breaking Benjamin’s music for quite some time now. I’ve seen them live a few times before and knew that they put on a great show, so I knew that I had to make it to their stop in Indiana. One of my favorite parts about a concert is when the crowd sings along to every song, their hands raised high in the air as the music hits them and they enjoy the artists performance. I have been to shows where the entire crowd just stood there and watched the act that they had come to watch, seeming to be bored out of their mind even though the performer was doing an amazing job. Thankfully that was not the case for the Breaking Benjamin concert. The whole venue was packed from one end to the other and everyone sang along to every song. To me, it’s beautiful hearing everyone sing together. If you enjoy Breaking Benjamin’s music, I hightly suggest you see them in concert some day.

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

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

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Support. That was the word of the day at Pointfest 2015. If it wasn’t for the support of the fans, would there even be a radio station (105.7 The Point) to put on a festival for the rock lovers? More than likely not. Fortunately St. Louis is still very “rock solid”. It was clear the support was there when the festival sold out within a month of tickets going on sale. There was a lot of positivity throughout the day and it seemed every band spoke highly of 105.7 The Point for being a rock station and supporting all the artists performing during that day.

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There were many performances throughout the day that stood out to me, such as the Pointfest veterans, Fivefold, who played their first Pointfest back in 2008. They are one band to keep an eye on because I believe these boys will be going places. Speaking of going places, I don’t want to forget the boys from across the pond, Young Guns. It was their last day on tour and even encounters a lollipop shower at the beginning of their set. The performance by the hometown boys in Greek Fire, I think defined what Pointfest is all about. From crowd surfing, to giant beach balls to them performing their hit from Big Hero 6 “On Top of the World”, the band must have felt on top of the world after that set. The Used opened the main stage in which the fans were very excited for and sang their hearts out to all their favorite songs. Chevelle played next and these guys are no stranger to Pointfest crowds, so they knew just how rowdy St. Louis could get. I am sure they were impressed by how energetic this year’s crowd was! Seether performed next and the crowd loved every second of their set as well. That may have been the other word of the day, because there was nothing but love for all the bands, and the radio station that continues to bring St. Louis some of the best rock bands to our area. It was a very positive day overall. Breaking Benjamin was headlining the festival and it was nothing short of amazing. After a brief hiatus only to return a few years later and releasing their new single “Failure”, BB fans both old and new came together to enjoy some of the classics and even paid tribute to Metallica, Pantera, Nirvana and Star Wars! When I asked a couple of fans after the show what their thoughts on the festival was they only could sum it up as “a solid performance” “amazing” and “Breaking Benjamin was my first rock concert in high school and seeing them again reminded me why I love this music”. Whether it was their first Pointfest or had been coming for years now, it is festivals such as Pointfest that allow those who have an undying love for rock music to come out and enjoy themselves.

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letlive. This late winter and early spring, Taking Back Sunday embarked on a full U.S. headliner. Support came from The Menzingers and Letlive. and this tour was full of surprises. The sold out Baltimore, MD date of the tour at Rams Head Live was one of the craziest shows ever to happen in Baltimore. Now that the tour is over, if you didn’t get a chance to come out to a date, here’s what went down. Opening the show was California soul-punk band Letlive. Letlive. is known for their insane and crazy presence on stage. The lead singer Jason Butler went insane showing the most energy of the night. From swinging the mic, throwing his jacket in circles, and even climbing up into the lighting fixture, this band put on a phenomenal experience. The band played with emotion with the highest moment being during their song Pheromone Cvlt. Their set was the perfect opening for the next band The Philly punk/indie band The Menzingers were on next. You could tell from the crowd that there were not that many people that really knew who they were but they still put on a fantastic show. Their show was filled with punk vibes and lots of head banging and jumping around. Fans were really getting into their sound and vibe, and crowd participation increased as the set went on. After the Menzingers set, you could see fans pushing their way trying to get as close to the barricade for the band they were waiting for, Taking Back Sunday. During Taking Back Sunday’s performance, they had these elaborate stage displays that had these light-up LED panels that flashed designs. Adam Lazarra, the lead vocalist, serenaded the crowd with his suave dance moves during their set. Fans were going nuts singing every single lyric to all their songs. The show thrived on and you can tell that no one was disappointed in the performance. Overall, it’s best to say that Taking Back Sunday shut down Baltimore for the night. R E V I E W & P H O T O S B Y: J A K E L A H A H 44

TAKING BACK SUNDAY

The Menzingers

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August Burns Red

ERRA

Fit For A King

This four-piece band really got the crowd moving by controlling how the crowd reacted and it was nothing less than crazy. The show was progressively getting better and better and the bar was set high by the end of Fit For A King’s performance for the rest of the bands.

Miss May I

Northlane The Norva in Norfolk, VA definitely has some of the craziest show. On March 6th, 2015, this venue hit a new all time high with a fantastic sold out show as the Frozen Flame Tour hit this city with headliner August Burns Red. Support came from Miss May I, Northlane, Fit For a King, and ERRA. Up first, was ERRA. This metal-core band really got the crowd going. The movement each band member made was completely in sync with each other and made a great performance. This was the perfect opener for this lineup. Fans waited anxiously for Fit For A King next. Syke was sponsoring the show tonight and they had a free signing for Fit For A King after their set. Many fans came out for their act on this show. They put on a great performance.

Northlane rarely ever tours in the U.S. being from Australia. No wonder there was so many people ready for their performance. As soon as Northlane hit the stage tons of smoke hit the stage (which made it difficult to photograph). The combination of smoke and the emotion coming from the band made this a performance to remember. The vocalist Marcus showed every single bit of passion and sensation for the music. This band really doesn’t get enough credit for what they do. They put on one of the best live shows and really know how to take their music and perform it in a way that makes it something memorable. After Northlane’s set, the crowd went crazy with anticipation for metal-core band Miss May I. The lights dropped and they had this elaborate display. The band started out with their song “Hey Mister”. The fans were going absolutely nuts! Their performance was so insane they kicked photographers out of the photo pit after the first two songs instead of three due to the amount of crowd surfers. At one point during their set the entire barricade ended up almost tipping backward because of how hardcore the fans were being. About halfway through their set the band performed “Forgive and Forget”, one of the oldest songs they have. They had one of the largest wallof-deaths ever at a metal-core show. Miss May I did a good job at tiring the fans out, but the fans weren’t done yet. Headliner August Burns Red took the stage next. Their lighting was superb with these white spotlights that moved to the craziness of their performance. Each guitarist in the band was performing around the entire stage, utilizing every inch they had. Their vocalist Jake was all up in the photographers and fans faces. He was swinging the microphone and creating this whimsical performance. Their set really brought back the image of the hardcore scene being an in your face and up close and personal performance. August Burns Red blew fans minds away with this nothing less than a phenomenal performance. The best song of the set was “Meddler” with the amount of moshing and movement created by the crowd. August Burns Red definitely shut Norfolk down with this nearly perfect performance.

R E V I E W & P H O T O S B Y: J A K E L A H A H symphonaticmagazine.com

The Used hit the road this spring with support from Every Time I Die, Marmozets, and The Eeries. Overall, the tour was a huge success being one of the most energetic shows I’ve ever been to. Now that the tour is over, let’s recap what happened. The Eeries opened up with their rock vibes. Although many fans did not know them, they seemed interested in their sound and rocked along to the music. They were the perfect opener for the next band Marmozets. The UK native band Marmozets showed off their punk vibes. This band composed of a female lead singer doing both clean and unclean vocals rocked the stage with her crazy dance moves. Each band member jamming in his or her own style played extremely well. Marmozets got the crowd warmed up for the rest of show. Every Time I Die might just be the best band out their in the hardcore scene. They absolutely killed it. Watching them live is sometimes like watching the circus in a sense. Each band member brought their own energetic moves getting the fans engaged. The crowd participation instantly increased as soon as they got on stage. Their show brought tons of crowd surfers creating an all around fantastic performance. After a tiring and crazy set, fans were not done quite yet and were ready to see The Used. The Used had this crazy stage setup with these light-up televisions and strobes. They appeared out on stage and the biggest cheer from the fans came out. Singing every lyric of the set, fans were engaged. Seeing The Used on stage is like bringing fans back to 2006 playing all their best songs. The set was so energetic and The Used had an overall great sound. The best thing about this band is everything they play is nothing less than their album. It’s best to say that The Used shut down Silver Spring, Maryland that night.

Overall, The Eeries and Marmozets put on a phenomenal performance, Every Time I Die might be the most energetic band out there, and The Used brought back my inner high school self. It’s safe to say that The Used will mark this tour in the textbooks as one of the best tours they’ve put on.

R E V I E W & P H O T O S B Y: J A K E L A H A H

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ONCE UPON A TIME SEASON FINALE REVIEW R E V I E W & P H O T O S B Y: A M B E R C H I L L S C Y Z N

Once Upon a Time is known for throwing out unexpected twists and turns. It’s part of what makes the show such a great success. You know the stories but you don’t know the way Once Upon a Time tells you them. You can never expect anything during an episode and the season 5 premiere was no exception. *SPOILER ALERT* The episode before the season finale ends with Isaac writing a new story where the villains finally get their happy ending. The season premiere starts with us seeing into Isaac’s past and how he became the author. We find out how it all starts. Back to the present time and we see our every day heroes, including Regina, Robin and Blue looking through empty books to try to find a clue as how to stop Isaac. In comes an unlikely helper who knows where to find the Apprentice and who can help stop The Author. On the other side of Storybrook, Gold isn’t doing to well at all and we see Isaac still helping him so they can both have their happy ending. The Author finishes his new book where villains get their happy ending and everyone but Henry disappears. This is the beginning of the new story. Isaac is a best selling author now and its an alternate reality. Henry and Isaac get stuck in the book and we see everything we know twisted around. Gold and Belle are good and happy again while Hook isn’t Captain Hook. Regina isn’t really good nor evil, she is just kind of part of the story because Hook’s plan was not for Regina to get her happy ending. Characters switch places and you see the characters we know just not as the characters we love. The Enchanted Forest is completely upside down and Henry is the only one who can save it. With no room for a saviour, Emma remembers everything but can’t do anything about it. Things get fixed and Storybrook gets back to normal but with this show being written like it is, it can’t end on a happy note. After a few fortunate/unfortunate events, Emma ends up risking herself to the darkness so Regina can get her happy ending once and for all. The season finale keeps you on the edge of your seat and is action packed from beginning to end. It doesn’t leave you disappointed at all but leaves you on a note where you won’t be able to wait until the next season to start.

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Ari Stidham What makes this show (Scorpion) different from other dramas and crime shows on television? I’d say its different because there’s a lot of action and a lot more adventure than your typical crime show if you’re putting us up against a CSI or NCIS. On the show we tend to go more places location-wise and our problems are more specific and intricate since we are a more specialized team. We’re sort of a last line of defense against cybercrimes, and not only cybercrime but really intense, specific anomalies that occur or can occur or have occurred on earth that we help solve and save people from. So there’s terrorists and evil diamond thieves sometimes, but there’s also nature trapping a kid in a sinkhole on the beach and we have to have him not breathe underwater for seven minutes in order to save his life. And that’s just the type of show we have, it’s not just specific to crime, its all over, it casts a wide net as to the types of problems we can solve. So I wouldn’t liken it as NCIS, I would liken it to an A-team if I could change the perception of it.

I don’t think the writers are worried about a creating a narrative for the season more than controlling a narrative from episode to episode and telling compelling adventure stories episode to episode. You know, it is definitely a mix of both, but I’d say that we are a serial show so you’re not watching pieces of an entire narrative like a true detective mini-series, they want you to tune in every week for something new.

From the actor’s standpoint, or your standpoint, it must be pretty tough to do that since you have to continue with the same character and make sure that in one episode he doesn’t say or do something that he normally wouldn’t, if that makes sense. You have to be sure not to portray him differently. Yeah, I mean that’s the gig, it’s just a part of my occupation. If there’s a red flag and the character normally wouldn’t do something like this if ever there is something that pops up that seems like a red flag for the character I feel like I’m going to have With each episode of Scorpion it seems like you the conversation of, “well I feel like this is a red flag,” add more to Sylvester’s character and backstory, so and you know I’ll deal with it when I get there. I can say when you first had to prepare for the role, in those there hasn’t been a red flag yet. There really isn’t much very first few episodes, how much did you know? set up for the characters, in the beginning of the show Did you know everything that was going to happen you sort of get to the state of rolling with the punchto your character, or was it told to you as you went es and saying yes to everything and working with the along? scripts that you get and you trust the writers. But I don’t I didn’t know everything that would happen to the char- find myself ever not trusting the writers, but I have to be acter, and truthfully, I still don’t. If there is ever any cool weary of that as a possibility in the future, just from the pitch that happens in the room and it immediately gets in shows that I have seen as a TV fan. I am with you, that’s and it makes it to an early draft of the script, we don’t re- a great question, I’d ask any that who’s on a TV show. It’s ally see shooting drafts until like a day or two before we like, how’s that work because what if one episode your start shooting, sometimes three or four days which is re- character doesn’t like mushrooms, then season three he’s ally nice, but we’re moving really quick. Its a TV show, it eating mushrooms and no one ever deals with it. That’s comes with the gig, and so if there’s a really cool pitch I’ll a pet peeve of mine when I watch shows, so I am going probably hear about it through the grapevine of writers to try to keep an eye on it but I don’t really know how or if the creator, the creator’s called me a couple times, much I can do. Nick Santora has called me a couple times and spoken to me on set about cool things that will happen to my You have played very different characters on a character or just cool jokes. I’ll get whispers, but never bunch of shows like Huge, GLEE, and The Crazy an entire rundown like, “this is what happens to your Ones. And now Sylvester is even more different character” because our show is more of a serial show than any of them, how did you go about preparing and it matters more episode to episode than as a season for this role? as a whole, we aren’t trying to tell a story for an entire Well the text is usually where it starts.Thank you by the season as our main focus. As I said it is a serial show, so way, it was a very nice compliment. It is always nice to 52

hear that I can diversify a little bit. With the character I played on Huge it was so similar to myself that I really didn’t need to act much. With Sylvester, I have a lot of anxiety in my everyday life, that’s sort of the one thing that Sylvester have in common, this high anxiety. So I sort of have a base there, and this mixed with the text, also knowing the show and having a grasp of who this guy is really helped me. But truly I just clicked with the material, with Nick Santora’s pilot initially. I just understood what he was going for. I’d say the text in quotation marks, the text is important but there is so much of it and it can change on a dime. Knowing TV helped me a lot as well because I know that the type of character I am playing is different than the type of characters I have played before. So kind of having the idea of the type of character I have more than defining who he is or whatever the script is just having the same idea of who the character is as the guy who wrote it is the main goal. If you can do that in one step then you’re on the right track and I think that I achieved that with Sylvester.

So I feel like it is hard for many people to play other roles, because after playing the genius character, they get type-casted. So do you ever worry about that, being type-casted as a genius? As a smart person? Yeah, absolutely especially because this is the biggest thing I’ve ever done. Yes, that is a huge fear of mine but it’s something that I’m trying to combat with the projects I do in my hiatus and how I spend my time when I’m not working on Scorpion. Because I’m afraid of typecasting I’m not going to do any less than my best on Scorpion because I still have this job, you know, I can’t get ahead of myself and live in this hypothetical what if place in a world after Scorpio because I don’t know what that holds. If I end up being a genus and only playing smart people or if I end up only playing Sylvester because no one can see past that then that’s ok. I have other stuff that I do. I think that’s part of being an artistic guy. I want to draw a parallel with Father John Misty who was a part of Fleet Foxes, which was a huge Yeah, so you said that you have anxiety yourself, band, and then went off and did his own thing, he has how have you overcome that to become an actor his second album which is just so good. His first album an a musician? That has to be pretty nerve-wracking was good as well. And he has his thing going now which and anxiety-inducing itself. started with Fleet Foxes, but he’s not the Fleet Foxes guy, Yeah, I sort of turned to acting and music, and he’s the dude that was in Fleet Foxes. He’s doing his own I write and produce and direct as well, so I turned to thing and even if Father John didn’t take off he still took all that stuff as a means to calm myself because I can the time to make music, which is the thing he loves. And control my performance, I can write whatever I want to I think wort comes to worst I’m going to be happy, I’m write. And with music you make the sounds do whatever not going to be stressed out that I’m only being casted you think they should do or go wherever you think they as a genius or people remember me as the one part I should go. And you audition things, but you have final was offered because even being on a TV show is so cut over stuff when you make it. In performance you crazy and cool. It worries me, but still it is a good thing have final call, like this is the way I am going to do it to be worried about. and that is nice because anxiety sometimes comes from a lack of control, it sometimes comes from a lack or ever So you said earlier that you are a director and a feeling that you’re going to be ok. It is sort of this unbal- producer, but you seem to do everything, you’re an ance I’d say and the cure to that for me is just making actor, writer, musician, producer, you do stand-up, stuff whether it is acting in something or doing all the everything. But working on a TV show is absolutely other stuff I do and any other way I spend my time. Its a full time job, so how do you manage to find time sort of an anxiety fighter you know. i think when you to do everything? were asking how I beat the anxiety it was more of how I definitely sleep a lot less than you’d think, haha. But can you do it isn’t it a terrifying thing, is that what you there’s weekends and, not a crazy amount of free time, were going for? but in the short amount of free time I have, like downtime on set, I write and...Well the music I am working Yeah, I would never be able to perform in front of on is all nights, I work on it at night, I just sort of have so many other people, and I don’t usually even to make the time. So that’s what I’ve been doing, just have anxiety. utilizing the fact that I’m 22 and can work off of four or Yeah, that definitely sits with me sometimes, and scares five hours of sleep rather than eight. me a little bit, but I’m not worried about how people perceive my acting on the show on a personal level, So speaking of your music, you go under the name because it is my job. Which was a hard separation to of Dr TV, with your success as an actor why did make but once I made it, it really helped me out. My dad you decide to use a separate name, rather than use helped me with that. I am not anxious about the work, I your own name Ari Stidham? am anxious about my life outside of work. I want to release stuff as Ari stidham more in the future, symphonaticmagazine.com

that can break genre and go from Drama to Comedy and do things that music has a harder time of doing. You can’t really see The Lonely Island coming out with an album that talks about honest emotions. But you can see Eric Hutchinson coming out with a new album that’s very truthful to whatever’s going on in his life, and I think having Dr. Television allows me to do a lot of different kinds of music and it also sort of separates Ari Stidham who’s on Scorpion from Dr. TV which is a musical entity. I guess is what I’d call it because a lot of creative power goes into Dr. TV just because it is the thing I’ve started and I’m the one consistent in it. This new EP I’m releasing is sort of hip-hoppy and then there’s another one I started which is more group based and it’s all Dr. TV, and it’s all different genres, but I can’t really do comedy there where as i think that as Ari stidham I can release comedy there and it won’t confuse people. Its just like unabashedly stealing from Donald Glover who made rap and music under the name Childish Gambino, I’m just really ripping that out of his playbook.

I hope they like it, if I’m being honest, I don’t know how many fans i have right now as Dr. Television. I have an album up on Soundcloud that I made in 2012, or 2013, and I have a couple singles on there from the past few months up to the past year. I am just now starting to knuckle down and really go after it as it is. I just started to really get serious as I am starting to grow up now, so it’s more trying to find new fans. I hope the fans that have stuck with me since Scorpion started, I hope all of them like the new stuff, I think they will because it is still me, it’s not a new guy writing it, it’s still from my head, so that’s cool, so i think they’re going to like it. I like it and my girlfriend likes it, so I hope everybody else likes it, that’s more where I’m coming from.

Sylvester, your character on Scorpion is more on the socially awkward side, so I presume you won’t be able to share your musical talent on the show, but do you think that you will take up any more musical roles, like you did on Glee, so you can try to bridge the gap between music and acting? So you explained that you do a bunch of stuff in Yeah, I certainly hope so. I didn’t get to sing on Glee, different genres, so what genre do you think your which was a bummer, but I certainly hope I get to sing new EP is going to be? more professionally in a job, in a gig like Glee, that’d be There’s a couple of projects that i’m working on with cool. I would love to get back to musical theater, I would music, there’s one called Thickness, that I’m working on love to get back in the saddle, I think that’d be a cool with two producers that are called Monomaniac, and new, well I don’t know if new would be the right word, they are Drew Decaro and Ryan Coleman. The EP, Thick- but it would be a cool job, it would definitely be different ness, has a big hip hop influence, but it is also poppy, from Scorpion which would be nice, just for a change of sort of in the vain of Mickey Avalon or Frank Ocean, pace. There’s a few things lined up in the acting world for sort of in the middle there, like “don’t take yourself too me during the hiatus that will be a little less, all encomseriously” because it’s a lot of fun and just hip hop, high passing as Scorpion. Music is such a big part of my life, production. And then I’m doing a lot more low-fi stuff on and Scorpion is a job, and its going to be here hopefully my own in my apartment where I will just be releasing for a very long time, but I intend on making music for far singles sporadically. longer after Scorpion ends. Most artists go on tours, do you think, now that you are a more well-known actor, you will be able to see fans like that? I think that it is going to be difficult to tour, especially with the TV schedule, but I want to find a way to do it. I am putting together a live show with the producers of Monomaniac, and we are going to be performing around LA throughout April, May, June and July, but it’s all still being developed. I know that I am definitely going to be playing live this summer, but I don’t know if a tour is something that I can plan for, maybe in a year, maybe in a couple months, but once the EP comes out there’s going to be a bigger launch for Dr. TV and people will know Dr. Television a little bit more. There will be more stuff online than just my Soundcloud. So what do you expect from fans’ reactions to your music, you only have a couple songs out right now, so how will they react to having a few more? 54

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

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HAVE MERCY I N T E R V I E W & P H O T O S B Y: M E A G H A N B R O W N

How did you guys start? Well, [Brian] Swindle started recording these songs by himself and he wanted to start a band, so that he could play them live. He got a drummer, bass player, guitar player, then added another guitar player. And as we went on our direction switched, so one of the old guitar players quit, and then I[Andrew] joined. Later, the other guitar player quit so we stayed with me and Swindle playing guitar. Then our bass player quit, and we got Nick. Our old drummer, Aaron, got sick and couldn’t tour anymore, so we got Todd. All of this occurred over the course of four years. The band has released 2 albums and an EP. How do you think your sound has evolved? It’s been pretty good. When we recorded the EP, that was the first thing we recorded, and I had only been in the band for two weeks at that point. I didn’t really have a lot of input in that, except for a few guitar solos here or there and things like that. When we did The Earth Pushed Back, we were rushed. We recorded and practiced all these songs. Then, when we got in the studio, we just laid down everything that we had, and went back and polished up what we could and that was it. We only had four days to record it. For A Place of Our Own, we actually had a whole month. So, we pretty much wrote the whole thing in the studio. We weren’t afraid to ask for input, or to say ‘that part sucks, you should play something different’. It was

much more of a group effort than here’s my song and this is how it’s played. Who are your influences? Mine are weird because I listen to a lot of weird stuff. I know Swindle really likes You, Me & Everyone We Know, and The Dangerous Summer. If it was released on Drive-Thru Records Nick loves it. Todd listens to a lot of drum heavy stuff. I listen to 80’s synthpop, pop music from the 80’s and 70’s. All that corporate rock that came out like Boston, Kiss, really love the Misfits, but lately there have been a lot of punk bands coming out like Philadelphia that I’m really into. Beach Slang has 2 EPs that they’ve released and their fucking amazing. And a lot of weird stuff. There’s this band from Buffalo called Tommy Boys and they’re this three piece. It’s weird, I play a lot of leads in this band, and in other bands I was just a chugger and stuff, and that’s what I listen to. A lot of rhythm, but lately I’ve been getting into a lot of tapping stuff. You signed with Hopeless Records last year. Has it been a different experience than being with Topshelf Records? Topshelf was good. I love those guys to death, but they have a small loyal fanbase and that’s about it. They do one-off deals, so you put out a record and then a year later you can make another record and they’ll put it out. Hopeless was more the direction that symphonaticmagazine.com

we wanted to go in to get a little bit of a wider fanbase. We love all the fans and the people we met at Topshelf. I still consider those dudes family, and they’re really awesome. But, Hopeless is a much larger scale of Topshelf. Hopeless is still an indie label, but they have a wider audience. So, instead of just kids who are in college, Hopeless has the 14-30 year old demographic. A lot of the bands we grew up listening to are on Hopeless now. There’s this band called Hundredth and they’re super heavy and hardcore. They used to be on some label when my old bands used to play with them, and now they’re on Hopeless which is sick. You guys are only a few shows in, but how it is being on your first headliner? It’s pretty stressful with stuff lick guests lists because I’m just used to being like ‘that’s blah’s problem, it’s not mine’. The first night in Baltimore, I was standing to the side of the stage with my girlfriend and brother and the bass player from Weatherbox’s head caught on fire on stage. It didn’t blow up, but there was a lot of smoke. As I was standing there, I was thinking do they have pyrotechnics and stuff? Then, my brother said he amp blew up, and I was like that sucks. He then told me ‘I should probably do something about that’, and I was like ‘yeah, it is my tour’. So, I had to run through the crowd, but other than that it’s pretty easy going. We have our tour manager, Eli, he’s like the hardest working member of the band. He’s the fifth member of Have Mercy because he won’t let me do anything. Me and the guys were at a guitar shop today, and he wouldn’t let me unload the van or carry anything. He was like ‘you gotta rest man, you gotta take care of yourself.’ If it wasn’t for him, then we’d probably be dead by now. All the bands on the headliner are really cool. Every now and again when you go to a show, and there’s that rockstar/diva band, but there’s no divas on this tour at least not yet. (Just kidding!) Everyone seems to be getting along, so far. The band is on the Vans Warped Tour all

summer, what can the fans expect? You will actually be seeing me wear shorts and a tank top, which I never wear. It’s going to be awesome. We’re working on some stuff, and we’re going to have about a 20 minute set. We are working on how we can fit the most that we can in those 20 minutes. If things go as planned, we might release a single around that time. We did record the single, and we’re just trying to figure out what to do with it. It’s one huge party, and we’re party animals. Who are you looking forward to seeing on Warped Tour? I love the guys from Seaway, we’ve toured with them. I’m excited to watch them. somehow our tours always cross over, and we always find time to hang out. Those dudes are awesome, so I’m excited for them. Major League, we’re sharing a bus with and that’s gonna be cool. I think Hundredth is playing, so I’m really stocked for that. And checking out the Ernie Ball stage just to see the upand-coming people. I really like finding those bands that no really pays attention to because sometimes you find them and fall in love with them. Like Beach Slang and they have a lot of push behind them right now. And Tommy Boys no one knows who they are right now, and I keep asking people if they know who they are. They’re playing this really shitty DIY(Do It Yourself) space in Baltimore the day we come back from tour. I look forward to all the unsigned acts, and the acoustic stuff, and even some of the DJs because I do like electronic stuff. Any fun facts you’d like to share? I’m really into professional wrestling. According to almost every college girl that I met, I look like somebody they know because I have a beard. I like comic books, and horror and science fiction movies. All that nerd stuff. I brought a tablet with me with all 6 seasons of Tales From The Crypt, so I can just watch that. Nothing really extraordinary. I’m really into video games.

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Ice Nine Kills

Ice Nine Kills, being one of the biggest breakthrough bands of 2014, have had a really successful year. After being an under the gun band to review for quite some time, their fame as increased drastically. This self made band has reached a highlight in their life after years of touring with some of the metal-core scene’s biggest bands like Suicide Silence, We Came As Romans, and Attila. Over the course of 2014, the band released their newest album “The Predator Becomes the Prey” through the new Outerloop Records, a sub label of Fearless Records. Along with the release of this album, the band landed a spot on the entire Vans Warped Tour in 2014 on the Monster Energy stage pulling in some of the largest crowds.

in it’s own with fast paced songs and melodies that show their mystical and shadowy tone. This tone in their album is translated into a their live sets in a clear and practical way that shows off the bands aesthetic.

Their live set on the Beyond the Barricade Tour is one of the most shocking out there in the scene with their high energy. Spencer Charnas is absolutely crazy on stage using every inch of the stage. He participates with the crowd throughout the entire set including crowd surfing while performing. With two scrims showing their album artwork on both sides and the mysterious lighting really highlights the bands performance and their aesthetic. Being an opener on this tour really gave the band the This band embraces the horror aesthetic. With songs like opportunity to show what they have for their upcoming “Connect the Cuts” and “The Fastest Way Through A Girls headliner. Heart Is Through Her Ribcage” their lyrics are remarkable showing a side of horror while still talking about concepts Up next for Ice Nine Kills is “The IX Lives Tour” where they and topics everyone can relate to such has personal will be headlining with support from Get Scared, Upon relationships and the ideology of human life. Their newest this Dawning, Chasing Safety, and Brightwell. From their release “The Predator Becomes the Prey”, the horror cult fantastic performance on their most recent tour, this is a they have created is emphasized. The album is energetic show you won’t want to miss.

S T O R Y & P H O T O S B Y: J A C O B L A H A H

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Ilan Rubin

In comparison to previous albums, how has Exhibit B been received by fans and other bands? Fortunately I’ve always had pleasant and positive responses to my music but the best thing is people appreciating the growth and anticipating what I have in store next. Which element on the album was the most fun to record? I honestly have fun recording anything but there was a lot of effort put into the textural elements in the music. Details that lurk in the background, but if they were re-

moved you’d definitely notice. I like adding subtle layers to the music that enhance the feel of a song as much as possible. Which was the hardest? I didn’t find anything hard to record. When I challenge myself it’s as a writer and that is taken care of before any recording is done. Recording is about capturing and executing. How has your sound changed from Coup until now? The idea behind Coup was to the lay the foundation for

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

The New Regime. I purposely put 10 very different songs on that album so that people would come to expect constant evolution from me. So as a fourth release I think that Exhibit B is clear progression growing from its predecessors. The rock, the electronics, the mellow, the heavy, the classical influence, the harmonies, it’s all there, but better. I’m especially proud of my growth as a vocalist/ lyricist. I’m excited to see what comes about next. What’s your favorite lyric on the new album and why? Off the top of my head “There is relief losing faith in all

but one” is a favorite. It can be interpreted in a number of ways and I certainly didn’t mean it in the way most would first analyze it… Was it difficult to find time to record, with being a part of other bands? Technology is an amazing thing. I was able to remain very productive in terms of recording parts of Exhibit B and more while on tour with Nine Inch Nails. I’m always working on things whether it be in the mini studio i set up in hotel rooms or with an iPad on planes. symphonaticmagazine.com

real friends How did the band start? The band started in 2010. Me and Dave, the guitar player, started the band just for fun. We were all playing in different bands, and we just wanted to do something different. We didn’t have anything in mind to start the band or other people we wanted to have join us. We just started writing, and it was fun. It was very loose, never like we’re gonna get in this band and tour, and all this stuff. It was very chill. At the time I was done trying to be in a band. Dan (vocalist), and Aaron (former drummer) were later added. In late 2013, they were signed to Fearless Records.

all at the same level with it all upbeat. Now, as we grow older and try to become better songwriter’s we want to have more dynamic to the songs that we write. So, if anything I think it’s really just dynamic and trying to push ourselves to be better songwriter’s, and all around a better band for us and our fans.

How has your sound evolved? I think our sound has definitely evolved over the past four years. On our newest record, we did add a little bit of emo influences, and a little bit more aggression, and a softer side as well. When we first started, our music was

How as it being on Vans Warped Tour last year? It was hot, and sweaty. I wanted to go home, but then I wanted to stay. It’s a mixed emotion tour. It’s the best and worst summer all rolled into one. One minute you’ll be like, ‘This sucks. I miss touring and like clubs and playing

Was it different creating a full length album instead of an EP? It was difficult in the sense of recording because we were used to going in and recording so quickly. We did EP’s in the past and it was all very quick. With the full length, we took a lot more time to get the sounds we wanted How would you describe your sound/who are your influ- and everything. It was a lot different in that sense. We ences? actually did record each song separate. A lot of times I always just say that we’re a pop-punk band with a hint for a record, it’s all the drums, then the bass and guitar of emo influence. I would say The Starting Line, Brand and whatever. We actually did song by song, which was New, Save The Day, a lot of that sort-of pop-punk stuff different. All the vocals were done at the end, but all the with the newer stuff that we’re writing. It’s hard to pin music was done song by song. It kept everyone involved point, but those are the main ones. We all listen to differ- the whole time. That was the biggest different between ent stuff, so we try to bring in different influences. recording those.

shows like this.’ and the next minute, you’re having the best time. It’s very emotional and physical rollercoaster. One minute it’s pouring rain and the next, the sun is on your face, so you’re dealing with all the elements. It’s a really good tour in the sense of it really toughens your skin as a touring musician. Even the people who work for the bands, get a really go sense of what is to really tour. If you can get through Warped tour, then you can get through any tour. A couple of years ago, you guys were playing really small venues. How has that transition been? It’s been cool. It is definitely a transition. When we first started playing venues like this, it was like a year ago when we were on tour with The Wonder Years. That was the first time we had played some bigger stages. We were used to playing these really small places where its packed down. We would just stand on stage and play because kids would be on the stage all the time and just jumping off. I remember, I used to not move around at all because I just couldn’t. Then at these stages, you have to put on a show for people. It’s a little different. It’s been a transition, but it’s been cool. I think it’s cool because you play a show like this, which has become a bit of a normal thing, and when you get to play those smaller places it’s a lot more fun and intimate for us. How has this tour The Maine been? It’s been good! We’ve been having really good turn outs and we’ve been playing in front of new fans, which is kind of like the whole point of the tour for us. To play with a band like The Maine is cool because they’re fans of probably have never listened to our music. But, that’s the whole point. Maybe some of their fans don’t like us, and they’re like ‘eh, I’m not into it’, but a lot of kids come up to us and say, ‘we’ve never listened to you guys. I really like, I’ve never heard anything like it’. That’s the cool thing about a tour like this, and hopefully our fans open their mind up to band like The Maine. Who guys and Knuckle Puck are from the similar area? Yeah, we’re from all the same area in Chicago, and we’ve never really toured with them, so this was the first time we were able to do that. It’s cool watching them every night; they’re good friends of ours and it’s really rewarding. What are your plans once this tour ends? We’re going to Japan and Australia, so we’re really excited for that. There’s some more touring that we’re gonna do in the states this year, but nothing is announced yet. I N T E R V I E W & P H O T O S B Y: M E A G H A N B R O W N

What can fans expect from you guys the rest of 2015? Yeah, we’ll be touring for the vast majority of it, and at the end of the year we’re gonna try to record a record.

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the word alive

State your name and roll in the band. Telle: My name is Telle and I’m the vocalist

Alive.

How’s the tour going so far? T: It’s been great. It’s one of our

probably done to date.

of The Word

favorite one’s we’ve

How do you think fan’s opinion of “Real” has changed since the release? T: I think it’s the same as “Life Cycles”. Both of the

last two albums have been albums where people really grow to enjoy them over time. Those are pretty much my favorite kind of albums: the one’s I might not have gotten into right away and I did later. I feel like they are almost longer lasting because you don’t just get it and overplay it. What was the inspiration behind the creation of “Real”? T: We just wanted to write a good record. We wanted

to be honest with ourselves as far as the kind of music we are trying to make. With me writing the lyrics, I try to make it as transparent as possible. There are not a lot of metaphorical things and it’s pretty straightforward. Whereas in the past in “Deceiver” and “Life Cycles” had a mixture of that, I think this one was pretty straightforward all the way through. Is there a point in your career where you feel like you had a breakthrough moment with the band? T: Every band goes through different levels of that. One

was obviously getting a signing. Two was our album “Deceiver”. It was really the album that put us on the map. And again, when our album “Life Cycles” came out, our song “Life Cycles” has become our biggest song, which is really awesome. Just the last year or so growing into more of a headlining band and direct support like we are on this tour, our fans showing up and growing, and its just all these things that are constant chain of events that lead to things being pretty rad.

Pick a song that means the most to you and explain it’s meaning. T: Probably “Like Father Like Son”, I wrote it about my

dad and I’s relationship. It was a little rocky at first and he’s not my biological father. It’s about how that doesn’t matter to me. Like in the line in the song, “If you’re not my blood, you are my bones,” because it’s like my dad is my father. I’ve never met my “real dad” and I don’t really care to at all. My dad has been a huge supporter and foundation in my life. The song is sort of a thank you to him for taking me in and supporting me.

Stylistically, what goes through an artist’s mind when they write? T: It depends. When I first start writing I’m not really

worried about too much. The only thing I’m really concerned with is trying to match the emotion of the music to the subject that I will be singing about and to match the emotion in my voice to the music. So for instance, if I hear the music and it makes me feel sad, I want to write something that compliments that feeling. That’s really my main focus when it comes to writing. Is there anything you guys do as a band that makes your live shows different than others? T: We always give a lot of energy. Some nights when the

stages are super cramped and super small it’s physically impossible to play the way we’d like to. But we always try to put energy back into the crowds that are there. We are always going to give one hundred percent no matter what the situation is or what the tour is. We played super small tours and we’ve played massive tours and we always try to give the most we can of ourselves in each song and in each show. Maybe it’s someone’s first time seeing The Word Alive and maybe they are going to become a life long fan. We try to make the most of every opportunity when playing. What can we expect to be new or better on your co-headliner with Chelsea Grin coming up? T: We’re playing an awesome mix of songs. The venues

we chose are meant for them all to sell out, be packed out, and to be really intimate shows. We’ve headlined some bigger venues but we chose ones we do really well in because we want that intimate feeling. We really wanted to own in with the connections with have with the fans and bands. That’s why we brought in Chelsea Grin and our very good friends in Like Moths to Flames and this new band Sylar that is super sick out of New York. We feel that all the bands are going to have a really cool connection with the crowd. In some ways you can expect the same stuff as far as us giving it everything, but we are definitely going to try to please old fans and new fans. Do you want this upcoming tour to be an in your face experience? T: Definitely, we always want to have that feeling even

if we are playing a huge room with thousands of people and a giant barricade where there is 10 feet in-between the stage. We still want to make that connection. I go out in the crowd at almost every single show of the night because I want to get right in someone’s face and sing with them not just sing to them. That’s the goal. Currently, what are you guys doing collectively to symphonaticmagazine.com

better your band, live music, or shows? T: One thing we actually discussed before this

tour was not getting too comfortable. We need to remember that we are just really good friends who are lucky enough to be playing music together. We talked about remembering to just have fun. There’s always going to be problems that go wrong with gear or maybe the crowd isn’t the best ever or security sucks or maybe someone’s having a bad day. But as long as we are on that stage that’s our time to let all the bull shit out and to just try to have as much fun as we can while we can. Who knows how long we will be able to do this. The song “Life Cycles” live is almost like a ritual in the moment when seeing it live. How does it make you feel that that song can make a huge impact on people’s lives? T: I’m at the point now where even if my band never

got any bigger or we never did anything beyond today, I feel like, as a vocalist/song writer/lyricist, I’ve accomplished something I never thought I could or would. It is super humbling because I see people out in the crowd singing that song while crying and it’s just a testament to how powerful music can be. That’s definitely overall my favorite song we’ve ever written as a band because of what it means to our fans. It has enabled us to have a connection with people that’s changed their lives and changed our lives. It’s going to be a song within this genre, when talking about The Word Alive will come up for the rest of history. That’s a really cool feeling because a lot of bands don’t last long enough sometimes. It’s not that they don’t make good enough songs and not that you have to write the most amazing song either for people to connect with it. But we had a good balance of a great song and a lot of meaning behind it and it just caught on. Anything else you’d like to say to your fans? T: I appreciate all the fans that support The Word

Alive and come see us. Hopefully you’ll stick around to what comes next. I N T E R V I E W & P H O T O S B Y: J A C O B L A H A H

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too close to touch I N T E R V I E W B Y: B R A N D A C A V A N N A

How did you come up with the name of your band?

It’s based off of the things in life that, while they seem so close to reaching, you just can’t quite grasp your fingers around them. It’s about continuing to push yourself in that moment, and always. For those who have not heard of you how would you describe your music?

We try to bring a lot of energy and emotion with our music. It’s brutally honest and heartfelt. There’s a little bit on the record for everyone, I think. Between more upbeat/sing-along choruses to cinematic, intense parts built for the feels.

Despite the fact that you have only been a band for two years, you already have an EP, debut album, and several tours under your belt. To do all of this you must be working constantly, how do you keep up with the fast-pace?

wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

Some artists wait years for their bands to take off, did you ever expect for the band to do so well so fast? Do you have any advice for other artists trying to break out of their home towns?

We’ve all put our time in before this band too, so it doesn’t seem quite “so fast” to some of us, but we’re extremely proud of the reaction we’ve gotten thus far. It’s surreal and fulfilling to say the least. And honestly it just comes down to not quitting until you find the right thing. I’m a firm believer in the whole “You can reach anything you set your mind to” philosophy. You worked with several talented people on this album, like Kellin Quinn and Telle Smith, how did they help you with the album? What was the best advice that you got while working with them?

They both contribute fantastic vocal performances to the When you love something as much as we do music, you record. It’s really important that the vocal part fits everydon’t really think about it. It’s a fast paced lifestyle with thing else going on with the dynamic of the song, and tons of deadlines and sporadic schedule changes, but we they really knocked it out of the park. Over the years 70

I’ve gotten uplifting advice from both of them, which only furthers my drive.

Erik Ron produced your album, Nerve Endings, what is your recording process like? This is your debut album, is there anything that surprised you about writing and recording music?

Working with Erik was such an awesome experience. He’s such a talented producer and engineer, who’s already doing incredible things in music. The recording process with him is fantastic, and he really caters well to each members little recording quirks we have. The thing that surprised me the most is how an outside set of ears can adapt so well to a completely foreign band they’ve never worked with before and it just flow so naturally. That’s my definition of a professional producer.

When you love something as much as we do music, you don’t really think about it. It’s a fast paced lifestyle with tons of deadlines and sporadic schedule changes, but we wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

Some artists wait years for their bands to take off, did you ever expect for the band to do so well so You said that when you don’t like one of your songs fast? Do you have any advice for other artists trying you will trash it, how many songs did you write to to break out of their home towns? get the final eleven songs on Nerve Endings?

Outside of the demo’s we came in with, we really didn’t trash many songs. We could kind of tell from the get go if a song idea wasn’t going to work. Any song that we got the ball really rolling on, we stuck with. There’s a natural feel that you can’t replicate when something just feels right with a song. We we’re fortunate and blessed to all be on the same page with that.

Is there anything you would change if you could go back in time to when you first started this album?

Not a single thing. Other than never leaving California, of course.

They both contribute fantastic vocal performances to the record. It’s really important that the vocal part fits everyWho or what do you draw your inspiration from thing else going on with the dynamic of the song, and when writing your music? Are there any specific they really knocked it out of the park. Over the years things that you draw from? I’ve gotten uplifting advice from both of them, which These songs are all based off of real life experiences and feelings. We put every bit of emotion we have from only furthers my drive. those experiences and turn them into songs. Whether it’s Erik Ron produced your album, Nerve Endings, what a lyric, guitar part, or drum part- it’s all the same. is your recording process like? This is your debut album, is there anything that surprised you about Do you have any plans for the rest of 2015?

writing and recording music?

For those who have not heard of you how would you describe your music?

you will trash it, how many songs did you write to get the final eleven songs on Nerve Endings?

Working with Erik was such an awesome experience. ‘Nerve Endings’ is our March 24th! After that it all begins. He’s such a talented producer and engineer, who’s Tour. Tour. Tour. already doing incredible things in music. The recording Symphonatic Magazine process with him is fantastic, and he really caters well to each members little recording quirks we have. The thing How did you come up with the name of your band? that surprised me the most is how an outside set of ears It’s based off of the things in life that, while they seem so can adapt so well to a completely foreign band they’ve close to reaching, you just can’t quite grasp your fingers never worked with before and it just flow so naturally. around them. It’s about continuing to push yourself in That’s my definition of a professional producer. that moment, and always. You said that when you don’t like one of your songs

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Is there anything you would change if you could go back in time to when you first started this album?

Not a single thing. Other than never leaving California, of course. Who or what do you draw your inspiration from when writing your music? Are there any specific things that you draw from?

These songs are all based off of real life experiences and feelings. We put every bit of emotion we have from those experiences and turn them into songs. Whether it’s a lyric, guitar part, or drum part- it’s all the same. Do you have any plans for the rest of 2015?

‘Nerve Endings’ is our March 24th! After that it all begins. Tour. Tour. Tour.

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torche You just released your debut album for Relapse, Restarter. What was the band’s approach going into the new album? Rick: The approach wasn’t intentionally different from any previous record we’ve released. This was just sort of where we were at the time of writing. We’ve been writing some new stuff lately that’s already different from “Restarter” which I think is good. It’s good to keep moving along. When did you record Restarter? With the band being spread across the country did you all record together or was a lot done via file trading? Rick: We recorded “Restarter” in February of 2014. We only work when we’re together really, so we make sure to set time aside from our schedules to dedicate to writ74

ing, rehearsing and recording. The response to Restarter seems really positive, is it a relief when a new album is released and people like it or do you pay attention to the coverage? Rick: I’m the one who never likes our records upon initial listening. I always feel like we could push harder to be better. With that said, it’s definitely always nice to hear that people are receiving what we do with high regards. Wait ‘til they hear what’s next! Is there any theme to Restarter, lyrically or musically? Rick: There IS a bit of a noncontinuous theme with this record, being the takeover of technology marking the beginning of the end of humanity. Pretty dark for us I’d say.

For you, personally, which song stands out for you on the album and why? Rick: I’d say “Minions” because it feels complete despite being two riffs, and I think the riffs are the catchiest. I also particularly like the drumming on it. Very minimal and in tune with music I listen to in my free time.

Rick: Eat great food, see good friends, see some sights if our schedule allows.

Torche has worked with a few different labels in the past, what advice would you give younger bands about approaching labels? Rick: It’s a rough game, the whole music business thing. Just believe in what you do, do it for yourself before anyThe band is heading out on their first headlining tour one else, and if you’re wise you’ll know when working for the new album, will the set list include most of with someone feels right. Most people get ripped off. If the new songs or a mix from all of your releases? you’re real smart, you’ll put in the extra work/time/money Rick: We will always play a mix of songs from all releases. and do everything yourself. Most of the new record will be played though. What are the band’s plans for the rest of the year? What are your favorite things to do while out on the Rick: Tour, tour, and more tour. And then hopefully get road? back into writing before the end of the year! I N T E R V I E W B Y: L I N D S Y C A R R symphonaticmagazine.com

vienna in love

For those who have not heard of you how would you describe your music? Are there any artists that you compare yourself to? Branko: I’d say our music comes from a combination of our favourite rock bands which we feel have been influential in the world around us since the early eighties - with anthemic stadium rock bands such as U2 through to nineties Scandinavian rock bands such as Sigur Ros and Kent - all the way up until the present day with more contemporary influences like for example Snow Patrol. We’re also big fans of sonic textures and landscapes, bands which give you places to visit when listening to their music. You have performed in some of the greatest arenas in the world like Congress Theater (Chicago, IL); Celebrity Centre (Los Angeles, CA); Razzmatazz 1 (Barcelona, SP); Sala Arena (Madrid); Teatro Auditorio (Getafe, SP); Sebastopol Theatre (Lille, France); London Scala, and the Grand Theatre (London, UK). Of these which was your favorite? What made them such great experiences? Victor: Wow… that’s a good question, I’ve never thought about it. Possibly Razzmatazz 1 in Barcelona is my favourite. It’s not necessarily because of the size of venue, which is also quite impressive and holds approximately 2,800 people; but because of the stage, the sound, and the lighting, which were amazing. I am very proud that we filmed our very first music video at that concert. As a British band what is it like to tour across Europe and in the US? Do fans react differently in different countries and how does this impact your shows? Branko: The tours have been fantastic so far. The experience is always different and you never quite know what to expect in each country audience wise, but in general we’ve been quite fortunate enough to play some good shows and have met some interesting people and made friends along the way. We had a great experience in Valencia Spain, we were all in a good mood and the audience were so happy and excited, we could really feel it on stage. Aside from the gigs, we sometimes get to go sightseeing if we get the chance which is always good fun to do. You released ‘Bushidō’ in February, what was it like writing and recording this? Knowing that you remixed your some of your songs off “A Modern British Icon” how does it differ from your last album? Victor: To be honest, we are very interested in electronic music. I bought a Moog Sub Phatty Synth and I was experimenting with it and learning how it works and in the process composed a couple of test songs which went on to become “Tokyo” and “Looking for a Miracle”. The result was really interesting, however, we didn’t really know what to do with them as they were really different

to our music and so we thought to include them together with the Remixes. You also worked with a lot of talented people on this album like Grammy Award Winning Producer Pablo Dominguez; Alberto Funes; Evangelos; and Anika Sade. With all of these influences, especially when they have the experience in the music industry that they do, do you ever find it hard to stay true to yourself and your music? Branko: We’re fans of electronic dance music and so this was a great opportunity for us to collaborate and unite the lines between rock and electronic music. It’s always been an area we’ve been very much open to exploring and integrating into our sound as part of the band’s journey and evolution. Of all the songs you have recorded which are you most proud of? Victor: Don’t Leave Me Alone Now You are planning to release another album in the fall based around the movie “Blade Runner,” what was it about this movie that made it so inspiring that you could write an entire album around it? Victor: I had a dream the day before we had played Arenal Sound Festival in Spain, we were lying on the beach and I was explaining this vision for the next album to the guys, and they said, “let’s do it!!” What aspects of the movie specifically sparked your interest? Branko: I’d say for me it was that whole dreamesque science fiction angle of it, when you are transported to a distant future land where things are non-factual and full of fantasy and wonder. I think the visuals of the movie are extraordinary and set the mood and ambient perfectly. If you hadn’t picked this movie was there another movie would you have chosen to form your album? Victor: ‘1984’ Directed by Michael Radford, based upon George Orwell’s novel Is there anything that you’d like to add? Branko: People can check us out further by visiting www.viennainlove.co.uk I N T E R V I E W B Y: B R A N D A C A V A N N A P H O T O B Y: A N D R E W L A P I E R R E

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I N T E R V I E W & P H O T O S B Y: J A C O B L A H A H

miss may i

Miss May I started out as a five-piece metal band from Troy, Ohio. From their formation in 2007, the band has released several albums that progressively got better and more personal. Since their first self-released album “Apologies Are For The Weak,” they’ve signed to Rise Records and produced three more albums. From their sophomore album “Monuments” and their third release “At Heart,” the band brings a new surprise with the content and process of the newest album “Rise of the Lion” that makes it different than the others. With the heavy and dark sound of Miss May I’s music contrasted with the ideas and creation process of their most recent album, it makes it something unique and personal to both the listener and the band. Many people would interpret this band as extremely heavy and dark musicians. Miss May I is nothing like that in the way they act and communicate towards their fans and through their music. Even though this band has a dark image and may seem like a group that writes about macabre topics, they actually write about meaningful subjects that everyone can relate to. With the diverse array of topics that are covered on “Rise of the Lion,” it makes it a prime example for an album fans can communicate to. For instance, a song like “Gone” which touches on the emotional aspect of what it is like to lose someone. But this is not the only great thing about this band. Miss May I, in a way owns up to the idea of “the rise of the lion”. From headlining and supporting some big names in the metal and metal-core industry such as August Burns Red, Killswitch Engage, and Whitechapel, they have also made several successful runs on the Vans Warped Tour along with having a spot on last year’s Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival. Through their touring style, Miss May I have created a really big impact in both traditional metal and metal-core scene by gathering fans from all across the charts making them extremely successful in the music industry both through live show and in musical content. Going to a Miss May I show is a performance like none other in both a chaotic and memorable way. The energy is high, fans are going absolutely nuts, and it’s something that every metal-core fan should experience if they want a real show. At the Norfolk date of the Frozen Flame Tour during one of their oldest songs “Forgive and Forget,” they had one of the biggest wall-of-death’s ever seen at a metal show. Literally, fans where pushing their way side to side opening it up as far as into the side bar, on the side of The Norva floor. When Miss May I, began the song, the rush of the crowd was astronomically high making it a dream for fans of the metal genre. Besides the fact that there are insane amounts of moshing and crowd surfing at their shows, this band cares for their fans in a way like none other. The non-profit organization Syke sponsored one of the dates at their most re-

cent tour in Norfolk, Virginia where they held a Miss May I signing. There at the booth, (which had a line unbelievably long) had some of Miss May I’s most dedicated fans. The way each band member interacted with the fans really displayed their love for their audience. They took the time to chat with each fan for a few seconds instead of having one of those skimpy “say hi and take a picture” meet and greets. They actually gave the fans a chance to say what they needed to say and to really communicate the importance of the band to them. Miss May I took this experience whole-heartedly, as well as other experiences similar to this in the past. A signing like this wasn’t meaningful to just the fans though. Miss May I really knows how to keep the open communication between their music and followers. Their newest record “Rise of the Lion” was actually the bands response of fan’s letters. “It’s letters back to the fans, sort of from a bands perspective,” Levi explained when talking about the newest record and the inspiration behind it in an interview. This is a unique and interesting situation where fans are able to openly communicate with a band and have the musicians respond back through their music. It also opens the opportunity for their fans respond back. “Our album is titled ’Rise of the Lion’ because we are rising up as a band and so are our fans,” Levi said. It’s a symbiotic relationship between the band and the fans and how each of them supports each other to be a success. In a way, the band Miss May I captures the metaphorical sound of “Rise of the Lion”. There’s something really great about their use of the lion. It shows how ferocious or how overlooking the band can be symbolically. When asking about the symbolic representation of it, vocalist Levi Benton said, “The lion is more of a dominant animal. It’s sort of the vibe we want our band to have. I feel it’s cool because our fans attach to the symbol and it can mean a lot to them.” This is true because many fans are known to have tattoos of the lion symbol on the album cover in dedication to the band. It’s a dedication like the fans of Miss May I that show the idea of “the rise of the lion” and how Miss May I is living up to this. What really makes Miss May I the band that symbolizes the lion is everything in combination. The symbol of the lion really captures their insanity of their metal performance along with the dominant leadership role they have with communicating with listeners both musically and personally. From the perspective of the bands success, their title and theme of “Rise of the Lion” is most appropriate to their actions. Everything about them and what they do symbolizes the lion and Miss May I is definitely reaching the top of the charts in the scene, and will keep rising through their musical career. symphonaticmagazine.com

GALLERY

AUGUST BURNS RED 80

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COLD WAR KIDS

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Elliot Moss

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THE VANITY

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YELLOWCARD

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Echosmith

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X AMBASSADORS

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LIGHTS

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ISSUES

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MAN OVERBOARD

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Marmozets

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SEAWAY

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SENSES FAIL

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STATE CHAMPS

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THE USED

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MEA

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Worriors

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NEWSONG

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