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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR ASHLEY GOLL MANGING EDITOR
Dear Readers, At New Sound Magazine, our talented staff is dedicated to helping its readers of considerable discerning taste; discover your new favorite artist or band. As we understand some musical behavior is indeed in strong contrast to the listening habits of the CD era. We are looking to attract young minds that are willing to open up. Individuals who can explore the beauty of new music and a new atmosphere it will live in. A unique display of music, we bring to the table. The style of the beats, tunes, and voices will catch you off guard. We offer nothing but the best new sounds, while trying to convey meaning toward a passionate crowd. We want these new artists and bands to influence your lifestyle to help process emotions you are feeling through their music. New Sound magazine is looking to lift your spirit. The truth is- a lot of music you do not deliberately pursue but accidentally run into, and something attracts you. You find a way to connect to something of you within the music. We are seeking an audience to explore their self and others within the variety of music being presented. Today people want to be the first to know about a new band or venue. New Sound will be telling you about it in all of the most interesting ways we possibly can.
ASHLEY@NEWSOUNDMAGAZINE.US
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PUBLISHER/CEO: PAUL CORACE EXECUTIVE EDITOR: JOE D’AMBROSI
MISSION STATEMENT
“New Sound Magazine spotlights both young, talented artists that have the potential to become the next big name in the music industry, and the truly brilliant bands which already have. We’re finding the voice you’ll fall in love with, the song you’ll play over and over, the concert you won’t want to miss.”
MANAGING EDITOR: ASHLEY GOLL SENIOR ART DIRECTOR: ADRIANA K. KIJKO GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: MICHELLE ROMANO SAMANTHA MENDEZ RENE NOVA LOUIS QUACH SENIOR VIDEO EDITOR: NICK HERMS VIDEO EDITORS: JOHN CALLEJAS MEDIA CORRESPONDENT: ASHLEY GOLL CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: JAMIE BOLETTIERI DESIREE KEEGAN DREW BISCARDI BRITNEY GRASMAN ASHLEY GOLL KYLIE CREMER ALIVIA MASSIMILLO PHOTOGRAPHERS: MORGAN HARRISON HANNAH SINGLETON COVER ARTWORK: MICHELLE ROMANO HOW TO CONTACT: 631-757-3187
COVER PHOTO BY MS. KRISTEN WALTHER
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CONTENTS 4
VOL. IV 2013
NEWSOUNDMAGAZINE.COM
ALBUM REVIEWS PG 6
Duologue
PG 8
Christina Grimmie
PG 12 Jeff Jacobs PG 13 Rory Sullivan PG 14 Veronica Falls
FEATURES PG 18 Jillian Jensen PG 22 Brandon Heath PG 26 Caitlin Canty PG 28 The Dangerous Summer
VENUE REVIEWS PG 32 Pete’s Candy Store PG 34 The Knitting Factory
LIVE REVIEWS PG 38 Meet Pause PG 40 Myra Flynn
CHECK OUT PG 46 Tiffany Jo Allen PG 47 Trixie Whitley PG 48 Milo Greene PG 50 Chloe Sunshine WATCH IT FOR THE MUSIC PG 54 Away We Go
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BY DESIREE KEEGAN
D
uologue came crawling from the underground of Edinburgh University in 2008.
The journey began with the band’s two original members, Tim Digby-Bell and Toby Lemming. These vocalists began producing live programming and beats on a computer whilst at school in Edinburgh, Scotland, when both realized that what they were creating was far too big for just a couple of people to play. This was when the five-piece was formed. Seb Dilleyston was brought in to add emotive atmospheres on violin, having previously trained with world renowned violinist Maria Eitler, and Toby Lee soon followed on guitar. The line-up was completed with the addition of Ross Stone on bass. Early gigs in their nascent career were explosive. Aside from having several set mishaps onstage, such as lights shattering above their heads at a show in London’s Shephard Bush, to an electrical fire at the Barfly in Camden Town, the group gained a reputation for their brilliant and skillful live performances. Refusing to rely too heavily on programmed elements, each layer comes to life in the live arena. “We wanted to have moments where we can strip it down to the bare essentials, really intimate moments, and then to build up to these electronic parts too,” Digby-Bell told South by Southwest (SXSW). “It needs to feel like a real journey.” Having already self-produced and self-released two EPs showcasing their ability to encompass a wide range of sounds and musicality, the final piece to the puzzle came with the introduction of producer Jim Abbiss (Adele, Arctic Monkeys, Ladytron). In March of 2012, Duologue and Abbiss holed up in a Chatham studio and began work, although many of the parts were already formed and recorded. Abbiss enhanced the group’s sonic makeup with analogue gear, real strings and an organ replacing digital synths and programmed instruments and soon after, the band released their double-A side single Underworld/Zeros on Oct. 29, 2012 through Killing Moon Records.
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ALBUM REVIEW
“Underworld” builds serenely, focusing almost solely on vocals before the soundscape of guitars, programmed beats, drums and piano collide in the mix. The song builds up to the climax, as most of Duologue’s songs do, and then the crescendo filters back to just the simmering vocals and stark piano. “Zero” opens with a bluesy guitar riff, before the thumping and melodic beats hit the scene in a cacophony of sound. Similarly to “Underworld,” the vocals, which flits to and from falsetto on a whim, is the perennial driver. Underworld/Zeros preceded the release of their debut album Song & Dance, which dropped on February 24 of this year. Duologue’s cerebral experimentation is fast becoming, and a new favorite among listeners. The songs are potent and melody-driven, with beats that can be seen as an eclectic mix of styles. “You could pick some songs and we’d be likened to a folk act, another few and we’d be called dustup,” Digby-Bell said in
the band’s biography. Their record Song & Dance, is the record that culminates this quintet’s journey of a years worth of preparation and self editing, yet it is just the beginning of one too, for an intelligent group of musicians with a bold statement, skillful songwriting and a unique musical genre. This U.K. based band, who has won Steve Lamacq’s BBC6 Music unsigned contest, garnered play on John Kennedy’s show on XFM and have performed a live session on NME Radio. The group is also listed as one of the top bands to watch at SXSW 2013. Although the band is not yet mainstream, they are one to look out for with Digby-Bell’s powerful voice that remain strong and stand eternal amid an ever-changing backdrop of beats. As Duologue’s biography states, “they’ve fused this eclecticism into a truly inimitable sound of their own,” and this is only their first album.
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ALBUM REVIEW
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in commercials, toured with her band, and co-wrote her first debut single with her. Grimmie self-released a pop album entitled “Find Me” on June 14, 2011. Her songs are a mixture of pop and dance with an upbeat sound and relatable lyrics. Her album was one of the top ten of the Billboard Independent Albums within the US, making it to number six on the list. “Find Me” also reached the eleventh spot on Billboard’s Digital Albums list and 35 on their top 200 list. Singles from the album include “Advice” and “Liar Liar.” “Advice” was released exclusively on Radio Disney to a 95% approval rating. Physical copies of her album were only sold while Grimmie toured Selena Gomez and the Scene during their 2011 tour. Grimmie priced her albums low, at $5.99 each, to make them more easily affordable for all her fans. Mp3 versions of her album are still available online. She is currently working on a second elf-released album and expects it to be released by Jan or Feb of 2014. Her most popular song, “Liar Liar,” features lyrics about ending a relationship with a false friend. The opening verse states, “With words I’ve been betrayed,” while the chorus repeats, “Liar liar, don’t cry on my shoulder/You played with fire/And smiled when you told her.” Grimmie’s song speaks of a person with a deceitful nature who effortlessly betrayed the narrator by revealing secret information. The narrator has become disenchanted with this
person, and can no longer maintain their relationship. She does not stand for such treatment, and cuts all ties with the traitorous friend. The first verse declares, “I just won’t let you bring me down,” while later on the lyrics exclaim, “You’re not on my mind/I don’t need to know you care/Please don’t waste my time.” The chorus repeatedly pronounces, “Goodbye to no one,” which means this once close friend now means nothing to the narrator. A second interpretation could also be the narrator saying goodbye to a cheating lover, but the former interpretation more closely fits Grimmie’s image. Grimmie’s song “Liar Liar” sends an important message to her less experienced listeners. Unfortunately, nearly everyone will suffer betrayal at some point. The artist’s song is there to console listeners. Her fans can be helped through hard times when they realize that even their idols experience betrayal and suffering. She also sends a strong message to her fans that such treatment is not acceptable. While it is normal to feel hurt, Grimmie shows her listeners that they do not have to maintain hurtful relationships. She lets them know that there are times when it is appropriate to distance themselves from others instead of becoming trapped in fake friendships.
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Her second single, “Advice,” features motivational lyrics encouraging listeners to believe in themselves. Grimmie sings such inspiring phrases as, “You may think you’ve had it rough/ And try to give it up/But when you think you’re stuck/Just go another way.” Her advice to her listeners is, “Don’t let go of good times/And let the bad ones know you feel fine.” She encourages her listeners to continue valuing themselves no matter how much they feel like giving up. Nineteen year old Grimmie is constantly adding things to her musical resume. She recently worked backstage on an American Idol tour, toured with the popular band Selena Gomez and the Scene, appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, performed on both the Disney Chanel and at the 2011 American Music Awards, and was even presented with the AMA New Media Honoree Female award. Grimmie is a well-grounded individual who serves as a prime example of a role model for the youth of today. She always gives thanks to her God for the talent and opportunities that have been awarded to her, showing how important belief and faith are to her.
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ALBUM REVIEW
Transcending Normalcy W i t h Angelic Vocals BY ALIVIA MASSIMILLO
JEFF JACOBS I
f in some strange sub-reality Ryan Adams’ talent fused romantically with an acoustic version of Waking Ashland’s album Composure, the result would be Jeff Jacobs. Jeff Jacobs is an up and coming singer based in New York who has been featured on hit shows such as the renowned Teen Mom 2. Haven’t heard his angelic vocals yet? No worries. Jeff Jacobs recently released his first EP, Enjoy The View-which is available on ITunes for about $6. The average price of this EP masks the not-so-average talent of this fellow. Jeff Jacobs lyrics literally formed images in my mind while listening to his charismatic voice harmonizing with his guitar. His lyrics exhibit such a level of deepness that it almost seems as if some famous director could make a cinema-classic out of his songs. No joking here when I say the song “The Necklace” actually
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made me cry. I am not the overly emotional type, but the way the song so effortlessly played out like a true love story, made actual tears form in my tear ducts then spill outward onto my cheeks. Don’t believe me? There is yet another reason you must download, Google, YouTube, Internet search, fall in love, and/or stalk Jeff Jacobs (Just kidding, stalking is a hyperbole in this case…please do not do that.) As for those of you who are anti-Internet and prefer the rawness of a performance, Jeff Jacobs is playing at the Cup Coffeehouse in Wantagh on Saturday, July 6th. Regardless of your choice of checking him out, I promise you, Jeff Jacobs is a dude with a serious poetic side that transitions it seamlessly into beautiful music making. It would be a shame for you to miss the opportunity to hear his profound lyricism at work.
NEWSOUNDMAGAZINE.COM
Rory Sullivan and The Second Season
ALBUM REVIEW By Drew Biscardi
O
n his debut LP Rory Sullivan and his band The Second Season offer some seriously honed folk-pop, tinged with slight flourishes of country throughout. The music leans heavily on Sullivan’s strong vocals, which are a perfect match for the sad/sweet pop sensibility on display through much of the album, but drummer Matt Musty and bassist Ryan Gleason lay down a great foundation for him to work with. The opening song “Will You Come Back Home” shows off some serious pop songwriting chops, while still displaying attention to the finer details of performance, apparent in the skilled organ playing. A real standout track is “Out of Here” and this is a clear choice as a single. The slightly familiar sounding intro breaks into some great vocal hooks and shows off some really nice guitar and mandolin playing. Other songs are a bit country sounding, but restrained just enough, with touches of lap steel placed strategically in the mix so as not to overpower the arrangements. Sullivan and crew show they can rock out as well, demonstrating some variety on a song like “Ride the Rails.”
Another great feature of this record is its clear commitment to using a wide variety of folk instrumentation when this is what suits the song, in the case of “Rails” featuring a killer fiddle lead. “Leeza” is another example of Rory Sullivan’s ability to write sweet, yet sad sounding, pop songs. The record closes with another more up-beat song, “I Can’t Love You,” probably the fastest tempo of any on the record. Relying more on electric guitars, this track stands out from the rest. Overall the album is full of very solid songwriting, featuring some really skilled and tasteful musicianship, and all of this was recorded at Vinegar Hill Sound Studios in Brooklyn, with the luscious sparkle of Justin King’s excellent pop production. If you like your pop songs with elements of moody folk and slight hints of country, then you should check out Rory Sullivan and The Second Season’s new record. Find it here: rorysullivanmusic.com/
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VERONICA FALLS B y D e s i r e e Ke e g a n
ALBUM REVIEW
V
eronica Falls, a quintet out of London, released their sophomore album in February, and have only continued to grow in popularity as their infectious, indie-pop has progressed tremendously since making their debut. Born when former Royal We and Sexy Kids members Roxanne Clifford (guitar/ vocals) and Patrick Doyle (drums) moved to London and met ex-Your Twenties guitarist James Hoare at a Comet Gain gig, the band completed the line-up when mutual friend Marion Herbain was recruited on bass, despite having no previous musical experience. In 2010, the band released two singles, “Found Love in a Graveyard” and “Beachy Head,” on the American label Captured Tracks. Veronica Falls came to prominence with the release of their self-titled debut album in 2011, which the band recorded with veteran producer Guy Fixsen and released on Slumberland Record in the United States and Bella Union in the
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European Union. The album got generally favorable reviews and entered the UK Albums Chart at No. 150. The disk consisted of 12 haunting, muffled and melancholy tracks that quickly received comparisons to Velvet Underground and Black Tambourine. And with titles like “Misery,” “Bad Feeling” and “Found Love in a Graveyard,” it is easy to see where complex melodies meet dark delights. The band’s second release though, Waiting for Something to Happen, has more of a Best Coast, Real Estate or Beach Fossils-tybe vibe, with a beautiful, dreamier and fuller sound. Songs like “Teenage,” “If You Still Want Me” and “Everybody’s Changing,” have a warmer tone, although the pop-oriented, reverb-kissed tunes still have those favorite boy-girl harmonies we heard in Veronica Falls. The album reached the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart and peaked at No. 29, and the band also released a music video for the song “Teenage.” NEWSOUNDMAGAZINE.COM
Waiting for Something to Happen, is full of jangle guitars and clearer vocals as well, and the band incorporated crashing cymbals every few seconds to give it a more accessible, radio-friendly sound with a more upbeat tempo, while also adding to the rock feel with bouncing rhythms you’ll be sure to bob your head to. Despite some of the song’s literal connections with death, like “Bury me alive…I wanna get sick. I wanna catch everything you’ve ever caught” in “Buried Alive,” the songs all have to do with moving on. Maybe the band it putting their macabre past behind them, and moving on with a new sound. Sometimes the songs feel too controlled, and you may be waiting for something more dynamic to happen, but the tunes bring back that nostalgic 90s feel. The sparkling melodies are simple, yet grounded, but it can be frightening if you first think, ‘It’s great, I remember feeling like this.’ But then the video or track ends and you see your reflection in the monitor, and a stark realization sets in.
Although Veronica Falls released its first album in 2011, the band did release five demos that year, followed by Six Covers EP, a vinyl on Rough Trade in 2011 and US tour CD in 2012. Demos and More was a limited cassette Veronica Fall/Brilliant Colors split in 2012, and Six Covers Vol.2 was released on vinyl on Rough Trade and US tour CD in 2013—so there are even more tracks to be explored. The band toured for both albums, and drummer Doyle is said to command the stage between songs. As summer is fast-approaching, look to see if Veronica Falls will be playing at a venue near you, and check out Waiting for Something to Happen, to fulfill all of your breezy, dreampop cravings that will bring back a rush of old emotions with its 90s-aesthetic trend.
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JIL LIAN JE NSE N BY
J
illian Jenson, this girl is something else. Jillian is a young musician from the small town of Rochester, Massachusetts. She is very inspiring and has helped many people believe in their dreams, mostly young females. For Jillian, the opportunity of being on the show “The X Factor” has been a dream of hers. She did not do it for the fame, she came onto that show to show the world that bullying is not in any way okay. It can ruin a person and Jillian stood up for what she believed in. In her first addition she broke down in front of one of her idols, Demi Lovato. This video went viral and made even Simon Cowell show a bit of emotion. Jillian carries real feelings with her while she is performing. From that moment on, Jillian was an instant YouTube success. Jillian has turned doubters into real believers with more than 88,000 twitter followers from all across the world. She is a true inspiration for young adults who have been told they cannot reach their goal.
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ASHLEY
GOLL
The things that were said to her may have hurt her should but never was able to break her pride. She was told she wasn’t pretty or wasn’t talented but she never stopped believing in herself. It takes a lot of guys to speak about your story in front of LA Reid, Mr. Cowell, Ms. Lovato, and Britney Spears. Jillian has performed at many charity events involving her mother, Sharon Jensen. She also has taught children how to sing and play the piano. But the most important thing Jillian has done is becoming a friend to thousands of people who wanted to commit suicide because they have been bullied. I went to see Jillian perform at the Vibe Lounge in Rockville Centre, NY. I got to meet this wonderful artist she was a pleasure to be around. She was very talkative and down to earth- I think most musicians should be like her! Many of her fans and friends came to watch her perform.
NEWSOUNDMAGAZINE.COM
When Jillian stepped on stage, it lit up. Her aura from being on the stage with a microphone was magical to see. It made me feel that she was meant for this, she was meant to share her music with the world. While she is on stage she likes to be very personable with the crowd which I think is a very good trait. Jillian’s voice vibrates the room and gives me the chills every time she sings a note. The tone she uses to express her words inside of her music is breathtaking. She is a musical genius that knows how to make anything sound amazing and worth your while to listen to. Everyone’s eyes were on her, she was unconsciously the center of attention. Jillian was put on this earth because God has a purpose for her and that is bringing music to the world. Her music will continue to inspire people of all ages and will prove to them that anything is possible. I spoke with Jillian after the show for a brief minute and asked me some questions about her life as a musician. Ms. Jensen was overly nice and very involved while answering my questions. Jillian has this beautiful microphone tattooed on her back which I noticed from watching “The X Factor” I asked her what this tattoo meant to her and she replied “It represents my grandfather who passed away 12 years before I was born so I was never able to meet him. My family always tells me they see so much of my grandfather in me. He was the first musician in my family so the microphone on my back and the wire goes all the way down my side and instead of being a plug on the other end it frays out signifying with roses and vines around the wire to represent funerals.” This tattoo conveys a deep memorable meaning to Jillian which shows that she has a heart of gold. This artist comes with the whole package of being an incredible human being. Ms. Jensen and I were speaking about how outgoing she is on stage and how she likes to have the whole audience involved. I had asked her what her favorite part about performing live was and she replied back with “I think getting people to sing along because sometimes they don’t want to. That’s probably my favorite part because it’s a challenge.” Right now Jillian is on tour their Pop Explosion Tour. She is of the world her music. She told her in the future and to never let
with Pop Star Magazine with traveling and showing the rest me to expect more music from anyone give up on their selves.
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A CONVERSATION WITH...
JIL LIAN JE NSE N SINGER/SONGWRITER 20
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A QUESTION FOR YOU! JILLIAN JENSON IS FROM...
Q&A
A) BOSTON B) CHICAGO C) NEW YORK CITY D) LOS ANGELES
WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO DO WHAT YOU DO? HONESTLY EVERY DAY EXPERIENCE JUST KIND OF PUSHES ME TO DO MUSIC. GETTING THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO OUT AND PLAY FOR PEOPLE WHO GENUINELY APPRECIATE A GOOD MESSAGE THAT INSPIRES ME A LOT. HOW WAS IT BEING ON THE X- FACTOR STAGE? BEING ON THE X FACTOR WAS ONE OF THE MOST STRESSFUL EXPERIENCES OF MY ENTIRE LIFE. WHAT YOU DON’T GET TO SEE IS HOW LONG EVERY DAY IS WE LITERALLY GOT TWO HOURS OF SLEEP EVERY NIGHT WHICH IS OKAY I’M YOUNG I CAN HANDLE IT. BUT THERE IS ONLY SO MUCH YOUR VOICE CAN HANDLE AT ONE TIME. IT WAS DIFFICULT BUT THE BEST TIME OF MY LIFE AT THE SAME TIME DOES EVERYONE IN YOUR HOMETOWN SUPPORT WHAT YOU DO? MY FAMILY KNOWS THAT THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I WANT TO DO FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE SO THEY SUPPORT ME A LOT. I HAVE A 10 YEAR OLD BROTHER AND I DON’T GET TO SPEND THAT MUCH TIME WITH HIM SO THAT IS HARD FOR ME. I LIKE YOUR MICROPHONE TATTOO ON YOUR BACK, WHAT IS ITS MEANING? IT REPRESENTS MY GRANDFATHER WHO PASSED AWAY 12 YEARS BEFORE I WAS BORN SO I WAS NEVER ABLE TO MEET HIM. MY FAMILY ALWAYS TELLS ME THEY SEE SO MUCH OF MY GRANDFATHER IN ME. HE WAS THE FIRST MUSICIAN IN MY FAMILY SO THE MICROPHONE ON MY BACK AND THE WIRE GOES ALL THE WAY DOWN MY SIDE AND INSTEAD OF BEING A PLUG ON THE OTHER END IT FRAYS OUT SIGNIFYING
WITH ROSES AND VINES AROUND THE WIRE TO REPRESENT FUNERALS. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT PERFORMING LIVE? I THINK GETTING PEOPLE TO SING ALONG BECAUSE SOMETIMES THEY DON’T WANT TO. THAT’S PROBABLY MY FAVORITE PART BECAUSE IT’S A CHALLENGE. IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE YOU IN A SIMPLE WORD CHOICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? CRAP! OUTGOING, FUN-SIZED, AND JUST GOOFY. I JUST LIKE TO HAVE FUN. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SONG OF ALL TIME? MY FAVORITE SONG OF ALL TIME IS FIRE & RAIN BY JAMES TAYLOR. JAMES TAYLOR IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE ARTISTS. WHO IS ONE OF YOUR MUSICAL INFLUENCES? I GREW UP LISTENING TO A LOT OF OLD SCHOOL STUFF LIKE JOHNNY CASH, JAMES TAYLOR, ALANIS MORRASET WERE BIG PEOPLE FOR ME. I MEAN I LOVE PEOPLE OF HE NOW LIKE DEMI LOVADO AND ED SHEERAN, THOSE ARE MY TWO NUMBER ONES RIGHT NOW. I STILL LIKE TO DERIVE FROM THE OLD STUFF! OLDIES BUT GOODIES! WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOU IN THE FUTURE? RIGHT NOW I’M ON TOUR WITH POP STAR MAGAZINE WITH POP EXPLOSION TOUR! JUST MORE MUSIC. Answer: A) BOSTON
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BRANDON HEATH’S BLUE MOUNTAIN (2012) BY K Y L I E C R E M E R
“A great song can carry us to another place and a well-crafted album can introduce us to a whole new world.” This can surely be said of Brandon Heath’s most recent album, Blue Mountain (2012). Blue Mountain’s songs demonstrate his superbly intelligent song writing and his ability to tell stories using fictional characters that perfectly portray the human condition; not only can we relate to his commonly found topics of forgiveness, love, death, and admiration, but we see shades of ourselves in his characters that leave us with the satisfaction of knowing that we are not alone in these feelings. A Nashville native, Heath found a kinship with music before Jesus. At thirteen years old, Heath was given his very first guitar as a
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Christmas present. Soon after, he tried his luck at songwriting and found he enjoyed where his imagination could take him. Also a member of his high school choir, called the SophistiCats, it was only a matter of time before he realized his talent as a musician and felt he should pursue it. Contrary to what one may expect of a contemporary Christian artist, Heath grew up non-religiously, and had never gone to church prior to his teenage years. At age sixteen, he was invited to a Christian Young Life camp, where he learned about the Christian religion and came to “know Christ”. Whereas his earliest songs lack the presence of religious faith, his passion for music and his Christian beliefs began to intertwine, turning Heath into one of the most
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respected and talented artists in Christian music. not only relate to, but take comfort in knowing While songs such as “Jesus in Disguise” are someone else understands us whole-heartedly. heavily laden with the religious theme, Blue Unlike his earlier albums, which have a Mountain has songs for everyone. The album’s more poppy feel and were often found on Many of us travel through life experiencing fourth song, “Diamond” talks about a common Christian hit radio, Heath took inspiration from pain, suffering, burden – it is the human coal miner, yearning for becoming greater his roots in the Deep South and created a condition and it is inevitable. It is hard to than what he has settled for. With lyrics like sound rich with bluegrass and country motifs. believe in something that we cannot see with “I got something down inside of me that only With the addition of soaring fiddles, weeping plain eyes. It is even harder to conceive that You can see. Help me dig a little deeper now dobro, and incisive steel guitar throughout whatever unseen higher being we may believe and set that diamond free”, we can empathize most of his songs, it seems as though Heath in acknowledges our suffering and allows it to with the plight of the unsatisfied person. The has abandoned his pop centered foundation persist. “Jesus in Disguise” takes these thoughts combination of uplifting lyrics and sounds that for a sound more akin to that of Zac Brown that everyone experiences from time to time, can only be described as pure hope and faith, Band or Keith Urban, with the result being Blue gives us comfort and helps us still believe. “Diamond” is a song that everyone can relate Mountain. Although his fans may be put off by Heath reassures us that Jesus is present to whole-heartedly. the fact that many of Blue Mountain’s songs in our everyday lives, suffering with us and are not strictly radio ready, they will surely be involved in our trials and turmoil. He urges us The following song, “Love Will Be Enough able to appreciate Heath’s smooth and flawless that he is merely in disguise, and we must open For Us”, can fall into line with everyone’s vocals and thought-provoking stories centered our eyes, “wide as [we] can”. favorite love song. Sweet, light, and slow, you on the human condition. can picture Heath singing it to the woman Heath acknowledges that oftentimes we he loves more than life itself. With its perfect It is for songs like Blue Mountain’s first single, are looking for something so great that we lose “Jesus in Disguise”, that Heath is so highly focus and miss what is really important. He harmony between mellow electric and light revered as a Christian artist and songwriter. sings, “You were looking for a King, you would acoustic guitar, the song is all at once peaceful Following “The Harvester’s” folky feel, there is never recognize Jesus in disguise”. The concept and hopeful. Listeners can relate to the feeling no doubt to the listener that they are in store of a higher being is so grand and glorified to of not knowing what lies ahead in a relationship for something different and magical with this us and Heath reminds us that it is not always with the one you love, but the chorus gives the album. “Jesus in Disguise” is the perfect blend something unimaginably magnificent that we constant reassurance that “love will be enough.” of country and pop, with its catchy melody, should be looking for. More often than not, Brandon Heath’s Blue Mountain harmonic violin work, and the finger plucking of Jesus can be found in the smaller things that transgresses his past work, giving its listeners acoustic guitar. On top of Heath’s smooth and are overlooked by our closed mindedness. As an insight to the soul of the artist; a feat which rich vocals, one cannot help but love this song stated on his website biography, “You just have is not easily achieved. The 2012 album shows and sing along to it involuntarily. Heath has the to know what to look for and be willing to look the maturation of Heath as a singer/song-writer unique ability to take a passing thought of his for it.” and leaves us with anticipation and hunger for own and turn it into a tangible idea that we can the magic he will create next.
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3 Her Golden Hour:
Caitlin Canty’s Decision to Pursue Her Passion BY DESIREE KEEGAN
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1-year-old Caitlin Canty recently decided to take a leap of faith and leave her job in the science world to be a part of what she loves most—music. Canty graduated from Williams College with a major in biology and By Desiree Keegan moved from her home state of Vermont to New York. While in New York, she worked at a sustainability consulting position for two and a half years and at Artists Den for two and a half years while she began playing music on the side. “I was and still am interested in science, but playing music brings me joy. I’m grateful to have a career doing what I love. It’s what I’m trying to keep doing,” she said. “I moved to New York City for a job at the Artists Den. I sang backup with Rachel Loshak and David Poe before I worked up the songs and courage to start playing my own shows.” Canty played the trombone and sang in chorus in high school in Proctor and played soccer, basketball and ran track. “My parents and brother have always wholeheartedly supported whatever I was interested in, were always encouraging, and willing to drive me to a show or game,” she said. And music, for her, began by first loving songs. “I started singing songs other people wrote once I got an acoustic guitar,” she said. “Soon after, I took a course in songwriting in college and couldn’t get enough of it. I still can’t.” Spending most of her early years working on the production side of live music and singing backup for more established artists, she began cultivating her own music—releasing several EPs, including Neon Streets in 2010, and two full-length albums. In 2007, her first album Green was released, which included songs she recorded and mixed in her home studio. A part of the label Mishara Music, she independently produces her albums. Neon Streets though, was recorded in her band, Darlingside’s, home studio in Northampton. She released her sophomore and partially fan-funded album, Golden Hour, in October of 2012, and when its her name on the marquis, brings along a duo or trio consisting of some of the most respected sidemen in the Northeast scene. “I love playing music, The shows are the best part,” she said. “All the writing and rehearsing and driving and endless logistics are usually all to have a party with my pals who make beautiful music for people who love listening to music.” And Canty has other current collaborations as well, including co-
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writing and singing backup vocals for several bands. Darlingside is a string rock band that she sings backup vocals for, and the other, is a duo called Down Like Silver, whose music is recorded in Los Angeles, California and in her Brooklyn-based apartment. Canty co-sings and co-writes music with Peter Bradley Adams, who is other half to this duo, and the pair released their debut EP in 2011. But she has also enjoyed playing with musicians who have a band of their own such as Session Americana and Royal City Band, and solo artists like M.R. Poulopoulos, Jeffrey Foucault, Laura Cortese and Jefferson Hamer.
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ago, she was surprisingly relaxed about what could be characterized as a brave leap into the unknown. For her though, it felt right.
“I wish I had done it earlier. I thought I needed to make a living, but I was just keeping up. I realized I would never be able to write or play music well if I didn’t fully devote myself to it—so that’s what I’ve done,” Canty said. “I picked up odd jobs to keep my bills paid, and have reduced my expenses as well as i can. It’s hard work, but it’s entirely worth it.”
Golden Hour came to fruition, according to Canty, after she began writing and playing with Hans Holzen and Kyle Kegerreis. “They are brilliant Nashville-bred musicians who taught me how to play well with others,” she said. “We took those songs on the road before recording them.” The album was recorded in a “proper” studio, Canty said, in Portland, Maine with some overdubs done at apartments and studios in New York. With influences like Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, Led Zeppelin, Patty Griffin and Lucinda Williams, and her greatest influences of late, who are those musicians she plays closely with, it is easy to see how her latest album blends her folk roots with a Western tone, and how her Brooklyn-based, Nashville-bred band brings an alt-country flavor to her songs. Looking at her latest album, which was also co-produced by Darlingside, it is a rich and expansive follow-up to her debut album. With 10 original songs and one cover of a Darlingside piece, the collection can be seen as warm and vibrant, with various string arrangements—including Darlingside’s cello, mandolin, guitar, drums and harmonies in bloom, and Canty’s soulful, driven songs. “For me, music is pure joy,” she said. “I consider myself to sing Americana—A singer/songwriter who plays with a revolving door of top musicians. I have a western tone and some call that alt-country. I write song-centric music.” With brooding melodies and high-country motifs, her album of lyrical Americana contains songs that are chilling in their search through dark places, but her voice remains light and delicate. With songs like “Thorn,” “Vermont” and “Still Here,” Canty proves she is fearless with original folk-like eloquence and vocal dynamics. With only 118 subscribers and 15,580 views on YouTube, Canty continues to push through social media like the video-streaming site, along with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, to reach her audience. Although that low barrier of entry is a mixed blessing—there’s a lot of noise out there, and authenticity will always stand out. Her music is in the rotation on the “Country and Folk” channel of Lufthansa flights, and was recently featured on WFUV Public Radio and Exit 97.7 WEXT, so her second album is looking well-received. Although recently engaged and thinking about marriage and the prospect of a family in the coming years, Canty will continue to make music professionally as part of this new balancing act. “I’m as committed to music as I am to breathing. Marriage isn’t about to change that. I do believe that my relationship with music will change over the years, it always had,” she said. “But I wouldn’t be marrying anyone if I thought it could disrupt my relationship with music.” Although Canty only committed herself to music full-time three years
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the past they have toured with bands such as Sparks The Rescue, The Morning Of, and The Secret Handshake. At present, they are on tour with Ace Enders and A Million Different People and Person L on ‘The BBQ Across America Tour’, which sees the band playing over 30 dates until the end of July I recently asked guitarist Cody Payne a few questions about ‘Reach For The Sun’, the history of the band, future plans and the likelihood of coming over to the United Kingdom. Tell us a bit about the history of the band. I understand you formed whilst still in High School? Cody: Well we have always been in bands together since the beginning of high school. We didn’t really play together at all during junior year but in the summer before senior year we decided to start this band. We didn’t play any shows until we had an EP fully written and recorded and we sort of just jumped right into touring, we figured there was no point establishing yourself as a local band unless you want people to think of you as a local band. You’ve just released your new album ‘Reach For The Sun’. You worked with previous producer Paul Leavitt, how was it work with him again? Cody: It was awesome working with him. He is from our home town and we have been working with him for years so it was naturally who we trusted with our first full length. Are you surprised by the positive reaction the record has been getting? Cody: We were all really really nervous for the reaction we were gonna get from this album since it was our first full length and that usually is a crucial point in a bands career. It has been amazing seeing such high praise on this album. There seems to be a positive energy throughout the album. What were the main influences when the album was being written?
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Cody: I think the main “influence” on this album was just us wanting to write good music. We spent a year at home doing pretty much nothing, so after a while we just needed to write and record a new album and then hit the road. During that time hope we started listening to a bunch of new music and it really helped shape our sound, bands like Weatherbox, Tegan and Sara, Death Cab, Rise Against and Polar Bear Club. How did you become involved with Hopeless Records? Cody: We met Rian from All Time Low at a guitar center and showed him our EP and he liked it a bunch and showed the rest of his band. They came out to a few shows and put us on a couple shows with them, they sort of hooked up the whole thing with Hopeless, cool thing for them to do. Did you notice any differences at shows after the album was released? Cody: A lot more people have been coming out to the shows, which has been amazing, we are just hoping it continues to go in that direction. How do you spend your time when you’re not playing shows? Cody: For the most part we just spend a LOT of time on the internet. We try to run to keep in shape, and we write a ton of ideas for songs... most of them get forgotten. Any plans to go over to the United Kingdom? Cody: I really hope so, we have been wanting to come over there for a while. We really want to establish ourselves over here before we go over there, but hopefully sometime within the next year! Is there anything else you’d like to say? Cody: Check out the new album! Tell all your friends, and come hang out at a show!
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V E N U E
R E V I E W
PETE’S CANDY STORE
BY A S H L E Y G O L L
P
ete’s Candy Store has been around more or less forever, and it has remained basically unchanged throughout- so some will tend to take it for granted. The outdoor patio/ garden in the back is sort of like a dream in warm weather. Pete’s is in a residential neighborhood and the patio really feels like hanging out in someone’s backyard which gives it a very home like feel. But while it is still cold out- the interior feels really cozy also- almost like a ski-lodge or something like it. The bartenders are super friendly and all the drinks are reasonably priced. It’s difficult to go there and not enjoy it because there are many things to do and many different parts of the bar to visit. You can hang out in the front of the bar, talk, and have a drink. They even serve food at a reasonable price. You can go straight back and get the only table near the bathroom, which is actually quite cozy. You can head straight back and
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off to the right and hang out in the corridor with the candles. Pete’s is pretty unique among North Brooklyn bars/music venues for its performance. This down-home-stylish bar was formerly a local luncheonette for the neighborhood’s Italian old timers as well as onetime, a candy store! Fake birds in the windows and Chinese newspapers laminated on the table tops give the place a kitschy feel. The owner is actually a set designer, so the backroom has cleverly been created into something that looks like a train car. The real attraction of the venue is the stage. The stage floor is located at the far end of the train car with no riser, which I think is pretty clever. There are chairs and tables along both sides of the train car with a narrow walking space. I wouldn’t say its more than two or three people wide. I think this unique atmosphere gives the audience a chance to be close to the artist and actually hear the sound of the instruments sway
ADDRESS:
709 LORIMER ST., BROOKLYN, NY 11211 NR. RICHARDSON ST.
as though they were singing directly to them. The way this venue is set up concentrates more on the audience alone making them feel they came to this show for a reason and their expectation is met. Not to mention that Pete’s is always free! It’s best suited for solo performers and smaller, mostly acoustic acts, the kind of room where people in the audience sit at tables to listen. And they really listen -- this is a pretty unusual thing for music venues, I don’t know, anywhere. It doesn’t cost anything extra to get into the performance space, so people who had come to just hang out do indeed venture into the back room to take a chance on whoever’s playing.
LIVE MUSIC
Nightly, check website for schedule
ADULT SPELLING BEE
Every other Monday, 7:30pm; prizes range from bar tabs to paninis
QUIZZ OFF
Wednesdays, 7:30pm–9:30pm; Jeopardy-like game; prizes range from bar tabs to paninis
HOURS
Mon-Thu, 5pm-2am; Fri-Sat, 4pm-4am; Sun, 3:30pm-2am
HAPPY HOUR
Daily, 5pm-7pm; $2 Yuengling; $3 Brooklyn Lager, well drinks
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VENUE REVIEW
KNITTING FACTORY BY A S H L E Y G O L L
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361 METROPOLITAN AV E N E W Y O R K , NY 11211
HOURS: MON.-SUN., 5 P.M. - 4 A.M. PRICE RANGE: $ (UNDER $9) RESERVATIONS: REQUIRED . TICKETS NEEDED FOR SHOWS, BUT THERE IS A BAR OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. ALCOHOL: FULL BAR ADMISSION PRICE: DEPENDS ON EVENT MUSIC STYLE: ROCK, ROCKABILLY, SKA, ACOUSTIC, ALTERNATIVE, HIP HOP, INDIE, POP, AND PUNK SMOKING: NO
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he Knitting Factory is a legendary music venue located in Williamsburg. It has been a long journey considering it has been 20 years for this venue. It was originally located on the Lower East Side space to Tribeca and finally stopped across the river to Williamsburg. The best element about this music venue would be the huge, soundproof glass windows that separate the main bar from the 200- capacity concert area. This provides a great view of the stage even for those just looking to grab a casual drink. This was very creative and a good means for customers to enjoy watching the show even if they did not purchase tickets. It is a win win situation for all. Just like to manager stated when I asked the question what was the inspiration behind the design? Bill answered, “The main focus is the glass windows behind the bar which allows seeing the show even if they cannot get near the stage.” The entry level also sports an old school DJ setup to entertain people sitting inside the leather booths along the wooden tables. The bands that are booked to play at the knitting factory are very friendly which is a plus. They make you feel comfortable like it is their job and duty to be nice to their audiences. Getting to the show early to really get a feel what the venue is all about is a great idea. I walked right in and interviewed the manager and all of the staff was very kind and helpful. While waiting for the show to start I took a seat in the front room and watched as the bands were setting up their equipment. It was nice to feel close to the band while being in a different room. Watching them play was a whole different story- being in the concert room was a feeling one could have once in a lifetime. The beats, lyrics, vibrations, and emotions that were jumping from wall to wall were indescribable. Considering that the Knitting Factory is keeping its electric, all age’s line up intact- the new venue is a marked improvement over its predecessors in many ways. This venue is less crowded and much cleaner after moving locations. There are two fewer stages than the previous venue. This Factory is as much as a bar as it is a music venue. Which is proborbaly a necessary concession for the times but one that sacrifices a bit to meet the needs of both music lovers and casual drinkers.
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I N T E R V I E W W I T H BILL OF THE KNITTING FACTORY
When was this Venue established? This venue was established roughly 25 years ago in the city on the lower east side we re located here about 3 years ago. We have been in Williamsburg since November 2009. Why did you relocate? The motivation behind the move was complicated. Williamsburg is more of a creative music scene. What kind of audience do you usually wish to attract? ”It depends on the show. We try to present the best music locally and nationally as we can; it is based on the acts specifically. It is a wide range and a younger crowd generally. 20 to early 30’s but we do not focus on any demo. We just want to put on good shows and play good music.” What is the best part about being the manager at this music venue/ worst? “Wow, that’s a great question-Being someone who grew up loving music and playing music myself its pretty cool. The best part about running this place is the culture of this company and that’s to present really great music from grass roots level and try to build them through our venue. To be apart of our scene is very exciting.” How does Booking shows work? “There are a few different avenues people take. We have a talent buyer and he handles a bare percentage of our acts. We have a couple of interns who help support the calendar and book local shows. It’s the normal like agent’s talent managers and bands.” What was the inspiration about the design? “The main focus is the glass windows behind the bar
which allows seeing the show even if they cannot get near the stage.” What made you want to work here? “I moved out here 3 years ago from Kansas City- I kind of was just looking for a job and I have heard of the knitting factory and actually found this on Craig’s list. I was really very fortunate, it kind of worked out.” Future plans for this venue? “I don’t know there are really drastic changes-our focus remains on building and displaying good music that people want to come see consistently. The company as a whole is always looking for opportunities. We are just building our legacy and don’t plan to stop.” What kind of food/drinks do you serve? “We do not serve food- We don’t do mixology either. We are a beer and shot bar. Basically we sell a lot of Jameson, Brooklyn beers and PBR.” Can you define/ describe a perfect music venue? “I don’t know there is such a thing as a perfect music venue. There are a lot of great venues Red Rocks in Denver as my personal favorite. You have to have a good system and good production. We are fortunate here we have many skilled staff members that help us out. Site lines and comfort of billing- The way the company grows, the way the box office is run. What I like about this venue is that you can see the show no matter where you are standing. The staff plays a big part in running a good music venue, and also the atmosphere. I have been to so many venues that are so different but I like equally the same.”
LIV E
R E VI EW
MEET PAUSE BY A S H L E Y G O L L
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eet Pause is a semi new band from Brunswick New Jersey. I met them a couple of weeks ago while I was at their show and I could tell they had something unique going on. Its apparent that I was pretty much spot on, because after heating their first song it was at the instant I knew they were going to make it big. Meet Pause was digging the scene. It was their first time at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn- they liked that the atmosphere was different from what they are used to. What I like about Meet Pause is that all of the band members are so different yet at the same time all very positive. Their outlooks on the music scene in general are so interesting and stand out to the average eye. They seem to be always smiling- they give off a positive effect on how bands view Jersey City. As an individual who enjoys critiquing music I always have some fears when it comes to checking out new material- Especially when I become really invested in a band. There is a fear that the new music will not resonate with me the way some old stuff did. When it comes down to it there is a bit of a “getting to know you” period. But once I heard Meet/Pause play their music live at the Knitting Factory that “getting to know you” period went over my head and I let my ears adjust to their sounds that blew my mind. I have heard their stuff online before but hearing it live gave me an even better outlook than I had in the first place. Scott Thompson, Graeme Gardner, Keith Laviola, Sean Favre are New Brunswick’s emergency rock get-up Meet/Pause. They have a mercurial sound that ranges from temperate tracks of a nostalgic nature to tyrannical tirades about love loss. Comparisons to Get-up Kids comes to mind, but Scott and Keith’s guitar keys trade off combined with Graeme’s drum work and Sean’s bass bring something unique that’s impossible to categorize. During the live show a song that really stuck out to me was “Cell Blocks & River Docks” Before I went to the show I kept listening to this song over and over again to come up with a sort of feel the band wanted their audience to capture. I came to the decsion that this song
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intertwined with emotive rock fashion. I liked how this song was a bit longer than their other ones- they knew how to play it will live! As a group they are portraying a sense of stability and enjoyment at the same time. The epic guitar love/hate ballad might have been my favorite part. By the third line this song starts to get darker and the boys tend to rock out as the vocals pick up from Scott. While Graeme is focusing on the skins which are beyond amazing considering it is driving this song up its stairway. These guys know how to put on a good show and portray their emotions on that stage- They light up the scene around them, not to mention they are always smiling. This song switches from manic to depressive and even back again! To describe my love for this song live I do not think it is possibleI made sure I told the band how much I enjoyed it. The chorus wraps this song up in a way where no band can go on their owntheir team work and preparation for this show defiantly paid off. Another one of their songs I found to be a real crowd screamer was “Co Workers” Someone has dipped his pen into the company ink! And it went wrong- that is what I pick up from this song. This song is a perfect end to their album even the title just tops it off. Their tune they take with it pretty much breaks down on the keys simple and nice with a bit of a power guitar background. I was thrilled with the breakdown of this song and how it was preformed. Meet/Pause knows how to get their crowd pumped- this is surely a herald of things to come. This band knows how to stay true to their sound and the way they evolve as well. I’ve come to terms that I will now label this band emergency rock. Listen to their album and you will understand why- Its pleading, its urgent, and the tempo doesn’t fail to rise and fall at all of the right points! You can check Meet/Pauses new Cluster Cascade EP out on www.meetpause.bandcamap.com and download it for free!
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L I V E
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MYRA FLYNN BY ASHLEY GOLL
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yra Flynn’s symphony of words and simplistic approach won me over! A very talented young lady whose beauty on the outside matches her insides, now that is hard to find. We think Myra Flynn is an artist to keep your eye on. The sway to her sound between her lyrics start to imbed into you and create a chill. To say her way of communicating with the audience resembles perfection is actually an understatement. She connects with the crowd she is in front of, it is just her, the piano, and the verses that gracefully flow through the microphone. I wouldn’t take your focus off this original artist- she will blow up and make it big. Her voice pierces through the crowd- the audience can feel her words as if they were a blanket keeping them warm. Myra makes you feel close to her and her implicit lyrics and her use of the keyboard dramatically heightens and intensifies the intricate fabric of the song. Myra Flynn is a singer/songwriter hailing from central Vermont. Her live shows blend indie soulful vocals with an engaging stage presence and a down home folk feel. She maintains a busy performance schedule in Vermont and beyond. Myra’s vocal stylings have been compared to the likes of Erykah Badu, Adele, Leela James, and Norah Jones and she counts Joni Mitchell among her lyrical influences. A versatile musician, Myra performs as an intimate solo act, or a duo with musical collaborator Paul Boffa as Quiet Songs, or backed by her tight veteran band Spark. In each format, she delivers earnest original songs and obscure covers to a growing fan base. At age 16, Myra left Vermont for the bright lights of New York City, earning three years of studio/learning time with Wyclef Jean’s Refugee All Stars. She has since opened for Ivan Neville, Alexa Ray Joel, Slick Rick, and Lee “Scratch” Perry. Emphasizing, “I was a writer before I was a singer,” Myra is also a working journalist. Her original compositions, some including her own spoken poetry, reflect maturity as both a writer and a performer. Instrumentation: Myra Flynn-Vocals and Keys Paul Boffa-Guitar and bass Aaron Carlino-Guitar Lissa Carlino-Backup vocals
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A CONVERSATION WITH
MYRA FLYNN BY ASHLEY GOLL
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR MUSIC? “I WOULD LIKE TO DESCRIBE MY MUSIC AS INDIE SOUL. I AM HALF IRISH AND HALF AFRICAN AMERICAN AND I LIKE TO THINK I CAN DESCRIBE BOTH SIDES OF IT VERY WELL.” IF YOU COULD PICK ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE WHY YOU STARTED CREATING MUSIC, WHAT WOULD IT BE? “I DON’T THINK IT’S REALLY AN OPTION- ITS SOMETHING THAT’S INSIDE OF YOU THAT YOU HAVE TO KIND OF JUST DO IT. THAT SOUNDS LIKE A BUNCH OF CREATIVE BULLSHIT BUT ITS NOT.” WHO IS YOUR MUSICAL INFLUENCE? “JONNIE MITCHELL” WHY? “BECAUSE SHE IS LYRICALLY PROFOUND AND SHE’S THE PERSON IN MY LIFE WHOSE ABLE TO DESCRIBE HER FEELINGS IN THE MOST ARTICULATE WAY.” I NOTICED MANY OF YOUR SONGS ARE VERY EMOTIONALIS THERE ONE PERSON YOU ARE DESCRIBING? “NOT REALLY- I TRY TO WRITE LOVE SONGS, ANGRY LOVE SONGS AND TRY TO STICK TO THAT AS A THEME. I DO IT UN APOLOGETICALLY AND I WON’T BE CHANGING ANYTIME SOON.” WHAT IS YOUR OUTLOOK ON THE RECORD INDUSTRY TODAY? “OH MAN, HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU HAVE? THE RECORD
INDUSTRY IS OPERATING ON A MODEL THAT DOESN’T WORK ANY LONGER. SOMETIMES I THANK GOD FOR THAT BECAUSE AS AN INDEPENDENT MUSICIAN WHO IS VERY BUSINESS SAVVY IT’S A COOL THING TO NOT BE BEHOLD TO ANYONE.” WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR AUDIENCE TO GET OUT OF YOUR MUSIC? “I JUST WANT PEOPLE TO FEEL IF PEOPLE ARE FEELING WITH MUSIC THAT’S GOOD FOR ME. I AM ALSO A PRETTY LITERAL SONG WRITER SO I JUST WANT PEOPLE TO IDENTIFY WITH THE LYRICS.” WHAT AGE DID YOU START CREATING MUSIC? “I STARTED PLAYING THE PIANO AT THE AGE OF 4 AND STARTING SONG WRITING 11 YEARS AGO.” BACK HOME IN VERMONT DO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS SUPPORT YOU? “MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS ABSOLUTELY SUPPORT ME. EVERYBODY HAS BEEN AN AMAZING HELP.” WHAT MADE YOU REALIZE YOU WANTED TO BE A MUSICIAN? “I USE TO BE A JOURNALIST- AND THEN PEOPLE STOPPED READING THE NEWSPAPER; I GOT LAID-OFF SO I DECIDED TO BE AN ARTIST. MY MOM USE TO SCREAM AT ME TO TELL ME TO SHUT UP WHEN I USE TO SING IN THE HOUSE.”
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Tiffany Jo Allen BY D E S I R E E K E E GA N
T
iffany Jo Allen developed a love for music at a very young age, and with that love inside her, sang her heart out until she was the youngest to have a No. 1 hit on the Nashville Western Charts. Throughout her career, she has continued to take her adventures to new heights. Most recently, starting a YouTube channel after a fan taped one of her performances and uploaded it to the video-sharing website. Born in Tucson, Ariz. in June of 1992, she put on her first performance at age six. At age eight, she performed with her nana, who played the guitar, and the two performed festivals and state fairs. Soon after, she received her first guitar and began writing songs. Her recording of “Cowboy Sweetheart” by Leann Rimes was widely well-received, and lifted her up the ranks to stardom as she reached No. 1 on the charts in Power Source Magazine At 11, she began performing over 70 shows a year from Los Angeles to Virginia, and even won the International Yodeling Championship title and beat out 22,000 contestants to become the Official Yahoo Yodeler just a couple of years later. Since then, her stardom has continued to amplify as she went on to record three CDs and performed with country music legends such as Mel Tillis. With a voice that is sure to touch your heart, Tillis stated that she is one of the finest entertainers she has ever seen. And Allen has shown that not only is she passionate about performing, but passionate about giving back as well. She raised thousands of dollars for the Red Cross, the United Way, the Veterans Hospital and the Aspen Fire Victims and Tuscan Medical Center Children’s Ward. Since then, she has accomplished her goal, which was to create her own charity. Tiffany’s Kids began working with Borders Music Stores and Funtasticks Amusement Parks, and Allen works to personally purchase the passes and hand deliver them to military bases. This is so that children who have deployed parents, can enjoy a fun and free afternoon. Portions of the proceeds from her albums, Take Me Back to Tucson; Heroes, Cowgirls and Dreams; and Goin’ Country, have helped send over 1,000 children of military families to amusements parks. As a yodeling sensation, a young icon and just a natural born giver, Allen has continued to make an impression. She sang with the likes of The Drifters and Foreigner, and now has an even more successful YouTube channel with over 30 million views and over 100,000 subscribers.
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She has progressed from her young days of yodeling as well. Her music has been altered to have more of a pop/country flare as her style, along with her voice, matures. This can especially be seen in one of her most recent videos, a cover of “Kiss You” by One Direction. The plastered grin has been removed from her face as she sings her heartfelt acoustic version of the song, with soul. Her whispered vocals are smooth and soft, and her sultry sound improves with each new cover and original tune. Moving forward, Allen’s fan base continues to grow. Her invitations to perform continue to exceed anything a young and still growing artist could every wish to achieve. Allen has created fan bases worldwide, in all seven continents, including countries like Indonesia and Italy. Moving forward, Allen says on her website that she looks forward to traveling and meeting as many of her supporters who were with her from the very beginning, as possible. “Nothing makes me happier than to be on stage doing what I love to do,” she said. “My dream is that I put on the best show for my fans than I’ve ever done. My dreams are coming true…one fan at a time.”
NEWSOUNDMAGAZINE.COM
BY DREW BISCARDI
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rixie Whitley is a seasoned veteran of the New York music scene, and is achieving worldwide notoriety as an amazing talent, both as a songwriter and singer. She garnered lots of attention for the quality of her first EP “Strong Blood,” and worked with world renowned producer Daniel Lanois (U2, Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel, Neil Young) on her second EP “The Engine,” the collaboration leading to a 2011-20012 world tour as Black Dub.
ability to match her voice to the needs of the music, which always features interesting and unexpected arrangements and instrumentation, yet without being odd-sounding or overbearing.
The release date for her new full-length album “Fourth Corner” is the 29th of January. If the video tracks available for viewing on her website are any indication, it is going to be something any real fan of singer-songwriter type rock will not want to miss. Go check out Whitley’s music is a seamless mix of rock the video for “Need Your Love” right now. and blues. Her singing, though always It features an awesome blend of dirty guitar versatile and varied, verges on R&B at times. hooks, spectacular vocals and a nice jumpy The strength of her songwriting lies in Whitley’s drum machine beat to carry the tune along.
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MI LO GREENE
By Desiree Keegan
M
ilo Greene is an indie folk-pop quintet with four lead singers--none of whom are named Milo.
The group was formed in Northern California around 2009, and consisted of three members: Marlana Sheetz, Robbie Arnett and Andrew Heringer. After relocating to Los Angeles, the trio added singer/multi-instrumentalist Graham Fink and percussionist Curtis Marrero. Although Milo Greene is not the name of a band member, it is the name of a fictitious booking agent and a persona created by the group to help them get gigs in the beginning stages of playing shows. “He’s British. He wears a three-piece-suit. He wears a monocle. He’s albino. He has chops, sideburns. He’s confident, charming, well-read, well-spoke. He’s a gentlemen, the kind of guy we all aspire to be,” the band told The Guardian. And the members decided to keep the name of this fictitious character for the group. With three and sometimes four piece harmonies, the band makes for a unique sound. Although Sheetz’s vocals are largely the center of their sound, all the band members share lead and background vocals and often switch instruments from song to song, which the band said sometimes turns sets into a bit of a circus. On stage, besides Marerro sticking to percussions, you will see Arnett move from guitar to keyboard, and Sheetz might move from keys to bass as Fink might switch from bass to guitar while Heringer switches from guitar to banjo. And not fitting into any particular mold musically, with the multitude of singers and instruments, Milo Greene actually has its own music genre label in mind: “Cinematic-Pop.” “Originally when we started this band we wanted to create music that we could potentially see being placed in movies and TV,” Sheetz told Lauren Moraski of CBS News. “We really love scoring and that’s how we wanted the music to sound. Very cinematic--which is kind of why we like to call it cinematic-pop.’” In 2012, Milo Greene made multiple appearances on latenigh talk shows, including the Late Show with David Letterman, Conan, Last Call with Carson Daly and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. The band also released its self-titled debut LP in July of 2012. The disk, with amazing harmonies and beautiful melodies is laid back yet bursting with vibrant energy. The album begins with a chorus of chimes and woodwinds as the hushed vocals wash over you asking that question many receive in times of stress: “What’s the matter?” As the album progresses, there is something meditative about it-as if you’re escaping to some calm, serene hiding place, or driving through an empty city late at night or in the early hours before sunrise.
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The drums build through each song as well, giving a heartbeat that grows stronger and stronger as the songs play on. The message grows more and more prominent as well, starting with “What’s the Matter,” a track that insinuates looking back and dwelling on thoughts, to “Take a Step,” with a message that can be seen as a “we can learn from past mistakes,” and “there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.” And to play into this “cinematic-pop” style, the band also decided the film motif would return in the form of a visual companion--a short film entitled “Moddison.” This “complete cinematic companion” was released in October of 2012 following their album, and written by the band and directed by Chad Huff. The film consists of a series of individual music videos for every song on the album, in order. Moddison was made across a span of five days at a cabin owned by Heringer’s grandfather on Shaver Lake in California, and was named it after a street he lived on in Sacramento. “We figured why not make our own movie and soundtrack it ourselves,” Sheetz said in an interview with OC Weekly. “We made a film. It’s about 40 minutes long. There’s no talking. It’s strictly just visual. We did it up in Shaver Lake, Calif., which is a very beautiful woodsy, mountain town where we did a lot of the recordings for the album,” he told CBS of their fiveday creation. “It seems like it kind of fit the vibe of the music we were trying to make. It’s kind of what we saw. It’s our vision of what the music is kind of. I think it’s really beautiful.” Moddison was also the street that Arnett and Sheetz created a lot of their sic on, when they started off as a duo. The the group, the story of the album;s connect from beginning to end, is personal. As the band begins to skyfall into the American charts, be sure to check out Milo Greene in their self-titled debut album, and look for them as they tour from now until mid-summer, where they will end at the Bonnaroo music and arts festival. From the complex, contemplative and haunting sounds that are squeezed into the record, to the mellow vocals and thumping rhythms that help Moddison flow, it is easy to get lost in the sound of Milo Greene.
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CHLOE SUNSHINE 50
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BY DESIREE KEEGAN
NEWSOUNDMAGAZINE.COM
W
hen Kendall Chloë Eagan graduated high school and moved from Topanga, California to Boston, Massachusetts to be a part of the Berklee School of Music, she found herself part of the only college to host an official party at the SXSW Music and Media Conference--one of the music industry’s biggest events. The 8th Annual SXSW Day Party in Austin, Texas on March 15 featured up-and-coming Berklee, Berkleemusic. com, and Heavy Rotation Records (HRR) alumni and students performing rock, pop, electronic, Americana and folk music. In December of 2011, Eagan, who’s act is titled Chloë Sunshine, released her debut album titled Indian Summer, which contained seven tracks that are sure to soothe the soul. Her music, dubbed California indie, surf rock, chillwave, shoegaze and low-fi, mixes pop sensibilities with classic surf rock aesthetics--making it the perfect summer fun soundtrack. Singles “Love, Love, Love” and “Hold Me,” have since been featured by such publications as MB! by Mercedes-Benz’s Vision Diamond mixture and Boston favorite Allston Pudding’s winter 2011 mixtape. These tracks reflect what the rest of the disk has to offer, as themes of heartbreak and
love lost are clothed in happy melodies and fell-good, whispered vocals. Chloë Sunshine has been compared to Cults, Tegan and Sara, Tennis and Dum Dum Girls, and Eagan’s music quickly gained international attention. Since graduating, Eagan decided to pick up and relocate to New York City, where she formed a trio with current band members Jessica Louise Dye, who fronted D.C.’s band Lightfoot, and Natasha Chitayat, a Berklee alum and NYC-based music engineer. The three raised hundred of dollars and were able to fund their first SXSW tour, and since then, the band has been spotted in Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia and D.C., and have performed with acts like Hillary Barleaux; Ann Driscoll; Catey Shaw; Gary B & the Notions; Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights; and Seamonster. Be sure to check out Chloë Sunshine’s 2011 album on bandcamp, and look for new music from the group coming soon!
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TOP
10
SONGS
1
JAY-Z featuring JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE Holy Grail
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Cold War Kids Miracle Mile
John Legend Used to Love U
Krewella Killin’ It
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Marina & the Diamonds Lies
Emeli Sandé River
The Tallest Man on Earth The Wild Hunt
Randy Houser Runnin’ Outta Moonlight
Imagine Dragons Demons
One Republic Counting Stars
CA LEN DAR OF EVE NTS
UPCOMING SHOWS Knitting Factory 8/30 8/30 9/3 9/25
Continental @ 8 pm T.G.I.F ‘90s Night @ 10 pm Seasick Mama @ 8pm Holy Ghost Tenet Revival @ 8pm
Music Hall Of Williamsburg 9/8 9/10 9/24 9/27
Laura Marling @ 8:30 pm Moon Taxi @ 9pm Julia Holter @ 9pm Bastille @ 9pm
Mercury Lounge 9/14 9/17 9/24 9/30
Magical Clouds @ 10:30 pm No Joy @ 6:30 pm Bear Hands @ 9:30 pm Suzanne Sundfor @ 9 pm
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WATCH IT FOR THE MUSIC
BY D E S I R E E K E E GA N
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1. All My Days- Alexi Murdoch 2. Blue Mind- Alexi Murdoch 3. What Is Life- George Harrison 4. Song For You- Alexi Murdoch 5. Golden Brown- The Stranglers 6. Towards The Sun- Alexi Murdoch 7. Meet Me In The Morning- Bob Dylan 8. Breathe- Alexi Murdoch 9. Wait- Alexi Murdoch 10. The Ragged Sea- Alexi Murdoch 11. Oh! Sweet Nuthin’- The Velvet Underground 12. Orange Sky- Alexi Murdoch 13. Crinan Wood- Alexi Murdoch Just pop in the CD, and away you go. The soundtrack to the original motion picture Away We Go has a long-lasting impact that resonates with what the film is trying to portray. The road trip structure of the film revolves around one couple, played by John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph, who are trying to find the perfect place to raise there soon-to-be-born child. After the couple finds out the Krasinski’s character Bert’s parents are moving to Europe and wont be around to help raise the child, the two embark on a whirlwind tour of a handful of cities where they meet up with wacky friends and family members, to find the ideal place to build their new life together. But besides focusing on the drama, as the two find themselves wondering if they’re cut out for parenthood at all, the film shies away dark drama and focuses instead, on comedy. As the film is structured around this road trip, the soundtrack offers a quality song selection that, although is not comedic, is centered around the sweet sounds of British singer/songwriter Alexi Murdoch. The soundtrack is light and acoustic, fueled by a compassionate and intimate folk sound that pairs well with this indie film. And while at some points some of the characters may bother you,
like Maggie Gyllenhaal’s character as an annoying and unlikeable, new age spirited mother or Allison Janney’s character who is too eager to take shots at her otherwise normal kids, the soundtrack helps to round the rough edges to mask some of this conflict and self-reflection that is based too much on comic relief. But there has been some criticism as to what could be seen as haunting and beautiful melodies from a lyrical wordsmith. The songs tend to sound the same. And yes, most of his songs tend to be low and slow instead of loud and upbeat. But they’re optimistic. And paired with the theme of the film these songs, most of which can be heard on Murdoch’s breakthrough album Time Without Consequence, work well with the film. The soundtrack resembles a journey you could have in your life, and it could take you from the journey in the film, to a journey in real life. It brings back memories of a childhood with simpler times, and creates an aura and a soothing feeling you just want to float along to. Although Murdoch’s songs fill nine of the 13 slots on this disk, his words are meaningful, like in the opening track “All My Days,” or the second track “Blue Mind.” As the songs float along you begin to find yourself falling deeper and deeper into the character’s lives and dilemma as they bounce around
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from place to place waiting for something to stick. Songs like the opener “All My Days,” which also served as the opener to Time Without Consequence, was used in the film’s trailer and is one of his best of the early set. But his most commercial song to date is “Orange Sky,” a gorgeous, romantic lullaby that appears toward the end of the soundtrack before the bonus track, “Crinan Wood.” These two act as a good one-two punch at the beginning and end of the album, to bring it all full circle. And to break up all of Murdoch’s song selections, you have George Harrison, The Stranglers, Bob Dylan and The Velvet Underground. Each of these artists does the film justice as well. Harrison’s “What is Life,” helps to embody the film’s theme of finding yourself and succeeding in life with your love by your side, and helps bring a more up tempo song with its jangle rock roots, to soundtrack. This can also be seen with The Strangler’s “Golden Brown,” which offers a more of a whimsical feel. Dylan’s “Meet Me in the Morning,” which has more of a country twang, although is slower than the other non-Murdoch tracks, and The Velvet Underground’s “Oh! Sweet Nuthin,’” fills a more gloomy, deeper mood with a more somber outlook in terms of lyrics, but all act as high peaks for the album. But there has also been some criticism of the song selections with it comes to Murdoch, because it does not lend much new material to already devoted and preexisting fans. Although Time Without Consequence sat atop numerous Top 10 lists, the soundtrack only offers three new songs of Murdoch’s—”Towards the Sun,” “The Ragged Sea” and “Crinan Wood.” Murdoch’s fingerpicked guitar and solemn vocals result in a sound and emphasis that rarely strays from the consistent vibe of the disk. This also caters to the movies, as it offers up the same brand of wistful contemplation. For a film that focuses on the details of life in employment, social networking, marriage, pregnancy and childhood, it is only appropriate that someone as simple and pragmatic as Murdoch should lend his talents to this film. Away We Go is a good soundtrack to lose yourself in on a long drive or during times of winding down and contemplating all of life’s stressors, and is a light, uncomplicated foray into acoustic folk that is earnest, compassionate and genial. For those who are Murdoch fans, it reminds you of how talented Murdoch, who has not yet made the jump to mainstream, is. And if you have not yet listened to him, it’s a pretty good place to start.