Author: Jessica Golich

Based in Detroit, Michigan. Owner/Writer of LifeBeyondTheMusic.com.

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Music Reviews

Chicago Musician, Ivor Lane, Set to Release New EP – ‘Postplay’

Chicago Musician, Ivor Lane, has fluidly laced their empathetic nature into an emotive release in the form of music throughout their upcoming EP release, ‘Postplay’. Through candidly navigating and scavenging through a stripped down inner territory that challenged Ivor Lane to transform pieces of their life experience, ‘Postplay’ exhibits hope in the midst of a soulful catharsis. Given that we were able to explore an early release of ‘Postplay’ prior to its upcoming March 29th, 2019 release, here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Loved Me”, Ivor slowly creeps into a mellow echo of their haunting and beautiful vocals which align with the delivery of Tracy Chapman as Ivor lyrically finds clarity in accepting unrequited love. The second track, “Miss Me”, begins with a haunting dense piano instrumental akin to Death Cab For Cutie as Ivor lyrically traces the scars on their battered spirit with a thread of vulnerability that is abounding with raw and unguarded truth. “Reminder” is the third track that switches it up toward a dose of cryptic dark laced with anger and vengeance as Ivor lyrically sleeps with the remnants of the past that linger through their mind and room as they traps oneself in a state of gloom. The fourth track, “I Wait Too Long”, tricks listeners with an opening instrumental that matches the likes of both Kanye West and Moby as Ivor reaches in their reservoirs of femininity to lyrically bring out a divine trace of pain that has been a serpent that they have been dying to heal. Closing out with “You’ve Got Me”, Ivor elevates his perspective into a realm of hope while lyrically immersing listeners with their experience of gifting themself with another chance to live and love.

Ivor’s voice is rich in empathy with a delivery that showcases that it took serious life experience and hurt to come to a place of peace. Set a reminder for the March 29th, 2019 release of ‘Postplay’ by Ivor Lane. If you’re a fan of a mixture of fellow musicians such as Bon Iver, Poe and Portishead then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Ivor Lane on YouTube.

Ivor Lane Social Links:

Facebook • Website

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Music Reviews

Nashville Rockers, Best Intentions, Release New Single – “Twisted”

Nashville Rockers, Best Intentions, have lyrically and instrumentally put their best and most firm foot forward when it comes to spreading the important message that no one has to accept toxicity in their life in any form throughout their latest single, “Twisted”. It is evident that it took years of experience, pain and a toxic interpersonal connection to sprout the downright hurt throughout “Twisted” which tends to come when the rose-colored glasses eventually fall off. Lead Vocalist, Tony Pietrafesa, makes it felt through his scratchy vocal style that he is tired of enduring something that no longer fits with the self-respect that he has chosen to embody. 

Best Intentions are gearing up for an exciting year as they have their upcoming debut album set to be released this Summer of 2019. Showcasing instrumental synergy and the ability to take listeners to a nostalgic place that is abounding with spite, Best Intentions have taken a turn down a road that not many active bands are going through with lacing in a touch of Emo similar to bands of The Used, Hawthorne Heights and He Is Legend when they were in their prime. The guys of Best Intention have the best intentions heading into a promising career of music ahead. Travel back in time to the days of our mosh-pit, Rock ‘N’ Roll glory with Best Intentions over “Twisted”. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Something Corporate, Taking Back Sunday and Armor For Sleep, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Best Intentions on YouTube.

Best Intentions Social Links:

Facebook • Twitter • Instagram

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Music Reviews

Erich Mrak Kicks off 2019 With New Single – “Navigate”

Toronto Native, Erich Mrak, has stepped into his world of music with a firm intention and acknowledgement of what he can create if he stays on track with his artistry, which he has. Being cognitively and consciously aware of the reasons behind the mental mechanisms and behaviors that lead another to behave in a way that can be challenging to “Navigate” from time to time, Erich Mrak is lyrically aligned and in tune with his acknowledgement of the inner and biological workings of a human and how that can affect connection. Over a hypnotic beat that matches with the revealing of the thoughts that are spinning through Erich Mrak’s rapid creative mind, “Navigate” is a track that patiently yearns for clarity yet finds that clarity that one is seeking in the midst of creation.

Cover Art: bra.deau

Through experience, Eric has cultivated the passion within himself to remain consistent with putting out new material in the never-ending digital world that we live in. If “Navigate” sets the tone for the upcoming new singles over the next five months, then we have a lot to look forward to as listeners who are intrigued by Erich’s artistry and maturation. Though the upcoming EP for 2019 is currently unnamed, the mystery behind Erich’s artistry is what keeps fans on their toes. If you’re a fan of a mixture of fellow musicians such as Bonobo, G-Eazy and Post Malone, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Erich Mrak on Soundcloud.

Erich Mark Social Links:

Facebook • Website • Twitter

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Interviews

Interview: Calling All Captains

St. Albert Rockers, Calling All Captains, have collected life experience to set free over an emotive release that is abounding with meaning. In celebration the recent release of ‘Nothing Grows Here’, I caught up with the guys to discuss overcoming self-doubt, gratitude for being a part of the Equal Vision Records family, fulfilling endeavors outside of their musicianship and more.

Congrats on the release of your ‘Nothing Grows Here’ EP. Tell us about the creative and recording process and what you learned along the way this time around.

Writing and recording these songs has definitely changed the way we work together as artists. These are the first songs that Luc recorded lead vocals on, and the first songs that I (Connor) had EVER recorded vocals on. With Luc being so suddenly thrust into the position of frontman, we all had to learn how to play together as a band again, and we found that things really clicked when our longtime friend, Tim joined the team. As things progressed, we explored new sounds and concepts and had a blast building ‘Nothing Grows Here’ with our good friends Quinn Cyrankiewicz and Ty Elgie. Quinn has been producing our songs since before Captains and is a huge part of the way everything comes together, we couldn’t do it without him!

As many bands from all across the spectrum have been a part of the success of Equal Vision Records, tell us about your experience being a part of the label so far.

Connor + Brad – We absolutely love Equal Vision. We did lots of research on all the labels we were interested in and heard all kinds of horror stories from other bands, but couldn’t find anyone that had something bad to say about EVR. It was almost too good to be true! Right from the start things just clicked and we knew it was the right place for us. We have an incredibly hard working team behind us and they make sure we have everything we need to do what we love. It’s hard to express how grateful we are for this opportunity and for our new family at EVR. We wouldn’t have it any other way.

Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?

Luc – I can only speak for myself but a big struggle I’ve had is the fact that I have taken over the lead vocalist position for the band. Before our first single was released I was so worried about what people were going to say, some people online can get really nasty about it. We’re familiar with how people react when bands change vocalists. My self-doubt and fear about the new material and singles were washed away when we released “Disconnected”. The response has been more than positive and we are beyond grateful. Another thing that has been a struggle is that most of us have quit jobs for this, we had healthcare benefits and salaries but it’s hard to ask your boss for the 5th time “I need a month or two off for tour” , eventually they will want to move on or find a more permanent team member; which is totally understandable.

What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?

Brad – Social media is a plague, a blight on this earth lol it’s like the best and worst thing that could’ve happened to us in the digital age. On one hand, we’re more connected than we’ve ever been and have immediate access to unlimited information and opportunities to stand in our own spotlight and create and express ourselves, but on the other hand, we’re so connected that we forget how to actually connect with people in person. You hang out with people and they’re glued to their phone, or they’re watching concerts through a snapchat filter, and pining for likes and the instant gratification that comes with social media attention. It’s really easy to get caught up in and addicted to. Even us as a band, we’re always comparing ourselves to other bands and when a post doesn’t get very many likes we get bummed about it. It’s stupid haha but it’s also an invaluable asset in promoting and growing our brand, so thicken your skin and adapt or die, right?!

No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.

Luc – Beyond being a musician I am many things. I used to hold a caseworker/admin position for people aged 18-30 in a transitional housing program. Which at some times can be emotionally draining being the go-to for many peoples issues and being their resource provider. It was rewarding but it was definitely a lot to deal with sometimes. Shout out to the people in Social Services. I also take pride in my Metis culture and perform with my traditional dance group whenever I am not touring. Some of us in the dance group have been performing together for over a decade. The dance group continue to perform because we take pride in our Indigenous culture and want to share it with future generations. It’s sad to say but there is still a lot of prejudice regarding First Nations, Metis, Inuit and all other Indigenous cultures. That is something i will always feel and be aware of. I do my part in spreading awareness about the many Indigenous cultures in Canada and North America.

As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?

That’s actually a very overlooked part of being a band. You get the highest highs and the lowest lows out on the road, so that’s something you need to be aware and mindful of, otherwise that shit can creep up on you out of nowhere and mess your day up. Everyday you’re in a new city meeting new people, getting that adrenaline rush on stage, and it’s way too easy to live day to day and forget to center yourself. For us, we lean on each other. There’s no hiding anything from 4 other dudes when you’re cramped in a little van. If someone isn’t doing good or having a bad time, it shows. We just try to be open and talk about it and be there for each other when we need to vent, and give each other space when we don’t. Everyone kinda has their own vibe and way that they deal with things, and part of being a band is learning those little things about each bandmate and knowing how to either help or get out of the way.

Photo Credit: Brandynnleigh Photography

You have toured with a wide variety of musicians over the past years. Tell us some words of wisdom that you collected along the way.

Nick – We’re a band that heavily believes you never stop learning. We take every tour, show and day as an experience that we can take something away from. Whether it be giving ourselves an extra hour to make it to the venue so we can get some extra time to chill, to how we work on our own demos. The bands we’ve known that are still going have taught us the importance of communication between each other, perseverance in this lifestyle and the ability to have a short memory when things don’t go as planned. Most importantly, it’s about having fun. If you aren’t enjoying this then why are you doing it? I’m (Nick) personally thankful that our team between Rude and Equal Vision Records, Big Picture Media and Word Is Bond have been super open to educating myself and the guys with everything that comes along with being in a signed band.

Speaking of touring, tell us about any upcoming or current tour dates that you can fill us in about for 2019.

Nick – We’re about to embark on the largest tour we’ve ever done. It’s 2 months across the United States. It’ll be starting in Lewiston ID on February 15 and the American portion ends in Burnsville MN on April 7. All the dates and tickets can be found on our website. Our touring plans don’t end there either. We’ve been steadily at work booking more and more and hopefully crest over the 150 shows mark in 2019! Keep your eyes peeled y’all.

Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!

We just want give a huge shout out to everyone that’s stuck with us through this roller coaster ride, thanks for keeping this genre of music alive! We fuckin’ love you guys to death and we’re gonna keep making you proud. All the best to you in 2019, and we’re gonna do our best to come meet and thank you all in person.

Calling All Captains Social Links:

Facebook • Website • Twitter

PHOTO CREDIT: Ruel James

Categories
Interviews

Interview: Household

Minnesota Rockers, Household, have come to find understanding in the necessity of ensuring to take time to reflect on the wild journey that tends to come with being a part of the music industry. I caught up with Lead Vocalist, Josh Gilbert, to discuss ‘Everything a River Should Be’, accessing alternative thoughts and feelings, self-development work, balance and more.

Congrats on the recent release of ‘Everything a River Should Be’. Tell us about the creative and recording process this time around and what you learned about yourself along the way.

Thanks, this record was a huge process! We spent over 2 years writing in cabins, basements and parents houses to create EARSB. We went through 3 separate demoing processes which was a new strategy for us. ultimately I’m glad we had all that time to figure out what we wanted the new sound, through the new record to sound like!

Everything a River Should Be’ comes off quite poetic and so does your lyricism. Who spearheads the songwriting process?

The music is definitely collaborative for us. Nathanael spearheads most of the song structure, but the rest of us fairly split our own instrumentation on the record. I (Josh) wrote most of the albums lyrically save Dependable which nathanael wrote in it’s lyrical entirety.

Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?

Ooo, great question, that’s kinda what the whole album and band for that matter is about, challenging ideas, situations, relationships and just all of life! Recently I’ve been thinking about what actually makes each one of us who we are. Like which things, thoughts, actions, ideas contribute to our being and how can we accept and access those qualities to be true to ourselves. And when I don’t feel like myself, the challenge invites me to be myself and chose things that are true to me rather than putting on a front.

Photo Credit: Trevor Sweeney Media

What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?

It doesn’t do much for me. Like I mostly have the socials because of the band. Personally I’ve noticed a correlation between social media usage and a negative mood. Rarely does it uplift my state of mind, so staying away has proven to be beneficial for me. As far as the culture at large, I wonder if it has similar effects on others too. I think it can be used in positive ways like how it gives anyone a voice, I just think the negatives outweigh the positives for me individually.

No career path or amount of followers negates the fact that you are a human being that has feelings. Tell us about some parts of you beyond being a musician that you take pride in.

I do a lot of self~development work (Counseling, reading, introspective conversations) which is so rewarding. I think household has always wanting to be about more than a band, nothing extreme, but we just value how music can at times transcend the instruments and voices. I look forward to talking more about the pain that all of us have and how valuable giving each other permission to be ourselves is.

As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road?

We could probably do a better job of keeping our emotional and mental health in check on tour. For me, home time is when I recoup and regather, but a busy tour year can add up and be quite strenuous.

You have toured with a wide variety of musicians over the past years. Tell us some words of wisdom that you collected along the way.

Be yourself! I’ve said it so much, but the people that are killing it are the ones that know who they are and own it. Copy paste music doesn’t work long term, so I’ve come to trust the idea that all we can do is take what you have an present it to others. kind of a beautiful concept there that a few people we’ve had the pleasure of playing with understand.

Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!

Thank you for getting it, and letting us do this thing. It’s been a long windy thing we’ve done so it’s truly an honor to be invited to do more! Love you people out there. 

Household Social Links:

Facebook • Website • Spotify

Categories
Music Reviews

LA Superstar, Jillian Shea Spaeder, Releases New Single – “Barely Changed”

LA Superstar, Jillian Shea Spaeder, inspires the world by simply being herself. From the ripe age of five-years-old, Jillian has taken the driver’s seat of her life which has transmuted into the sprouting of a creative tree that bears a variety of artistic branches. Between acting, singing, playing guitar, tumbling and simply being a teenager, Jillian continues to prove that she can do it all. Having released her latest single, “Barely Changed”, Jillian has brought forward a Pop hit that carries an instrumental twist of EDM which carries a significant maturation in both tone and delivery. Jillian’s ability to capture and read both her audience and herself led to the track being mastered with precision while meeting the undertone of the Pop world. Jillian lyrically and vocally shines throughout “Barely Changed” in a grounded and moving way that challenges listeners to be more present. 

Being a step ahead of the game, Jillian Shea Spaeder’s accomplishments range from being a presenter at the 2018 Radio Disney Music Awards to playing the lead of Disney’s Walk The Prank and to name a few. Through her drive, dedication and blossoming heart, it is evident that Jillian has learned and developed the skills to both channel her vision and pour it all forward through her artistry. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Ariana Grande, Alessia Cara and Camila Cabello, then keep an eye on the promising ride and journey ahead for the young, bright and talented star that is Jillian Shea Spaeder on Soundcloud.

Jillian Shea Spaeder Social Links:

Facebook • Spotify • Website 

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Interviews

Interview: Weathers

LA Indie Rockers, Weathers, are steadily becoming a force in the world of music with their eclectic instrumental flair and immersive stage energy. Having recently released their new single, “Dirty Money”, the guys are currently out on the road with Magic Giant and Castlecomer. I caught up with the gang when they stopped by El Club in Detroit to discuss “Dirty Money”, maximizing the benefits of Spotify as an artist, ensuring to stay rested and eating healthy on the road, fashion and more.

Tell us about the message that you intended to weave into your latest track, “Dirty Money”. 

Cameron B – We started writing “Dirty Money” with a bottle of Jack Daniels and no expectations with a couple friends of ours in Los Angeles. We wrote the song in about an hour! We actually wrote “Dirty Money” a long time ago. It wasn’t written after our album, ‘Kids In The Night’, it was written during the album. It was a song that stood out on its own so we weren’t sure at the time if we wanted it to be on the album or not. We decided it would be best to release later.

Jessica – I perceive that Los Angeles subconsciously inspires creativity in a way that you don’t necessarily derive naturally in the Midwest. LA is fierce. As you navigate through the city, culture and energy that comes with the territory of Los Angeles, you are inspired by simply being within  it.

Cole – Yeah, totally. It is very competitive.

Jessica – But that very competitiveness can be turned into an opportunity for partnerships and the expansion of your influence. Through streaming, the way that we as listeners receive music has changed. For musicians, it was more common for singles to be pushed as they tend to do better fiscally and influentially if the track stands out from the bunch. Music is a business. Your art and brand are a business. Through the tools and resources that we have readily available now through steaming services such as Spotify and social media in general, it’s all in your hands; you determine how far you want to go and what you desire to achieve. Pushing singles tends to be the best route at this time.

Cameron O – Absolutely. Especially when you have artists like Drake who are pushing out new singles every month. It’s hard to keep up with sometimes, but the tools such as Spotify definitely are there and have helped us grow a ton.

Jessica – For sure. What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?

Cameron B – It’s incredible. We can reach all of our fans in an instance which is really awesome. A lot of it can also be very fabricated so in a sense, it is a double-edged sword, but there are pros and cons with anything in life. If you use social media in the right way, it is a great way to express yourself, your creativity and your artistry.

Jessica – How cool is it that you guys have Instagram fan accounts which pragmatically consists of an individual who was so moved by your artistry that they spend their own time to embed energy into showcasing your work? Free marketing, expansion of influence, you can’t beat that. I saw that there is even a Memes account for Weathers (weathersmemesofficial) and I must say, it is hilarious. I don’t think artists should take that for granted.

Cameron B – Definitely not. That account is so funny! It is amazing that we have fans that do that for us and interact with us in that way.

Cameron O – Spotify is getting pretty immersive as well. We can see what every fan is listening to and where they are listening to it. It is super cool. We can see how many people are listening to us at that moment. We can see how many people’s playlists that we are on even if it is a random playlist that we just so happened to get added to. We know exactly how many people listen to us all the time.

Cole – It is amazing, but it is a little Big Brother though!

Jessica – I get it! ACRONYM and I were actually talking about that earlier. There are so many app developers that have laced in coding in which screen recording occurs sporadically on the iPhone. Perhaps I am falling for a conspiracy theory or am slightly delusional, but come on, that has got to raise a hair.

Cole – Totally! But in regards to Spotify, it definitely helps with booking. For instance, if we have 10K listeners in Chicago, you can play a larger room there, you know?

Jessica –  Yes, big picture thinking. As you are exposed to tons of stimulus, how do you proactively take care of your mental and emotional health when you’re out on the road? 

Brennen – We keep a pretty tight ship on the road. We all eat very clean and take care of ourselves. Being rested is so important. We try to get a lot of exercise whenever we can and especially whenever we have a day off. Our tour manager, Josh, is really on top of it. 

Jessica – Proper nutrition and overall wellness is so important. I live a high vegan lifestyle myself; the more energy I gift myself with, the more I am able to infuse into my art, you know? Tell us about some parts of yourself beyond being a musician that you take pride in.

Brennen – I love being outdoors. Over the past few years, working out and tuning into my nutrition has been huge and so beneficial for me. Also, Cameron is an awesome filmmaker and director. He actually filmed our last three music videos!

Jessica –  That puts you in full creative control. Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!

Cameron B – Thank you so much for everything. The fans are literally the ones that keep us alive and we couldn’t do this without you.

Weathers Social Links:

Facebook • Twitter • Spotify

Categories
Features

Show Preview: You Me at Six at Saint Andrew’s Hall in Detroit

English Rockers, You Me at Six, have been swooning the masses with their charm that is naturally laced into their eclectic Rock discography. Having experienced success stemming from their sixth studio album release, ‘VI’, the lads are gearing up to set out on their ‘Back Again’ 2019 North America Tour which is set to make a pitstop at Saint Andrew’s Hall in Detroit, Michigan on Wednesday, February 27th, 2019. Between emotive delivery and a stage energy that captures the heart, You Me at Six have developed a reputation for pouring out their artistry while welcoming all for a show that you do not want to miss. 

Grab your tickets HERE for the upcoming Wednesday, February 27th, 2019 show at Saint Andrew’s Hall in Detroit along with all remaining dates along the ‘Back Again’ North America Tour 2019. 

You Me at Six Social Links:

Facebook • Website • Spotify

PHOTO CREDIT: Jordan Curtis Hughes

Categories
Music Reviews

The J. & F. Band Release New Album – ‘From the Roots to the Sky’

Global Genre-Bending Band, The J. & F. Band, are spread far and wide physically yet entirely in tune through their artistry as one. Stemming from a boundless array of experience, the guys of The J. & F. Band have come together with the intent of unity, peace and the sheer joy that stems from eclectic music throughout their latest full-length release, ‘From the Roots to the Sky’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts. 

Kicking off with the first track, “GS#2”, the guys kick off with a scratchy strum into instrumental contemplation that is synergetic, fluid and organized in a manner to compliment each focal point of the wide-array of instruments that are incorporated. The second track, “Spirit Of The Great Plains”, channels the mysterious unknown while lacing a new musical energy into the world with The J. & F. Band’s smooth and eclectic twist on the modern times of Jazz. “West Bufalino” is the third track that begins with ancient elements coming forward through tribal sounds that provide an air of tranquility that listeners naturally swallow whole. The fourth track, “Dixie Chicken/Mischief”, picks up the pace with a Groove feel that mimics the likes of Grateful Dead as Lead Vocalist, Joe Fonda, stirs the soul. “Gone Too Soon” is the fifth track that is an ode to a human being that made their way beyond the physical over a moody Blues instrumental that carries the dense emotion that comes through the experience of death. The sixth track, “Roz, See You On The Moon!”, traverses into a psychedelic space abounding with color and light that is channeled through a kaleidoscopic array of musical spunk. “J. & F. Duet & Quartet” is the seventh track that is the perfect song for showcasing the soulful energy that the guys of The J. & F. Band lace into their artistry. Closing out with the highlight track, “Super Jam”, the guys of The J. & F. Band end on a high note with a positive stream of instrumental and musical consciousness. 

The J. & F. band are abounding with life experience that naturally flows through their music. If you’re a fan of a mixture of fellow musicians such as Cannonball Adderley, The Allman Brothers Band and Cream, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for The J. & F. Band on YouTube.

The J. & F. Band Social Links:

Facebook • Website • Bandcamp

Categories
Music Reviews

Swedish Duo, The Other Life, Release New Single – “Moody”

Swedish Electronic Musicians, The Other Life, have escaped the mundane to blast off into a creative world entirely their own throughout their latest single, “Moody”. Crisp production leads the way through a waxing and waning beat that surges through the soul throughout and subliminally influences the loss of control when out it comes to the common pressures of society. Carrying out the industrial and technical element that bands such as Depeche Mode and Joy Division shared throughout their discographies, there is an ancient dose of mystery laced within “Moody” that provides a euphoric rush to listeners that are in tune with themselves beyond the surface.

The mighty talented and obscure musicians who strategically chose to remain elusive are currently signed to Nu Deal Records and is making waves throughout the wide-ranging and fruitful underground music world throughout Europe and more with “Moody”. Thinking forward in regards to protecting personal privacy and energy, the respectfully unknown musicians behind  “Moody” make it seems like a a walk in the park which showcases their skill and determination to create a world bigger than what they currently know. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Joy Division, New Order and The Cure, then keep an eye out on the promising ride ahead for the bundle of mystery that is The Other Life on SoundCloud. And while you’re at it, check out the  Operator S Remix and Joh Gary Remix of “Moody” on YouTube.

The Other Life Social Links:

Facebook • YouTube Channel • Instagram