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Interviews

Interview: Flawes

London Alternative Pop Band, Flawes, are in the midst of a whirlwind of excitement as they continue to spread their wings and challenge themselves to become the best that they can be as musicians and human beings. I caught up with the guys to discuss the upcoming release of their debut album, ‘Highlights’, always having someone to talk to while on the road, the importance of taking time away from your phone, learning to enjoy the moment and more.

Congrats on the upcoming release of your debut album, ‘HIGHLIGHTS’. Tell us about the message that you intended to portray throughout the new album.

Thank you, ‘Highlights’ represents the journey we’ve taken as a band over the last three years. Our sound has naturally evolved and we couldn’t be happier with where it has ended up. These 12 songs are quite literally the highlights from the writing process.

JC: The album features a series of open letters to myself as well as a few songs about love and heartbreak. I like to let the listener attach their own sentiment to the music so a lot of the lyrics are fairly ambiguous.’

Though a broad question, what have you learned about yourself and what skills have you developed through working in the music industry.

JC : I always struggle to enjoy the moment, i’m always concentrating on the next thing. One of the songs on the album ‘Take This Slow’ is all about telling myself to slow down. It’s a work in progress!

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

JC: Another song on the album ‘Don’t Count Me Out’ was all about a time where I was unfairly written off. Instead of giving in, I decided to fight back and prove them wrong. Everytime we play the song live I take myself to that time and place. Sometimes I get a little carried away! 

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

FE: I think it’s easy to live your life through your phone, reaching to your pocket when you’re at a gig instead of appreciating it in the moment. I’m always trying to use mine less but it’s super hard to do so, especially when you’re on a tour bus for hours and hours! I’m definitely an advocate of using phones less. 

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.

FE: I’ve recently fallen in love with cooking – I never thought I’d enjoy it as much as I do! There is something very satisfying about cooking for friends or family, especially when the food goes down well. I also love keeping fit and reading, I’m clearly the old man of the band.

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?

FE: One of the benefits of being in a band (as opposed to being a solo artist), is that you have friends around to talk with. Hearing different perspectives is a really helpful way of getting out of repetitive negative thought patterns. 

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

HUSS: Treat people how you’d like to be treated, be polite & friendly to everyone you meet and most importantly, enjoy doing what you love. 

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

HUSS: Thank you for having such great taste in music, this is only the beginning. 

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Music Reviews

LA Rockers, ROCKET, Release New Single – “GIANTS”

Los Angeles Musicians, ROCKET, are flying through an alternative universe of their own to end the year with their stand-out new single, “GIANTS”. Lyrically reminding listeners that everything that you desire begins with what you act on today, ROCKET mixes music that is mastered to precision with songwriting perspective that inspires listeners to find more within themselves and bring it outward artistically. Through playing the lead role with humble pride that naturally draws listeners their way, Janelle Barreto embodies the desired Lead Vocalist of a bands dreams as ROCKET continues to develop the confidence that keep them ahead in the ever-changing world of the music industry.

Having a variety of accolades under their belt including being voted as one of “Best Bands to Catch” by CBS Los Angeles, ROCKET is a group of impassioned rockers who have a bright 2020 to look forward to. If you’re a fan of a mixture of fellow musicians such as Social Distortion, Paramore and CKY, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for ROCKET on SoundCloud.

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Concert Reviews

Incubus Make Themselves at Home in Detroit on 20th Anniversary Tour

Legendary Rockers, Incubus, made their way to the Midwest in celebration of their iconic 1999 release, ‘Make Yourself’, that carries a special place in a variety of hearts and souls around the globe.

Brandon Boyd has nurtured his vocals over the years to provide a space of serenity over hits such as “Drive”, “Make Yourself”, “The Warmth” and “Stellar” as concertgoers didn’t skip a word and made their voices heard amongst the beautiful atmosphere that the Fox Theatre in Detroit provides.

Photo Credit: Jessica Golich

Grab your tickets to the remaining dates along the ‘Make Yourself 20th Anniversary Tour’ HERE and stream Incubus’ new single, “Into The Summer” to celebrate that the band is still going strong into 2020.

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Music Reviews

Hong Kong Musician, Todd Warner Moore, Releases New Album: ‘Starry Sounds’

Hong Kong Musician, Todd Warner Moore, has been consistently delivering high-quality music year after year and continues to enamor listeners with his songwriting skills throughout his latest release, ‘Starry Sounds’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first and title track, “Starry Sounds”, Todd Warner Moore eases into a slow strum as he creates the feeling of nostalgia within listeners as he reflects upon the simple moments in nature that have left memories in his mind that will stick with him until the end of his time. The second track, “Ebb and Flow”, ties in a Classical instrumental feel as Todd lyrically explores the highs and lows of life while ensuring to strive to find peace within going with the flow. “It’s All Happening Today” is the third track that kicks off with the feel of a Dave Matthews Band instrumental as Todd lyrically travels into a space of nothingness that reminds him to return to the place that provides him with the most clarity; the here and now. The fourth track, “Starting Again”, picks up the pace with phenomenal songwriting as intro lyrics that remind listeners of the power of the present stick out and shed light on the power of words translated through music.

“See so Clearly” is the fifth track in which Todd lyrically takes listeners on the road toward a time in which he was able to reveal the joy of life beyond his mind that provided the peace that he strives to return to. The sixth track, “Lapis Largo”, adds a Blues feel to an album that is rich in variety as Todd brings his instrumental talents to light for listeners to ease their minds through. “Meet in the Middle” is the seventh track that is an album highlight that lyrically reflects upon a profound human connection between two human beings that were intensely in love. The eighth track, “Coffee Conversations”, is an uncanny take on social media and how individuals spend majority of their lives behind smartphones rather than exploring the meaning of life and more over coffee in person. “All The Lives” is the ninth track that slows it down to lyrically give meaning to all of the versions of life that Todd has been able to explore within his time on planet earth. Closing out with “Slate”, beautiful instrumentals that sound akin to Sting in his ‘Ten Summoner’s Tales’ days lead into a poetically rich lyrical journey into a clean slate between two that have distanced and reconnected in the present.

If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Bright Eyes, Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Todd Warner Moore on Bandcamp.

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Music Reviews

LA Musicians, Arden and the Wolves, Release New Music Video – “Another Year of Rain”

Los Angeles Musicians, Arden and the Wolves, provide a space of creative freedom and interpretation for their fans throughout every release that beckons healing and revealing while peeling back the layers of destruction and malfunction to step into the territory of understanding. Lead Vocalist, Arden Leigh, has waxed and waned through a variety of life experiences which leads her to express herself in an uncanny way that is both excruciatingly vulnerable and frighteningly beautiful. Having released their latest music video for “Another Year of Rain”, Arden and the Wolves candidly begin by expressing that each viewers perception of the music video will be based on their own thoughts while Arden collaborates with tribal fusion belly dancer, Giulio Dilemmi, to deepen her connection to the music and heighten emotion that naturally stems from the profound meaning behind “Another Year of Rain”.

Throughout the music video, Arden and the Wolves explore the complexity that stems from a bond that appears toxic at the surface yet has come together through trauma and has formed a pact that is akin to an addiction. Releasing her fears and pushing herself forward toward healthier connections and brighter days, Arden Leigh candidly reminisces on the darkest elements that she has experienced in a relationship that sprouted wisdom through a maelstrom behind closed doors. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Evanescence, The Pretty Reckless and Poe, then keep an eye on the promising ride ahead for Arden and the Wolves on SoundCloud.

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Music Reviews

Electronic Musician, Healing Spells, Releases First Full-Length Album: ‘Vestiges’

Tokyo Electronic Musician, Healing Spells, is in the midst of an exciting time as his first full-length release, ‘Vestiges’, is officially out for the world to dive into. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Altitude”, Healing Spells begins with an array of instrumentals that create a peaceful feeling within listeners as light drums add a touch of sensory that is just the right amount. The second track, “Through The City”, emits the perfect amount of oriental culture that speaks of the influence that Healing Spells has derived from living in one of the most beautiful cities in the world; Tokyo. “Diver’s Ascent” is the third track that picks up the pace to mimic the likes of Electronic music today from musicians such as Gramatik as Healing Spells experiments with an array of sounds that mesh together fluidly. The fourth track, “Vestiges”, incorporates the sound of water which subliminally speaks of Healing Spells being in tune with his spiritual nature. “Les Cimes” is the fifth track that ties in a mightier beat while incorporating sounds of nature which mimics the likes of Bjork.

The sixth track, “Early Morning Rituals”, subliminally reminds listeners of the importance of being quiet and still in the morning to clear space within as the frequencies of the track provide moments of peace. “Voices From The Ocean” is the seventh track that is the album highlight which is produced and mastered to perfection as Healing Spells works in spiritual chantings that naturally inflict a touch of clarity within listeners. The eighth track, “Shivani’s Song”, is an ode to a spiritual practice that has created a sense of community and unity within Healing Spells that spills throughout his music. “Red Island” is the ninth track that feels akin to an ode to travel and how important it is to experience alternative cultures and energies to create a more well-rounded human being out of yourself. Closing out with “Sentinel”, Healing Spells closes his mission with the perfect amount of HZ to provide healing.

If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Bonobo, Gramatik and Thievery Corporation, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Healing Spells on SoundCloud.

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Music Reviews

Vancouver Jazz Musician, Eva Schubert, Releases New EP: ‘Hot Damn Romance’

Vancouver Jazz Musician, Eva Schubert, strolls into a breezy season of her life throughout her mesmerizing and serene new EP, ‘Hot Damn Romance’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Flying High”, Eva lyrically reminisces on the days in which she lived to meet the commands of another as she learns to stretch her wings while letting go of living for anyone other than herself. The second track, “Brawler”, begins with smoky horns that lead into the lyrical journey about a hustler in the city that makes moves from dawn to dusk as Eva falls into a state of lust. “Hot Damn Romance” is the third and title track that slowly speaks about the sizzling of an untimely romance that rocked Eva’s world out of nowhere as she reflects upon the beginning stages that still leave her in a state of shock for the love that she feels.

Throughout the fourth track, “Sweet Man”, Eva creates a feeling that would fit perfectly into a dark, city Jazz bar as she is lyrically playful and flirty which leaves listeners feeling like we’re taken back to the days when pure talent was the prize as Eva sounds akin to Amy Winehouse. Closing out with “Water”, Eva slows it down to lyrically confess her hunger for another that stays at the peak of her mind even though her pride doesn’t leave her with the desire to consistently express how she truly feels.

If you’re a fan of a mixture of fellow musicians such as Sara Bareilles, Amy Winehouse and Sade, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Eva Schubert on SoundCloud.

Photo Credit: Tiziano Mammana

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Interviews

Interview: Bent Knee

Boston Band, Bent Knee, are stepping into a new realm of musical creativity that pours forward an atmospheric touch that leaves listeners swooning in an electric rush. On the verge of the release of their new album, ‘You Know What They Mean’, I caught up with Courtney to discuss growing into a better team player, the dream of taking a yoga training course in the future, the importance of cultivating your sense of self and more.

Congrats on the upcoming release of your new album, ‘You Know What They Mean’. Tell us about the message that you intended to portray throughout the new release.

Like most of our albums, I don’t think there’s a definitive message behind YKWTM as much as the hope that folks enjoy listening to it. When we were writing the songs we were focused on finding infectious grooves that make you want to move. In the studio we worked on capturing sounds and performances with a lot of attitude. It’s simultaneously our most accessible and more experimental album to date, and we’re all enthralled with how it turned out. 

Though a broad question, what have you learned about yourself and what skills have you developed through working in the music industry.

It’s important to cultivate your sense of self. I think it’s easy to get thrown around if you’re trying to read other people’s expressions or parse through different pieces of advice. It’s a volatile industry where just because something worked once for somebody is no assurance that it will be a good thing for you. It helps to be at peace with yourself and the decisions you make, rather than feeling pushed around. At a micro level, being on the road or at shows can be challenging or fun, depending on how much you can meet your own needs in a graceful way. I was always somebody who tried to take the temp of the situation before deciding on what I want. Over the years I think I’ve become better about understanding and articulating what I need, which has counterintuitively made me a better team player.

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

For a long time I felt like I was a bad person, and I had a wicked confirmation bias that ensnared me in some sad basement corner of my life. Some of my bandmates and friends started seeing therapists for various different reasons, and I decided to start working with one myself. With their help, personal work, and time, I’ve dug myself out of that sad pit. I feel good about myself, and I feel more vividly alive than ever have. On sunny days I find myself looking at the sky and getting emotional about the bright blue and the energy radiating in the atmosphere. 

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

It’s a lot to take in! I love Instagram and I get a lot of inspiration and encouragement from it. Still, I don’t like how much of my time it tends to eat, and how quickly my phone becomes a Instagram machine rather than a telephone. When I come off tour, I often try to delete social media off my phone to get back into a rhythm of life. If I’m in line for something I actively try to stare at the wall or look around, and avoid tuning into social media.

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.

Lately I’ve been really focused on yoga. One of my life goals is to take a teacher training course by the time I’m 35, but for now I’ve been trying to practice every day. I’m proud that I vary between hot sweaty yoga and restorative yoga, so I’m not just going to sweat or exercise so much as for my mind. In the last year I ran a half marathon and a 10k, which made me feel really great. I was never super athletic growing up, so I felt really empowered knowing I could run long distances like that. Cooking and baking are also big passions for me, and I’ve been really interested in photography, drawing, and watercolors, too. 

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?

Being on the road is not a big chore for me (I’m lucky). Usually if I’m feeling rough, I just need to listen to myself and do whatever I’m aching to do. It’s always refreshing to walk somewhere alone, or even hop in a ride share to go do something I really want to. Sometimes taking a nap, reading a book with my nice headphones on, or drawing can really make me feel better. On most days I do yoga while we’re waiting for soundcheck, and that helps ground me a lot. I think the toughest aspect of tour is the waiting. Waiting for people to go eat, waiting for lines to be run, waiting for loadout, etc. etc. It’s good to find ways to make that time active and engaging, and avoid being  bummed out staring at my phone. 

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

I can’t think of anything anyone specifically said to me, but we’ve certainly toured with a lot of kind and thoughtful people. For some reason I thought that people got meaner or more entitled towards the top of the food chain, fighting for the limited space available of being a “big band”. What I’ve learned is that it seems there’s plenty of room for kind and hardworking people, and most folks try to help each other out whenever they can. 

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

So grateful that there are folks out there listening and enjoying our music. We hear you and we see you, and we’re very grateful for your support and your positivity! 

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Concert Reviews

Soulful Artist, Common, Shines in Detroit

Soulful Musician, Actor and Philanthropist, Common, let his light free in Detroit for a night to remember in celebration of the release of his latest album, ‘Let Love’. Taking long-time lovers of his music back to the days of “The Light” while introducing new tracks such as “Hercules”, “Memories of Home” and “Forever Your Love”, Common continues to embody the aura of a seasoned artist that carries out wisdom, class and honor through his every move and lyric.

Naturally treating the stage as though it were a movie set, Common not only puts on a concert, he brings forth a soulful experience that leads concertgoers in a state of awe. Catch Common on the remainder of his ‘Let Love’ tour dates and don’t forget to pick up a copy of his new book, ‘Let Love Have The Last Word’.

All Photo Credit: Jessica Golich

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Interviews

Interview: American Grim

New Jersey Rockers, American Grim, are steadily making their way into the hearts of Rock lovers around the globe with their infectious riffs and stage presence. On the brink of the upcoming release of ‘Ultra Black’, I caught up with the guys to discuss the discomfort of losing a loved one, learning the value of defeat through martial arts, learning through observing fellow touring bands and more.

Congrats on the upcoming release of ‘Ultra Black’. Tell us about the message that you intended to portray throughout the new album.

In a world where nothing is given and your trying to find your purpose, “Ultra Black” did just that for us. We wrote Ultra Black in a very dark time in our life as a band. This is an album about overcoming your weaknesses and gaining control of your demons.

Though a broad question, what have you learned about yourself and what skills have you developed through working in the music industry.

Patience is the key, stay humble, and your nothing without a vision. 

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

Losing a loved one. Seeing firsthand how life can end so quickly. The discomfort may never end, but through that hardship it is made clearer that life is an incredible give and needs to be lived to its full potential. When you realize how fast it can all end, the little problems in life can fade away and allow you see things clearer. 

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

I think as much as it gives a chance to create, it gives a chance for everything to be less genuine. We will continue to embrace whatever form a media we can to tell our message, but nothing will ever compare to seeing us perform in a live environment. 

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. 

Being primarily a musician and martial artist. I have learned the values of defeat. Over and over again. You must live balanced. I constantly put myself in bad positions while fighting, just to workout of them. When training is over, it’s like I’m recharged to take on life and all the crazy things it throws at me. This translates to staying composed in high pressure situations with the band, on stage or just in life in general. 

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?

I try to eat the same way I would eat at home, focused around a high protein diet. I workout when I can, and just tell myself ” You are doing what you always wanted to do, play music”. 

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

I think being around bigger and more established bands makes you level up. Its not easy to tour, especially for a long time. So you pay attention to what these older bands are doing, watch how there production and crew operate and how they work as a team. 

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

Our Latest single “Nightmare” has reached just under 1 million views on Youtube. We just want to thank everyone for the support of our new album ‘Ultra Black’. We are truly looking forward to getting a chance to meet you all on the road! 

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