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Interviews

Interview: Unwill

New York Rockers, Unwill, are a hard-hitting bunch of rebellious human beings who are proactively taking the steps toward fully living out their Rock ‘N’ Roll dreams. In celebration of their sophomore album release, ‘Can’t Kill Me’, I caught up with the guys to discuss putting their vision to fruition, gratitude for having such a strong support system, fighting through tough times in life and more.

Congrats on the release of your latest album, ‘Can’t Kill Me’. Tell us about the creative and recording process and some key lessons that you learned along the way.

The recording process was definitely something else! We had a blast self producing it and learned a ton about what we want to put out into the world of Unwill!

Photo Credit: Daniel Finkelstein

If you could go back to day one in the studio for ‘Can’t Kill Me’, would you have envisioned that the album would have turned out the way it did?

Yes and No. It’s totally like we had this vision that we put into fruition but to have it out and have people connect to it makes it much more potent. We just rode the wave of what we were feeling at the time.

What does your ideal day off look like to you? What creative activities do you spend time on that serve to inspire your musicianship?

We’re always just going full throttle messing around and writing. On our own and collectively. We try to connect to the spark as often as possible.

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

There are a tremendous amount of positives but also many negatives that make certain problems feel amplified. With Unwill we don’t want to feed you bullshit, we just want to hit you with those raw rock n roll feels and give you a place you feel free to be you.

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.

As a collective we all have many hobbies and things we take pride in but ultimately we all just believe in being yourself and putting that out into the world freely. Just doing that with good intention through everything you put out is the most important thing to us inside and outside of the music.

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’re very lucky to have a great support system with each other as well as awesome friends and family. Even when we feel most alone there’s somebody else who could relate. Life’s a journey and we fight through and onward.

How old would you be if you didn’t know how old that you were?

We’re all pretty much overgrown 8 year olds…we just want to have fun.

How does living in New York serve your musicianship?

It’s definitely interesting and unique. We’ve always felt right in the middle of everything so that probably contributes to us being open to a lot of different things. That aligns perfectly with how we feel about music.  

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

We just want to open up a world to all of you. Unwill is all about having a blast and just letting it all go. We don’t judge based on opinion or anything else. We’re just open and spiritual people. We just want to create a world where we can all connect and enjoy the energy and love.

Unwill Social Links:

Facebook • YouTube • Twitter

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Interviews

Interview: TONKS

South Jersey Singer/Songwriter, TONKS, has taken an emotive and introspective turn into himself to create a record that is worth listening to. In celebration of TONKS first record, ‘Windows Down & Dying’, I caught up with the man to discuss his overall perception of the album, his favorite restaurants in New Jersey, staying physically active to maintain positive mental health and more.

Congrats on the release of your debut album, ‘Windows Down & Dying’. Tell us about the creative and recording process and what you learned along the way.

This record started with me sitting in my living room recording demos into the mobile garage band on my iPhone 6s. I had over 300 riffs and partial songs recorded in my voice memos and I told myself that I had to put out music in 2018 by whatever means I could. After I organized enough songs, I contacted Eric McNelis from the band Sleep In. and asked if I could record some demos with him at the Gradwell House recording studio in Haddon Heights. After we had finished 5 songs I decided that the process was easy enough, and rather than waste money on nice demos I should just put out a record and take myself seriously. I think I learned a lot about myself, and know now that I’m capable of recording a record on my own if I am self-disciplined and stay focused.

If you could go back to day one in the studio, would you have envisioned that ‘Windows Down & Dying’ would have turned out how it did?

Yes. For the most part it was just like the demos. One of the really great things about working with Eric was that he was down for anything, and I never felt like I was restricted when it came to adding new parts and experimenting with the instruments available in the studio. So going into it I wasn’t sure all the instrumentation I imagined would make it onto the record, but I think I would have been happy to see that all of that came together as I had hoped.

Tell us about the journey of TONKS so far. What inspired you to take your musicianship solo for the project.

It has been an amazing experience. I love every part of music, including the business and promotional aspects. Already I’ve been able to work with new people and I’ve learned new things through those relationships, which is all I can really ask for. I think my biggest inspiration, or driving factor, was reconnecting with a younger version of myself and having the thought of, “I’ve played music, taken lessons, and been on stage my whole life.  If I don’t put out my own music it would have all been a waste.” I started taking violin lessons and performing in recitals at age 4, so I’ve always been most comfortable when I’m on a stage playing music, and entertaining people.

If you could recommend three of your favorite restaurants in Jersey to our readers, which three would you choose?

• Sushi Kingdom would be number one. It’s an all you can eat sushi place on Route 73 in Marlton NJ. I love sushi so that is one of my favorite places.

• China 1 is a Chinese food place in Marlton off Route 70 and Maple, where my friends and I eat when we are all home at the same time. Some of my favorite memories from home involve eating food from China 1.

• Hearthside is a newish restaurant in Collingswood NJ on Haddon Ave. They have a lot of great pasta, a wood-fired oven, and they have great oysters (I love oysters).  

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 really enjoy running and camping. I don’t get to camp as much as I’d like but it’s something I’m able to do about twice a year as of right now, and I’d eventually like for it to be a larger part of my life.  Running is something I’ve done since I was 5. I ran track and cross country in school, and I still race 5ks and 10ks from time to time. This past year I did my first half marathon and I’m proud of that. Hopefully in 2019 I’ll be able to do a marathon.

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 am still trying to figure this one out but in the Dryjacket van I always bring books to read.  Adam, Joe, and I have gone on a few runs, if we have time during the day and have access to a shower after. Staying physically active has always been the best way for me to stay on top of my mental health.

How old would you be if you didn’t know how old that you were?

I think I would be much older. I feel like I’ve lived a very long life for such a young person. I’m very lucky to have had a lot of experiences and have traveled to a lot of places because of music.

Any upcoming tour or show plans that you can fill us in about?

I’ll be playing another show in Philly on Dec 22nd to finish up the year then I have a full US planned for March 15- April 10th which will hopefully be announced in a month or so.

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

I just want to say thank you to everyone listening. It was amazing to play the release shows and hear people singing along this early on. Hope to see you all in March!

TONKS Social Links:

Facebook • Twitter • Spotify

All Photo Credit: david garren

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Music Reviews

Post-Punk Musician, Les Techno, Releases New Single: “Closer Look”

Post-Punk Musician, Les Techno, is back with his latest single entitled “Closer Look”. Giving off the David Bowie energy right from the start, Les Techno has developed a peculiar look and feel that comes out through his artistry fluidly throughout the new track. Theatrically enigmatic and crisp blasts of dark and light carry listeners into a state of trance as Les Techno travels to wondrous depths to portray the slow and therapeutic death of his ego which serves to open the doors to connection with a lover of the past. Balancing instrumental prowess that creates a vibe akin to Rush in their ‘Grace Under Pressure’ days with his lyrical trajectory stating that his past relation with an individual who once captured his heart continues to creep up into his present day with haunting memories that linger through the air, “Closer Look” is Les Techno’s best track yet.

Keeping the energy of the 1980’s alive when the days of black leather jackets, colored hair, cigarettes behind a dumpster and fishnets were at its peak, Les Techno is able to place listeners into a time-warp to when life was simpler and far less complicated as our digital age and time. Les Techno has a technicolor mind that is full of thoughts and dreamy energy that is sublime to both the standardized and creative mind. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Rush, Genesis and David Bowie, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Les Techno on Soundcloud and Spotify.

Les Techno Social Links:

Facebook • Twitter • Bandcamp

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Music Reviews

Baltimore Musician, DannyDosha, Releases New Single: “Kelsey 2”

Baltimore Multi-Genre Musician, DannyDosha, has taken his artistry for a turn through diving into his currently painful inner world throughout his beautifully mastered new single, “Kelsey 2”. In dedication and admiration of Cello player, Kelsey Lu, DannyDosha lyrically travels through a seemingly light lyrical tale that takes listeners through an emotive spin through a troubled personal predicament that ends with an abrupt and unexpected end to the track which solidifies his intention of final and total release. Slow and serene instrumentals compliment the earnest effort to overcome as they sound as though they were mixed to train the listener to take the time to absorb their own personal hardships and in due time, heal.

Having began to get his feet wet in the world of music at the ripe age of 9-years-old, DannyDosha stands out from the pact through his ability to cross between genres fluidly and tackle any battle that he is facing within throughout the process. Through a wide range of musical influences within his intermediate family, DannyDosha was able to expand his horizons and challenge himself to create a niche and sound that speaks for his unique spirit. If you’re a fan of a mixture of fellow musicians such as Frank Ocean, Kid Cudi and MGMT, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for DannyDosha on Soundcloud or Spotify.

DannyDosha Social Links:

Facebook • Twitter • YouTube Channel

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Music Reviews

New York Rocker, Paul Maged, Releases New Music Video: “The Resistance”

New York Rocker, Paul Maged, has been developing a reputation for showcasing exactly how he feels both visually and artistically through his music and sustains our awareness of his rebellious nature throughout his latest music video and single release, “The Resistance”.

Politically charged and abounding with the showcase of our current reality that has stemmed from our crooked President in the states, Paul has created a music video that is a newsreel of highlights that are abounding with the cold hard facts of the government’s current despicable and unethical intentions and actions. The lyrical trajectory of “The Resistance” carries blasts of hope and influences listeners to push against their known while challenging themselves to go beyond what is perceived as acceptable both artistically and mentally. Rather than succumbing to the common societal standard of leading a brainwashed life abounding with commonalities that tend to cause strife, Paul Maged is a force and independent thinker that is able to sleep at night knowing that he is true to his core.

The final piece of Paul’s musical trilogy stemming from his two latest EP’s, ‘Light Years Away’ and ‘The Glass River’, is set to drop in 2019. Having grown tremendously as an artist over the past year, Paul is refining his style and creating a trademark of rebellion that is enlightening, refreshing and needed. If you’re a fan of mixture of fellow musicians such as Rage Against The Machine, Billy Joel and Billy Idol then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Paul Maged on Spotify.

Paul Maged Social Links:

Facebook • Twitter • Instagram • Website  

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Music Reviews

Canadian Pop Artist, Solaya Love, Releases New Album – ‘Illustrious’

Canadian Pop Artist, Solaya Love, illuminates a mind in bloom throughout her cross-genre latest album release, ‘Illustrious’. Taking charge of her career in the world of music and making her rounds performing at festivals in Alberta, Solaya is on the verge of becoming no stranger to the spotlight. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts of ‘Illustrious’.

Kicking off with the first track, “Let It Go”, Solaya begins with a sultry instrumental that swiftly leads into her lyrical intention of freeing herself from an interpersonal connection that is no longer serving her personal growth. The second track, “I Like Music”, brings the summer feels into our December hearts as Solaya lyrically pours forward her desire to create memories with the apple of her eye in a simple yet impactful way that proves that she is mentally ahead of her days. “Never Waken” is the third track that is full of Pop bliss as Solaya’s soulful vocals plea for her need to come back down to earth with her lover and get back home from life on the road to candidly share her stories and feelings with an individual that she has developed a soul connection with. The fourth track, “Feels So Good”, takes the album for a turn into a bouncy instrumental that levels out as Solaya lyrically sheds light about her immense dedication toward another over mature lines that are abounding with romantic feelings.

“Pushing The Air” is the fifth track that is an album highlight that carries instrumental beats and elements akin to tracks by seasoned divas such as Chaka Khan and Tina Turner as Solaya feels the intensity of a soulfully entwined connection in the air and attempts to pursue it without a care. The sixth track, “All Or Nothing”, begins with a cross-genre blend of instrumental Jazz and World as listeners become enveloped in Solaya’s lyrical ode to the remarkable uplifting feeling that stems from true love. “All I Wanted” is the seventh track that showcases Solaya’s musical diversity as the songs feeling mimics the new-school vibes of Dua Lipa as Solaya lyrically attempts to overcome her ego and let things be with another just as they are. The eighth track, “Zen Up”, lyrically dials down to the simplicity of life and the overall intent is to showcase that true power is within vulnerability rather than passive aggressiveness that only costs a soul in the long run. “Space In Between” is the ninth track that is an EDM banger that will uplift any room as Solaya lyrically travels through her intuition to find out and be honest with herself about what means the most to her. The tenth track, “Sexy Silk”, is abounding with female empowerment as Solaya acknowledges her sex appeal and stands tall as a woman who knows her worth. Closing out with “Never Waken – Live Dance Mix”, Solaya adds a dash of mystery and Spanish flair into an open space that is inviting to the vulnerable human being that is willing to let down their guard and let another in.

‘Illustrious’ is an album full of feel good hits from start to finish. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Dua Lipa, Ellie Goulding and Billie Eilish, then keep an eye out for the ride ahead for Solaya Love on Soundcloud.

Solaya Love Social Links:

Facebook • Website • YouTube Channel

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Interviews

Interview: Whitney Tai

Cosmic Lovechild, Whitney Tai, has an uncanny way of lyrical storytelling in a metaphorically rich way that is captivating to the open soul. Having created a road of her own with her band of brothers that enhance her electric live shows, Whitney and the guys create a space full of Dream Pop wonder. I caught up with Whitney Tai Bassist, Christian Rivera, to discuss his creative collision with Whitney, finding peace in driving while on the road, music being the core of his life and much more.

Tell us about your experience of meeting Whitney and how you two connected to in turn desire to play music together.

It’s actually quite funny: I went and saw a show in Hollywood with a mutual friend. Afterwards, we went to the Burgundy Room for some drinks, and he invited her to meet us, and made the introduction. After talking for awhile, she told me about a dilemma she was facing: she had a show booked in San Francisco, and needed a bass player to fill in. Without even considering the fact that (a) I wasn’t a bass player, and (b) I didn’t even own a bass guitar, I blurted out “I’ll do it!” She sent me some material to learn, and I got myself a bass, and figured it all out. The rest is history. I guess the lesson here is that sometimes unique opportunities come along that you have to say yes to, even if you haven’t got it all figured out just yet. You just never know when or even if a similar opportunity might present itself.

Detailed question, how has your life changed ever since working in the music industry?

I’ve pretty much done music for my entire life. Even when I was in the military, I’d always make time for it. I can’t really say it’s changed my life, because it’s something I’ve always known. I will say that because of this journey, I’ve seen some of the most amazing places and met some of the most amazing people. I couldn’t imagine spending my life any other way.

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

It’s actually an ongoing thing. It’s the constant challenge of trying to improve myself as a musician and as a person in general. There’s always some new concept to learn, one more rep, another person to help, and so on. On some days, I don’t feel adequate, so that can be a bit of a struggle at times. I just try to start each day with a positive mindset and focus on improving the things that I do have control over.

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

To me, it’s just a fact of life. I think it’s something that can be a very helpful tool if used properly, but on the other hand i do feel that some people take it a little too far, like it can be an addiction. I see some folks who seem to base their entire existence on how many “likes” and followers they can get. Me, I’d rather use it to promote my music and keep in touch with my friends and fans around the world, and just go live my life.

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.

Wow, I never really thought about that. Music really encompasses every aspect of my life. I live and breathe it, so I really don’t put my energy into much else; wanna see my guitar collection?

Photo Credit: Liz Peterson Photography

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?

Honestly, on van tours for instance, I love to drive, especially at night. There’s just something about that endless ribbon of asphalt laid out before me that allows me to really contemplate life’s big questions. Keeping in touch with loved ones back home is another way to stay sane. When I’m not driving, I love to read and handle business. In fact, I’m completing this interview on the I-40, just east of Memphis!

Photo Credit: AngieMonsterr

Speaking of touring, any current or upcoming tour/show plans that you can fill us in about?

We’re taking a little break from that now while Whitney puts the finishing touches on her new album.

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

Be on the lookout for a new album from Whitney Tai in late Winter/Early Spring 2019! We’re also releasing a holiday album this year, so be on the lookout for that too!

Whitney Tai Social Links:

Facebook • Twitter • Spotify • Website

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Music Reviews

Eric Anders and Mark O’Bitz Release New Single, “Matterbloomlight”

Folk/Roots Duo, Eric Anders and Mark O’Bitz, have collided and brought their musical synergy to life throughout their latest single, “Matterbloomlight”. Beginning with a soft stroke of instrumental wonder, “Matterbloomlight” is abounding with the unique feel of the natural world creeping into the digital world as Eric and Mark lyrically reach for the light within themselves beyond their current jaded sense of self.

Having met Mark O’Bitz at one of his solo shows back in Pasadena in 2002, Eric begin to find intrigue in music beyond his known and had never dabbled into creating music of his own prior to his meeting with Mark. Over time, the two’s creative visions came together fluidly and that very fact sticks out like a sore thumb throughout “Matterbloomlight”. Having released their highly-praised full length, ‘Of All These Things’, back in June, Mark and Eric are keeping the train rolling with a soft and ethereal single release that suits their harmonious musical alliance.

“Matterbloomlight” is the perfect track to provide comfort in both a period of transformation and change. Eric Anders has been one to express himself in a excruciatingly bold and honest manner, and that’s what keeps us traveling back into his works of art. If you’re a fan of a mixture of fellow musicians such as Old Crow Machine Show, Bon Iver and Of Monsters and Men, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Eric Anders and Mark O’Bitz on Bandcamp.

Eric Anders and Mark O’Bitz Social Links:

Facebook • Website • Soundcloud  

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Music Reviews

Austin-Based Rockers, The Stone MG’s, Release New Single – “I Need You”

Austin-Based Rockers, The Stone MG’s, leave it all out on the line throughout their dynamic new single, “I Need You”. Ensuring to make it known that there is a lack of satisfaction felt within Lead Vocalist, Rodney James, The Stone MG’s are close to throwing in the towel on a deeply entwined interpersonal connection or addiction that is now beginning to cause mental friction. Metaphorically rich and full of cool undertones that match the mood of unease, The Stone MG’s lyrically pick at a scab that they know in the back of their head is bound to form into a scar.

Smokey, rich and seasoned vocals of Rodney James add an invigorating touch to the track that flows seamlessly with songwriting that is abysmally deep and unafraid to dive beyond the surface. As the track flows, the pace gets picked up as the rose-covered glasses that once served to cover-up reality begin to be removed. Growing up in a family whose central core was centered around the love of music, the passion seeped into the veins of Rodney who is a natural when it comes to being an artist. 

The Stone MG’s are a bundle of Rock ‘N’ Roll soul and we recommend to add “I Need You” to your weekend playlist. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Kings of Leon, Arcade Fire and Arctic Monkeys, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for The Stone MG’s on Soundcloud.

The Stone MG’s Social Links:

Facebook • Twitter • Bandcamp • Instagram

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Music Reviews

Athens Rock Duo, The Velvoids, Release New Music Video: “Absolutely Nothing”

Rock/Pop Duo and couple, The Velvoids, are no stranger to the glitz and glamour yet make it known that they find it more fulfilling to create away from it all throughout their new music video, “Absolutely Nothing”.

Wandering along what looks to be a calming trip, the two take it to the road to experience the manner in which a variety of others lead their everyday lives while stimulating the concept of being so absolutely in love with someone that no matter where you both are physically located, you’re home with each other. Keeping it Indie at heart with a very real-time view of the activities and escapades that they encountered while filming the music video for “Absolutely Nothing”, Dora and Vice brought a lyrically simple track to life through dialing down to the one key aspect of life that is the most rewarding of all; love.

Ever since the the formation of The Velvoids between Dora and Vice back in 2006, consistency has been a key component that has led them toward success and the ability to tour globally and in particularly throughout Europe. There’s a forthcoming album in 2019 which is sure to be an exciting journey as well. If you’re a fan of a mixture of fellow musicians such as Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Mumford & Sons and The Flaming Lips, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for The Velvoids on Spotify.

The Velvoids Social Links:

Facebook • Instagram • Bandcamp