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Interviews

Interview: Violent Soho

Australian Musicians, Violent Soho, are utilizing their artistry to portray their perception of what many sacrifice for comfort and what comfort commonly means to mass society. I caught up with Drummer, Michael Richards, to chat about the recent release of ‘Everything Is A-OK’, the band’s relationship with Pure Noise Records, staying occupied in quarantine and more.

Congrats on the release of your new album, ‘Everything Is A-OK’. Tell us about the message that you intended to portray throughout the release. 

In a very broad sense the messaging of the album is intended to point toward the poverty inherent in middle class suburban comfort in and by the way that it encourages a hollowing out of human impulse for the sake of economic convenience. The irony of our current moment also offers a tendency to further point toward questions of just how secure that consideration for life really is. It seems middle class ambition is perhaps now more a skeuomorphic provision for what is in reality a plugged in and forever clocked on and inescapable banality. Mundane and unfairly rewarding.

I know that the Coronavirus has been really impactful on all, yet tell us the lowdown on how you have been utilizing all of your time in quarantine.

Up to this point, having a new album to promote has been a nice project to work on and has served a decent role in distracting me just a little bit from how completely fucked up things actually are right now. I feel very lucky that having this time to share a new creation of ours with the world has offered me up an olive branch of positivity. I hope people are feeling that vibe coming from us as well. Our messaging may point to our own experiences of the cynical ironies of the world, but taking life in your stride and staying positive is definitely something that we also want to convey to our audience. I hope people have been able to take some positivity from the album in that sense. God knows it’s important to have some positive convictions in your life at a moment where much of the world is going to shit.

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

The current social climate requires you to project a desirable version of yourself onto a major corporate media platform so as to impose on others your unique and remarkable existence in such a way that will best utilise (something that is a total phenomenal abstraction) that we refer to as ‘the algorithm’ in gaining the maximum number of likes and followers, thereby commodifying your own leisure time into a self-illusory hub of pixels and fake friends. Pretty disgusting actually.

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 am proud of my family, my son, my ability to work hard on something and to finish what I set out to do. I’m proud that I’m not a sell-out. I also love my wife quite a lot.

Tell us about your experience working with Pure Noise Records so far. How has working with the label enhanced your artistry? 

Pure Noise are a label who focus on building up strong working relationships. They are a no bullshit organisation who only expect you to do what you do best and to be the best version of what you do. They don’t back talentless pretty-faced garbage, so it’s very comforting to know that you can bring your output to them with the full confidence that your own honest work is going to be based one hundred per cent. It gives you a sense of confidence in projecting your work honestly, knowing that it will be backed. It’s down to us to deliver strong, they encourage us to believe in ourselves.

Photo: Ian Laidlaw

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

We fucken miss you all heaps. Let’s party hard together once all this bullshit is over. Wash your hands and stay home if you can.

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Interviews

Interview: MishCatt

Los Angeles Musician, MishCatt, allures audiences with sonic explorations that pull at the heartstrings of listeners. In celebration of the upcoming release of ‘The Real Pavo’, I caught up with MishCatt for an in-depth interview about the importance of self-discipline and getting out of your head, the honor of being a part of Avicii’s tribute album, finding peace and happiness in cooking, showing support for the people that helped you get where you are today and more.

Congrats on the release of your new EP due out in April. Tell us about the message that you intended to portray throughout the EP. 

This EP, ‘The Real Pavo’, is about exploring the complex relationship between me and my inner self. A sort of love story about how to connect back to my soulful roots. The songs already released look at various stages of that journey, from dreamy and melancholic to frenzied and chaotic. And with the last song on this EP, “Your Eyes,” it represents the last stage of this journey, the final act that completes the journey of the purple girl. 

Being featured on Avicii’s tribute album must have been a huge honor. Tell us about how Avicii’s music has affected you and your trajectory as a musician. 

It was an incredible honor to be a part of “Fades Away,” and to help raise awareness for mental health while supporting the Tim Bergling Foundation at the tribute concert. The concert had a massive impact on me. It was hard to comprehend in the moment, but everyday I’m grateful to have been a part of it, and to be able to see nearly sixty thousand people cheering and singing along to one person’s music… it definitely showcased the impact Tim had on all of our lives. 

His music affected me a lot. I really gained an extra appreciation when I started playing his songs on guitar. In the simplest way, you realize how great they are, every song he did. They felt very authentic, and had a strong message behind them that spoke to people. I feel he hugged us with his music, he made us feel like we’re not alone. And I think that’s something every artist hopes to accomplish.

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

Honestly, every day I have to overcome many challenging thoughts. Some days you wake up and it feels like bright blast of sunshine and creativity, other days you wake up and it’s a nightmare. Either case, it’s good to pull yourself out of your bed and get out of your home, and start moving your body. I think it’s harder for people who have to manage their own schedule, self-discipline is its own roller coaster. But the thing that has helped me the most is to just move your body. Walk, run, stretch, dance… it will help in every way, just like magic. 

Also, sometimes we get caught up in our heads too much, and we think everything is about us. But when you start directing your attention on helping others, all the problems you had lose power. You realize how much time and energy you spend feeling worried, nervous, anxious, for stories in your mind you create, that are not even real. And how much helping other people energizes you and them. You are actually able to choose how you want to feel, and that’s a power I think we should try to capture more.

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

Well… now that’s a complex issue. On the one hand, social media can bring us together unlike anything that’s ever existed in human history. I can talk face to face with my best friends in Costa Rica and my brother in Paris, that’s incredible. Hard to imagine writing letters and waiting for one in return. But the patience involved in that process is now completely gone. 

I think the immediacy of social media, social trends, and just life has gotten so crazy. Social media is also making people very depressed because they think it’s real life. It’s more like a highlight reel that’s edited to look perfect, but no one lives that way. And the ones that do often times aren’t happy. So I think we need to be careful to remember that social media is a very powerful tool, and you can do great things with it, but it can also create a lot of negativity if you’re not careful. So overall, I think it’s a blessing and a curse. 

And if we look at the digital world we live in today, we have access to so much information, yet it’s still difficult to easily know what’s 100% true or false. Everything can be manipulated in the digital world, so it’s important to stay skeptical. It’s interesting to wonder what the internet will look like in 20-30 years, and how society’s relationship with it will be. 

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.

Well I studied photography, so that is something that I want to continue alongside my music career, it has always been one of my passions. I also find peace and happiness in cooking, and consider it another way of meditation. I see the kitchen as another art space. I love experimenting and playing around with different foods and spices, never knowing quite exactly what’s going to come out at the end of an always changing methodology. I feel that way about music sometimes. 

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

When I’m on the road, I love to listen to podcasts that keep me curious and in a happy state of mind. The Tim Ferris show is one of my favorite ones. Try to keep myself busy, to keep my mind moving, like writing, drawing, making music. I like to drink lots of water and have good people around. Try to stay away from coffee and sugars, which gives me really bad ups and downs in my hormones. But then you go to Sweden and you’re drinking two pots of coffee a day and eating every sandwich in sight, so it’s always a working process. But it’s good to have goals, you know? 

If you could jump on any festival roster that’s been released already for 2020 and play a set there, which festival would you choose and why? 

The lineups are pretty good both in Coachella and Lollapalooza Brasil this year… but I’d say, Lolla Brasil. It would be my first time going to Brasil, which has been on my list for a long time now. I really want to live in South America for like a month and travel around. But to be there for the first time, and to have the opportunity to share the stage with the amazing quality of artists playing, wow…yes. 

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

Many of the most successful people in the world didn’t get where they are just on their own, they had people that believed in them, and pushed for their success. But they wouldn’t have inspired those people to follow them, if they didn’t believe in their vision and had a strong self confidence. It’s important to quiet your mind, and feel what really excites you, what makes your heart jump, what creates a spark in you, and erases time, and everything around you when you do it. If you confined that piece which drives you, work on it and you will gain the confidence to pursue it no matter what. And with that confidence and drive, you will start attracting people who align with those goals, and help elevate your vision for what you want to do in this life. 

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Music Reviews

San Francisco Musicians, Revolushn, Release New Single – “Electric”

San Francisco Musicians, Revolushn, are back with a cunning and ironically fit lyrical journey into the ego throughout their latest single release, “Electric”. Between meshing instrumentals that are mastered to perfection with a lyrical trajectory into the commonly brash and egotistical views of the modern-day man, Revolushn seemed to have unlocked the master plan that suits with the current pandemic as “Electric” speaks to the current disarray, lack of control and ego blows that many are facing within their day-to-day lives. The wizened listener is able to feel the portrayal of dominance that Revolushn spun throughout the lyrics in “Electric” as the band was able to reach into the minds of those that live through greed and dial down into the realities that they face within through living a life solely ran on sin.

If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Rush, Yes and Sting and The Police then keep an eye on the promising ride ahead for Revolushn on YouTube.

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Music Reviews

Bronx Musician, C.P. Alx.Zndr, Releases New Single: “Whoa”

Bronx Musician, C.P. Alx.Zndr, teams up with Deacon for a soulful and masterly produced new single, “Whoa”, which instantly attracts listeners through its genre-bending style which hosts elements of R&B, Hip Hop and Soul. Lacing both an intimate lyrical style with potent depth which showcases the cultivated inner world that C.P. has worked diligently to sprout, there’s no doubt that his life experiences endured shine through throughout “Whoa”.

As an award-winning NYC songwriter and musician, C.P. Alx.Zndr stands tall and bold for those that are taking the route of no return when it comes to leading the life of their dreams through their artistry. “Whoa” is both tasteful and unique through a sultry touch that provides just the right amount of lust for listeners both young and wizened.

If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Miguel, Chris Brown and Ne-Yo then keep an eye on the promising ride ahead for C.P. Alx.Zndr on Spotify.

Click HERE to listen to “Whoa” by C.P. feat Deacon

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Interviews

Interview: Bósa

LA-based Musicians, Bósa, emit a clarity throughout their hypnotic music that draws listeners deep within themselves. In celebration of the release of ‘Off The Grid’, I caught up with Bósa for a great chat about the importance of eating mindfully and fueling your body/mind with healthy food, their gratitude for Gravitas Recordings, taking moments to reflect on their journey and experiences, dream festivals that they’d love to play and more.

Congrats on the upcoming release of your new album, ‘Off The Grid’. Tell us about the message that you intended to portray throughout this release. 

Thank you so very much for inviting us to introduce our music to your peeps! We’re quite excited about the album’s arrival, and very grateful to Gravitas Recordings for their stellar support on this journey.  Our message, in some part, is to inspire through our sound as an invitation for listeners to enter a channel for connection, a much needed release through dance as a way to bond in celebration and shed light on some global issues both conscious & climate. This album is an example of our natural expression, one that we wove heartfelt intentions into which we hope everyone enjoys themselves through listening.

Stephan, as a seasoned veteren in the festival circuit, tell us a bit of advice that you have for up and coming DJs that are entering their first year in the festival world?

The festival world is a tribe so I suggest being humble while persistently honing and sharing your music as you strive to retain originality and utilize your skills to achieve something higher than you think you can. Enjoy learning new performance techniques and get familiar with the business side as well.

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

There are times when we desire things that have not yet come to fruition, which is a program we are learning to change. In the grand scheme of things, life throws us up many perceived obstacles, so our remedy is taking moments to reflect on the positive aspects of our current situation, and simply taking a deep breath to feel grateful for the luxury of what we have experienced and accomplished so far. 

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

There are pros and cons to the digital world and social media has drastically changed our communication and method of creation. Sometimes we long for the analog days, but there’s always something to learn here, and many aspects of existing in this world which are very positive as long as humans keep compassion in mind as we make better decisions on how we use this technology to hopefully ascend ourselves in many ways. 

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. 

You see beauty in many things when you’re open to it. Living in a vegetarian manner with animals and the planet in mind, while helping out with simple donations to those in need keeps us grounded. 

Stephan: I love my daughter and being a father more than anything, my circle of friends and community. Together provide a balanced life for me. 

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?

As artists, being healthier rather than just raging every night is the new standard. Hitting the gym and hiking as often as possible. We still have fun but becoming a wake up in the morning team has taught us some valuable lessons; for positive mental health, working on music instead of staying up late and sleeping-in all day is much more productive for longevity. The more you have a formula that promotes your chill zone the better. Decompress with yoga and a conscious diet. Greens baby! Appreciate the entire journey. 

If you could jump on any festival roster that’s been released already for 2020 and play a set which festival would you choose and why? 

Shambala = we’ve heard such amazing things about it for decades, and many friends have performed there who would always paint this as a very mystical festival. We look forward to one day bringing our unique soundscape to delight the woodsy creatures.

Boom Festival = phenomenal festival with amazing art and music. It was really impressive how they executed the production with seasoned grace. This is a conscious event with an excellent model, that really embraces a family vibe, so this would be a sweet stop to connect with a new tribe of folks whom with we could connect. 

Fuji Rock = legendary and always has a stellar line up, plus you get to be in the mountains of Japan, which is a glorious landscape and people there are so chill and sincere. you really feel something ancient under the buzz of the fast pace city and technology. 

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

Try to stay positive and level headed during times of adversity, keep an open mind. Vote and eat consciously! We are super excited to have you hear and share this album with your famz! We will start seeing you in person very soon with our multidimensional live show!! Thanks for listening.

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Concert Reviews

Hippy Hop Musician, Mod Sun, Brings Positive Energy and Love to Detroit

Hippy Hop Musician, Mod Sun, is making his way around the country playing all of his tracks that are rooted in awareness and consciousness, yet the ultimate accomplishment this time around on the ‘Your Favorite Movie’ tour is that this is Mod Sun’s first lap in the midst of deeply embracing sobriety. Showcasing his grounded presence and assuring both himself and his fans that he has reached a place of peace within, Mod Sun stood elated on stage in Detroit at a sold-out show at The Shelter which brought in fans of all ages for a night to remember. On the brink of his birthday, Mod Sun carried out infectious energy while playing some of his hits from ‘Movie’ and sharing deeply personal and inspirational messages of hope that stem from him consciously choosing to turn this life around over the past year.

All Photo Credit: Jessica Golich

Grab your tickets HERE for the remaining dates of the ‘Your Favorite Movie’ tour.

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Features

BUKU Music + Art Project Set to Light up New Orleans with Top Global Acts

BUKU Music + Art Project is set to ignite the masses that are heading to New Orleans for an unforgettable weekend abounding with Top 40 Global Musicians and Artists from around the world displaying their unique craft and talents. Creating a reputation as one of the most prominent and go-to music festivals over the years, BUKU expands in 2020 with a roster of musicians including Tyler, The Creator, Flume, Illenium, Megan The Stallion, Glass Animals, Run The Jewels, Roddy Ricch and more.

Friday Lineup:

Flume

Glass Animals

SuicideBoy$

Alison Wonderland

Charli XCX

Roddy Ricch

Chris Lake

Flatbush Zombies

Taking Back Sunday

Space Jesus

Troyboi

Goldlink

Lucky Davis

Svdden Death: Voyd

Young M.A

Chanel Tres

100 Gecs

I_O

Mija

Mr. Carmack

Blanke B2B Lick

The Trifinity

J. Worra

Ohso

TSHA

Daily Bread B2B Artifakts

Stone Cold Jizzle

Treety

Bouffant Bouffant

Mhadi G

Malik Ninety Five

DJ Heelturn

Raise The Death Toll

Saturday Lineup:

Tyler, The Creator

Illenium

Run The Jewels

Zeds Dead

Kaytranada

Megan The Stallion

Ari Lennox

Kayzo: Unleashed

Gramatik

Subtronics

Cashmere Cat

CloZee

Dance Gavin Dance

JpegMafia

Don Toliver

Dom Dolla

Kota The Friend

LSDream

Eli + Fur

Kaash Paige

Kompany B2B Calcium

Pussy Riot

Turnstile

Pluko

Lucii

TVBoo

Trigem B2B Meso

Video Age

Lady Lavender B2B Edgar Allan Po’ Boy

P-Tab

Upbeat Academy

Grab remaining available passes HERE and get your flights and hotels booked for a weekend in New Orleans that you’ll never forget.

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Concert Reviews Features

Detroit Legend, Royce 5’9”, Celebrates ‘The Allegory’ Album Release at The Garden Theater

Detroit Legend, Royce 5’9″, routinely embraces his bold perception of both the world around him and the world within through embodying his inner contentment through lyrically sensational releases ever since the drop of ‘Rock City’ in 2002. Talking about social activism and his unique stance within the game has solidified Royce’s spot as one of the greats stemming from Detroit. Not only has Royce collaborated with some of the greatest of all time, he has now dished out eight consciously uplifting albums that serve to educate the masses and even touch the hearts of those who are known for routinely skipping classes. In celebration of the release of ‘The Allegory’, we caught Royce 5’9″ at The Garden Theater in Detroit for the first live performance of his new album.

 

 

All Photo Credit: Jessica Golich

Grab your copy of Royce’s new album, ‘The Allegory’, HERE and let us know what your favorite track is so far in the comments below.

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New Jersey Quartet, The 65’s, Release New EP – ‘Never Say Never’

New Jersey Quartet, The 65’s, push beyond societal boundaries to bring to life a bold and aggressive EP, ‘Never Say Never’, which is full of adrenaline and Punk-Influenced Rock that is bound to stir up a frenzy within listeners. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first and title track, “Never Say Never”, The 65’s instrumental fluidity immediately stands out as a highlight as Lead Vocalist, Joe Pugsley, carries out deep vocals which mesh with the lyrical trajectory that is full of a sense of feeling overwhelmed by life’s pressures. The second track, “Broken Nose, Busted Knee”, picks up the pace with a blast of Grunge Rock that leads into lyrics that are spun around being fed up with another’s excuses as the guys of The 65’s showcase that they’re over it. Closing out with “Waiting Here So Long”, The 65’s lyrically reflect upon their life experiences as they dabble into what it takes to truly trust another and how much weight some relations can carry.

If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Eve 6, Lit and Alien Ant Farm then keep an eye on the ride ahead for The 65’s on SoundCloud.

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Interviews

Interview: Trout Steak Revival

Denver Indie-Folk Band, Trout Steak Revival, have developed a kinship that translates naturally throughout their artistry. Ahead of their March 13th stop at The Ark, I caught up with Will Koster for a great chat about the recent release of ‘The Light We Bring’, building his own house over years in between touring, being proactive about mental and emotional health through taking walks along tour stops and more.

Congrats on the recent release of ‘The Light We Bring’. Tell us about the message that you intended to portray throughout the release. 

Thank you! For this album we really focused on the strengths that we have individually, as a group, and in our community of friends. We self produced this album which was an empowering and expanding endeavor. The band also did a bunch of composing for the parts that the guest musicians played on the album which includes a string section, trumpet, clarinet, bass clarinet, and flute. I drew the art for the album cover as well. It felt good for us to be creatively operating as a unit and experience it all coming together.

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

I just recently started solo-ing on the guitar during a Trout Steak show, I usually just strum the thing and left the solo-ing to when I played the Dobro. The first show of taking some solo’s on the guitar I had a lot of nervous/self doubting thoughts that I hadn’t experienced in some time! It has been an interesting experience feeling that again and trying to focus past the feeling and just be in the moment and stay connected to what I’m playing musically.

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

I just joined the streaming music revolution a few years ago, I was holding out! I think it is an amazing thing to be able to listen to anything you want… anywhere… anytime. I can still get my music shopping fix with vinyl records which seems to be a format growing in popularity again. I think social media is great for connecting people and sharing joy. On the other side of the coin, it can be a distraction from what is right in front of you and really take away from real interaction. Balance seems to be the key to most things in life. 

All Photo Credit: Tobin Voggesser

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 am very much a tinkerer and love learning how to make things. Before playing music full-time, I was a carpenter and learned the trade before building my own house over a handful of years in- between touring. I started drawing a few years ago and am now in the middle of making an illustrated children’s poetry book that adults can also enjoy. My wife is also an artist so dreaming up the next project is an ever-evolving conversation and experiment. 

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?

It can be very taxing on our mental and emotional energy on the road. The most important thing is that we as a band are taking care of eachother, sometimes the gift of someone making you a peanut butter sandwich in the van is all you needed to overcome your worn-out feeling. Also, we love to take walks when we get into the next town a little early. It’s a great way to stretch out the legs and the mind as well as get a feel for the city where we are going to play a show. 

If you could jump on any festival roster that’s been released already for 2020 and play a set which festival would you choose and why? 

I would choose Telluride Bluegrass! That festival has its own culture which has been growing since before I was born and it is such a special gathering to be a part of. The band started going there a decade ago and the connections made with people during that festival has added so much joy to my life. 

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

Thank you for your support! We wouldn’t be able to do this if it weren’t for our fans coming out to shows, sharing our music with their friends, and being a part of the friendly and connected community that is the Trout Steak family. 

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