Tag: Life Beyond The Music
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Interview: Stealth
UK Musician, Stealth, has found the way to bring his passionate inner maze of art forward and is set to make a splash throughout 2019. I caught up with Stealth to discuss the recent release of “Black Heart”, having a conversation with himself as a senior citizen, being a part of a roller-coaster ride as an artist, fulfillment from making music you enjoy and more.
Tell us about what you learned about yourself along the way while creating “Black Heart”.
Make the music you enjoy making! I’ve been trying so hard to write a “banger” and really fell out of love with writing for a brief moment, therefore, I went in and just had fun and the song just kind of happened. Everyone seemed to like it when I stayed true to myself.
If you can have a conversation with either yourself as a child or yourself as a senior citizen, who would you choose and what would you say?
Senior Citizen for sure! I’d ask for the lyrics and melody of the biggest selling song. Then write it and let the Grammy’s roll in. [laughs] But in all in seriousness it would be an older me that I’d want to talk to. I have serious anxiety to the point where I don’t sleep and I’d like the older me to just give me a warning about what not to worry about.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
I’ve had to cancel my performances at SXSW. I’ve had some delays obtaining my Visa so I can’t make it. I’ve not only let my band and the organisers down but also the people who wanted to see me play a show in the US. However it’s circumstances out of my control and the only way I can overcome it is to pick myself up and dust myself off… and especially plan for next year.
What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
It’s all a bit too much, isn’t it?! People over share and not in a good way. I’m all for chatting and being open but social media is often used as a platform to show only one side of you that you want others to see… which means the lives portrayed on social media are often false, in turn making your audience/followers/friends feel insecure about their own achievements and generally inadequate. It’s a marketing tool / gimmick.
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.
A bit of a job interview answer here but I’m a team player. I love being part of a team. Whether that’s as part of family unit, friends, or sports team (fun fact -I play rugby). Although I’m a solo act, I hate being alone and I feel I’m my best self as part of a crowd.
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’ll be honest, I’d be a hypocrite to say anything that could be perceived as advice on this subject. It’s very tough doing a job that is such a rollercoaster and at times I don’t have time to think about how it’s affecting my mental state until it’s too late. I do talk to friends and family and try to keep physically fit which I find helps. But If there is anyone out there in the music industry that has a proven method of taking care of yourself, feel free to contact me.
Tell us three of your favorite thrift stores to go to in the UK.
They aren’t exactly thrift stores as the clothes don’t tend to be that cheap [laughs] but I frequent……
Rokit on Brick Lane in Shoreditch
Beyond Retro in Soho
Absolute Vintage – Near old Spitalfields Market
What do fans of Stealth have to look forward to for the remainder of 2019.
Lots of new music and I have a gig coming up on May 21st at Hoxton Bar and Grill in Shoreditch.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!
Just a huge thank you. You guys make the rollercoaster all the more worth getting on.
STEALTH Social Links:
Facebook • Twitter • Instagram
Canadian Modern Pop Artist, David Browning, has traveled around the world and back into himself which is evident to hear throughout the delivery of his latest EP, ‘Now You See Me’. Confronting a once empty space from a place of hope for a brighter future with love, David sets himself free as he comes into a place of clarity throughout each track. Here’s our thoughts.
Kicking off with the first track, “Stay Over”, David Browning knits together a string of yearning throughout the lyrical trajectory that speaks of surrender and joy stemming from simply being amongst an individual who has set his heart in bloom. “Call Me When You’re Single” is the second track that takes the EP for a spin into a more somber space as David begins with a reflective lyrical narrative highlighting the days of innocence that he once shared with a lover that is now sharing their life with another. Closing out with “Always Inside”, David ends from an emotive space as he reminds listeners that the true rubies of life are cultivated within.
David Browning teamed up with Grammy Award Winning Producer, Ian Prince, for ‘Now You See Me’. David is actively working toward living out his highest dreams by utilizing his life experiences in a highly stimulated space as means of a source of inspiration that is igniting the emotional delivery of his music. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Rob Thomas, Sam Smith and Shawn Mendes, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for David Browning on Spotify.
David Browning Social Links:
Facebook• Website• Spotify
Finland Rockers, Daggerplay, have set out on an exploration of gore, love, pain and more throughout their latest full-length album release, ‘Subterranean Reality’; here’s our track-by-track thoughts.
Kicking off with the first track, “Red Sky”, Daggerplay begins with a Rockabilly instrumental that is both unexpected and welcoming as the track bends through genres to create a rich delivery of spite. “Cruel Wind Blowing” is the second track that begins with the instrumental feel of The Eagles which swiftly runs back into a dose of Punk as Lead Vocalist, Pekko Mantzin, unleashes the fury that he has been building within. The third track, “Don’t Give Up”, is a lyrical blast of acceptance that reminds listeners to no longer tolerate energizing feelings that have expired. “Black River” is the fourth track that instrumentally aligns with Billy Talent as Daggerplay lyrically floats down a blackened river of blood flowing through the veins of a poisoned soul. The fifth track, “Girl, it’s Gonna Get Better Or Just Worse”, slows it down into an intro acoustic which swiftly shifts into a lyrical reminds the apple of their eye that they must take mindful action or simply move on. “Days Like These” is the sixth track that throws listeners right into the pit as a high-strung blast of instrumentals keeps rebellious souls on their toes.
The seventh track, “Four Walls”, sets all wicked feelings free over a track in which Pekko shares that he has dove into substance for a temporary escape from a living hell that he knows he created. The ninth track, “Same Old, Same Old”, is a vent of lyrical frustration as the humans of Daggerplay attempt to overcome pieces of their current life experience that are hindering them from moving forward. The eleventh track, “One Mile Town”, is the musical culmination of a group of people that are on the edge of packing up their car and making it to the next place that they can to awaken a new creative inner land. The thirteenth track, “Ghosts”, begins with the instrumental feel of a 90’s Rock track by Third Eye Blind as the lyrics welcome ghosts that are creeping out from closets that the closet that all were under the impression they had closed. Closing out with “Sinister Blues”, Daggerplay attempts to take on a brighter hue as they find a place of closure with knowing that they are ready to move on to a new city and new life.
Daggerplay is the perfect band of punks that could light up your upcoming St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with ‘Subterranean Reality’. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Flogging Molly, Dropkick Murphys and Billy Talent, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Daggerplay on Soundcloud.
Daggerplay Social Links:
Facebook• Website• Twitter
PHOTO CREDIT: Mike Strandberg
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
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:
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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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:
PHOTO CREDIT: Ruel James
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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
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.
