Tag: New Album

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Interview: Set It Off

Tampa Band, Set It Off, have maximized their creative synergy to bring to life their own Pop and Electronic infused niche that is idiosyncratic and abounding with heart. Gearing up for the upcoming release of ‘MIDNIGHT’, I caught up with Lead Vocalist, Cody Carson, to discuss the paradoxes of facing rejection, the power within realizing your worth, being proactive and aware of anxiety triggers stemming from social media, choosing not to sacrifice your moral compass for success and more. 

Congrats on the upcoming release of ‘MIDNIGHT’. Tell us about the creative and recording process so far and what you have learned along the way.

Thank you so much! It is been an absolutely amazing process filled with growth, vulnerability, and experimentation. Once we had our start date to begin the record, it wasn’t an endless grind every day to try to produce what we consider to be our best songs yet. We came in with around 60 ideas and wrote as many songs as we could to end up tasking ourselves with narrowing it down to just 15. This will be our longest release yet, and we’re happy to say that we feel this is the best we’ve been.

What new techniques or skills did you acquire during the process of record ‘MIDNIGHT’?

For me personally, three skills that I honed in on the most were learning when to subtract rather than add, fighting for the best possible metaphor (that I have never heard before) whether it be one line or the concept of the song itself, and how to come up with better titles for the songs overall.

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

Rejection within my career. It is one of the most difficult things I’ve had to personally face because in all honesty, we are talking about our dreams. For someone to make you feel like your dream doesn’t count or that you’re not wanted is a hard pill to swallow. That’s how I felt in November of 2017, right before we started creating this album due to being dropped by people we were working with in the past. But we needed that feeling, it’s good to feel low sometimes, because if we never did, we would never know exactly what we have to fight for. It gives you time to realize your own worth and refuel that fire to succeed.

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

I think like anything in the world it has it’s pros and cons. It is incredibly convenient that we can access any song we want to whenever we want to because of the digital world. It is also incredibly hard for musicians to sell the albums they create now due to the format of digital streaming. But then you factor in that anyone can access your music with incredible ease and you can’t really complain. Another example is that we are simultaneously the most connected and disconnected we have ever been. Random phone calls or knocks at the door used to be an exciting thing with a positive connotation and now it triggers anxiety. But we also have the ability to talk to whoever we want to whenever we want to on a device just bigger than our hand. Just like anything in life there are positive sides and there are negative sides. For me personally, I think we’re extremely lucky to have the technology that we do.

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 take pride in the fact that each member of this band will never sacrifice their integrity or their moral compass to gain success. I pride myself in the fact that I will always be real with all of you, If I’m happy you will know it, if I am sad you will know it, and you will know my flaws. I don’t want there to be a separation between who we are supports us. I want Set It Off to be a home where people can go to cope with everything that they are going through or have been through.

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?

Funny enough, but by feeding it more stimulus. I am a big believer in positive distractions. I deal with my problems, but if they are too hard to face in that moment, then I will just turn to video games, music, or movies. It is okay to take your brain away from stressful situations sometimes. Personally, video games are my escape from the real world.

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.

There is something that can be learned from every artist no matter if they’re outside of your genre or a spitting image of yourself. You can learn what you should be doing and what you shouldn’t be doing. You should constantly be evaluating how you can better yourself. I’m happy with the fact I will never feel secure in my level of success because that means I will always feel that I have room to grow. Playing shows alongside people who have the same passion as you is the perfect place to learn.

If any of our readers have never been to Tampa, what are three of your favorite restaurants that you recommend to visit?

This may not be a restaurant, but if you go to Florida in general and don’t go to Publix and get a Publix sub from their deli then you’ve wasted your trip! You can customize whatever you want and they will do it with a smile. I miss it so much! Also, my favorite date spot in Tampa is definitely Ciro’s Speakeasy & Supper Club, it’s a real intimate vibe with craft cocktails and amazing food. Right up my alley!

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

Yes! We are lucky to have you. We are also very lucky that you’re so kind to each other and also some of the funniest people we’ve ever seen online. Thank you for being a part of our lives and for letting us be a part of yours. Here’s to the new era of Set It Off!

Set It Off Social Links:

Facebook• Website• Spotify

PRE-ORDER your copy of ‘MIDNIGHT’ HERE. Out on February 1st, 2019 via Fearless Records

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Interviews

Interview: The Soul Rebels

New Orleans Brass Ensemble, The Soul Rebels, have a musical synergy that takes listeners to a place of tranquility throughout their latest full-length release, ‘Poetry In Motion’. I caught up with the guys to discuss feeling limitless within their artistic endeavors, the power of discipline, how the digital world has awakened new territories for creation, equality for women, culture and more.

Congrats on the release of ‘Poetry In Motion’. Tell us about the message that you intended to portray throughout the album. 

We intended for this album to portray limitlessness. As artists and based on our musical experiences, we truly feel limitless and freedom around our music. As a band, we’ve been through a lot of experiences, emotions and journeys throughout this musical life, and we feel our artistry is without boundary. This album represents a freedom of genre and style, a fusion of sounds, influences and cultures. We truly feel that this album transcends. We’re very proud of ‘Poetry In Motion’. 

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

Having discipline and teamwork are qualities you learn quickly, and over time for a band comprised of eight band members like ours, we’ve learned how to have patience and support each other. Respecting every one’s voice and having a collaborative mind set has been powerful. We’ve grown to become very adaptable as people and as artists.  We’ve learned that we’re most successful when we create music that’s true to our hearts and souls. 

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

Musicians and artists go through stages of self doubt and suffer from that. But it’s part of the process, looking in the mirror and asking questions.  It’s something you overcome and learn from. But it’s always something that lives with you. We’re always questioning, it can be challenging and trying. 

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

The digital world has given us a lot of incredible and profound tools; to obtain information, access, knowledge and it has connected us all. It’s allowed us to connect with the world and have access to infinite information.   At the same time, it’s disabled some people’s ability to be self reliant and in some sense, be original. Some times the least talented are the ones that surface. For artists, it’s important that WE always respect the process of becoming an artist, and we always start by looking within. It’s important that we don’t allow a digital mindset from  overpowering and compromising our self pursuit of accessing our deepest artistic feelings and looking within. We hope the digital world doesn’t dilute and cloud our artistry. The digital world has provided a stage and opportunity for meritocracy. Anyone and everyone can become famous on Soundcloud, YouTube and Instagram. We hope these platforms and the infinite access don’t turn our society and culture into accepting and embracing meritocracy, and allowing it to be the standard. At the same time, the digital world has allowed us to share our message to the world, to everyone only a click away. Social media as been a primary driver for marketing the band and who we are, where we are and what we’re doing and when. 

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.

We take pride in being hard working, humble and honest people. We have self respect, and we work very hard and try to think creatively and as innovators. We realize that we’re role models and figures within our community and culture, people look up to us. We care greatly about issues that involve mental health, equality for women and freedom of expression for all people. Issues surrounding the extreme police brutality epidemic and the unnecessary and unjust killings of people of color are profoundly important to us. We’re all in this life together, and we should all try to love each other a bit more. Civil rights, the environment, access to health insurance for all, access to education for all children, music education, human rights and providing kids with better support in our school systems are important issues to all eight of us. 

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?

This is a great question. We try to stay healthy on the road. We are a group of eight musicians, we’re all close and we’re all here for each other. It can be hard to be away from home and our families while on tour. We try to take care of ourselves and make smart decisions, and have fun. The music lifts our souls and spirits. Music and performing for our fans all over the world is so healing. Performing gives us energy. 

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.

We’ve performed all over the world with a wide range of artists in a wide range of countries. We work with artists spanning Katy Perry and Marilyn Manson, Nas to Metallica and everyone in between. We’ve toured and traveled through the slums of Brazil, villages in Haiti and in rural China, South Korea, Indonesia and all over Europe. A few of the most important pieces of wisdom we’ve collected, is to always be a good person and show respect, and to always let the soul lead. Having soul, passion, love and channeling it through our music has been a blessing. It’s shown us that we’re all connected because we can all feel music and share in having a soul. Soul transcends genre. Soul is more of a philosophy, mindset and approach than just a musical style, it’s an attitude and feeling. Soul is our mantra. 

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

We hope you enjoy our new album! 

The Soul Rebels Social Links:

Facebook • Instagram • Website

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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.

Bósa Social Links:

Facebook • Instagram

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Interviews

Interview: A Hundred Drums

Denver-based Musician, A Hundred Drums, is an educator beyond the music and has used her ever-expanding skillset to aid in the development of fellow artists. In celebration of the upcoming February 14th, 2020 release of her self-titled album, I caught up with A Hundred Drums to discuss the importance of eating consciously, creating her original sound through going back to her roots, building a community and tribe through her music and more.

Congrats on the upcoming release of your new self-titled album. Tell us about the message that you intended to portray throughout the release.

Thank you! I am really excited about it. My intention with this album is to finally share my own, original sound. I grew up listening to Jazz music. That was my mother’s jam. From there, I started playing instruments as a young kid. Clarinet, Saxophone, flute and of course, the drums. Drum kit, hand drums, and all top percussion. I want to infuse my background into what I love today, really creating my very own sound. Aside from my classical training, I fell in love with Deep Dubstep, reggae, and Psytrance. Put that together, you get… my album. 

Though a broad question, what have you learned about yourself and what skills have you developed through working with Gravitas Recordings?

I’d love to start off by saying, thank you to Gravitas Recordings for their continued support and believing in me and my music. One of the most significant pieces through this experience is really seeing what it’s like to work with such a strong team in a professional way. 

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

With access to people’s lives at your fingertips, it’s easy to get lost in doubt and comparing ourselves to others. To curb this, I check in myself, have a drop in and take a moment to reflect.

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 take pride in the community that I surround myself with. Being around a tribe of other driven and motivating people that drive and motivate each other, circles back to feed the community. 

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

I believe food to be top of my list of ways to maintain my mental and physical health. Healthy body, healthy mind. I’m always happy when I get to cook one of my recipes from my HelloFresh boxes! 

If you could take yourself back to a time in which your mind, body, and spirit experienced pure bliss, where would you go? 

I mentioned earlier that my mother listened to Jazz music. I remember a time when we were driving in the car, and one of her favorite songs by Peter White came on. I played one of the parts on my Clarinet and nailed it. I remember her being happy…and remember being proud of myself. That sure is a moment I wouldn’t mind revisiting.

Header Photo Credit: Banana Cam Photo

A Hundred Drums Social Links:

Facebook • Instagram

Presave A Hundred Drums New Self-Titled Album HERE and grab yourself a beanie while you’re at it—-Photo: Sean Snow

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Interviews

Interview: Desert Dwellers

Tribal House Duo, Desert Dwellers, continue to invite long-time listeners into their world of eccentricity and meaning that is expressed through their artistry. I caught up with Amani and Treavor for a great chat about the meaning behind their latest release, ‘Breath Reimagined Vol. 1’, the spiritual connection that naturally stems through listening to Desert Dwellers, returning to a space of gratitude within, eating healthy and mindfully on the road and more.

Congrats on the release of ‘Breath Reimagined Vol. 1’. Tell us about the message that you intended to portray throughout this release.

We aimed to bring a message of unification, by collaborating with producers from many various countries and parts of the world, and also producers working in a diverse range of downtempo and psychedelic chill out influences as well. The 14 remixes run the spectrum from ambient dub to haltime to glitch to psy bass, yet all the offerings work together in unity, creating a dynamic journey for the listener. We also have 3 volumes of Breath remixes planned, the 2nd release are re-imagined into Slow BPM House and Electronica styles feat artists like Coss & Iorie, Rapossa and Luca Bacchetti. The 3rd and final one is uptempo Deep/Progressive House versions by the likes of Djuma Soundsystem, D-Nox and Uone to name a few.

Listeners of Desert Dwellers commonly are able to further tune into their spiritual nature through engaging deeply with your music. Tell us about your spiritual connection with your artistry. 

We really admire the power that sound and music has to transport the listener and help them find a sense of calm. This innate and mysterious power of music has been a cross-cultural phenomenon for eons and It goes beyond language or borders. We often create journey-focused soundscapes that dissolve the everyday stresses of life and helps people access the core feelings of gratitude, compassion, love, and peace. The world needs people focusing on these qualities now more than ever. 

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

We are living in interesting times. What is happening on the planet both politically and environmentally is deeply disturbing and creates a lot of anxiety and fear for the future. Deep down we wish we could do something more, to change these events somehow with our actions. To do better. Yet we feel stuck like we are living in a nightmare that is a result of human greed and over consumption. It’s pretty difficult to overcome these feelings and what’s happening without ignoring them or self medicating. The best we can do is to keep finding inner peace and sending love to all our connections, and to keep trying our best in whatever small way we can to make an impact in people’s lives and to help the world right now. This time is “all hands on deck” as Paul Stamets has said. Instead of feeling despair, start each day by coming back to what we are grateful for and expanding from that place to help other beings and the planet in some way. 

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

The digital network tools are not inherently good or bad, they are just tools. We all have a choice in how we want to use them, to create unity and community, or create division and separation. We truly live in an amazing time, and being able to connect with people all over the world like this is unprecedented. Personally we utilize the power of connection to create new and interesting music projects and collaborations, and we certainly wouldn’t be able to do what we do without these tools. But like everyone, we often feel the isolation and lack of human connections as we edge further into this virtual hive mind. Collectively, we are both losing and gaining at the same time, and we need to be aware of that as we continue to move forward. 

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. 

Aspects of us other than music? Let us get back to you on that!

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?

Neither of us drink alcohol which we believe plays a big role in our mental and emotional health. We try to eat as healthy as possible and get as much sleep as possible too. It’s not always easy, and we go through ups and downs, but that’s really the jist of it. Oh, and a good sense of humor helps us a lot too!

If you could trade existences with your favorite cartoon character growing up, who would you choose and why? 

Maybe the Road Runner, because he gets to run free in the desert and always escapes harm’s way! He’s also the state bird of New Mexico where Amani grew up and Treavor has spent a lot of time as well.  

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

We are forever grateful to have this opportunity and to have so much support from our devoted fans, to be able to do what we do, and to travel around the world sharing our music! we will keep on going as long as you all keep dancing with us! Live in love. 

Desert Dwellers Social Links:

Facebook • Instagram

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Music Reviews

Chicago Ensemble, Magical Beasts, Release ‘Yes, My Love, I Am Reaching’

Chicago Ensemble, Magical Beasts, tune into their hearts and dive into elements of romanticism, love and connection throughout their beautifully written new release, ‘Yes, My Love, I Am Reaching’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Come Find Me”, Magical Beasts begin soft and slow and instantly mimic the likes of Mumford and Sons over lyrics that seek and speak of guidance when it comes to interpersonal connection that has sparked feelings of adoration in their hearts. The second track, “7 Nights”, lyrically travels down the road highlighting a period of time that meant the world to members of Magical Beasts who swoon over the seven days that were spent connecting with another that has left a lasting imprint of their spirits. “Darling” is the third track which is the dream track for a lady to receive as songwriting speaks to the soul and speaks of the rewards that come when a human being consciously decides to let down their guards and open their minds and hearts to what love can simply be. The fourth track, “In Praise”, trickles into listeners minds with grace as the members of Magical Beasts lyrically tackle the phenomenal feeling of fate that comes when an individual walks into your life and leaves you feeling at peace knowing that a natural connection has begun to sprout.

“Little Buds” is the fifth track that picks up the pace and instantly instrumentally mimics the likes of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros as Magical Beasts add in elements of Folk that mesh smoothly while showcasing their ability to expand their talents as a genre-bending act. Closing out with “Farthest Shore”, Magical Beasts lyrically express that they are willing to spread their wings far and wide to receive the love and life that they desire.

If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Mumford and Sons, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and The Head and the Heart, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Magical Beasts on SoundCloud.

Magical Beasts Social Links:

Facebook • Instagram • Twitter

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Music Reviews

LA Post-Hardcore Band, Chotto Ghetto, Releases New Album: ‘WILDFIRE’

LA Post-Hardcore Band, Chotto Ghetto, bring the noise and elevate their fans perspective of their artistry as they dive into a pool of balls-to-the-wall Hardcore/Punk throughout their latest album release, ‘WILDFIRE’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Debrief”, the guys mimic ignorant news-lines that have come across our screens as mass society members sit and wish away their lives and minds through what’s on the idiot box. The second track, “Multiversal Receiver”, revs up listeners’ engines with an array of instrumentals that come together with ease as the guys lyrically travel down an uncanny imaginative world that is entirely their own. “New Horror” is the third track that picks up the pace as lyrics tell the tale of how technology has taken over our entire world and has subconsciously caused wildfires in the minds of vulnerable souls. The fourth track, “The Work”, begins with an intro that mimics the likes of Rob Zombie as the guys of Chotto Ghetto lyrically bring lack to the forefront and how individuals’ realities become a drain when they are stuck in the horror of routine and greed. “Unstable Isotopes” is the fifth track that once again ties in news-lines that are swarming and taking over innocent minds as the guys of Chotto Ghetto subliminally try to portray the importance of learning to think for yourself. The sixth track, “The Odd Man”, is the ideal title that speaks of the group of men which are Chotto Ghetto as the guys slow down to a nearly acoustic spill which speaks of being and feeling like the fly on the wall in spaces that aren’t of their own. “Dr. Gerald is Trying to Chill” is the seventh track that begins with a long instrumental that feels like a trip back to the 90’s as blurry and scattered vocals and lyrics elevate the intention of showcasing how subconsciously triggered we all are when it comes to distractions.

The eighth track, “Like Old Times”, highlights the strength of Chris Candy’s vocals that mimic the likes of Davey Havok of AFI. “Eternal Return: Temple FuckIt” is the ninth track that picks up the pace as instrumentals mimic the likes of Explosions in the Sky as the guys lyrically attempt to return back home into themselves. “HIRO AI” is the eleventh track that slows it down into a deep and dark instrumental that meshes with the Sci-Fi attempt toward mental closure. Closing out with “Charlie Cluster 8”, the guys end with a bang as they lyrically take back control of their minds away from the debris of modern-day TV.

If you’re a fan of a mixture of fellow musicians such as Bad Brains, Rob Zombie and Minor Threat then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Chotto Ghetto on SoundCloud.

Chotto Ghetto Social Links:

Facebook • Instagram • Website

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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.

Todd Warner Moore Social Links:

Website • YouTube

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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.

Healing Spells Social Links:

Facebook • YouTube Channel

Categories
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! 

Bent Knee Social Links:

Facebook • Instagram • Website