Tag: New Album

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Interviews

Interview: Laura Cox

Guitar Goddess, Laura Cox, has taken the world of the internet by storm through her idiosyncratic approach toward bringing her guitar and music dreams to life. I caught up with the lady who strums right into your heart for a chat about the upcoming release of ‘Burning Bright’, remaining grounded and kind with your fans no matter what you’re enduring, using YouTube to maximize her career, gaining confidence and more.

Header Photo Credit: Clement Coupin

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

Thank you! Burning Bright isn’t the title of one of the songs on the album, but it’s a positive message. It’s about evolution, being yourself, growing up, personal battles, etc. I think it’s a perfect name for this second album. When you listen to the 10 tracks, you can relate to this “Burning Bright” theme every time, even if the songs and the lyrics are quite different and mean something else.

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

I mostly gained confidence. I used to be a bit shy, afraid of upsetting people, and thinking about other people’s feelings and expectations before thinking about mine. Being an artist also means you have to stand by your convictions, and be able to say “no” when you don’t feel like doing something. You’ll never be able to please everyone and you have to accept that.

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

I’ve always considered myself as a guitarist more than a singer. My challenge is to put both skills at the same level, because I realized singing was as important as playing guitar (if not more!). I’m working on that, and I have the feeling that my efforts are starting to pay off. We’ll see how it turns out. 

Photo Credit: Christopher Crenel

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

Although everything has become digital, I’m really glad to know that Rock n’ Roll fans still buy physical music. Our fans are “old school” music lovers, they keep on buying cds and vinyls, and I think that’s a very good thing. I have nothing against the digital side of music, it’s very practical, it’s easier and cheaper… But the packaging of an album (cover, booklet,etc.) is also part of the product, part of the art.

Social media is a big part of the game now! I originally come from Youtube, so I think a lot of people discovered me on the internet, I can’t deny that, although I like the “real” and “live” part better. I try to be active on these websites, it’s all about balance!

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’m a simple girl! I think I’m an easy-to-be-around person, and I can get along well with everyone. I also tend to not take anything too seriously, but I’m not sure that’s a good thing! Anyway, I know how to put things into perspective.

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’s easy, living with the boys in my band, sharing the same passion, the same moments of happiness and disappointements, ups and downs moments… We know how to take care of each other. Having each other’s back makes us stronger. Being a team is really important, and that’s what keeps us “healthy”.

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. 

Even if you’re in a bad day, you have to be kind to everyone. The fans are the most important thing in your musician life, because you are able to make a living of what you love, thanks to them. That’s the best gift in the world! Don’t be too stressed out, or afraid to go on stage, to jam with other musicians. In the end, what matters the most is to be yourself and have fun. If you’re enjoying the moment enough to let go, people will feel that and enjoy it too, even if it’s not perfect. Everything you do can have an impact on someone, even the tiniest details, so you have to be sure to set the right example, especially when it comes to young fans that see a role model in you.

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

Keep on listening to good music! Keep Rock n’ Roll alive! It has a bright future, and it’s mostly thanks to you.

Laura Cox Social Links:

Facebook • Instagram • Website

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Music Reviews

Bellingham Electronic Musician, Jeads, Releases New Album – ‘Nocturnal Signal’

Bellingham Electronic Musician, Jeads, trail-blazes through a highly industrial musical terrain that he creates through his eccentric brain throughout his latest release, ‘Nocturnal Signal’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Deep In The Night”, haunting instrumentals take listeners instantly into a state of trance with pulsating beats that swiftly float and mesh so serenely that it leads the subconscious mind to into stillness. The second track, “Undone”, laces in Spanish instruments to complement the tone of mystery that is palpable and rich with darkness that compliments the overtone of the album. “Nocturnal Signal” is the third and title track that drives deep into the mind over thumping beats that are accompanied by pauses of silence that mimic the works of Nicholas Jaar. The fourth track, “Ocean Gray”, takes the album for a turn and picks up the pace into a track that sounds akin to Bonobo as Jeads finds himself in a state of reflection that is emitted into the music. “Afterglow” is the fifth track that adds a dose of light into the soundscape Jeads experiments with over genre-bending sounds that trickle into Jazz and Trip-Hop.

The sixth track, “Sun Through The Clouds”, slows it down and takes listeners along a journey of sensory delight that is crafted from the soul. “Lost in the Shoreline” is the seventh track that is abounding with a murky overcast that is swallowed whole by listeners who appreciate the wide range of sounds that Jead’s experiments with. The eighth track, “Chiroptera’s Lament”, is a beautiful piece of musical art that is rich in cultural flavor that expands and leads listeners into a state of rapture. “Grindstone” is the ninth track that ties in pieces of Rock as the moody groove travels into the veins and tames the wandering mind. Closing out with “Late Night Meditation”, Jeads’ love of the outdoors brings a space to explore within the music as light traces of serenity are brought forward from the heart.

If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Nicholas Jaar, Jon Hopkins and Trentemoller, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Jeads on Soundcloud.

Jeads Social Links:

Facebook • Bandcamp • Website

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Music Reviews

London Pop Artist, Leon Seti, Releases New Album – ‘Cobalt’

London Synth Pop Artist, Leon Seti, carries himself out in an idiosyncratic way that meshes with the level of depth throughout his unique musical expression. In the midst of celebration of his latest release, ‘Cobalt’, here’s our track-by track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Cobalt (Intro)”, otherworldly synths and instrumentals send listeners straight into the abyss as Leon introduces all to the multidimensional range of thought that he experiences as an artist. The second track, “South”, begins with soft vocals that lace into vulnerable lyricism that speaks of Leon’s interest to travel to another atmosphere where he can live without fear. “Silver Lining” is the third track that is abounding with optimism as Leon overcomes his ego and strips down walls of pride as he sees his current experience of love for exactly what it is.

The fourth track, “Sunflowers”, begins by carrying out feelings of light as Leon dives into his ever-changing thoughts and allows the release of love pour from his chest over soft instrumentals accompanied by vocals from Phoebe. “Everything I Had” is the fifth track that begins with the soft echo of discontentment as Leon lyrically stresses that he has given all that he has and more to a relationship that is wilting akin to a dark rose. The sixth track, “Paranoia”, Leon approaches the manic highs and lows that have come through love as sensual lyricism tugs at the heartstrings of listeners interested in an array of genres. “All I Have” is the seventh track in which Leon lyrically spills from the heart that he is ready for an individual to meet him at the center of his depth. The eighth track, “Internectar”, begins by Leon traveling into a dream state where he recollects upon the fantasies that he encounters within that he is ready to bring to life. “Stripper” is the ninth track that instrumentally begins with the feeling of a track by Purity Ring as Leon’s gentleness leads listeners back into their center. Closing out with “In the Darkness”, Leon ends strong as the sensitivity that he has approached this project with is complicated by kaleidoscopic lyricism.

If you’re a fan of a mixture of fellow musicians such as The Postal Service, Chvrches and Vampire Weekend, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Leon Seti on Soundcloud.

Leon Seti Social Links:

Facebook • YouTube • Instagram

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Music Reviews

LA Musician, Heather Gruber, Releases New Album – ‘Dancing Into The Desert’

LA Singer/Songwriter, Heather Gruber, has spread her wings to extend beyond what she had previously known to find her way back “home” throughout her latest full-length release, ‘Dancing Into The Desert’. Here’s our track by track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Beauty Outside the Lines”, Heather begins with a fun and spirited instrumental that walks listeners into her youthful yet soaring vocal style that is rich in soul. “Here You Go Again” is the second track that carries songwriting that speaks to oneself about stepping outside of a comfort zone that has swallowed her whole. The third track, “Ready or Not”, colors outside of the lines with a cheery intro instrumental that lead into a vulnerable songwriting bundle of love while Heather lays down her armor and surrenders to what she is ready to explore. “Running on Empty” is the fourth track that is an acoustic blend of lyrical indecision and seeing the truth for what it is as Heather faces thoughts that are trying to keep her from taking the next step forward as she keeps in mind that she is simply ready to go. The fifth track, “Lost in Space”, is an album highlight that begins with Heather’s darkened vocals that are full of clarity when it comes to what she knows it best for her and her future.

“Lost My Halo” is the sixth track where Heather lyrically speaks to herself about how she recognizes that she lost pieces of her inner puzzle while chasing something that once felt impossible yet is indeed feasible. The seventh track, “How Do You Feel About Now?”, is written with metaphorical precision as Heather lyrically expresses her enduring love for another that won’t fade away. “Let it Fly” is the eighth track in which Heather lyrically maneuvers through her indecision and attempts to overcome her doubt and set herself free for once and for all. The ninth track, “Perfect Day”, begins with a beautiful and simple opening instrumental that matches the lyrical direction that is an ode to simply being. The eleventh track, “Letting Go”, stirs into the soul of listeners as Heather knows that what she had once collected is no longer serving her life path which continues to broaden as she travels and experiences how boundless the world that we live in truly is. “Stepped Outside” is the twelfth track in which Heather sets sail and lyrically tells the tale of facing the great unknown. Closing out with “What’s so Good About Being Young?”, Heather ends on a high note as she lets go of a relationship that was holding her back as she has come to learn to set her sights on what is best for her.

 

Emptying herself in a gap of civilization while immersed in the mystery that abounds in the wild to return to her core, Heather Gruber yearned for more and expressed her mindful action and emotive experiences along the way throughout ‘Dance Into The Desert’. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Sara Bareilles, Poe and Regina Spektor, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Heather Gruber on Spotify.

Heather Gruber Social Links:

Twitter • Bandcamp • YouTube

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Music Reviews

Hong Kong Musician, Todd Warner Moore, Releases New Album – ‘Spark’

Hong Kong Musician, Todd Warner Moore, separates himself from his present time and retracts back to the fluid and free mentality of those living in the 60’s and 70’s throughout his latest album release, ‘Spark’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Prologue”, Todd Warner Moore begins with a simple dose of talk wisdom that can be psychologically absorbed as thought-provoking and abstruse. The second and title track, “Spark”, gives Todd space to showcase his soft vocal style that is complemented by female vocals throughout the chorus that aid in the balance of energy and emotive intensity within the track. “Gift” is the third track that is a soft and pleasant spill of lyrically poetic romanticism and love toward the apple of Todd Warner Moore’s desire. The fourth track, “Noodles”, gives off the vibes of Jimmy Buffett in the intro within instrumentals as Todd lyrically takes the track down the road of metaphorically comparing ingredients and cooking up noodles to a life experience with another human being that he is encountering within his personal reality. “Do You Really Know?” is the fifth track that is a lyrically contemplative and inquisitive dose of reflection that speaks of the rich inner world that Todd has cultivated within.

The sixth track, “Drift Awake”, slows it down into a Bluesy and serene float down a river of instrumental peace as Todd lyrically speaks of the flighty thoughts that are flowing through his currently frenzied mind. “Mess” is the seventh track that begins with a potent line pertaining to carving out expectations with the feel of a John Mayer instrumental back in his ‘Room For Squares’ days. The eighth track, “Gem”, is a bundle of lyrical hope for an insecure mind as Todd lyrically reminds listeners that it is the rubies and gold that we shape within that count when it comes to our unique experience of fulfillment in our lives. “In the Water” is the ninth track that lyrically inflicts the inspiration to reshape the “seeds of who we are”. The tenth track, “Right Inside This Room”, subliminally speaks of Todd’s rich history as a musician as healing thoughts are translated into lyricism that is aware of the devotion that he feels toward his lover whom is right across the room. “Crashing Down” is the eleventh track that burns a hole in the heart of listeners as Todd lyrically tells the tale of chaos and collapse in a metaphorically enlightening way. “Bird’s Eye View” is the thirteenth track that tugs at the hearts of listeners who desire the slower and easy life rather than the rapid and manic lifestyle of those who live within bigger cities. The fourteenth track, “Epilogue”, is a meditative and perfect ending to a well-balanced release.

It is quite evident that Todd Warner Moore has lived a rich and seasoned life through his songwriting style which is abounding with wit, charm and wisdom. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Bright Eyes, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash, then keep an eye on the road ahead for Todd Warner Moore on Bandcamp.

Todd Warner Moore Social Links:

Website • Twitter • YouTube

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Music Reviews

Pittsburgh Musician, Adam Rose, Releases New Album – ‘Levitate the Base’

Pittsburgh Psychedelic Musical Talent, Adam Rose, takes listeners down an obscure tunnel of vibrant thought and chromatic creativity throughout the release of his latest album, ‘Levitate the Base’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.

Kicking off with the first track, “Platinum Grime”, Adam starts off with moody instrumentals that mimic The Police in their ‘Ghost in the Machine’ days as the multi-instrumentalist himself shows off his delightful skills that create an exceptional mood while incorporating elements ranging from Groove to Rock. “Swampy Thang” is the second track that initially creates an aura of mystery as Adam slowly strolls into a space that promotes mental hypothesizing in listeners as to what headspace Adam was in while creating the fluid and masterfully composed song. The third track, “Persian Fantasy”, begins by incorporating the wondrous sounds of nature and falls into a tranquil outpour of Adult Contemporary with instrumentals that creates a feeling akin to Sade in her ‘Stronger Than Pride’ days. “Riptide” is the fourth track that feels like it walked out of the theme song for a 70’s TV hit as soft drumming in between the horns mesh without skipping a mere beat.

The fifth track, “Slam Dandy”, picks up the pace into a blast of 80’s Glam Rock instrumentals as Adam roars through with electrifying energy. “Freaky Fried Flapjacks” is the sixth track that is full of comical musical bliss as Adam attempts to create an atmosphere of feeling akin to sitting in a room of human beings who are building flighty castles in the sky. The seventh track, “In the Glow”, is an album highlight that uplifts with a modern-day technical element that creates a groove and an inviting mood. “Skyline Drive” is the eighth track that kicks off with elements of Deep House that soothe into a state of Jazz that is unexpected yet welcoming to the soft and easygoing listener. The ninth track, “Helena”, slows it down into an acoustic flow of positive energy that is laced into the dynamic array of instruments that Adam plays fluidly from a simple state of mind. “Paisley Arcade” is the tenth track that carries an odd appeal through its ability to shift rapidly as Adam plays with different keys and buttons to spill out a manic outburst of emotion. The eleventh track, “Skyline Island Reprise”, feels like a sweet and calm day under the summer sky as Adam musically sets the mood for love to simply be. Closing out with “Isles of Avalon”, Adam instrumentally mimics the likes of Bjork with a dramatic and theatrical dose of musical charm.

Adam Rose is a talent that collects his life experiences and has learned to translate them into incredible musical art. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians and multi-instrumentalists such as Beck, Lenny Kravitz and Pink Floyd, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Adam Rose on Soundcloud.

Adam Rose Social Links:

Facebook • Twitter • Bandcamp

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Interviews

Interview: City of the Weak

Minnesota Rockers, City of the Weak, have been giving their blood, sweat, tears and energy to music ever since the release of the ‘White Fire Alarm’ EP in 2013. Having recently delivered throughout ‘Pulling Teeth’, City of the Weak continues to forge forward with renewed vigor and creative inspiration. I caught up with Bassist, Cody Hoffman, to discuss ‘Pulling Teeth’, the synergy amongst the band, coming out stronger from a rock bottom experience, finding peace in late night drives and much more.

Congrats on the recent release of ‘Pulling Teeth’. Tell us about the creative and recording process for this release and what you learned along the way.

Thank you! To be honest it was quite a grueling process all around, and that’s where the title came from because it felt like we were pulling teeth to make the record we wanted to make. After we released the Disclosure EP in 2014 we started touring really hard for the following few years. We would be out for up to 7 weeks at a time trying to just get out there and get in front of people. Eventually the band had started to draw some attention from people in the industry and everyone had their own opinion on what they thought we needed to do to “blow up” and be successful. At first we were really open to suggestions, but after a year a so it was like someone had slipped a blindfold on us and spun us around a hundred times.  We got so twisted up in trying to please people that we kind of forgot what we were even trying to do artistically, and it was definitely showing in the music. The songs weren’t good, the morale wasn’t there, and we felt like we were blowing it. Eventually it hit a breaking point and we said “Fuck It” and decided to make the music we wanted to make and do what we want to do.

When It came down to recording the album we connected with Craig Owens to produce the album. We were actually supposed to go with someone else to do the album, but when a mutual friend brought his name up as a suggestion we knew we had to try for it. The album was actually recorded in two separate sessions. We recorded Censor This, Ungrateful, and Glad You Could Make It the first round to make sure it was going to be a good fit. Stef and I went to Detroit and we spent a few days with him tearing down each song. Some songs were almost completely scrapped aside from a couple parts and were re-written right on the spot. In the studio we had a lot of great discussions about what it means to make art that matters to you and to not sacrifice that for anything or anyone. Craig has such a trained ear for not only how a song sounds, but how it feels.After that first session we came home and the rest of the record just poured out of us. All those songs that we came back with the second time even now still resonate as strongly as they did when we first wrote them.

How has touring and being in the band with the balance of Male/Female, Stef and Brent, served to enhance your artistry?

I will say it is definitely a completely different dynamic touring and performing with women as opposed to a group of all males. I can’t really put my finger on what it is but there’s something about it that I’d take over an all male group any day of the week. I think by nature men and women have different instincts and pickup on different social cues and aspects of a situation in a completely different way. The balance of both really rounds out our group and I think in a lot of ways keeps us all with an open and objective mind. I guess a lot of that comes down to the individual personalities but I’m extremely lucky to work, relax, and play with both of my best friends. Stef, Brent, and I all live within a few blocks from each other in St. Paul, MN so we spend most of our time together one way or another on pretty much a daily basis. I think we bring a lot of the best aspects out of each other and in the end I think that trickles down into the things we create together.

Photo Credit: Glam Tie Media

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

This is a difficult one to admit, but I’ll share because I’m now starting to feel that I’m starting to push through and get on the other side of it after struggling with it for a couple of years. There have been a handful of really dark moments that this lifestyle has brought me, this year especially, where I’ve questioned what the hell am I doing with my life. I started to live with this nagging thought that I had chosen the wrong path with in life and that the universe was sending me every possible sign that I needed to walk away. I felt this way for so long and built up resentment towards the things and the people that bring light to my life. Eventually after hitting rock bottom with the help of people close to me I was able to flip my perspective to realize that I have spent my lifetime doing this. That I have over 20 years of experience and lessons and that I need to hold myself up to that standard. I want my work to speak to that. The greatests artists of our time spent their entire lives devoted to their crafts and pushing themselves farther.

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

That’s a really interesting question. I see that a lot of people have negative views on technology, but I think in a lot of ways these apps and social platforms are tools and we have the choice as to what kind of rabbit holes we are want to go down. It’s like you can spend your time subscribing to news sites and social media to convince yourself that the world sucks, or that it is coming to an end, or that everything we’ve been taught is a lie. On the flip side you can spend your time on sites like creativelive and skillshare, or listening to podcasts to teach yourself new things and open yourself up to new ideas. I’ve definitely found myself on both sides of it but in the last few years I just block or unfollow things that rub me wrong even in the slightest possible way. We are so delicate to influence so I  try to subscribe to things that lift me up and empower the type of person I want to 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.

So on top of all the things that keep me busy with City of the Weak, I also run my own business called C. Evan Media where I create art and promo materials for other bands and businesses. It gives me a chance to empower other artists across the country by helping them bring their visions to a new level. I’m very grateful to be able to collaborate with so many artists over so many different mediums!

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 challenging sometimes. Everyday is like it’s own adventure and you kind of find yourself in this state of just constantly reacting to your surroundings. I spend a lot of time reading on the road. I try to find moments everyday where I can take a walk and get my own personal space every once in a while. Other than that I also find a lot of peace in late night drives listening to music and podcasts.

Photo Credit: Glam Tie Media

You have toured with a wide variety of musicians over the past years and have played at some major festivals. I remember seeing you at the first year of Chicago Open Air in 2016. Tell us some words of wisdom that you have collected along the way.

First off, that’s so cool you saw us there! That entire weekend was such a magical time and I think will forever be a lifelong highlight for me. I have no idea how we tricked them into that. I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is having the right attitude and being present with the people you are with. This lifestyle can be tough for everyone involved, whether it’s the bands on tour, the crew, the promoters or venue staff. I can’t think of a single part of this industry where it’s not some sort of challenge to do what it is we do, plus we can’t survive without each other so why not try to enjoy it? It’s a team effort whether you like it or not. Clear communication is key!

What’s coming in 2019 for City of the Weak?

Even though we just put out ‘Pulling Teeth’ we are already writing towards our next album. Aside from that we are getting ready to announce the next round of tour dates which we are super excited about as well as a couple of surprises throughout the year!

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

Thank you all so much for your support over the best and worst of times!! I honestly think our fans are some of the coolest people in the world and I feel fortunate that we are on a daily basis are surrounded with like minded people all across the country. There’s no way it is a coincidence and I am grateful to know you guys. Always keep doing you, follow your vision and don’t compromise for anyone!

Photo Credit: Glam Tie Media

City of the Weak Social Links:

Facebook • Instagram • Spotify