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!
California Rockers, Joyous Wolf, are steadily rising and making a name for themselves while ensuring to remain grounded along the way. Through the success of ‘Place in Time’, the guys have been able to tour with some of the greats and are gearing up to join Deep Purple on a North American run. I caught up with Lead Vocalist, Nick Reese, to discuss finding balance in the digital age, words of wisdom from Myles Kennedy, keeping your ego in check on the road and more.
Congrats on the release of ‘Place in Time’. Tell us about the message that you intended to portray throughout the EP.
Lyrically it all sort of fell together into a theme of writing about my generation and the current one coming up. The way the norm has changed so drastically so quickly and how that effects young people coming up. It’s my interpretation of that.
What have you learned about yourself and what skills have you developed through bringing Joyous Wolf to life back in 2014.
That’s a long list of things… The music business is definitely a hurricane and through all of our travels we’ve really have adapted to just about any challenge thrown our way. You name it we’ve probably experienced it.
Showcasing the human in you, what is a challenging thought that you recently had and were able to overcome over time?
Every day is a development, a chance to build on your flaws. I’ve spent a great deal of time and energy working on mine. The one I battle with the most is always feeling responsible for any issue that happens around me. I take it personally and want nothing more than to fix it. I’m learning to overcome that.
What is your perception on the digital world that we live in and social media culture?
Like anything else there are pros and cons to social media. It’s been said over and over that these things are meant to bring us together, but they can drive us further apart. My only idea to counter this, is how I would go about countering any addiction, by living in moderation. Finding balance in life in all forms. If you fall too far to one side, you will fall over.
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 my writing. I’m always penning something, whether it’s a few words or an essay worth it helps me sort out my thoughts. I take pride in being physically fit because it has been a matter of mastering parts of my self discipline. I take pride in all of the wonderful friendships I have made these last four years, unforgettable human kindness and binding community. At the end of the day, all I ever wanted was a lot of real friends. I was a lonely kid so that really does bring me happiness.
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’m definitely self deprecating to an extent I try my hardest to keep my ego in check and I always remind myself of every challenge and obstacle that I cleared along the way. I remember all of the people who have helped me and I work hard to do right by them. On the road I write and performing on stage really helps me sort out my demons. There are bad days, but that’s just life. All about keeping the momentum forward from today to tomorrow.
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.
My personal favorite was a small talk I had with Myles Kennedy earlier this year. He said to me “You bleed for the audience and don’t give a fuck, never change that”. So I won’t. I’ll cherish that moment always. I hope he knows how much that meant to me.
Last but certainly not least, any closing messages for your fans?!
Thank you for all of the support for the boys and I. The fact that so many people have hopped on this train with us is unbelievably humbling. I love you all!
San Francisco Musician, Morsifire, has teamed up with Emily Afton to reveal and heal through a serene and moving track abounding with hypnotic instrumentals that are tied to potent lyricism throughout their recently dropped single, “Contact”. Ahead of Morsifire’s upcoming full-length release, ‘Metanoia’, which is set to be out on October 11th, 2019, “Contact” sets the tone for the inwardly restorative mission that Morsifire approaches his music with both in the studio and throughout his day-to-day life. Through lyrics that speak of attempting to wrap one’s mind around the excruciating loss of his younger sister, cutting to the bone is what sets Morsifire apart as an artist that creates from the soul and isn’t afraid to lose his mind to enter a space of serenity in the process.
Diving into the painful moment of having to watch his sister’s ashes go into the ground rather than being able to watch her bloom in the physical, Morsifire’s vulnerability is atypical and sincerely appreciated by listeners that approach their lives with depth beyond the skin. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Mike Shinoda, Fort Minor and Mac Miller, then keep an eye on the promising and vulnerably rich ride ahead for Morsifire on Spotify.
Seattle Psychedelic Artist, The Cool Moonmist Mountain Band, have been tuning into the forces of the universe beyond our linear comprehension as they dive into a pool of astrological thought and wonder throughout their latest EP, ‘Fire Sign’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.
Kicking off with the first track, “Dope”, we begin with a unique instrumental release of chimes that swiftly mesh into a world of Electronic bliss that showcases the diversity of talent that has come together to create a musical world of their own. The second track, “Lofi Spliff”, begins with a serene blend of sounds that quickly jumps into a pool of musical magic that sounds akin to Pretty Lights as Jared Sand of The Cool Moonmist Mountain Band brings the forces in his mind together synergistically and creatively.
“Super Automatic” is the third track that shimmers into a state of clarity as the soundscape matches the feeling of being amongst nature on a clear, summer day while listeners are naturally led toward jumping out of their own minds and into real time. Closing out with “Let the Dust Settle”, The Cool Moonmist Mountain Band end with a journey to the other side which creates a sonic boom of delight within the minds of conscious listeners that are aware of the healing benefits of sound.
The Cool Moonmist Mountain Band is a project that soars beyond the modern-day and incorporates doses of raw heart into every track. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Boards of Canada, Four Tet and Tycho, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for The Cool Moonmist Mountain Band on Soundcloud.
LA Hip Hop Duo, Young Goats, mix together the classic flair of the old school with a modern-day dose of love and awareness throughout their latest full-length album, ‘Goat Life Vol. 1’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.
Kicking off with the first track, “Welcome to Goat Life”, the guys let the world know exactly who they are over a beat that sounds akin to Drake as lyrics that push boundaries and tell of the confidence that the guys have developed catch the ears of both young and seasoned listeners. The second track, “Only Need You”, lyrically speaks of the love of an individuals life that they can’t stray away from over a summer beat that is bound to bump in the club. “Beautiful” is the third track that begins with a worldly instrumental that brings in some Reggae flair over a fun track that lyrically dials down to the simplicity of recognizing the beauty deep within a one-of-a-kind woman. The fourth track, “Gaze On”, carries an Electronic feel over an infectious beat that showcases the guys spittin’ skills over lyrics that pour a cup of nothing short of romanticism. “Take You With Me” is the fifth track that lyrically speaks of committing to bring the love of the guys’ life to the sacred place that makes them feel at home when the time is right. The sixth track, “Got It All”, is a club banger that reminds the world that the guys of Young Goats have exactly what they need to succeed and can see the same within another.
“Whole Snack” is the seventh track that is catchy with the opening line that showcases the adoration that one of the guys feel for a lady that carries the essence of a Queen from head to toe. The eighth track, “LA Chick”, showcases the reality of a lot of the women in LA that are a genre of women that are hard to lock down as they are striving to get money on their own and live the best lives that they possibly can. “Advantage of You” is the ninth track in which the guys of Young Goats keep it as real as they can as they state with clarity that they aren’t the men that they want to be for their Queen. The tenth track, “Catch My Vibe”, begins by slowing it down as the guys lyrically speak of a lady that is having trouble understanding the men that they’ve grown to be as they try to move past enamoring women with money and nights out that leave you high and dry in the long run. “Don’t Know How To Act” is the eleventh track that showcases vulnerability as the guys tie in an Electronic twist that adds an element of surrender to the theme. The twelfth track, “Too Nervous”, is another one that is fun to dance to as the guys lyrically bring up how they are currently unable to approach the girl that shines in their eyes. “Dubai For The Weekend” is the thirteenth track that is bougie and full of positive energy as the guys charm the ladies with their interest to take ladies on lavish trips around the globe. The fourteenth track, “My Section”, is an album highlight that begins with an entrancing instrumental that leads into the guys spittin’ game about how only beautiful women are allowed in their section at the club. Closing out with “Better Than Them”, Young Suave and Goatey remind the ladies not to miss out on all they bring to the table before they reach their next level in life.
If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Drake, Jerimeh and Future then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Young Goats on Soundcloud.
Driven from engaging deeply from the heart while creating an emotional field of highs and lows through music, Tanya Gallagher out of Pensacola, Florida is coming to life throughout the upcoming August 6th, 2019 release of her EP, ‘One Hand On My Heart’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.
Kicking off with the first track, “Dark Side”, Tanya cuts to the bone with a lyrical dose of soul that speaks of the shadows of her dark that come to light in the midst of self-destruction while remaining hyper-aware of her own demise. “A Little Effort” is the second track that begins swiftly as Tanya lyrically explains her lack of remorse for an individual who plays hot and cold down a seasoned road of relational insecurity which ultimately leads to a sense of personal clarity. The third track, “Barren Land”, is a lyrically metaphorically rich musical gem that speaks of succumbing to crumbs when she deep down knows that she deserves the full plate.
“Mistake” is the fourth track that slows it down into a mystical instrumental that lyrically dives into the choices that Tanya has made in the past that have stuck her cells as she comes to realize that she will no longer tolerate an ounce of uncertainty in love. The fifth track, “Dolphin in the Snow”, carries a flirtatious essence that showcases femininity that carries into lyrical metaphors that balance aspects of nature and the city. Closing out with “Magic”, Tanya begins with ease as lyrics that speak of setting herself free to accept nothing short of mutual adoration and love come off as both enlightening and real to the conscious listener.
If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Paula Cole, Sheryl Crow and the edge of Fiona Apple, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Tanya Gallagher on Soundcloud.
Fort Wayne Classic Pop Musician, Damon Mitchell, gathered his army of multi-talented musical gurus to cultivate a tale of the world in the eyes of the apple of Damon eye’s throughout his latest EP release, ‘Elise’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.
Kicking off with the first track, “Heist”, Damon bounces in with a playful instrumental akin to a track by Michael Buble as his vocals are rich in depth and soul over a vulnerable lyrical spill about feelings being developed for another over time. The second track, “Just A Face”, takes it back to instrumentals akin to The Marshall Tucker Band as Damon lyrically spills the beans on how someone who he once held near and dear has now morphed into another face in the crowd through expansive life experience and curiosity. “License Plate” is the third track that is a genre-bending album highlight in which lyrics metaphorically tackle Damon’s simple yearning to be with someone he loves as the track universally mimics Death Cab For Cutie. The fourth track, “Salo”, showcases a level of maturity in instrumentals as haunting lyrics speaking of wolves crawling into the bed of a lover leave a deep mind pondering as Damon’s mesmerizing vocals carry listeners into a state of euphoria. “World In Her Eyes” is the sixth track that brings forward elements of Jazz as the songwriting style leads listeners to jump into pools of mystery when it comes to the elevating feelings for a soul that is a walking bundle of smoke and mirrors and Damon knows it. Closing out with “Elise”, seasoned instrumentals that sound akin to Santana light up the track and close out the EP with a bang as Damon lyrically explains the ever-changing feelings for another that he continues to encounter within.
Young and bright-eyed, Damon is stepping into his creative zone and proves that he is aligning with his ability to bring forward his sensitive inner world throughout ‘Elise’. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as Dave Matthews Band, Death Cab For Cutie and John Mayer, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for Damon Mitchell on Soundcloud.
LA Duo, LUC, are living on a planet entirely their own and have made their futuristic musical home throughout their latest EP release, ‘Glow’. Here’s our track-by-track thoughts.
Kicking off with the first and title track, “Glow”, the duo crawls their way into the hearts of listeners with a glitchy industrial beat akin to How To Destroy Angels as lyrics that confront the slow descent of what once was a life of glory for another is sinfully pleasing to observe. The second track, “Over It”, brings us back to the days of Garbage as brash lyrics that showcase the end of an expired love uplift the moody and heartbroken listener. “Extraverdant” is the third track that slows it down into an experimental and vibrant array of technical elements that come together to make a haunting track that reeks of a hypnotic potion of discontent and yearning blended together into a glass of relational hell. The fourth track, “Ghost”, takes listeners into the future with experimental bliss over bold lyricism that is full of ego and pride that is attempting to be transformed into empowerment. “Running Down The Halls” is the fifth track that adds a little cheer into the mix as Lead Vocalist, Kari, sounds angelic, raw and in tune with her sensitivity. Closing out with “Lost In Love”, the duo lyrically confronts the living hell that tends to sprout when one loses themselves in another.
Let’s help LUC round to 3 million views on “Glow” as their global influence continues to spread far and wide with over 90 million streams total and TV placements that are serving to shed light on what’s to come for LUC. If you’re a fan of fellow musicians such as St. Vincent, PJ Harvey and Blondie, then keep an eye on the ride ahead for LUC on YouTube.
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.
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.
