Category: All Interviews
SXSW 2014: iTCH x Vinyl Mag
UK alternative punk-ska rapper iTCH has caused quite a stir overseas and is making serious headway over here with US tours with big names such as AWOLNATION and Black Gold. During the magical week that is SXSW, we were able to chat with him at the Chuggin’ Monkey in downtown Austin about his solo career, lyrical inspirations, and his new album coming out on March 26th.
VM: You used to be the front man of the ska-punk band The King Blues; what made you go decide to go solo?
iTCH: After 10 years of doing the same thing and people expecting that of me, I decided to do something a little different. During the early days of that band, there was always a threat of danger, and the police would come shut down the gigs, and it was edgy, and I got off on that danger in a perverse way. After awhile as it got bigger, it just got stale, and I stopped enjoying it as much.
VM: Your Current EPs The Manifestos are different from your old bands sound and instead infused with hip-hop and dance music elements. Why the change?
iTCH: Towards the last two King Blues records, were pretty much a mixture of hip-hop and punk rock but done from a bands perspective. But what I wanted to do with my solo work was take that to the next level. What I have tried to do is mix the lyricism, storytelling, and political background of hip-hop with the anger and energy of punk rock.
VM: I love that title of your 1st EP The Manifesto Part 1: How to F*cking Rule at Life. How did you come up with that; did you just wake up one day and decide that should be the name of the EP?
iTCH: Well, I had this idea of having these manifestos, and I like the idea of it being in this tongue and cheek way, because my background has been lyrical protest music. I like the tongue and cheek aspect and the taking a piss aspect of it being super preachy. It was kind of making fun of myself.
VM: So you signed with Red Bull Records, an independent record label that has had some pretty big names come through, like AWOLNATION and Black Gold. How has the experience of working with the label been?
iTCH: It’s been great. It’s the fourth label I have signed to, so I have been on DIY labels, indie labels, major labels, and I actually feel most at home here, like I have the most support and freedom to do what I want. I was speaking to many different labels, and they were the ones that really got my vision and wanted to bring it to life.
VM: Your song “Homeless Romantic” has almost 150,000 hits on YouTube; how does that feel?
iTCH: Awesome! Like, weird that that many people would bother watching it. But, obviously it’s really humbling, and it’s a nice feeling.
VM: Last year you teamed up with AWOLNATION for a segment of their tour; how did you guys get along?
iTCH: We definitely got along; it was cool, and it was really fun. It was actually my first tour as a solo artist, so I was definitely finding my feet and figuring out what to do, so it was nice to get to do that with them.
VM: The lyrics of your songs share a common theme of frustration towards politics and the government. Why is that?
iTCH: In the society that we live in, I think that political music is made to be a very confusing thing. And politics is almost a dirty word that seems very boring and dull. My lyrics are very simple, and I believe politics in general are very simple. People try to use big words and strange concepts in order to confuse us and leave the decision-making to them. But what it comes down to is you either believe people are equal, or you don’t and believe there should be very few at the top and the rest of us working and scrambling to keep them up there, or you don’t.
VM: What would you say are your main influences?
iTCH: For me, who I look up to the most is everyone from The Clash through to Public Enemy back to Woody Guthrey, Jimmy Hendrix, John Lennon – artists where it
wasn’t necessarily about how they sounded or what genre they were in.
VM: What can we expect from iTCH in the future?
iTCH: A new album coming out [on March 26th called The Deep End]; I am going to be touring the hell out of it. After this, I am going straight up the west coast, and I will be here until April.
Conway x Vinyl Mag
Conway is a name you should know by now. Whether it be from her current tour dates with Ellie Goulding, her brand new video for killer track “Hustler” (see below), or from hearing her track on HBO’s GIRLS, she’s definitely an artist to keep an eye – and two ears – out for. We recently got to fire some questions at Conway, and this is what she had to say.
VM: You recently released your first EP, but your sound is definitely more developed than a novice artist. When did you start writing music? And how has your sound and writing process developed over time?
Conway: This is my first EP as a solo artist but I have been in bands for years. I’ve been writing songs for about 10 years, but this solo release is really the result of a lot of work and exploration. I used to write only to the bass, which I played in all my bands. Now I write in all kinds of ways. I’m more focused on melody and structure. Before I wrote without thinking. Now I write with the intention of communicating with people.
VM: Were there other hands involved in the writing and/or recording of Big Talk?
C: Like most great things, Big Talk was a collaboration. I always write all lyrics and melody by myself….and collaborate with others on the music, sound and production. I programmed the original trashy beat for the verse of “Big Talk” on Reason and wrote the lyrics/melody… then Billy Mohler and Rene Arsenault (Riot City) made the music for the chorus.
I then went back and wrote over their chorus. When we had a solid song, we just went nuts adding cool sounds and really carving out little moments all over the song.
VM: Not many musicians also design their own wardrobe for shows. What inspires your design choices? Do you have fashion in mind when you’re writing your music? Or vice versa?
C: I love making things. So the wardrobe is just one more piece of my world I get to create. I want to wear things that I can jump around in but don’t have to worry about falling out of. I love designs that are strong but feminine. I love loud and imaginative patterns…things that take you into another world. For example, I have a zip-up onesie that looks like the surface of the moon. Tight!!
I don’t think about fashion when I’m making music. But I do think about it when I’m imagining singing to people. I want them to have as much to dive into as possible. What they see is very important…so it should be interesting.
VM: After self-recording and editing your first music video, which saw such a huge response on YouTube, and now being signed to Columbia Records partially due to it’s success, do you plan to continue the DIY approach, or will you welcome the resources that a major label will afford you in the future?
C: I will always be involved in a hands on way with everything that surrounds my music. I don’t know any other way of doing it..and I certainly don’t want anyone else speaking for me. I will of course welcome the help that can come from the resources of a label…because in my case, my label really supports my vision and lets me create it without getting in the way. Crazy, right?
VM: You’ve had songs featured on Girls and Teen Wolf and seen placements in Rolling Stone, Nylon, Idolator, and a slew of other noteworthy outlets. Did you have any idea that your music would strike a chord with such a large audience so quickly?
C: I have been working on this for the past couple years..so for me it doesn’t feel that fast. I will say that I’m super excited and relieved that people are beginning to hear it…and that they don’t hate it. Yikes!
VM: You’ve also already had the chance to play some pretty massive shows. Between Madison Square Garden earlier this week, Diddy’s Revolt TV party, The Natural History Museum, etc., what would you say is your most memorable moment?
C: Wow..I mean Madison Square Garden with Ellie Goulding was epic. The second night we played there was one of my favorite things I’ve done in life! I ran off stage after the set with my band, and we were all just screaming. It was too much to put into words. Bucket list. Check.
VM: And who’s been your favorite act to share the stage with?
C: St. Lucia might be the best dance party of a show ever. It was awesome touring with them, because I basically got to dance to them for almost two hours every night for FREEEEE!
VM: Your next show is Atlanta’s Fox Theatre Thursday night. It’s quite a beautiful and legendary venue. Have you ever had the chance to visit Atlanta?
C: This is my first time to Atlanta, and I have to say I have met the nicest people wherever I go. Southern hospitality is REAL! I had some southern food at Mary Mac’s Tea Room, saw jazz at Churchill Grounds and am about to play a historic venue tonight. I couldn’t be happier.
VM: After your tour with Ellie Goulding wraps up, what’s next for you?
C: Well, we’re on tour with Ellie until May..and then we hope to be going over to the UK to do some of our first shows there. This year is all about touring and meeting people. When I’m not touring, I will be working on finishing the full length album, which is almost there! Yippeee!
*Be sure to keep up with Conway. This girl is the bomb. And check out her video for “Hustler” below!
Vinyl Thief x Vinyl Mag
You know a band that spent much of their youth practicing in an old church sanctuary has got to be good. And with Nashville-based Vinyl Thief’s newest release, Stop Motion, they’re out to prove it. A foursome somewhere in the genre of electro-rock with praise from the likes of Paste, Vice, and Nylon, it’s no wonder we were excited to catch up with the crew at SXSW. Read on to hear about their influences, new album, and their SXSW experience.
VM: How would you describe your sound?
We usually call it electro-rock, alternative-pop…genres aren’t as descriptive as they use to be, with so much music out there. We mix synths and guitars with some funk and groove and ambience. I guess?
VM: How did you come up with the band’s name?
We were younger, and we looked at some of our favorite bands and their names. Most of them had just taken two words and put them together. So we wrote a bunch of words on a white board and put two of our favorite together.
VM: Who are your musical influences?
Influences vary greatly between newer stuff, like Active Child, Daft Punk, and Kavinsky, to the classics like The Beatles, The Stones, U2. We all draw from different things.
VM: How does it feel to be returning to SXSW? Who are you looking forward to seeing play?
SXSW is such a fun time. This is our first year to be “official”. Last year out manager just snuck us into a bunch of events. We’re looking forward to being able to relax a bit more this year since we know the drill. We’re really exited to see Damon Albarn, we’re all huge fans. Blur and The Gorillaz are two of my favorites OF ALL TIME. Little Dragon is going to be amazing. St. Vincent. So many to choose from.
VM: How would you compare the Nashville music scene to Austin’s?
I honestly can’t speak to the true “Austin Scene” because we’ve only played there during SXSW, which could be a little deceiving I feel like. Austin is an amazing city though, and a lot of great music has come from there. I love Nashville, but I can’t imagine something as big as SXSW hitting Nashville. I think it would implode. It says a lot for Austin.
VM: What can you tell us about forthcoming album?
IT’S GLORIOUS! HA, no. I mean, I think. Maybe you will too? We put a lot of effort and soul into the record. Every song truly means something to us, I hope that comes across. I hope it’s fun as well. It’ll be out late spring early summer.
VM: For the folks who can’t make it to see you at SXSW, any plans to come back to Austin?
We will absolutely be back. I was born and raised in Texas, the Houston area, and then Lubbock (blah) for a while, so I always enjoy coming back to the homeland.
VM: What showcases can people attending SXSW catch you at this year?
We’ll be playing at the Landshark showcase on Thursday, the Big Picture Media showcase Friday at the Blind Pig Rooftoop, and our official showcase on Saturday at BD Riley’s. Come say hi! You can check out our Facebook for up-to-date info on our showcases!
NGHBRS x Vinyl Mag
Propelled into the public eye thanks to their Instagram video for “Hold Up Girl,” NGHBRS plans to bring their energetic Rock & Roll show to SXSW 2014. Hailing from Long Island, these rockers boast a sound that is both punchy, smooth, and melodic. We got the chance to talk with Ian Kenny of NGHBRS about their iconic Instagram video, their 2013 album, Twenty One Rooms, and their beef with vowels.
VM: It seems like you guys have blown up overnight. Does it seem that way to you?
Ian Kenny: Haha, it definitely does not seem that way to us. We have been working hard for about four years and counting, and have endless goals as a band, but we are insanely grateful, and will always be, for our current successes.
VM: What made you guys decide to go with the Instagram medium for your “Hold Up Girl” video?
IK: We wanted to do something completely out of the box and share-worthy. Instagram is a great platform for being creative and unique, and it is built on the idea of sharing. So, with that being so readily available, it was easy to conceptualize the video. The hard part was actually doing all of the work.
VM: You guys basically posted the coolest selfie ever. How does it feel to be the Kings of Instagram Rock & Roll?
IK: It feels great to have our mark on the rock, social media duo. We could not be more proud of our release.
VM: Ever had any good app ideas? I promise I won’t Zuckerberg you…
IK: Haha, we actually have a running app idea list on our white board in our practice studio. One of our favorites is Find-A-Sh*tter (Yelp for public bathrooms), We were pretty stoked on that one – would be great for touring bands.
VM: I saw on FUSE that you guys recorded Twenty One Rooms in an old mansion that William Cullen Bryant (the late American poet and journalist) used to live in. How do you feel like that environment helped shape the record’s sound?
IK: The mansion was the life force of Twenty One Rooms, and I believe it would sound completely different recorded anywhere else. We had such a beautiful and life changing experience living in that house and on those grounds, it was definitely the fifth member of the band on that record.
VM: Do you have a favorite song from the album? Favorite to play live?
IK: Twenty One Rooms is both my favorite song on the record and to play live. It is such a vibey tune, and I believe it says a lot about the barebones of the NGHBRS sound. Emotively, it really transports me to a special place every time were playing the bridge.
VM: The album has a really pure Rock & Roll sound. Who in the band is the most Rock & Roll?
IK: One hundred percent Tommy Fleischmann is the most Rock & Roll NGHBRS member. The dude has so much talent, has not let technology dilute his brain, and sometimes he wears cut off sleeve shirts. That’s ROCK.
VM: You guys are from Long Island. Do you feel like New York has influenced you as musicians; if so, how?
IK: Completely; living so close to a melting pot of music and the most toured-through city in the world has given us the chance to see so many incredible bands live. As well as growing up in such a historically praised place for alternative music, like Long Island, really has shaped our sound and influences.
VM: If you could play a show with any rock band past or present, who would it be?
IK: I’m going to be specific here and just say Nirvana, 1992.
VM: What did vowels ever do to you guys? Or what favors did consonants do?
IK: Vowels aren’t not for everybody; we like to trim the fat.
VM: You guys are playing at SXSW 2014. What are you most looking forward to about the festival?
IK: Just the ability to see so many awesome bands working hard and playing hard in one place is going to be awesome. We’re stoked to play four showcases and show Austin how we roll. We definitely intend on leaving our mark this year.
VM: Do you think this will be the coolest place you’ve yet to play? Or do you have a particular venue from the past that holds the number one spot in your hearts?
IK: I’d say nothing really beats playing Irving Plaza. We played to a sold out room, and it was our seventh show as a band. In the moment, we knew we were doing something special.
VM: Any chance there will be a Twitter-themed sequel to “Hold Up Girl?”
IK: Haha, definitely not. We definitely are not going to put out the same thing twice. All I have to say is be prepared for the next one; it’s going to be insane.
SXSW Showcases:
TUES. MARCH 11TH –
9 PM – Third String Productions Showcase – The Aquarium – 403 E 6th St.WED. MARCH
WED. MARCH 12TH –
5PM – Red Gorilla Showcase– Bourbon Girl (The Alex And Ani Stage) – 212 E. 6TH STREETTHURS. MARCH
THURS. MARCH 13th –
5:25PM – Set.FM Showcase @ Hyde Park Bar and Grill – 4206 Duval St.
FRI. MARCH 14TH –
TBD – Charlie Says Fest @ 2336 E Cesar Chavez St.
FRI. MARCH 14th –
4:40pm – Big Picture Media Showcase @ Blind Pig Rooftop – 317 E. 6th St.
Michael Chugg, Executive Chairman of Chugg Entertainment x Vinyl Mag
Michael Chugg has been called many things. Some of his most flattering titles portray him as a pioneer in the Australian music industry. He is admired, loathed, feared, and respected. One thing Chugg cannot be called is boring.
As Executive Chairman for Chugg Entertainment, he has toured such acts as Elton John, Keith Urban, Jason Mraz, John Mayer, St. Lucia, and countless others. Chugg’s musical career began back in the 1960’s. At age 15, he organized a dance in Tasmania. 300 people showed up, and he made a profit.
Today, Chugg is one of the most powerful men in the music industry, and a lot more than 300 people are dancing to the tunes he enlists for the stage. We recently got the incredible opportunity to talk with him about his upcoming showcase at SXSW 2014 and his illustrious career in the music industry.
VM: What can we expect from Chugg Music’s Official SX Showcase?
Michael Chugg: Some great music from Oz, Canada and Vegas, and lots of partying to celebrate my 50 years in Rock and Roll and the launch of our US label.
VM: Other than your showcase, what are you most excited for at SXSW 2014?
>MC: Seeing the thousands of people who I have gotten to know over the years and finding some hot new bands to take down under.
VM: You’ve coordinated a lot of festivals. What’s that like?
MC: We are lucky that we have involvement in some great festivals: Laneway, West Coast Blues n Roots and CMC Rocks the Hunter; it’s an intense experience covering all the bases and making sure both the fans and the bands have a great time with no stress.
VM: If you could do a festival right now with any artists living or dead, what three artists top your headliner list?
MC: Jimi Henrix, Janise Joplin and Nirvana.
VM: What’s your most memorable live performance experience?
MC: Too may to name one – Coldplay’s last stadium tour, ACDC last Australian tour, Robbie Williams in Sydney 2006, Bob Dylan Byron Bay Bluesfest.
VM: Can you tell me a little bit about your label expansion into the United States?
MC: We started Chugg Music two years ago and have had great success with Sheppard, The Griswolds, both of whom have just finished recording their first albums and will be around the Northern Hemisphere this summer; with Lime Cordiale, we decided to release the record ourselves, as we have built a great team of people who love working with us in the States, and the record is getting great reaction; they are wonderful live and should cause a stir at SXSW.
VM: You seem to have worked with every aspect of the music industry, from representation to promotion. What job was hardest? What was most fulfilling?
MC: Growing up doing something that is not a job far outweighs some of the downers you receive; my message is learn about every facet and then do what you love to do.
VM: Do you have a current touring act that most excites you?
MC: Lots. John Mayer is coming down to OZ soon, Robbie Williams is coming in September, Keith Urban this year…looking forward to some of the young acts we are bringing…Kodaline, the Temples, St Lucia.
VM: What genre of music tends to draw in the most crowds in Australia?
MC: All genres do well on varying levels in a market of 22,000,000.
VM: What’s the biggest difference in the music industry in Australia compared to the United States?
MCL It’s at the bottom of the earth, but the internet has really put us in real time; Australia is a great place to hone your trade.
VM: What excites you and keeps you motivated on a daily basis?
MC: Being alive and being part of an industry that continues to amaze.
VM: You’re a veteran in the music industry. What are your opinions on Spotify and some of the new ways music is now being consumed?
MC: I think any way you can get music to the people so the bands get known and get paid is a grand thing.
VM: Where do you see the industry in ten years?
MC: God knows, everything is moving so fast I don’t even know where it will be next year, but wherever it goes, we will be there.
Yip Deceiver x Vinyl Video
Sitting in The World Famous in downtown Athens on my lunch break (that’s a lot of prepositions), talking to Yip Deceiver about their current tour and all the stuff you talk about during interviews, I hold back from mentioning all of the times I’ve seen and recognized them around town (hi, I’m a creep).
Though they’re a national touring band, they’re locals here, so I get to chat with them on and about our mutual turf in addition to their life outside of our hometown bubble.
Check out my interview with Yip Deceiver below, and be sure to catch them on their current tour, including dates at SXSW! And be sure to give them some ear-love, since they just released two new remixes!
Tour Dates:
Mar 07 @ Larimer Lounge – Denver, CO
Mar 08 @ Bar Deluxe – Salt Lake City, UT
Mar 09 @ Neurolux – Boise, ID
Mar 10 @ Neumo’s – Seattle, WA
Mar 11 @ Dante’s – Portland, OR
Mar 14 @ Half Step (SXSW – Aerobic International Showcase) – Austin, TX
Mar 19 @ The Aquarium – Fargo, ND
Mar 20 @ First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN
Mar 21 @ The High Noon Saloon – Madison, WI
Mar 22 @ Blind Pig – Ann Arbor, MI
Mar 23 @ Bug Jar – Rochester, NY
Mar 24 @ Cake Shop – New York, NY
Mar 27 @ Black Cat – Washington, DC
Apr 05 @ Phuzz Phest @ Ziggy’s – Winston Salem, NC
Apr 13 @The Gold Bar – Baltimore, MD
May 02 @ The Goat Farm – Atlanta, GA
Printz Board x Vinyl Mag
At 35, Printz Board has already had an illustrious career in the music industry. He has collaborated with artists like Justin Timberlake, Dr. Dre, Katy Perry, and even the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Printz, whose given name is Priese Prince Lamont Board, even won a couple of Grammys for his work with The Black Eyed Peas. Now one of the most sought after producer/songwriters in the industry, what’s left for Printz Board to do? Well, start a solo career, of course. He recently dropped a catchy single called “#1,” and he plans to release his first solo album in the near future. Printz made some time to sit down and answer some questions about this upcoming album, SXSW 2014, and whether or not he’s used his Grammy award as a cereal bowl.
VM: How does it feel to be embarking on a solo project after years of collaborating with several different artists and groups?
Printz Board: I LOVE doing my solo project! It’s not like I’m actually ‘solo,’ but its just my name on the marquee. I still work with all my friends that I have been, and a few new ones. …still family business.
VM: What can people expect from your upcoming album ‘Pre-Games?’
PB: My upcoming EP is called Pre-Games. It’s a sneak peek through the window of my house. It’s really just about my life, and being ‘real.’ I think that’s the most important thing in life – feel free to be free, and real.
VM: Do you feel like the album has a certain theme; if so, what is that theme?
PB: The theme of the album is ‘Boardgames,’ life games, a life party. Pre-Games is obviously the lead up to that. It’s about letting go and being yourself, right?
VM: What’s your writing process like?
PB: When I write, I don’t over-think it. I write what the beat, chords and energy around me says. When Will.I.Am and I wrote “Where Is The Love”, it took us 15 mins, and we had the concept. You just have to let the surrounding energy guide you.
VM: You have an incredible knack for writing catchy, meaningful hooks. What’s the most important thing to remember when writing a hook or a melody?
PB: Hooks and melodies are like math – it just makes sense. You always want to make something that people can relate to, as well. If you speak about real things, then people will reciprocate.
VM: You won a Grammy for your work with The Black Eyed Peas. Can you describe what winning that award meant to you?
PB: Winning awards is great! However, I just keep moving forward. There will always be accolades to be had, but I’m about the music.
VM: Exactly how heavy is a Grammy Award, and have you ever though about turning it on its side and eating cereal from the gramophone?
PB: Hahaha…well, the actual Grammys aren’t too heavy, and none of them are at my house. Some that I’ve won have been ‘shared’ Grammys between myself, Keith, Harris and Will. When you don’t produce more than 50 percent of an album, no one gets the physical Grammy.. stupid, right?
VM: How did your time with The Black Eyed Peas influence or shape you as an artist?
PB: The Peas are my family. I love all of them. I’ve grown up making, and being a part of that sound and movement. It’s completely shaped me into the person I am today.
VM: Who are some of your Hip-Hop and R&B influences?
PB: I have so many influences, and they span way beyond hip hop and R&B – De La Soul to Queen to Steely Dan to Mendellson to Gym Class Heroes to Prince to Lenny Kravitz to Alice In Chains to Chick Corea… haha.
VM: If you could perform with any artist today, who would it be?
PB: I’d love to do a show with my friends that I’ve grown up with that are doing it big now – Bruno Mars, Katy Perry, John Legend, Frank Ocean… and so on.
VM: You’ve collaborated with some of the greatest Pop and R&B artists of all time; do you ever get intimidated by some of the people you meet and work with?
PB: I never get intimidated. I just feel lucky.
VM: If you could only listen to one album for the rest of eternity, what would it be?
PB: One album for the rest of eternity would be Michaell Jackson – Off the Wall.
VM: You’re performing at SXSW this year. Other than getting the chance to perform, what are you most looking forward to about SXSW? Is there any performer or event that is at the top of your list?
PB: I’m really excited about the whole event! I’m excited to meet Rachel Ray; I’m excited to perform with JoJo and Travis Garland; I’m also excited to rock with Mary Lambert, and B.O.B.
VM: Your first single from the upcoming album is about finding the one. Do you feel like you’re ready to find your #1?
PB: Well, the first single is about holding onto the ‘1,’ and being dedicated. I’ve had the ‘1’ in my scopes for a long time; however, I’m really focused on bringing my music to world, so that may have to take a back seat for now.. Although, I am auditioning for the lead role in my play.. 😉
This guy is so cool.
The Lovers Key with Vinyl Mag
All too often, music with a retro flair just doesn’t sound… authentic. Whether the artist is trying too hard to conform to a bygone era, or a combination of several influences results in musical chaos, often, it just doesn’t feel right. Enter The Lovers Key, a soulful duo made up of guitarist Christopher Moll and vocalist Maco Monthervil. Though the two create sounds undeniably reminiscent of Sam Cooke or the Temptations, there’s a kind of truthfulness to their approach that many musicians lack – and for good reason. Moll and Monthervil met during a period of desperation in their respective lives. Moll had recently broken off from his former band, the Postmarks, and placed an ad in the paper for a singer; Monthervil had recently been rejected by a producer and only hoped to be a backup vocalist. Fate brought The Lovers Key together, and landed us the interview with them below (not to mention an exclusive song premiere – listen below as you read!).
Vinyl Mag: You clearly have some very retro influences. Who would you say has influenced your sound the most?
Maco: People assume I grew up listening to Motown and all of that, but I only discovered that in my late teens. I was exposed to what all the other kids my age were exposed to; Pop, Hip Hop and R&B. My parents are Haitian, and played French ballads and Haitian folk music, which I loved.
I just remember being four, listening to that stuff, crying, but not knowing why. It was the minor chords. I also grew up in a Haitian church, so singing was more than entertainment. I started forming my own taste when I was about seven.
I remember liking Madonna’s music, Whitney Houston, The Carpenters, Boyz II Men, TLC, The Mamas and Papas, Carole King and James Taylor. Then, I became a teenager and got into Outkast, Missy Elliott, and Neo Soul. I discovered Jazz at the nursing home where my mom worked; that’s what they loved. After high school, I started studying Sarah Vaughan. I fell in love with Jimmy Scott, Esther Phillips and Minnie Riperton, and discovered Motown. Then, I discovered Amy Winehouse; basically, what I’ve learned from her is that a singer can sing a song however they want, as long as they’re mindful of the chord progression. She’s probably my biggest modern influence.
Chris: While I’ll always have my musical influences and personal likes…I don’t often talk about the mood influences and what influences me there either getting the heart pumping or tugging on the heart strings. That’s what turns me on musically!
VM: Your debut album is set to come out this year. What has making the record been like?
Chris: It was a blast. It actually came together very, very quickly. The chemistry was there from the get go with Maco and I writing “Who’s The One You Love?’ and ‘Bright Eyes, Black Soul’ the very first night we met. I’d say that was a good night’s work.
VM: We saw on your website that you’ve been getting funding for the album through donations – has that been successful?
Chris: Yes…better than we thought. This initial round is the closest round of our friends and family and they are all play huge parts in helping us make this happen. It’s the new reality of how the creative world works and if that allows for us to have more flexibility and freedom, that’s great.
VM: Do you have any touring plans for the new album?
Chris: We just put the live version of the band together right before the holidays and it’s been amazing…playing some of the best shows I’ve EVER played in my career so far. I can only hope to take it a little wider and a little farther in the near future. Fingers crossed.
VM: You guys have a pretty interesting story about how you met. Can you give us more details?
Maco: Craigslist, on June 17, 2012. I had been working with another guy…something about a possible record deal. Then, things got called off, and he suggested that I become a background singer. So, there I was on Craigslist, depressed, disillusioned with life, and clicking on Chris’ ad cause it said something about minor chords and vintage organs.
Chris: Again…maybe it was fate. I put an ad on Craigslist…Maco answers and we meet up and “Who’s The One You Love?” and “Bright Eyes, Black Soul” drop out of the heavens. That doesn’t happen all the time.
VM: How do you make sure your old-school sound doesn’t seem outdated? Is there something you do to modernize it?
Maco: I try to make all my influences evident in my singing so as to not sound like a ’60s tribute band. I might be thinking like a jazz singer, but at the same time, I’m trying to ride the beat like a rapper, and emote like a Neo Soul artist. I said “try”. I also write exactly how I speak…so there’s never: “I’m feeling blue” or any of those phrases that people just don’t say anymore. I aim to write so that both the sentiment, and the imagery used to express it transcend time, but I want listeners to know that we’re very-much in 2014, and this is just what we like to make…right now. So, I’m not opposed to a very retro instrumental paired with more modern language…but just like you don’t hear me talk about a record player, but you won’t hear me reference an iPod either.
Chris: With all my music, whether it’s with The Lovers Key or The Postmarks, I just try and write from my heart and make sure that I’m always striving to write in a ‘timeless’ vein. I think that regardless of the sonic dressing, well written timeless music doesn’t age. That’s the goal.
VM: Are there any pros or cons to being a two-piece? Does it ever feel like there aren’t enough ideas or instrumentals?
Maco: the pros are the cons…the cons are the pros. The strengths can also be the shortcomings. You know exactly what you want, and are sure that the other person can help get you that…only, they’ll never want exactly what you want, so, there’s lots of compromising, pride-swallowing, allowing, trying, and eventually, you’ve got the best possible outcome…but that’s how the entire world works, so it’s probably easier with just two people.
Chris: Well…like a scale eventually you reach a balance. That’s the intended scenario…balancing with two during the writing process just makes it a little easier to find that center point. There is still give and take…but that’s what collaboration is about. As for musical ideas…my wells run deep.
VM: You’re from Florida, correct? How’s the music scene down there?
Chris: I’m sure like any other. It’s got its good moments and not so good moments. We do what we do and we’re supportive of the local scene but at the same time, it’s easy to become the big fish in a small pond but that does you no good in the ocean. So the goal is to be supportive and nurturing locally…but to ultimately get your music, ideas and visions out to a wider audience.
VM: If you could play a show with any artist, who would it be?
Maco: Do I have to be realistic, or no? Florence and the Machine…she seems like she’d be an incredibly nice person.
Chris: Van Halen or KISS in the 1970’s. It probably would be more fun off stage then on.
VM: We’re interested, since you clearly have such a love for classic music: what are your favorite albums of all time?
Maco: “Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse, is everything I love in one album. There are singers who sing to impress, and there are those who sing to express…she was the latter. Also, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, by Outkast, “After Hours” by Sarah Vaughan, “Come To My Garden” by Minnie Riperton.
Chris: I always feel guilty, but it’s still my standard list. “Pet Sounds” by The Beach Boys. “Revolver” by The Beatles. “The Queen is Dead” by The Smiths. A guilty pleasure…I still have a soft spot for the first A-Ha album. I actually think outside of the dated 80’s production…there are some well written tunes on there. I feel better I admitted that.
Junior Prom x Vinyl Mag
After making waves last fall at CMJ, just fresh off of tour supporting Panic at the Disco, an EP released a couple of weeks ago (Feb. 4), working on their full length, and preparing for SXSW, Mark Solomich and Erik Ratensperger are two very busy individuals. Mark and Erik formed the Brooklyn-based music duo Junior Prom after grinding in bands, rehearsal spaces, and venue halls across the city. Their single “Sheila Put the Knife Down” and the 2013-2014 ESPN College Basketball anthem “International” are both included on their debut Junior Prom EP.
With so much going on, we’re grateful these two took time out of their busy schedule to talk about their EP, the Panic at the Disco tour, and their enjoyment of pop music- no guilty pleasures here!
Check out the interview below, right after you check out their newest video for “Sheila Put the Knife Down” here!
Vinyl Mag: I’d love to start off and hear about your creative process for this EP.
Mark Solomich: In essence when we started, it was about a year of writing and playing together before we ever played a show, before we played for anybody really. So it took us a long time, trying different things and experimenting. Over the course of that time we made a whole album and scratched it, and then we made this EP. We made this EP after having written and recorded almost thirty songs. It really was a process of trial and error until we finally came across a sound we liked. We were trying to do something new, but really it was a matter of playing in rehearsal space, taking it home and trying different things on the computer, and really experimenting with the sounds; trying to make the guitars not sound as hard and some vocals not sound like vocals. It was a lot of fun and it was free because at the time we did not have a label yet, and we hadn’t booked a show yet.
Erik Ratensperger: And on top of that it was just us instead of a traditional band. It was just the two of us working on this and trying to figure it out. We both come from bands, we’ve played in bands all our lives, and we’ve arrived at this point where we decided to take things in this direction and this presented new challenges for us on both the live and the production end.
VM: “Sheila Put The Knife Down” and “International” are getting a lot of recognition, I’m a big fan of “Run Around The Back,” I think it’s a great song- Do you guys have any tracks you are particularly proud of or tracks that are your favorites?
MS: When you play songs live, you feel like “I know this one really brings out people.” So that kind of makes you enjoy that song more, but I think like the song “Big Timer” people really react to that song because it’s neat and just the vibe of it. And that wasn’t my favorite track before we started playing out live, but it might be now, but it really changes day to day.
ER: I feel the same way, it does change from day to day. Like Mark said, I don’t really think we expected “Big Timer” to be a stand out live song, but we noticed over just playing it live that people are reacting to that one. It’s a song you can just bounce around to. I think “Run Around The Back” is also a really natural jam. I think it’s hard choosing a favorite. I feel like I look at the EP as a whole as representation and a culmination of what we have been up to for the past two years; just laboring over these songs and now we’re to the point where we can kind of see how other people are responding, and that’s exciting.
VM: Do you think the city and Brooklyn have an influence on the music you are producing?
MS: Yeah, it does. Maybe not in an overt way where we’re trying to write songs that appeal to people in New York only. I think [being in the city] it can help with the multiculturalism and just what you hear when you walk into a bodega or hear what someone is pumping on their stereo on the street; you’re going to hear different things. So I think it definitely has influence, subconsciously more than overtly.
ER: I think that holds true for any environment or any city that you are in; it has an effect on what your music is, whether instrumentally or lyrically. As Mark said, I think being in a crazy multicultural city, that would definitely have an influence on sound. You know the stigma that comes with being a Brooklyn based band and I don’t think we ever deliberately set out to be positioned like that type of band.
VM: Who would you say are some of your biggest musical influences, who did you grow up listening to, and what are you listening to now?
MS: I think we have a common thread on what we grew up on. We definitely come from rock and we like punk music and played in punk bands as kids. That’s the bedrock of it. Really, ultimately it is the great songwriters, like The Beatles; we love great songwriting. As far as nowadays, I really don’t even listen to rock anymore, I pretty much listen to reggae, like Bobby Womack and Freddie McGregor, and a lot of funk.
ER: I’m on the same kick. I think that’s one of the reasons why Junior Prom works because of our creative collaboration. I think Mark and I listen to a lot of similar music and that streamlines the flow of our songwriting. And I’m sure we’re both familiar with every song on pop radio and what is very popular right now – and I enjoy it too. I don’t believe in guilty pleasures and I’m enjoying pop music. I think it’s a really interesting time to be an artist when there are people topping the charts who aren’t cookie cutter.
VM: I’d love to hear how touring with Panic at the Disco manifested.
MS: It’s a little bit of a murky thing, but from what I believe their management put us up for it, so it worked out well.
ER: I know their management is in New York and they might have seen us a couple of times. We got emails from our booking agent saying “Do you want to go on tour with Panic at the Disco…” Obviously, yes. We had not idea what to expect and we knew it would be big shows, but we didn’t realize that every night playing in front of 2,500 people would turn into just meeting an overwhelming amount of people who were there just for the music and who genuinely just wanted to enjoy themselves, see live music, and have no judgement or anything. Their crowd and their fan base is incredible and we were very lucky to play for them.
VM: You guys have definitely made a splash playing on tour with Panic at the Disco and you were a hit last fall at CMJ, do you guys have any plans for SXSW this year?
MS: We’ll be there but we just don’t know our schedule yet. We’ll definitely be playing some shows down there. We’re excited and we love Austin. We were just there a week ago and it’s hard to leave every time.
VM: What can we expect from Junior Prom in the next year or so?
MS: Definitely expect more show dates and we’re working on our full length right now. We don’t know exactly when it will come out, but we’re hoping the full length will be out by the end of the year, and of course more touring surrounding that. More online- we’re always trying to get stuff out for people to get into online, but the main focus right now for us is to do more touring and to wrap up this full length that we’ve been working on.
Words with Static Jacks
We recently got the opportunity to chat with indie rock band Static Jacks about their new album, In Blue (not to mention, we got an exclusive premiere of b-side “Teenage Shakes”). While the New Jersey rockers have been holding it down since 2009 when their EP, Laces, first dropped, their sophomore album marks the first record they’ve released since 2011. In Blue is also the band’s first full-length album to be produced by Andrew Maury, most known for his work with Ra Ra Riot, Tegan and Sara, and RAC. With all of this and more in mind, we discussed the new album, New Jersey, and much more (I couldn’t think of a third phrase that started with the word ‘new’).
What do you feel like the biggest difference is between this album and your previous album, If You’re Young?
I feel like the setting and the approach to both records were vastly different. For one, when we made If You’re Young, we were high after freshly signing to a record label, and we went for the whole rock and roll thing – spend a number of weeks in an enormous and beautiful New York City studio with a Grammy Award winning producer, Chris Shaw. I wouldn’t take that time back for anything, but it’s become definitely clear that we were out of our comfort zone there. So for In Blue, we brought back our main man, Andrew Maury who we had worked with previously on EPs to produce, mix and engineer at Retro Media Studios in Red Bank, New Jersey.
Can you talk a little bit about your relationship with Producer Andrew Maury?
Andrew Maury is our guide. I really trust him and have always believed that his vision of what Static Jacks should be, matches, if not exceeds our own. Sometimes I think back on everything we’ve done so far and feel like, “Man! If we just listened to Andrew a litttttle bit more.”
How do you feel like he’s affected not only this album but you as a band and your music overall?
We definitely all respect and look to him for answers. He saw something in us from the start and wanted to be a part of it and help us out when we were really nobody. He knows what we’re trying to showcase and what we’re not really in favor of. Plus, he’s just damn good at what he does.
What was your favorite part of the recording process?
My favorite part of recording is figuring out the added instrumentation that make a song or an album round out. You know, sound a little bit fuller. Sometimes when focusing in the studio on guitar, which is my main instrument, I get too caught up about playing these parts really perfectly, you know, like really shredding. But when you’re messing around with something you barely know, something you just picked up, like an omnichord for example, which we used on this album, there’s really no way around it. So you’re figuring it out as you go. You can’t worry about playing it perfectly, because you’re not. That’s a really enjoyable feeling.
Least Favorite?
My least favorite part is the set up. It’s like you’re heading into the studio and you’re so amped up, so ready to go, and then immediately, it’s like, “OK! Let’s get these mice in place. Let’s get these boards warmed up. We’ll be ready to go in no time!” Three days later…
Do you have a favorite song on the album?
My favorite song is probably We’re Alright. I say that because I was furthered removed for the crafting of that song. So when I hear it, it always sounds fresh to me, because I’m not thinking about the hours and days I’ve spent in my room trying to figure out how the hell to finish it haha. Also, it sounds like a Guided By Voices recording to me, which I love.
Did you film during your recording sessions with the idea that you wanted to make the “In Blue” short film about this album and the recording process?
Totally. I’ve always been interested in filming everything we’ve ever done, stockpiling all of this footage, then making cool videos out of it all. We’ve done a number of tours, and I’ve always made these like 5 minute montage videos that we put up on youtube from each tour, with some sappy old jazz song playing, which is really just like a TV show moment for us. I want images we can all look back on at 80-years-old, no matter where we are and say, “Wow, we’ve really done some things.” So yeah, when we were getting ready to make the album, I was really interested in exploring something a little bit more developed than narrative-less montages about how great friends we all are and how much fun we always have together. Haha, I wanted to tell the story. Also, I wanted to make the other guys cry.
You talked a lot in the short film about how tough some of your writing sessions got. What was the writing process like for this album?
It was strained at the beginning for sure. But just because we weren’t sure right away where we were going to go next. We wrote a lot, both together and individually. Like we address in the film, Nick was definitely the most stressed about it, because he felt like his voice wasn’t being heard as much as the rest of us. I wasn’t as worried about that though. I knew we were going to make another album, and we were going to figure out what it was going to be about.
So many great musicians and bands have come from New Jersey. From Springsteen to Sinatra to Whitney Houston and Bon Jovi just to name a few. Do you feel like New Jersey inspired this record at all?
Definitely. I remember when Whitney Houston died we were overseas in Germany at the time. A few days later we were in London, listening to the radio and we hear “Whitney Houston, to be buried in Westfield, New Jersey next weekend.” Westfield, is our hometown. I don’t know why I’m explaining this. But yeah, you could say In Blue could have easily been called For Whitney.
Who are some of your musical influences, New Jersey or no New Jersey heritage?
NJ-wise, the Misfits for sure. Springsteen is definitely there, whether you go for it or not. But then like outside of the Garden State, Smashing Pumpkins, Arctic Monkeys, The Shivvers. Maybe like first album Goo Goo Dolls, when they were trying to be the Replacements haha. In Blue was all about the Goo Goo Goth.
Do you guys have any plans to get back on the road and tour soon?
Nothing at the moment. We’re trying to figure out what to do next. In Blue only came out a few months ago, but it already seems like we have to figure out what to follow it with next. We will see! Only time will tell!