Tag: interview
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AthFest 2014: Judah & the Lion x Vinyl Mag
Nothing compares to the comfort that southern music brings, and Judah & the Lion supplies just that. The Tennessee-based band brings energy and folk spirit to their music and performances. It’s one of those bands where you have to clap in rhythm to every song and really can’t fight it. Tennessee comes to Athens for Athfest, and Judah & the Lion are sure to provide a memorable show…and maybe a barrel of cookies? Their newest music video for “Sweet Tennessee” embodies the bluegrass roots and gospel sound of the south, complete with shotguns and suspenders. Although Judah & the Lion are but mere cubs, there’s no doubt they will continue to create beautiful music that will remain timeless and comforting.
Vinyl Mag: Y’all are from Tennessee – how do you incorporate that culture and your roots into the music? When did you first know you wanted to make music?
Judah Akers: Well, we aren’t all from Tennessee. I am from Tennessee, and I think the culture, rootsy, Johnny Cash vibe definitely comes through, but you have to add a little Chicago sass and Colorado vibes to really get us as a band !
VM: Who (or what) is your inspiration in music?
JA: Backstreet Boys, Boys 2 Men, [The] Gap Band.
VM: How did the group come together? How do you hope to evolve in future albums?
JA: Came together randomly in college. I called the other guys on a wim, and we really hit it off. We hope to revolve and sculpt our craft as the years go. We hope to be the best at being us. Nothing else.
VM: Sweet Tennessee is your most recent album – what challenges have you had to face as a group in order to create the album? How has the response been?
JA: The response has been amazing. We are super grateful. Especially to Athens. We’ve felt so loved by this city since the start!! So thank you!
VM: Where was the video for “Sweet Tennessee” filmed? What process did you have to go through to create the video? How long did it take to make a bucket of chocolate chip cookies? Were there any left over?
JA: [Laughing} No cookies left over – luckily, we had moms and girls involved to help with the cookie-making. We filmed it in my hometown of Cookeville, Tennessee. Right down the road from my house. ‘Twas a special few days.
VM: What do you guys do when you aren’t playing music? Do you have any other creative outlets besides music?
JA: We have a special community of friends we love to be with. Lakes, cliff jumping, bon fires, The Office. We love writing and working on other things as well!
VM: Have you been to Athens before? How has your experience in Athens been so far? What are you looking forward to most during Athfest?
JA: WE LOVE ATHENS. ATHENS IS FAMILY. IT HAS CHANGED US! We have been three times now and will continue to come back, ’cause we love the culture, the people, and feel loved too!
VM: Athens is a hotbed of striving musicians. Since you have also just started, what advice can you give musicians who are trying to find a starting point? From personal experiences, what encouragement can you give artists, in general?
JA: Stay true to yourself. Don’t change for anything. Work hard, keep your head down, and have fun!!
VM: What is next for Judah & the Lion?
JA: New record drops in September, and be road warriors!!! We love it. And can’t wait to share it with people like you!
AthFest 2014: Ruby the RabbitFoot x Vinyl Mag
After two long years, Athens native Ruby Kendrick has released her second album, New as Dew, under the moniker Ruby the RabbitFoot. Her sophomore album exhibits an evolved sound, but remains soft and relaxed, since her first album in 2012, No Weight No Chain.
“New as Dew” and “Ways” are two personal favorites of the new album. “Ways” is accompanied by a vivid music video featuring flowers and solo shots; it is sweet and bright, like her awesome bangs. No doubt, Ruby’s southern heritage comes through in her guitar sound, but her simple voice appeals to modern listeners.
Ruby the RabbitFoot will soon be an essential Athens artist to add to your summer playlist. This year, she plays on hometown soil for Athfest. Although this is only her second album, there are sure to be more to come…at least we hope.
Vinyl Mag: You’re from Brunswick/Saint Simons Island [Georgia], right? How long have you been involved with the Athens music scene? How do you judge Athens as a platform for artists?
Ruby Kendrick: I am from Brunswick/ Saint Simons. It’s a one of a kind place. I’ve been involved in the Athens music scene since 2011. I think Athens is a great place to make music. Cheap cost of living and a supportive community.
VM: In general, how has music been an important part of your life? When did you first know you wanted to make music?
RK: I’ve always loved to sing. Before I knew how to play guitar or piano, I would sing everywhere and anywhere. When I was in third grade, my dad got me a keyboard from radio shack. After that, it was all over.
VM: Do have any other creative outlets other than music?
RK: These days, I’m really into music video production. You can check them out at Cardio Barbie TV. Two more will be added later this summer.
VM: Who (or what) is your inspiration? Most of your sound is very soothing and light – what state of mind do you adopt, and what process do you go through to create a piece of music?
RK: It’s funny to think that my music is described as soothing and light. I might have to give credit to my band for that. They keep things sunny for me in general. Lyrically, I think the songs can get pretty dark… but that is a detail that folks can choose to acknowledge or ignore. I’m really inspired by pop music for the most part. Mostly female artists.
When I write a song, I’m not thinking about any of that. I’m kind of just vomiting something up. I don’t get to choose when, where or what. It just has to happen, and then I feel really good for a few days.
VM: It’s been two years since your first record, No Weight No Chain – what’s been happening in that time?
RK: O lawwwddd… Just getting knocked around by life mostly. The New As Dew era was a very happy one in the RabbitFoot world. I spent those two years (after NWNC) just focusing on the New songs and traveling a bit.
VM: How has your music evolved since 2012? What goals did you have for New as Dew?
RK: I think my voice has gotten stronger. I’m a very quiet singer…and it used to be even worse. I’m more confident in my live performance. I used to be terrified to play piano on stage – my fingers would shake violently.
My goal with New As Dew is to just stick with it as long as I can. I have a tendency to be ‘over it’ before anyone else hears it. I want to parade it around before moving on to the next album. Even though it feels like a part of my life that’s over, I want to share it.
VM: Of course, you have quite a following in Athens, which will surely be supporting you at Athfest. How is the local crowd compared to “out-of-towners?”
RK: Playing in Athens is like playing in front of your family. It’s much more nerve-racking, but much more rich. I want to make them proud.
VM: Have you been to Athfest before?
RK: This will be my third Athfest.
VM: What are you most looking forward to [at Athfest] this year?
RK: I want to see Kishi Bashi.
VM: Do you have plans for the rest of summer and the future, in general? Can we expect another album soon?
RK: This summer, I am touring as much as I can. I’ll be flying to California right after Athfest, then I’ll be looping down to Texas and up to Chicago this Fall.
You can definitely expect another RabbitFoot album. I’m very excited about the new songs and hope to develop them more this winter. I’d love to say that you can expect it in 2015, but time is slippery.
Jun 21 Athfest Hull St. Stage Athens, GA
Jul 05 CAMP OUTPOST Piru, CA
Jul 25 Green Room Athens, GA Tickets
Jul 29 The Beatnik New Orleans, LA
Jul 30 Mudd & Water Baton Rouge, LA
Jul 31 Mango’s Houston, TX
Aug 01 502 Bar San Antonio, TX
Aug 02 Holy Mountain Austin, TX
Aug 03 Wild Detectives Dallas, TX
Aug 21 King Dusko Charleston, SC
Aug 22 Sky City Augusta, GA
Aug 23 Green Room Athens, GA
Sep 03 Southgate House Revival Newport, KY
Sep 07 Daytrotter Rock Island, IL
Sep 10 Sugarlands Distilling Co. Gatlinburg, TN
Sep 26 Gram Parsons Festival Waycross, GA
Electric Forest 2014: The Revivalists x Vinyl Mag
As we get prepared to make the pilgrimage to Rothbury, MI, for, in our opinion, one of the best music festivals in the country, we called up George Gekas (bassist) of The Revivalists to hear what he had to say about their upcoming performance at this year’s Electric Forest and what he believes makes this, and so many other festivals and venues, so special and universally cherished by music fans and performers alike.
Vinyl Mag: What do you consider to be some of The Revivalists’ key elements to a live performance?
GEORGE GEKAS: I’d probably have to say energy. A lot of people say we give off a high level of energy, and it’s just because we love to do what we do. We’re the kind of band that, the more people we are in front of, the more energy we are going to give off. We love to have crowd participation at 100 percent if possible, and the best way to do that is to show that we’re up there having a good time and giving it our all.
VM: If you could describe The Revivalist’s music in one word, what would you use?
GG: One word is tough…soulful-rock. I know that sounds kind of generic, but we’re a rock band.
VM: Who/what would you say have been the band’s biggest influences?
GG: We all come from incredibly different musical backgrounds. Obviously, you have your standards – like some of the guys come from rock worlds, and guys that come from classical worlds, and jazz worlds, guys that grew up playing in church and stuff like that, but obviously bands like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and all kinds of classic rock. There are some people out there now doing stuff we like, but I guess it’s easy to say The Beatles and Led Zeppelin overall, as the two biggest influences. But we have so many guys that listen to so many different things. It’s actually really hard for all seven of us to genuinely enjoy.
VM: What are you looking forward to the most about your upcoming performance at Electric Forest?
GG: I have been hearing about this place for years now. I remember when that first Rothbury lineup dropped, and after that happened people were just saying how amazing the festival grounds are. We are very fortunate that our booking agent has a stake in this, Electric Forest and Madison House, and a lot of people there told us that it’s worth it alone just to walk through the forest with all those crazy art instillations and the lighting rigs that are set up. It just seems like an amazing time. Not to mention, there are so many great bands, and there are so many of our friends that are playing, which is cool. It will be nice to have four days just to chill with people in a really cool setting with a lot of great music.
VM: Can we expect to see any collaborations or sit-ins?
GG: I would not be pressed to say there would be a high possibility of something like that happening.
VM: Are there any bands/artists you are particularly excited to see at EF this year?
GM: I’m excited to see Lauryn Hill. I’ve never seen her live before, which should be really cool. I’m familiar with Zeds Dead, but not a lot of Zeds’ solo stuff, and I’ve been listening to some of his acoustic stuff, and it sounds really cool. There are so many artists from so many genres. Umphrey’s should be fun…but definitely excited to see Lauryn Hill live, and I hope she brings a band.
VM: What do you believe makes this festival so unique and special? Is there any in particular about EF that makes you excited to just get there?
GM: Not to sound too earthy and hippity-dippity…there is a reason why people have these massive gatherings in certain places, almost like a certain vibration that pulls people in, and there’s kind of like this sixth sense going on where people can feel an energy surrounding a place – a place like [Electric Forest}, or Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL, or Red Rocks and the Gorge. There are certain places that people gather, and there’s no real reason why it starts happening, but everyone knows these places are special. We love that we are going to be a part of something like that, and there’s a really sick line-up. It’s a great four day festival.
Like I said before, the best part about doing this stuff is just getting to hang with your friends. We’re lucky enough to be Madison House artists, so we’re going to get to see all of those people from Colorado there, and I could go down the lineup, but there’s going to be at least 10 bands there who are our friends, and we rarely get to see for more than a day, and we’re going to get to all chill. Besides the fact we’re playing – playing is the obvious give in. Getting to play is awesome, but it’s all the little perks you don’t see once we get off the stage.
AJR x Vinyl Mag
New York based trio of the Met brothers, AJR, takes DIY to a new level. Adam, 23; Ryan, 19; and Jack, 16, produce, edit and mix all of their own music, including producing their music video for their single, “I’m Ready” (which now has over two million views on YouTube – see the video below).
AJR’s single is climbing the charts. They have already toured with the likes of Demi Lovato and Hoodie Allen. They just signed a joint venture with Warner Music Group and are gearing up for a summer tour and their album’s release later this summer.
I got the chance to talk to Jack about how they were able to go from busking in Central Park and Washington Square to getting their big break after successful singer-songwriter Sia reached out to them for a meeting over breakfast in Soho one morning.
Vinyl Mag: I’m the oldest of three girls, and I could barely share a room with them, let alone collaborate with them. What was it like growing up with your brothers and creating a unique and cohesive sound?
Jack: You know, a lot of people ask us that expecting us to fight and for it to be a difficult situation, but it really wasn’t. Growing up in the same room and in the same house, it gives us a chance to be completely honest with one another. We’ve been so close our whole lives, so when we are writing and producing together, I can be completely honest with Adam and Ryan and say, ‘no, I’m not feeling this tune,’ or ‘I’m not feeling this track.’ We really work together, so this has only brought us closer and able to be honest with each other.
VM: I know your songs are very eclectic; they have a lot of influences and sounds. Are the three of your creative forces similar, or do you each add your own twist to the songs?
Jack: We definitely all have the same vision, but we do have different aspects of the song that comes from each of the three of us. It’s a full collaboration, and Ryan actually writes and produces pretty much most of the music, but we each add our own different styles. We each have our own favorite genres of music; I’m more into singer/song-writer, hip-hop, and Ryan likes today’s pop music. So we take influence from each of those genres and put it into the music.
VM: Your video for your single “I’m Ready” now has two million views on YouTube, and I know you guys produce, edit, record and pretty much do everything. What is it like to be garnering this much success from your own efforts?
Jack: We’re all so thankful for it. Like I said, we started out street performing with absolutely nothing – just the band. We record, write everything from our own living room. For so long, it was just the fans supporting us. We did not have this record label. So, until a month ago when we signed this joint venture with Warner where we have creative control still, it’s just unbelievable that it’s 100 percent our work. We are just nothing but thankful, and just so surprised and shocked and happy every single day that this has happened to us.
VM: You’ve been compared to Imagine Dragons and fun. – you’re also being called “The Next Big Thing” and getting attention from Billboard and VH1, among others. Are you ready? Excited, nervous?
Jack: I am absolutely ready for this, but in the meantime, I have no idea what’s coming. We have no idea what could happen next. Right now, we’re watching the song climb the iTunes charts, and we never even imagined that could happen. So it’s just been a new surprise everyday, and it’s been nothing but enjoyable. So I’m so ready for this to happen.
VM: What do you feel like most influences your music now?
Jack: We try to include a bunch of different genres, ranging from music from the 50’s and 60’s to today’s pop music so anything from The Beach Boys and Simon and Garfunkel to today’s music such as fun., Imagine Dragons and even Kanye West. We try to include a bunch of different sounds.
VM: You hear stories about how bands get their big break, but what was it like when you heard back from Sia just from tweeting out your video. Did you think that that would be successful, or was it just a shot in the dark?
Jack: Well, for about seven years before that, we had been trying to make it with no success whatsoever. So, when Sia tweeted us, it was a huge surprise but at the same time we were [wondering if it was real]. So we actually didn’t know what to think of this, but a couple days later, we met up with her downtown, and she actually got things going for us. It was a real thing. It blew us away. Things started happening; she introduced us to people in the industry — it was just a shock to all of us, and it still is.
VM: On your previous tours, you got to open for Demi Lovato, Hoodie Allen and The Wanted, so I’m sure you got exposed to the stardom that you’ll most likely be receiving soon. Did you enjoy touring and being out on the road? I guess being out with your brothers makes it a little easier.
Jack: Yeah, I was homesick at times, but I’ll give you something; Hoodie Allen’s tour was unbelievable. We went onstage expecting to be booed off the stage, but we got on stage and we started playing, and they absolutely loved us. Hoodie Allen’s audience is 60 percent boys and 40 percent girls, and we just realized what a wide diverse audience we have. So it really opened our eyes and made us realize our age range and style is just incredibly diverse. So, touring has been a great experience for us.
VM: You’re also going on tour again this summer, with some already sold out dates.
Jack: We’re going on tour with Lindsey Stirling. We’re doing a bunch of dates starting with Montreal and going down the East Coast into Louisiana and Tennessee and then Texas. So I’m really excited; she’s incredibly talented. I’ve seen a bunch of her videos, and her style is so unique, so I’m very excited to see her show and to perform.
Jun 16 Metropolis w/ Lindsey Stirling Montreal, Canada
Jun 17 House Of Blues w/ Lindsey Stirling Boston, MA
Jun 18 Terminal 5 w/ Lindsey Stirling New York, NY
Jun 20 Starland Ballroom w/ Lindsey Stirling Sayreville, NJ
Jun 21 the Space w/ Lindsey Stirling Westbury, NY
Jun 24 Echo Stage w/ Lindsey Stirling Washington, DC
Jun 26 The NorVa w/ Lindsey Stirling Norfolk, VA
Jun 27 Fillmore w/ Lindsey Stirling Charlotte, NC
Jun 28 Ryman Auditorium w/ Lindsey Stirling Nashville, TN
Jun 30 Track 29 w/ Lindsey Stirling Chattanooga, TN
Jul 01 Masquerade Music Park w/ Lindsey Stirling Atlanta, GA
Jul 02 Jannus Landing w/ Lindsey Stirling Tampa, FL
Jul 03 Hard Rock Live w/ Lindsey Stirling Orlando, FL
Jul 05 Sunset Cove Ampitheatre w/ Lindsey Stirling Boca Raton, FL
Jul 07 Iron City w/ Lindsey Stirling Birmingham, AL
Jul 08 House of Blues (18+) w/ Lindsey Stirling New Orleans, LA
Jul 10 Bayou Music Center w/ Lindsey Stirling Houston, TX
Jul 11 Stubbs w/ Lindsey Stirling Austin, TX
Jul 12 Southside Ballroom w/ Lindsey Stirling Dallas, TX
SXSW 2014: The Stargazer Lilies x Vinyl Video
On our last night of South by Southwest, we got a cleansing escape from the overwhelming crowd and bustle to head to the Graveface Records/Noisy Ghost PR showcase in the middle of nowhere in a secluded garden dreamland called Tillery Park.
It was there that we came across dreamy duo The Stargazer Lilies who just got off of a tour with Tobacco (and The Casket Girls before that). Naturally, we had to grab a quick interview in the “green room”/vintage Airstream on site. Check out our chat below (and excuse my appearance – vanity goes out the window on the last day of SX. I’m just lucky I was still able to stand)!
Shaky Knees 2014: Local Natives x Vinyl Mag
Local Natives graced us at Shaky Knees with their glorious presence on the final day of the fest, the last to play the Peachtree Stage before the day’s headliner, The Alabama Shakes. Luckily for us (and for you readers, actually), the band also graced us with an interview to discuss their too-short Shaky Knees experience, their favorite live song (and why they want to top it), as well as what’s coming for the band.
VM: I read that you said “Sun Hands” is the your favorite song to end every show. Why do you think that is? Do you think you will always end with that song?
Taylor Rice: “Sun Hands” is the song that we are able to completely let go and allow things to get completely unhinged. It’s a personal goal of mine to unseat it as our show closer as we’re writing our next album.
VM: Did you get anything good on Record Store Day this year?
Kelcey Ayer: We were in Charlotte, NC on Record Store Day, and we heard Lunch Box Records was a sweet little spot to check out. When we got there however, there was a line of about a hundred people going out the door and down the street. Apparently Bruce Springsteen tweeted that he might go (he had the rival show in town), so it was rammed, on top of all the normal RSD madness. We tried and failed, but we tried just the same! F*cking Bruce Springsteen, man.
VM: Who were you most excited to see at Shaky Knees in Atlanta this year? Did you stay the whole weekend?
TR: Alabama Shakes. I saw them play once at a German festival we played together last summer and was blown away by how great Brittany’s voice is live.
KA: I wish we had been there the whole weekend. Spoon played on Friday, and we’re all the biggest Spoon fans. We just got off a six-week tour, so we went on a little vacation afterwards that went right up until the Sunday we played.
VM: What do you like about playing at festivals, as opposed to playing regular shows? Which do you prefer?
TR: At a festival, you’re dealing with this huge mass of kids before you who did not necessarily buy a ticket to see you play. There’s a willingness there, but they won’t just give it up for you; you have to win them over. I like feeling that edge in and amongst a big crowd.
KA: Festivals give you a chance to play in front of bunch of new people, so that’s fun to bring your A-game and try to prove yourself. I prefer regular shows though, because you get to have your own lights, all your own equipment (if you’re flying into a festival, you have to rent amps/drums you’ve never used before), you can play whatever you want instead of cater to a crowd who has never heard you; you basically get to put on, what you think in your head is, the perfect show. Our fans are there and on our side, and it just doesn’t get better than when you feel in absolute unity with the audience, and everyone is going ape-sh*t.
VM: You have a little over a week between Shaky Knees and your next show in Santa Barbara – what are your plans during that time?
KA: We’re trying to get our practice space in Los Angeles up and running again so we can start writing for the third record. I’m not sure how far we’ll get this week, but it helps that the next show is in Santa Barbara, so that’s super close to us.
TR: We’re making music, getting ourselves ready to bring another album out of the mist.
VM: How has response been to Hummingbird in comparision to response to Gorilla Manor – how are the albums different? Some bands consider their new material to be a continuation of the same sound, while others are constantly trying to evolve/experiment/change their sound – which mindset do you relate more to, and what is your writing process like?
TR: Hummingbird is a more intimate album. It was a very cathartic record to make for us, and deals with facing some existential crises we were going through; realizing that the music we make is now our full time job, long term relationships falling apart, and death. We relate more to feeling that our style and music is always evolving and changing. We have a constant need to push each other and ourselves to do something we’ve never done before. That’s all done within the small universe of who we are, so I’m sure there are lots of similarities between records.
KA: We definitely relate more to evolution. I think that’s pretty obvious when comparing the two albums; they were written in very different times in our lives, and we just look up to artists that don’t have a consistent sound. The Beatles, Bowie, Radiohead, Damon Albarn; guys like that, who find their genius by fucking with the formula. I love that. Comparing the responses between a debut record and a sophomore one seems like apples and oranges to me. On your first record, there is an excitement, because you’re a new band who no one has ever heard before, and they can’t compare it to anything you’ve done, because it’s the only thing you’ve done. But on the second album, everyone already has expectations and has the first record to compare it to. I think people weren’t expecting Hummingbird, so it threw some people off, since it’s a bit darker in content and sonically less ‘plug-in-and-play’ and more ‘plug-in-and-add-something-then-f*ck-with-it.’
VM: What is next for Local Natives?
KA: We’re doing a few smaller festivals over the summer, but the main focus is going to be trying to work on the third record. I’m over the moon about where we are in our career, in our heads, mentally, and just about overall life. I think that’s going to show on the record. It feels time to be happy again.
TR: It’s time to conjure another record out of ourselves, and we’re getting set up for that. We’ve already teased out a bunch of pieces.
Shaky Knees 2014: Blood Red Shoes x Vinyl Mag
After postponing our interview with Blood Red Shoes at Shaky Knees until after The Gaslight Anthem went on (none of us were willing to miss it), we finally met up with the band in the press tent.
The interview started off with Steven being in a bit of a “silly mood,” slow to take things seriously, but eventually (after a few “for f*ck’s sake” jabs from Laura) offering up some very insightful takes on the peculiarities of the industry. Ironically, while I was swooning over their accents, they declared that they love American accents, particularly the southern accent. After we wrapped up the interview, we moved to the artist bar, where Steven took over pouring drinks for a rather inebriated bartender and poured me a “proper English cocktail,” which in this case was a Newcastle tall boy.
VM: We heard that we delayed this interview so you all could see Gaslight Anthem, which I really appreciate, because I really didn’t want to miss Gaslight. I just went backstage illegally and met Brian Fallon, and it was the greatest moment of my life.
Steven Ansell: That’s the greatest moment of your life?
VM: Yes. I also met Glenn from Walking Dead when I was checking in.
SA: Have you ever sneezed four times in a row?
Laura-Mary Carter: You just met Glenn from Walking Dead? Is he here?!
VM: He’s here!
L-MC: What?!
VM: I was checking in at press, and I turned…
SA: Which one’s Glenn?
L-MC: You know, Glenn – the baseball guy.
SA: Aw, he’s a good guy. Can we get Glenn in the interview as well?
VM: He wouldn’t do it. I was like, ‘Can I get a picture?’ and he was like, ‘Really fast. Super secret.’
SA: Sorry, what are we doing? Who are you?
VM: I’m Emily from Vinyl Mag.
SA: Is it made out of vinyl? A magazine?
VM: Naw, it’s online.
SA: So, it’s not like a magazine, is it? You’re just a liar, really.
VM: It’s sort of an oxymoron –
SA: Don’t call me a f*cking moron…
VM: So, how was Gaslight?
L-MC: Yeah, it was great. We went on tour with them for couple of weeks, and we haven’t seen them since the tour.
VM: Have you met up and seen them?
L-MC: Yeah, we saw them earlier, but we were going to go say hey to them after this before we leave.
SA: I’m going to give them all a bit of a ‘noogie’ after this.
VM: A ‘noogie?’
SA: Yeah, where you get them in the headlock and then ‘err’ on the head.
VM: Are you going to do it to everybody?
L-MC: Definitely not the bassist, Alex.
SA: Definitely not Brian.
VM: Not Brian, why? Because he has perfect hair, and you don’t want to mess it up?
SA: Something like that. Also, last time I tried, he just got really upset. The rest of them could deal with it; he couldn’t. It’s obviously not his thing.
VM: How has response been to the album, Blood Red Shoes?
SA: So far, fairly bad.
VM: Fairly bad?
L-MC: No, Steve!
SA: Alright, sorry. I’m just in a really silly mood.
L-MC: I know!
SA: Can you ask [Laura]?
VM: [To Laura] Alright, how has response been?
L-MC: It’s been really good actually, because it’s kind of a raw record. It’s much heavier than our last ones, and it’s been cool. I think people really like it live, and it’s really nice. I think more younger people are coming to our shows.
VM: Why did you choose this one to be a self-titled, because I usually think of that as the first album? Did you feel like it was the most representative of your sound?
L-MC: Yeah, it’s basically that. Like, we’ve made three records, and this one was sort of like, we know what we’re doing; we know our sound, and we completely recorded it and self-produced it.
VM: Yeah, I read that you did it all yourself.
L-MC: We didn’t think of a name; we just didn’t really come up with a name, and we just thought that meant it should just be Blood Red Shoes, because it really is. It was just us in a concrete room in Berlin; we wrote and recorded it.
VM: Did you already know how to do all that, like producing, or did you just decide you wanted to do it and learn?
L-MC: Well, early on, we recorded our first ever seven inches, and during that time we got more equipment. Steve was a sound guy – believe it or not – before this, so he’s quite technical.
VM: [To Steven] You’re a very professional guy?…we need liner notes for this interview, just to describe everything that’s happening [referring Steven’s antics].
VM: So, why Berlin?
L-MC: Because we play in Germany a lot; Berlin’s a cool place, and we wanted to get out of the UK. We wanted to get out of Brighton, and we just looked up places we could get, just rooms we could set up our gear and write and just be in a different environment. That was the one that came back; they still had space there that we could rent for cheap and make loud noises. It’s a cheap places and cool place to hang out, and there’s a lot of history of music that’s been made there. It just seemed right.
VM: This is just me wondering, because Record Store Day was recently- did you get anything cool for Record Store Day, or did you guys do anything?
L-MC: Did we do anything for Record Store Day?
SA: Yeah, I played at 4 p.m.
L-MC: We did something. When was it? I can’t remember now.
VM: It was a month ago, maybe not even a month.
SA: We were in Holland at a festival.
L-MC: That was it.
VM: Did you buy any records, like of the Record Store Day releases?
SA: No, absolutely not.
L-MC: I didn’t buy a record and, to be fair, I do buy a lot of records in general. Record Store Day – I feel like it’s every week…but I always support independent record shops.
SA: I feel like we should all be honest about Record Store Day, shouldn’t we? I like the idea of Record Store Day; I like the idea that it’s about supporting independent record shops. There are some really great ones that have died in Brighton, but what’s happening with Record Store Day is now it’s turned into this thing where our record label calls us and says, ‘what are we going to do for Record Store Day?’ At that point you’re saying to yourself, ‘am I putting a piece of music out because it’s a good piece of music and people need to hear it, or because it’s Record Store Day?’ Then every f*cking major label and every sh*t band that you don’t care about is making something, because it’s Record Store Day. Now it feels like it’s about product, and just throw out any old sh*t.
VM: Supply and demand and all that.
SA: It’s because everyone thinks Record Store Day is cool. I feel like, as a musician, you have to be really aware of the fact that what you put out needs to actually matter and need to be out. We write a lot; we jam all the time. We could throw out a tape of us rehearsing and jamming on a song and be like, ‘hey, Record Store Day. Here’s a half-finished piece of sh*t jam.’ But we put it on vinyl, so it’s cool on Record Store Day and makes people think it’s special, but it’s bullsh*t. So, Record Store Day is a weird thing. I think, on one hand I understand and want to support record shops that have been supportive of bands like us and actually do pretty good music, but on the other side, it’s been polluted massively by people just saying, ‘let’s throw any old crap, because people will buy it’…there’s something about it that doesn’t sit right.
L-MC: I think, for us, we always buy from independent record stores anyway, and if we’re going to buy something, make it right. We do our bit, but when it comes to Record Store Day, I don’t go out and buy records. I could do that anyway.
VM: How do you think American crowds differ from crowds in England? We interviewed Charli XCX and PEACE, and they both said British crowds were more subdued, and American crowds were much crazier.
L-MC: I think American crowds are very vocal. Even when we play here to 10 people at some shows, they’ll still be really loud. You would not get that back home; it would just be really awkward, and when you finish the song it just feels weird. Even with 10 people, I feel like people really appreciate it and are vocally loud. It’s a good feeling. You can’t deny that that makes a difference. If people are just there, they might enjoy it the same, but when they’re more vocal, it makes you feel up for it.
SA: There’s nothing worse than when you play your heart out, and – it might be a small show – everyone just stands there. We had that in England. We played for 15 people, and they sat there. They might have even really loved it, but they don’t really show it. They’re so reserved in England. Everywhere, so far, we’ve been in America and North America, if people like you, you f*cking know about it. You really know about it, because they’re going crazy already. They don’t care if no one else is dancing. You’ll get one guy that’s insane who will by himself, and he doesn’t care because he’s having a good time. For us, that’s amazing; to go to a place where no one knows us. We’re going to play better; the whole night will be better.
VM: I think that would be much more inspiring.
SA: It is much more inspiring. It sounds lame, like we’re trying to be like, ‘oh him, we’re in America, we love America,’ but it’s f*cking true. People are definitely less reserved, and if they like something or feel like you’re more comfortable with the show, I guess you’re less reserved about it. In England, unfortunately, people really hold themselves back. No one must be the first one to dance. No one must be the first to go, ‘actually, I really like this.’
VM: Are you like that at shows, or are you the dancing guys?
L-MC: I think we like to headbang and actually move. I wouldn’t say that I’m very vocal; I always cheer at the end loud, but it’s not like I shout stuff.
VM: Who did you get to see here?
L-MC: We went and saw Band of Skulls. We saw a bit of White Denim, Foals, and Gaslight Anthem.
SA: Cage the Elephant. We got to see a lot…where’d you guys get here from?
VM: Athens, Georgia. It’s like an hour and half…
SA: That’s where the B-52’s are from!
VM: I know!
SA: We were talking about this. We were like, ‘what’s in Georgia?’ The only thing we heard of was some specific type of barbecue food. It’s different regionally, yeah?
VM: We’re very proud of our barbecue.
SA: You have more of a vinegar sauce. Is that right?
VM: It’s sort of like ketchup and vinegar. South Carolina has mustard. North Carolina has straight vinegar.
SA: Yeah, right. There’s a regional thing for barbecue sauce. I knew that, and then Athens, Georgia has the B-52’s. I like REM, but B-52’s!
VM: We’re proud. What do you like about playing festivals as opposed to regular shows?
L-MC: I think just the atmosphere is cool, getting to see other bands, and when you tour all the time, you don’t get to see many friends, and you get to know lots of bands. So, it’s a nice kind of community when you come to play festivals, because you can play a show. You can try and cover people – it’s like your band as well, because it’s new people, so that’s a challenge. Then you can hang out with your friends that you haven’t seen since last year’s festival, and you get to see other music, which is inspiring. You kind of need to see other stuff.
SA: Yeah, it’s healthy to be in a place where you’re not just dealing with your own band.
L-MC: Yeah, it gets you more inspired, and you learn something.
VM: Tell us more about your current tour.
L-MC: Well, we’re at day three.
SA: Day three. So far, what’s happened? I am going to go to the hospital in the morning – liver failure, acute liver failure. I’ve had too many shots.
VM: But you’re waiting until tomorrow, though?
SA: Well, you know, always try to sleep it off. I don’t like to unnecessarily cause a fuss and call the doctor.
VM: But you’re anticipating that you will have to.
SA: Probably, yes.
L-MC: I’m not taking you there, so you can get there on your own.
SA: Well, you do everything bigger and harder in the states, don’t you? Those shots I’ve been doing – much bigger than the UK. You have big everything here. Really, freaking me out.
L-MC: It’s been so cool so far. We get to go to places we’ve never been, like we’re going to Salt Lake City. Tomorrow we’re going to Richmond, Virginia.
SA: Yeah, we’ve never been this far south.
VM: Really, do you like it?
SA: Actually, yeah.
VM: We’re friendly.
L-MC: Really like the accent.
SA: We played Raleigh, North Carolina yesterday, and at that point it was the furthest south we had ever been. Everyone was really friendly there; I’m noticing a tendency.
VM: Southern hospitality.
SA: Yeah, people are really warm.
VM: Besides the tour, what is next for you guys afterwards? Are you writing on tour?
L-MC: We do a little bit, but not so much. It’s hard on this tour, because there’s so much driving. We are going back home, and then we’re going straight into festivals basically, all in Europe.
VM: You’re doing Reading and Leeds, right?
L-MC: Yes.
VM: [You’re playing] a couple slots away from Jimmy Eat World, and that’s awesome.
SA: Touch my hand, and I’ll touch one of those guys’ hands for you.
VM: Oh, I’ve met them twice. I’m a stalker.
SA: I was going to try and be nice and say, ‘you touch my hand, and I’ll touch their hand, and then it’s connected.’
VM: Well, you touch my hand, and I’ve already touched their hand, so I have connected them to you. You didn’t even get to meet them though. You should. They’re cool.
SA: That’s cool, because now I don’t have to put in the effort. I don’t have to go knock on their door and say hello or any of that stuff.
VM: You don’t even have to go. You can just say, ‘dude, I’ve done it.’
SA: ‘I met a girl in Georgia; it’s fine.’
VM: Yeah, don’t tell them that. I think I freaked them out.
SA: Did you…???
VM: I did! And I don’t do that very often, but there are like two bands that I would [lose my cool with]. Yeah, I was not cool at all.
SA: The only person I ever got weird with that we’ve ever met as a band was one of the guys in Smashing Pumpkins. We met in New York once, and Laura was totally cool as f*ck.
L-MC: He just came into our dressing room.
SA: He just showed up in our dressing room.
VM: Oh, really?! So he came to you.
L-MC: Yeah, he was at our show, and he just came in the dressing room. I turned around, and it was him.
VM: [To Laura] And you were totally cool?
SA: It was James Iha, the guitar player.
L-MC: I’ve been emailing him ever since. Actually, I haven’t in a while, but we were.
SA: But he showed up; Laura’s super cool.
L-MC: Yeah, I love that band, but I never got obsessed.
SA: I like that band, too. Usually, as I’m sure you can imagine, I’m just being a little c*cky d*ckhead to anyone who helps me, even if they’re in a band I love. Smashing Pumpkins, I really loved when I was a teenager. I literally looked at him and was just like, ‘you’re in the Smashing Pumpkins band!’
VM: That’s exactly what I do.
L-MC: I would do that if it was someone like Courtney Love. I’ve had three chances to say something to her.
SA: You could’ve. She had a dressing room almost next door to us.
L-MC: Yeah I went in, but she wasn’t in there.
SA: Physically she was, but mentally, there’s nothing in there.
L-MC: I just thought sometimes you just shouldn’t meet your f*cking heroes.
VM: I agree with you on that.
L-MC: I think she might be one of those.
SA: Yeah, I’d be scared to meet Iggy Pop, because he’d probably break my heart. He’d probably just be like, ‘have you seen today’s papers?’ He might be really boring.
Shaky Knees 2014: The Whigs x Vinyl Mag
If you follow us on social media, you already know we pretty much had a blast of a time at Shaky Knees this past weekend. But aside from seeing an impressive amount of impressively talented artists, we also got to talk to a few of them (impressed?).
Fellow Athens natives, The Whigs, played the festival Friday afternoon at the Ponce de Leon stage at Atlantic Station and then turned around the next day and played beloved East Atlanta venue/bar The EARL. In April, the band released their fifth studio album, Modern Creation, and is currently touring the album. See them. After you read this interview, duh.
VM: You recently played the Late Show with David Letterman and also had a video on Conan – awesome. How do you get those gigs/how was it?!
Parker: We’ve been fortunate to have some sweet opportunities with the release of our new album, Modern Creation. Conan debuted the “Hit Me” music video, and the Late Show had us on to perform the song live. Both were thrilling and an honor.
VM: Did you get anything good on Record Store Day this year?
Parker: Yeah!!! Purchased Duke Ellington, James Brown, Andre Previn piano records and a sealed Phil Spector Collection vinyl at Wuxtry Records in Athens.
VM: Who were you most excited to see at Shaky Knees in Atlanta this year? Did you stay the whole weekend?
Parker: I got to see a little bit of Charles Bradley and Band Of Skulls on Friday. I stayed in Atlanta the whole weekend and was super excited to see The Replacements and Modest Mouse but didn’t get to see either unfortunately.
VM: Why didn’t you get to see [them]?
Parker: I missed their sets, because I was loading in equipment and sound checking for our late night show at the Earl in East Atlanta.
VM: What do you like about playing at festivals, as opposed to playing regular shows? Which do you prefer?
Parker: It’s fun to see buddies from other bands at festivals. It’s also a nice setting to get turned on to a new group. I wouldn’t say I prefer either to the other.
VM: You are playing Shaky Knees Friday and then The EARL, also in ATL, on Saturday. Two very different Atlanta experiences two nights in a row. Was there a reason you wanted to play the festival there and then a smaller venue?
Parker: The opportunity arose for us to rock both occasions, and we were psyched. Definitely an opportunity to tailor a performance to two radically different environments.
VM: What was different about the performances?
Parker: The EARL show was definitely more intimate, and we began and ended the set with different songs than at the festival performance. Showcased a few more songs from Modern Creation and got back to our roots with some older Whigs songs. We also did an encore at the EARL which featured a slight costume change to coincide with a David Bowie cover.
VM: As a fellow Athenian, how would you say that Athens has influenced your sound?
Parker: The Glands, R.E.M, Elephant Six Collective, and later the Drive By Truckers were some of our biggest models on and off stage. The Athens scene inspired us to want to create instantly entertaining music with conceptual depth.
VM: Compare the Athens music scene to the Atlanta music scene. How is the Athens music scene unique from any other?
Parker: I’d say they’re both eclectic with Atlanta’s being understandably larger. I’m personally more in tune with the eclecticism of Athens’ bands over Atlanta’s, with a few exceptions. I haven’t spent a substantial amount of local time in all the other scenes, so I can’t speculate on what differentiates Athens from everywhere else.
VM: How has response been to Modern Creation?
Parker: I’d say it’s been generally positive.
VM: I LOVE the album cover – can you tell me about it? Who came up with it?
Parker: We were doing an photo shoot, and I asked someone on the set to snap a photo of us with my iPhone. The image was cool, and when we were brainstorming album cover ideas, I sent the photo to the band. Tim relayed his idea of framing the photo with a skull to Julian, who made the vision a reality.
VM: Who does most of the writing/what is the process like?
Parker: I’ll write song ideas and bring them into band practice where we’ll jam and see which ones gel. As we hone arrangements and structures, we’ll see which songs survive over the course of an album cycle. The most durable jams get the anointed finished lyrics, which I write with guidance from Tim and Julian if I get stuck or have questions on direction, clarity, etc.
VM: In three words, describe your sound to someone who has never heard you.
Parker: Raw, real, rock.
VM: What is next for The Whigs?
Parker: Tour!
Tour Dates:
MAY 15 RADIO RADIO INDIANAPOLIS, IN
MAY 16 DOUBLE DOOR CHICAGO, IL
MAY 17 OFF BROADWAY ST LOUIS, MO
MAY 24 16TH STREET MALL DENVER, CO
JUN 12 FITZGERALD’S (DOWNSTAIRS) HOUSTON, TX
JUN 13 RED 7 AUSTIN, TX
JUN 14 ELM STREET MUSIC AND TATTOO FESTIVAL DALLAS, TX
JUN 15 STICKYZ ROCK’N’ROLL CHICKEN SHACK LITTLE ROCK, AR
JUN 18 DULING HALL JACKSON, MS
JUN 19 WORKPLAY THEATRE BIRMINGHAM, AL
JUN 20 HI-TONE CAFE MEMPHIS, TN
JUN 21 MERCY LOUNGE NASHVILLE, TN
JUN 25 WFPK WATERFRONT WEDNESDAY LOUISVILLE, KY
JUL 26 BRAGG JAM MUSIC FESTIVAL MACON, GA
SXSW 2014: The Modern Electric x Vinyl Video
After running into Black Taxi at The Blind Pig in downtown Austin at South by Southwest, we were introduced (OMG passive voice – I’m so sorry, Mrs. Browning) to their friends and fellow musicians, The Modern Electric. We took advantage of this newly formed relationship and decided to do an(other) impromptu interview in the alley outside.
Check out the video below where we talk to The Modern Electric about their South by Southwest experience, their music and Matthew’s mysterious black eye.
In the words of everyone in Black Taxi, “these guys are going to be huge.”
P.S. I’m not preggers, I’m wearing a fanny pack. Yes.
Future Death x Vinyl Mag
Austin-based band, Future Death comes to life (ironic, seeing as how they recorded their album in a funeral home)! The band will be releasing their debut album, Special Victim, on May 27 on Bloodmoss Records. SV portrays a punk persona sure to make its listener heated with energy.
The band is composed of Alton Jenkins, Bill Kenny, Jeremy Humphries on bass and Angie Kang on vocals. Their first two singles have been described as “controlled chaos” as well as “bright.” The band mostly embodies a punk sound, but Kang’s feminine vocals soften the tone while also enhancing the passion. Most listeners would consider punk music to sound a little cynical, but Future Death’s first two singles, “Basements” and “Riot Trains” are equally crazy and just genuinely fun.
Vinyl Mag: Where does the name Future Death come from?
Bill Kenny [guitarist]:It’s actually an homage to The Flaming Lips, but the meaning I guess is pretty self-explanatory. Life, I guess. As much as I’d like to leave it to interpretation, I guess you could say its really about inevitability.
VM:. It seems as if not all the members of the band have known each other from the start. How have you guys come together to form Future Death, and how do you continue to balance roles?
BK: I had found a video of Alton playing drums on a friend’s Facebook page with a message saying that he was looking for a project. Got his number, we played one day. The next day, about 20 minutes into playing, we decided that this was something and we should start writing songs. Alton had known Jeremy Humphries from previous projects and happened to run into him the day he moved back to Austin while we were looking for a bass player. Over the next few months, we continued writing and recording what would be the S/T EP that came out last October. We had finished tracking the S/T record and were writing songs that would later be on Special Victimwhen we found Angie through a Craigslist post after trying out multiple vocalists. She sat in on a practice, and we immediately went to my place and started demo-ing vocals. For the most part, since day 1, everything has happened very organically without any of us really having to talk about what we’re doing much. It’s really based around letting the impulses out, which leads to a very fluid and collaborative process. It doesn’t hurt that we’re always blowing each other away with what’s brought to the table.
VM: As a new band, what are some challenges you have encountered in making your new album, Special Victim? What do you hope to establish with the album?
BK:As far as challenges, there haven’t been many in regards to producing the material. The more challenging part in my opinion was trying to simultaneously write and at the same, get to know each other. We all come from different places, but we’re all invested and ready to continue to move forward as fast as possible.
Angie Kang [singer]: The day after our debut EP release show, we drove up to Dallas to record the album. We recorded in four days during a storm that flooded the recording studio where we were planning to sleep. I had a sore throat, so I had quite a bit of anxiety since it was my first time in a real studio. It’s not anything to lament about though, because it was so fun and the album turned out great. We can’t wait to get back to the studio to record again. I hope it reaches as many people as possible so that we can tour and play live.
VM: Your sound has been described as “controlled chaos.” Do you find that different styles come out in your work? If so, how do you incorporate the different styles. Specifically, which bands or songwriters inspire you?
BK: It’s controlled in the sense that while there is this very busy, sometimes angular element happening, there’s a pop sensibility which I think we all have. This also makes producing material a painless and fast experience. Like I said, we don’t have to talk about the actual music, because I believe that we’re just on the same page. We’re very fortunate. There’s never a concrete idea when we go into something. We rely on impulses and even sometimes accidents to inspire or ignite new ideas, which keeps us challenging ourselves without it being a chore. It’s much more exciting when it just happens naturally.
>Alton Jenkins [drummer]: One of my favorite songs for the longest time is “Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin. I’d say my drumming is heavily inspired by melody and lots of movement and expression, opposed to being a constant anchor for the other instrumentation. Or maybe I’m using that as an excuse to mask my general hyperactivity. Regardless, I think we’re collectively trying make “new” music but without straining ourselves in the process.
>AK: We all have different tastes in music, which lends itself to the chaos, because we all write our own parts. I just like anything that sounds raw. I have a techno side project called Rare Species and DJ as Baby Bones. I grew up outside of Detroit, so that’s been a big part of my influences.
VM: There is so much energy in your music! What are some typical Future Death rituals before performing?
BK: We practice and rehearse a lot, as well as record every second of everything we do. So when it comes to performing, its just another day in the space.
AJ: Water, bananas…and about 10 minutes before a performance I typically get, only mildly, agitated, uncharacteristically less talkative and withdrawn with my demeanor and try to keep distance. It’s something that developed naturally even when I started drumming at 17. I think it’s my way to channel whatever emotion/energy I was feeling when writing the songs originally. OTHERWISE I’m very kind, social and love to be with people, friends, whoever.
AK: We do what Snoop Dogg does.
VM: This kind of music can really incite some high emotions. How did your audience respond at South by Southwest? Any extreme – positive or negative – reactions?
BK: We did get a lot of great feedback – no negative responses. SXSW is so saturated and busy, the best you can really hope for as a new band is that they remember who you were. There’s just so much going on, we really just try to enjoy being a part of it and hope to reach out to new people.
AJ: A lot of energy is projected in our performance. For the people who hear us for the first time, I’ve noticed an introspective and focused, sometimes confused look on their face. For those who are familiar with us, it appears obvious who they are; tend to freak out/mosh and ride whatever wave we’re on at the moment. It’s cool to know someone’s perception of what they’re listening to has changed from start to the end of our set. These are things people have expressed to me, post show. And I can relate.
AK: We met a lot of people who have been supporting us since we really started putting our material out there, specifically our friends at Portals who put on an excellent showcase of their favorite artists. Right after we played the last note, everyone started bugging out to Future’s “Move That Dope.”
VM: What was it like playing at SXSW, given the fact that you guys are already Austin-based? Is it still such a surprise to find the growing number of participants taking over your town? How do you think the festival has changed over the years?
AJ: Playing SXSW, to me, is always awesome. It’s a rare chance to meet and witness bands from around the world that you’d otherwise not get a chance to see so easily. It’s a cool time to connect with strangers, which makes it easier to book tours that are more suitable with artists you enjoy. So it’s not a surprise to see more people flock here each year. The entire city jams up, and there’s a show/party happening in every building and every house on every corner. It’s nuts. A lot of locals, and some bands, leave town to avoid the madness. But I’m into to. One thing I’ve seen change over the years at SXSW is the increase in corporate presence. There’s even a 50 foot tall Dorito’s bag downtown that sponsors a mega event with really well known artists. I’m cool with it. Because even though that’s there, I can still easily disappear to DIY and/or unofficial shows that I’m more familiar with and can afford.
AK: We played three unofficial shows, because all of us had to work that week. That’s the paradox of living in Austin during SXSW; there’s so much business brought to the city that your day jobs usually need you to work extra hours. It’s always nice to see your friends come to town, so you want to have some time to hang out. I took it easy this year and was quite grateful the week after.
VM: Did any of you have any “weird” Austin moments at SXSW?
AJ: I met Lady Gaga for 2.5 seconds. Her friend/bodyguard? was dressed like Wonder Woman. I also got to jam on this life sized cell phone beat-making app called “KEEZY” with Reggie Watts. It was totally sporadic and unintentional. I was finding myself in a lot of strange situations between playing Future Death shows. Mostly just running into and spending time with artists that I really like, which isn’t particularly “weird.” But was unique to my SXSW experience.
AK: I went to a New York vs. Texas underground boxing match where Mobb Deep and Mike Jones performed. It was so far away from downtown that only about 40 people showed up. Everyone was yelling at the DJ, because he kept screwing up; it was so funny.
VM: What are Future Death’s future plans?
BK: Right now we’re getting ready for the release of Special Victim May 27 and lining up a tour for this summer. Again, we’re such a new band and have only been able to play Texas. The following months will see a lot of Future Death touring the country. We have release shows in Brooklyn in May, then hope to be on tour within the next couple months.
VM: What advice can you give to bands or songwriters that are just developing?
BK: Well, focus on your craft. And give in to your impulse. Its usually the more exciting thing you have kicking around anyway….
AJ: Create music for yourself primarily. That’s it. The rest of the “stuff” can come into place if you hope to make a career out of being an artist. But if that doesn’t work out, at least you can be happy with and totally relate to what you’ve made as an artist.
AK: Work with people who have mutual respect for you.