EXCLUSIVE PREMIERE: Myze Music Creator, Kelli Faith, Shares New Music Video “The Wine Song.”

Something I always wanted to do was bring my two worlds together. My life as a music blogger and my life as a musician/singer-songwriter. Myze Music and Kelli Faith. I’m really excited today is the first time EVER I am doing that with a special premiere of my brand new music video for my brand new song, “The Wine Song,” on my own website. Usually, I have help from incredible friends who do PR for a living to try and get the singles I release premiered on other music websites/blogs. This time I wanted to do things differently because this song happens to be really special to me and I genuinely wanted to premiere it as myself, from my own perspective… through my own music blog.

“The Wine Song” is my first ever full-blown country song that I have ever released. I knew for a long time this was the route I wanted to take, but I just had not written the right song yet.  I remember it like yesterday, this past summer I had become a HUGE fan of wine. I had just released my single, “Feels Like Home,” and after that I was ready to convert to country music. I told myself I was gonna try and write a song about wine. A “wine song” if you will… I remember specifically sitting on my boyfriend’s futon in his room when I was drinking a little too much sangria and the chord progression finally hit me. I had come up with most of the chorus and had a voice memo of it on my phone. I started to reflect on some of the negative experiences I was having in my life at the time and they essentially led me to drinking too much sangria… on that futon. I reflected on stress at work, how exhausting being an empath can be, how overthinking is just as draining as being an empath, and being sad over feeling like problems in my relationships/friendships are often my fault. What better concept than to drown out life’s negativity with a little wine? BOOM. “The Wine Song” was born. Honestly, my favorite song I have ever written so far.

This song was recorded, engineered, produced, mixed, and mastered by my good friends Craig Smith and Alex Peragine (really I don’t know who I would be as a musician without them sometimes, they are two of the best human beings I have ever worked with). They truly brought this song to life and when you listen… Yes, those are real wine glasses you hear clanking. The unbelievably talented Kristi Smith, a friend and fellow alumni from Brick Memorial High School, was kind enough to play and write all of the violin parts you hear throughout the song. She honestly brought the whole entire thing together and I’m so grateful she made the time to be a part of this project. All the incredible photography was shot by my long-time and talented best friend, Quinn Souchek (seriously she is the best and most talented). Also, this video was shot and edited all by Kris Khunachak, aka, THE man. I truly am forever grateful to have this army of people supporting me on this journey as Kelli Faith the past few years.

Today the song is available to listen to on ALL music streaming platforms, but below you can watch the music video exclusively for the first time ever. I finally am excited to share with you guys “The Wine Song” and I hope it is a song you can drink a bunch of wine (or maybe beer, honestly whatever YOU like) and party to. Thank you for continuing this journey with me and for being here reading this right now.

You can watch the video below:

We will talk about what’s next soon, until then…

-Love,

Kelli Faith (Owner of Myze Music) 

Joss Jaffe Interview.

Diving into and exploring different kinds of music is one of my favorite things to do. I’m not gonna lie, I do have certain genres I listen to more than others, but I have learned as a music lover the importance of respecting all genres and giving everything a chance. A genre I don’t normally listen to is reggae, but my boyfriend will occasionally put it on blast during long car rides and I have grown to really appreciate it. Honestly, whenever I hear reggae, or “beachy” electronic rides I always tend to thing of the Netflix hit show, Outerbanks. I recently had the honor of interviewing an especially good vibe artist named, Joss Jaffe. He released his new album, Sun Mountain Sea, not too long ago now and it is as I just mentioned, GOOD VIBES. He is quite the mixture of reggae and dream pop to my ears and I am all about it. I am really excited to share with you Myze readers our discussion about who he is as an artist and also I picked his brain about Sun Mountain Sea.

1. Hi Joss! First, I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to chat with me a little bit about your new album, Sun Mountain Sea. I must admit, listening to the album it had MAD good vibes, so I am really excited to ask you some questions revolving around it. As I am sitting here writing out this interview, my boyfriend and I are actually listening to your album now and he is a fan with me now too. However, before we get to Sun Mountain Sea, would you be able to tell Myze readers a little bit about yourself?

Thanks so much! I love the thought of you two listening while asking me these questions and I appreciate the MAD good vibes! I spent a lot of time cramming all those good vibes in the record in every conceivable way. I am a musician from California, originally from Santa Barbara, and this album speaks to that, even in the album title and some of the songs (‘Between the Mountains and the Sea’ was written about my home town of Santa Barbara). I have a background in different styles of music: from Electronic music, Reggae, World Music, and acoustic music of India where I am a classically trained tabla player and have studied the melodies and rhythms of India for over 20 years. 

For me music is this incredible journey and experiment. It is as fun to make people dance and enjoy life as it is for me to have my own inner journey with it and go through the process of creating art.  

2. So you just recently released your new full length album titled, Sun Mountain Sea. That’s so exciting. Releasing new music is one of the best feelings. Again, this album is FULL of good vibes. What has the feedback been like so far? 

Yes! It feels great. There have been lots of cool responses. The overarching feedback has been that it’s hopeful, uplifting, and has a sunny, positive vibe. I created this music to give people that fun experience of a brand new day and appreciate moments like a sunset, the beauty of nature, relationships, memories, and overcoming challenges… all with that nice beat to keep you going. 

Some people have compared it to the Postal Service (who I love) for the blend of acoustic guitar and vocals with electronic production. The live trumpet adds lots of rich emotion (shout out to my friend Phil Rodriguez of the band Beirut). Cutting up the songs for clips on social media has let people focus on the choruses and they are pretty catchy.

3. What are you hoping for fans old or new, to get out of this album?

I love when people have their own experiences with the album and to make it “theirs.” One woman said ‘Reminisce’ made her feel love for her mother who passed away and that actually brought a tear to my eye. The interesting thing about music is the artist creates it with their own vision in mind, but then it goes out into the world and (hopefully) it takes on a life of its own. 

One way to really experience the album is to watch the music videos! There are 10 music videos for all 10 of the songs. It’s the first time I have ever released an album in this way and each one has something amazing to offer. They range from animation, to dancing, to surfing, even roller skating! It’s on. 

4. I’m kind of new to this genre… Reggae, dream pop, total zen and yoga vibes. I really enjoy indulging in music as a whole and find it important to be open to all genres as a music lover. What has inspired you to create the sound you have created? What kind of music fan are you?

Wow thanks so much! I never realized I had a “genre.” I sort of just break the mold every time. Right now is a unique time in terms of “mashup” culture in that you can sort of put things together in new and interesting ways. My Dub Mantra albums mixed reggae with Sanskrit yoga chants.  This album plays with chillwave, dream-pop, electronic music, and yes there are a few reggae inspired cuts in there!

I don’t really go out to make music in a particular genre but certainly genres of music have inspired me. I was born in 1980, so I am a child of the 80’s. Quirky 80’s pop like Talking Heads, The Cure, or The Tom Tom Club play a big influence in my sonic palette and can be heard on this album. I’m a huge reggae fan so there are lots of echo, dreamy effects, and shimmering trumpet that wouldn’t sound out of place on a reggae record. I also love traditional world music. That doesn’t play much of a role on this album as it’s pretty modern but the spiritual philosophy of Yoga comes into play on a number of songs such as ‘Sun To Shine’ ‘Reverie’ and ‘Energy Field’. 

5. Can you tell me what the recording process was like for this album? Especially, what was it like working with DJ Taz Rashid and GRAMMY nominated Dave Stringer?

Absolutely. Dave and I go way back. He even hired me as his tabla player when I was only 19 years old and it was my first official paid gig. We have since toured the world together from Sydney to Shanghai and back playing countless live shows. It was great to come full circle and have him offer his powerful vocals and vocal production on this album. It definitely took it to a higher place. 

DJ Taz Rashid is an uber successful yoga music DJ. He has produced music and played at festivals all around the world and we have worked together since 2017. He did some remixes for me on my 2018 Remix album and they were standout tracks. We were both excited to work together on this album. I can’t think of a better producer for this album (well, Quincy Jones or Rick Ruben would’ve been cool!)

6. I definitely have some personal favorites from this album. I have to tell you it has to be between “Want You” and “Weather.” I feel like as this album moves forward, the more reggae-esque it gets. Maybe it’s just me, but I love that the feel of it changes as you start from track 1 and listen to 10. Personally, what is your favorite track on the album and why?

Wow, that’s so cool. I love the reggae vibe as well. I think a straight up reggae album may be in the cards in the future. One never knows. But yes we put a lot of thought into the sequencing of the songs and I think taken as a whole the album tells a compelling story. There are a lot of love songs on the album and love is a complex thing. It can make you feel like you are over the moon or it can break your heart. So there are lots of shades of light and color to experience there. 

I’m also digging those tracks you mentioned. I think those tracks turned out well and have a light hearted, bouncy energy and they aren’t taking themselves too seriously. “Want You” has had some of the best play so far and it was picked up by a number of reggae playlists. It has a Sublime, No Doubt, Cali-Reggae sort of vibe to it that just works. I also like Reminisce, the final song on the album. It has a dreamy chilled-out vibe. 

7. Speaking of my favorite two songs off the album, I don’t know if you know of this television show… but both of those songs 110% belong in the hit Netflix show called, Outerbanks. I am a huge fan of the show and if you ever searched for a playlist for that show on Spotify, you will find it has a lot of music like yours. In fact, it was the first thing I thought of when I listened to your music for the first time. Have you ever heard of the television show Outerbanks? Where do you see your music playing to the public most, other than a live setting?

Love that! I have been hearing more and more about Outerbanks lately so I think I’ll have to check it out. I certainly hear these songs on screen. The choruses are such sweet little nuggets and the whole thing really works. Plus a lot of the songs tell stories which could fit into on screen storytelling. It’s certainly a dream to have my music placed in film or tv. 

I think the music also works well for fitness and yoga flows. A number of successful yoga teachers have made reels using my songs and I try to post them all on my instagram page. I’ve been told they work quite well in that context and both Taz and I have a history of working closely with the world of yoga events and festivals. 

8. If you had to pick, what would be your favorite track off the album and why?

Right now I like ‘Reminisce’. The lyrics and the video have a fantasy element, the way Led Zeppelin would quote Lord of the Rings in songs like ‘Over the Hills and Far Away’. I like that it is both modern but also has a feel to it like a troubadour could sing in times long past. The beat propels it, the trumpet really draws you in, and the vocals are not overstated. I’d like to do more songs like that. 

9. I specifically read in your Spotify bio that you enjoy when artists are creating their own genres… Who are some artists you know of personally who have done that? Who would you recommend listening to?

Wow great question. Miles Davis was famous for saying he redirected the course of music several times over his lifespan. I think there are many big artists who have made their mark that way. Santana for instance blended Latin music with Rock and Popular music in a way that was unique at the time. He has many interviews where he describes “Creating his own sound.” That actually had a huge influence on me as a kid. I thought a lot about what he meant by that and how someone could do that. You would have to know enough about music that you could take two or several styles and put them together in a way that hadn’t been done before. It also meant that the way you play would sound different to people than anyone that came before you. It’s actually a pretty deep concept to think about. 

In all honesty I don’t think I go out to create something new. I create from what’s in my heart. In lots of ways the concept of “genre” comes afterwards. After the artist has created something and people look back at what they’ve done. I think that’s similar for me. I put reggae and yoga chanting together because it felt like something fun and energizing for me to do and it worked well in a live setting. I loved reggae and I had been chanting mantras since I was a young child and my mom was a yoga teacher. So the 3 Dub Mantra albums came out of that. 

10. Any smaller scale bands or musicians you’d like to give a shout out to?

I’ve really been digging the electronic producer named Oliwa. He’s based in Ojai California and has been making a name for himself as a producer and a DJ. He collaborated on a remix for my song Energy Field which is really very good. Also have to give a huge shout out to the collaborator on the song “Purrfection 44” which blended the purring of a cat (yes really!) with ambient world instruments. Sudama Mark Kennedy and Montino Bourbon have some amazing music you should definitely listen to if you like chill, relaxing music. 

11. Where can Myze readers find Sun Mountain Sea?

Wherever you listen to music it’s there! If you are one of the awesome people who still like physical music, you can get the CD with a CD only bonus track (Energy Field Remix!) here!

You can stream Sun Mountain Sea on all major streaming platforms here!

Highwind Interview.

The local music scene in New Jersey has been becoming a melting pot for all kinds of genres. It is safe to say the scene has never thrived more than it has now, especially since the world has gotten back on its feet since 2019. Bands that were beginning to make names for themselves in the scene back in 2019, are now coming back hungry to make something of themselves and are better than ever. One of those bands would be Asbury Park natives of the pop rock band called, Highwind. As of Friday, March 11, 2022 Highwind announced their debut album, Something Right in Between, will be hitting all music streaming platforms on Friday, May 6, 2022. Along with their major debut album announcement, they dropped a brand new single off of the album called, “Sugar,” and released a music video along with it. I was really excited to able to ask Chris Russo (frontman, singer-songwriter) and Dan Smith (drummer) all about “Sugar” and their debut album, Something Right in Between.

1. First, thank you guys so much for taking the time to chat with me about your BRAND NEW single and music video, “Sugar.” Tell me and the Myze Readers a little bit about yourselves.

Dan: Chris will probably have way more eloquent answers for most of these but we are a little pop rock duo from Asbury Park. Officially, I am the most recent addition to Highwind, but Chris and I have been working together since fall 2019 and have been friends even longer.

Chris: Highwind is a pop-rock duo based out of Asbury Park, New Jersey! Highwind started as my solo project back in 2018. I started working with Dan in Fall of 2019, and he officially joined the band somewhere in the middle of 2021. 

2.  I have been really, really vibing “Sugar.” I’m loving this new sound for you guys compared to your older music. It’s catchy, it’s rocky and poppy, but it also has that neon pop punk edge to it too. It’s modernized pop rock music in a way. What has inspired this newer sound for you guys?

Dan: Chris can speak more specifically about the song, but this whole genre is new to me. I haven’t played original music in anything that wasn’t a metalcore or hardcore band until now. My change was largely unintentional because I was basically done “being in bands” after my last project folded without getting off the ground, but Chris and I worked so well together on the production of our upcoming release it felt foolish to not come together and put everything we have into this.

Chris: I was heavily inspired by artists like The Band Camino, K. Flay, Small Talks/Cayley Spivey, Pale Waves, CHVRCHES, and all of these artists that carry some form of a pop, indie, alternative, or pop-rock sound. I wanted to try adding synths, keys, and all of these things I hadn’t used before in my songwriting. The progression just felt natural from there on. I owe our producer, Connor Hanson, a lot too. I don’t think I would have been able to shift into a new style this well without his hand in the process.

3. What is “Sugar” about? How do you hope listeners are going to relate to it?

Dan: “Sugar” is simply a pop-rock banger, and that’s all I have to say about that.

Chris: Sugar is so interesting, in the sense that it’s this big sugar-coated pop anthem that’s really about trying to get out of an abusive relationship. It’s about being the candy that someone craves; they only want you when they need you for something. But YOU know you deserve more than that. You are trying to fight these things that are keeping you trapped in this toxic situation. All of this story is wrapped in colorful synths, layers of harmonies, and all of these sounds that encapsulate a pop song. So it’s really a double-edged sword of a song.

4. What was the recording process for this song like?

Dan: Recording with Connor Hanson is always a dream. He is so open to the artist’s ideas but also brings a plethora of his own to the session. This song came together with particular ease because Chris had a great blueprint, Connor had a great vision and is a synth master, and all I had to do was lay it down. It couldn’t get much easier.

Chris : Dan said it perfectly. Recording this track, as well as the rest of the album, was such an easy, fun, painless process. Recording every part was so much fun. Connor knew exactly what was missing every time. Easily some of the most fun I’ve had in the studio.

5. I LOVE that the new music video for “Sugar” takes place at a candy shop. What a perfect concept for this song in particular. Can you tell us where exactly this video took place and who filmed it?

Dan: I think it started as a joke while we were recording it. It might’ve even been Connor who suggested it. But, I mean, how could we not?

Chris: I owe SugarPop Candy Bar and the people that run the store so much for letting us shoot the video there. They let ourselves and Kris Khunachak come in, set up however we wanted, and watched us do our thing. It was so much fun and I’m so happy it’s finally out for people to see.

6. How did you guys come up with the concept for the “Sugar” music video? 

Dan: I think we essentially went through two drafts of the video. The initial location fell through, but we were going to have more participants originally – make it look more like a party. After we looked at the second location and had a creative meeting we opted for something a little more cinematic.

Chris: Yeah, I mean, there isn’t much more to it than that. It’s a fun pop song, so a fun pop song needs a fun video. And what better way to make a fun video about a song called, “Sugar,” than to make music in a candy store?

7. Additionally with this single release, you guys also announced your first debut LP titled, Something Right In Between. How exciting. When does this LP come out and what can you tell us about it?

Dan: Something Right in Between hits all of your favorite music platforms on May 6th. I can tell you that this iteration of Highwind is not the one you have come to know over the past few years. We have been touting this as our “Pop Duo Arc,” and there is really so much truth to that. You’re getting the most polished version of us yet and the album includes “Fine For You,” “Will You Please (Stay),” “Sugar,” and five other really diverse tracks.

Chris: I don’t think I’ve ever been more proud of any sort of work I’ve ever done. Something Right in Between paints a perfect picture of almost everything that I am musically inspired by, and conveys so many of the thoughts and emotions I have as a person. Dan and I really put our hearts and souls into making this album everything we wanted it to be.

8. Do the other songs on the LP sound similar to the sound “Sugar?” What can listeners expect?

Dan: I don’t want to give too much away, but there is a variety of different sounds for our listeners to dive in on.

Chris: Yes and no. While pop-rock is the general genre and theme of the record, every song has its own unique feel. “Fine For You,” and, “Sugar,” are just the tip of the iceberg. There are some really cool features on the album too that really add some extra texture that I don’t think people will expect.

9. What is your favorite memory behind the recording process for Something Right In Between?

Dan: It’s hard to target one thing specifically, but I think when we had our final listen at the end of the last day of tracking and we heard all of the roughs for the songs I was so floored at wonderful everything sounded and I couldn’t believe that I got to be a part of it. That memory and that feeling will hang with me forever. 

Chris: While I have a lot of favorite memories from the album, one of them is definitely when we had a violin player come in and track strings for the record. I remember sitting there in disbelief like, “Wow, this is really going on my album, huh? 16 year-old me would have NEVER seen this coming.” It was really a moment of realization for me, realization that I really am progressing and moving forward as both an artist and a person.

10. Where can Myze readers find your new single “Sugar” and the rest of your discography?

Chris: Spotify, Apple, Amazon, TIDAL, Bandcamp, YouTube, anywhere that you can find music, it is there! There’s a bunch of videos on our YouTube channel too that pair with a lot of what we have released as well.

11. Last, are there any bands in your local music scene you’d like to give a shout out to?

Dan: Shouts out to Marigold (NY), Idle Wave, Flight Club (VA), The Fairview (MA/RI), Poeta, With Sails Ahead, Nights of Malice, Another One Down (RI), and you, Kelli, you rule.

Chris: Everything Dan said. Also want to shout out Shallow Pools from Massachusetts, penny bored from Texas, Was & When from Connecticut, The Merrier from Ohio, Arrows in Action from Tennessee, American Stereo from NJ, 5ever from Mass, the list literally goes on forever. 

“Mess” by GARZI (featuring Kellin Quinn) Review.

Anyone who knows me, knows I am a complete sucker for pop punk/emo music. I always have been and always will. I get a little extra excited when I hear a new pop punk artist enter the scene with their own spin on the genre. With that being said, I am extra excited to share with you guys, “Mess” by GARZI, which features Kellin Quinn of Sleeping With Sirens (yes that’s right, I said Sleeping With Sirens). Anyone who likes a little genre bending, this song is DEFINITELY for you. It is especially for you if you have been a fan of the pop punk scene and are looking for a taste of something new in the genre. 

GARZI is a Miami, Florida native who has very recently entered the pop punk scene with a little hip-hop twist with his newest cutting edge single, “Mess” (featuring Kellin Quinn). GARZI was originally born as Chris Garzon and had dreams of being an actor.  He attended the University of Florida as a business and plant science major until he found out college life wasn’t for him and he in time became, GARZI. On February 25, 2022 GARZI released his newest single “Mess” (featuring Kellin Quinn) on all music streaming platforms with Outlast Records. He has already made HUGE steps in the pop punk scene by working with Blink 182’s Travis Barker and John Feldman (producer for bands like Goldfinger, Good Charlotte, Panic! at the Disco).

Something I personally always look for in artists is whether or not their music is groundbreaking. To be groundbreaking is a big deal in music and it means to me that you have something different about your music that hasn’t really been done yet. When I first listened to “Mess” by GARZI (featuring Kellin Quinn), I was honestly blown away. It was one thing to have Kellin Quinn on the track, but it was another to blend two unlikely genres together (in this case, pop punk and hip-hop). The song was clean and it cut like a knife right through the listeners’ ear. It was exciting to listen to and more importantly, I have to say it was groundbreaking. I loved every single second of it. I just wanted more. It was almost like two minutes and nineteen seconds wasn’t enough. The song left me wanting more and planted a seed of curiosity to see what other songs GARZI has up his sleeve in the near future.

“Mess” by GARZI (featuring Kellin Quinn) is SOOOOOOO high energy, that it’s almost nearly contagious. I can picture a crowd throwing down to it as I type this review. If Warped Tour was still a thing, I would love to see both GARZI and Kellin Quinn perform this together live because it would be KILLER. The collaboration between GARZI and Kellin Quinn left me speechless and they truly sounded amazing together. Kellin Quinn 110% belonged on that track and I am so happy for GARZI that he agreed to be a part of it. Quinn’s vocals just brought the song to an even higher level and gave it that little extra emo punch. This is something I really would again, love to hear live, it would honestly be badass. 

If you are a pop punk/emo fan I HIGHLY recommend checking this song out. Excitedly enough, GARZI was added to the So What? Music Festival in May and will additionally be touring with Zero 9:36 and Fame On Fire for the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour this year. I genuinely am looking forward to hearing the rest of the music GARZI may or may not be putting out this year. I wouldn’t be surprised if we started seeing his name pop up more frequently on other pop punk tours. 

Be sure to check out GARZI’s newest single, “Mess” (featuring Kellin Quinn) on all music streaming platforms and you can even listen below!

You can also check out his Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as his Tik Tok and Twitter! Be sure to “like” or “follow” him!

“Stay the Same” by Gold Steps (featuring Nick Thompson) Review.

I’m so excited to be back at writing music reviews for the first time since I started Myze Music in 2018. I thought, what better way to kick off writing reviews than to write one about a pop punk-esque song? I’m really excited to discuss with you guys “Stay the Same” by Gold Steps (featuring Nick Thompson), an incredibly catchy, new single with an edge to it that drives straight through your heart. Anyone who has ever been a fan of bands like The Wonder Years, State Champs, or Neck Deep… This one’s for YOU!

Gold Steps is a pop-punk/post-hardcore hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and ​​is made up of married duo Liz Mauritz (vocals) and Zach Duarte (guitar), with Ryan Rivas (bass) and Mike Britz (drums). Their latest single and music video, “Stay the Same,” features Nick Thompson of Thief Club and Hit The Lights. The song has that classic pop-punk edge that you used to hear out of band’s like, We Are the In Crowd, who stood out among the pop punk scene with dual vocals from Taylor Jardine and Jordan Eckes. In fact, the second I started listening to this song that was personally THE FIRST band I thought of. I thought of We Are the In Crowd specifically because of the female and male vocal dynamic throughout, “Stay the Same.” “Stay the Same” takes you back to We Are the In Crowd songs such as, “Never Be What You Want” and “Both Sides of the Story” (classic jams of course). The song also gives major State Champs melodic vibes. If you are wondering what I mean by that, give a listen to State Champs’ song, “Secrets” and the melody of, “Stay the Same” is tastefully reminiscent of those vocal lines.  It is completely bad-assery if you ask me. 

Anyways, the music video for “Stay the Same” is also A TON of fun and super worth watching. The setting takes me back to playing those Tony Hawk games on my brother’s Playstation 2… or maybe it was Xbox when we were growing up. This video takes place at what looks like an indoor skate park, which SCREAMS Tony Hawk vibes. In the video, the band is performing at an indoor skate park with Nick Thompson, while people are skateboarding and roller skating around the whole entire band. It looks like so much fun to be in the video itself, which is relaxed and shenanigan-filled, the ideal pop-punk-esque video of course. The chemistry between all the band members makes you want to join in on the fun in the video, total good vibes. 

“Stay the Same” is Gold Steps’ first release since 2019. The last single they released was the highly successful, “Empty Space.” If you ask me, they hit the nail on the head with their newest single, “Stay the Same” and completely killed the come-back game. Their new sound is more refined and brings individuality to the band as a whole. They’re making it known exactly who Gold Steps is and I’m really looking forward to what else they have in store for listeners throughout the rest of 2022.  I’m officially a fan. If State Champs and We Are the In Crowd had a child, it would be Gold Steps, making them uniquely themselves and also, a sound I haven’t heard in a long time that NEEDS to make a comeback. 

Excitingly enough, Alternative Press has named them in their “10 unsigned bands to keep an eye on in 2021″ and if the band keeps up the hard work, you’ll be seeing them go on tour with your favorite pop-punk/post-hardcore bands in no time. Again, I am really excited to see what is in-store in terms of more new music being released by Gold Steps in 2022. I think we are going to start seeing their name pop up more and more!

Be sure to check out Gold Steps’ latest single, “Stay the Same” (featuring Nick Thompson) on all music-streaming platforms and you can watch the music video below!

You can also check out their website here, in addition to their Facebook and Instagram pages! Be sure to “like” or “follow” them to stay in the loop for future releases!

The Carousers Interview #2.

We have waited a long, long time for this… but FINALLY I am really excited to welcome back Long Branch, New Jersey natives and punk band, The Carousers. It feels like just yesterday the four of us were attending college over at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jerseys when I watched this band form right before my very eyes. From singles like, “She’s the Devil” to their now long awaited NEW single, “Valentine’s Day,” released TODAY on no day other than February 14, 2022 Valentine’s Day itself. I was so lucky the band shared this single a little early with me and took the time to discuss it in the interview below. I’ve always been genuinely a big fan of their music and honestly, this is probably my favorite single of theirs to this date. Also, I am a sucker for a good love song and they make it a point in this song to say that when you’re truly in love, every day is Valentine’s Day. I am excited to share my discussion with The Carousers about their new single in five years, “Valentine’s Day” and what other things they have planned in 2022.

1. First, I just wanted to say hey guys! I couldn’t be more excited to finally see The Carousers back in action. We last spoke back in 2018 and I know a lot in the world has changed, how have you guys been since then?

Andy: I know, it’s been way too long! These past few years have been really strange, I think that goes without saying. Thankfully we’ve all been staying safe and healthy, except for getting sick with the occasional case of COVID. But being vaccinated, we bounced back quickly and started writing some new material once again.

2. I’m really excited to talk to you guys about your BRAND new single, “Valentine.” I have already listened to it a couple times and I LOVE IT. This might actually be my new favorite Carousers song. What is this song about?

Joey: This one’s a sappy love song about my girlfriend and how she makes me a better version of myself. As a songwriter, I’ve only written about heartbreak and depression haha. It’s nice to finally have a happy song in our catalog!

3. I think the second verse stands out the most to me. I love the lyrics, “Driving all night long with Green Day sing alongs, she’s my valentine. Gordon Ramsey memes and all the Twin Peaks, she’s my valentine.” This really made the song sound personal to me, which is a standout in this genre. Very storyteller (and adorable). Is this style of writing something listeners can expect in other new The Carousers music?

Joey: Absolutely! Storytelling is something I’ve been trying to get better at as a writer over the years and especially during The Carousers’ long hiatus. It’s almost like poetry in a way and can totally take your song to a new level. I’m excited to keep it up for more tunes that are in the pipeline!

4. Where did you guys record the song and what was the recording process like for “Valentine?”

Cass: We actually recorded everything ourselves in our practice space. We essentially built a blanket fort to record drums in, which honestly ended up working great. The whole process took a while, and was a learning experience for sure, but I’m super proud of how everything came out. The song was mixed by Craig Smith and mastered by Rob Chiarappa, and they really made it sound awesome!

Joey: Cass killed it on the recording end! Doing it like this was super fun too since we weren’t time pressured in a studio or anything. It definitely gives us the option to do this again moving forward.

5. Is this song part of a bigger project, or just a single release? Is that something you can tell the Myze readers?

Cass: We can’t officially say what’s coming and when, but there is definitely new music from The Carousers coming soon! 2022 is going to be a fun year for us. You know we will keep you posted!

6. You guys also have a song titled, “Halloween Night”… So let me ask you guys this question… Which do you prefer, Halloween, or Valentine’s Day?

Andy: Believe it or not, these two holidays are actually our least favorite. As a band, we hope to one day write a song for each of the major holidays, and we wanted to save the good ones for last. By 2024, we hope to release “Groundhog Day,” our personal favorite of the bunch.

7. Since it’s been a while since you guys released new music, it’s also been a while since you guys have played any live shows. Times are also a little different now since the pandemic began. Are you guys looking to play a live show anytime soon?

Cass: We actually talked about this a little while ago, and we can’t wait to get back to gigging. We’re hoping to start playing live when conditions are safer, but as of right now we don’t have any upcoming shows to promote. Really hoping to be able to play soon though!

8. Are there any particular goals The Carousers are looking to achieve in 2022?

Joey: For me, I’d love to have us do some weekenders out of state. We’ve only played in NJ mostly – Philly a few times. It’s definitely well overdue and something I’d like to experience as a band. I know we have fans we’ve never met on the east coast as well, so it’d be cool to branch out.

Cass: I agree, I’d love to be able to do some weekender tours. Also, would really like to play at Starland Ballroom or somewhere similar, opening for a bigger band!

Andy: Aside from live shows, I’m really hoping to keep writing new material too. This single will be our first release in a while, and we’re trying to keep that momentum going!

9. When people listen to “Valentine,” what are you hoping they get out of it?

Joey: I hope people can relate with how they feel about their significant other! Valentine’s Day is cool and all, but I feel like a pretty lucky guy the other 364 days of the year too. 

10. Any “local” bands you guys would like to give a shout out to?

Joey: I’ve been a big fan of the latest Latewaves record that was released last year, so shout out to those guys for releasing a dope album! Beauty put out a cool single recently too. Those dudes are great.

Cass: I’ve been liking Teenage Halloween, they put out a rad split with The Homeless Gospel Choir this year. Also, our buds in Tula Vera are always doing cool things.

Andy: I’m gonna take this opportunity to plug a couple of my other projects, namely Smooch and Rachel Ana Dobken, both based out of Asbury Park. Some friends of ours in Society Hill have also been killing it recently, and released their first full length a few months back.

11. Last but not least, where can everyone find your new single, “Valentine?” 

Joey: Everywhere, I hope? Haha. I know for certain all the big DSPs like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, etc. Hopefully Distrokid is doing its job. We’ll definitely have it up on Bandcamp too for all the indie folk.

Painted Young Interview.

Two weeks ago from today pop rock band, Painted Young, put out a BRAND NEW music video for their latest single off of their EP, Smallest Similarities, called “Sunset.” The band is from Aberdeen, New Jersey and when I saw that they started teasing this new music video, I knew I just had to chat with them about it. Also, the band’s drummer Bailey Hand and I go wayyyyyy back (we used to be in a pop punk band called Before It’s Too Late together). They released their EP, Smallest Similarities, nearly a year ago in May 2021 and are still making a bunch of noise with it. After listening to Smallest Similarities, one might even be taken in back in time to the neon pop punk days, as their sound truly modernizes pop punk with a pop twist. I am really excited to share the interview I did with Painted Young, as we discussed their new music video, Smallest Similarities, and what it has been like for them to play live shows again since the pandemic.

Photo Credit: Bill Cardella

1. First, I just wanted to say thank you for letting me interview you guys! It is a pleasure to talk to you! This is your first Myze interview, so I just wanted to say welcome to my blog! How have you guys been doing since bands have been able to slowly start booking shows again amidst the pandemic? 

Thank you so much for having us! We really appreciate you reaching out and taking interest in us and our music! As far as the pandemic goes, we have been slowly getting back into things as they continue to be available. The world is such a weird place right now and for that reason we want to be safe and cautious. 

2. When and where was your first show back and how did it feel to be in front of people again?

Technically, our first show back was all of us being a backing band funnily enough. Our good friend, Chris Gullace, reached out to us about performing as his backing band opening for Jason Mraz at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park. As for our own music, our first show back was at The Saint in Asbury Park supporting Rory D’Lasnow for his album release show with Clementine and American Stereo.

It felt phenomenal to play in front of a crowd again instead of to ourselves in an empty basement. A year and a half since our previous show, we were full of emotion, excitement, and adrenaline to bring our best back to our fans.

3. I know you guys released a new EP last year in 2021 titled, The Smallest Similarities, which I wanted to say congratulations! It sounds fantastic and has a modern take on pop punk/rock, which I LOVE. What was the writing process like for the EP and what are you hoping for listeners to get out of it?

Thank you so much! The response to the record has been nothing short of amazing. The writing process was super productive. Each one of us have studio setups within our homes so when the pandemic hit, we were able to work on the songs remotely, in real time, and be super productive. “45 After Midnight” was written/demoed way ahead of the rest of the record mainly because of the pandemic. That was the only song we were able to fully work on in person prior to the pandemic. “45” was a deep demo from 2017 but once it was brought up again, it was finished within a few months. We were able to begin the fetal stages of the rest of the songs soon after, however due to COVID, the rest of the record was written practically a year later. Once we got back into it, the rest of the other songs were finished fairly quickly.

We are hoping the listeners can feel the same energy we put into this record. When making this record, we took influences from a lot of different genres and styles. In turn, we hope listeners will take a chance on broadening their horizons and giving other genres a chance.

4. Coming back into the live game, what is your favorite song to play live off the record collectively?

Collectively, we all agree that “O.M.G.” is our favorite because of the high energy it gives to us as players and to the crowd as well. In the few shows that we have played since the record came out, we’ve been playing that song towards the end of the set. Anytime we start playing that song, the energy immediately boosts up as if we just got on stage again. A close second place is “We’ve Stopped Time” solely because it has a bunch of really cool vibes as well as we all contribute vocally when performing live. 

5. Is there a song on the EP you guys hope listeners attach themselves more to than others? After listening to this EP myself, I feel like lyrically it gets very personal and that is something I love in music.

We personally don’t think there is a single specific song we want people to attach themselves to more so than the others. They all offer different feelings and emotions which everyone should experience and be open to. We wanted to make a cohesive record but at the same time we wanted to give something to everyone. We like to let our audience gravitate to whichever song they feel suits them, whether they are in a good mood or having a rough go of it.

Photo Credit: Anthony Vito Cosentino

6. One of the main reasons why I wanted to interview you guys, was because you just released a new music video for your song off the EP titled, “Sunset.” You also released another official music video for, “45 After Midnight,” prior to this release under Ghost Killer Entertainment. What has been the inspiration for this newest music video, “Sunset?”

Well, the song itself gives the listeners a bit of a throwback, summer type of vibe so we wanted to make a video that conveyed the same exact feeling. There wasn’t too much inspiration behind the video per se. We just wanted to have some fun following Chris getting to Ray’s house for an impromptu performance during a pool party. The song doesn’t have much meaning behind it, other than to just have fun and live in the moment. The video gives off that same nature of fun, debauchery, and also drinking responsibly!

7. I kinda love how the video takes place by a pool and it is currently winter time. Makes me miss summer. Was that a feeling you were trying to give your audience, or did this release just happen like that?

Honestly, we were aiming to release it by the end of the summer but things didn’t work out that way. However, it is pretty on brand for us to release a summer music video right when our state is about to get hit by a blizzard. It just worked out that way and it works because here we are, also missing the warmer weather. It is just something for people to look forward to when winter passes.

Photo Credit: Anthony Vito Cosentino

8. Who did you do this music video with? Are there any other people you guys would like to give a shout out to for it?

We worked with Kurt Fowles of Sirius Cinema on the full production of the video. Huge shoutout to all our friends and family who partied with us and helped make this video possible! Also, another big thank you to Zack of Ghost Killer Entertainment for featuring the video through their outlets!

9.  What are Painted Young’s goals for 2022 and what can listeners expect from you guys this year?

Our goals consist of staying productive whether it’s through shows or creating content. We have some making up to do from the pandemic and we don’t plan on slowing down this time. At the rate we are currently going, you may see something new from us within this year. 

Photo Credit: Anthony Vito Cosentino

10. Any “local” bands you would like to give a shout out to?

We want to personally thank all of the bands that we worked with over the course of the past year. They single-handedly gave us outlets through a tough time in the music scene. We want to thank our friends in Clementine, The Ones You Forgot, Double Header, Rory D’Lasnow, With Sails Ahead, American Stereo, Poeta, Midnight Mourning, Northvale, Pop Alma, Serious Matters and Chris Gullace for all the support they have given us this past year!

11. Where can Myze readers find and listen to your music? 

Readers can find all our social media links and music streaming links below:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaintedYoung

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PaintedYoung

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paintedyoungband

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Paintedyoung

All of our music can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube, Tidal, and anywhere else you may stream your music. 

With Sails Aheads Interview #2.

This feels like deja-vu. With Sails Ahead, a progressive post-hardcore band from Asbury Park, New Jersey was the first band I ever interviewed when I initially started Myze Music back in 2018. I thought it only felt right for them to also be my first interview back as well! We had a lot to catch up on between their latest single, “Murder Mountain,” to how the band grew over the course of the pandemic and what their listeners can expect in 2022.

1.) First of all, hi guys! It’s been a while since we last chatted.How has the band been since we last spoke back in 2018? 

Sierra: Hello!! We’ve been good! Busy, haha. But we’re good. 2018 onward has actually been pretty great. Been growing slowly but surely, and writing/releasing music we’re really proud of.

2.) How did the pandemic affect the band? In what ways did you guys see any light of positivity for the band during these times?

Sierra: We actually saw the most growth we’ve ever had during the pandemic. We took this time to find ways to stay connected and in people’s faces such as virtual festivals and streaming on Twitch. 

3.) What are you guys looking the most forward to in 2022 now that things are “seeming” to get better?

Sierra: We are extremely excited to be going on tour for the first time since 2019. We can’t believe it’s actually been nearly 3 years since we last hit the road with our friends pulses. It’s going to be so incredible to be back on the road in a van again. 

4.) I saw you guys open for The Ones You Forgot back in December (2021) at The House of Independents in Asbury Park, NJ! What has it been like performing on stage again to a live audience?

Sierra: AH thank you so much for coming!! It’s been more fun than ever before. When you’re forced to step away from it, it really makes you appreciate what it’s like to play in a room with people. The energy was absolutely thrilling. We had missed playing shows so much, and we missed playing House of Independents.

5.) I am currently looking at your newest single, “Murder Mountain,” on Spotify and it has over 40,000 streams. That is AMAZING. Congratulations you guys! What inspired this song to be written and what has the feedback been like?

Joe: Thank you SO MUCH. We are so freaking proud of this song and we’ve been absolutely blown away by the response! The inspiration behind “Murder Mountain” is a little all over the place, strangely enough, the biggest inspiration for this song was season 1 of Demon Slayer! The pure intensity of that show inspired the sense of urgency throughout “Murder Mountain.” However, musically, the inspiration can be summed up simply with bands like, Dance Gavin Dance and Periphery. 

6.) I also am IN LOVE with the music video for “Murder Mountain.” Can you tell me what inspired the screenplay for it and how you guys came up with the visual concept?

Sierra: The “Murder Mountain” video is the part two to the “In Fear and Loathing” video! It continues a story where we’re being followed by sinister villains. A long time ago I conceptualized that whatever the MM music video was going to end up being, it needed to involve weapons. So I built the video treatment around that, and worked backwards. Kris Khunachak made it all come to life. He always does a killer job of creating amazing music videos for us. He’s super receptive to ideas and always improves upon whatever we bring to him. 

7.) Is “Murder Mountain” going to be part of a bigger project? How long do you guys think it will be until we hear more new songs from With Sails Ahead?

Joe: “Murder Mountain” may… or may not be part of a bigger project. I believe it’s no secret that we’re currently working on a full length album, but it’s undecided whether we want to include MM on that release or not.

8.) Are there any particular goals With Sails Ahead is hoping to achieve in 2022?

Joe: Our biggest goals for this year are to go on tour again, and to finally drop our album!

Sierra: Yep. We are doing everything in our power to just put our energy into those things, with the occasional gig. They’re the most ambitious (and costly lmao) things we’ve ever set out to do. It’s taken this long to get to the point where we can do a tour where we’re going and a full length album due to financial reasons. We’re not pushing them another year any longer, haha.

9.) If you guys could give any advice to new and upcoming artists in the New Jersey music scene, what would it be?

Joe: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, mistakes are how we learn. Nobody ever played their first gig as a pro. It takes time, effort, and dedication to achieve your goals. Never lose sight of what you initially set out to do!

Sierra: Don’t forget- it’s supposed to be FUN. If you have ambitious goals, definitely be sure that you’re working with like-minded people, but they should be people you genuinely like to spend time with. And like writing with! When all is said and done, you want to look back on the time you spent making music and playing gigs to be full of great memories.

10.) Any “local” bands you’d like to give a shout out to?

*Inhales deeply*

pulses., Highwind, I Dreamt The Sea, Poeta, The Ones You Forgot, American Stereo, Serious Matters, Destination Dimension, Calling Down Fire, Science Penguin, I Met a Yeti, Wave Break, Still Ghost- I could keep going (and I’m probably forgetting some) but these bands are good friends of ours. Some of them are from Jersey, some of them are bands from different states that deserve your attention. 

 11.) Last but not least, where can everyone find your music and show their love and support for you guys?

You can find us on Spotify, Bandcamp, and anywhere you stream music! You can also follow us on Twitch. We are planning to start up Smash streams again as soon as possible. 

A Dedication to My Late Father: Top 5 Songs That Remind Me of Dad

February 5, 2013 my life changed FOREVER. I was 16 years old when I had to say goodbye to my very best friend, my dad. Today it’s been 9 years since he left my family and I’s lives, but trust me, he lives on in our hearts forever BIG time

My dad was always my biggest fan, especially when it came to music. He was the one who sat next to me in “his” chair, while I played guitar on the couch and sang. He would often tell me if I was sounding good, or would give me the good old… “You can do better.” My dad was basically the one who took me to ALL of my music lessons growing up. My teacher was one of his best childhood friends, which only brought my dad and I closer, as well as my teacher. Dad had never been a musician himself, but he was 110% a music lover. He grew up falling in love with bands like Pink Floyd, Aerosmith, Journey, and so much more. I remember helping him load songs onto the iPod shuffle I gave to him, which used to be mine until my parents upgraded my iPod back in the day (you know, when iPod shuffles were a thing). We would sit in the basement for hours as we burned old CDs he wanted on his shuffle and he would listen to the music all day, all night. His love for it inspired me. Because of him, I was introduced to the beauty that was classic rock, meanwhile, Mom showed me stars like Michael Jackson, The Beach Boys, Shania Twain, and Faith Hill. They gave me the perfect combo to grow up listening to.

Anyways, before my dad passed away, there were certain songs that I specifically remember him bopping too. Some of those I still hear on the radio today and those are the songs that make me believe he is always watching/listening to me. Those songs make me believe in the afterlife because every time I’ve ever needed a really hard pick-me-up, songs like “Some Nights” by Fun have always played on the radio (we will get to that). This blog is not meant to be sad, but meant to be reflective on how music doesn’t just take you back to moments, but it can take you back to certain people. I used to be quiet about my loss until recent years, but I have realized overtime it is okay to miss someone you love who has passed and share how much you miss them from time to time. Maybe I am just learning how to cope. I miss my dad everyday and that’s okay. He was a good dad. I hope some of you reading this today find the music that helps you remember someone you love, who is no longer here anymore too.

Without further ado, in his honor today, I would like to present to all of you: “A Dedication to My Late Father: Top 5 Songs That Remind Me of Dad.”

Let’s get started…

5.) “Mr. Wonderful” by Allstar Weekend

A summer or two before Dad passed, he and my mom had took my closest friends at the time and I to see Allstar Weekend over at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Randomly enough, my Dad grew pretty obsessed with this song for no other rhyme or reason, other than it being “really catchy” and it “having a good beat.” He grew so into it that eventually it became his ringtone on his phone all the way up until the day he passed away. Whenever I think about him loving this song so much, it honestly just makes me chuckle. I used to be kind of embarrassed that this song was his ringtone when I was younger, but looking back at it now, it was the most precious thing. My Mom and Dad were always taking my friends and I to shows and I don’t think words can express how grateful I am that they ever did that for me… for us. They realized my love for music at a young age and they supported it, always. Mom and Dad were always in the venue somewhere with us and they never complained about it once.

4.) “Secrets” by One Republic

“Secrets” was kind of another random song my Dad fell in love with all the way up until he passed. In fact, this was his ringtone before “Mr. Wonderful” by Allstar Weekend was. In addition to “Secrets” by One Republic, he also equally loved, “All the Right Moves,” but I was just looking to include one One Republic song instead of both here. However, I would definitely say he loved them both pretty equally. He loved both so much, he actually had the Waking Up album in his car and he listened to it ALL THE TIME. He pretty much loved these two songs for the same reason he loved “Mr. Wonderful”… he thought they were CATCHY. Let’s be honest, he was so right though. I remember being in the car with him when he heard both One Republic Songs on the radio for the first time. He was begging to know who the artist was and at the time, I thought it was the coolest thing. My Dad had a HUGE thing for One Republic.

3.) “Faithfully” by Journey

Speaking of songs in the car, I wouldn’t say, “Faithfully” by Journey SPECIFICALLY reminds me of my Dad as much as Journey reminds me of him as a whole. I picked “Faithfully” because it was on the first Journey Greatest Hits album. This was an album my dad almost ALWAYS played in his car. He was a huge Journey fan and this is one of my personal favorite Journey songs. He was always listening to their greatest hits album, or listening to them on that iPod shuffle I gave him, which I mentioned earlier. Journey was one of his all-time favorite classic rock bands, so whenever I hear them now, I ALWAYS think of my dad first. He introduced me to them and to classic rock and I am forever grateful. I could have listed a Pink Floyd or Aerosmith song too, but Journey was the most stand out because he really did listen to that greatest hits album all the damn time. Trust me, I remember.

2.) “Over You” by Cassadee Pope (originally performed by Miranda Lambert)

I think Cassadee Pope’s version of “Over You” by Miranda Lambert will always be one of my favorite songs that always makes me think of my Dad. Not only does the song talk about loss (in this case, the lyrics really REALLY hit home for me right when we lost him), but it is so emotional. I will never forget when my Mom, Dad, and I were all sitting on our couch at home watching The Voice when Cassadee Pope performed this song live (Season 3 winner). By the end of the performance, I never saw my Dad cry EVER, but this was one of the very very few times I saw my Dad get all choked up. I remember my Mom and I looking at him and asking, “Are you okay?” We kind of chuckled as he replied, “It was just such a beautiful song.” The lyrics to this song are ghostly to me to this day.  Miranda Lambert wrote this song about Blake Shelton’s late brother, back when they were a couple. It hit home a little too hard and still does to this day considering it was snowing when my dad passed and it was February… The lyrics in this song read:

“Weatherman said it’s gonna snow

By now I should be used to the cold

Mid-February shouldn’t be so scary

It was only December

I still remember the presents, the tree, you and me

But you went away

How dare you?

I’ll miss you

They say I’ll be okay

But I’m not going to ever get over you

Living alone here in this place

I think of you, and I’m not afraid

Your favorite records make me feel better

‘Cause you sing along

With every song”

Looking back, I really truly loved that my Dad loved this song too. It makes it that much more special.

 1.)“Some Nights” by fun.

Last, but ABSOLUTELY NOT least… “Some Nights” by fun. was my Dad’s favorite song of all time before he passed. Right before he passed away, it was really really popular and was on the radio allllllllllllllll the time. Like, he would for real jam out to this song no joke and my Mom and I remember it clearly to this day. Once he heard that opening vocal, “Some nights I stay up…” it was OVER. When those drums kicked in, my dad was SO INTO IT. It was honestly the last song he fell in love with. I saved it for the end of this article because my mother and I believe he is watching us to this very day, whenever we hear it play on the radio. Crazy enough, we really only hear it play on the radio anymore, whenever it is out of the blue and usually, during a time when we NEED to hear it. Specifically, I will never ever forget being really sick for a long time last year (maybe we will talk about that too someday) and coming out of my first doctor’s appointment, my mom turning on the car and “Some Nights” was playing when she turned her keys. I started crying. Dad told me I was going to be alright. It has randomly played over the course of 9 years now whenever Mom and I have needed it most.

        Again, this blog is not meant to be sad, but meant to be reflective on how music can not only take you back to moments, but to certain people. Music always takes me back to my Dad and that is one of the biggest reasons why I still do it. Once my biggest fan, still is and always will be. Music is the best thing on the planet and I will never not be grateful for how powerful it is. I hope to hear what songs remind my readers of someone they loved, who they lost too.

Thank you to whoever took the time to read this blog, it took a lot to write it.  Music has many powers, but this might be my favorite one. Memories.

Rest In Peace Dad. I love and miss you always.

A Songwriter’s Anthem… “Circles Around This Town” by Maren Morris.

“I swear I don’t know how I trusted

A Montero with the AC busted

A couple bad demos on a burned CD

Would take me all the way to Tennessee”

There is nothing I love more than when I can relate to a song. With that being said, I would like to thank Maren Morris for the gem that is her new single, “Circles Around This Town.” 

On January 7, 2022, Maren Morris released her first single since (really) the release of her 2019 sophomore album, ‘Girl.’ This single is titled, “Circles Around This Town,” which is the first single off her highly anticipated third studio album, ‘Humble Quest,’ coming out on March 25, 2022. “Circles Around This Town,” is her first co-write ever with the pop hitmaker, Julia Michaels (who has written songs for artists like Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber). Morris’ husband and also country artist, Ryan Hurd, is also listed as a co-writer, along with Jimmy Robbins in addition to Julia Michaels and it is produced by Greg Kurston (a major producer in music who has produced for artists like Adele, Pink, Beck, Kendra Lamar, and The Foo Fighters). 

I always had a love for Maren Morris ever since my best friend Gabi introduced me to her debut album, ‘Hero,’ back during our early years of college. That whole album front to back is one to remember and her sophomore album, ‘Girl,’ didn’t fall short for me either. Julia Michaels is my personal favorite songwriter of all time, so when I saw they teamed up for the first time to write Morris’ new single, “Circles Around This Town,” I couldn’t have been more excited. Between both writing styles, I just KNEW the world was in for a treat with this single and we were MOST certainly TREATED.

For any other fellow songwriters out there like myself, “Circles Around This Town,” is an absolute songwriters’ anthem. In the song, Maren Morris talks about her journey to becoming the songwriter and Grammy-winning musician she is now and how she still continues to struggle to figure out what to write next. She wants whatever she write to be meaningful enough for people to listen to. I read in an interview with Morris that during the writing session for this song, Julia Michaels just kept asking her questions about how she got to Nashville, what car did Morris have when she got to Nashville from her home state of Texas and where did she move into and how much money she had at the time. All of these questions turning into what became, “Circles Around This Town” (chefs kiss if you ask me). As Morris talks about how she got to where she is now in the song, she sings:

Thought when I hit it, it’d all look different

But I still got the pedal down

Drivin’ circles around this town

This line in particular talks about how even though she has written “hits” at this point in her career and thought it might get easier once she got to this point, she still has to continuously find her voice and a story to tell over and over again in music. She also sings:

I still get lost, I still get found

Drivin’ circles around this town

This lyric talks about how she still struggles with figuring out where to take her music after each release, but she always finds her way to what is next. It is an endless cycle.

What made this song even more personal for me to listen to, was how she referenced her first two hits as a solo artist in the second verse, “My Church,” and “80s Mercedes:”

A couple hundred songs and the ones that finally worked

Was the one about a car and the one about a church

I love how she referenced those two songs in, “Circles Around This Town,” because they were the very beginning to her successful career (she did win a Grammy for “My Church” as the best Country Solo Performance back in 2017 afterall). I love that this song completely embodies HER story and again, it is a total anthem for songwriters. 

As a songwriter myself, I am always trying to figure out what direction I want to go in next and sometimes oiling the songwriting machine isn’t so easy.  I go through phases where I can pour out 3 songs at a time, to a month where I’ve got nothing and it takes a lot of circling and reflecting to find what I want to say next. I love how easy it is to self-identify with this single and also root for Maren Morris and the career she has had so far. She is an inspiration to songwriters like me and to so many others and, “Circles Around This Town,” just makes you feel that much closer to her and understanding her story. Maren Morris and her writers took vulnerability to the next level with this one and I am ALL for it. 

With all that being said, I highly recommend listening to, “Circles Around This Town,” especially if you yourself are a songwriter. You don’t have to love country music to appreciate this song. Being a country music lover of course helps, but anyone who takes songwriting seriously, I can assure will find this song resonating with them. I am looking forward to hearing the rest of what Morris has to say in her third upcoming studio album, again titled, ‘Humble Quest,” which is coming out March 25, 2022. I think this will be one for those who love songwriting just as much as I do. There isn’t any songwriting, quite like country songwriting. 

Be sure to listen below if you haven’t already ♫

Allow Me to Re-Introduce Myself.

Hello world! My name is Kelli Misenheimer and I would like to welcome you all back to Myze Music. Four years ago in 2018, I decided to start my very own music blog in hopes to make my own little splash in the music industry. This blog turned into a music vlog on YouTube, a podcast (Myze Music Talks)… It became a place for lots and lots of local talent between interviews and reviews, a place where all in the music industry got recognized (shout out to all show photographers), and most importantly, a place where I could essentially fan over and raise awareness for all kinds of music and music things.

So now you’re all probably wondering… Where the heck have I been? Well, that’s a really great question. Where have I been, you ask? Why did I hit the pause button on this thing for a few years? During that time where I stopped blogging, I was a senior in college and not only was I a full-time student, but I was working two jobs and an internship. I loved Myze Music and had realized my passion for it, but unfortunately, I had to put it on hold until the timing was right for me again. The blog was gaining a lot more momentum than I ever expected (and this all started basically because of a SCHOOL PROJECT). I honestly grew overwhelmed. I was so overwhelmed I put the pause on Myze Music, knowing this day would come where I would return to it.

However, somewhere in between the classes, being the president of a club, two jobs, and an internship I started ANOTHER new project and that project would be myself. Myself as a SOLO artist. I became Kelli Faith.  2019 was a HUGE year for me. I graduated college, fell in love… Then, back in September 2019, I released my first ever debut album as a solo artist called, ‘21,’ which was about the story about my crazy 21st year of life (You know… heartbreak, finding love, falling in love, friendship, listening to Mom’s wise advice). ‘21’ was a lot of things, but out of everything, I don’t regret a thing I learned when I was 21. Since then, I have released even MORE music as Kelli Faith such as songs like “Can’t Get Enough,” “Feels Like Home,” and “Next to You.” “Can’t Get Enough” was my saving grace during the pandemic, just when I thought I would not be able to do music again because of the state of our world and my mind. I released that song first in 2021, which was followed by “Feels Like Home” and “Next to You”…. Officially closing the ‘21’ chapter of my life, which is to soon be followed by a brand new one you will have to stay tuned for 😉

Anyways, back to Myze world. Now I’m a 25 year old college graduate/singer-songwriter ready to make a splash in the music industry with this little music blog, Myze Music (YET AGAIN). A LOT has happened in my life since we all last kept it touch, but we will get to that. Oh, and you bet I have big, BIG plans for this thing. I was waiting patiently for the timing to be right for me to bring back this blog, so I could give my absolute all to it. Music is my life and it always has been. Ask anyone close to me. It is the one thing I always go back to, ALWAYS.  

Music has always been my escape and now is the time where people need it the most. We need music now more than ever and I want to be part of spreading the joy music gives me to others. Myze Music is a blog for the local and large scale artists. Hell, it is a blog for those local artists when they become large scale artists. Myze Music is about ALL music. 

I hope you all join me on this musical journey and be sure to follow this blog for any updates and posts! This is only the beginning…

Life starts with music.

Oh, and if you are new here… Welcome! If you aren’t, welcome back! 

Kelli   ♫

Major Moment: Following Chester Bennington’s Steps and Spreading Awareness Through Music

Are you a fan of Linkin Park, or 30 Seconds to Mars? Are you a fan of both? If you answered, “yes,” to either of these questions, then you came to the right spot. 

All the way from Boston, Massachusetts, alternative rock band, Major Moment, is making MAJOR moves. They will be dropping their debut EP, ‘One Small StEP,’ on September 7, 2018. In preparation for their highly anticipated debut EP, the band recently dropped their first single off the EP titled, “Before It’s Too Late.” Let me tell you, the Linkin Park influences are STRONG on this track and if you are of fan of them, Major Moment is about to be your new favorite band.

In addition to the Linkin Park influences on the track, Major Moment’s EP, ‘One Small StEP,’ will also serve as a dedication to the late Chester Bennington. The EP will feature the tagline, #MakeChesterProud, in his honor. I think we can all agree that is something super special, especially for a band’s FIRST ever EP release. Major Moment is confident in making a statement in the music industry and sending out their own message to listeners, in hopes to teach others to appreciate life more. They are so inspired by Linkin Park, they recently released a cover of Linkin Park’s, “Leave Out All The Rest,” which is a tribute to Chester Bennington.  The band will be donating all of the proceeds from the cover, to the 320 Changes Direction Fund (you can find out more about the fund here).

Aside from the cover leading me to their primary influence, I definitely got Linkin Park and a dash of 30 Seconds to Mars vibes when listening to, “Before It’s Too Late,” for the first time.  May I even add, Dead By Sunrise vibes? Yes, Dead By Sunrise.  Anybody remember that quick side project Chester Bennington had? Well you bet I remember it and personally, I was a HUGE fan of them. Just listen to, “Fire,” and you will understand. Anyways, “Before It’s Too Late,” definitely reminds me of a collaboration between old school and new Linkin Park.  Kind of like if, “Numb,” and “Heavy,” had a child… THIS would be the child.

However, the most important thing about this track is that it sounds like Major Moment.  Although their influences are evident, there are things about their music that make them Major Moment.  For one, I love the male and female harmonies on, “Before It’s Too Late.”  I felt like they were done very tastefully and I always love when there is some girl power, especially in a genre like this.  For me, this definitely separated them from everyone else (slightly reminded me of Skillet).  Also, the instrumentation was KILLER throughout the whole track and I was a big fan of everything that was going on.  Like, can we talk about that guitar solo at 3:16?  Just another thing separating them from everyone else.  I could imagine that sounding incredible live, in fact, I hope I get to see Major Moment live one day.  

Photo by Kevin Donelly

Until their debut EP is released on September 7, 2018, I highly recommend you give, “Before It’s Too Late,” a listen by clicking the link below!  Also, be sure to show the band some love and FOLLOW and LIKE them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!  You can even SUBSCRIBE to them on YouTube! Don’t miss out on what’s in store for these guys!

CJ Teffner: ‘Stars’ Album Review

A writer, performer, and producer reining from Phoenix, Arizona, CJ Teffner is ready to lay all of his emotions out on the table with his brand new album titled, Stars.  Released to the public on July 13, 2018, CJ Teffner expresses a vulnerability unlike any before in his music on this four track album.  With the help of the talented featured vocalist on the album, Robyn Cage, you can absolutely feel how personal this set of songs were to Teffner, as the instruments, vocals, and production scream vulnerability.  The amount of different vibes I got while listening to this album was hard to keep track of. With that being said, here is a little track by track of my thoughts about each of the songs on, Stars:

1.)“Crazy Train”

Sound familiar?  Honestly, the re-imagination of this iconic Ozzy Osbourne song took me a minute to realize it was a cover.  That is how ORIGINAL this re-imagination sounds. In fact, I am quite obsessed with this version. I never realized how vulnerable someone could make Ozzy’s, “Crazy Train.”  Instead of rocking out, I felt like crying out. Right from the beginning of it, I actually got major Evanescence vibes from the arrangement and I was really into it. Honestly, this version of, “Crazy Train,” was just pure genius.  Definitely on repeat for me, especially on those I-am-not-feeling-so-strong-days. I loved how it poked at my emotions.  Again, I never thought, “Crazy Train,” could do that to me.

 2.)  “Meant to Fit”

“Meant to Fit,” is the first original track on, Stars.  As I listened to the first few strokes of the acoustic guitar and beginning vocal melody, I immediately thought of the artist, Jewel.  You know that song, “Who Will Save Your Soul?” Those are the exact vibes this track gave me, except revamped and of course, a completely different song.  I think what I loved the most about this track was how easy it was too listen to. I also felt plenty of singer-songwriter vibes on this track as well, which is another characteristic I always adore in songs like this.  However, another unique thing about this track was the utilization of the title track, “Stars,” at 2:02. I really LOVE when an artist brings things into full circle throughout their album like CJ did here.

 3.)  “Stars:

“Stars,” is the title track of this album and the first single to be released from the album as well.  I definitely think that was an appropriate choice. “Stars,” truly wraps up the entire album and brings it all full circle.  This might even be the strongest track on the album because of the strong presence of vulnerability throughout this song. Through not only the production and instrumentation, but vocally too, as Robyn Cage hits the nail on the head again with the melody.  “Stars,” truly came together very nicely, when taking in all elements of the track. I also very much so enjoyed the guitar solo starting at 2:09 because it gave the song a whole new vibe, a little rock twist if you ask me.

 4.)  “Please Forgive Me”

I think out of all of the tracks on this album, “Please Forgive Me,” is definitely the MOST vulnerable song on, Stars.  Vocally, Robyn Cage KILLED these vocals and they sounded stunning, the perfect amount of vulnerable to the music being showcased.  I also found this track really relatable too. I think everyone faces points in their lives where we feel like we have to beg for forgiveness, although we often tend to forgive others faster than they may forgive us.  I mean, this is a situation I have been faced with before and this song reminded me of those feelings, tugging at my heartstrings. I truly admire how vulnerable CJ Teffner allowed himself to be on this track, specifically because a topic like that is not easy to tackle, at least I could only imagine it not being easy. The perfect ending to the album.

Be sure to keep up with CJ Teffner and the rest of his project on his website! You can also find him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! So give him all of the LIKES and FOLLOWS! As for, Stars, you can also find that on his website, Spotify, iTunes, and other music platforms! Can’t wait to see what is next for CJ Teffner and where, Stars, will take him!

Median: “Comfort” Review

For anyone who knows me personally, you know that I am a sucker for a good pop punk song.  So when I listened to, “Comfort,” by Median for the first time… I knew I just had to write something up about it because it well over exceeded a “good” pop punk song.

Coming from Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Median has been a 5-piece  pop punk band since 2016. Releasing their first EP, Dream Week, back in 2017, the band is now gearing up for their sophomore EP release titled, Shortsighted on July 22, 2018.  The band debuted their first single off their new EP, “Comfort,” back on June 29, 2018 and it is nothing short of impressive in the local music scene.  If this wasn’t the final Warped Tour run, I could have absolutely pictured these guys on next year’s lineup.

With major Story So Far and Real Friends vibes, “Comfort,” brings pop punk to a whole other level.  All parts of this single have the perfect edge to them, making flawless transitions throughout the whole entire track.  The exact cutting edge expected from any pop punk song. Everything is so tight, it is difficult for me to even pick out a favorite part of, “Comfort.”  I think if anything, I particularly enjoy that it is more of traditional pop punk style. When I say traditional pop punk style, I automatically think of older Story So Far and Real Friends songs… Oh and let us not forget others like Neck Deep and State Champs too.

Photo by Julia Connor

However, these guys ARE Median. A completely new pop punk band on the rise and I can only imagine what their new EP, Shortsighted, is going to bring to the table.  Especially with such a spot on single like, “Comfort,” these guys are going places for sure.  After listening to, “Comfort,” a good 50 times, I found myself listening to their first EP, Dream Week.  Listening to their first EP, just made, “Comfort,” that much more impressive.  They had me right at that faded intro into the opening drum part. Now, Median’s sound is more refined than ever before and their growth is substantial compared to their past releases.  The more I listen to the single, the more excited I get for the band’s future.

Median is not a band you want to miss! Be sure to check out their new single, “Comfort,” by clicking on the video below, or you can also find it on Spotify!  Also, be sure to LIKE them on Facebook and FOLLOW them on Instagram! If you’re a fan of pop punk, I can 110% guarantee you will become a fan of Median!

 

Ser Xerri: ‘The Hype’ EP Review

 

Back on May 12, 2018, funk-rock band, Ser Xerri, dropped their debut EP titled, The Hype.  Hailing all the way from Bordentown, New Jersey these guys definitely have one of the most distinct sounds I’ve ever heard.  Not only do they cover the rock genre, but they also sprinkle funk and some alternative sounds into the mix of their EP, which will keep you curious to listen to more. Not to mention, some of their tracks come off as quite humorous, something I haven’t heard much from bands within the New Jersey local music scene. The Hype consists of three tracks: “The Hype,” “Sympathetic Response,” and “Applegate Mountain.”  Each of these tracks demonstrates how easily Ser Xerri is able to express their diversity through their sound, making it truly difficult to pin them down to just ONE genre. With that being said, let me break down each of these tracks a little bit more for you:

1.) “The Hype”

“The Hype” is not only the title track, but it is also the first song off of the EP.  Honestly, this was the first song I listened to and it truly caught me off guard as I listened to it for the first time (of course in a good way).  Whenever I listen to a band for the first time, I never know what to expect, but these guys got me good with this one. The frontman of the band, Ser Xerri himself, expressed to me that this track poked fun at the controversial connection between birds and dinosaurs before I listened to it, so I automatically was intrigued.  He also told me this song was played at an 8th grade formal dance recently too.

Once I gave it a listen, EVERYTHING made sense.  Not only was this song catchy and groovy, but also it was quite humorous.  I couldn’t help but chuckle a bit. It was also danceable, so I understand why it would be played at a dance.  Overall, I really appreciated the funky vibes this track gave off. It is a lot of fun, contains a lot of groovy guitar parts and bass lines… Who wouldn’t want to smile while listening to something as fun as, “The Hype?”

3.)  “Sympathetic Response”

Sympathetic Response” definitely stood out the most to me on this EP.  I think it was because again, it wasn’t a sound I was expecting. It also sounds completely different from the other two tracks on this EP.  Whereas, “The Hype” and “Applegate Mountain,” give off a funky, fun, and humorous vibes, I didn’t quite get that from, “Sympathetic Response.”  In fact, I heard A LOT of Red Hot Chili Peppers influence on this track. It was a lot more serious, but still a great listen. I particularly heard a lot of this throughout the guitar and vocal parts of the song, which I could 110% respect.  Honestly, these guys would KILL a Chili Peppers cover. I might even dare to say this is my favorite track on The Hype.

3.)  “Applegate Mountain”

After, “Sympathetic Response,” listeners are introduced to the final track off the EP titled, “Applegate Mountain.”  Maybe the theme here throughout this EP is just to be consistently caught off guard while listening to it because once again, this track also caught me off guard (again, in a good way but I will get to that).  A lot like the title track, “Applegate Mountain,” definitely exemplifies the bands ability to add funk elements to their music. I mean, you can help but bop a little bit to this song! However, two things I appreciated the most about this song were 1.) the harmonies  and 2.) UM CAN WE TALK ABOUT WHEN 2:07 HITS (this was the off guard part I was talking about).

Anyways, the group vocals in each of the choruses of, “Applegate Mountain,” really added something special to this song and made it that much more fun.  I think these harmonies really make for a good amount of Ser Xerri’s distinct sound (in addition to their ability to get funky with it). Also, when the song 2:07, it takes a complete turn and everything changes for a bit while the lead guitar takes the reins for a couple seconds, until 2:45, when the song goes back to its original theme.  Just another surprise from the band on The Hype.

Be sure to listen to the full EP here!  Also, make sure you LIKE Ser Xerri on Facebook and a FOLLOW on Instagram!

Overwhelmed with New Music this Summer? Me Too. Here are My Top 10 Songs for the Summer of 2018.

I don’t know about you guys, but whenever I think of summer, the first thought that comes into mind is MUSIC.  Okay… maybe that is always my first thought regardless of what season it is… But for real, what is a good summer without music? Especially NEW music. So far, the Summer of 2018 has been looking really good for music with new releases from artists like State Champs to Panic! At the Disco to The 1975 and there is only MORE to come. Are you guys just as overwhelmed as me?

In honor of the official start of summer and new music releases, here are my personal Top 10 Songs for the Summer of 2018:

 

1.) “Criminal” by State Champs

For anyone who knows me personally, picking a State Champs’ song was probably a no brainer.  In fact, their newest album, Living Proof, is probably the album of the summer for me.  Therefore, it was really difficult to narrow it down to one song for this specific list.  I felt like I had to go with the one that smacked me in the face right away the second the album started playing when I listened to it in my car for the first time.  That song was, “Criminal.” The drive behind it automatically makes it the IDEAL summer jam. Whether you’re driving alongside of the beach, or speeding down a highway… This song is perfect for any car ride this summer. Simply a MUST HAVE on my summer playlist.

2.) “Satellite” by Mayday Parade

Okay… So maybe this WAS NOT the new Mayday Parade song you thought you would see on my Summer of 2018 MUSTS.  But here I am proving you all wrong. If you have not heard, “Satellite,” off of Mayday Parade’s new album, Sunnyland, you need to stop everything you are doing and go listen to it RIGHT NOW.  Not only is it my personal favorite off of, Sunnyland, but it is a total JAM.  That’s right, not a bop… A JAM.  At first I was intrigued just by the opening of the song itself because it was more different than any other Mayday Parade song I had ever heard.  Then I heard Derek’s voice and the sweet vocal effects and just the overall vibe of the song, as well as the power behind it all, it landed its place in my heart as one of my new favorite Mayday Parade songs.  Honestly, I will be very surprised if this isn’t one of their next singles in the next few months. YES. THAT GOOD. It sets the perfect vibe for watching the sunset on the beach this summer. Just listen and you will totally understand.

3.) “Moving Along” by 5 Seconds of Summer

To be honest, I just recently became a fan of 5 Seconds of Summer. I know, I know… I am late to the party, but it was really their new album, Youngblood, that finally turned me on to them.  In fact, I am IN LOVE with their album and I love every song off of it, which made it difficult to pick just one for this list.  However, I wound up narrowing it down to, “Moving Along.” Another favorite of mine is, “Talk Fast,” but I definitely think there is a future for, “Moving Along.”  There is just something special about it and it is catchy as hell. The hook reels you in right from the start and it will keep you listening to the song on repeat for days… Maybe even a week… or weeks… You get it… Anyways, overall the whole entire, Youngblood, album is truly an ideal summer album (right next to State Champs’ Living Proof of course).  I recommend adding the whole entire thing to your summer playlist, it won’t disappoint.

4.) “Give Yourself A Try” by The 1975

After much waiting and anticipation, The 1975 finally did it and released a brand new single titled, “Give Yourself A Try.”  Not only did they drop a new single at the beginning of June, but they also announced that they releasing not one, BUT TWO new albums this year.  Talk about hitting their fans with a curveball. I don’t think anyone expected THAT. Anyways, they released, “Give Yourself A Try,” just in time for the summer.  Another great song to listen to with the windows down, as you’re driving alongside the beach. Normally a repetitive guitar riff might drive you insane, but theirs is nothing less than exceptional because let’s face it.. It is The 1975 and they can do whatever the hell they want and we will all still love them.  

5.) “Dancing’s Not A Crime” by Panic! At the Disco

Panic! At The Disco recently hit us with a new album on June 22, 2018 titled, Pray For The Wicked.  Although the album is full of many bops, I definitely think, “Dancing’s Not A Crime,” takes the cake for Panic! song of the summer (even though I was torn between that song and “Roaring 20s”).  Overall, Pray for the Wicked, is a complete feel good and fun album, great for the summertime.  “Dancing’s Not A Crime,” just leaves that special taste of fun in your mouth with hooks like:

“Dancing, dancing, dancing’s not a crime

Unless you do it without me”

If you need a song to dance to this summer, or just a song that will make you smile in general, “Dancing’s Not A Crime,” is definitely a go-to on my list.  I mean, but doesn’t Panic! At The Disco always make me feel good? YES.

6.) “One Step Ahead” by The Ones You Forgot

Of course, this wouldn’t be a proper summertime song list without my favorite locals on it, including The Ones You Forgot, from my own hometown Brick, New Jersey.  With their new EP out, Too Afraid To Say, they won’t be known as locals for long as they finally escape the local music scene and dive into .  Narrowing it down to picking only one of their new songs, was also really difficult for me to do because ALL 6 on the EP are SO GOOD.  However, I have to admit, “One Step Ahead,” definitely gives off the most summer-vibes out of them all, making it the automatic choice for me.  Not to mention, “One Step Ahead,” also make me feel a special kind of motivated this summer, specifically motivated to get rid of the people who do not motivate me.  This song is a good reminder to take care of yourself first, always. Honestly, just add all of, Too Afraid To Say, on your summer playlist… DO IT.

7.) “Birthday” by All Time Low

Not gonna lie, this song was a super last minute addition to my summer song list, but, “Birthday,” came out just in time before I could finish writing this blog.  It was only released a few days ago, but it is easily made its way into my heart as one of THE songs of the summer for me. All Time Low also recently released another single before this one called, “Everything Is Fine,” but I have to admit that, “Cake,” topped that one by a longshot for me.  Between the music itself and the lyrics, All Time Low is back and I am excited to see how they are going to follow up after this release. Everything about it screams summer jam… I mean, Alex Gaskarth literally sings:

“Cardiac attack in the cradle of the summer”

These guys knew what they were doing and they succeeded. “Cake,” is the ultimate summer jam.  Just listen to it, it is self-explanatory.

8.) “Almost Forgot” by Against the Current

Against the Current dropped two new singles OUT OF NOWHERE back in the beginning of May and let me tell you, they are both complete MOODS.  The other single being titled, “Strangers Again.” Although I personally adore both, I think, “Almost Forgot,” definitely stood out to me more because it sounded very different compared to their older stuff (in the best way possible of course, I actually might even love this Against the Current even more).  It was easy for me to get attached to, “Almost Forgot,” and the summer vibes really shine in Chrissy Costanza’s vocal execution and the beats throughout entire the song… One may even refer to these beats alone as a bop all in itself. However, “Almost Forgot,” is more of a nostalgic-feeling summer song to me, definitely another MUST.

9.) “Don’t Stop Now (Acoustic)” by The Maine (off of Less Noise)

If I didn’t include The Maine of this list, it would have just felt wrong.  Very recently, they released an album of acoustic versions of two songs off of all of the albums they have released so far.  The album is called, Less Noise: A Collection of Songs by a Band Called the Maine and you bet it is precious.  I especially was feeling nostalgic when the re-released two songs from my favorite album of theirs titled, Black and White.  They chose to re-record, “Don’t Stop Now” and “Saving Grace,” which really warmed my heart and made me smile cheek-to-cheek.  I specifically picked, “Don’t Stop Now (Acoustic),” because it reminded me of when, Black and White, originally came out and it was the summer of 2010 ( man I feel old, that was eight years ago).  I blasted that album that whole entire summer in 2010, from my room to my parents’ car. I also have a fond memory of seeing them play it live at Six Flags Great Adventure for the first time.  It just makes me feel like I am 13 again and it is summertime, as I scream their lyrics back to them on the Six Flags’ bleachers.

10.) “Take You Home” by Cassadee Pope

Just like The Maine, it would have just felt WRONG if I didn’t include my favorite artist in the whole world and her new single on my ‘Top 10 Songs of the Summer 2018’ blog post.  Cassadee Pope’s newest single, “Take You Home,” is easily a summertime jam. The overall vibe of the song just proves it alone. I know I talk a lot about car rides and driving with the windows down with most of the songs on this list, but FOR REAL, “Take You Home,” is THAT kind of song (especially when the sun is out and there is not a cloud in the sky).  However, I think my favorite thing about this song is the concept behind it (and of course, Cassadee singing it, duh). I like how it isn’t the stereotypical, “take you home,” kind of song. Instead, it is literally about the excitement behind forming a new relationship and wanting them to learn everything about you, as you want to learn everything about them.  I feel like the summertime is always a time for new beginnings and this song reminds me of that feeling. An ideal summer song.

Well there you guys have it, my Top 10 Songs for the Summer of 2018! I hope you all enjoyed this blog and give a little listen to the songs I listed! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to my blog to receive special email notifications whenever I release new posts and be sure to “like” my Facebook page and “follow” me on Instagram and Twitter!

Thank you for reading and the summer starts with music!

-Kelli ♫

 

Stepping Up to Build the South Jersey Music Scene: Michael Baglio’s Vision All Starts On Wednesday, July 18, 2018.

What comes to your mind when you think of the, “New Jersey Music Scene,” and where it is currently?  I’ll tell you the first thing that comes to mine… Almost instantaneously, I think of Asbury Park. Did anyone else have the same thought?  I’m sure at least 80% of you reading this did.

Well, it is no question Asbury Park has truly come back to life over the past few years.  Some may even say music saved Asbury Park. With newer venues like the, House of Independents and Asbury Music Foundation, as well as the remodeling of the Asbury Lanes and the more music venues that are to come (let’s not forget about Asbury’s classic venues like The Saint, The Stone Pony, and Wonder Bar too), I think it is safe to say music has saved Asbury Park and has allowed for it to thrive all over again for the past few years.  Naturally, this has caused me to believe this is what people tend to think of when they think of music coming from New Jersey (you know… the state where Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi came from because those are the only two musicians people ever seem to think of when they think of New Jersey).

However, I am not writing this to discuss the rebirth of Asbury Park (at least not this time), or Springsteen.  I am writing this because recently I talked to a guy named, Michael Baglio, who was frustrated with the music scene specifically in South Jersey and has made it a point to try and create opportunities for musicians in South Jersey.  Personally, I have seen North Jersey’s music scene thrive from playing shows up there myself, but no one ever talks about the music coming from South Jersey until the innovative, Michael Baglio, decided it was time for a change with a vision in mind.

His vision begins on July 18, 2018 at the Barnegat Firehouse in Barnegat, New Jersey with a DIY show he planned from the ground up. Tickets are only going to be $10 and the doors are at 6:30 pm, staying the whole time is greatly encouraged.  With bands like Tomorrow Sun, Mikita, Jank Foot, DogParc, Beach Bully, and This Year’s Comeback, Michael Baglio is making it his mission to start rebuilding the South Jersey local music scene. As this show is coming right around the corner, I was able to discuss the inspiration behind this movement and how it has been putting it together, as well as the potential future if it succeeds, with Michael Baglio himself:

1.) What inspired you to put together this show and why is it so important to you?

What inspired me to put together this show was mainly my frustration with a total lack of any type of music scene in South Jersey. There seems to be a decent amount of bands here, as I know from playing in many different groups based in South Jersey myself, but unfortunately there are very few venues that allow musicians to play original material. The only places that do seem to host music events consistently down here are bars and restaurants that only want cover music. I am totally in support of cover music 100%… but being involved in that scene as well, most of those venues simply don’t care enough to bring in any new acts and most certainly do not want to pay musicians to play at all! If they do, they are very picky and particular about the type of music they want. Since there isn’t much opportunity down here for musicians in general, I figured I would put together a team of people and try to bring something down here ourselves!

2.) How has music made an impact on your life?

All of the friends that I have made, as well as all of the professional life skills that I have personally developed come from being involved with music my entire life. Music has made such an impact on me that I decided to pursue music as a career. I’m currently studying music education and music technology at Rutgers University: Mason Gross School of the Arts. I hope to make a career in education, performance, and music business. If that doesn’t work out, well I hope Taco Bell will still be hiring!

3.) What are you looking the most forward to about this show?

Just an awesome night of people hanging out and enjoying the music of 6 awesome bands! Everyone that I have mentioned this show to seems to be really interested in coming out and very much in support of the cause. Unlike a lot of DIY shows, we’ve got food, games, media, an official MC/Host, a full staff including professional sound and security, and most importantly of course, a great variety of music and bands. We have a group playing their first show ever, to bands that have albums and music videos already released! I am excited to see what is going to happen and interested in seeing what these guys are going to bring to the table on the 18th!

4.) How did you go about picking bands to play this show?

I obviously tried to focus on finding bands from South Jersey (specifically Ocean County) but was happy to throw on anyone who wanted to take the ride down. I wasn’t specifically looking for the best or most established bands, just anyone who was interested in coming out and playing! I ended up stumbling across 2 bands called Tomorrow Sun and Mikita on a Facebook group called, “NJ DIY.”  They mentioned they were from the area, I hit them up, and from there was given the names of a few other local bands which I then contacted as well. The only band I had been familiar with prior to this whole thing was Beach Bully, who I ended up meeting through a former band that I was in. Long story short, we’ve got Tomorrow Sun, Mikita, JankFoot, DogParc, Beach Bully, and This Year’s Comeback and they are all awesome!!

5.) If this show is successful, do you think you will start putting more shows together in the future? What does success mean to you in this specific case?

I am very excited about this show as I truly believe that this event could help inspire the rebirth of the South Jersey music scene! If this event works out, I’d love to keep putting together more shows at different locations throughout South Jersey with different bands and different styles of music. As of right now, the most important goal in my mind is just to have everyone involved satisfied and interested in coming out to another one of these events, hopefully with a larger turnout. The show staff and I are just trying to put together a professional, DIY event showcasing some great local talent. Yes I mentioned staff… I am extremely grateful that there have been other people, not just myself, involved in the preparation process. They have helped me come up with ideas, helped promote the show, and have invested their own personal money to make this show happen! Without those guys, and of course the contributions and support of the bands, this event would not be happening! If other people who come out to this show, or even just hear about it are inspired to put together their own show in the area, that would be awesome! We need to bring back a music scene and it can’t just be the responsibility of a few people!

Getting to Know the Bands on the Bill:

After discussing the show on July 18, 2018 with Michael Baglio, I was given the opportunity to reach out to a few of the bands including Tomorrow Sun, Jank Foot, Mikita, and This Year’s Comeback, who are participating in the show.  I got to ask them each a few questions about the show itself, how they were offered to play it, why people should come see their set, and MORE:

Tomorrow Sun

1.) Rumor has it that this will be your first show together EVER as a band. What is that like for you guys?

It’s amazing!! We’ve all done shows as separate acts before, but this will be the first time that we as a group will ever hit the stage and I’m beyond excited. Tom and Brendan were in a band previously, and so was Jack, and I have my own solo act, and it’s just a fun experience to get up on a stage and play music! We all love performing so this is a big step for all of us, I think.

2.) As a new and upcoming band, what can people expect to hear at your first show?

What we are planning on trying to bring to the table is a blend of pop-punk, ska, grunge, 80’s and 90’s influences, with raw vocals and screams and guttural death growls, we have lovingly coined the term “mutt-punk” because of this mix. We are planning to have a lot of crowd interaction and a lot of ripping faces off, so be prepared to have your world rocked!

3.) How did you guys come across this show?  What made you decide this would be the best show to make your live debut?

Well, it all started a couple weeks after we first got together, the guy in charge of the show, Michael, reached out to me after discovering the band’s page through one of my comments on the Facebook group, NJ DIY. We started talking and I told him this would be our first show as a band and he loved the idea, and that’s why he made us the opener. I soon mentioned This Year’s Comeback since the show was originally gonna be at the Lacey Firehouse and he needed one more band for the bill, so we’re stoked to be playing with good friends. As for why we decided to make this one our live debut, we figured we’ll be playing with a great crowd, get a bunch of our friends to come see us who know this community, and also because we had formed a month or so before the announcement was made anyway haha. Plus, firehouse shows are a fun way to get a kick-start into the music scene so that was something we could all definitely agree on.

Jank Foot

1.) Who is Jank Foot and what are you guys most excited for about this show?

Jank foot is a band formed in Toms River, NJ.   Jank Foot is Kyle Teufel -vocals and lead guitarist, Connor Eccles -drummer, and Doug Pombo -bassist, vocals.  We are most excited to help bring back this music scene.  There’s a lack of motivation for kids to start things like this so we are excited to be apart of it!

2.) What unique aspect do you think Jank Foot is going to bring to the show on July 18th?  Why do you think people should come to see your set?

We always try our best to make the crowd part of the show, considering we want everyone to have a great time! We bring a lot of energy to the table and our music is very moshable/danceable, our set always leaves much sweat on the foreheads of many so music lovers should be excited to come dance it up with Jank Foot.

Mikita

1.) Mikita JUST recently released a brand new EP titled, ‘Locusts Are People,’ CONGRATS! Can people expect to hear songs off of that new EP if they come to this show on July 18th?

THANKS SO MUCH MAN!  Yeah we are going to playing through the whole EP! Plus some new tracks of the next release which we are really really excited to start playing out!

2.) How did you guys get added to this show?  What are you most looking forward to about it?

Our friend Mike reached out to us saying he wanted to get a southern NJ DIY scene kicking and we were all about it! We are most stoked to be playing with ALLLLL our homies on this one!

3.) How has the local scene made an impact on Mikita so far?

The local scene has given us both the best outlet a guy could ask for! And introduced us to some of the coolest and supportive people we’ve ever met.

This Year’s Comeback

1.) I feel like on this bill, This Year’s Comeback has definitely started to make a name for themselves in the local scene. With a new album on the way, what are you guys most looking forward to about this show probably being the most developed band on the bill?

In all honesty, the best part of this show so far, is just how close it’ll be to home. The worst part of being in a South Jersey band is that the only way you’re going to get a chance to perform is by driving up to North Jersey or at the very least, Asbury Park, and that’s really not an easy task when you’re first starting out. But yeah, that’s what’s great about this show, we won’t have to go all too far for once and what’s even more important, is that the people who want to see us won’t have to either.

2.) How were you guys asked to play the show? How is it different from the other shows you have played?

Luckily for us, one of the bands dropped, and then some of the bands who were already on the bill recommended us. You guys know who you are, we love you and appreciate that, thank you. Anyway, the biggest difference for this one is the location. This’ll give some great South Jersey bands the chance to really go nuts and y’know, hopefully open up the door for even more opportunities, shows and stuff like that down this way for once.

3.) Why should people come see This Year’s Comeback and what can be expected from the band at this show specifically?  

We’re going to try and make it an all around great time for everyone, we’ll try to hit the audience right in the feels but at the same time, keep the party vibe strong (bruh). Familiar cover songs, gang vocals, easy to sing along to choruses, that’s the stuff that’s important because it really makes the audience have a much better time and at the end of it all, it’s all about the people in the crowd, not the people on the stage.

 

With all of that being said, the show again, is on Wednesday, July 18, 2018 in Barnegat, New Jersey at 11 Birdsall St (Main Station).  Tickets are $10 and the doors open at 6:30 pm and music starts at 7:00 pm.  It is highly encouraged you stay for ALL of the bands.  You can find the show’s Facebook event page link HERE for more updates and information as the show get closer:

Remember, always be sure to support your local scene!

 

 

 

Why EVERYONE Should Listen to Shawn Mendes’ NEW Self-Titled Album.

From hit singles like, “Stitches,” “Treat You Better,” “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back,” and “Mercy” Shawn Mendes has been slowly preparing to take the music world by storm since 2015.  With his brand new self-titled album quickly on the rise since its release on May 25, 2018, I don’t think anyone’s ears were prepared for this. Not only does Shawn Mendes’ self-titled album shine a light on Mendes’ maturity and growth as a musician, but it also accentuates Mendes’ ability collaborate with other artists and create, in my opinion, some of the most meaningful music I have ever listened to, to date.  Penning his name to each and every song on the album himself, Mendes also worked with some of today’s most renowned and well-known songwriters and musicians today including Julia Michaels, John Mayer, Ed Sheeran, Ryan Tedder, Teddy Geiger, Johnny McDaid, and a handful of other Grammy-winning songwriters.

Although I am completely in love with the album in its entirety and I have listened to it front-to-back countless times already, I definitely do have some of my own personal favorites.  With that being said, here are a few of my picks off of Shawn Mendes’ new self-titled album that justify why EVERYONE should listen to this album:

 

1.) “In My Blood”

 

“In My Blood,” was the first single released off the album on March 22, 2018.  It is also the first track off the album and personally, I thought it was the perfect first single and first song for listener’s to listen to as they indulge into Shawn Mendes’ world for the first time.  I think out of all the singles Mendes has released before, this one was definitely the most honest and sets the tone for what is to come throughout the rest of the album. Not only is it relatable in the means of that feeling of anxiety that attacks us at times, but his vocal execution makes you feel it.  He makes you feel it, to the point where you want to try to be stronger, but you realize it is okay to reach out for help when you need it. I never got those feelings with his other lead singles in the past, making this one unique and a gamechanger for sure.

 2.) “Nervous”

“Nervous” is definitely one of my favorite songs off of Shawn Mendes’ self-titled album.  Maybe I am a little biased because he actually co-wrote the song with Julia Michaels, aka, one of my favorite songwriters in the whole wide world… BUT… Something I really admire about this song is how you can hear Julia’s influence throughout the entire track.  Not only does this go for this song alone on this album, but you can also hear certain stylistic things from a lot of the co-writers on this album, kind of like how I just know this is a Julia song. I love when songwriters’ sounds are so unique, you can recognize their work almost instantaneously and hear their voice in the song.  That is how I feel whenever I listen to, “Nervous,” let alone it being just a great, catchy track in general.

3.)  “Like To Be You” featuring Julia Michaels

Well you probably guessed it.  Now knowing one of the reasons why I love, “Nervous,” so much, you could easily assume I am a huge fan of the track, “Like To Be You,” as well, which also features Julia Michaels vocally AND lyrically. OH AND CAN WE TALK ABOUT JOHN MAYER’S FEATURE ON THE SONG TOO?  THAT GUITAR SOLO MAN. Of course, again, I am a HUGE Julia Michaels fan… But genuinely, this is easily my favorite track off of Shawn Mendes’ album and no, it is not because Julia Michaels is on the track and co-wrote it (which might have helped a little). I think the main reason why I fell in love with this song the hardest is because I love the concept and raw emotion behind it.  The chemistry between Mendes and Michaels is also incomparable to anything I have ever heard before. When you are in a relationship, sometimes you really wish you could be the other person to have a better understanding of how they are feeling during disputes, but unfortunately that is impossible. You just have to do your best to try and understand each other as much as humanly possible, accepting each other unconditionally during these moments.  I love how this song talks about those parts of a relationship. Give it a little time, this song is almost guaranteed to be the next hit off of this album, I just know it.

4.)  “Fallin’ All In You”

Much like the two tracks Julia Michaels contributed to, “Fallin’ All In You,” definitely stays true to the sound of the person Shawn Mendes co-wrote it with… This person goes by the name, Ed Sheeran.  Ed Sheeran is another songwriter you can instantaneously hear the influence of whenever he co-writes with other artists and, “Fallin’ All In You,” is no exception. Between the melody and instrumentation, this track SCREAMS Ed Sheeran, which of course gives people no reason other than to love it.  However, despite Ed’s involvement, it is difficult to not swoon over this inadvertent love ballad. Not to mention, Shawn Mendes experiments with his falsetto here and making this hook specifically, one of a kind throughout the entire album. Ed definitely brought out a special new side of Mendes’ voice for us to hear.

 5.)  “Mutual”

“Mutual,” is probably my second favorite song off Shawn Mendes’ self-titled album.  Personally, I think it is one of the hidden gems on this album and could even potentially be another single in the future for Mendes.  Low-key, this song’s vibe reminds me of, “Somebody That I Used To Know” by Gotye featuring Kimbra, which is also a really great and relatable song, much like this one.  The relatability, “Mutual,” brings to the table is a lot different than the relatability throughout the rest of his self-titled album. I love how I can hear how painstaking and frustrating the situation Mendes is singing about is in his voice.  This track is so blunt and I think that is part of the theme throughout this album, the ability to be blunt and be real about feelings. People wish they could do that in real life, Shawn’s music on this album gives people the courage to be blunt and real about their feelings.  At least that is how I feel when I listen to this album and specifically, “Mutual.”

6.) “Perfectly Wrong”

“Perfectly Wrong,” is the second to last track on Shawn Mendes’ self-titled album and it is nothing short of perfection.  This song DOES and WILL tug at your heartstrings. I often have to skip it because it hurts to even listen to it most of the time.  Not only does it showcase every aspect of Mendes’ voice, including his ability to perfectly blend his voice with raw emotion in each of these tracks on this album.  “Perfectly Wrong,” absolutely is peak emotional on this album, until he takes it home ending the album with, “When You’re Ready.”

 

You can listen to the FULL album here!

Liam B. Smith “Keep Your Head Up” Music Video Review.

On May 12, 2018, indie rock artist, Liam B. Smith, released a brand new music video, for his new single called, “Keep Your Head Up.”  I think the music video speaks for itself when it comes to Liam B. Smith’s determination to achieve new heights and take his music career to the next level.  

Not only does this video tell a story relatable to most high school students dealing with the stresses of figuring out their futures after graduation, but it also touches on more sensitive topics like the daily pressures parents can put on their kids sometimes.  These are things MOST people go through. Throughout the music video, I know I was definitely cheering on the female protagonist the whole time as her mother was nagging her to take up the offer she made to her about paying for half of her schooling. By the end of this video, this girl goes INSANE from it all and I think everyone can agree that we ALL have been there.  Even though they don’t always mean to, parents can drive us crazy. Usually, it is out of love, but sometimes the only way to get through it is by keeping your head up… See what I did there? Therefore, I can really appreciate the concept behind the, “Keep Your Head Up,” music video because it does actually tell a story and is something most teenagers are going through these days.

As for the actual song, “Keep Your Head Up,” definitely gives off a lot of Cage the Elephant vibes, with a dash of Arctic Monkeys and dare I say, maybe even a sprinkle of Black Keys influence in there as well.  All sounds I can appreciate entirely, together creating a sound known as, Liam B. Smith. Without a doubt, “Keep Your Head Up,” is an incredibly catchy indie rock song straight from the hook, to the very end. The song immediately draws attention to itself at the very start, as the drums act as if a crowd is clapping to beat.  I could hear and see it all right away. This single was MEANT to be a crowd pleaser with its high energy and has potential to get a crowd going CRAZY. The perfect opening to any set. Not to mention, I am also a fan of the lyrics and how Smith is talking about this person so admirably. I don’t think we hear admiration enough in lyrics lately when it comes to romantic-esque songs making, “Keep Your Head Up,” unique and more genuine than most songs you would hear on the radio these days.

Liam B. Smith is one to watch.  Make sure you check out his music video for, “Keep Your Head Up,” down below and “follow” and “like” him on all social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!  You don’t want to miss out on what is to come in the future for this artist!

Also, find all of his music on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Bandcamp, Amazon Music, and Google Play!

 

 

Love is Love And Here Are 5 Songs To Prove It.

June is a beautiful month.  Wanna know why? Because all of June we get celebrate love.  Love of all kinds. As once said by Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda, “And love is love is love is love is love…”  and what better month to celebrate, than Pride Month itself?

As I continue to grow older, LOVE has taken on more and more meanings.  If I have learned anything in my twenty-one years of life so far, it’s that love has no boundaries.  It is something that cannot be forced. It is something that just kind of happens and is uncontrollable when it does.  Love is every emotion. It can heal our hearts, just as much as it can break our hearts. It is unconditional. But, I think the most important thing I have learned about love is that you’re allowed to love whoever you want to love in this world and NO ONE can tell you who and who not to love.  You love who you love and that is it. This is why Pride Month is so important because it reminds us that love is love and we should be proud to love whoever wins our hearts over at the end of each day. Maybe every love story is different, but we all love the same.

As the Gay Pride movement continues and grows throughout the United States, I think there is something to be said about how music has given us the bravery and courage to love who we love.  It has allowed for people to not feel alone with their feelings and has given them a safe place to go whenever the world thinks the way they love is different, than the way everybody else loves.  Music celebrates the freedom we have as humans to love whoever we want to damn love. It serves as a reminder that love is not a choice.

In celebration of Pride Month, here are five of my favorite powerful songs that celebrate our freedom to love whoever we want to love:

1.) “Girls/Girls/Boys” by Panic! At The Disco

 

“Girls love girls and boys

And love is not a choice”

Anyone who is a big fan of Panic! At the Disco, knows how supportive and passionate Panic! At the Disco’s Brendan Urie is about Pride.  Hence the song, “Girls/Girls/Boys.” In this song, Urie talks about how important it is to be truthful about your sexual identity. You can’t control who you are and “love is not a choice.”  “Girls/Girls/Boys” celebrates those things and was meant to encourage people to be proud of who they are.

 

2.) “Different Colors” by Walk the Moon

 

“Different colors

   We carry each other”

Walk the Moon is another band who largely supports Pride.  The last time I saw them live, as they played, “Different Colors,” their whole backdrop turned into a rainbow flag in support of the LGBTQ+ movement.  Personally, I think this is one of the most powerful songs I have ever heard. For one, it talks about all of the different kinds of people in the world, aka, “different colors.”  The song is meant to bring unity to music listeners everywhere. It was written in support of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as the fight for gender equality. “Different Colors” is a call to action for all music lovers to recognize the one commonality we have together as people, which is the love we all share for music.

 

3.) “Follow Your Arrow” by Kacey Musgraves

 

“Kiss lots of boys

Or kiss lots of girls if that’s somethin’ you’re into”

“Follow Your Arrow” was Kacey Musgraves’ third single off of her debut album, Same Trailer Different Park.  The best thing about this song is that Kacey Musgraves doing what you want and being who you want to be, despite what others might think of you.  Musgraves once commented on the song that it does not really matter what sexuality you are and no matter what, society will always find a way to be unhappy with you.  Therefore, this song talks about the importance of taking advantage of the life you were given to do what you want and be who you want. It is about what makes YOU happy and not just doing whatever makes others happy.

 

4.) “Loving Someone” by The 1975

 

“You should be loving someone”

Back when the Orlando, Florida shooting took place two years ago, The 1975 decided to make a stand and show their support for the LGBTQ+ community by dedicating, “Loving Someone,” during their concert in Charlottesville, VA on June 12, 2016.  They set a rainbow backdrop that night during the song to make their statement.  In, “Loving Someone,” the song talks about needing love and giving love. During the first verse, leader singer, Matty Healy, sings about how the media, “holding up the status quo,” and is teaching people that they should only want the opposite sex, instead of teaching people that it is okay to just love someone, anyone for that matter.  

5.) “Hold Each Other” by A Great Big World featuring Futuristic

“We hold each other”

In an interview with Billboard, A Great Big World discussed how, “Hold Each Other,” started out as a standard love song between a man and a woman, but it wound up becoming Chad King’s (of the duo’s) “coming out” song.  The writing changed when King was asked if he could sing this song honestly during, “Something happens when I hold her…” and he talked about how he habitually sang about girls all of his life as a singer.  He discussed how natural that was in the pop field, but it was never necessarily honest for him. “Hold Each Other” was written with the intent to inspire others to sing about their own truths, or speak about them.  

With all of that being said, Happy Pride Month to all and for MORE Pride encouraging music, please listen to the Spotify playlist below titled, “Show Your Pride!”

Thank you for reading and it feels good to be back.  

Life starts with music and stands up for love.

-Kelli ♫

 

Motivational Music Monday: “Here Forever” by The Ones You Forgot

“I wanna travel back in time

And relive all the moments

Don’t say that you’re leaving

I want you here forever”

Less than a week ago, local pop rock band from Brick, New Jersey, The Ones You Forgot, released their first new single off their sophomore EP due out June 29, 2018, Too Afraid To Say, called, “Here Forever.”  After about three years full of anticipation for the band’s next move since the release of their first EP, Peaks and Valleys, “Here Forever,” was well WORTH the wait.  The Ones You Forgot aren’t messing around, as this new single captivates the ears and lives of others since its debut on May 10, 2018.

It has been quite some time since I wrote up a, Motivational Music Monday piece, but as soon as I heard, “Here Forever,” I knew I would have to bring the segment back this week because it touched my heart in ways, no local band specifically, has touched it before.  During my first listen of the song and each of the many listens that followed after that first initial listen, goosebumps filled my body and all of my emotions were tugged at once as I heard the first few opening notes being played on the guitar in the intro.  Then as soon as leader singer, Jenna Bruno, started singing and I heard her lyrics, that was when I lost it.  I felt connected and inspired all at once. 

On New Noise Magazine, Jenna commented on the song and discussed the lyrics and the meaning behind them.  In short, she discussed how the song is about never being ready for the death of a loved one and being afraid of losing someone forever.  After reading this article, I’ve never related to such a personal topic more than this one in a song.  I really felt this one in my chest because five years ago I lost one of the most important people in my life, my father, and I completely understand not being ready to lose someone forever. I sure as hell wasn’t, which is why I connected with, “Here Forever,” so much.  Being someone who has experienced these feelings firsthand, the way this powerful concept was executed with music was nothing less than perfect and it excited me for the rest of the world who has gone through similar events in their lives.  Anyone who has gone through anything like this, will surely feel it in their chest just like I did when I listened to, “Here Forever,” for the first time.

So now the question is, why pick this song as this week’s Motivational Music Monday song?  Like I said before, it has been quite some time since I wrote up a Motivational Music Monday piece.  Sometimes I think this happens because once in a while, I have these lack-of-inspiration fits and I have trouble putting my finger on where exactly I would like to go with things next.  When I heard The Ones You Forgot’s, “Here Forever,” I just knew I needed to write something about it to tell the world how special I thought it was.  

I think the general concept of the fear of losing someone, is so common among the population of the world as a whole.  That is something everyone goes through at some point in their lives and it might not even necessarily be the fear over someone dying and losing them in that way.  It could be the fear of losing them in other ways, friendships and relationships included.  I know I fear losing those I hold close to my heart each and every day because there are certain people you find, that you can’t imagine living a life without and you never want to lose them.  “Here Forever,” captures these feelings and I have never heard anyone discuss such a powerful concept in their music, in this way before, making it even more special.  

The truth is, the fear of loss is instilled in everyone and I can’t wait to embrace the rest of the songs off of The Ones You Forgot’s second-coming EP, Too Afraid To Say,” when it comes out on June 29, 2018.  

Until then, be sure to take a listen to, “Here Forever,” if you haven’t already!  Or go listen to it for the fifth, tenth, or maybe twentieth time this week if you are like me.  “Here Forever” motivates  me to hold the ones important to me even closer and love them harder… What does it motivate you to do?

Go show The Ones You Forgot some love on all of their social media accounts including Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and Twitter!

Life starts with music and gives us a place to go whenever we do fear. 

-Kelli 

DRIVE-IN Interview

DRIVE-IN is an up-and-coming Alternative Pop band from Manchester, New Hampshire.  Back in the February of 2018, DRIVE-IN released their THIRD EP titled, Arcade.  With their new and refined pop-sound, this band had me melting in the palm of their hands as I listened to the first track of Arcade, “Enough,” all the way through to the final track on the EP, “I Know My Heart.”  The production of Arcade in impressive to say the least and it is easy to picture these guys going somewhere in the near future, with their newly iconic aesthetic and musical presence.  Lucky for me, I got to chat a little bit with the band about Arcade and their future plans.

1.) I am happy I get to chat and learn a little more about you guys!  Let’s get things started by having you guys explain who DRIVE-IN is?

Thank you, we’re happy to be doing this interview! We’re a trio of two brothers: Cam Tessier, Cole Tessier, and a best friend: Lars Ljungholm.

2.) When did you guys form and how long have you been a band?

We’ve been friends for a long time now, and long before we started this band we would spend hours making music together. In the summer of 2016 we started having the idea of creating a band. We had a lot of song ideas and wanted to release them under a band name. It wasn’t until January 2017 that we really started to take it seriously. The more songs we made the more we thought that this could be something that people might latch onto.  By the summer of 2017, we had about 18 songs that were finished and ready to be released. We then decided to divide them into singles and EPs and release them one after the other over the next year. Late July of 2017 we released our first song “Oklahoma.”

3.) So, you guys recently released a brand new EP titled, Arcade!  Where did you guys record and what was the recording process like for the EP?

Like I said, most of those songs were written months beforehand.  Releasing them later allowed us to make sure each song was polished and as easy to listen to as they could be. With Lars being away at school, we each tend to write and record demos separately. Once all three of us were together for Christmas break, we finished recording and producing the EP in my bedroom (Cam’s). All 3 of our EPs were done this way.  It’s definitely a challenge being in separate states, but so far we’ve made it work. It’s somewhat a blessing in disguise, because us being apart allows each of us to create in our own space and each bring something unique to the table when it comes time to produce a record.

4.)  Collectively, what is your favorite song off of, Arcade?  Does your favorite off the EP differ from your favorite to play live?  If so, what is your favorite song to play live?

It’s hard to chose which is our favorite, but I would say right now we are really vibing with “Nosedive”. It’s the one song we all three wrote together lyrically. As for playing live, our favorite is “Waves” which is the second track on the EP.  We love jammin to it.

5.) What was the writing process like for, Arcade?  Were there any songs you guys decided not to follow through with?

When we originally planned out this EP, we had 9 tracks in total. We intended to open the track list with a song called “In The End”, which was basically a glorified intro. We also had an instrumental track titled “The Arcade is Closed”. It’s ironic because we made that instrumental a year prior, and sort of centered the name of the EP around this track, but we ended up cutting it out. We also made a remake of our first song “Oklahoma”. We ultimately cut these songs out since it would have made the record an album and not an EP. We could end up releasing those tracks at some point, but who knows. As for the songs we released. A majority of them started as demos, and once lyrics were written, we’d record them and produce them all together. “Nosedive” was very last minute, however. We had the music written, and all three of us wrote and recorded the lyrics in about 2 hours. This was just 2 weeks before we dropped the EP.  We nearly scratched “I Say” but decided to keep working on it. I’m glad we did, it’s one of our favorite songs.

6.) Out of curiosity, how did you guys wind up naming your EP, Arcade?  I really love the aesthetic of it and all of the promotion you guys have been doing for the EP so far.  It looks great!

Thank you! Our aesthetic is just as important to us as our music. Like I said, we had this instrumental track titled “The Arcade is Closed”.  We thought it sounded like something out of TRON. We really vibed with whole arcade aesthetic and thought that the name and the look matched the sound. We wanted to create something that just by looking at the album art and title you could imagine what the music sounded like, even before listening to it. Hopefully we achieved that.   

 

7.) Do you think there will be a DRIVE-IN full-length album one day in the future?

One hundred percent. It may be a little ways down the road, but we have so much music we can’t wait to release. We’re working so hard everyday on new content. When the time’s right, we’ll put it all out for everyone to experience.

8.) If you guys could have anyone in the world be a guest on one of your songs, who would it be and why?  

Right now we’ve all been vibin with Post Malone’s new album “b&B”, and he’s just a dope human being as it is, so working with him would be pretty sweet.

9.) What are you hoping for people to get out of listening to, Arcade?

We hope that people walk away feeling nostalgic and inspired. Our goal is to create moments for people that bring them back to happy times.

10.) Would you guys like to give shoutouts to any other bands out there right now?

Huge shout out to Sam Kingston who opened for us at our first show and is an absolute legend, also Saint Slumber from Pennsylvania, and Steppes from Michigan both great bands who we’ve been able to connect with this year. Nick Name is doing some big things in Boston this year, and be on the lookout for Kaleb the Intern from Detroit. I hear he’s working on a new project this summer.

11.) Does DRIVE-IN have any upcoming shows?

Right now we’re scheduled to play the Cloud 9 Club at Hampton Beach, NH. It’s on June 30th at 8 p.m. We’ll have fresh new merch available there as well!

12.) Where can everyone find Arcade?

Apple Music, Spotify, Soundcloud or any other place online where you listen to music.

Be sure to go give DRIVE-IN a LIKE on Facebook and a FOLLOW on Instagram!

Why Am I Doing This?

Hi friends, family, and those who might not know me and are reading my blog for the first time!  My name is Kelli and the first thing I would like to say, is welcome. Welcome to my musical world.  My escape, my safe haven, the air I breathe, the language I speak… In brief, my whole entire life.

It has been about five months since I introduced myself in my first blog ever and it already has changed my life.  It all started with a class I was taking at Monmouth University called, Social Media in Public Relations. It was a class I chose to take for fun.  In the class, we were all required to maintain a blog throughout the whole entire semester, as well as multiple connecting social media sites. I remember beaming with ideas.  I was excited and nervous, I wanted to make sure that what I was putting out in the world was going to be meaningful, but more importantly I wanted it to be meaningful to me and I knew music was the answer.  I knew I wanted to spread the importance of music and thus, Myze Music was born.

 

Over the short span of five months, this became most important project I have ever worked on so far in my life.  It motivated me unlike anything else I have ever worked on. I spent a lot of time pouring myself into motivational music mondays, local band interviews, various reviews, writing about music I was passionate about… Then I decided to start a YouTube channel and I experienced what it was like to freely verbalize my passions to the world in a Kelli-like-fashion.  I never felt so free and comfortable in my own personality, which was when I started to realize how Myze Music set my soul on fire. It no longer was a school project, it was something I had fallen in love with.

Now you’re probably asking yourself, why am I talking about this?  Why does any of this matter? Why am I writing this? WHY AM I DOING THIS?

The answer is simple.  It is because I am proud.  I am proud of where this has taken me in these short five months and I feel my insides shake with excitement when I think about its future.  But if it weren’t for any of you, my readers, I am not sure if I would have gotten this far. If it wasn’t for the bands and musicians who reached out to me, the constant encouragement from my friends and family, as well as the people who came up to me at school, or messaged me appreciating what I have started to create, I wouldn’t have fallen in love as hard as I did with Myze Music.  It is a thank you to each and everyone of you who has played a part in this journey with me so far, and who has believed in me and what I have started to create and hope to continue creating.

 

So… What’s next?

I want to continue spreading the importance of music and to produce meaningful promotional materials for local musicians to thrive in their scenes and to reach new heights, in as many aspects as humanly possible.  I have a lot of new ideas in store that I am really excited to share with all of you. I am looking forward to adding new elements to the midst of this music blog, as I also plan on making more personal music-affiliated blog posts too.  There will also be new vlogs and even more video footage, as I start to execute other video ideas that have been racing through my mind the past few months.

The time is now and I am taking you guys with me.

Stay tuned.

It all starts with music.

-Kelli ♫

 

This Year’s Comeback “Caged In” Review

Originally forming back in 2014, This Year’s Comeback has been on the rise in the local scene for quite some time now as an alternative band from Toms River, New Jersey.  Not only is the band characterized by the new, unique alternative/pop-punk sound they bring to scene, but by their explosive stage presence whenever they perform live. With their new album, Far From Fine, A Garden State Tragedy,  due out sometime in June and their new music video for their new single titled, “Caged In,” OUT TOMORROW May 4, 2018 this band has a lot to look forward to in their future.

Immediately, the introduction to This Year’s Comeback’s new single, “Caged In,”  made it hard for me not to feel excited to listen to the rest, as the strumming of the first few chords left with me with great anticipation for what was to come.  I knew right away this was going to be a great summertime release and a song people could easily blast with the windows rolled down, on a hot summer day while speeding down the parkway and I WAS RIGHT.  This song is the definition of HYPE. “Caged In,” is truly a sound-defining single for This Year’s Comeback and it is the perfect first release off their soon-to-be-released album, Far From Fine, A Garden State Tragedy.

Not only is the single extremely catchy, but one of the first exciting characteristics I found in, “Caged In,” was all of the guitar work throughout the song.  From the beginning, to the solo, to the very end of the song both guitars build all of the suspense and compliment the lead vocals to give them the edge they need, making this single one to not be overlooked in the slightest.  SECOND, the vocals on this track are INSANE. Between not only leader singer, Brian Matthew’s stand out vocal lines, but the gang vocals could cause you to melt to the floor because they are placed so perfectly in the chorus and where necessary throughout the song.

One of the things I always pick up on first when listening to a song for the first time, are the lyrics.  For me, I couldn’t help but think of, “Caged In,” as quite anthem-esque, as Brian sings,”… I’ll never be anything but that awkward kid, who didn’t quite fit in.  It’s an accomplishment.” Talk about relatable. Perhaps an anthem for all of those awkward kids out there? (Me being one of them too, of course). The lyrics behind this single are powerful and are bound to catch on as this single starts to rise to the surface of the local scene.   It’s like I can hear the crowd screaming the lyrics back at the band now, they are bound to catch on to the ears of listeners quick.

If, “Caged In,” is not on repeat and in your summer playlist, you’re wrong.  It is definitely a MUST LISTEN to song and be sure to check it out when the music video is released tomorrow May 4, 2018, as well as This Year’s Comeback’s new album, Far From Fine, A Garden State Tragedy, which is due out sometime in June.

Until then, be sure to “like” and “follow” the band on all their social medias including Facebook  and Instagram, as well as “subscribe” to their YouTube account!  You won’t want to miss out on what they have to offer!

 

Chasing Utopia Interview.

 

All the way from Blackwood, New Jersey, Metalcore/Post-Hardcore band, Chasing Utopia is on this rise and off to HUGE opportunities.  With their debut EP titled, Chapters, on the way and an upcoming show opening for Memphis May Fire at the House of Independents in Asbury Park, New Jersey on Saturday, May 5, 2018, this band has A LOT to look forward to and bright future ahead of them.  As doors continue to open for them, I had the honor of getting to chat with Chasing Utopia about their new music, as well as their show with Memphis May Fire!

1.)  Thank you guys so much for chatting with me! I am excited to get the ball rolling!  First, I always have to get the basics out of the way, but who is Chasing Utopia?

Thank you so much! We are excited also. Chasing Utopia is made up of:

RJay Conley – Vocals
Zack Routon – Guitar/Vocals
Dylan Harrison – Bass
Bailey Hand – Drums

2.)  I understand that Bailey is actually a newer addition to the band.  How has working with him been so far? Bailey, what has it been like playing for Chasing Utopia the past few months?

Full band: It’s been amazing working with Bailey since he joined CU. He really clicked with us immediately and plays the songs better than we ever even thought they could be played. He’s great.

Bailey: It has been nothing but incredible getting to know and work with these guys. They are all super talented and they all want the same thing that I want. That’s all I could ever ask from bandmates and they surpass that, tenfold.

3. )  Rumor has it you guys have some new music on the way… Is this true?  If so, will we be getting to hear it in the near future?

That we do. We have our debut EP called “Chapters” that is going to be released in the coming months. We have a lot of things in the works along with shows so everything will fall perfectly in place.

4.)  I am really into the cover of ,“Heathens” by Twenty-One Pilots you guys recorded!  Where did you guys record it and why did you pick that specific cover to record?

Both the cover and the soon-to-be released EP was all recorded and mixed by our guitarist, Zack. He is incredible. He has such a vision when it comes to making our music that it’s super convenient to have a recording setup at his home to catch every idea we have or ever will have at any moment. As for Heathens, thank you so much. The song was super relevant at the time and we heard it and wanted to try to make it “heavy.” Twenty One Pilots is a very creative and different band and we believe we are equally as different and want to try to be as creative also.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.)  It seems like you guys have some really exciting shows coming up! One in particular, you guys are opening for Memphis May Fire at the House of Independents in Asbury Park, New Jersey! CONGRATULATIONS! That is quite an accomplishment! How did it feel when you guys were offered the show?

It was surreal. When Bailey received the message, he called the rest of the band immediately. We pretty much were confirmed in 10 minutes. Memphis May Fire is one of those bands that we grew up listening to and respect. It blows our minds that it’s coming full circle like this.

6.)  I know that you guys have played House of Independents before.  Did you enjoy playing there the first time? Do you look forward to returning for Memphis?

Absolutely. House of Independents is blowing up in Asbury right now. The atmosphere, the stage, the sound, etc.. It’s everything a band would hope for in a venue. We hope to continue playing there and consider it almost a home to us.

7.)  When is the show with Memphis May Fire and where can people purchase tickets?

The show is on May 5th. You can purchase tickets from us directly as well as online and from the other locals on the bill too.

8.)  If you guys could collectively choose any band in the world to open for next, who would it be and why?

Probably We Came As Romans. They have been a band that we all idolize for many years. It would be amazing to share the stage with such talent like them.

9.)  Where would you guys like to end up by the end of 2018?

By the end of 2018, we obviously want the EP released with a music video. We want to continue to play these bigger and better shows. Maybe a few weekender tours too.

10.)  Would you guys like to give any shoutouts to any other local bands in the scene right now?

We would like to shout out As Within, So Without, Until We Get Caught, VRSTY, My Last Breath, Across the White Water Tower, Monument Of a Memory, In Loving Memory, and Zoúme.

11.)  Where can everyone find your music?

You can listen to our music on all streaming platforms such YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, and more.

Be sure to go give Chasing Utopia a LIKE on Facebook and a FOLLOW on Instagram and Twitter!

 

 

 

Wynward Interview.

 

OUT TODAY! The student-run record label, Blue Hawk Records, released their twelfth studio compilation featuring a variety of artists and genres titled, After Midnight!  One of the various bands featured on the album is a rock band from Brick, New Jersey called, Wynward!  Wynward just recently released their debut full-length studio album, Tides, this past December 2017 and has continued to build on their presence in the local music scene ever since the release by playing major New Jersey venues like, Starland Ballroom and The Stone Pony.  With the dedication these guys have, the sky is the limit with their fresh rock sound that brings me right back to the late 90s and early 2000s rock.  Here is what they had to say about working with Blue Hawk Records and their featured single on the compilation, “Give Up!”

 

 

1.)  How did you guys come across auditioning for the latest Blue Hawk Records compilation, After Midnight? When did you decide to audition for it?  How come?     

 

Our drummer Capo heard about it and thought it would be a good opportunity for the band.

 

2.) Can you tell us anything about the song you guys recorded? What is the name of it? Maybe what is it about?               

 

“Give Up” is about being true to who you are and not giving in to the pressures around you. We changed our band lineup and name a couple years ago to break any mold we were associated with and this song is a reflection of that.

 

3.). Now I want to try and get to know you guys a little more, so let’s drop down to the basics.  How did you all meet? How long have you guys been a band? Who are some of the influences behind the music you make?               

 

The three of us have known each other for over 15 years and we have been playing in bands just as long. Wynward is the first time just the three of us have been in a band. Some of the influences we have are Pearl Jam, Weezer, Foo Fighters, and Metallica.

 

4.) A little less basic.  I see that you guys have played out before.  What are some of the venues you have played? Which one was your favorite?                        

 

We have played venues in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. In New Jersey we have played at the Starland Ballroom, Stone Pony, Wonderbar, Court Tavern, Roxy and Dukes, Stanhope House, The Saint, River Rock, and The Brighton Bar. The Brighton Bar is one of our favorite venues to play. We have met and played with great bands there and we always feel at home.

 

5.) What do you hope to get out of this Blue Hawk Records experience and the release of, After Midnight?                   

 

We hope to expose our music to a new crowd and show everyone what we truly love to do.

 

6.)  Any other local bands, or musicians you would like to give a shout out to?

We would like to give a shout out to our good friends in Funeral Students. They have a great sound and are fun guys to be around.

7.). What are some of Wynward’s goals for 2018?                                                   

Our goals for 2018 include promoting our album, “Tides,” continuing to work on our next album, and planning a tri-state tour.

8.). Where can everyone find your already released music?                               

Our music is available digitally to stream on most music platforms including Spotify, iTunes, Pandora, and Apple Music. Physical albums are available to purchase at all of our live shows and through contacting us on any social media platform.                                                                            

***Our album is called Tides ***We did not record in the studio with Blue Hawk Records. We just provided the track from our album Tides.

Be sure to go give Wynward a LIKE on Facebook and a FOLLOW on Instagram and Twitter!  

 

Blue Hawk Records’ twelfth compilation, After Midnight, is OUT NOW! 

 

 

 

NGXB Interview.

 

Right from my own hometown in Brick, New Jersey surfaces a talent that should NOT be overlooked.  Nicholas George Xavier Blum, aka NGXB, is making his hometown proud and is making a name for himself in music right now as he gets ready to enter the televised music competition airing tomorrow April 17, 2018 called, Celebration of Music.  From four year old to now, NGXB has been working on mastering the piano and it seems like he is not too far from accomplishing his dreams as only a sophomore in college.  Lucky for me, I was able to talk to him about the show and what it would mean for him to win the competition.

1.) Let’s start with a little introduction about yourself.  Who is Nicholas George Xavier Blum, also known as, NGXB?  

“NGXB” is a pianist, singer, and actor from the heart of Central Jersey.  I am a Sophomore at the University of the Arts, majoring in Piano Performance with a concentration in jazz.

2.) When did you start playing the piano?  What made you continue to see it through?

I started playing the piano since I was four years old.  My father, who went to Mason Gross School of the Arts for Classical Performance, has been giving me lessons since.  Since then it was an interesting journey with the piano. In middle school I gave up the piano. My freshman year of high school I slowly started to get back into it, and then by the end of my Sophomore year of high school, I realized this is what I wanted to do with my life, and nothing else!

 3.) Do you look up to any other pianists, or musicians in general?  Have any of them inspired your style?

Pianists and musicians I look up to are Billy Joel, Queen, George Gershwin, Franz Liszt, Frankie Valli, and Liberace, just to name a few!

4.) Are there any pieces that you enjoying playing the most? If so, which ones?  

My favorite pieces to play are “Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin, “Liebestraum No. 3” by Franz Liszt, and Liberace’s version of “Beer Barrel Polka.”

5.) Do you ever play any gigs? If so, where and which was your favorite so far?  

Yes I do! I play or weddings, galas, corporate events, pit gigs for musicals, and private events.  My favorite gig was recently playing for the new musical “Cowboy Bob” at the Polyphone Festival in Philadelphia.

6.) So I see there are A LOT of exciting things happening in your life right now! One of them specifically being that you are going to be on the television show, Celebration of Music! What can you tell me about the show?

 

Celebration of Music is a new television talent series that showcases selected people to show off their talent, and I was selected as one of the people!  The winner of this show is determined by public voting, and the winner gets flown out to LA to perform on national television, and I get to record a single, and every other opportunity that comes my way!

 

7.) How did you get on the show?  I know it is still early, but what has the experience been like so far?  

The experience has been great so far. I got an email from my school saying that there’s a tv show looking for people to apply.  I sent in what was required, for the application, and about three weeks later i got an email saying I was a contestant! Since then, it was all about filling out paperwork, and I recorded my actual performance for the show!  I played Liberace’s version of “Beer Barrel Polka”. And now I’m starting to promote me being on the show! I’m loving the experience so far!

8.) Have you met any cool, or other talented people on the show?

I actually have not met any of the other contestants yet.

9.) What would it mean for you to win this competition?  

This will absolutely mean the world to me if I win this competition.  April 29th, the host of the show, Ethan Bortnick, will announce the winner of the show at his concert at Musikfest at Steelstacks in Bethlehem, PA.  My dreams will come true if I win this competition! You can get tickets for Ethans concert on his website!

10.) When will your episode on Celebration of Music be aired?

 

 The episode I will be on will be this Tuesday, April 17th, at 6:30PM on PBS39.  The show will be aired in the Pennsylvania, South Jersey area.

 

11.) Do you have anyone you would like to give a shout out to?  

Shoutout to anyone who has a love and passion for music and wants to pursue it as a career.  Don’t let anyone tell you that it’s a waste of time. As long you work hard at it, and take every opportunity you can to put yourself out there, you’re doing the right thing!

12.) Where can people find some of your past performance?  

Everyone can check my past performances on Facebook and Youtube at NGXB Music!

 

 

The Importance of Concert Photography.

It’s the day after you go to a concert. You’re reminiscing about the experience you had the other night, yet you have nothing but your memories and some tour merch to remember it by.  You then decide to search for the artist across your social media sites and you find their verified accounts. Under the accounts you see photos posted last night from the show you were at.  You go through those photos and it is like you are reliving the concert experience all over again. You now have something to remember your night by. This is the importance of concert photography.

Face it. At some point during a concert, you have taken out your phone, or camera to commemorate a moment that was important to you.  Whether it was a slow song being played and everybody in the audience had their flashlights on on their phones so you had to snap a video or pic, or maybe the lead singer jumped into the crowd and crowd surfed and you HAD to get a pic of that.  There are so many reasons as to why we choose to take out our phones, or cameras during a concert. But I think the primary reason why we do it is so that we have something tangible to remember our experience by the next day. However, imagine doing this for A LIVING.

Recently, it has become apparent to me that concert photography often is overlooked. Not only as a profession, but just in general.  It seems like nobody wants to pay anybody for their photos, nobody wants to give photo credit to the one who takes the cool shot of them swinging their guitar around their body on stage, and many only see concert as a hobby.  Although I am not a photographer in any way, shape, or form myself… I can say it is WAY more than a hobby. Just think about it. Again, it is the day after the show and you are reminiscing about the show you just went to last night right and what do you do?  You find photos from that night to take you back into the experience. It is like you are there all over again.

However, concert photography is way more than just taking you back into the concert you saw the other night, or a concert you saw ten years ago.  It is almost critical for any musician to have pictures taken of them at their shows. It is a form of promotion. Those pictures are what makes people WANT to attend a show because it “looked” fun, or epic.  Concert photography is also an art form. A form self expression. But also something that triggers the feelings of others. It affects the lives of others.

To further demonstrate the importance of concert photography, I took the time to find eight concert photographers close to home to interview about what it is they do and how concert photography has affected their lives. I also asked each of them to send me a few of their favorite concert photos they have taken that have brought them back into certain moments:

1.) Michelle Nuccio

It looks to me like you have really invested in local music concert photography.  What has that been like? Have you met any cool people? If so, who?

I began photographing local music at a weird point in my life, I was going through a lot of personal things at the time. I never really felt like I ever really fit in anywhere or with anybody until I started going to local shows. Once I was there it was nothing like I had ever experienced before. I was surrounded by like minded creative people who all shared a mutual respect and support for one another. It’s something really special that I never got anywhere else.  I have met some of my closest friends that I would have otherwise never met. This August it will be four years since I met my current boyfriend, creative partner and current bandmate at a house show in Asbury.

It’s also presented me with a lot of amazing opportunities. I recently got to photograph one of my favorite bands of all time The Ergs who were opening for Descendants at Starland Ballroom. The following day after their Sayreville show The Ergs played a headlining reunion show is Asbury. I never thought I would get the opportunity to see or photograph The Ergs, let alone twice in one weekend. This past November I also had the opportunity to go on a week long tour with my friends in Hit Like A Girl. It was my first time on tour and I got to go to some really cool cities I have never been to before like Nashville, Richmond, and Cincinnati. I also discovered a love for Boone, North Carolina and Bloomington, Indiana.

I love how everything looks so bold in your photography.  From the colors, to the movement of the musicians. What is the editing process like for you once you sit down with all of the photos you have taken after a show?

My editing process is pretty basic for the most part. I use an Adobe Program called Lightroom to edit all of my photos. It really makes editing a lot of photos at once very quick and easy. Editing a show has become a really quick process for me and I can usually tell what edits will look best for a specific image as soon as I upload it into the program based on the lighting and pose of the subject. In my opinion the most important part is getting everything correct in camera especially your exposure. No matter how great you are at editing, if the photo is too dark or too bright there is a good chance the image won’t look right. I really just use editing as a way to enhance the subject while complimenting the original image.

I think just being able to document a specific moment in time is the most important to me. I started off just photographing my friend’s bands when we were all back in high school. To me it’s crazy to look back and see how much all of us has changed since then when it comes to our art. I have friends who are now in fairly successful bands that are only growing more and more in popularity. I also get the chance to look back and see how much my photography has changed since then which is something really important to me. Seeing where I started off compared to the images I am creating now is like night and day.

Why do you think concert photography is so important in the local music scene?

Without local music I wouldn’t be the person I am today. It has taught me a lot about myself has brought me to places I never thought were possible. I’ve even began creating music and playing it for other people, which is something I never thought I would ever do. Photographing local music has also given me the confidence to pursue a career in photography. Now I have a college degree in photography and I am doing what I love.

Michelle Rose Photography NJ

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2.) Anthony Vito Cosentino

When did you realize you wanted to pursue concert photography?  Was there any particular moment, or inspiration behind it?

I’ve had an incredibly strong passion for music for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t start getting into photography until I took a class my junior year of high school. From that moment on it just clicked and I knew that a career in photography was the path I wanted to take. I remember for my senior portfolio project, I did a series of photographs that each depicted the lyrics or the feeling behind a particular song, which was the catalyst that made me want to merge music with photography in my future profession. I knew I either wanted to design album covers, photograph concerts, or both. I’ve played around with album design and enjoyed it, but ever since I started shooting shows the summer going into my senior year of college, it was just a feeling unlike any other. The gratification of freezing an amazing moment in time from a great show and reliving those moments through my own work is beyond satisfying and has given my life a purpose that I never had before pursuing concert photography.

Are there any local bands in particular that you like shooting the most? If so, why?

My top locals to shoot right now, in no particular order, would be Experiment 34, Will Wood and the Tapeworms, The Double Negatives, and Wicked Hollow. I have different reasons for loving each band’s music, but the overarching quality that they all share is that they are crazy entertaining live. Viewing shows as a concert photographer, stage presence is everything because it opens up more opportunity for me to catch several great moments from a single show. There’s a great deal of locals whose music I absolutely adore, but their stage presence isn’t quite up to par just yet. The more comfortable a band is just going wild on stage, the more interested I am in shooting them.

What makes shooting shows fun for you? Do you have any funny photo stories?

Again, borrowing from my last 2 answers, shooting shows is my passion because I have always loved music, and concert photography is just a perfect way for me to get even more involved with music. The friends and connections I’ve made through local shows alone over the past couple years are priceless to me, not to mention you never know what you’re going to see at a show. I have a ton of funny photo stories, but so far my favorite funny moment that I caught on camera was when the legendary local hype viking Bryan Carroll spontaneously grabbed a good friend of his and smooched him right on the lips during one of the band’s sets. I happened to turn around to get some crowd shots because everyone started going nuts, and when that happened I couldn’t believe I was lucky enough to have turned around during that brief moment and snapped the shot. It’s very rare that a crowd shot steals the show, so that photo is going to be a hard one for me to top.

I feel like it is so easy to look at your photography and be instantly taken back into that specific moment of the show.  What moments do you look to capture whenever you are shooting a band, or musician?

Well thank you! I always try to make sure I capture those standout, split-second moments that happen at a show, because that’s what people want to see and remember. Which goes back to why stage presence is so crucial, because the right shots can really tell you a lot about a band you haven’t even heard. When I go to a show, I want to see bandmate interaction, I want to see wildly passionate playing, I want to see crowd involvement; bottom line is I want to be entertained, just as everyone else does when they go to a show. If the band provides those things that I, and the rest of the crowd, want to see, I feel it’s my job to capture those moments because they are fleeting and precious, but the magic of photography is that a moment gone can be remembered and re-lived vividly with the right picture.

Anthony Vito Photography

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3.) Brian Carter 

What do you find the most enjoyable about shooting shows?

I like being able to capture a moment and freeze it in time. Being able to look back at a photo, especially a well timed one can bring back wild memories of a good night.

What would you say is the most exciting and interesting part about concert photography?  How do live concert photos of your favorite bands and musicians make you feel?

Trying to figure out the way each band member moves and will interact with each other and a song on stage definitely proves to be a challenge. Everyone is different, but stage presence is very commonly done similarly. Being a drummer certainly helps me time shows if it seems like someone is going to jump, swing or break something on a certain beat. Being able to shoot my favorite bands and musicians initially felt like a lot of pressure; but chances are they’re actually easier to shoot because you’re probably more familiar with their stage presence and music.

You seem really passionate about your work. How big of a role do you think passion plays in concert photography and why do you think passion is important to have in this field?

You can tell if someone didn’t care about the show they’re shooting. There’s a large difference between just a shot of the night and a well thought out, well placed and well timed photo. Your photos will be sub par without passion and there’s not really enough money in it to actively do without being absolutely wild for music and photography.

 

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4.) Angelica Pasquali

What has been your biggest accomplishment in concert photography so far?

The biggest accomplishment in my concert photography career is Self Help Fest 2017. It was the biggest milestone for my concert photography to date.

It is so cool that you have shot something as HUGE as Self Help Fest.  What was that experience like? How did it feel to photograph such a large event?  Would you do it again?

Photographing Self Help Fest (2017) was a thrilling experience that I will always remember. Compared to just photographing a concert, a festival challenges a photographer to adapt to a new environment and utilize new opportunities. The overall experience can move so fast with so much excitement, bands, and people. There’s a lot of running around, to and from stages, which can be nerve-racking with expensive equipment and a crowd of people (some with drinks). I get to the the front of the stage, wait for the band to set up, and then I have three songs to get those killer shots. Those three adrenaline-full songs go by crazy fast. I personally didn’t sit back, I took crowd shots after the photo pit time was finished. As a photographer you see the event grow. The people fill the open ground more and more, the lights cut through the sunset, and the noise vibrates your heart. Photographing such a large event was challenging in the best way as a professional photographer. One might think that the end of the event is when all the excitement dies, but that’s completely wrong. I finally get down time to look at all my photos of big-name bands and relive it all over every click. I would definitely do it again and very much hope so.

How did you become interested in concert photography?  Are there any concert photographers who have inspired you and your work?

I became interested when I was introduced into my local music scene. At first, I began photographing local shows. I had to teach myself how to properly do concert photography while also adding personal, creative style. It was certainly a process, but to compare my old and new work brings great pride in that process. When I felt well-trained I started applying to bigger shows and venues, continuing to grow my portfolio. My inspiration to explore concert photography originated from friends of mine that had experience. They inspired me by showing me the monumental, unique experiences a concert photography is honored with. I am continuously inspired by them and by other concert photographers I find through social media.

Luna Photography Website

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5.)  Jake Feldman

It seems like you are well versed in multiple aspects of photography.  What is your favorite thing about concert photography? What is different about concert photography, compared to other photography?

I’ve been a photographer for about 5 years now. It really just started as a hobby in highschool with some friends that turned into a passion once I discovered all of the cool artistic possibilities that comes with it. Over the years I’ve been able to grow my skills in all kinds of photography like landscape, portraiture, commercial, and much more but concert photography is definitely it’s own art form. I think my favorite thing about concert photography is the high energy and attention it requires to get it right. As a performing musician myself, I have a really good idea of what its like to be on stage so I try to imagine that if it was me on stage in that moment, what kind of photos I would like to see of myself. Concert photography can be tough because the lighting is always changing or sometimes theres just not enough light at all without a fast enough lens. I like the challenge of trying to capture all the action happening on stage and in the crowd to tell a story with each of my shots. Concert photography is all about capturing moments. The vocalist screaming his lungs out or the two guitarists playing back to back are always going to make awesome photos. There is a challenge when it comes to shooting a band that has no energy on stage. It’s hard to make someone look like a rock star when they’re sitting in the back staring down at their instrument for 30 mins. The best bands to shoot are the ones that are high energy and engaging with the audience because then the best shots come naturally.

Do you use specific special techniques for each band, or musician you shoot?  How do you decide what technique you’re going to use?

Every show requires a slightly different approach. You never know exactly what kind of venue you’re going to be stepping into for each gig. Sometimes the band is 5 feet above you on a riser and sometimes they’re right in front of you on the floor. Sometimes there’s a whole set of concert lights and fog machines to illuminate them, sometimes it’s just a dark basement with a light on the opposite side of the room. Shooting conditions are never the same so you have to be as prepared as possible for anything. Having a good arsenal of fast lenses is crucial for low lighting situations. I’m usually using a 24-70mm f/2.8 or a 50mm-100mm f/1.8. I also usually have a 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens just for wide angle shots. These lenses are usually universal enough for me to be able to shoot in a small room or against a big stage. However, having an expensive lens doesn’t mean you’re going to be a better photographer. It’s simply another tool to help make shooting easier. You can still take amazing shots with a kit lens and some good editing. Also, rule #1 for any new photographer. Always shoot RAW, never JPG. The file will be larger but will save way more data for editing later. I usually try different editing styles just for my own creative enjoyment. If a band hires me to shoot for them, I’ll discuss what type of editing/ tone they want me to go for with the photos. I usually get an answer similar to “do whatever you want, we trust you” which then means I need to listen to their music and try to interpret an editing style that best fits their genre but is also unique enough to be their own. I edit everything in Adobe lightroom and photoshop.

Why do you think concert photography is so crucial locally and on a large scale?

I think concert photography is one of the major backbones of music promotion and band image. How many posters and pieces of art do you see of your favorite artists on stage all of the time? It’s a great way to create an image for your band and show that your live shows are kick ass. It’s also a lot of fun for the photographer because they get to be front row capturing all of the best moments of the concert to then show to others. For local bands, there are tons of new photographers that are just trying to get their feet wet and will work for free just to build a portfolio. Plus, bands always need photographers to help document their tours/ studio time/ and live shows. Concert photography is a competitive field as you go farther up the ladder. It becomes more about who you know than what you know to an extent. Essentially, it becomes important to build a name and a brand for yourself so that other bands will want to take you on tour with them. Even so, when you get up to the really big bands, those decisions usually come down to their management more than it does the bands. Either way, photography is a crucial marketing device and art form that is an enjoyable experience for myself and that I do because I have a passion for it. It can be profitable if you choose to make it so, but it’s important to see it as an art from rather than a job unless you are truly trying to make a full blown career out of it.

Jake Feldman Photography

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6.)  Trevor Novatin 

I see that you are constantly on the road, going on tours with various bands and musicians.  What is it like being a photographer and getting those opportunities to travel and do what you love?

It is a very humbling experience. Being able to travel the country and do what I  love has truly been a dream for me. From meeting new people from states I never thought I would visit, to being able to see the west coast, and experience just about everything I could while touring is an incredible experience.

How would you say your photography has evolved over time since you started touring with other bands and musicians?

I’ve noticed that my style changes every tour that I’m on. My shooting style really depends on the genre of music that the band is performing, and the emotions that I am trying to provoke based on the coloring/lighting/shadows, etc. For example, I recently went on tour with a band from Connecticut called Boundaries. Their style is very in your face, heavy, and to the point. To me, someone who wants to artistically replicate their sound onto the visual platform, I tried to mold my style around theirs. I also leave on the 29th of this month for a tour with Downswing, Left Behind, and The Acacia Strain. Downswing is a band that I have toured with three times previously, and the type of music they play is very upbeat, bouncy, but still in your face. So I try to incorporate vibrant colors, and just make the atmosphere of the show seem like fun.

What band or musician, made you want to pursue concert photography? Why?

I wouldn’t necessarily say that a specific band or musician influenced me, but I will say that the first tour I ever went on in 2016 definitely had a major influence on the decision to pursue concert photography. I toured with Born A New and Illusionist in August of 2016, and just the overall vibes/attitude of the band members and the shows made me realize that this was a feeling that i wanted to keep experiencing. Concert photography as a whole is something that I genuinely love doing, and I will continue to tour and shoot shows for as long as I possibly can.

Trevor Novatin Flickr

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7.)  Acacia Evans 

As a photographer, you founded the music outlet, Big City Thoughts and it looks to me like it has been continuing to grow and become successful.  How did concert photography inspire you to start Big City Thoughts?  What has it been like to be the brain behind it?

I actually fell in love with concert photography after I created Big City Thoughts. I made BCT with the intent of interviewing artists. Throughout my time as an elementary school and middle school student, I absolutely LOVED writing. I wanted to combine by love for music and my love for writing on a platform that people would actually see and enjoy. When I was 16, I threw together a pretty crappy website (I had literally no idea what I was doing) and started interviewing local artists who lived on the East Coast. When I tried to reach out to national touring acts, publicists would deny me interviews but tell me that they could give me a photo pass. I didn’t really know what that was, but I had always had a little bit of an interest in photography and asked my family for a camera for Christmas. I began photographing those shows I couldn’t get interviews for and FELL IN LOVE with concert photography. The feeling of standing in the photo pit/barricade in the front to capture the most exciting parts of a show was so incredibly fun and exhilarating. I started caring about interviews less and getting a photo pass more. Being the brain behind BCT has been a very cool, yet challenging experience. I basically became my own “boss” when I was way too young, and expanding BCT meant adding more photographers and writers to our roster. I was basically this inexperienced teenager trying to organize and plan shows to cover for me and people that were older than me yet shooting for MY publication. So weird. These days, it’s a way better experience since I have a seven years of experience under my belt and think I have a pretty good grasp on how this specific part of the music industry works.

What kind of photography do you look to produce for, Big City Thoughts?  How do you know, “That is the picture we are going to include in this article?”

The work that I try to produce for Big City Thoughts is high quality, colorful, energetic, and emotional. I want viewers to get a secondhand experience of what I got to see live through my photos. I want them to feel the vibe of the show through my galleries and be excited rather than bummed that they may have not been able to make it!

What kind of shows do you enjoy shooting the most?  

I started off shooting in the alternative rock/Warped Tour scene. I really thought I enjoyed that the most because it was my favorite genre of music
at the time and our demographic liked to see that kind of content the most. As time went on, I started resenting that scene for various reasons and began shooting tons of other genres. My absolute favorite now is pop music. The energy is just absolutely insane and the set up in terms of lighting and props are usually spot on for photographers.

Big City Thoughts Website

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8.) Dieter Unrath 

I feel like everytime I go on Facebook or Instagram, one of your photos always pops up on one of those newsfeeds and I always think to myself, “Wow, he is so DAMN good.”  It is really exciting. You really seem to know how to capture special moments of performances. How do you go about shooting a band, or musician?  What do you look for during a performance, leading up to capturing that perfect moment?

Thanks so much [: I just kind of watch the show and press the buttons. I don’t really think too hard when shooting to be honest, I just kind of do. I do try to keep my eyes peeled through the stage to notice if a member is doing something photo worthy. I feel like most of my photos are a result of feel rather than looking though. If I know the song already, that helps because I know an intense part of the song may make an intense photo. If I don’t know the band or song, I’ll try and follow the music the best I can. Often times I’ll anticipate and hit my shutter on the downbeats or transitions because you’ll get a lot of good head bangs or jump shots, which are types of photos I enjoy. Vibing with the rhythm of a song can help you anticipate when good photos will happen. Often times if you watch me shoot, I’ll be physically bobbing up and down with the musicians on stage to stay in time and keep them in my focus point. I feel like immersing yourself in the music and feeling out the photos is more important than physically looking for photos because if you’re looking, by the time you find a shot the moment has passed.

Why do you think concert photography is so important?  When did you decide it was something you wanted to pursue?

Concert photography is important because these are the best nights of some people’s year. Everyone loves a concert and seeing your favorite band is super important to a lot of people. It’s cool to document stuff like that for them as well for the bands who are living out their dreams on stage every night. It’s also an important medium for people with artistic minds who are awful at drawing like myself. I wouldn’t even really say I’m pursuing concert photography. I kind of just started doing it and haven’t stopped yet. It’s something I really enjoy doing that helps me buy food when I’m in college or on summer break. If I could turn it into a full time job, that would be rad. But I’m just taking it shoot by shoot tour by tour until then.

How has concert photography impacted your life?  In what way, do you hope your photography impacts the lives of others?

It’s impacted my life in so many ways. I’ve made an enormous amount of friends through my photography, been to every state in the lower 48, made money doing something I genuinely enjoy, and have been able to photograph most of my favorite bands which is something I would’ve never imagined doing years ago. It’s also drained me financially, made me quit multiple jobs, lose relationships, left me stranded in cities across the country for days on end, and helped thrown me into mental breakdowns. I pour a lot into my photos and all the logistics surrounding them. It’s all worth it in the end when you produce art you’re somewhat satisfied with, but there’s a lot of sacrifices involved if you want to do a lot with your photos. I don’t expect much from my work. I just hope people like my pictures, even if it only grabs their attention for a second. It’s wild to think that there’s people with my photos hanging on their bedroom walls, or artists that have painted my photos. When people tell me I’m their favorite photographer or that a photo I took is their favorite of them ever, I’m like “wait, really?” I feel like that’s special because someone’s favorite photo of themselves is something they’ll probably carry with them for a lifetime. The fact that there are people who consider my photos important in anyway blows away any goal I set out to achieve with my photography. 

Dieter Unrath Photography

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There you have it, the importance of concert photography.

Until next time, life starts with music.

-Kelli ♫

FRANCESCA Interview.

 

One of the coolest things Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey has in their own student-run record label, Blue Hawk Records. Every semester the Applied Music Industry classes at Monmouth University release a compilation album where the students hold auditions and pick artists to be on the album, record, market, plan a release show, and perform many other tasks just like a real professional record label.  Recently, I had the honor of interviewing two of the artists on their new and upcoming compilation release titled, After Midnight, which will be hitting all music platforms on April 19, 2018.  Today I am happy to share with you an interview I did with the talented and lovely, FRANCESCA, who discussed her song on the album titled, “P.T.L.” and what the Blue Hawk Records experience was like for her.

1.) Thank you so much for doing this, I am really looking forward to the release of After Midnight!  I am excited to hear what you have recorded with Monmouth University’s, Blue Hawk Records this semester! What has it been like working alongside the label so far?  

Working alongside the label has been a wonderful experience. Everyone involved has been very supportive and encouraging. Through my journey, I met BJ, who ended up producing the beat for my song “P.T.L.” He is so talented and brought life to my creative vision. I believe it is important to practice professionalism in the music business, and Blue Hawk has shown this quality.

2.) When did you decide to audition to be featured on After Midnight?  Did it take any convincing? Why did you do it?

I was hesitant to audition. I kept coming up with reasons not to try until the night of, I emailed BHR and asked if they had room. I went right in, played the song and everyone seemed to like it. The next day I got an email that I was going to be featured. My Mom and I danced around the kitchen all morning!

 

3.) I know you had the opportunity to record at Lakehouse Studios in Asbury Park.  What was that experience like for you? Were you already familiar with that studio, or was it completely new?  Have you ever recorded your music before?

I’d never recorded at Lakehouse before, but I have worked in other small studios. It was stressful, but the outcome was amazing. I felt most confident in my vocal, which we did in one take.

4.) Can you tell us anything about the song you recorded? What is the name of it? Maybe what the song is about?

I recorded my song “P.T.L.” which is about being let down by past lovers. Being jaded and having an attitude is usually the outcome of having bad experiences in relationships. The song is a metaphor to emotional turmoil and it doesn’t necessarily have to be romantic. It’s like “when can I trust again?” I think everyone feels this way at some point.

5.) Where does your inspiration come from whenever you are writing music?  What is that writing process like for you?

Everything I write comes from my real feelings. No matter how hard I try to escape them, they always seep through in my music. I can’t write something that isn’t true or real. If I’m not emotionally connected to the song, I don’t want to sing it. Since my pre teen years, making songs have never been an option. I really believe songwriting is a lifestyle, and the only time you should write is when you have no choice.

6.) What top three albums have influenced you the most as a musician?

There have been so many artists that have inspired me over the years, it is hard to only select a few. Taylor Swift was my first inspiration to pick up a guitar, so her albums have driven me since her emerge. In highschool, I loved Amy Winehouse, but she’s just one great legend. Sade, Michael Jackson, Alicia Keys, Selena Quintanilla have all played a part in my song writing. The list continues!

7.) Do you plan on releasing any more music after the release of After Midnight? Perhaps maybe an album, or EP?  

I have a very exciting project coming out sometime in June. I spent the summer hosting my own show in Monmouth University’s radio station so all my friends regularly sent in suggestions. My playlists were growing every day. Soothing R&B tracks, Michael Jackson pop sounds and 70’s tunes all inspired me to write Rock W Me. It’s both groovy and powerful and is the perfect example of the way a songwriter deals with emotion. Since Rock W Me, the project has completely evolved. The new batch of songs that followed changed the whole dynamic of the album and what I wanted to say. My objective, attitude and style was completely different than before.

8.) Would you like to give any shout outs to any other local musicians, or bands?

Although I appreciate everyone that takes the risk of making music, there are a few that have been especially motivating. Lauren Patti was the first local artist I started listening too. I was finishing my senior year of highschool when she released her first project, Good Hangs – EP. Making an album was something I wanted to do since the day I wrote my first song at age twelve, so seeing her follow her passion gave me the courage to jump in. Ashley Mckinley is another strong female voice on the scene. Her songs are relatable and she’s a good role model. Her album Wishful Thinking is available on all music platforms. Ella Ross has been a kind friend, and I’ve seen a lot of creative and personal growth since her emerge. Dan Amato and his Sentimental Gentlemen are fun and know how to make people happy. All these qualities are important in being an artist on the scene: Be kind, be fun, be encouraging. We all just want to be heard.   

9.) What are your music goals for the rest of 2018?

To just keep writing and growing. Doing this has taken much emotion, time, and faith. I’m not so concerned on how many listens I will get following these releases. If one person in this world can relate to the messages of my songs, then I’ve succeeded.

10.) Where will everyone be able to find After Midnight?  

It will be available April 18 on all music platforms! Itunes, Apple Music, Spotify, etc. I can’t wait for you to hear it.

 

I Trust Kacey Musgraves With My Emotions. Let’s Talk ‘Golden Hour.’

On March 30, 2018, Kacey Musgraves released her third full-length album (not counting her Christmas album) titled, Golden Hour.  Now for those of you who listen to Kacey Musgraves, you know that this release is unlike any of her previous releases in the past.  Her two past albums, Same Park, Different Trailer (2013) and Pageant Material (2015), were very coming-of-age and led the world to believe that Kacey Musgraves was fearless and she did not hold back on anything she ever had to say.  Those albums seemed to feel very homely and comfort-zoned for Musgraves compared to her new release, Golden Hour.  Unlike her other two albums, instead of using sarcasm and wit in her music, Kacey Musgraves takes us through her emotions.  A new road she has never taken before and I am completely here for it.

According to Twitter, it seems like I’m not the only one here for it either as many other popular musicians heart strings were also tugged listening to this album:

First off, the pop and disco influences and elements in these songs are not to be overlooked.  If anyone could have executed country music with a pop and disco twist perfectly, it would be Kacey Musgraves.  We hear this disco influence the most in, “High Horse.” However, it is songs like “Lonely Weekend,” “Happy & Sad,” “Butterflies,” and “Wonder Woman” that have kept this album on repeat for me since the day it was released.  It is in these songs specifically where I felt like Musgraves took the simplest occurrences in life that you would normally have trouble putting into words, but SHE put them into words. She brought emotion to a new level for me.  

For example, I specifically really really enjoy the concept of, “Happy & Sad.”  It is basically a song about how things could be going really well in your life, almost like it is too good to be true, but you don’t believe it is going to last.  Like, it can only go downhill from the top of the hill and good moments end. This is something I can really relate to on a personal level because I always feel things can be good for so long, until something bad happens and I live with that fear just like Kacey Musgraves does.  I always want to hold on to those good moments for as long as humanly possible, but I always overthink about how things will ultimately go downhill and no one should ever think like that. That isn’t always necessarily true. “Happy & Sad” really put those feelings into words for me and I never thought about how I always feel like that, until I listened to this song.

Another song I can really appreciate on this album is, “Wonder Woman.”  In this song, Kacey Musgraves talks about not being, “Wonder Woman,” to her partner and acknowledging that he is not a superhero either.  Both are only human and are bound to make mistakes and that they should love each other as two humans, not hold each other up to their expectations of each other.  I just feel like this song is so human and realistic. Especially these days, I think that people forget that people are people and we are all human here. No one is perfect and being human naturally means making mistakes, especially in relationships.  To make any relationship work, you have to get rid of the expectations you have for someone and accept and love them as they are. You have to accept that they won’t always be perfect and neither will you. As long as you realize that, you can get through anything.  “Wonder Woman,” really hits the nail on the head for me when it comes to this concept. This is definitely a song I think more people should listen to because it is so relatable and it is something that people in relationships go through.

The last song I really wanted to talk about on this album is the song, “Butterflies.”  “Butterflies” was the second single released off of, Golden Hour and it is the most simplistic and most genuine love song I think I have ever heard.  In the song Kacey sings:

“Now you’re lifting me up ‘stead of holding me down

Stealing my heart ‘stead of stealing my crown

Untangled all the strings ’round my wings that were tied

I didn’t know him and I didn’t know me

Cloud Nine was always out of reach

Now, I remember what it feels like to fly

You give me butterflies”

I first heard this song in a small live acoustic video of Kacey that Hayley Williams from Paramore retweeted.  I believe it was one of the first times Kacey was performing it and she got all choked up because of the crowd’s reaction (they knew ALL of the lyrics).  Watching that in video format had me all teary eyed for her not only because of the crowd’s reactions, but because of the song’s concept as well. “Butterflies” is about feeling reborn after you meet someone who you feel like you have been missing your whole life.  It is about finally finding the right love. The song is so raw and simplistic, I truly believe it feels magical and if you could ever imagine the perfect love song, it is this one. This is so much so, that it gives me hope for a love like that too one day.

With all of that being said, I hope everyone who reads this finds it in them to go and listen to, Golden Hour.  Even if you are not a country fan, I can promise you will not regret it.  Throughout, Golden Hour, Kacey Musgraves really opens up to the world and focuses on the emotions that we normally would not be able to put into words.  Somehow, she did it for us. This is MUST listen to album and is one of my favorites of 2018 so far.

I really believe we can all learn something from, Golden Hour, and for me, I learned that it is okay to trust your emotions and allow for them to take you on a ride.  Sometimes those emotions may even lead you into creating beautiful music, just like Kacey Musgraves did.

I trust Kacey Musgraves with my emotions, do you?

Until next time, life starts with music and emotions do too.

-Kelli ♫

 

Malibu Interview.

 

Up and coming alternative band, Malibu, recently released their new single, “Nineteen,” earlier this past March.  Shortly after, they entered a ‘Rock to the Top’ competition and played their first show at the legendary Asbury Park venue, The Stone Pony.  The band managed to advance to the next round of the competition, which will be taking place on Sunday, April 29, 2018 at the Stone Pony.  Malibu definitely brings a refreshing,  new sound to the local music scene in New Jersey and rocks like, The Arctic Monkeys, while keeping it a little more on the upbeat side of things like bands like, Coin.  Their future is looking bright, already having made it on a featured Alternative Press playlist and hopefully having a new EP out within the next couple of months.  With that being said, here is a little interview I did with the band as they talked about, “Nineteen,” and what is to come in their future!

1.) So you guys recently released a new single called, “Nineteen.”  How has the response to the single been?

The response has been incredible. The song has almost been out for a full month and has 1,800 streams on Spotify already. People have said that this is their favorite song by us and this is one of our favorites to play live.

2.) What is, “Nineteen,” about?  What was the inspiration behind it?

Nineteen is about a toxic relationship where the girl in the story is seducing the boy and basically playing with his mind, even though the girl has a boyfriend, the boy can’t seem to get enough. The main inspiration behind it was “Kiwi” by Harry Styles and “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High” by the Arctic Monkeys. The song has the rhythm and tone of, “Kiwi,” but the lyricism and vibe of the Arctic Monkeys.

3.) Where did  guys you record the single? What was that recording process like?

We recorded the single at Retro Media in Red Bank. The process was fun but exhausting. We recorded this track during our ten hour session. This was ten straight hours of just recording different songs so it was tiring but very fun.

4.) I see you guys also released another single titled, “Holly,” not too long ago as well.  Is it safe to say that there may be an album, or EP released from Malibu in the future?

Yes, there is an EP coming soon actually. We put together a concept EP behind the track, “Brighter Blue,” about this story of a boy and girl and their relationship. We plan on releasing a new single of the EP each month so it will fully be out soon.

5.) By the way, HUGE CONGRATS on advancing in the Rock to the Top competition held at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park!  What was that experience like? Are you guys excited for the next round? (ps, best of luck!)

Thank you!!! And it was amazing. Ray and Scott both played on stage before with their old bands but to play together with Malibu was incredible. The crowd was amazing and energized which helped us play our best music. We are extremely excited for the next round and are changing up our normal setlist and adding two new songs that we haven’t played live before.

5.) Out of all the shows you guys have played so far, which venue was your favorite to play?  How come?

The House of Independents will always have a special place in our hearts because it was our first plugged in show but our favorite show was at Dingbatz in Clifton. We were nervous going into it because it was a pop-punk show and our genre didn’t really fit the bill. We couldn’t have been more wrong because the response from the crowd was incredible. Everyone was dancing and having a good time which made us dance around on stage and interact with everyone.

6.) Do you guys have any venues you would like to play in the future?  If so, which venues?

Starland Ballroom is at the top of our list right now. The venue hosts some of the world’s best musicians so to play on a stage like that would be incredible and an honor.

7.) If you guys could open up for any band in the world, who would it be and why?

The Arctic Monkeys because they are one of our biggest inspirations. Their music and lyrics are incredible and are really just fun to listen to. To open up for a band like them would be an honor and honestly a dream. Also Ray strives to be like Alex Turner so that would be cool too.

8.) Would you guys like to give a shout out to any other local bands, or artists who have supported you guys?

Huge shout outs to FV, Skyeline, and Drive, Kid. These bands have supported us by either helping book us shows, coming to our gigs and supporting us, or helping us find out sound. These three are amazing bands and definitely deserve a listen.

9.) Where can everyone find your music?

We are on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon Music, and Google Play all under the name Malibu! Thank you for interviewing us 🙂

 

Panic! At the Pony

Panic! at the Disco // Stone Pony // Photo Cred: kevmgutierrez

Last week on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, it was released by multiple media outlets that Panic! At the Disco would be playing a surprise show somewhere in Asbury Park on Wednesday, March 21, 2018.  The night before, they had played a surprise show in their hometown of Cleveland, Ohio at the Grog Shop. After the show was over, nuns were handing out these “cryptic” fliers:

The internet exploded, as well as the state of New Jersey as me and every other fan throughout the state scrambled to find out where in Asbury Park the show was going to take place.  I found out about the show because my friend sent me a Facebook message that morning of a link to an Alternative Press article, talking about those fliers being given out the night before.  We both flipped and decided we had to go to the show and were determined to figure out as many details as we possibly could to attend.  Unfortunately, New Jersey was actually due for a huge snow storm on the day the show was supposed to take place. The internet was freaking out, begging Panic! At the Disco to reschedule the show for the following day, Thursday, March 22, 2018.  Lucky enough for us, Panic! At the Disco heard their fans and rescheduled to Thursday, March 22, 2018, still without a venue announcement.

However, the day before the rescheduled show on March 21, 2018, Panic! At the Disco announced the release date of their new album titled, Pray for the Wicked, which is due out on June 22, 2018.  They also released TWO new singles, “Say Amen (Saturday Night)” and “(Fuck A) Silver Lining,” both of which are AMAZING and complete bops.  They both left me with an immense amount of anticipation for the surprise show the following night. The band did not play these two new songs live at their previous show in Cleveland… Maybe now that they were actually released, Asbury Park would be gifted with hearing them both played live for the very first time.  

Finally, Thursday, March 22, 2018 came after we had a huge snow storm and at 12:00 pm that day, Panic! At the Disco announced that the surprise show was going to take place at the Stone Pony.  Ironically enough, that is where I am currently interning, so excitement unlike any other ran through my veins to find out the show was going to take place there. At a capacity of 900 people, I knew this show was going to sell out in a heartbeat and the room was going to be overflowing with people.  It was going to be a great night.
My friends and I met up and went to the Pony around 12:30 pm to get in line to purchase tickets for that night.  The line was already wrapped around the entire venue and by the time we reached the box office, I would be number 386 to purchase a ticket for the show that day out of 900.  All of us were overjoyed to have been fortunate enough to have gotten tickets and we were told to return to the venue around 6:30 pm for the doors. The excitement was real.

Like the box office suggested, we came back around 6:30 pm to see if they were letting anyone in yet and waited in the car until around 7:00 pm to start lining up.  They put everyone in numerical order (which was something I had never experienced before, but I definitely respected that method). By the time we made it into the venue, it was PACKED.  The 900-people-in-a-single-room kind of packed, but I was there for it and you could really see from anywhere. We waited for a good hour and a half until the whole entire room went black and Panic! At the Disco took the stage.  

It was roughly 9:00 pm when the intro of, “Don’t Threaten Me With A Good Time,” started blaring throughout the room.  My friends and I were ready to go. I was ready to let go of all of life’s stresses and just have a night full of screaming lyrics back to frontman, Brendan Urie, and dancing to the songs I have been listening to as long as I can remember.  

The setlist was perfect.  It was everything I could have asked for honestly.  They played every feel good song in their catalog and so much more.  Not to mention, THEY PLAYED BOTH OF THEIR NEW SONGS LIVE FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER.  I can officially say I was there for the live debut of both and that in itself, is just incredible to me.  Just thinking about it makes me smile. Both songs sounded amazing too, the whole crowd was dancing and screaming only the new words they could recollect in that moment of both those songs, since they were both still so new.  They were both definitely two of my favorites of the night.

However, as far as old Panic! At the Disco songs go, I think, “Nicotine” and “Girls/Girls/Boys,” took the cake for my two favorite of the night.  The whole entire day I was talking about how all I wanted them to play was, “Nicotine,” and you bet I screamed every word back to them. That has always been one of my favorite songs by them and it was just wanted I needed that night.  As for, “Girls/Girls/Boys,” I think that song became one of my favorites just because of how ended. Brendan Urie started crying at the end of it because he basically said it was so powerful to hear the crowd sing along so loudly to it.  The song is about gay rights and loving whoever you want to love and how it isn’t a choice. I wasn’t surprised that he got caught up in the moment and started getting emotional because when you think about, that is really powerful and beautiful.  I was happy and proud to be a part of that moment for the band.

The last two songs the band played were, “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” and “Victorious,” and that was the best way to end the night.  I don’t think I ever heard a Pony crowd scream lyrics any louder than when they screamed the lyrics to, “I Write Sins Not Tragedies.”  That was a special moment in itself. I will never forget it. Then of course, “Victorious,” is just a fun song and as Brendan sang, “All my friends are glorious,” I couldn’t help but think of how lucky I was to be in that room with four of my closest friends.  Really, I am blessed. They are the best people I know.

Overall, it was a night I will never forget and I can’t wait to see them again with my best friend for her birthday at Madison Square Garden in New York City in July.  But I will always remember how personal the Stone Pony experience was and it is something I will definitely be talking about for the rest of my life.

If you haven’t be sure to check out my vlog about the show below:

 

Until my next blog post, life starts with music.

 

-Kelli ♫

 

Motivational Music Monday: “Can We Hang On?” by Cold War Kids

“Think about the old days

What we’ve been through to survive

Do we get better with time?

Tell me I’m wrong

I’m looking to you always

We follow the same guiding light

Passing like ships in the night

Can we hang on?”

Believe it or not, I on heard, “Can We Hang On?” by the Cold War Kids for the first time  two days ago. I was on my way to work, listening to ALT 92.3 Radio, and it came on just as I was pulling out of my development.  I like to call things like this fate. Immediately, I fell in love with the song and made sure I saved it on my Spotify so I wouldn’t forget to listen to it later.  However, it was exactly what I was going to need to get me through the rest of the rough day I knew I was in for and that it had to be this week’s Motivational Music song.

I always knew of Cold War Kids and I particularly knew their song, “First.”  Then again, everyone probably knows that song. But I have also heard other songs of theirs in passing, without knowing their names and I always thought they were a really cool band.  Now, since I heard this song, I have been listening to them non-stop. “Can We Hang On?” is off of Cold War Kids’ album, LA DIVINE.  It just clicked with me on another level and I related to it to the point where it was a little too real.

I think the thing that fascinates me the most about this song how strong the message of unknowing is throughout it.  It is basically a hopeful love song, that looks back with nostalgia on the good old days, but there is an uncertainty about the future.  “Can We Hang On?” focuses a lot on how to stay strong when things get hard in a relationship. At the beginning of any relationship, it always feels like it is all fun and games, but it is trying to withstand those difficult times, that the relationship is tested.  At the end of the day, it is about whether you get better and stronger from those difficult times, or not. This leads to that feeling of uncertainty for the future.

Personally, I think I really clung to this song when I heard it for the first time because it really hit home for me.  I never have been a fan of uncertainty when it comes to the future. Honestly, I don’t think anyone is. But what I do think is that be uncertain, is to be brave.  Uncertainty drives us to take risks. Whether it is risks on people, jobs… etc. Uncertainty is a journey and so are relationships. Sometimes you don’t know where either will go, but at the end of the day it is about whether you can hang on, or not.  

“Can We Hang On?” is this Monday’s Motivational Music Monday song because I think it helps us feel a lot less alone in the world of uncertainty.  At some point, we all wind up there. Sometimes we even return there, maybe even multiple times. It is okay not to know what it coming next. You’re not supposed to know.  There is no way of knowing what is going to happen tomorrow, or in a week, month, or year from now. But the point is that eventually we figure that out. One day we will wind up exactly where we are supposed to be and who you’re going to be with.  The choice is yours as to whether you choose to hang on, or not.

 

Be sure to tune in next Monday for the next Motivational Music Monday.

Life starts with music.

-Kelli ♫

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BRorGDTg4J0/?taken-by=coldwarkids&hl=en

Mikita Interview.

I was really happy to have the chance to interview the local experimental punk band member, Ben Piper, from Mikita.  Just recently, on February 28, 2018 the band released their BRAND NEW single, “Locusts Are People,’ and they plan on releasing a full-length EP this upcoming April.  From shows up in Flemington, New Jersey, to next-door in Asbury Park, it is safe to say this local band has covered a lot of ground and we are in for a treat at they take the steps to release their new EP.  With that being said,  here is a little more on their new single, “Locusts Are People,” and their plans for the next few months!

1.). Let’s start this interview by having you guys tell everyone a little bit about yourselves… Who is Mikita? Where are you from? What is your genre?

We’re two guys named Ben in a really loud sweat two piece.We’re from good ol scuzzy Brick town NJ. We play experimental punk.

2.)  Who are some of your musical influences?

Melvins, Black Sabbath, Misfits, ’68, and Black Flag.

3.)  It seems like you guys have a lot of exciting things happening… One of these things including your NEW single, “Locusts Are People!”  Can you tell me a little more about the single? Like, what is it about?

We are super stoked to have just put this out! It’s a song about being furious and frustrated with someone you care about but not being able to fully commit to it and being stuck in a weird middle ground.

4.)  Where did you record, “Locusts Are People?” What was that recording process like?

We actually recorded this in Ben’s house completely DIY, the process was in a word experimental ,there’s been a whole lot of trial and error, starting over, and fumbling around figuring out what sounds good.

5.)  What made you guys choose thing song to be your new single?  What is your favorite part about it?

We chose to release this song as a single because of how hard hitting it is and how much we feel it gives an idea of what Mikita is.

6.)  So with a new lead single, does this mean there is more music on the way in 2018 from you guys?

Actually yes! “Locusts Are People” is the title track off our upcoming debut EP releasing on 4/27 at The Asbury Park Brewery!

7.)  I always like asking bands what their favorite venue is to play because I seem to always get so many different answers.  With that being said, what is your favorite venue to play at?

One of the coolest places we played was All Star Music Empire up in Flemington but our favorite is no doubt any dingy basement that will have us.

8.)  Is there any venue you guys would really like to play at some day? If so, why?

Starland Ballroom would be killer! I’ve seen some of my first shows ever there and have always wanted to be on that stage.

9.)  If you guys could pick any person in the world to make your band go from a two piece to a three piece, who would that person be?

Is that even a question? Steve Buscemi.

10.)  What is a dream tour you guys would like to open up for?

One with all our homies from the local scene going across the country

11.)  What are some of Mikita’s goals for 2018?

We are shooting to start playing out of state, start working on our next release which is almost finished being written, and there’s been talks about releasing a split with some local homies!

12.)  Where can everyone find your new single?

Youtube, Spotify, Itunes, Amazon Music, Google Play, and Bandcamp just lookup “Locusts Are People-Mikita.”

Also, be sure to hit Mikita up with a “like” on their Facebook and RSVP to their EP release show on April 27, 2018 at the Asbury Brewery in Asbury Park, HERE!

 

 

Motivational Music Monday: “In Bloom” by Neck Deep

 

 

 

“And stop calling me out, we’re never going to

Put the pieces back together

If you won’t let me get better

And stop digging it up or we’re never gonna

See it all in bloom”

I have to be real here for a minute. Unfortunately, last Monday I did not post a Motivational Music Monday because I personally did not feel motivated myself.  I realized there are going to be some days where it is going to be difficult to find that motivation. There may not even be a reason behind it, sometimes you just feel it and believe me, I felt it.  Luckily, music has always been my escape for times when I have felt like I can’t find that motivation anywhere.

Therefore, for this Motivational Music Monday I decided to choose a song that has been personally helping me slowly get motivated again and understand my own feelings and emotions.  The song I chose is called, “In Bloom,” by a pop punk band called, Neck Deep.

“In Bloom,” is off of Neck Deep’s latest album, The Peace and The Panic and has been remarked by the band as, one of the best songs they have ever written.  Personally, I can’t help but agree. “In Bloom.” really took the band to a whole new level and once I dug deeper into this song, it was hard to not be completely obsessed with it.  Not only is it catchy, but it has a lot of meaning behind it, which is not only relatable, but motivational in the way the message is executed by the band’s performance of the song.

Basically, the song talks about a relationship that is impossible to fix.  Lead vocalist, Ben Barlow, compares this relationship to a plant that is unable to bloom.  The inability to bloom, symbolizes how the relationship will never be able to thrive.

Personally, I really think this song can speak towards any kind of relationship whether it be romantic, friend, or family related.  Everyone has been in those relationships that are unable to thrive for many reasons. For me, when I listen to this song I think about internal struggles a person might face in any of these relationships and how nothing can thrive, unless you deal with those struggles at hand.  If you don’t, how are you supposed to bloom as a person yourself, let alone a relationship? Sometimes it takes some fixing yourself, to be able to bloom as your own person in order to thrive in a relationship and I think that is something everyone goes through at some point in their life.  

Maybe this Motivational Music Monday oughta be called, Mindful Music Monday.  The point is, “In Bloom” by Neck Deep, is this week’s Motivational Music Monday song because that is just it.  It is about facing both internal and external struggles and realizing it is okay if things don’t always work out, that is how life works.  Not everything is meant to work out. But things WILL and DO get better. You will get there.

 

Until the next Motivational Music Monday.

Life starts with music.

-Kelli ♫

 

All rights to the images, lyrics of the song, and audio used belong to Neck Deep and the original producers of the material.  

Echoheart Interview.

Recently, I was really excited to have the chance to interview, Marina Heath and Jacob Ommaya, from Echoheart, a rock band from Rockville, Maryland.  The band has been making huge waves since the debut of their latest rock-powerhouse single, “Canade,” and the release of their new EP on March 3, 2018 titled, The Way We Were Made.  If you haven’t already, YOU NEED to check out The Way We Were Made and get ready to be impressed. It is safe to say this band is well on their way to new heights in the local music scene and beyond, as they are certainly a force to be reckoned with.  With that all being said, here is my interview with, Echoheart!

1.)  First things first, I just wanted to personally say congratulations to you guys on your new EP, The Way We Were Made!  It sounds absolutely incredible.  Personally, I really loved it. How has the response been to it so far?

Thank you so much!! The response has been overwhelming. We’ve been a band for over two years now and it feels like we’ve finally hit a point where we’ve pinpointed our style and who we are as a band and people are really responding to it! We’ve been doing this for a couple of years now so all of our fans that have been following us since we started and had no idea what we were doing are particularly stoked about the project. We’re just glad we could make them proud.

2.) Where did you guys record the EP and who did you record with?  What was that process like?

We recorded it with our friends Nick Sloane and Aaron Sorge from the VA based band Better Homes. Nick reached out to us shortly after we released our last single and the rest is history. It was a lot of home recording but it came out fabulously. Working with people that were equally passionate about the record was a totally new experience for us and we’re really glad with the way it all worked out. It was super fun and experimental!

3.) While you guys were in the studio, did you have any moments where you all fell in love with a song you were recording immediately?

Recording “Canade” and playing with the guitar tones. When we heard the way that bridge exploded we all got really excited. And piling gang vocals at the end of “Feel Better” was amazing!!

4.) Were there any major music influences behind the sound of this EP?  If so, who?

Marina: My Chemical Romance and 2009 era Paramore! The big rock sound with powerful vocals was something we all knew we wanted from the beginning.

Jacob: Some of the guitar tones are in the style of queens of the stone age with all of the fuzz and such.

5.) One of my personal favorites off of, The Way We Were Made, was definitely the track that opened the whole EP, “Canade.”  I also just recently watched the music video for it and that looked amazing too!  Why did you guys chose to do a music for that song? What made you all pick it as your lead single off of this EP?

Marina: I think we were leaning towards using “Feel Better” first because it’s just so catchy. “Canade” was the first song we wrote for the record and we actually played it on tour all last year. It was a really simple and straightforward rock song. But as we watched the song grow, we realized it became much more than we thought it would and it was just the obvious choice.

6.) If you could make another music video for another song off of, The Way We Were Made, which song would you pick?

Marina: Probably, “Feel Better” because it’s just such a bop. Or maybe “The Fade” because it represents the project so well.

Jacob: Probably “Feel Better” or “The Fade” because I feel like it would be cool to do a more low key video.

7.) What would you guys say, is the most meaningful song off of your new EP?  Why?

Marina: I’d say “The Fade.” It was the first song that I started and brought to the band and it literally took a year to finish writing. The concept of “The Fade” is kind of what I based the entire record around, and that’s why we decided to name the EP after a line from it.

Jacob: “The Fade” because it’s the title track, but for me personally, “Feel Better” because the lyrics mean a lot to me.

8.) So now that the EP is released, what is the next step?

TOUR TOUR TOUR! We are so excited to play as many shows as we possibly can!! We finally have a record out that we’ve busted our backs to release and we’re beyond excited to perform it.

9.) What are some of Echoheart’s goals for 2018?

We generally want to play as many shows as possible and meet as many fans in person as we can. Later this year we’ll probably get back to writing and we hope for our next project to be a full length album.

10.) Would guys like to make any shoutouts to any other local bands in the scene right now who have supported you guys?

Obviously, Better Homes. We couldn’t have done this without Nick and Aaron and we’re so glad that we were able to work with them. It’s impossible to list every band we’re thankful for, but really any band that’s played a show with us has brought us a step closer to finishing this record. The other bands at our shows inspire us constantly.

11.) Where can everyone find, The Way We Were Made?

It’s available now everywhere! iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Bandcamp, Google Play, Amazon and our website: echoheartmusic.com

Come out to a show and get a hard copy of the record from us!

Also, be sure to hit Echoheart up with a “like” or “follow” on their Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages!

 

FINAL WARPED TOUR LINEUP. I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying.

On July 13, 2012, I attended my first Warped Tour EVER.  I remember only being 15 years old and I could not comprehend how all of my FAVORITE bands were going to be playing in the same place.  That year Mayday Parade, All Time Low, Yellowcard, We Are the In Crowd, We the Kings, Of Mice & Men, and many more were playing… Those were just the highlights.  At that age, I probably could have fainted out of excitement that that many of my favorite bands were playing in the SAME place. It was crazy and incomprehensible, until I the day actually came where I would get to attend and experience the experience of a lifetime.  At least that was how I felt about it at 15. However, I would continue to to attend the Warped Tour for the next 6 years and now, I can’t believe it is all coming to an end…

On March 1, 2018, the LAST Warped Tour Lineup EVER was announced.  Many waited for this announcement with great anticipation since November 2017, when creator of Warped Tour, Kevin Lyman, announced 2018 would be the last full cross-country run of Warped Tour.  Many were left heartbroken about the news, of course, I was one of those people. Anyways, like I was saying, on March 1, 2018, the LAST Warped Tour Lineup EVER was announced and personally, for me, I think it is all could have ever asked out a a final Warped Tour run across the United States.  

Although many seemed very disappointed in the lineup, I couldn’t help but feel the same rush of excitement I felt when I was 15 once the final lineup was announced.  Again, ALL of my favorite bands are about to play in the same place, once last time. It just feel completely surreal to me. So in honor of the announcement of the LAST Warped Tour lineup EVER, here is the run down of my personal favorites playing, others I also love, and some of the bands I am really interested in watching this year:

My Personal Favorites:

1.)The Maine

Sorry not sorry, but The Maine will always be my all-time favorite band.  Honestly, I could have guessed they would be playing Warped Tour’s final run because it just automatically seemed like something they would do, but now that I know this for sure, I couldn’t be more excited.  The last time they played Warped Tour was back in 2016 when they had just recently released their album, American Candy.  They were actually the first band of the day I got to see and there couldn’t have been a more perfect start to my day.

2.)  Mayday Parade

Right next to The Maine, Mayday Parade has always been my second all-time favorite band.  It was also almost another easy assumption that they would be playing Warped Tour’s final run because their career got its kick-start BECAUSE OF Warped Tour.  Back when Mayday Parade was trying to expand their following, they followed the whole entire tour from start to finish. Ironically enough, their hard work paid off and the following year they managed to get a spot on the tour.

3.)  State Champs

I still consider them newer to the pop punk scene, but State Champs easily made their way to my top three favorite bands list the second I heard them for the first time.  Since they formed in 2010, State Champs has moved up the ladder of popularity immensely and they have released two full albums, The Finer Things and Around the World and Back.  I think it is safe to say, they will be promoting a new album on the last Warped Tour run.  At least I am anticipating a new single coming our way very soon.

Others I Love:

1.) We the Kings

I have always loved We the Kings.  Of course, most people know them for their hit, “Check Yes, Juliet.”  Don’t get me wrong, I love that song too, but I also love the rest of their discography.  They have done a lot of experimentation over the years with their music, but it is definitely experimentation that has grown to be wildly successful, especially with their newer hit single, “Sad Song.”  We the Kings is also always a lot of fun to see live and I could never pass up on the opportunity to see them at the last Warped Tour ever.

2.) Simple Plan

 

Were you ever really a true pop punk fan, if you never liked Simple Plan? The answer is, probably not.  I feel like Warped Tour is one of Simple Plan’s stomping grounds. I only have seen them one other time at a venue in Philly, but I would love to see them in a Warped Tour setting.

 3.) Tonight Alive

Ever since I saw Tonight Alive at the House of Independents in Asbury Park last month, my love for them has been reinstalled.  I had the pleasure of seeing them at two past Warped Tour, but seeing them at this last one is an absolute MUST. I remember seeing them for the first time ever at Warped Tour in 2013 and it is crazy to think about how much their music has blown up since then.

Bands I Am Interested In Seeing:

1.) This Wild Life

I only have ever seen This Wild Life once previously when they went on tour with Mayday Parade a couple of years ago.  However, I just recently connected to them and their music. I am really hoping to catch their set this year at the final Warped Tour, maybe even cry a little if they play, “History,” which is my current favorite song by them.  If you haven’t, I highly recommend checking out this acoustic duo because they are sure to be unlike anyone else playing Warped Tour this year.

2.) With Confidence

With Confidence is a pop punk band on the rise from Australia.  I’ve listened to their music countless times, but I never had the chance to see them live just yet.  They are currently most popular for their song, “Voldemart,” off their debut album, Better Weather.  My current favorite jam by them is their song, “Archers,” which is off of the same album as, “Voldemart.”  I know they are definitely a band everyone should keep their eyes on and I won’t be surprised if their crowds at Warped Tour this year are overflowing with people.

3.) As It Is

As It Is is a rock band from the UK, who has also been on the rise for some time now.  They released their debut album, Never Happy, Ever After, back in 2016 and they had just recently released their sophomore album, okay, in 2017.  With hit songs like, “Dial Tones,” and, “Hey Rachel,” it is no surprise people across the world are falling more and more in love with As It Is, making them another band I need to see at Warped Tour this year.

 

 

 

View the full Final Warped Tour 2018 Lineup Here:

 

 

Drive, Kid: ‘Picturesque’ EP Review

Where do I begin?  Well, I have known Drive, Kid practically since they started out as a band last year as freshman at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey.  They had auditioned for Blue Hawk Records semesterly compilation, the student-run record label I am currently Vice President of, and I immediately fell in love with their pop-punk flair.  Maybe I am just a sucker for pop-punk, but I really like what I heard as members, Mark Rodriguez and Nick Manduley, played, “This May Be a Map,” on two acoustic guitars. They released their first self-titled EP, back in the October of 2016 and now they are back with their brand EP titled, Picturesque, due out Friday, March 9th.  Lucky for me, Drive, Kid gave me an exclusive first listen of the EP before its release and I am excited to share my thoughts on it:

The first song off, Picturesque, which is titled, “Cheese,” is only a total of  55 seconds long. My immediate first thoughts were, “That bass!” which was then followed by, “That feedback!”  But the energy behind each of those 55 seconds, makes for a perfect introduction into the four song EP that will keep you enticed enough to listen to more.  Not only is there a lot of energy behind this track, but the concept is quite hilarious as Mark and Nick sing about a place I think all of us have been familiar with at some point… Chucke Cheese.  Personally for me, it does not get more pop punk than this song right here.

On a more serious note, “Cheese,” is followed by a the track, “Map,” which happens to be the first song I ever heard by Drive, Kid last year and it just went through a little name adjustment.  Not only is the main guitar riff incredibly catchy, but the movement between that lead guitar riff and the drums is difficult to not get stuck in your head. Definitely a song that stays true to pop punk roots.  However, one of my favorite things about, “Map,” is the lyrics and the concept behind it. The song talks about going off to college for the first time and how scary it can be, leaving your old life behind. However, no matter how scary it might seem at first, eventually you get used to it.  College and the experiences you have while you are there, become something you learn to love. I think that is something every college student goes through and I love how relatable it is.

The third track off the EP is a song titled, “Still Sunshine.”  This song happens to be the one unreleased full band song that did not have an acoustic version on their self-titled EP.  However, it definitely stands out on, Picturesque.  Something I can really appreciate about the track, is the layout of it.  I specifically am a huge fan of the drums in this song and where they lay throughout the track.  They really are the driving force behind this one and they really compliment everything that is going on in the track.  I also was a big fan of the two different vocal parts going on in the bridge and everything that happens after Mark’s belt, plus that guitar solo.  That moment was complete magic on this EP and it is really something to be recognized.

Concluding, Picturesque, is the song, “Glass,” which is definitely the emotional powerhouse of the whole entire EP.  I think it is safe to say this song was my personal favorite out of all four tracks and it was re-imagined so perfectly in a band setting.  I feel like, “Glass,” is a song I imagine listening to while sitting outside in the dark underneath the stars. The emotion behind all of it can be piercing, instrumentally and vocally, which is why I can really appreciate this track and I think anyone could because of that matter.  Everything works really well with each other in this track and there is no better end to Drive, Kid’s EP, Picturesque.

With all of that being said, Picturesque, again comes out on Friday, March 9th and will be available on iTunes, Apple Music, Bandcamp, Amazon Music, Spotify, and Youtube!  Please go support and show some love to Drive, Kid and give their new EP a listen!

Motivational Music Monday: “Hard Times” by Paramore

 

“(Hard times) Gonna make you wonder why you even try

(Hard times) Gonna take you down and laugh when you cry

(These lives) And I still don’t know how I even survive

(Hard times)

(Hard times)”

Ever since I was in the fifth grade, Paramore has always had a special place in my heart.  I still remember when I heard, “Crushcrushcrush,” for the first time at an old friend of mine’s pool party.  She handed everyone out CDs as party favors and that song was on it and YOU BET, I played that on repeat in my parents’ car for months. I WAS OBSESSED.  However, that song was released back in 2007 and now fast forward 11 years and they are not the Paramore I grew up with, but a new and grown-up Paramore, of course I am still a fan.

I am not gonna lie, when I heard their first single off of their newest album, After Laughter (2017), it took a few listens to adjust to their new, synthy-80s-but-fun and catchy sound.  But of course like with anything Paramore releases, I wound up falling in love, “Hard Times.”  In fact, I wound up finding a lot of motivation listening to, “Hard Times,” which is why it is this week’s Motivation Music Monday song.  

For me, one of the reasons why this song is so motivational, is because quite literally, everybody goes through these, “Hard Times.”  Everytime you are experiencing something difficult, those experiences actually make you wonder why you try sometimes.  I know personally, I am always left wondering how I get through some of the things life throws at me and I don’t know how I manage to survive.  The first verse of this song always hit home for me:

All that I want

Is to wake up fine

Tell me that I’m alright

That I ain’t gonna die

All that I want

Is a hole in the ground

You can tell me when it’s alright

For me to come out

As imperfect people with imperfect lives, I think we have each experienced a morning or maybe even multiple mornings, when all we wanted was for things to be okay the minute we wake up and start our days.  Although you might want to bury yourself into a hole in the ground because you would rather hide from your troubles than face them, they are a part of life.  You can try to run from life, but when it hits you, it hits you real hard.  I think that is something everyone experiences and Paramore’s, “Hard Times,” reassures us that no single person is alone in experiencing the neverending plot twists life throws at us.  Everyone goes through things, you just have to do your best.  That is why, “Hard Times,” is this week’s Motivational Music Monday song. 

 

All rights to the images, lyrics of the song, and audio used belonged to Paramore and the original producers of the material. 

The Carousers Interview.

 

I am really excited to be able to share with you guys a recent interview I had with two members, Joey Affatato (vocalist/lead guitarist) and Cassidy Crosby (backing vocals/bassist) of the West Long Branch local punk band, The Carousers.  Since the release of their debut self-titled EP back in October, The Carousers have been taking the local scene by storm, playing shows nearly every week at venues like The Wonder Bar in Asbury Park to The Millhill Basement in Trenton, New Jersey.  It is safe to say they are one of the most hard working bands around.  With that being said, here is my interview with The Carousers!

1.)  Let’s jump right into it!  Back in October you guys released your debut self-titled EP, how has the response been to it so far?

Cassidy: The response has been great! People are really seeming to dig it, and we’ve had some great reviews and write-ups of it online!

2.)  What was the recording process like for you guys for this specific EP? What studio did you guys go to?

Cassidy:  I think we all collectively enjoyed the recording process. We recorded our record at SRG Studios in Hamilton NJ with Sean Glonek.  Since we had done several waves of demoing on our own, we were able to knock out the recording in 3 days. Each track has the basic drums, bass, vocals, and several electric guitar tracks, however we had some time to add some keyboards, acoustic guitars, percussion, and other auxiliary instruments, which we think really added to the songs.

3.)  I feel like whenever a band goes into a studio, there is always that one song you guys record and everyone in the room falls in love with it immediately.  Did you guys have one of those songs?  

Cassidy: Our song “Cracked Pot” was definitely a collective favorite during the recording process.  It has a different feel than the rest of our songs, making it the most low-key track on the album. However I think this diversity adds to the EP as a whole, and it was just such a fun song to record.

Joey:  Yeah, I definitely knew “Cracked Pot” was going to be really solid after we tracked it.  Cass did some great harmonies on that one – we always get compliments on how well our voices blended on that.  I was a big fan of “Another World” too, probably because it’s a band favorite.  I really think they all came out great though and shine through in their own ways!

4.)  It is really exciting to see how active you guys are in the local scene right now and it seems like you have shows every week, or so.  What is the band’s favorite venue to play? Why?

Joey:  I really like The Saint a lot in Asbury.  The sound has been good every time we play there and a bunch of people are always out.  Millhill Basement is a fun spot too – cheap beer is a plus!!

Cassidy: House Of Independents in Asbury Park is an awesome place to play too, we’ve played there a couple times and the stage and room are great.

5.)  Now that we know The Carousers favorite venue to play, can you all agree on your favorite original song to play live?

Joey:  Probably “She’s The Devil” for me.  Especially if we’re playing a house show, I’d say that one is our biggest jam.   It’s really cool to see our Monmouth friends singing along!

Cassidy: I agree with Joey, “She’s The Devil” is always a banger at house shows. I think “Another World” is also super fun to play live, because its punchier and different than our other tunes.

6.)  Any hilarious, unexpected, and/or, memorable show moments you can guys can recall?

Joey:  Hahah…  I remember one time we played Roxy and Dukes.  I think it was our first time and I broke a string…  I remember I had to switch over guitars and Cass had the stage to talk for a few minutes.  She was really uncomfortable and still hates me for it, but I thought it was pretty funny.

Cassidy: Joey never broke guitar strings until this winter, and now it happens all the time.  He once broke strings on both of his guitars in one set. Our friend Vito had to get his other guitar from the car while we played, and one song in he broke a string on that.  Andy and I were just laughing the whole time.

Joey:  Anthony Vito is not only a great photographer,  but a great friend, especially in my time of need!  If you’re reading this, thanks again bud!!

7.)  The last EVER Warped Tour lineup is getting announced soon.  Any bands you all would like to see play it?

Cassidy: Personally, I’d love to see Blink-182, Offspring, Sum 41, Jimmy Eat World , some old school pop punk.  Or OG punk bands like The Descendents or Pennywise, that would be rad.

Joey:  I’ve never been to Warped, but if any one of those bands played, I’d get tickets immediately.

8.). If you guys had to change your band name, what would your new band name be, and why would you choose that name?

Cassidy: Beef.

Joey:  I second that.  Haha.

9.)  I heard you guys know the Devil man. Can you confirm?

Joey:  I’d run while you still can!!!!

10.). Are there any other local bands you guys would like to give a shout out to?

Joey:  Definitely dudes in CK5 and The Vansaders.  Both are bands we’ve had a lot of fun playing with and are just great bands in general.   Would love to get more gigs with Jean Pool too – just saw they got a cool new shirt I need to snag!

11.)  What are some of The Carousers’ goals for 2018?

Joey:  I’d really like for us to play Starland Ballroom.  Open up for a bigger band like The Menzingers or Bouncing Souls.  That’d be a dream come true.

Cassidy: I agree with Joey! I’d also like to start branching out and tour outside of New Jersey.

Joey:  Touring is a definite too.  We’re in the talks of doing a few weekenders, so keep an eye out!

12.)  Where can everyone find your music?

Cassidy: We’re on all music platforms! Spotify, Itunes, Apple Music, YouTube, BandCamp, SoundCloud, Amazon, you name it!

 

 

I Do Not Own The Photos Used.  All Rights Belong to the Original Photographers, Liam Frank and Anthony Vito Cosentino.

5 Songs Why Lights is One of the MOST Underrated Artists.

Anyone who is a part of the Lights fanbase aka, “The Lights Army,” could easily tell you she is queen.  Not only a queen of music, but she has also conquered the world of comic books with her, Skin & Earth comic book series, which coincides with her newest album also titled, Skin & Earth.  If I am going to be real here, Lights has more talent in a single pinky than most.  However, she still remains in my opinion, one of the most underrated artists I know.  This past Sunday, February 26th, I was lucky enough to see her in Philly at the Theatre of the Living Arts for her, We Were Here Tour.  It was my first time ever seeing her headline a show, so naturally I was really excited because I am a big fan of her myself.  However, it was when the acoustic portion of her set began, I started thinking to myself, “Wow, Lights is really one of the most underrated artists I think I have ever been a fan of, if not THE MOST underrated.”  It wasn’t just the emotion in her voice, but the genuity in her lyrics.  She had everyone in the room at the palm of her hand and even I could feel it.

With that being said, here are “5 Songs Why Lights is One of the Most Underrated Artists”:

1.) “Drive My Soul”

“When you’re gone

Will I lose control?

You’re the only road I know

You show me where to go

Who will drive my soul?”

So, “Drive My Soul,” was actually one of the songs she performed during the acoustic portion of the show I got to see in Philly this past Sunday.  Somebody held up a sign, requesting she play it acoustically and being the angel she is, she did not let that fan down.  I am so happy she played it.  The song is originally off of her first album, The Listening (2009), and  I think this might actually be my favorite song by her now.  Her performance and the song itself really spoke to me.  Personally, there are so many stories to be told throughout the many experiences a person will have during the life of a car they own.  This song is specifically unique because she uses driving as a metaphor to symbolize a part of life, you cannot live without.  It does not necessarily have to be a boyfriend or girlfriend, the song speaks to any element you want it too.  Everyone has that someone, or something they cannot live without.  Everyone’s someone, or something is different and this song is relatable enough to speak to any of those aspects, which makes it so special and a song that should be more well-known.

 

   2.)  “In The Dark I See”

“It’s you who brings the morning

And you who takes the sun when I sleep

You’re the only who stuck around

For me when I was losing

Faith in what I thought I would be

You’re the only one in the dark I see”

“In The Dark I See,” is not actually featured on any of Lights’ albums, but 100% should have been.  The song was recorded and released through an iTunes Session back in 2013 and it is easily, one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard.  This song can definitely take you into a another world and it also shows a different side of Lights.  I feel like there is a lot of vulnerability in this song and I can’t help but feel vulnerable everytime I listen to it myself.  Throughout life, you find these people, or maybe just a person who helps you see the light even during your darkest moments.  Sometimes it feels like those people are the only thing you can see during those times and this song truly does that concept justice.  That is another concept just about anyone can relate to and this song is guaranteed to make anyone have the feels.  

 

     3.)  “Muscle Memory”

“When I am alone, I see you in the dark

I talk into the empty like you were with me

Started on a cold night, felt you in the low light

Noticing a reflex taking over me

I see you and I reach, muscle memory

I feel you endlessly, muscle memory”

Out of all of Lights’ song, I always felt like, “Muscle Memory,” was one of her best and most beautifully written songs to this day.  The concept she writes about in this song is so unique and definitely deserves more attention than it has ever gotten.  For those who don’t know, the term, “muscle memory,” refers to the ability to reproduce a movement without any conscious thought.  Usually this happens because when you are used to moving in a certain way frequently.  In this particular song, Lights talks about being so used to someone’s presence, you still see and feel them even when they are not there.  One of the other lyrics in this song is:

“When I’m playin’ games

When I’m drinkin’ wine

And I see your glass

Sittin’ next to mine”

I feel like that lyric makes this song really personal and it just makes the concept more clear.  You miss somebody so much, even their objects are present in your eyes, even if they are not physically there.  

 

  4.)  “Follow You Down”

“So just call me, you know I will be waiting

For you as you walk towards that redemption sound

You know I’ll be the stillness when you’re shaking

And when you fall overboard, I’ll follow you down”

I actually heard, “Follow You Down,” for the first time ever when I saw Lights in Philly this past Sunday.  This was another song she played during her acoustic set and she explained how she had written it for a film, but the film fell through so she kept the song for herself and it is on her album, Midnight Machines.  After hearing it for the first time and overlooking the song myself previously, it made me realize how overlooked it probably has been by people this whole time.  Truth is, this song is another beautiful and relatable Lights’ masterpiece.  In the past, Lights has also has said this song was her favorite off the record and listening to it definitely shows because it is executed in such a raw, emotional way it can really resonate with someone, like it did with me.  I think this is a song about being there for someone through their darkest times.  It doesn’t necessarily have to be in the love kind of way and it applies to any relationship.  That concept of staying with some someone through anything is really powerful, making this one of the most powerful Lights’ songs out there.

 

   5.)  “Timing is Everything”

“There I was, none the wiser

Both of us, different trajectories

Who’d have thought we’d be right here in this spot

Timing is everything”

“Timing is Everything,” is off Lights’ album, Siberia (2013).  For me, this has always been one of my favorite songs of hers because of the concept behind it, being that fate plays a huge part in our lives.  Whether it be fate playing a part in our love lives or our friendships, it has affected us in the people we meet and everything we are meant to do.  Sometimes it takes being in the right place at the right time.  Suppose if one thing changed the path of someone you love currently are in love with, you might not have had the chance to fall in love with them.  Personally, I am a believer in fate and everything happening for a reason.  Like in Lights’ song, “Timing is Everything,” and another concept everyone can relate to.

 

 

All rights to media used in this blog are reserved to the original producers. I do not take credit for any images, or recordings used in the write up of this blog. 

Shows Give Me Life.

This past weekend was WILD.  I had the honor of going to THREE different shows, at THREE different venues and I don’t think I have ever felt happier in the presence of such incredible music and talent.  Each night I could feel the passion ignite inside my heart, serving as an instant reminder of how much I LOVE music.

Let’s first talk about NIGHT ONE.  On Saturday, February 17, 2018, I had the honor of seeing the band PVRIS on their North American Tour at Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey.  Despite driving through a snowstorm to get there, I knew it was going to be a great night when the indie-pop band, Cherry Pools, opened up the show with one of the best performances I have seen from an opening band in a long time.  My friend and I were absolutely blown away by their performance.  Not only was their stage aesthetic pleasing, but their sound was unlike anything I have ever heard before. The singer, Martin Broda, had a voice that took me into another universe and my friend and I agreed that if, The 1975 and Chase Atlantic, had a baby it would be Cherry Pools.  Therefore, do yourself a favor and AT LEAST go listen to their latest single, “Are You In Love?” I promise you will have no regrets.  After Cherry Pools, Detroit pop artist, Flint Eastwood, took the stage and commanded the crowd unlike any other female vocalist I have ever seen before.  I had seen her previous with PVRIS before a few months ago on PVRIS’ last headlining tour, but her growth is substantial as she thrives off of the crowd and delivers powerful performances of songs like, “Monster” and “Glitches.”

Last but certainly NOT LEAST, PVRIS came on stage and immediately took the room by storm as they opened with, “Heaven,” their lead single off of their 2017 album, All We Know Of Heaven.  From the first stroke of the piano of, “Heaven,” to the final beat of the drums in, “No Mercy,” which ended the set, I was immersed in everything this band and show had to offer.  I had always been a fan of PVRIS’ unique attention to aesthetic as a band, but their particular stage set up this time around made me feel like I wasn’t even at a Starland Ballroom show (which was an amazing experience).  I felt like I was transported to their own world and that is something I never felt at a show before, especially at a venue I have been going to since I was in middle school.  I was especially engaged in the frontwoman, Lynn Gunn, and her angelic, yet some kind of mix of angelic and gruff badass, voice.  I had chills throughout each song, but one that stood out to me particularly that night was their stripped down piano version of, “Same Soul.”  It was so beautiful, I really think there were tears in the eyes of many besides myself in that room during that song.  Overall, amazing show, definitely the best I have seen from them so far.  One for the books for sure and a new personal favorite.

 

Now NIGHT TWO.  On Sunday, February 18, 2018 I was given the opportunity by my newly acquired internship at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, to assist at Of Mice & Men’s Defy Tour show.  First of all, I just need to start by saying that it has been a LONG TIME since I listened to Of Mice & Men, but I figured this would be a good first show to help out at since I was practically obsessed with them back in my middle and early high school years.  Also, I knew Blessthefall was their direct support and I always wanted to see them live, but never got the chance, so it is fair to say I seized the opportunity and it was GREAT.  I am really happy I got to be a part of that show, even if it was just handing out flyers before and after the performance.  

It is safe to say I was very impressed by Blessthefall’s performance and I am also extremely glad I finally got to see them because they were fantastic.  Leader singer, Beau Bokan’s, command of the crowd and stage reeled me in from the start.  However, I think my favorite part of their set was when Beau got a young kid to crowd surf to him to give him a high-five and demanded the crowd bring the kid back to his father… AND IT HAPPENED.  Definitely one of the most unforgettable moments for not only me, but especially for the kid.  If he is not taking over the music world in the next 15 years with his future rock band, I will personally feel disappointed.  

As for Of Mice & Men, I felt like I was in middle school all over again and it was fantastic. Right before the show I tried to prepare myself by listening to their new album, Defy, which they wound up playing a lot of songs off of.  Now when I say WOW, I mean WOW.  They were unbelievable.  From the instruments, straight to the vocals, everything was so clean cut and I immediately felt invested in their performance as they opened the show with the title track off their new album, “Defy.”  I honestly loved them even more live, than on their records this time around.  As a vocalist myself, of course one of the first things I listen to (or most people listen to) at a live show are the vocals and I was floored by Aaron Pauley’s voice live.  It sounded SO good.  I could feel every note he hit pierce my soul and he was honestly so on point.  It was really unbelievable and impressive, of course I didn’t expect anything less, but they exceeded my old middle and high school expectations.  Another thing I noticed was how the crowd changed for them.  Back when I listened to them more, the age demographic was definitely around 15 to 26… MAYBE 30.  It seems like now even people in their 50s are rocking out to their music and that made me genuinely really happy.  That just proved to me that music is so universal and it was cool to see they had sparked another crowd’s interest over the years, besides the one that grew up with them.

 

Last, NIGHT THREE.  On Monday, February 19, 2018, I bought tickets the night before to see the co-headlining Get Free Tour which featured, Silverstein and Tonight Alive at the House of Independents in Asbury Park.  The two openers for this show were two New Jersey natives, Picturesque and Broadside.  Unfortunately because of class, I actually missed Picturesque, but luckily I made it right in the middle of Broadside’s set.  Funny enough, for some reason I did not realize I knew Broadside until the very end of their set when they played a song called, “Coffee Talk.”  When they announced to the crowd that was the song they were going to be closing with, I actually turned to my friend in laughter and was like, “I like coffee, I will probably like this song!”  Little did I realize that song had been on one of my playlists for weeks on repeat, so I instantly flipped out when I finally put the two together.  It was really fun to sing along to and I really enjoyed the part of Broadside’s set I was there to see.  I definitely plan on listening to all of their albums now sometime this week because they were so tight and fun to be in the presence of.

Right after Broadside, Silverstein took the stage and the crowd went WILD.  I think just about everyone in the crowd had to be Silverstein fan because I never heard the crowd roar so loud at the House of Independents.  My friends and I were near the front and right next to us, a huge mosh pit broke out as soon as the music started.  I never had actually seen Silverstein live before, so I was excited for the experience and let me tell you, I LOVED every second of it and would 100% do it again if they come back around again.  The band is widely known for their songs, “My Heroine,” and, “Smile In Your Sleep,” which of course I love too, but I was really happy they performed a few of my favorites off of their newest album, Dead Reflection.  Two of my personal favorites of the night were definitely two songs from that album called, “Retrograde,” and, “Afterglow.”  The band’s overall performance and stage presence was insanely immersive and even if you didn’t know all of the words to every song, you wanted to be part of it and the Silverstein experience.  They were a complete 10/10 and again, I would love to see them when they come back to New Jersey again one day.  

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Finally, the last band I saw over the past three days was a band I had watched ever since their second EP, Consider This, dropped in the United States.  Now they are currently on their fourth studio album, Underworld, which was recently released on January 12, 2018.  This band is called, Tonight Alive.  I had seen them quite a few times before, but never in a headline setting.  They were always great, but they never shined as bright as they did to me that night at the House of Independents.  The lead singer, Jenna McDougall, was always a role model frontwoman to me, she really touched my heart in so many ways that night and made me happy to be a woman in music.  She commanded the stage unlike any other frontwoman I have ever seen.  In fact, she moved and danced around so much, I started wondering to myself how anyone in the world had that much stamina to sing as flawlessly as she did and move around THAT much.  I was also thrilled they played a balanced amount of new and old songs, especially since I was a super fan of all of their older material like, “The Edge,” and, “Hell and Back.”  The experience felt so personal, as I basically had Jenna McDougall singing near my face and I felt like the crowd and myself were in tune with everything she had to say in her lyrics, and the words she spoke between songs.  Personally, I definitely felt the most captivated during their special broken-down acoustic performance of, “Oxygen.”  I could feel my heart well up inside and overall, seeing Tonight Alive was just such a refreshing and inspiring experience.  If I could, I would relive that night to feel the positivity and energy throughout the room that night all over again.  I can’t wait until Tonight Alive comes back to New Jersey again, hell, I will travel beyond if I have to.  Seeing both, Jenna McDougall and Lynn Gunn, this weekend really brought me back down to Earth as an aspiring woman in the music industry.  These two women are two of my heroes.  

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If you are ever given the opportunity to see any of these bands live, DO IT. I promise you won’t regret it, or even if you just go give them each a listen.  The experience is worth it.  Shows give me life.  It was a weekend of incredible music and talent and I really can’t wait to continue going to shows throughout the rest of 2018.  There is MORE to come.  

It all starts with music.  

–Kelli ♫

 

Special thank you to Anthony Vito Cosentino Photography for letting me use his photos of Silverstein and Tonight Alive, as well as Natalie Merlo for the “No Mercy” PVRIS snippet.

Motivational Music Monday: “One Foot” by Walk the Moon.

“Cross my heart

And hope to die

Taking this one step at a time

I got your back if you got mine

One foot in front of the other

All that we have is each other

One foot in front of the other”

Walk the Moon has always been known for their uplifting, feel good music.  However, their lead single, “One Foot,” off of their 2017 album, What If Nothing, takes motivation to a whole new level.  Personally, I have been a long time fan of the band since a friend of mine showed me their song, “Shiver, Shiver,” which was off of their 2012 self-titled album.  I remember being immediately drawn in by the catchy-ness of the song right from the get-go, as lead singer Nicholas Petricca sang, “You grip your hands around my throat and you strip the buttons off my coat…”  which led directly into probably one of the catchiest choruses I have ever heard.  Watching this band evolve since then has really been a ride and I can’t help but fall more and more in love with them as they continue to dominate the alternative world.

When I heard “One Foot” for the first time, I remember being taken back by it because it was definitely different from all of their previous releases.  Then as I continued to play it on repeat, the more empowering and meaningful the song became to me.  I started listening to it when I needed a pick-me-up, or just the simple encouragement to keep going.  To me, this song is about getting to wake up each day with the decision to keep going, or give up.  You never really know what today, or tomorrow is going to bring, but for some reason, even with that uncertainty we move forward anyway.  The uncertainty is the best part.  Uncertainty is the journey.  It is our motivation and with that motivation, we make that choice to persevere with, “one foot in front of the other.”

 

Nicole Govel Interview.

Recently out and about in the local music scene, I was really happy I got to interview the upcoming alternative rock singer-songwriter, Nicole Govel from Marlboro, New Jersey.  Back in November 2017, Nicole Govel released her debut EP titled, Happy Hour and celebrated its release with a SOLD OUT show at The Saint in Asbury Park.  Happy Hour is definitely not an EP you want to miss out on. My advice to you… GO LISTEN IMMEDIATELY.  Nicole’s jazz and alternative rock twist in her singer-songwriter style music, is unlike anything I have ever heard before.  With tracks like, “Reckless,” she has you hooked with a Strokes kind of vibe, to her final track, “Last Call,” where her jazzy-hook will have the chorus stuck in your head for days.  Here are some things she had to say about her involvement in music from a young age, Happy Hour, and future releases!

1.) What got you into music and made you want to become a musician?

My mom sings and my dad plays guitar so music has always been a huge part of my life and becoming a musician was the inevitable next step. I’ve been singing since I was ten years old and my parents, as well as all of the musicians I’ve met at school, have encouraged me to pursue my dream.

2.) Who would you say are some of your musical influences?

Major songwriters like Billy Joel, Elton John, and Freddie Mercury inspire me with their songs that practically paint pictures. I also love the edginess of the Strokes and The Killers and try and keep that in mind when I write. Right now, Billie Eilish is the artist I look up to most because she’s young, bold, and takes risks. 

3.) Can you give me a little more insight to your debut EP, Happy Hour? What was the recording process for it like?

 

My friend was opening up a studio and told me to write songs to make an EP and so that’s exactly what I did. Two of the songs were written in the middle of the night and I made voice memos on my phone to remember them, one was written in the shower, and another was written on a whim in the studio. I only play piano so I only write songs with piano in mind and when the musicians who recorded on my album came into my studio, it was magic. They captured the exact sound I wanted even though I couldn’t necessarily verbalize it.

4.) What was the first song you wrote for Happy Hour and what was the inspiration behind it?

 

“Reckless” was the first song I wrote for Happy Hour. Bad “break-up” I guess you would say.

5.) I was really happy to make it out to your Happy Hour EP Release Show at The Saint in Asbury Park.  I heard that it SOLD OUT.  What was hearing that news like for you?

 

I’m so happy you made it to the show! It was definitely the highlight of my life so far. Hearing the show was sold out was the most surreal experience. I couldn’t believe that all of those people were there to see me, considering I didn’t even think I would sell twenty tickets. It was incredibly humbling.

6.) Now for some fun questions.  Imagine you’re watching a concert and one of the band members spontaneously combusts. You get called to the stage to replace that band member. Who’s the band?

Probably Britney Spears. I grew up listening to her and know every song by heart so I think it would be a pretty easy fill-in. Plus, she’s beyond fabulous.

7.) What is your favorite album to listen to right now?

I’ve had AC/DC Back In Black on repeat in my car for the past two weeks.

8.) If you could collaborate with anyone in the world, who would it be?

If Ella Fitzgerald were still alive, I would collaborate with her. I’m a trained Jazz singer and have always listened to her duets with Louis Armstrong so I always imagined what a duet with her would be like.

9.) Are there any other local bands, or musicians you would like to give a shout out to?

Yes! I sing backup for Dan Amato and the Sentimental Gentleman and, even though I may be biased, we always kill it and pack the house when we perform. Look out for new music from them soon. Also many Ernest and Deal Casino songs have made their way into my playlist.

10.) What can we expect from you in 2018?

I hope to release some singles in the summer and perform more! With work and school, writing has been put on hold for now but the second I graduate I plan to release so much more music. I’m also looking to make a music video!

11.) Where can everyone find your music?

You can find Happy Hour and my previously recorded song “San Francisco” on Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, Amazon, and YouTube! There may be more platforms for all I know, but definitely the majors!

 

All Photos Right Reserved to the Original Producers of the Images.

 

10 Love Songs You Probably Don’t Know, But Should Know.

 

Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s Day, I think love deserves to be celebrated everyday.  Not just the romantic kind of love, but the love we feel for those who support and care for us day after day.  Some of the most beautiful people in my life are single, but deserve all of the love in the world.  So why not show it?  There are also songs out there that need to feel the love on days like this too.  You don’t need a significant other to embody the love shared in music.  With that being said, single or taken, here are ’10 Love Songs You Probably Don’t Know, But Should Know.’

1.) “6 Months” by Hey Monday

 

“Everything you say

Everytime we kiss, I can’t think straight

But I’m okay

And I can’t think of anybody else

Who I hate to miss as much as I hate missing you”

 

Easily my personal favorite love song to have ever existed.  The simplicity of the recording and raw emotion behind the melody and lyrics of, “6 Months,” really speaks to what it means to be in love with someone.  Whenever I listen to it, it feels like a song you would sing sitting across from your lover on the couch with your guitar in hand.  It is so personal and sweet, a perfect depiction of a pure love.  My heart melts everytime I listen to it because it just oozes genuine love.

 

2.) “Whoever She Is” by The Maine

 

“She could be money, cars, fear of the dark

Your best friends or just strangers in bars

Whoever she is, whoever she may be

One thing’s for sure, you don’t have to worry”

When it comes to love songs by The Maine, most people who know them will probably think of, “Into Your Arms.”  “Into Your Arms,”  is a beautiful and iconic love song off of their debut album,  Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop.  However, for me, “Whoever She Is,” is definitely one of their most underrated and beautiful love songs to date.  This is another raw, simple acoustic love song, but it is so powerful.  In, “Whoever She Is,” lead singer John O’ Callaghan sings about loving someone for who they are, despite whatever obstacles may get in the way.  He sings about how you don’t have to worry and fate will bring soulmates together, if they are supposed to be together.  That person could be anybody, no matter how unexpected it is and again, not to worry because it will happen for you.  This song is so easy to listen to and reinstalls a hope that love is out there for everyone.

 

3.) “Surround You” by Echosmith

 

“I kept passing by every sign

Hoping one day I’d make you mine

We’d be laughing side by side

Darling I’m thrilled to have you by

By my side”

“Surround You,” is definitely one of my favorite songs off of Echosmith’s debut album, Talking Dreams.  I think it embodies love differently than any other song I have ever heard before.  It is so soothing to listen to and it feels so fragile.  To me, “Surround You,” talks about never thinking love could be found and then when you find it, you just want to give it all you’ve got to make sure that person knows you are fully invested in them.  You want them to know you’re always there to love and support them, and I think that is something important in any relationship, whether it is a passionate one, or not.  

 

4.) “Tiger Teeth” by Walk the Moon

 

“A tiger in my heart again

When you swallow someone whole, you are bound to choke

Well, I guess we can never be friends

I ate you up the day we first spoke”

“Tiger Teeth,” is off of Walk the Moon’s newest album, What if Nothing.  Whenever I listen to this song, I think it talks about craving someone and wanting them come back into your life.  Maybe it is a borderline-sad love song, but I think the passion speaks for itself behind the music and yearning lyrics here. Rather than borderline-sad love song, I would actually say it is more-so a very nostalgic love song, even if you can’t relate to it in the moment.  Everything about the song puts you in a different place and I truly think this is one of Walk the Moon’s most beautiful masterpieces.

 

5.) “Stay” by Artist Vs Poet

 

“I feel a rise in my chest when I see that smile

‘Cause I know now at least for a while you’re going to stay”

I remember being addicted to this song when it first came out back in 2013 and I have probably shown it to everyone I have ever known.  It has been five years since this song was released on, Remember This, and four years since Artist Vs Poet’s last release ever, but, “Stay,” still has a place on my, “Top 25 Most Played,” playlist on my iPod.  Immediately, this song hooks you right in the second the song starts with, “And it’s a sign, the way your eyes reflect in mine…”  “Stay” is another acoustic love song, but an incredibly addictive and catchy one at that.  Joe Kirkland’s voice made this one a homerun for me.  In this song, he sings about not wanting the girl he is with to leave.  He wants her to stay in bed with him all day and he wishes they could stay there forever.  There is not a complex meaning behind this one, but it is sweet and again, easily one of the catchiest songs in existence.  

 

6.) “Change Your Mind” by The Summer Set

 

“Hey you, queen of the cool

Something ’bout you making me lose my mind

Lose my mind

Hey you, rock and roll dress

Hard to impress, baby I’ll change your mind”

It still breaks my heart to think  The Summer Set only recently called it quits as a band, but their music still lives on.  “Change Your Mind,” is off of their last release titled, Stories For Monday, which was entirely incredible album (but we’ll come back to that).  Honestly, when I first listened to this song, I initially thought it was a little corny.  But the more and more I listened to it, the more I began to adore it and now it is one of my favorite Summer Set songs EVER.  I think this song talks about being really infatuated with someone and stopping at nothing to steal that person’s heart, no matter what.  The music as a whole speaks to that adrenaline you feel when you are so overwhelmed by the feelings you have for a person and you would do anything to make them yours.  That is a relatable feeling and that is what makes this song one for the love song books.

 

7.) “Endlessly” by The Cab

 

“Yeah, the ink may stain my skin,

and my jeans may all be ripped.

I’m not perfect, but I swear,

I’m perfect for you.”

Hands down, one of the most romantic songs I have ever listened to.  Unfortunately, The Cab is another band no longer in existence, but, “Endlessly,” was easily one of the best songs they ever wrote, as well as the most romantic.  “Endlessly,” is a song about not being perfect, but being perfect for someone.  Despite whatever obstacles may get in the way because of these imperfections, that does not stop you from loving someone to no end.  Personally, I think people suffer in relationships because they think they are not “perfect” enough for someone.  But the truth is, nobody is ever perfect and the right person will love you and your imperfections.  Even though you might think you are not perfect, you will be perfect to them.  

 

8.) “Around the World and Back” by State Champs featuring Ansley Newman

 

“Sometimes I can’t help but say

I’m falling in love and it’s scaring me”

“Around the World and Back” is an acoustic love song performed by pop-punk band, State Champs and it features female vocalist, Ansley Newman.  The song focuses on a relationship where two people are apart from each other for long periods of time constantly and then reunited, in this song’s case, I am pretty sure it relates to touring.  However, when you are a touring musician I am sure it is really difficult to be in a committed relationship because you are away so often, making it a “scary” thing to fall in love.  I think this song characterizes that feeling of always having someone on your mind, despite where you are.  You don’t want to fall in love, but you can’t help it.  

 

9.) “Fallingforyou” by The 1975

 

“According to your heart

My place is not deliberate

Feeling of your arms

I don’t want to be your friend

I want to kiss your neck”

I definitely have read somewhere before, Matt Healy of The 1975, regrets not putting, “Fallingforyou,” on The 1975’s self-titled album because he believed it was the best song he had ever written.  I am going to have to side with Matty on this one, this song is truly something.   It is heart-wrenching with lyrics like the ones above, yet so meaningful.  I think, “Fallingforyou,” is another song that provides you with that nostalgic feeling.  From the way it is produced, all the way down to words.  It reminds me of those feelings you get when you are falling for someone, but you have no idea if they feel the same way.  Completely relatable. Completely beautiful.

 

10.) “Never Gonna Let Go” by Shinedown

 

“Caught in the act of flying solo

This acrobat is lost and I don’t

Know where I’ll land, as I reach for your hand”

I recently heard this song back in December at Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey, when Brent Smith and Zack Meyers of Shinedown played an acoustic show.  “Never Gonna Let Go” is actually a bonus track off of their 2015 release, Threat to Survival.  However, the bonus track was ONLY released in Japan, which still blows my mind because it immediately became my new favorite Shinedown song the minute I heard it for the first time.  There is something special about the metaphoric use of an acrobat to me in this song and that was what really made me fall in love with it.  I think “Never Gonna Let Go” depicts an unknowing relationship.  One where you just take the leap, without necessarily knowing where you will land and it is scary, but you know need that person.  You can only hope they will never let go of you and what you have together, despite everything you might go through, the unknowing is the best part.  

 

Until next time, life starts with music. Even love.

–Kelli ♫

With Sails Ahead Interview.

I am really excited to have had the chance to interview progressive rock band, With Sails Ahead, for my first local band interview.  From 2014 to now, With Sails Ahead has been making their way out of their hometown of Brick, New Jersey and has been on the road and back again.  With their unique, edgy captivating sound and hard work, they stand out above all the rest.  With two EPs already out, Open Letters and Years in Waiting, they are now expecting the release of their third EP very soon sometime in 2018.  

1.)  How did you guys get together and become With Sails Ahead?  

Our first EP Open Letters was a demo that I used to find members for With Sails Ahead.  It took YEARS of posting on social media, in New Jersey music scene groups and networking at shows for me to find everyone.  Josef found me via social media, Santino in a Facebook Group, Jaime reached out from Craigslist and Ryan was the only member that was recruited simply as being a friend-of-a-friend.

2.)  What is the story behind your band’s name? Who came up with it? Where is it derived from?

 I picked the band name – ‘With Sails Ahead’ is a lyric from one of my favorite songs, “Miami Nights” by Lower Definition, a post-hardcore band I love.  Lower Definition is part of the reason why I set out to create music like we do and one of the core influences for our sound.

3.)  What is your favorite venue to play and why?  

House of Independents is our absolute favorite. Incredible venue and awesome staff.  We’re so thankful to have a venue like this in New Jersey- that brings in mid-level tours, great events and is supportive of the local New Jersey music scene. We absolutely cannot wait to go back and play again. We’re trying to wait for the right opportunity.

4.)  Any funny show stories?  If so, what is the MOST memorable one so far?

 At our show in Rahway with The Orphan, The Poet in June of 2017, our drummer Ryan found a mosquito in his drink from the snack bar.  Santino couldn’t stop crying.  Honorable mention goes to Santino confusing Benjamin Franklin for Larry David at the last Halloween show we played.  There’s definitely a lot I’m forgetting but these two are memorable for sure.

5.)  If you guys could go on tour with any 4 other bands you could dream of, who would they be?

Circa Survive, Dance Gavin Dance, I the Mighty, and Saosin.

6.)  Do you guys have any pre-show rituals?  

We just warm-up individually! Vocal exercises, guitar scales, anything to get us ready for performing.  However, post-show we’ll grab food together depending on the area we’re playing in.

7.)  If you guys could collaborate with anyone in the world, who would it be?

Anthony Green would be a dream come true.

8.)  Is there a local band you guys have been supportive of and would like to give a shout out to?

 Since it’s hard for us to play favorites, we’d love to give shoutouts to New Jersey locals My Lonely Heart, Visenya and Calm Down– such hardworking bands that absolutely deserve everyone’s attention.

9.)  It looks like 2018 is going to be full of great brand new music.  Are there any new releases you guys are looking forward to this year?  

Whatever Covet puts out this year is going to be incredible.  I believe there’s going to be a new Dance Gavin Dance album as well, which we always look forward to.

10.)  What can we expect from With Sails Ahead in 2018?  

We’re finally releasing a new EP very, very soon.  After that, we’re doing some shows throughout the Northeast this spring, and then hitting the Southeast/Midwest this summer!  Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep posted on everything that’s going on.

11.). Where can everyone find your music?  

You can find our music on iTunes, Spotify, and Bandcamp.  Physical copies of our EP Years in Waiting are available on our Bandcamp as well!

 

 

 

Let Me Introduce Myself.

Hello everyone! My name is Kelli Misenheimer and welcome to my blog, Myze Music!  I am really excited show my passion for music in a new, exciting way… Through my very first music blog!  Not only am I a very active music listener, but I am also a very active concert goer. Music is a part of my daily routine. I truly believe it is one of the most powerful forces in world. It gives us a place to escape to whenever we feel uneasy and it gives us something to dance to whenever we feel that weight lifted off our shoulders. It is there when we are happy, it there when we are sad. It is there when something needs to be said, it is there when we are incapable of finding the right words to say. It is always there.

As for a little bit about myself, I am currently a junior at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey. My major of study is Music Industry, with a minor in Public Relations. I started writing lyrics when I was in the first grade, which ultimately evolved into me picking up a guitar when I was 13 and then I began writing my own music. For two years, I was the lead singer of a pop rock band called, Before It’s Too Late and now I am a singer-songwriter trying to figure out my next move. However, my passion definitely lies in working with other artists to help them achieve successful careers in some shape, or form and I hope to be able to work behind-the-scenes in the music industry when I graduate next year.

My goal for this blog is to really engage others in music on a local to large scale and to spread the importance of music. Music always starts where you are from. There is a significant importance to your local scene that always seems to get overlooked. But I also hope to really bring a diverse variety of music to the lives of others. I love a lot of different kinds of music and it is one of my goals in life to be as well-rounded in music as humanly possible.  From musicals to pop punk and even genres like country and jazz, they are all important.  From even the artists you may think you ‘hate,’ 10/10 times those artists have saved as many lives as your favorite artists. We all sing different songs for different reasons.

I hope you all follow me on this new musical journey and subscribe to Myze Music! Stay tuned for more blog posts and upcoming interviews with local bands and musicians, as well as playlists every week!

Thank you for stopping by! Remember, life starts with music. 

-Kelli ♫