Month: September 2017

Interview: EXNATIONS

For many bands, having members that live in different states would spell the end. But EXNATIONS took this in stride, each member recording their contribution to the band’s latest single “Never About The Money” in separate places. The resulting single doesn’t feel disjointed or fragmented. “Never About The Money” is a smooth slice of 80s-inspired synth-pop, ready-made for dance parties, and perfectly poised to gain the band some well-deserved attention.
Listen to their two singles “Free” and “Never About The Money”
Similar to: ROMES, High Tyde, tiLLie
Interview:
How did you guys meet?
Taylor: I met Dan first, him and I had been in contact here and there from running in the Baltimore music scene. When it came to looking for a guitarist he was one of the first people to come to mind. Once Dan and I figured out the sound we were going for Sal came next. I ventured up north to meet Sal in Brooklyn, NY at Rough Trade, we immediately clicked and begun writing ‘Never About the Money.’
If you could describe your music in one word, what would it be?

Dan: I’m usually bad at being concise, but the word I’d use to describe our music is sincere. One of the most rewarding aspects of making music is being able to connect with people, and that’ll never happen if we write songs without putting thought into it and making sure they represent us well. To me, doing that would be disrespectful. Our listeners aren’t stupid, and if they’re taking time out of their days to give us a chance, then why wouldn’t they deserve our best effort?

Where did the band name EXNATIONS come from?
Taylor: In a way the band name is paying homage to all of our past bands. We’re all “EX” members of a band coming together to create a new unit i.e. “NATION.” I also just really liked the vibe the name gave off.
What do you think is the perfect environment for listening to your music?
Sal: My favorite places to listen to music are when I’m in transit. When you discover a new album, it makes my morning or evening commute a special experience. I can’t wait to get out of work so I can put on a record and jam to it the whole subway ride home. I think the perfect place to listen to EXNATIONS is when you’re on the move. Literally and figuratively.
Your music has a lot of 80s vibes. Do you pull inspiration from that era?
Sal: I had a very brief phase in high school where I wouldn’t listen to anything that came out after 1989. Once I had exhausted the better part of the Dischord Records catalogue I had to make some concessions. Nowadays I find myself really gravitating towards 80s rock and pop. Springsteen, Talking Heads, ABBA, and New Order are all top of mind lately. The production in 80s pop was so special – it can sometimes sound completely dated and “of its time” – while simultaneously sounding classic and timeless. Artists like Brandon Flowers, Bleachers, and the 1975 are paying serious homage to the production styles of the time but injecting enough of their own personalities into it that it creates this wonderful new thing. Hopefully we’re touching on some of that same magic.

Your latest single “Never About The Money” was recently released, and was recorded with all the band members in different places. What was that process like?

Dan: I would say it tested our discipline for sure. If we want this to work while being in different cities, then there has to be a proficiency in communication and organization, and you also have to have a lot of respect for your collaborators. Sending your files to other bandmates and letting them tinker with them isn’t something a thin-skinned person could do. But fortunately, each of us trusts each other’s songwriting ability, and as a result, seeing NATM come together the way it did was ultimately a really rewarding experience.
I love the single artwork for “Never About The Money,” and it matches the color scheme for your lyric video as well. How did you come up with that visual theme?
Sal: It happened really organically. Taylor and I were in a coffee shop messing around with some layouts for the album cover, and stumbled across this really beautiful textural photo by a photographer from Madrid named Joel Filipe. The image was so beautiful and visually arresting. With a little color correction and VHS-style glitch manipulation it came to life as the driving visual element in the lyric video. I love how simple, yet versatile it is. Big ups to Joel.

You’re planning on releasing an EP some time in the next few months. How’s that going?

Dan: It’s going one track at a time! We’re really eager to get these songs out, but doing it right comes before doing it fast. We’re continuing to write and revise every day, so when the time comes to introduce the record to everyone, we want to be able to enjoy the experience knowing we put everything possible into it. Using that approach hasn’t lended us a lot of sleep recently, but that’ll come back soon enough.
Do you have any other plans for the near future?
Taylor: We’re going to be releasing ‘Distant Drums’ a new single next month, so definitely be on the look out for that! Maybe there’s a limited addition 7” coming along behind that… The rest is top secret for now!
Listen to “Never About The Money” here.

Creeper announce the release of a new book, “The Last Days Of James Scythe”

The book is set to be released November 30th, and is available for preorder here. The story will continue to follow the character of James Scythe, who was introduced in Creeper’s music as a detective, who went missing over the course of their debut album “Eternity, In Your Arms.”

Read the summary of “The Last Days Of James Scythe” below:

“What you are about to read is confidential. One of the Ombudsman of the Preternatural’s former Special Agents went missing in 2015 and it’s time to answer the question that the authorities have ignored: what happened to James Scythe? Many have tried to follow the unnatural and unsettling story of Southampton’s prolific mystery but no one has been granted full access to the official James Scythe case files to piece together exactly what happened to him in his last days.

Until now.

Lilly will be back with her findings shortly. We trust you will keep this between us.”

Related – Creeper, Explained

Staircase Spirits announce new EP “Love Stories”

The EP is set to be released December 8th, and will be the duo’s third EP of the year. “Love Stories” is available for preorder here, and features the band’s most recent single “California Winter.”

Vocalist Anna Acosta had this to say on the band’s new music:

“Our hope as a band is that we can continue to grow and to challenge ourselves and each other to be better than we were when we met – and to reach people beyond ourselves at the same time. Once we put the songs out there, they stop belonging to us. Our hope is that people can get whatever it is they need from each song when they listen to it – whatever that might be. If you can make a difference for even one person, then all the struggles were worth it.” 

Øff Guard release new single “Strawberry Moon”

Photo by Holly Turner

The band had this to say on the new single:

“I think we can all relate to a song about needing to be on your own to find yourself. This song is a metaphor for all of the hard work that we’ve done and the things that we had to leave behind going into adulthood. We want people to be hit with the same feelings and thoughts that we were experiencing when we wrote the song.”

Listen to “Strawberry Moon” here.

Otherkin, The Pale White, The Wonder Years, and Anson release new albums

The Pale White’s self-titled debut EP was released today, featuring four pre-released tracks that hint at a promising future for the band. Listen here.

Otherkin’s debut album “OK” is out now, featuring singles “Come On, Hello,” “Enabler,” and “REACT.” Listen here.

The Wonder Years released their acoustic EP “Burst & Decay” today. The EP was co-released by Loneliest Place On Earth, the band’s new collective. Listen here.

Anson released their debut EP “To Be Or Nothing At All” today, full of their brand of smooth alternative rock. Listen here.

The XCERTS release music video for “Daydream”

The XCERTS’ most recent single “Daydream” just got a whimsical and disorienting music video to go along with it. The single is taken from the band’s upcoming album “Hold On To Your Heart,” out January 19th and available for preorder here.

 

 

Discover: The Japanese House

The Japanese House is solo artist Amber Bain’s moniker. Bain sings, plays guitar, synth, and keyboard for her project, as well as helping to produce many of her own tracks. Bain’s dreamy indie pop tracks are a lesson in relaxation. With song titles like “Cool Blue” and “Still,” it’s no surprise that her tracks are smooth and soothing enough to lull any listener into a trancelike state of calm. With soft, production-layered vocals and minimalistic instrumentals, Bain ensures that any emotion is muted enough so as not to break into the listener’s peaceful reverie, and instead adds to the delicate, dreamy texture of her songs. Anytime you feel like sitting alone and thinking deep thoughts, The Japanese House is sure to elevate your experience.

Favorites: “Saw You In A Dream,” “Cool Blue,” “Face Like Thunder”

Similar to: Nightcars, Colouring, Moon Taxi

Discover: Decline The Fall

Decline The Fall’s brand of alternative rock/metal has all the noise and energy that anyone could want out of a heavy band. Their music is dark and sometimes despairing, as evidence by tracks with titles such as “Fall Of Eden.” But the five-piece find ways to mix in lighter vocal hooks and sneaky, pop-inspired rhythms with their dense instrumentals. An element of the dramatic is never out of place in a heavy band, and Decline The Fall have just enough ornate metaphors and high-concept songs to ensure that their lyrical content matches the impressive, architectural feats of the instrumentals. Decline The Fall are not afraid of lengthy solos, allowing their songs to exceed six minutes at times, with a minute-long guitar intro. Depending on your tolerance for extravagant instrumentals, Decline The Fall may be a bit over-the-top. But if you don’t have a problem with a bit of extra gildedness around the edges, Decline The Fall have plenty of fanciful and elaborate prog-metal tracks on offer.

Favorites: “Carnival World,” “Mortal Men,” “Demons (Make My Demons Go)”

Similar to: Breaking Benjamin, Killswitch Engage, Three Days Grace