Interviews Archives - Page 4 of 9

Bruce Rave Interviews The Orwells

I recently had a chance to hang with The Orwells after soundcheck at the Troubadour in LA, before they played live on Saturday, March 22. You can see their highly-buzzed about Letterman appearance below, and the band is blowing up at an even faster rate because of it. We discussed this, as well as some of their songs, touring with Arctic Monkeys and Fidlar, getting banned from the High Noon Saloon in Madison, and what people can expect from their “Disgraceland” album that will drop in June. Have a listen below. Also, worth noting our chat about the Lettterman gig didn’t come through real well, so I begin by summarizing what happened and what they’ve had to say about it. – By Bruce Rave

The Orwells (Facebook)

Hear Bruce’s “Go Deep With Bruce Rave” weekly new music show on Indie1031/Los Angeles and WSUM-FM/Madison. Details and archived shows can be found on his blog and be sure follow Bruce on Twitter too!

reviewed by b3

03-30-14

Interview with King Avriel

Interviews Pop Soul

LA based indie-R&B lord on the rise King avriel recently took a break from composing awesome new jams to chat with B3SCI writer Cheryl Dunn about the origins of her sound, musical passions and a forthcoming full length project. Have a read at their chat below and take a look at her new music video for “Freedom.”

B3SCI: As what feels like a lifetime fan of Hey Arnold!, I have to say it is an honor to meet the voice of Timberly…

King Avriel: Haha the pleasure is truly all mine.

B3SCI: As someone who has been playing and making music your whole life, how do you feel now that you are finally releasing your first EP? What was the process like for you culminating to this moment? What are you most excited for?

King avriel: I’m really excited. I think this project and the songs I’ve been releasing to lead up to it are the best music I’ve ever made. I’ve never been as proud of anything I’ve done before as I am with this upcoming release. And, it’s been a long, tumultuous journey; I had to overcome some really dark valleys, but this moment feels like survival. I’m beginning to see how resilient I really am. And as a young woman, it’s exciting to start recognizing my true strength. I’m most excited to share that journey with others in the stories I tell on this project, because I have a hunch my experience was not an uncommon one.

B3SCI: When and how do you like to approach most of your song writing? Is it something you are constantly doing on the fly, or do you set time aside?

King avriel: Songs come from different places. My biggest challenge is just making sure I write down my inspiration when it hits. Sometimes I get a hook idea, or just a song concept and I have to be really diligent about writing everything down in my journal or on my phone, even if it’s just a word or two. So, in that sense I’m always writing on the fly. But, then I set time aside to come back to those ideas and flesh them out. Sometimes all the ideas I have come up with while I’m on the go are total shit, so I just have to start writing from scratch. However, I feel like I always have something that’s weighing on my mind at all times, so then it’s just a matter of confronting whatever conflict is currently affecting my experience.

B3SCI: With your alias, your name King avriel, and with your music video for “Freedom,” (watch it below) you’ve seemed to open up a great dialogue about the importance of breaking free from gender binaries. Can you tell us about your name change and video message, and why is opening this discussion amongst your fans most important to you?

King avriel: Yeah! I mean I’m always amazed at how meaning can be packed into language in so many different ways. I’m always trying to find ways to layer meaning while still being economical with words… I feel like that’s what is at the heart of poetry and lyricism. That’s what makes the game of song writing so fun! So, that same philosophy to writing has been applied to my name. The word King is so heavy and loaded, both politically and emotionally, for many people. When I call myself King, I’m saying that women can be kings. I can have just as much power as a man, and a man can still be a king too. And, while the “a” in avriel is lowercase to take emphasis off of my individuality, the “K” is capitalized to emphasize the collective. I’m not just calling myself a king, I’m saying everyone has this potential should they choose to embody it. We are all kings waiting to be self-recognized. The dialogue has been really interesting and exciting as well, because some people don’t believe I can be a king — I feel that those people are really living in the past. I’m trying to give people an idea of a future where everyone has equal value in this society.

B3SCI: What can fans expect from you in 2014? Are you planning on releasing a full length or any new music? Do you have plans to tour or play any festivals?

King avriel: So, the project I’m releasing soon is full length. But, I would say that you can expect the music to take an interesting turn very soon. Everything you’ve heard thus far is not a good representation of me. I actually had already finished my project when I recorded “Paranormal,” “Failed Messiah,” “Prelude,” and “Freedom” one week just on some random shit. I wasn’t going to put them on the project, so I figured I would just send them out and see who was feeling them. I wasn’t even expecting them to get the amount of attention they got, but we just went with it and shot the video since it felt right. But I feel like those songs are very sound-centered. Although I love that sound, what I’ve done with this project and my music in general goes far beyond that particular sound. I think people can expect the story to deepen and unfold, and for them to really begin to understand me as a story-teller first and foremost.

B3SCI: Growing up, what music inspired you most? What bands or musicians helped to shape your musical style now?

King avriel: Wow… so much! I mean I literally listened to everything from Mariah Carey and the Spice Girls, to Debussey and Phillip Glass, to Thelonius Monk and Aretha Franklin. I’ve gone through so many periods of liking specific types of music too. Like I spent a whole year listening just to Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles. I really felt connected to that era of music, and what I’m into is always changing. I think most recently I’ve had Overly Dedicated, and Miseducation of Lauryn Hill on repeat for the past year and a half or so. I always get stuck on albums and forget that there’s new music being made. I haven’t quite decided if that’s a good or bad thing yet.

King avriel (Facebook)

Rating 8.4

reviewed by b3

03-06-14

Interview with Hudson Taylor

Interviews Songwriter

There’s a certain timeless quality about the folk pop of Irish brothers-duo Alfie and Harry, known as Hudson Taylor. Their ‘Osea’ EP has been a favorite around B3 headquarters and writer Desiree Autobee recently had the chance to catch up with the band about the release, the group’s musical roots, a forthcoming album, and of course their general busking about. You can have a read at their conversation below as well as a look at their cinematic music video for the new single “Weapons”, out now.

B3SCI: The first song of yours that I heard had me immediately geozone in on Ireland without knowing where you were from; how much of your surroundings growing up influenced your sound and the kind of music that you want to make?

H: Hmm, probably quite a lot I’d say but maybe not in the most obvious ways though – like, there was always music at home – we grew up with that, but I suppose maybe it was more once we started busking because busking actually puts you out there, in the middle of Dublin, and you’ve got to work hard to capture people when they’re walking by – so you also meet some real characters, and you need to have a good mix of songs, crowd pleasers / traditional Irish songs – to mix in with your own stuff. Plus when we were doing it, it was like a little community as well, all these different musicians playing within a really small area, you’re surrounded by it, it leaves a mark on you.

A: Yeah, I mean we’ve met some of our best friends for life through busking and that’s probably led to us being exposed to range of genres from Trad to Jazz and Barbershop even. It’s playing in pubs too I think, like you’d have all these old lads and they’d want you to play stuff they knew like the Dubliners or whatever so we’d be 15/16 and playing ‘Take her up to Monto’ or Chuck Berry – ‘Johnny Be Good’, it was great craic, and it definitely had an influence over us.

B3SCI: It seems like you’ve been globetrotters in regards to recording material, were you ever able to stay in any places long enough to get a sense of local music communities? If so, how did they differ from each other? And did they ever influence your recordings?

A: Well I suppose that is beginning to happen more and more, but it’s also hard as well when you’re on the road and travelling – you don’t get as much time to get out and get the feel for a place. We were in Nashville last year though and that was incredible – we were working with these two real Southern guys, bluegrass players, and that was awesome – there’s a real similarity with some Irish trad there so we felt at home with that.

B3SCI: Is there any place in particular where you’ve found inspiration that you’d like to spend more time in?

A: Well Osea Island for sure – we even named our EP after it because it’s somewhere which really…we really fell in love with, from the first time we ever went there. It’s really isolated, there’s nothing to interrupt or distract you which makes it somewhere we really get a chance to focus on the songs. But also I think it happens any time we go home, to Ireland, it’s just there’s inspiration everywhere I suppose, because it’s our home, because of how things have changed since we’ve been away, I dunno probably even because some of the best stories I’ve ever heard have come from Dublin taxi drivers or people I’ve met in pubs and it just stays with you everywhere you go.

H: Also we were in Dingle earlier in the year – that’s become a seriously special place to me now, even after only being there once, I want to buy a house there one day! It’s just got this vibe, and a really established musical tradition – every pub you walk into, there’s music everywhere.

B3SCI: You’ve done some great collaborations through your friendship with Gabrielle Aplin over the past few years; how did you come to know each other and is that something you would like to explore more in the future – if not bringing in Gabrielle, bringing in a female dynamic?

A: Well, we met first met Gabrielle when she came to Dublin to play the Ruby Sessions. She had started out, like us, by putting up YouTube videos and at that time we had been doing quite a few collaborations with other YouTube artists and so we all just ended up going busking together in Temple Bar on the day of her gig – it all started there really I suppose.

H: Yeah and then we all ended up living together when we first moved to London, that was the first time living away from home really for all of us so it was…eh, different, probably for her more, moving in with two lads like! But it was lovely though…That was when we did our first proper collaboration actually, in our old flat in Arnos Grove, I remember it took us ages because we were laughing about something, I can’t even remember what it was now but we had to keep reshooting the same bit over and over, it took about 2 hours.

A: Haha – we’ve gotten better at that since, I think! Less takes required now anyway! But yeah, we’ve always had a really strong appreciation for harmonising between ourselves and then I think adding that extra layer of vocal can result in a lot more depth or entirely change the feeling of a song even which is really interesting when it does happen. Hopefully we’ll get to do more collaborating with Gabrielle in the future and we’d never rule out shaking up the dynamic a bit either – our baby sister Holly is coming up the ranks too, an incredible singer and guitar player, she’s has a Joni Mitchell / Carole King kind of thing going on which is just out of this world – especially since she’s only 16. We’d love to put out something with her maybe, you never know.

H: Yeah, lets turn this into a proper Irish family business one day – brilliant!

B3SCI: In terms of exposure to potential audiences, do you think that the success of your videos is the driving force of your swelling fan base, or do you think it’s through touring that you turn listeners into fans and create buzz via word of mouth?

H: Yeah its an interesting time for the music industry and I suppose for us we grew up in a ‘digital age’ so a lot of that is second nature to us. When we started out it was very DIY, making videos at home with minimal equipment, but because of YouTube we were able to gain a following over time and some of those people are even still with us so that’s amazing for us. Having a platform like that does really help because people share your stuff with their friends and it can grow really quickly too – in that sense I think it’s important for us to keep doing the videos even if we move in a different direction like with the video for ‘Weapons’ which we’re not even in – we still need to stay true to where we started as well.

A: It’s a bit of both though really isn’t it? Like touring and playing festivals, it gets you out there too and like busking in a way, it brings a whole new set of people in contact with us.

B3SCI: The sound on the ‘Osea’ EP was subtly different from your previous EPs, having a nice bit of a 50’s tinge in my opinion. It was especially present in “Care” and “Second Best”, whereas your new single gravitates toward cinematic; is “Weapons” a reflection of your new exploration of sounds?

H: That’s because it was round about the time Alfie starting dressing like Dick Van Dyke and that had made a major impression on our music – haha no, I’m only messing, that didn’t happen – well he does actually dress like that though doesn’t he?

A: Cheers Harry! Yeah thanks for that! You wont be asking to borrow any of my clothes again then eh? No, in all seriousness I’d hope that people think that the album will show that we can be pretty diverse in our writing – like we have probably settled on a sound that we would say suits us and our voices but we’d never want to be tied down either.

B3SCI: Do you hope to achieve something in particular on your full length that you don’t think you’ve been able to do on the Eps?

A: I think we’ve hit a point, working on the album where we’re really comfortable with our sound and the direction we’ve taken. But obviously the biggest challenge is capturing the energy that happens when we play live and getting that to translate into to the recordings – we’re getting more aware of how to do that with the album I think.

H: Yeah that’s true and I hope also that the album showcases some of what we’ve been through over the last few years, maturing in a way, we’ve more to talk about now, like experiences and life lessons to draw on when writing songs.

B3SCI: If you could put together an album of other bands or musicians (alive or dead) covering your music, who would you pick?

A: Covering our music? Oh god that’s really weird to think about, I dunno actually! I honestly still feel like I should be answering this in terms of bands I’d kill to be on a cover album for – not the other way round – not yet anyway!

H: I think…eh, we already do get people putting up covers on YouTube and stuff and that’s really..really, amazing I guess because that’s exactly how we started and in a way that means it’s come full circle, which is really lovely. Like when someone’s gone to the trouble to cover one of your own songs, its the same feeling, I can’t explain it properly, but its the same as when you’re on stage and there’s all these people singing your words back at you – it’s just, magical really.

Hudson Taylor (Official)

Rating 9.0

reviewed by b3

03-02-14

Bruce Rave Interviews Islands

In the Mix Interviews Rave's Faves

Nick Thorburn’s band Islands are celebrating their ninth anniversary this month. Bruce Rave enjoyed a chat with Nick at the Troubadour prior to their fine LA show last month. They of course chatted about the new album, band mortality, and Islands’ decision to go DIY. Nick’s actor friend Michael Cera produced a Spinal Tap-flavored Islands rockumentary that you can see below. Bill Hader, formerly of SNL, perfectly plays the role of Island’s ‘fictitious manager’. Enjoy the interview, then check out the video. You’ll probably see characters who remind you of people you know. Side note on the interview: the very beginning of the recording got cut off. Nick has lived in various cities and was in Montreal when Arcade Fire were first coming up. I asked whether that time in Montreal was his most formative musically and he replied that it was actually high school that really set him in motion. That’s where we join the chat.. By Bruce Rave

Islands (Facebook)

Hear Bruce’s “Go Deep With Bruce Rave” weekly new music show on Indie1031/Los Angeles and WSUM-FM/Madison. Details and archived shows can be found on his blog and be sure follow Bruce on Twitter too!

reviewed by b3

02-08-14

Bruce Rave Interviews TOY

In the Mix Interviews Rave's Faves

Bruce Rave recently enjoyed a hang with UK rockers TOY backstage at the famous Echo before their first ever show in Los Angeles. Having been fans of the band since we first saw them live at SXSW 2013, we were stoked to see that TOY’s set at The Echo was an even stronger performance. During Bruce Rave’s interview, the guys talk about how all their live interpretations of songs differ from the album versions, with slower recorded songs being played much faster onstage. They touch on how they love writing and have had a great time hitting major US markets. TOY also spoke about their cool collaboration with Natasha Khan (Bat For Lashes) for “The Bride” and also Tom’s sister Rose who was in The Pipettes. The band will next tour the UK and Europe, then return to US shores in May for Psych Fest in Austin. Have a listen to their interview with Bruce Rave below.

TOY (Official)

Hear Bruce’s “Go Deep With Bruce Rave” weekly new music show on Indie1031/Los Angeles and WSUM-FM/Madison. Details and archived shows can be found on his blog and be sure follow Bruce on Twitter too!

reviewed by b3

02-02-14

Interview with Pale

Interviews Pop

The massively talented UK twosome Pale broke out last fall on the indiesphere with their very good track for “Rundown”. The band’s excellent genre-jumping sound, containing elements of R&B, post punk, and electronic then blended with great pop songwriting, made the London-based duo one of our favorite finds of 2013. B3 staffer Joanne Lam recently had the chance to chat with Alan from the band and you can have a read at their conversation below.

B3SCI: You held your first headline show for your single “Fearing Faces” back in August of 2013. How was it?

Pale: It was the first time we played a headline show in our hometown, so it was interesting. Small venue, 80 people maybe, and it sold out. We were happy. Our only regret is that we only had 7 or so songs to play. They had a piano so we used it. I’d never played piano on stage before. I felt like Tom Waits for all of 30 seconds.

B3SCI: What’s the story behind your band name?

Pale: I couldn’t tell you. But I know it is the name I will make music under for the rest of my life. It’s just our name. It’s perfect. We are Pale, plain and simple.

B3SCI: I really loved the moodboard you put together for Planet Notion, and was particularly intrigued by your mention of John Martyn. How has he influenced your songwriting? What other artists do you look to for inspiration?

Pale: Thank you. I write most things on a nylon string acoustic guitar. I love country singers and song-writers like roy orbison or cass mccombs cause I love the song writing and the stories. I was a big fan of Alex Turner’s Solo EP and I think Christopher Owens has many of those same qualities.

John Martyn was something else, pure magic. It’s perfectly illustrated in that youtube clip. He’s just lost in what he’s doing – It’s more than music.

B3SCI: Your music is often cited for its minimalist yet emotional quality. In your opinion, is restraint and simplicity more effective in communicating emotion through music?

Pale: No. I don’t think there are any rules when it comes to effectively communicating emotions..

I have a gross sense of entitlement and therefore I expect more than what I have. Being restrained in that sense provokes emotion and creativity in me. I think our music has helped me enjoy what we have rather than making myself unhappy focussing on all the things we don’t have. Which is very destructive.

We don’t have a record deal or money to tour with or equipment / studio time etc, and I think we should be way bigger than we are. But we have to make do with what we have. I hope the emotion comes out somewhere in between trying, failing and succeeding in our lives and thus reflected in our music.

B3SCI: Pale was recently chosen as one of the BBC’s castaway on Desert Island Discs. Which piece of music, which book, and which luxury would you take with you to the island? Why these choices?

Pale: “Hollogallo – NEU!”

If this is going to be the soundtrack to the rest of my life I need something that’s up tempo, lasts long and goes places. I want to put it on in the morning and feel good for the rest of the day.

I usually lose interest in a song after about 30 seconds, but this one keeps me locked in. You never feel like you need to arrive.. Waiting to arrive is the enemy.

Sadly there is no vocal on this track so I may live to regret this decision as I would perhaps want to hear a human voice from time to time. And I hadn’t considered the nostalgic qualities.. I should have chosen ‘In Dreams‘ by Roy Orison or ‘The Waiting‘ by Tom Petty as both would remind me of people I love.

It’s an obvious choice but I’d probably take ‘The Picture Of Dorian Grey’ By Oscar Wilde for my book of choice. I love the english language and no one is better at putting it together than Oscar Wilde.. Quotes such as the ones below continue to enrich my life no matter how many times I read them. They are timeless, eloquent and so clever that they can provide meaning and insight over and over again.

“Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing”.

“There is only one thing worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about”.

“I hate vulgar realism in Literature. A man who would call a spade and spade should be compelled to use one”

My luxury item would be a piano. I am not very good at playing the piano but I’ll have plenty of time to practice.

B3SCI: What’s next on the docket for Pale?

Pale: We have an EP coming out in the near future, and we’ll be doing a small tour around the same time. In the summer of 2014 we’ll be playing some festivals and then we’ll probably be finishing off an Album by the end of the year. We’re in no hurry though.

Pale (Facebook)

Rating 8.0234

reviewed by b3

01-27-14

Interview w/ Prides

Interviews Rock

Glasgow trio Prides hit the radar mid-2013 with the anthemic indie strut of their single “Out of the Blue”. Since the band has played only a handful of spot shows as they prepare for the new year ahead. B3SCI writer Cher Dunn recently caught up with the band to discuss their plans for 2014, new music, their Scottish roots and more. Have a look at the chat below.

B3SCI: Glasgow is a city rich with decades of great bands. What was it like growing up Glasgow? What has Prides’ experience been with this cultural music landscape, and the live music scene?

Prides: Actually two of us are from further afield. Callum hails from the far reaches of Shetland, and I (Stewart) am from Stoke-on-Trent. I’m the token Englishman. Lewis is the only real Glaswegian, but there definitely is an amazing history of music. Simple Minds, Orange Juice, Deacon Blue, Aztec Camera, Frightened Rabbit, Blue Nile, the list goes on. Glasgow gets a lot of credit for Scottish music in general, because it really is where bands tend to gravitate, even if they’re not from there originally, and that’s down to the live scene. Not being from Glasgow originally I can honestly say it is in a league of it’s own, gigs are well attended, there are great venues of all sizes, and generally there’s very little embarrassment from crowds. By which I mean everyone just gets mad wae it. Plus its mentioned in an Abba lyric. That’s how you know it’s fucking cool.

B3SCI: Your single “Out Of The Blue” is upbeat, slightly dark, and almost has a classic 80s cinema feel. To you guys, how does the single reflect the sound of Prides now and moving forward?

Prides: Myself and Lewis had been a band prior to meeting Callum, and “Out Of The Blue” is one of the first tracks we wrote with him. It’s really what made us bring him in, change the name, and become Prides, so it’s quite an important track for us. It seemed to really encapsulate what we wanted to achieve, and we’re massively chuffed that people are receiving it so well.

B3SCI: Is there something that inspires Prides most when writing? What are you guys listening to right now that’s inspiring?

Prides: It really depends, anything can trigger an idea. Recently we’ve been listening to Joy Wave, FKA twigs, and Justin Bieber’s Music Mondays.

B3SCI: When you are in the studio writing and recording, is there a work dynamic that you guys have that’s worth sharing? In other words, is there a particular way that you approach your songs in the studio as compared to a live setting?

Prides: We generally work in our home studio at Lewis’ flat, which means me and Callum sitting at the coffee table shouting at Lewis who sits at the desk. We’ll rotate as and when someone wants to get their hands on something. Sometimes myself and Callum will write at the Piano at my flat, and bring idea’s to Lewis. Generally if someone has an idea we hear them out, if we like it, we try it. If not we mock and ridicule them. We are completely honest with each other when it comes to music, there are no pulled punches, but there are also no fall outs. We all want to write the best songs that we possibly can. Although I do have a tendency to get my own way with vocals/lyrics. I’ll bring vocals to the guys to make sure their happy, but if there’s a part I really like I can be pretty unshakeable.

B3SCI: Are there any forthcoming EPs or singles from Prides that fans can look forward to 2014? What is the band looking forward to most in 2014?

Prides: We’re going to be bringing out an EP in the new year, with some singles planned for after that. I think the thing I’m looking forward to most is getting out and playing a load more shows, especially festival season. We were really fortunate this year to get some great festival slots, so hopefully we can build on that this year.

B3SCI: When can fans expect a full-length release from Prides? Is there a name for the release that you can share?

Prides: We haven’t got a name yet, but we have the record pretty much completed! It’ll depend on how well the singles go, but it would be great to get it out next year. We’ll see!

B3SCI: Can fans expect any US tour dates? Any festivals in 2014?

Prides: Well this year marks our first year at SXSW, which we cannot wait for, after that, yeah hopefully we’ll be getting out on tour, and fingers crossed for many more festivals. Pure love festivals.

B3SCI: We’ve been in bands and know that it’s not easy performing live as a trio, but when it’s done right… it’s magic. What made you guys want to remain a three piece as opposed to adding more members and instruments. Has there ever been an appreciation for three piece bands amongst the group?

Prides: We were never adverse to getting more people involved, but once we started playing as a three it just seemed to make sense. It also informs how we write in a really positive way. It’s good to try and keep things focused, and I like the idea that you can always pick out what’s going on. We all come from a youth spent listening to bands like Blink 182, Green Day, Alkaline Trio, Nirvana, The Melvins, The Police, and so it feels pretty natural to have the three of us on stage. Christ, if A-ha can be a three piece, so can we.

B3SCI: When you guys aren’t playing music, what do you do with your time off?

Prides: We live in Glasgow, so an inordinate amount of drinking, golf, and other various stereotypes that we’re quite happy to reinforce.

Prides (Official)

Rating 8.3

reviewed by b3

01-08-14

Interview with Breton

Electronic Interviews Pop

London collective Breton has been busy readying their second album, War Room Stories, for release this February 3rd via Cut Tooth/Believe Recordings. B3SCI writer Brian Litwin had the chance to catch up with the Breton Labs’ Roman Rappak to discuss the new album and more. Have a look at their conversation below, as well as a spin at their new excellent single “Envy”.

B3SCI: The overall buzz for your last single, “Got Well Soon” has been very positive. What was the genesis of this song idea?

Breton: The song is a rework of a track that I started in London that was then re-written in Berlin.

B3SCI: The video for that song is really well done and honestly had us guessing up until the last second. Can you share some of the inspiration there?

Breton: As with most of our videos, they start from a real event or something we have heard and want to explore. In the case of this video, we wanted to add something we hadn’t touched on before, which was to relate to the songs lyrics. It’s about getting caught up with a group of people or an event that gets out of your control. The two characters in the film are both trapped, in totally different ways, and we liked the idea of a coincidence occurring that resulted in them freeing each other.

B3SCI: We see you released a slew of new tour dates for the end of 2013/beginning of 2014. Unfortunately, I see no Los Angeles yet. How is life on the road for you guys? How do you guys pass the time, when getting to and from dates?

Breton: We watch films, read a lot and a few of us have perfected the art of sleeping almost anywhere. We are definitely coming to LA, we have always had amazing shows there, and have really close friends who make those trips feel like total holidays

B3SCI: The new album, War Room Stories, comes out soon. Was their a particular process in creating this album? How does it most differ from your 2012 release, Other People’s Problems?

Breton: War Room Stories is a totally different record in some ways, mostly because we had tools we never had to play with. This time round we had a huge hall we rented in Berlin so that we could play the whole album from start to finish every day for a month, we had an orchestra that we were able to record all the string parts with, and also we had weeks to work with the hours and hours of field recordings and sounds we had gathered from all the countries we had toured in.

B3SCI: War Room Stories is a really interesting title for an album. The connotation can vary from person to person. What is the general idea behind the title and album itself?

Breton: I think the best thing about this question is the idea of interpretations of words/images/songs/films changing from person to person. I’m always drawn towards things that lend themselves to different meanings or angles, and the title of the album felt like a continuation of that. As a recording, it’s a bit like an invitation into this world we escaped to when we were recording it. A War Room is a sealed/protected place, and the stories from outside will always be distorted and surreal.

B3SCI: So, we see that Young Money Cash Money Billionaires is following you on Twitter. Are you fans?

Breton: I was producing hiphop when I was about 14, because south London, where I grew up, was full of millions of rappers (ranging from really bad to incredibly gifted), but hardly any producers, so I ended up working on loads of different projects. YMCMB and 808 Mafia have an amazing approach to producing, with massive teams of people collaborating together and trying loads of things out. I find that kind of collaboration really exciting.

B3SCI: There are a lot of acts pushing the boundaries with art and music. In general, however, it feels as if art has been missing from music. Do you think there can be resurgence of that fusion that was art/music/culture i.e. 60’s counterculture?

Breton: I think a lot of those art/music/media experiments came from breakthroughs in technology. Andy Warhol using Polaroid and super 8 because they were new tools that empowered new artists is the same as the Internet/DSLRs/laptops enabling people to produce albums and films, and reach large audiences. For that reason I think this is only the start, and the next 5 years will see more and more of these tools reinventing the landscape of film, art and music even more then it has already.

B3SCI: If you had to chose… Who would you rather have as a featured vocalist on your next single: Miley Cyrus or Justin Bieber?

Breton: Bieber. He seems like someone who is about to reach his breaking point. Those kind of pop catastrophes are always fascinating.

Breton (Official) (Purchase)

Rating 8.4

reviewed by b3

11-29-13

Interview with Cage the Elephant

Interviews Rock Videos!

Cage The Elephant recently released their third studio album Melophobia to commercial acclaim. This Kentucky born collective has no doubt found their groove, recently touring with the likes of Muse, and with their single “Come A Little Closer” having enjoyed an extended stay at Top 5 on Alternative Radio. Not long ago we caught up with Lincoln Parish from the band on the telephone to discuss the new album, finding the C.T.E. voice, stories behind key songs on the album, and performing live with David Grohl (sorry Jared – you know we love you). Have a listen to our conversation below and also have a look at the band’s new music video for their hit single “Come A Little Closer”.

Cage The Elephant (Official)

reviewed by b3

11-14-13

Interview with Yuna

Interviews Pop Songwriter

This week Yuna released her most anticipated studio album to date, Nocturnal, via Verve Records. B3SCI contributor Tip Jordan recently had the chance to catch up with the acclaimed Malaysian singer/songwriter to discuss her album, song lyrics, Mary Poppins and more. Have a look at their conversation below.

B3SCI: The single, “Rescue” off of your new Nocturnal album was inspired by a friend of yours who you watched go through a rough time. Men and women alike have related to the song because it uplifts and celebrates triumph. What was your friend’s reaction when they heard the song? Do they know the song is about them?

YUNA: I don’t really tell them though, I just think they know, because I talk to them all the time and I always tell them I’m proud of them. So I think, on the low, they know what I was singing about!

B3SCI: How did you come up with titling your album, Nocturnal? Is there a concept or theory prevelant throughout the album?

YUNA: When it was time to name the album, I wanted a name that means something to me. I have this thing where sometimes I stay up late at night doing work, and sometimes that is when I’m tempted to be on the piano, that is when I stumble upon a cool Youtube video and pick up my guitar, or that is when I watch a movie and get inspired by a line in that movie. Or just randomly be thinking about stuff that you wouldn’t normally think about during the day because you get so caught up with daily life. At night is just kinda when I get to sit down, and be by myself, and be creative.

B3SCI: I read somewhere that you describe yourself and music as Mary Poppins & Coldplay. In what ways do you relate the two to yourself & artistry?

YUNA: I’d like to think that my music is very positive and quirky – like Mary Poppins! And Coldplay, well they are just amazing in making songs that would go straight to your heart, and I’m always attracted to the idea of making heartfelt music that’s good for the soul. I don’t know. I guess that was what I was thinking about when I wrote that down on my Myspace Music page 7 years ago.

B3SCI: How did you find your sound? You are not a “typical” artist in that you are pioneering a beautiful and rare genre of pop music.

YUNA: Long years of self-discovery! I went through all these different things in my life. Like since I was very little I went for auditions, sending demos to record labels, constantly failing, constantly trying, sang back ups, sang in a group… I did it all. Eventually when you’re tired of trying to be something, all you have left to do is just to be yourself and then you’ll find out what you really, really like and and you’ll figure out your true strength musically.

B3SCI: What music and artists inspire you? Anything that might come as a surprise to fans?

YUNA: Pop, Hip hop, RnB, rock, alternative, punk.. all of it. I guess the one artist that really inspired me to get up and write songs, and perform was Feist. I love Feist!

B3SCI: What activities do you like to partake in, during your spare time, in between traveling?

YUNA: Working on my clothing store NovemberCulture.com, designing for my new line 14NOV! I love it. I’m just constantly doing something and creating something even in my free time.

B3SCI: Will we ever get to see you with your hair down?

YUNA: Haha! Sorry I’d have to say no to that!

B3SCI: Are there any artists that you’d like to collaborate with that you haven’t already?

YUNA: SBTRKT… Coldplay..

B3SCI: Besides the fact that your voice is sultry and gravitating, your gift for song-writing is praised as well. What is the most powerful/favorite lyrics you believe you have written?

YUNA: ‘I come with a head and a heart, been using it from the start.’ – Mountains

B3SCI: “Falling”, the second single from Nocturnal, has the lyrics’, “I wanna forget, All this burden in my past I want to fall asleep, So I don’t have to remember!”. Is there a specific message you are wishing to convey in the song, that you’d like to share? Is their a story about how “Falling” came to be?

YUNA: Falling is a song about wanting some sleep because you just had enough of the day, or of someone, you know? You’re just like so tired and so disenchanted you just wanna take a break from it all and rest your mind, and hopefully the next day you’ll figure things out.

B3SCI: What can fans, expect from Nocturnal?

YUNA: There’s a lot of different stories in this album. The vibe is picked up and it is amplified on this album from where I left my fans… I think they’ll be surprised.

Interview By Tip Jordan

Yuna (Facebook) (Purchase Nocturnal)

reviewed by b3

10-30-13

Interview with RAC

Electronic Interviews Pop

We recently caught up with RAC composer and remix production guru André Allen Anjos to talk about his debut EP release, Don’t Talk To, and to get his take on the intricacies of melody, music blogs, gear that he cannot live without and more. RAC will also be hitting the road for a much anticipated run of gigs in November and December with the complement of a full band and live visual experience. Learn more about the shows and new EP in our chat with the blogosphere hit rainmaker below:

RAC (Facebook) (Purchase)

Tour Dates

DEC4 – Birthdays, London, UK *DJ SET*
DEC3 – Madame Jo Jo’s (White Heat), London, UK *DJ SET*
NOV30 – Wanderlust, Paris, France *DJ SET*
NOV29 – Vodafone Mexefest, Lisboa, Portugal (w/ Xinobi, Moullinex, Woodkid, Savages, Daughter) *DJ SET*

NOV16 – Music Hall of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY (w/ MNDR) *LIVE TOUR* ~SOLD OUT~
NOV15 – Rock N Roll Hotel, Washington, DC (w/ MNDR) *LIVE TOUR* ~SOLD OUT~
NOV14 – Bowery Ballroom, New York City, NY (w/ MNDR) *LIVE TOUR* ~SOLD OUT~
NOV13 – Johnny Brenda’s, Philadelphia, PA (w/ MNDR) *LIVE TOUR*
NOV10 – Independent, San Francisco, CA (w/ MNDR) *LIVE TOUR* ~SOLD OUT~
NOV9 – Constellation Room, Orange County, CA (w/ MNDR) *LIVE TOUR* ~SOLD OUT~
NOV8 – Troubadour, Los Angeles, CA (w/ MNDR) *LIVE TOUR* ~SOLD OUT~
NOV6 – Barboza, Seattle, WA (w/ MNDR) *LIVE TOUR* ~SOLD OUT~
NOV5 – Fortune Sound Club, Vancouver, BC (w/ MNDR) *LIVE TOUR*
NOV4 – Doug Fir, Portland, OR (w/ MNDR) *LIVE TOUR*

OCT31 – Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, CA (w/ Empire Of The Sun) *DJ SET*
OCT26 – La Union Soul Surf Festival, San Juan, La Union, Philippines (w/ Classixx) *DJ SET*

Rating 8.4

reviewed by b3

10-24-13

Interview with Indiana

Electronic Interviews Pop

Indiana first hit our radar with her sweetly lugubrious cover of Frank Ocean’s “Swim Good”. The UK based artist next captured our attention with the deftly evil bassline and minimalist tense push-pull production of her track “Bound”. Most recently, Indiana has been a buzz with the forthcoming Mess Around EP, expected November 3rd. B3SCI feature correspondent Brian Litwin recently caught up with up the young star to discuss the origins of Indiana, her sound, family and (of course) time travel.

B3SCI: Please introduce yourself to the B3SCI audience.

Indiana: Hello I’m Indiana… the girl. Not the state.

B3SCI: Have you ever been to the state of Indiana in the heartland of America?

Indiana: No but maybe they will invite me soon?

B3SCI: The name Indiana is an interesting choice, what made you want to go as that? Do you think you win the war in most unGoogleable artist names?

Indiana: Perhaps, but I’m working my way up the google search list. It comes from Indiana Jones, it was something i watched as a kid.

B3SCI: How would you characterize your sound and what are some of your influences?

Indiana: Menacing and emotional electronica with 80’s inspired synths and haunting vocals. Amongst my biggest musical influences, I would count The XX, The weeknd, Frank Ocean, Portishead and Gary Newman.

B3SCI: Your music has a great sense of space coupled with your beautiful voice, but looking closer at your lyrics, there seems to be some emotional inclinations towards pain in your tracks. What inspires these border line eerie songs?

Indiana: Some of it comes from dark places inside, but most of it is completely made up. I like to think of myself as a storyteller and I love immersing myself into the role. It lets me say things I wouldn’t in real life, push boundaries. It’s fun and so much more interesting than the crap girl loves boy, boy hurts girl lyrics you hear in the charts.

B3SCI: Going through your different social media accounts, it seems your child, Etta, and your cats are the focal point of your pictures. How has that helped out with connecting with your fans? Do you feel a closer bond with those who follow you online?

Indiana: I think that may have been in the last few months of my pregnancy. I was in hibernation mode and literally had baby brain. I know my fans connect with my situation and I hope it inspires other women with creative careers. It doesn’t have to be one or the other, you can have a family and achieve your dreams. I performed Glastonbury at 8 months pregnant. Hopefully now I’ve had Etta and I’m back in the studio, my posts are a little more career driven.

B3SCI: The Le Youth reworking of “Mess Around”, is straight fire and a true club track with a nice upbeat new disco groove. How did that remix come about? Were you at all hesitant to have your work seen a different light or do you welcome the new take?

Indiana: I wasn’t hesitant at all. I love to hear how people interpret my music. Any genre is welcome.

B3SCI: Not going to lie, in a few pictures we’ve seen, you look like Madonna. Have you been compared to any other celebrity?

Indiana: I haven’t actually. When I was younger I remember some spanish guy on holiday calling me Britney cos he thought I looked like her.

B3SCI: Real deal, we’re hooking it up. Free ride on the B3SCI time machine, where, when and why?

Indiana: Do I go silly here or totes emosh… Really though it would have to be back before my Dad died. I miss him.

B3SCI: Nottingham Forrest or Notts County?

Indiana: Forest 🙂

Interview By Brian Litwin

Indiana (Facebook) (Purchase)

Tour Dates

12/4 – NOTTINGHAM, BODEGA
12/5 – LONDON, OSLO

reviewed by b3

10-20-13