NOAH KAHAN: INTERVIEW

March 26, 2018

INTRO BY TAMARA CHAPMAN

INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY

21-year-old singer/songwriter Noah Kahan brings a fresh new face to alternative music. Already having supported LP on tour and soon to be touring with George Ezra, he is quickly skyrocketing his way up in the music industry. Check out the interview below to see his thoughts on collaborating with popular songwriters and his future endeavors!

You just finished touring in support of LP – how was it?

"It [was] absolutely amazing. LP is an incredible artist and person and her entire team is a blast to be around. The shows have been almost all been sold out, and her fans are very engaged and supportive of our music as well."

Do you have any favorite shows from this run that have stood out based on the crowd’s reaction?

"I loved playing in Boston. All of my high school friends came out and cheered me on. It was just one of those shows where you're totally in love with the crowd and they seem to be totally engaged by you. It was fantastic. I also enjoyed the Brooklyn Steel show in NY a lot. It was right after playing Stephen Colbert so the release of the nerves I felt from the taping made the 2200 capacity, sold out venue feel like nothing. I was just full of excited energy and I think the crowd could feel it."

Recently you released your first EP, Hurt Somebody. What was the process like creating the EP?

"The EP was created over about 6 months. I wrote the songs between touring and promo so the process was kind of an escape for me from the craziness of what was going on. I am extraordinarily proud of it."

You collaborated with Julia Michaels on the title track of the EP – what was it like working with her?

"When I found out she wanted to be on the song, I was totally over the moon. It is an enormous badge of honor for me to have her stamp of approval on the song, and I believe she brought the track to a very special place."

What song on the EP would you say you’re most proud of?

"I am proud of every song, as I feel like they are all incredibly honest, and they all have extremely personal meaning to me. If I had to choose I would probably say Catastrophize."

Where do you find most inspiration when creating music?

"I find inspiration in everything. In sadness and happiness alike. My mom taught me to use whatever I'm feeling as inspiration for writing. That way, no matter how lost, or unmotivated I am feeling at any given time, I can just write about feeling that way. You can't run out of ideas if running out of ideas is one in itself."

In what ways do you hope to continue to evolve as an artist?

"I hope to get better at believing in myself and my craft, and to work on my live show. I really want to take things to the next level."

Is there anything else that we can expect from you in the future?

"More music, and much more touring to come!"

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'FATHER FATHER' / COLE REDDING: SINGLE REVIEW

March 24, 2018

BY MELISSA TUCKER

Since Cole Redding’s Smile and Say Hello released in 2017, the Philadelphia-based singer has come out with a brand-new tune, that is filled with plenty of emotional and meaningful messages, called Father Father. In this extremely personal song, Cole opens up about issues he has had with his father. Fans of this artist love him for his honest and passionate songwriting skills that reflect on all aspects of his life.

Father Father starts off soft, with Cole’s smooth vocals inviting the listener to experience the deep secrets within the relationship he has with his father. His tranquil voice leads us into a seamless beat of drums that enter into the song. For a piece of music about a son and father having a rocky relationship, Cole demonstrates great poise within the tone of his voice. There are many somber lyrics within the song, such as the singer discussing his dad’s “new life” without him.

There are multiple layers of sound within this mesmerizing symphony of string instruments, drums, shakers, guitars, and more. Cole’s vocals soar from the pre-chorus to the first chorus. The main message at the center of the song is to be there for each other, regardless of relations. The chorus also holds powerful background vocals, making the message root even deeper into the heart of the listener.

This piece of music is not about giving up or seeking revenge on a loved one who has hurt you. It is about using the time we have now to mend the wounds that we have received or made. In the second verse of the song, Cole is asking his father if he feels the same pain that he feels about family lost. Cole reaching out to relate with his father makes the second chorus even more heartbreaking. The bridge escalates the momentum of the song, asking his father to reach out and come back into his life.

The final chorus is epic and soulful, filled with a multitude of sentimentally charged vocals that create a greater impact on the listener’s emotions. The excellence found within Father Father is expected of an artist as creatively talented as Cole Redding. He uses music to express his life story in the rawest form possible. Cole pours his memories, good and bad, into his work, and it pays off. Because of Cole’s ability to be so vulnerable, he is able to deliver authentic and beautiful music.

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THE MOWGLI'S: INTERVIEW

March 23, 2018

INTRO BY TAMARA CHAPMAN

INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY

Based out of southern California is one of the most unique bands the music industry has ever seen, The Mowgli’s. Having already made appearances at some of the biggest musical festivals across the country, it’s safe to say that this band is on their way to achieving even more great things. Read the interview below with band member Josh Hogan to learn more about the band's tour experiences, future music plans, and more!

You guys are currently on your headlining Real Good Life Tour – how has it been so far connecting with your fans again through shows?

JOSH: "These shows have been very energetic & personal. We’ve tried to break down barriers and really let our fans be a part of the music. The connection feels like it did when we first started touring and there was no radio fame or ego involved."

What do you hope people take from your live show?

JOSH: "We always want people to have a positive night & leave a little happier, & maybe with a new t-shirt over their shoulder."

Recently you released your latest single, Real Good Life. Can you tell us a little about the song and the inspiration behind it?

JOSH: "With so much to say, we tried writing a lot last summer and often fell short. Colin & I went into the RGL session with the idea to keep it simple and in line with The Mowgli’s message of love. We’ve always been inspired by stories we hear from our fans & that keeps us going on this path."

This song is the first piece of music you have released since becoming an independent band again. Was this a difficult transition for you guys?

JOSH: "The transition has been pretty simple. Having a label helps in a lot of ways, but we’ve got some of the best fans out there & we could go on forever with their support."

Do you ever go back and listen to your old music? If so, what are your first thoughts on it?

JOSH: "I was recently listening to our album Kids In Love and my first thoughts were about how great those songs are and the production is perfect for them. It’s interesting being into your own music, but I am. Each record has been very different from the last and I think that’s pretty special. I’m like a proud dad looking back at what we’ve accomplished."

How do you think your music has changed over the years?

JOSH: "We have all grown and changed so much over the years, & our music has changed as well. Change is inevitable and I’ve always believed that you have to jump on board with that change or you’ll just be left behind. We try to stay in tune w/ what’s going on in music while trying to make it our own."

What can we expect from more of your new music sound-wise?

JOSH: "We’re working with our friend and producer Rob Ellmore. On a production level, you’ll hear more like Real Good Life as well as some new sounds that you’ll hear on our next release."

In what ways do you hope to continue to evolve as a band?

JOSH: "We want to grow and learn and last forever."

Are there any other singles and/or an album in the works?

JOSH: "We [just dropped our song] Kansas City about Colin’s hometown and it’s borderline emo. For now, we might just keep writing and releasing singles. Everything is changing and we’re open to the change."

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'WHISKEY' / YOUNG RISING SONS: SINGLE REVIEW

March 22, 2018

BY MADDEN LEVIN

Welcome back to Young Rising Sons with a hit new song, Whiskey. The song is from the same cool-but-oddly-dad-like-twitter-users; however, it marks a whole new dawn for the band and its following.

The song tackles addiction in the finest yet grievous form, love and alcohol. The lyrical value of this band has always been intense, but Whiskey just raised the standard completely. The difference between the beginning and the end of the song, lyric wise, is important as it goes from talking about personal feelings towards the whiskey, or the woman who was just so addicting.

Again, we all know the talents of this band, so it is no surprise that the beat itself could make a hit song. The highs and lows of the beat follow the lyrics through a tragic realization of that addictive person in your life, who could also be a thing. It is definitely slightly different for the guys; nonetheless, it feels like growth into their true musical preferences and comfort.

Overall, if you are new to the Young Rising Sons world, I will tell you now that you will never be disappointed by the stan-like Harry Styles tweets, motivational quotes, and of course, the catchy and quietly uplifting music!

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MAGIC GIANT: INTERVIEW

March 21, 2018

INTRO BY KAT VISTI

INTERVIEW BY ANDREW PINTADO

Los Angeles trio Magic Giant have a very interesting story -- they describe their coming together as "fate." The trio consists of Austin Bisnow (lead vocalist), Zambricki Li (banjo, violin, and harmonica), and Zang (acoustic guitar and Cello). In the spring of 2016 the trio bought a shuttle bus and converted it into a solar-powered recording studio, which is where they recorded their debut album "In The Wind", creatively named since they recorded most of their album outside in the wind while traveling across the country for music festivals. After independently releasing their single entitled "Set on Fire" it charted at #4 on Spotify's US viral 50, it climbed into the top 25 on Billboard's US alternative chart, and it earned Magic Giant praise from Rolling Stone as one of ten artists to watch. We sat down the Magic Giant to chat about touring, festivals, and music!

How did you guys come up with the name for the band?

Zambricki: "Austin was watching a TED Talk by the visual artist Peter Tunney, and he was going through his whole life story and he said that as a kid he did magic. Then he talks about his mentor Jonas Salk who created the cure for Polio and all the things he did and painted this picture of him as this GIANT! And he showed a photo of the dude and he was just a normal dude wearing a suit. So, it was a compression of this entire TED Talk between him doing the magic and his mentor."

Austin: "And the fact that you don’t have to be big to be a giant."

What do you guys enjoy most about touring?

Zang: "I think what I like and it’s kind of strange, but the fact that we’re all together for so long, it actually makes us more productive. We can talk more, hang out more and do more music stuff. Whereas when we’re home and not touring it’s kind of like Zambricki is mowing his lawn or I’m doing the dishes and we don’t get to talk and we’re not really as involved. But being on tour we’re here and you can’t run away from it."

What’s your favorite city to perform in?

Zang: "OOOOO."

Zambricki: "We can’t say that man, that’s mean."

Austin: "A lot of cities have gone off this tour, like Chicago was nuts and then cities you wouldn’t necessarily expect. The underdogs you know. Spokane, Ann Arbor…"

Zang: "Yeah crazy towns!"

Austin: "…Fort Collins"

Zang: "Grass Valley! Random places go off."

Austin: "This East Coast region is definitely great!"

Zambricki: "I’d say my favorite grouping is like Boston, New York, Philly, D.C."

I’m assuming you have something similar on the West Coast?

Zambricki: "West Coast is more spread out."

Zang: "But still there’s LA, San Francisco, Seattle."

If you weren’t a part of Magic Giant or famous making music what do you think you’d be doing?

Zang: "Before this I was a software engineer."

Zambricki: "So, you’d go back to that?"

Zang: "I don’t think I’d go back, that could’ve been my life, but I think I’d just be a dancer. Then after that and all is said and done I want to do directing and direct movie and films."

Do you direct the music videos?

Zang: "We co-direct."

Zambricki: "We’ve been able to work with a lot of friends in Los Angeles, that kind of either work in it or want to work in it so a lot of times we’ll come up with an idea and they’ll kind of help us bring it to fruition."

For people who don’t know who Magic Giant is what would you tell them? How would you describe yourselves?

Austin: "Just a group of guys. The three amigos!"

Zambricki: "Our moms are friends. Just think about that sit on that, let it marinate."

What are some cool things you guys have done recently? I see you guys have been hanging out at Google, Vevo. A year ago, when I met you weren’t doing so much of that.

Zambricki: "We were doing it we just weren’t putting it on stories or anything. I feel like every time we come to NY we go in and it’ll be like a little luncheon."

Zang: "Yeah NY is special because all these huge companies have headquarters here. So we’ve done the Spotify luncheons, the Google luncheons, we’ve done Vevo and a ton. Last time we were here we did a Paste session with Paste Magazine."

Zambricki: "It’s great we love playing acoustic, people are on their break and we go in and play acoustic and turn it into a mini festival for 20 minutes and then everybody goes back to work."

Speaking of festivals, I see you guys made it to Coachella this year. That’s pretty big, how do you guys feel about that?

Zang: "It feels big! Growing up on the West Coast Coachella was always such a huge thing every year. All the kids would go."

I saw that, and I was like holy shoot! Finally!

Zang: "Yeah right? So, to finally be there it’s like WOOO! It feels exciting, I’m stoked!"

I know you didn’t want to answer what your favorite city is but what about favorite festival?

Zang: "One of them for me, there are a couple, I love Firefly in Delaware. That was an amazing festival. But probably my favorite so far was Electric Forest, in Michigan. It’s beautiful the way they set it up and how it’s designed and it’s in the middle of this deep dense forest. It’s such a different experience, it's not like other festivals where it’s like here’s a stage here’s a band. It’s in the woods! It’s more magical than it looks."

How do you guys stay so positive all the time? I know when it comes to social media people normally only post the good things, but it seems like you guys are always on a positive high! How do you guys always do it?

Austin: "I don’t think we do. And I do think that with social media people do focus on the positive. And not just with social media but just in general people want to share the positive people don’t get vulnerable with other people."

Zambricki: "It’s interesting though. There’s a tendency for people to put the bright stuff online. We had our bus break down at the beginning of this tour and it was interesting because at first we didn’t post about it and we were living out of a U-Haul for a hot minute and didn’t want to show people that. But then we’re like hey you might as well see the U-Haul and people like to see that too. People just want to see what’s real. There’s a point where tragedy becomes hilarious."

Zang: "Being sad aint gonna fix it so you might as well laugh at it."

Austin: "Yeah that’s huge, that could be the biggest thing. Just make the best of it."

What are some things you guys like to do on your downtime?

Zang: "For me specifically I’ll go salsa dancing at some random places. I might go dancing tonight after the show. I’ll go dancing usually in Europe because they’ve got really good dancing out there, so that’s what I’d do on my break time."

[To Austin:] I see you like to be around nature a lot.

Austin: "I feel like that puts my mind at ease, seeing trees, breathing fresh air and being in water too."

Zambricki: "Playing guitar, even being at my home studio or I have a garden area, so I’ll get into the gardening for a hot minute. Then we’ll go on tour and come back, and everything will have died. But just playing music in a non-show way is really cool. I love just playing music for the sake of the music. It doesn’t go anywhere or end up in anything."

What do you guys want your audience to take away from your music and your shows? What do you hope they take away from it?

Zang: "A lot of times when someone tells us that they got a smile after the show that they can’t get rid of and it just kind of lasts for days or a week or even a couple of hours. But I really love that. No matter how your day was or what happens, there’s certain things you can do in life. Like if you go sky diving your mind is clear and free of everything and your just in bliss for those moments. And I feel like our show has a similar thing where once you come in everything else is just gone out of your mind and you’re just there and you can feel it and be there and be happy. And once you leave you take that, live on that or it just might get you through the next hour or the next year. But I love that you can give that little drop of freedom."

Austin: "Someone told us about the show in Toronto that they had been having a bad week and woke up the next morning after our show and were so inspired and energized and that’s really cool."

Lastly can we expect anything new from you guys? What’s to come in the future?

Zambricki: "We’re going to do some more videos for this album. We’re going to do a video for ‘Hideaway’, ‘Celebrate the Reckless’."

Zang: "We actually recorded an acoustic album. Five songs from this album we might drop around the spring."

Zambricki: "We’ll probably end up doing another tour in the spring because when you drop a new album you gotta do a tour. We’ll be going to new places."

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