WILDER WOODS: INTERVIEW

September 8, 2019

BY AMANDA SIGMAN

Driven by a passion for music and a love for creating, NEEDTOBREATHE’s frontman Bear Rinehart released Wilder Woods, a self-titled debut album, complete with soulful, smooth tunes that take introspection to a new level. This melodious combination of modern alt pop, R&B, and soul perfectly pairs carefully crafted sounds with lyrics discussing lifelong themes like patience, forgiveness, and self-love.

What launched Bear on this solo music journey? To him, it was never about signing a major label deal or hitting impressive cities on tour. From the very beginning, Bear didn’t have any tangible goals, rather he was just making music he loved. He shared, “I really wanted to make music that wasn’t a means to an end. It was really fun to make something that I had no idea where it was headed.”

It was his desire to set a strong example to his kids that led Bear to actually release the music. He shared with Unclear that it wasn’t as much the songs on the record, but the fact that he made it. To him, he was setting an example to his kids that it’s okay to take risks and make mistakes because in the end, something beautiful may come of it.

Even with relaxed intentions, Bear’s solo career quickly took off, gaining momentum from both long-time NEEDTOBREATHE fans to brand new Bear Rinehart fans. Wilder Woods hit streaming services in early August and has received nothing but glowing reviews since. With melodious rhythms like “Someday Soon” to driving beats like “What Gives You the Right” this album truly speaks to any and every mood.

The album walks listeners through a variety of themes that can be felt in pretty much any stage of life. Each song takes listeners on a journey of introspection and self-reflection that will leave you thinking about life long after the last track ends. Bear shared that while writing, he drew inspiration from his life, wife, and kids. He reflected that creating for himself rather than a band brought a refreshing perspective to his lyrics, as he didn’t need to speak for anyone else; just his own, impactful experiences.

Complete with ten gorgeous, raw, ridden-with-life-experience songs, Wilder Woods covers a myriad of genres and topics. Of all the songs on the album, Bear pinpoints “Lights Shine In” as his proudest piece. Listed first on the album, he considers this song to be somewhat of a personal manifesto and something he’ll be proud even 15 years from now.

We know everyone’s wondering, what comes next? Is this just a hobby? Will there be more? For now, Bear expressed that this project is incredibly important to him and he is highly committed to it. He’s excited to see it all come together on tour and in live shows and cannot wait to share his passion with the audience. Follow @iamwilderwoods for all the tour updates.

OTIS KANE: INTERVIEW

September 7, 2019

When was the moment you knew you wanted to be a musician?

Otis: “I can't remember one specific moment, but Stevie Wonder is the artist that influenced me to be a music creator. Every Saturday my mom would take me to my basketball games and she would play Stevie. I remember thinking ‘how can something control my emotions so drastically?’ I felt the music and I wanted to create music that made people feel the Stevie’s made me feel. That’s just one example, but a major one.”

How would you describe your sounds in three words?

Otis: “Good soul music.”

You recently released your latest song “Happy Days” – can you tell us a little about the song and the inspiration behind it?

Otis: “Honestly, I was just really happy that day. I was working with a couple friends and I was talking about how the world needs more uplifting songs, and Happy Days is what we came up with.”

“Happy Days” is featured in the short film Hair Love – what was your reaction when you found out this would be happening?

Otis: “I was pretty excited. Mainly because of what the film represents, but also because happy songs don’t always get the love they deserve. I was glad to see this one serve its purpose. Doesn’t hurt to be involved in a project directed by Matthew Cherry and executive produced by Jordan Peele.”

Before focusing on your music full time, you had opened the studio STRZ Enterprises in LA. Do you ever miss working at the studio?

Otis: “The studio was my first major accomplishment, I was a pretty young guy in charge of what became a popular studio. I was very proud if it. At the time music was going through a transition, lots of people were switching to home studios and laptops, so it was tough to make a profit and have time to create. Leaving the studio was a tough decision but it was the right one.”

We also hear that you are planning to release a full-length album in 2020! What else can we expect from you in the near future?

Otis: “I am super excited to say that I will be putting an album out, but you can expect several singles first. I started this project a few months ago so I am still in the creation process.”

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CIMO FRÄNKEL: INTERVIEW

September 6, 2019

When was the moment that you realized you wanted to be an artist?

Cimo: “I was always making music as a kid, I always imagined myself dancing around the stage. Those were just dreams then. When I was 15 a button switched and said: ‘I will not do anything else than music.’”

For those who have not yet heard your music, how would you describe it to them?

Cimo: “Pop love songs with an R&B seasoning from downtempo to uptempo.”

You recently released your latest EP Stay the Night – can you tell us a little about the EP and the process creating it?

Cimo: “For some of the songs I have only had melodies for over a couple of years. But I always knew I wanted to release them. I wanted an 80s/90s feel for the EP. But I also wanted it to sound fresh so I combined modern elements with classic tricks.”

What song on the EP would you say best represents you as an artist?

Cimo: “Dance till Dawn. It combines everything I grew up on with what I feel is my natural instinct in making music. Long chords, pads, guitar, groovy beat.”

Where do you find most inspiration when creating music?

Cimo: “A safe environment, home. Not too many people around. Lights slightly dimmed and super comfortable on a bug chair or bean bag, and when it’s starting to become something: a lot of pacing.”

We also recently released two new concept videos from the EP – what can you tell us about the videos?

Cimo: “The director, David O’Donohue, really focused on the art in these videos. Visual poetry.”

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

Cimo: “I will be releasing a set of songs very soon. I am working on a certain style that focuses on a lot of backing vocal accents.”

Stay The Night EP featuring "Stay The Night" is available now!

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ALEX KRUG COMBO: INTERVIEW

September 5, 2019

How did you all first come together and start making music?

Alex: “I met Michael Selverne, our producer, at a songwriting competition that I was hosting years ago. Jessica Tomasin brought him. Instantly, I loved him. He wanted to make a record with me, and we made our first album as a band together 'Gentle Spotted Giants' four years ago. I had already been playing with Kyle, our electric guitar player and at the time both Lyndsay Pruett (violin, Jon Stickley Trio) and Jackson Dulaney (lap steel). Pruett got really busy with Stickley and couldn't play with us very much. Dulaney didn't play on 'Gentle Spotted Giants'. But in the four years since, his lap steel playing has become a clutch part of the band. Also in the four years since the first album, I've gotten to continue working with Bill Berg, our drummer, in both live shows and recording. We became friends along the way and love connecting about art and life. He and his wife Kaaren are painters and travel a lot to do plein air painting. So we have plenty of fun stuff to talk about. Rachel Gramig, we've been singing together for so long. She's one of my best friends and have seen each other in many different life chapters. Long hikes, tight harmonies, lots of house shows. Often as soon as I'm writing something new I can hear her.

This second album is really potent for us because we know each other much better now. 'Sleeping on the Woodlands' is not only a work of music but also a work of friendship and discovery.”

How would you describe your music to those who have not heard it yet?

Alex: “That's a challenging question. Honest, it's honest.”

You recently released your latest single “Woodlands." Can you tell us a little about the song and the inspiration behind it?

Alex: "Woodlands is for those who are on the outside, that are on the periphery, who have been, in some way marginalized (due to injustice, prejudice and ignorance). The song is to say, you may surely be on the edges, forgotten, ignored and not heard but those who have been sidelined are really the most important. When I wrote the song, it was winter in western North Carolina where I live. The mountains had new snow and a crispness about them. A few friends and I drove to go for a hike on a remote trail that follows a clean fast river. I walked in the back behind them, our foot steps making fresh tracks in the snow. It was late in the day and the beginnings of dusk were coming in around us, deepening shadows. I was looking around at the young green snowy hemlocks and the sycamore, which leaned over the creek with their strong smooth gray and white camo trunks and dry winter achene dangling from the thinner twigs, unfazed by cold winter. The words just came to me there on that walk for some reason.”

“Woodlands” is the lead single off your upcoming EP Sleeping on the Woodlands – what can we expect from this EP?

Alex: “The EP 'Sleeping on the Woodlands' represents a little portion of the musical work we've been doing over the last four years. For me, it's a powerful and honest album. I couldn't be more proud and grateful to have been able to do it and get it out.”

What was the process like making the EP? Was it any different from projects you’ve created in the past together?

Alex: “The recording process was magical. The band had been playing together for years, which was different than the last album when we were still getting to know each other. We have been wanting to record for a long time. Finally, with the help of our fans via IndieGoGo, we got to be in the studio. Echo Mountain Recording and our friends there are the best. There was a large winter storm to hit the region during our session. Michael, Jessica and Julian (our producers and engineer) were dedicated to the project, knowing how much it meant to us they made arrangements so that we could sleep there if need be. Bill Berg, our drummer, who is in his 70s, rented a 4 wheel drive. The commitment to the project was really inspiring. We had a meaningful session. It's mostly live tracking including lead vocals, with very little over dubs. We flew in Rachel from Denver a few weeks later to track harmony. Normally, we do harmony side by side so that was different. She had a scheduling conflict and couldn't be there for the main session.”

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

Alex: “We would really like to put out another EP soon and play and create more music.”

The official music video for Alex Krug Combo's single 'Woodlands' from the album 'Sleeping on the Woodlands'. Single available 8.30.19, EP available 9.19.19. follow AKC with : Spotify - https://ffm.to/alex_krug_combo Instagram - @alexkrugcombo https://www.instagram.com/alexkrugcombo/ Twitter - @alexkrugmusic https://twitter.com/alexkrugmusic video production crew: Raeleen Wilson PA-C, M.S. - entomology Chris Tullar M.S.

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'US' / FAINTHEART: SINGLE REVIEW

September 3, 2019

BY KAT VISTI

Faintheart comes from Kansas and consists of members Tanner (vocals/ guitar), Jeremy (bass), Riley (guitar), and Hunter (drums). They recently released their new single entitled “Us”. Faintheart played at Steadfast 2019 in Columbus, alongside Mike Main and Shaed. They’ve also shared the stage with Knox Hamilton, Vinyl Theatre, and Lydia.

Musically, “Us” is very well done. I can appreciate a song that tells a story and flows well and that’s exactly what this song does. Faintheart draws musical influences from bands like Death Cab For Cutie, The Killers, and Copeland. You can hear the elements that were drawn from those bands, but it includes their own personal twist.

If you liked Faintheart’s previous music, you’re certainly in for a treat with this song! If you want music that you can put on with the sun setting and the windows down in the car, Faintheart is it. It’s 100% worth the listen and I’ll be adding it to my Favorites playlist on Spotify.

Official video for Us by Faintheart FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: spotify: http://bit.ly/faintheartspotify twitter: http://bit.ly/fainthearttwitter instagram: http://bit.ly/faintheartinsta facebook: http://bit.ly/faintheartfacebook GET MERCH: www.wearefaintheart.com/store SEE SHOWS: www.wearefaintheart.com/tour