'USING ME' : ANTHONY ORTIZ

April 25, 2020

BY MEGHAN BRIANNA

Floridian native and Los Angeles based singer Anthony Ortiz was recently featured in Unclear Magazine’s April issue. His newest project, a hybrid between an interview and a music video for his recent release, “Using Me,” features an explanation of the song, some insight from Anthony of what music means to him, as well as a mini a cappella rendition. Check out the video below, as well as some behind-the-scenes photos from the shoot, and some words from the director, Jesse Diamond, and Anthony Ortiz.

Anthony: “Using Me” is just me expressing how I felt about some people who weren’t really being the best of friends to me while I was doing the most for them. I see the good in everyone, which is my best quality but a curse at the same time. I’ve always expressed what’s on my mind through music but never really put a picture to it, so the homie Jessie reached out about one of my songs “Tongue Twister,” and explained to me visions for visuals he had. It had me so stoked because I’ve always wanted to make a music video! But at the time, I had life in the way, so it stalled a bit.

A: We ended up reconnecting and talked about a cool concept for my newest release and I just thought it was the dopest thing ever. He really helped me tap into telling more about myself through this video and helping people understand why I love what I do and that is such a blessing. He’s helped me deliver the full message I want to put out on a new level. Seeing it come to life was awesome and such an experience. I want people to not just listen to “Using Me” but [be able to] visualize it. Hopefully it helps someone come to a realization about how important the environment around you is.

Jesse Diamond: I heard Anthony’s song “Tongue Twister” on a pretty big playlist on YouTube and had to reach out. We ended up meeting at a restaurant in Burbank while he was on The Voice. We talked music, his long term ideas for his music, and his marketing and brand goals. I wanted to help in any way possible. I like working with people that have a similar, or even more, of a work ethic that I have and Anthony has that. He is smart and has a clear cut vision of what he wants and I was immediately team Anthony after a few meetings with him.

J: I asked Anthony to send me any new music he had been working on and he texted me three tracks. “Using Me” was one of the tracks and I gravitated towards it. It told a story that was personal and I felt we had an opportunity to let supporters in to Anthony’s life a little by letting his guard down and opening up a little bit about who Anthony is as a person. I felt the track deserved more than just a music video. I ran the idea of a documentary-style visual where we talked about who he is as a person and use the track “Using Me” as the main score of the piece. We ran around LA for 12 hours and created the visual. I felt that his supporters would get more out of it than a music video. Not saying there isn’t a music video coming, but we wanted his supporters to walk away with knowing Anthony more.

'ROUNDELAY' / LAKE: ALBUM REVIEW

April 24, 2020

BY EMMA SCHOORS

LAKE’s new album, Roundelay, is a calming and unique record full of instrumental surprises and pleasant, dreamlike lyrics and melodies.

Standout track “Forgiveness” sports an impressive bass line and silky vocals, which echo the title during the first verse with “Can I accept this chance for forgiveness?” This rhythmic charm makes for a great addition to the album.

“Bubble” is adorned with hypnotizing guitars and consistent drums and vocals, which explode into a complex chorus full of beautiful backup vocals. This tension within the verses paves the way for an even bigger reaction to the chorus, and moments like this are sprinkled throughout the album.

The last track off the record, “Tell Me What Is True Love” is a relaxing tune full of relevant questions in the areas of love and longing. Electric guitars shine in the middle of the song, adding a cinematic element to the otherwise calming sounds.

The words strung throughout the entirety of the record are novelistic and wise, being slightly reminiscent of Joni Mitchell’s similarly unique lyrics. They depict real life in vivid detail.

LAKE’s newest effort is perfect for anyone looking for a thoughtful and interesting bunch of tunes, and they’re sure to build up even more of a fan base within the coming months.

'SOUNDSCAPE 1992' / COURIER CLUB: SINGLE REVIEW

April 20, 2020

BY EMMA SCHOORS

Courier Club upgrades their impressive discography with “Soundscape 1992.”

The band has been frequently releasing singles since October of 2018, when they unveiled their first release, “Better Now.” The song still encapsulates all that’s incredible about the relatively new band; they pull inspiration from all over the place, and those inspirations are clear as day.

I can still remember listening to the first single the night it came out, after the band had posted an acoustic version that I wore out thoroughly. Upon first listen, I sat there thinking: “Wow. This is something special.” The unrelenting drums, the Strokes-esque guitars, the incredible vocals. The bridge hit me especially hard. It was beautiful and jarring, two things all music should be. It was all kind of paralyzing. I knew I had found something worth holding onto, and I was so excited to see where the band was headed.

However, Courier Club isn’t just a band of well-versed music lovers, as true as that is. They’ve created their own unique sound, which is resonating with a multitude of new fans. The stark contrast of electrifying guitars and moody vocals is what sets them apart — but there’s a long list of other factors.

The band’s visuals are creative and nostalgic, channeling inspiration from 90’s-early 2000’s video games. It’s hard to think of a definitive example of this type of visual being used as effectively as the band is using it right now. Their music strikes a chord, and when something strikes a chord you run like hell with it. That’s exactly what Courier Club is doing right now with their newfound success.

“Soundscape 1992” builds up effectively and explodes into an energetic chorus. A punchy and groovy bass line drives the tune, while the drums act as the complimenting driving force. With this stable and creative backbone, the guitars are free to explore, and that’s what they do in this song.

At the risk of sounding redundant, Courier Club has found a sound that works insanely well for them. Every single member of the band is vital, and the way in which they use their instruments is inventive and new.

It wouldn’t be at all surprising to see the band soaring in popularity over the course of the next few months, so checking out their work now is a sure way to earn the status of “I liked them before it was cool.” (With one exception: they’re already cool.)

'TROUBLE' / SLEEPTALK: SINGLE REVIEW

April 16, 2020

BY EMMA SCHOORS

Sleeptalk is back with “Trouble”, an alternative and simple track that showcases the band’s signature sound.

“I get addicted to the feeling, even if it’s just once.” The lyrics that are strung throughout the song are pretty straightforward: “I know I’m looking for trouble when I’m with you.” This bluntness is helpful in creating a laid back atmosphere within the song. It’s not overly complicated or complex, but it works perfectly.

The sound of the track is poppy and technological, and overall has an upbeat vibe. The lyrics are a complimentary overlay for the similarly fun instrumentals.

It would have been a nice soundtrack to an adventurous summer, but we’ll have to settle for having it as the backdrop to our Zoom calls and Netflix binges.

LOGAN J PARKER: INTERVIEW

April 16, 2020

BY DANIELLE HOLIAN

Rising star Logan J Parker is making her mark in the music world. As an independent artist, she is turning heads with her refreshing music that she writes, records, and produces herself. Having released her debut self-titled extended-play in 2019, she is back with her latest release of “We'll Be Gone”, an ode to the current state of affairs accompanied by a music video that was filmed during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Unclear Magazine caught up with Logan J Parker to discuss her musical background, new single “We'll Be Go”, and much more below.

Tell us more about your story — what made you decide to start creating music?

Logan: “I was born in Portugal, by the sea. I used to be a surfer girl carrying my surfboard and guitar around and four years ago I decided to move to London and get serious with music. It has been tough for someone brought up in a never-ending summer but I guess I needed a challenge and I must say it has been the biggest challenge of my life, though I am happy here. I think I started writing music at the age of 17 when my parents got me my first guitar. I think that's how it started. It was automatic, I started learning chords and suddenly I was writing a song even without having a clue what that meant at the time. It just felt natural or it was my instinct. Every time I started learning a new song, I would end up wandering through the chords in complete awe with the sounds my fingers were creating and then suddenly I was singing something and I just took notes of it in an old notebook. I remember my first composition, it was terrible but I sat down in the kitchen I played it for my mum and she was so excited saying it sounded beautiful. Mum's are the absolute best! Her approval made me want to write and play more.”

Who or what are your musical influences?

L: “I love Screaming Jay Hawkins, Nat King Cole, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith, Betty Everett, Amy Winehouse, Vaya Con Dios, Creedence Clearwater Revival and The Rolling Stones, just to mention a few. I really love those tape recordings, their warmth is just something that lifts my soul up.”

Can you tell us more about your new song “We'll Be Gone”, and what’s the story behind this release?

L: “Two weeks ago, I was in bed and I couldn't sleep. I picked up my guitar and started playing with a couple of chords and there it was, I composed the melody in less than an hour. I was feeling sad really, worried and afraid for the future. That day I went out for some shopping and I was looking around and I couldn't believe it. The world looked so grim and hopeless. Things didn't taste the same, the sun didn't feel the same. A few people walking by and they had the look of fear in their faces. I remember wondering to myself — how did we get to this point? And I ended up blaming us, humans, for this. There are so many things we need to learn. We have an amazing planet, we are a wonderful creation and we can do so many great things, but still, sometimes we waste it all away because we don't treasure this gift from nature. I hope these hard times will make us reconnect with our inner nature and I truly hope we will change things and we will stop being greedy for power and money and focus on what really matters. ‘We'll Be Gone’ is a call for action; I hope this song will ring the bell and make us ready to embrace changing our priorities.”

Typically, how do your musical sessions go when creating a new song?

L: “It's crazy. It can happen anywhere. Once I was in the shower and a new song starts forming in my mind. I had to stop, wrap myself in a towel quickly, pick-up my guitar and start writing it. Sometimes it can be a really fast process but at times it can take days or even months. It's a very emotional process I suppose. It is hard to explain but usually, I guess there is a pattern, the melody mostly comes first and then the lyrics but there are exceptions to this rule as well. Being a songwriter is rolling up and down in a roller-coaster, constantly on the edge of your emotions and then when you write a new song, there's a momentary relief and then you are ready to go again. It's addictive and the adrenaline of creating something completely new is incomparable.”

What do you want the listeners to take away from your music?

L: “I want the song to talk to them in their own language, I hope it can soothe their hearts and souls.”

Why did you choose to be an independent artist rather than seeking out a record deal?

L: “Well, I like to be in control of things and so far life has only presented me with one record deal which I refused. I think finding a team to work with you in the music business is pretty much like finding a soulmate, very difficult and very dangerous. My music is the most important thing in my life, you see? So if I ever end up signing a record deal, I hope to make the right choice and work with someone who will really understand and respect my art.”

Do you have any stand-out moments in your career, thus far?

L: “The day I released my debut EP, on September 13, 2019. Also when I played for Extinction Rebellion in a big pink boat in Turnpike Lane, that was epic! My first international live stream on Discovr TV last month, that was super cool. One day I was busking in Convent Garden and an elderly lady who didn't approve of my performance threw water on me, it was actually refreshing 'cause it was a very hot day in summer.”

How has your music evolved since you began?

L: “If you ask my mum, she would say it has been great since the very beginning which I strongly disagree with. Well, it started by sounding really bad and it has been improving since then but I feel like I still have so much to learn. Nevertheless, I believe my music is maturing with me and I feel like I am finding the right way to express myself, really. I learned one big lesson from life recently: you can't let your insecurities stop you from being naturally yourself. I stopped worrying too much about what others think.”

What drives you forward as an artist?

L: “The thought that my music can make people feel good somehow. That's the reward.”

And what can fans expect next from Logan J Parker?

L: “You never know. I am in the middle of an exploratory journey of self-discovery.”

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