JONO DORR: INTERVIEW

August 12, 2020

by mariah estran

Today, songwriter and producer Jono Dorr has released his new EP, The Unexamined Life Part 1. Over the years, Dorr has been the helping hand to notable artists such as The Neighbourhood and Hayley Kiyoko. But now, he’s put that same passion into this 6-track project.

While creating this EP, the soulful-pop artist didn’t force the story he wanted to tell. Instead, he took what was right in front of him, and gave appreciation to the emotions he would no longer ignore. In return, his openness is unmistakable in each song. As a collection, it pleasantly progresses from breezy rhythms to beautifully haunting chords that feel like the extraordinary unpredictability of the human sentiment.

In celebration of the EP release, we spoke with Jono Dorr on his growth in the music industry, his inspirations, what The Unexamined Life Part 1 means to him, and how it came to fruition.

Music has been a large part of your life since you were a child. You made it into a career. What pushed you to begin producing music for others?

Jono: “I started making music on computers in high school and when making beats turned into collaborating with my friends who rapped or sang, I was a producer all of the sudden. It just sort of happened before I could even think about what I was doing.”

When discussing your producing past, you’ve collaborated with artists such as Hayley Kiyoko and Kehlani. However, now, you’re releasing your own tracks. What made you shift directions and find the strength to do so?

J: “All these songs just poured out of me in a really effortless way and they felt like they belonged to me. As far as I can tell, songs or concepts that come about easily are often better than ones where you are frustratingly searching or forcing. So I just keep on doing it because it feels natural and aligned with who I am.”

You’ve released your EP, The Unexamined Life Part 1. Can you tell us how the creative process was when developing this project?

J: “I just make songs and then certain ones seem to organize themselves to each other sonically or conceptually. The Unexamined Life Part 1 marks the first time in my life that I knew for sure that my feelings mattered.”

The EP mixes soulful vocals with resonant pop sounds. What were some of your musical inspirations while creating this group of songs?

J: “I listen to mostly older music, from many different genres and many different eras. Every now and then I hear a new song or artist that I love, but mostly it's older stuff. I love truly great songs that make you feel butterflies or goosebumps or that make you cry, so the era or genre is irrelevant to me. With these songs I just did what I thought sounded best for each one.”

What song from the EP do you feel encapsulates what this project means to you and why?

J: “‘High Tide’ because I was weeping when I wrote it. Weeping from pain, but also from joy. It just felt so triumphant to be able to say those words out loud to myself.”

Like any artist, we have moments when we believe we should switch to a career that might feel more accepted. You had a time when you wanted to drop the music and become a lawyer. What helped you come back to music and realize that is where you needed to be?

J: “It was right after I graduated college. I just felt called and that was that. My intuition always yells at me and I've ignored it many, many times, but occasionally I'm smart enough to listen.”

Lastly, what is next after this EP? Will there be a full-length album, or can we expect more singles?

J: “More singles and another project. I have a lot of music I want to put out! Thanks for the thoughtful questions!”

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FRND CRCL: INTERVIEW

August 11, 2020

by emily harris

FRND CRCL has created a sound unlike anything else in the pop-punk scene. While blending the early inspirations and sonics of 2000s pop-punk with the intricate lyricism of rap music, the band is branching its sound in all different directions. Their newest release, Internet Noise, is an album testament to the new wave of pop-punk music. The band sat down with us here at Unclear Magazine and discussed their newest release and the background for the album.

Congratulations on your newest album, Internet Noise! Can you tell us a little bit about the inspiration behind the album title as well as the album artwork?

Zac Johnson & Aaron Smith: “Thanks! We are very proud of Internet Noise and happy that everyone is enjoying it! The album title/artwork depicts that our daily lives are now lived by association of the internet. ‘Famous’ was the first single to be released from the album and its lyrics are synonymous to the album title, so we felt like it would convey that message.

As for the artwork itself, we had a few concepts, but luckily enough we came into contact with our good friend Thomas Harris Jr, who’s an amazing graphic design artist. We showed him the ideas we had, then he created a much more mature image that represented the album title very well.”

The album has heavy 2000s pop-punk influences. How have you found a way to create your own unique sound while still blending in those iconic punk roots?

Dom Giacalone: “We all bring different influences to the table, but keep the emphasis on pop structure with a hard rock type of vibe. The songs are usually fundamentally 2000s pop punk influenced in their inception, however, at the end they sort of grow into something more as we continue to work on them together.”

Reigning from the east coast, how has the melting pot of the music scene allowed you to become the musicians you are today, especially as you’ve been in the industry for a few years now?

Dom Giacalone: “There isn’t much of a music scene in our hometown of Vineland. It seemed like back in the mid 2000s a hardcore scene was strong in the area, but that seemed to have faded. Fortunately, Philadelphia is a place where we’ve played many shows and it’s always refreshing to see the many different styles and genres of music. Being at a show and seeing something we didn’t expect is always inspiring.”

The first single you dropped from this album, “Famous,” has over eighty-five thousand streams on Spotify. What made you decide to drop “Famous” as the first single?

Dom Giacalone & Aaron Smith: “‘Famous’ was actually being recorded while we were waiting to drop our 2018 EP Promstarr, so it was the first song to be completed and we felt that it was the catchiest song on the record, but as we said earlier, the lyrics go hand in hand with the album title. Hearing people at shows sing along to the chorus is always an incredible feeling.”

The fourth song from the album, “The Waiting Game,” has a large guitar presence and well as intricate rap lyrics. What was the recording and writing of this song like?

Zac Johnson: “This was actually one of the more difficult songs to put together because of the structure. Originally, it had a full chorus between the first and second verse, solos in the bridge, etc., but we decided that it was just too much — we were toying around with the bridge for a while honestly, and I think the end result was what the song needed — more space for guitars to soar sonically in the bridge, and let the choruses carry the punch. Like I’ve said before, this is one of my favorite songs off the album due to its dark, quirky, carnival-ride vibes.”

The album ends with the slow song that is “Charlotte’s Web.” What made you decide to end the album on a mellow note when it begins with the powerhouse that is “Somethin’ Bout You?”

Zac Johnson: “Great question! Honestly, I was hoping someone would notice that transition. So, there’s many songs on the album that flow into the next consecutive song and when I’m formatting an album’s structure, I always take into consideration not only the songs that make up the body of the album, but the songs at the beginning and the end as well. When you listen on a CD (or if you’re streaming the album in order on repeat) the first song plays after the last song; the reason behind the decision to end on a mellow note was that when the album starts again, the energy picks right back up. Maybe I’m biased, but it makes me want to listen to it all over again ‘cause it’s almost as if it were a constant loop/balance of transitioning energy.”

What is one thing you hope someone takes away from this album?

Zac Johnson: “I hope this album helps people the way writing it helped me. It felt good to get a lot of these songs out there because they reflect personal emotions to me. For instance, ‘The Waiting Game,’ in all its dark quirkiness, will always hold a special place in my heart, ‘cause it, at a time, reflected my inner soul of emotion, and in expressing that lyrically behind music, it seemed that I was able to heal in a way from it.”

What are your plans for the future of the band, both in the sense of live shows and new merch?

Zac Johnson & Aaron Smith: “The future’s looking up! We’re close to teaming up with some great people to help us take the band to the next level. I think that you can expect bigger and better things from all across the spectrum of being in a band. New merch is definitely in the works for the fall and new music may come sooner than you think. Trying to reach places we’ve never been before and all in all trying to get our music.“

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RUNNING LIGHTS: INTERVIEW

August 10, 2020

by mariah estran

NYC pop trio Running Lights are no strangers to the music industry. From engineering to touring with big acts like Gnash as keyboardists and guitarists, these three have infiltrated those skills into developing their project.

The band is showing off their catchy pop sound with the latest single “One in a Million.” It’s a song that expresses a new lesson learned during these isolating times, a reminder of life’s brevity, and taking a leap of faith for the ones you love.

“One in a Million” is full of vibrancy as it builds up to a chorus that showcases the band's imaginative sound. A tinge of alternative style drum fills, passionate lyrics, and a blend of dance-worthy synth makes for another standout moment in their discography.

In honor of the new track, we spoke with Running Lights on how their backgrounds influence their craft, the story behind “One in a Million,” their sound development, and how they’re creating uplifting content for their fans.

In the beginning, you all were creating covers for YouTube, which were extraordinarily successful. But what was the reason behind the decision to begin creating songs of your own?

Mike: “It’s actually the other way around! I was already writing songs at that point. Doing YouTube covers was just a way to create a platform for my original stuff.”

That decision to focus on producing music paid off. You guys were then signed to IDAP Music. Can you tell us what that moment was like for the band?

Nick: “The moment Julian (IDAP) proposed the idea of a deal to us we were actually under a bridge in LA eating fish tacos from a food truck. Although the location was strange it was a very exciting moment… Oh, and the fish tacos were good too!”

Each member of the group has had extensive experience within the music industry, such as touring with other acts or mixing in a studio. How would you say that has helped the band develop creatively?

Mike: “As a touring musician, I witnessed an artist sign to a major label and subsequently work her way through the challenges in store until her first full-length release, which became a massive success for her. Essentially, I got to observe firsthand what a dream-come-true looks like, how some days are better than others, and how sticking to your creative guns is imperative.”

Nick: “While working at Electric Lady Studios I had the privilege of being in rooms with some major artists such as Bon Jovi, Frank Ocean and more. I was fortunate enough to see behind the curtain of a lot of major albums and what goes into them. When you begin self-recording, mixing or just making music in general you constantly wonder what the pros do. I think being able to KNOW what the pros do gives us a huge leg up creatively and takes out a lot of the guesswork that usually goes into the more technical side of making music!”

Steve: “Having been on the road and opening for major acts such as Taking Back Sunday, I’ve learned it’s better to be over prepared than underprepared so as a group we always think 10 steps ahead of where we are at the time.”

Running Lights’ sound kind of mixes pop with energy-filled electronic type features. What has inspired this sound?

Mike: “We wanted to create something that feels familiar to a pop music fan but is unique in that it uses elements that don’t necessarily live in the same vein.”

Nick: “A lot of the sounds we use actually start from Mike just recording a voice memo and putting into a ProTools session. For instance, the acoustic guitars in ‘One in a Million’ were all recorded on an iPhone.”

You’re just released “One in a Million” on August 7th, what can you tell us about the track and what inspired it?

Mike: “Yes! We’re living through a particularly low point in history. In a world clogged with fear, information overload, and straight-up bad vibes, ‘One in a Million’ is meant to remind you to take advantage of the magic moments that do wander across your path. I think everyone who’s been in love can relate, whether it’s new love or old; it’s meant to sound like a first kiss feels. As long as you have someone to love, you can make it through anything.”

On Instagram, the band has managed to create fun content during a time when we are remaining distant from one and another. How are you going to continue interacting with your fanbase while the future of live shows resuming is still uncertain?

Mike: “We’ve been getting really into TikTok. It’s been very different than creating content for Instagram in that there’s an ‘anything goes’ sense about it. We’re definitely more comedic on TikTok, so if you want a good laugh head on over to our page (@runninglightsmusic).”

What is next for Running Lights? Are there more songs on the way or an EP you can tell us about?

Mike: “There are always more songs on the way! We’re constantly writing new stuff, so in this case ‘One in a Million’ is literally one in a million!”

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'ROSE' / SUSAN: SINGLE + MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW

August 8, 2020

by emma schoors

Susan’s latest single, “Rose,” is a beautifully executed track about self love and self understanding. It is the fourth track off the monthly released project cleverly titled “suepreme.”

Exploring a range of complex topics perfectly, “Rose” evokes a deeply unsettling emotion; one that’s reminiscent of confusion surrounding one’s self. Though this confusion takes up some of the subject matter, it does not last long. The song is also, on the opposite end, about understanding on a deep level who you are, no matter the environment you grow up in, or the challenges you face. This development is much needed in music, and to see it approached so well is a breath of fresh air.

The track is backed by a music video directed by Charles Maddocks and Susan Reby. For anyone looking for an interesting and well thought out song about love and understanding, “Rose” is a great place to start.

SAINT RAYMOND: INTERVIEW

August 7, 2020

by pankhuri bhutani

Entering the music industry at just the age of 18, Callum Burrows, who professionally goes by the name Saint Raymond, recently released the acoustic version of his track “Right Way Round.” With around 500,000 monthly listeners on his Spotify Channel, Saint Raymond is one of the artists who is gaining thousands of fans everyday.

Callum is definitely currently under the spotlight as just released his new track “Love this Way,” giving the fans a fresh perspective from his highly awaited second album.

We caught up with Callum regarding his music journey and plans on his future projects/collaborations.

What was the experience like with your first song?

Saint Raymond: “It was something I dreamt of doing as a kid, so to finally have my music out there was a real special moment, and even releasing music now still feels just as special, I’d say.”

Was there anything you planned out to do before setting out in the music industry?

SR: “I think mainly to be sustainable and be able to constantly expand my touring and releasing music and to feel like I’ve achieved those things. Obviously it’s been great to see venues sell out over the years and go on tour with amazing people like Ed Sheeran, but I just wanted to make sure there was longevity in it.”

What, according to you, is the best thing that you have experienced so far related to your music?

SR: “I think my album going top-10 was a real highlight, and the other thing for me would be selling out Rock City in my hometown of Nottingham, a place that I’ve gone to gigs over the years and growing up.”

Out of all the songs that you have created, which one is your favorite and why?

SR: “Probably ‘As We Are Now’ because it’s a song that means so much to me about growing up. All my mates from growing up are still my mates now, so it’s a really important song to me.”

You recently released your new track “Right Way Round.” Congratulations on that! What was the inspiration behind it?

SR: “I wrote this song quite awhile ago, it’s mainly about feeling left out and a bit confused in life but realizing that everyone’s got a purpose and that there’s beauty in being the odd one out.”

What was the creative process like and did you face any challenges during the making of the song?

SR: “It was a weird one really because I wrote it about three years ago but didn’t actually record it until last summer! But it was a really easy process and a lot of fun just like the rest of the record.”

Is there any particular message that you are trying to convey through this track?

SR: “I think, like I touched on earlier really, the message is that we’re all going to struggle and have mental health battles in life, but it’s how we pick ourselves up and find a purpose in life that matters.”

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