GINA NAOMI BAEZ: INTERVIEW

September 20, 2021

by danielle holian

Actress, singer-songwriter, influencer, and YouTuber Gina Naomi Baez has released her new single “Liquor Love.” The track narrates the need to wean toxicity out of your life. Alongside her musical career, she also flourishes in acting having landed roles in Spike Lee’s “She’s Gotta Have It,” “Orange is the New Black,” and numerous Off-Broadway and regional theatrical productions, she's currently turning heads noticing her multi-talents. With this said, her love and passion for songwriting and music has always been the true driving force behind her creativity, with the artist using her platform to spread messages of positivity.

Baez has also seen great success with her YouTube channel which has built an impressive following. Her infamous "Lizzo's Truth Hurts x Hocus Pocus" parody music video went viral after Lizzo herself reposted it, as well as Bette Midler. The channel features creative, unique original music videos, covers, and parodies of popular songs and has garnered worldwide recognition from the likes of PEOPLE, Entertainment Weekly, Access Hollywood, The Huffington Post, MTV, Perez Hilton, FOX, E! ONLINE, Ryan Seacrest, Yahoo News!, Stylist and much more! Baez has also just landed a co-star role in the CBS TV show, “FBI!” Propelling in all areas of the industry, Baez is clearly a force to be reckoned with.

Unclear Magazine caught up with Gina Naomi Baez to discuss her talents, new single “Liquor Love,” and much more below.

Congratulations on your new single “Liquor Love” — what inspired the storyline?

Gina Naomi Baez: “So many different scenarios in my life inspired the storyline of ‘Liquor Love.’ The listener can take it as it is and think it’s about drunk love, but for me it is actually about toxicity in your life. Whether it be a habit, a love, a friend, a job. The things that aren’t serving me or making me the best version of myself. It’s a song about deciding to face all of this and finally make a change.”

And who or what are your musical influences?

GNB: “I have such a wide range of musical influences. Some are Taylor Swift, Sia, Celine Dion, Sasha Sloan, Idina Menzel, Bette Midler, Lennon Stella, Katy Perry, Ingrid Andress, Lauren Aquilina, dodie, and many, many more!”

Tell us how you got into songwriting — what inspired the drive to create your own material?

GNB: “I got into songwriting when I was in middle school but then never really took anything seriously until after college. I know it sounds cliché, but I was definitely inspired by Taylor Swift and I found country/folk music to be a lot like musical theatre where the song told a story. I was fascinated with lyrics and the ability to emote feelings in such unique, clever ways. I taught myself guitar and started writing and haven’t stopped since.”

And what do you want listeners to take away from your music?

GNB: “I always want my listener to be transported in some way. I really think music is so magical. When I hear a song that makes me forget everything else, that feeling is indescribable and I always strive for that in my songwriting. In ‘Liquor Love’ I wanted the song to feel like you were being surrounded and drowned in the music.”

You dabble in many different talent avenues from acting, singing, songwriting, influencing, and YouTube. What attracted you to the arts, especially as a career?

GNB: “I always loved the arts since I was a little girl. I was obsessed with musical movies like Wizard of Oz and Funny Girl. I had dreams of being a performer on Broadway. Then in 8th grade I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma; a form of cancer and it was almost like I became an adult very quickly. I appreciated life in a way my peers didn’t understand. The arts were the one thing that got me through it. The arts literally saved me, I knew it was what made me happy, what brought me true joy and what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. It was going to be a career for me, not just a hobby.”

You've had much success in acting having landed roles in Spike Lee’s “She’s Gotta Have It,” “Orange is the New Black,” and numerous Off-Broadway and regional theatrical productions — what's your dream role?

GNB: “My dream role is Eliza in Hamilton on Broadway.”

To anyone who dreams of working in the entertainment industry, what advice would you give them?

GNB: “I would say to stay true to who you are and to not give up.”

How has the pandemic helped your creative juices?

GNB: “The pandemic was a whirlwind of emotions for me and I really leaned into songwriting to express each and every one. I have so much music right now and I’m soooooo eager to release it all!”

What drives you forward as an artist?

GNB: “I feel like I have this spark in me that is constantly striving and working for more. Yes, it might become dull from time to time, but I know if I keep going and persist I can do anything. Anytime I think of giving up, I think of me as a little girl with cancer and how grateful I am to be alive and follow my dreams.”

And finally, what’s one fun fact about yourself for our readers?

GNB: “Halloween is my favorite holiday!”

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'PAINT THE ROSES (LIVE IN CONCERT)' / LARKIN POE + NU DECO ENSEMBLE: REVIEW

September 17, 2021

by emma schoors

Roots rock is undoubtedly powerful on its own, but “Paint The Roses (Live in Concert)” by Larkin Poe and Nu Deco Ensemble elevates it to a new level of stunning vigor.

“Sometimes” eases listeners in, not straying noticeably far from the 2018 Venom & Faith track’s original demeanor at first. As the song progresses the orchestral elements seep in, and the performance’s individuality is carved. “Back Down South/Blue Sky” is marked by soulful vocals and booming percussion. The original is sharp and impactful, but this rendition is especially cinematic (though cinematic could easily be used to describe the entirety of the live album).

Sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell pay homage to their late grandfather on “Mad as a Hatter.” Emphasizing the fear that comes with having your own thoughts and memories stolen from you, the lyrics are a heartbreaking yet realistic look into what battling mental illness can entail. “I know what time is / Time is a thief / It'll steal into bed and rob you while you sleep,” Rebecca sings solemnly. Each line weaves a story of confusion, hurt, and most importantly truth.

Tracks like “Danger Angel” and “Tears Of Blue To Gold,” both from 2020’s “Self Made Man,” do their original forms justice while introducing new, softer musical features. “She’s a Self Made Man” is a triumphant end to an equally triumphant live album: “Oh, like it or not I don't give a damn / Lord, have mercy, I'm a self-made-man.” The setlist as a whole is simply brilliant, and ending on lines like these is nothing short of poetic.

Larkin Poe and Nu Deco Ensemble’s “Paint The Roses (Live in Concert)” is a stunning, orchestral take on some of the duo’s most well-loved songs.

DEVIN KENNEDY: INTERVIEW

September 15, 2021

by brittany and everly ormiston

Sunday mornings: the smell of freshly brewed coffee, windows open filling the room with crisp air, music quietly playing throughout the house, almost as if you are in a daydream. Devin Kennedy’s newest EP has listeners experiencing SunDayDreams with every click of the play button. The EP is a “soundtrack to reflect on your whole summer” time and time again. There were 12-15 individuals who helped bring Kennedy’s vision to life, including co-writers Whakaio Taahi, Lukas Costas, and Dan Burke. Songwriting is the most vital piece when creating a project because it effectively communicates emotion and is complimented by other aspects, such as the artwork and music videos.

Imagery is woven throughout the new EP and Kennedy’s discography as a whole. The third track on the EP, “Hurt U,” includes the lyric “but you hit me like a shot of caffeine.” This is a perfect example of imagery being portrayed lyrically. A music video also allows fans to see the world through the artist’s eyes for the duration of the song. Kennedy stated, “The visual side of being an artist is so important to the brand, finding fans, and growing [as an artist].” He is involved in the creative process of his music videos every step of the way from the planning and concepts to the final editing. For the video “Sundress,” Kennedy sparked the idea to add transitions and have him “fall into different locations.'' The viewers are intrigued from the very beginning when he falls back onto the bed and sits up on the beach. There are also many “easter eggs” throughout Kennedy’s music videos, including the magnets on the refrigerator that spell out the title of the track and his initials in “Hurt U.”

SunDayDreams is a perfect way to describe Kennedy’s life at this moment in time. His ever-changing sound indicates he is willing to take risks and think outside the box. Kennedy mentioned, “I am always working towards a better version of myself, and I like to keep people guessing and on their toes.” Kennedy’s authentic and unique artistry entices fans to keep wanting more. “The whole reason I really got into being an artist, and got into writing and producing was to play live. That was my first love musically,” stated Kennedy. He hopes to tour across the country in the near future when the opportunity presents itself. A few of Kennedy’s bucket list items is to perform at a music festival, such as Lollapalooza and Coachella, and to play at larger venues in Los Angeles he grew up going to.

Summer has come and gone, but you can relive your favorite moments by listening to SunDayDreams. This EP has made such an impact that the simplicity of a sunflower reminds listeners of Devin Kennedy and the positive vibes he radiates.

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INHALER: INTERVIEW

September 14, 2021

by emma schoors

When Inhaler first put pen to paper on It Won’t Always Be Like This years ago, there was no way to predict how punctual the words would become. Still, the band latched onto its timelessness, and the title track of their knockout debut album was born. Bright, loud, and unashamed, tracks like “Who’s Your Money On? (Plastic House)” and “Cheer Up Baby” are pops of thrashing color, while “My Honest Face” and “In My Sleep” make way for weighty bass lines and introspective lyrics. A hunger for live music has earned the Dublin-based band sold-out shows around the UK and US — we had the chance to talk to them all about it.

Did you all grow up around similar music, or are there varying musical backgrounds within the band?

EH: “We’ve got a lot of different inspirations. I think we kind of look at it as a Venn diagram of The Stone Roses, and Oasis, and Joy Division in the middle, and then we’ve got all these different little branches. The lads are really into rap and all that. I am as well, but I’m now in a Bob Dylan phase of my life whereas they’re in techno, so it’s an interesting little combination. I think we take that in our stride and we definitely try to replicate it in our music.”

What song from the album went through the most changes before reaching its final form?

RK: “That is a good question. I’m just trying to think of what the answer is.”

JJ: “‘Cheer Up Baby’ took the longest to get right. We were recording that for a long time.”

EH: “A really long time. Also, because it was kind of the most simply formed, and one of the oldest tunes, so I think we were second guessing ourselves a lot about it. We just made so many different versions of it, and in the end just ended up with something that was really similar to what we first came up with, and it worked, you know? I think you often do that when you have a lot of time in the studio just to experiment.”

How did it feel to hear the finished album for the first time?

RK: “I was going to say it’s hard to put it into words, but that actually wasn’t what I was going to say. I was going to say I can’t really remember when that was. I think we had a listen to it the day after it came out, maybe? Lads, I can’t remember. For the Jack Saunders thing, maybe? That was a good moment, where we all kind of enjoyed the album for the first time and we all sang the songs and stuff. There’s just a lot of hard work put into it, so I think it was just very rewarding. It’s nice to have something that you can kind of see after putting in a lot of work and seeing a result throughout the week of when it came out. Still, today, with people sharing it and enjoying the songs.”

What are you most proud of as a band?

EH: “This album, I think. But then often there’s times when we are driving home after a gig, where we just kind of turn to each other and go, ‘This is really nuts, what’s happening.’ So all those moments, you kind of just have that real proud thing. I think most of the time we’re just too focused on what we have to do next. We don’t really stop and think about it. When you do get a chance to, it’s pretty amazing.”

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'SPOILED AF.' / THEM FANTASIES: REVIEW

September 13, 2021

by alex grainger

Looking for a song which will have you dancing immediately? “Spoiled af.” by Them Fantasies is exactly what you have been searching for. The groovy instrumentals and sick vocals create the perfect blend for this end of summer dance hit. Them Fantasies is a Los Angeles based alt pop/funk band which has hit our radar and we can’t get enough.

Them Fantasies is composed of lead vocals and bassist Dominic Cannarella-Andersen, guitarist Eric McCoy, and drummer Max Meizlish. The band formed back in 2017 after the guys met at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Since their recent move to LA in September 2020, they have been engrossed in creating new music, especially “Spoiled af..”

“Spoiled af.” was crafted on Them Fantasies first trip to LA together. The guys were around the Topanga Mountains near Malibu — an area of extreme wealth. After staring in awe of the mansions, the band was inspired to write a song about the lifestyles of the residents. “Everything looked so lavish and bougee. There’s a lot of people who have this lifestyle and it is their reality, so to kind of poke a little fun at that and throw a nice little satirical jab,” explained Dom.

“Spoiled af.” creates a unique connection between the band and listener. The ultimate goal being “giving people something to dance to, but also to have a joke with someone else,” expressed Dom. Bands create various connections with their fans, from the typical relation about heartbreak, love, or happiness, but it is somewhat unorthodox to have this connection through humor in a song. “We want this to evoke a good time, lighting people up and getting in the mood to party.” It is as though we are all in on the inside joke, making Them Fantasies seem more personable and human, aside from the pedestal and untouchable status typically given to our favorite artists.

Without question I had to know the creative process behind their iconic instrumentals. Dom explained how the process resembled one of a “live room.” He first brought in a bass line to their studio session, where Eric and Max began to build off the track. In the depth of the process, they tested various melodic ideas, brought together their instruments, and jammed out. Once the live room jam session ended, the guys in collaboration with their producer Nick Smith used computer production techniques to add the finishing touches

Them Fantasies has legendary influences for “Spoiled af..” Their current artistry is heavily influenced by Panic! At The Disco and Anderson .Paak. The catchy pop tunes Panic! At The Disco are known for, and the scary resemblance of Dom’s voice to Brendon Urie’s are undeniable. The instrumentals resemble those of Anderson .Paak’s vibey, funky instrumentals he is known for. This new pop/alt sound contrasts their previous record which had an alternative/progressive rock sound. Eric explained this change, “We’re constantly being introduced to new music. So, our interests and styles are constantly changing.” Their versatility as a band is engaging and accentuates their talent.

A bands growth is something I find noticeable and amazing. Listening to Them Fantasies previous rock record Caffeine Queen, it is clear how much their sound has developed. Dom explained just how much they have grown as a band since that release two years ago. “Production? Definitely. The very first stuff, production and mixing wise, is not up to par with the direction we’re going in.” Welcoming the new production techniques of today has launched their development into a new realm of synthetic beats. Their melodies have become simpler, catchier, and are able to fit under more things, “It’s a little bit of the glue to fit everything together,” stated Dom. Max added, “We want our melodies to be singable back, because it’s just amazing when you have an audience of people, and they know your song.”

The song is obviously irresistible from the second the opening bass track begins; you simply cannot help but dance. Them Fantasies spoke about how playing live is what they live for, and “Spoiled af.” has only intensified their love of performing as Max explained, “It is my favorite thing to play live because everyone is just dancing.” As a fan, hearing a song live where everyone in the audience gets lost in the groovy music is one of the most exhilarating feelings. It was endearing to hear the opposite perspective of utter happiness the guys have from the song being so well received and accomplishing their goal of creating a dance hit.

Clearly, playing “Spoiled af.” live is an experience for the band and audience, so I couldn’t help but ask if they had a favorite part of the song to play. Their response only fueled the need to see Them Fantasies live as Dom expressed, “We have a little ending section that’s not in the studio recording, which is special to me.” If it’s as good as the studio recording, it is 100% worth the anticipation and secrecy around the live ending.

If you can’t get enough of “Spoiled af.” don’t worry, Them Fantasies recently filmed a music video for the single. Without giving too much away the premise is a massive party at the band’s house, but we all know parties never really go according to plan. The video includes the band’s actual friends, making it seem more authentic, aligning perfectly with the guys of Them Fantasies.

Them Fantasies is just getting started. Make sure to stream “Spoiled af.” on any music platform and watch out for their new releases.