BETTY MOON: INTERVIEW


INTRO BY KAT VISTI

INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY

PHOTO COURTESY OF BETTY MOON

PHOTO COURTESY OF BETTY MOON

Toronto-born singer, songwriter, filmmaker, and producer Betty Moon has had her music featured in TV shows and movies like Californication, Dexter, The Bounty Hunters, and Walking the Dead. She's been nominated for four CASBY awards for Best Album of the Year, Best Single of The Year, Best Video of the Year, and Best Artist of the Year. Betty Moon released her 8th studio album last August entitled Chrome. We sat down with Betty to learn more about her latest single Parachute, plus much more!

 

When did you first become interested in music and when did you realize that you wanted to be a musician?  

BETTY: "It happened at a really young age when I was growing up in the Toronto area. I was introduced to some legendary rock records and was instantly hooked. Things really came together quickly after I started my first band and it eventually led to a major label record deal when I was in my teens."

 

How would you describe your music in three words?

BETTY: "Pure Sonic Euphoria."

 

At the end of 2017 you released your album “Chrome”. What was the process like creating the album?

BETTY: "It took about a year to put the album together in its entirety. We started off by writing with the band daily and selecting the best parts of every idea to use for the songs. It went really smooth but we took our time to make sure we were happy with everything. I produced and mixed the album as well, so having that control made the process even easier."

 

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

BETTY: "I wrote that song with the idea that sometimes you need that escape from certain situations or even a life that you’re not 110% satisfied with. It’s about taking that leap, and putting yourself in a realm where you can be the person you’ve always wanted to become. It was really fun making the video recently since I had this idea as I wrote the song. You really have to watch the video, listen to the lyrics and pick up on my vibe to understand the message fully. Part of my whole “Betty Moon message” for my listeners is to live an amazing life."

 

You also released a music video for “Parachute” – how did you make sure that the video conveyed the song well?

BETTY: "This was easy, as mentioned the idea already existed as I wrote the song but we made sure the location, wardrobe and overall vibe matched the song perfectly. It was really about the editing after that, and since I did the video as well it was easy to keep within my vision. We filmed it in front of a green screen so choosing the right backgrounds were important to me, and I took my time to make it perfect in post."

 

How would you compare “Parachute” to the songs on “Chrome”?  

BETTY: "I’d say this leans more into my classic Betty Moon / Rock N’ Roll territory, compared to the rest of the songs on the album. There are few tracks on ‘Chrome’ that are alt rock. Several are more electronic and pop, which is a departure from the other 7 releases over the years. Something just pulled me in that funk/rock direction on “Parachute” and it fits perfectly on the release."

 

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

BETTY: "I’m actually in the studio now working on new music for the next release. I will be putting out a new single in the fall and perhaps complete  a new album before year end. I’m writing all the time and tend to come up with song ideas daily so this next record should be primo. So far, we have a handful of songs written and are in the demo stage for the next album. I’m already so excited about yet another new direction that I’m exploring. My goal is to narrow my sonic vision to 7 to 10 new on fleek tracks by September.  Its pretty exciting and I feel like I’m reaching my ultimate stride at this point."

 

FIND BETTY ONLINE

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SHAMBHALA MUSIC FESTIVAL: PREVIEW


Shambhala Music Festival is back again with another incredible lineup! With artists such as Opiuo, Adventure Club, Snails, and Black Tiger Sex Machine, it's sure to make the 21st year special!

The festival takes place in Salmo, BC. Canada. If you were lucky enough to get tickets to the sold out event, you're in for a treat! There will be 18 different food & beverage vendors, as well as six separate stages for all of the musical acts.

Let us know if you'll be heading out to Shambhala August 10 - 13! Check out the full lineup below and find out more about the festival on their website: shambhalamusicfestival.com

 
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YOUNG & SICK: INTERVIEW


BY ANDREA HOFFMAN

Credit: Aaron Nathaniel Saltzman x Young & Sick

Credit: Aaron Nathaniel Saltzman x Young & Sick

Young & Sick, also known as Nick van Hofwegen, is a visual artist whose work has been featured on multiple popular album covers including those of Foster the People, Maroon 5, and Mikky Ekko. However, he is also a musician himself and has been releasing his own music since 2012. We were able to talk to him about his most recent single “No Static,” along with his future plans involving his music. He will also be playing his first Los Angeles headline show in four years at the Moroccan Lounge on July 25th which will also include an immersive art exhibition that we will be covering, so make sure to check it out with us!

 

Can you tell me a little bit about your latest release, “No Static” and the artwork made for the single?

Young & Sick: “‘No Static’ is about following your own advice, and realizing how hard that is. It’s easier said than done. The artwork is me holding up a skull to remind myself the preciousness of life and of my own mortality.”

 

Your artistic style is very unique and identifiable within your music and art. How would you describe it to someone who has never experienced it before?

Y&S: “My music directly correlates with the art I make. They’re very much synonymous. I always let one influence the other, back and forth, to infinitum.”

 

What is your creative process like, whether it be with music or visual art?

Y&S: “I wake up early daily. I’m definitely a daytime work kind of guy. I generally start with either music or art before even eating food, but in no particular order. I’ll draw or work on music until I’m feeling more gravitated toward the other side. It helps keep me fresh and ensure I don’t nail big creative blocks often. Having my hands in multiple mediums ensures I’m never lacking inspiration.”

 

What can we look forward to hearing or seeing from you in the future?

Y&S: “I have a few more tracks coming out on this EP. My next single, “Letting Go of Giving Up” is out next week before my debut show back in LA at the Moroccan Lounge. It will be a special mix of both my art and music. A week later I also have my first gallery show opening Saturday [August] 4th at 1051 Gallery. Mid-August I go back to NYC for a show at Elsewhere, again a mix of music and art. I’m working hard on my second record, so this is all a big lead up to that. Can’t wait to share.”

 

FIND YOUNG & SICK ONLINE

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'TWENTY SOMETHING NIGHTMARE' / VISTA KICKS: ALBUM REVIEW


BY EMMA SCHOORS

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Vista Kicks’ “Twenty Something Nightmare” is an explosive second record, ranking in at 18 songs. Telling by the fact that the quartet’s first album made its way to listeners’ ears just last year, we can tell the band has been working hard to put out lots of quality music. 

The record begins with a bang, all in with “Million Dollar Seller Pt. 1”, showcasing all the great vocals and instrumentals displayed throughout the album. It then takes a meaningful sharp turn with “If I Didn’t Have You”, a personal favorite of mine. It has simple yet heart-filled lyrics, and the same goes for the melodies. It’s like a tight hug from an old friend. 

“Victim of the Times” and “Live, You’re Gonna Die” are classic examples of Vista Kick’s ever-present ability to make vintage-inspired tunes with modern appeal. The lyrics in the latter are more of an ironic twist to the common inspiring track. Singer Derek Thomas’ vocals are timeless and, if I dare say, simply amazing. 

“I’m Yours” is the ultimate build up of live-feeling energy and danceability. It’s the type of song to get you involuntarily up on your feet and moving around. Perhaps it has special powers? (Vista Kicks, explain?) followed by “Cool It”, a classic sounding tune. It’s a sort of actual “cooling down” of the record. The drums are simple and complimentary, with the guitars acting as sort of sound effects. 

“Wrong Side of Town” is great guitar tone galore brought by guitarist + singer Sam Plecker, and arguably some the catchiest vocals shown in the album. To continue this sing along pattern is “Numbers”, a song perfectly fit for the current nostalgic summer we all seem to be having. 

“Million Dollar Seller Pt. 2” puts us back in check and brings us back to the beginning of this roller coaster of a record, with the same other-worldly guitars and extravagant drums by Nolan Le Vine. Speaking of extravagant, we get a new palette full of piano with “Machula”, a tune for those who appreciate the great classic-rock backing vocals and well coordinated bass, supplied by bassist Trevor Sutton. 

“Why Do You Say You Love Me” is a perfect calm down song. It has some of my favorite lyrics of the album, simply asking the straight to the point questions. This leaves the song up for interpretation, which is the whole point of making a different experience for each listener. It makes it feel somehow more personal. 

“Having A Good Time” and “Kelly Come Back” are ironic to put back to back, considering their at first doubtful lyrics, eventually exploding into the latter of the tunes, becoming a completely different complex of song. “Kelly Come Back” brings beautiful drums and arguably the most confident lyrics, despite the regretful tone. 

“I Can’t Think of Anything but U” reminds me of the dreamy vocals brought by bands like Beware of Darkness. It’s a simply stated song, but it’s got the same complexity in instruments that make this entire record so gorgeous. “Your Love Is All I Need” is a similar feat, bringing to the table harmonic sounds and the falsettos that make all of us fall in love with the band 24/7. 

“Water Under the Bridge” is a refreshing acoustic take on what’s usually a powerhouse of sound. It has the same urge to be played loud, if not even more of that urge, which might be the whole point. It makes listeners take a double take at what’s usually something skimmed over. “All Over Now” is a sort of cinematic-feeling ending to what would have been a great film, don’t get me wrong. It’s like the sign of relief after a section of time lived with tension all over, but this time, that tension has just been pure excitement. And perhaps the relief is pure bliss. 

“Twenty Something Nightmare” wraps the identically-titled record. It’s a dreamy landscape of what makes a live band so amazing in the studio. It’s the ability to make a song fit for an arena and for a club. It’s the perfect mix of soft and rough. It’s got the build up, but it doesn’t waste any time getting to summarizing the feel of the whole album. It makes listeners happily await the lyric “Twenty something nightmare, that’s what you are.” And when you get that satisfaction, the whole record feels like a great film; well put together, yet not too serious. What’s the point of making music that doesn’t make you want to get up and dance?

Check out Vista Kicks’ latest album now and their socials below. 

 

FIND VISTA KICKS ONLINE

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MOONRISE FESTIVAL: PREVIEW


BY JEROME THOMAS

Washington DC has had an amazing year so far, from taking home the Stanley Cup, to hosting the MLB All-Star Game. Though the one thing we're looking forward to is coming this August -- yes, we're going to the Moon. 30 minutes North of the nation's capital is the Moonrise Festival 2018, hosted in Baltimore, Maryland at the Pimlico Race Course.

We have once again a star studded lineup with top acts such as Marshmello, DJ Snake, Diplo and more. Besides the music, there is plenty to do throughout the festival. From the vendors to the amazing art, you can always find something to do in between your favorite artists sets. Just be sure to stay hydrated!

The festival will be August 11 - 12, Saturday and Sunday. Make sure you get your tickets soon, they're selling quick. Check out their site for more info: moonrisefestival.com

 
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