KOPPS: INTERVIEW

December 6, 2018

INTRO BY KAT VISTI

INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY

KOPPS just wants to have fun! They’re a quartet that never takes themselves too seriously, which is evident in their music. They turn pop music into something new and different that’ll make you want to dance and laugh. They’ve created a blend of pop, electro, and nu metal that has a dash of dramatics and humor into something they call “crazy sexy creepy.” We sat down for a chat with KOPPS to talk more about their music and what they’ve created.

How did you guys first come together to start the band?

“Originally, we wanted to experiment with making music that sounded like 90s vocal house…la bouche, etc. (this was back when that was definitely not trending) We knew we wanted it to be high energy and knew we wanted the live aspect to be entertaining. At first it was just Kyle & Patricia writing songs, but there was a quick realization that we were going to need more members once we started playing live…and that’s where Trav and Gesture came in and our sound and performance style was truly solidified.”

How would you describe your music in three words?

“$Crazy Sexi Creepy$”

You recently released the music video for your song “Baby, I’m Dead Inside”. Can you tell us a little about the song itself and the process creating it?

“‘Baby I’m Dead Inside’ is a song about feeling disconnected from love. It's kind of a look inward saying to yourself, ‘This toxic/unhappy relationship has made me numb, and maybe even a little fucked up...BUT OH WELL TIME TO EMBRACE IT!’"

How did you ensure that the video would portray the song to its fullest?

“The VIDEO and the idea of ‘Goth Dad’ was something we cooked up long before the song existed...but we had to wait for the perfect time to utilize it. When the song was born, we knew it was a perfect match due to the typical goth stereotype of being melodramatic & angsty...which the song is as well ;-)”

Over the summer you collaborated with Joywave on your song “Hott”. What was that experience like?

“Our collective group CULTCO is a longtime collaboration between band members of KOPPS + Joywave. We all grew up in the same city and have been working together for years on music related ‘stuff.’ Daniel was the first person to record our first couple of songs and we have worked with him in one capacity or another since, so ‘HOTT’ was no exception...just another official collab with both of our names on it. In short, he is OK.”

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

“2019 will bring U *NEW MUSIC*, visuals, and live performances!”

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3OH!3 x EMO NITE: ON TOUR

November 21, 2018

BY KAYLA KRELLER

3OH!3 are currently on tour with Emo Nite and Lil Aaron celebrating the 10th anniversary of their debut album, WANT. The WANT House Party Tour is not a typically structured rock concert, but instead, a big party that gives fans a chance to be a part of every show. Anyone that has been to an Emo Nite event knows they are the perfect people to help bring this vision to life and make these shows some of the most unique nights you’ve ever experienced! You don’t “WANT” to miss this tour!

Check out the dates below or on 3OH!3’s website here http://www.3oh3music.com/!

11/21 – Atlanta, GA / Masquerade

11/23 – Charlotte, NC / The Underground

11/24 – Philadelphia, PA / Underground Arts

11/25 – Cambridge, MA / Middle East

11/27 – New York, NY / Irving Plaza

11/28 – Silver Spring, MD / Fillmore

11/29 – Cleveland, OH / House of Blues

11/30 – Pontiac, MI / Crofoot

12/01 – Milwaukee, WI / The Rave

12/02 – Chicago, IL / Metro

12/04 – Minneapolis, MN / Varsity

12/05 – Des Moines, IA / Wooly’s

12/06 – Omaha, NE / The Waiting Room

12/07 – Denver, CO / Summit Music Hall

'ASSORTED LOVE SONGS' / ALEXANDER WREN: EP REVIEW

November 5, 2018

BY EMMA SCHOORS

Alexander Wren’s new EP Assorted Love Songs is a collection of just that — four beautifully performed songs about love and its eventual side effects.

“Thought I’d Hit The Lotto” opens the release, heavy with lyrics of great expectation. Simple in melody, Wren lists off the things unexpected in his life. Winning the lotto, singing with Elvis, you know. The day to day stuff. In this first verse, the expected overall mood of the tune is disappointment. But as the song progresses, Wren makes a new center-point, instead shifting the song to one of love and the awe that comes with it. As this mood changes, so do the instruments, building energy and yet maintaining a nostalgic sound.

In a twist, “Don’t You Go Fallin’” is almost sadistic in its lyrics of temptation and warning. In any intense relationship, there’s a sense of crime in not being able to fall out of love with one another, even when it’s not right. This song displays that feeling perfectly. It’s not an experience one can put into exact words, but this tune nails it.

“Emily” is a love song about longing and wishing for someone unreachable. There’s a certain rawness in needing someone you can’t have, and the buildup in this song displays that frustration. It’s a simple thing to sing about love, but it’s hard to get at the fact that we can’t control who we fall for. Wren’s lyricism in this song is perfectly put and leaves listeners feeling nostalgic of their own loves.

Previously reviewed on this magazine, “Strangers Again” holds an almost cinematic ending in this grouping of songs. Ironically, the song is about just that — endings, and how they don’t look the same for the people involved.

With perspectives from various situations involving love, the entirety of Assorted Love Songs is perfect for anyone who’s ever loved something or someone. Gorgeous guitars and piano are sprinkled into the songs, making for a delicate sounding yet powerful EP.

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JACQ: INTERVIEW

September 17, 2018

INTRO BY KAT VISTI

INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY

Jacq's debut single "It's Not OK" has received a mixed response. Some are super supportive while unfortunately some others have been negative, but Jacq isn’t letting anything get in her way. The beautiful single means so much to her and you can hear more about it by reading her interview with us down below!

When/how did you first become interested in music?

JACQ: “I first became interested in music from the second my mom turned on the radio. But as far as writing goes, when I learned how to do chords on the piano, that's when i started putting together different melodies.”

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

JACQ: “I would describe it as pop. But unlike a lot of the pop out nowadays, I consider mine meaningful. I hope I can relate to someone out there going through the same things.”

Who are some of your musical influences?

JACQ: “I think musically, Ed Sheeran mixed with some Hailee Steinfeld. Lyrically I like to think it's all me.”

You recently released your debut single “It’s Not OK”. Can you tell us a little about the song and the inspiration behind it?

JACQ: “This song was inspired by someone who hurt me - someone who was manipulative and would make me feel small every single day. It was so long ago now, but I'm so thankful everyday that I got hurt because it just gives me more motivation and inspiration to keep going.”

Why did you decide that “It’s Not OK” would be your debut?

JACQ: “I decided it would be my debut because at the time I had lots of songs, but "It's Not OK" was the one I was most proud of. I thought lyrically it would show off my skill and would advertise that we young people don't always have it easy.”

If you could collaborate with any artist whether it be on a song, tour, or something else who would it be and why?

JACQ: “This one's hard. I love so many artists of so many styles. But right now, I really love Billie Eilish. I love her style and her music really showcases her voice.”

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

JACQ: “Expect some surprises. I might be playing around with different sounds, so be ready!”

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MAIYA: INTERVIEW

September 12, 2018

INTRO BY KAT VISTI

INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY

Singer-Songwriter Maiya recently released her latest single “No Stopping Me Now,” which is more chill and relaxed than her first debut single “Sidelines.” “Sidelines” premiered on Kings Of A&R and raked up over 100,000 streams on Spotify as well as attention from KDLW 106.3 radiostation in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We sat down with Maiya to get more details about her singles, her musical influences, and much more!

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

MAIYA: “When I was little I used to watch the movie about Selena Quintanilla’s life and she inspired me to become a singer. My mom also sings and growing up and watching her also made me want to sing. I started singing when I was four years old with the choir at my church. When I was five I started singing country song covers and New Mexico spanish music at local festivals. I also sing the National Anthem at rodeos, UNM Lobo games, Albuquerque Isotopes games and other events. I continue to sing at local festivals, restaurants, and anywhere I get the opportunity to sing. So music has really always been a part of my life.”

Who are some of your musical influences?

MAIYA: “My first inspiration to become an artist was Selena Quintanilla.Some other artists that inspire me are Demi Lovato, Camila Cabello, Etta James, Whitney Houston, and Sam Smith.”

Back in December you released your debut single “Sidelines.” How did you decide for this to be your first single?

MAIYA: “I decided to release Sidelines first because i wanted to come across as a young, fun loving, carefree type of person. No Stopping Me Now is a little more deep and i wanted to show people that I love to have fun, but that I'm also a serious artist which is why No Stopping Me Now was my second song to drop.”

You recently released your latest single “No Stopping Me Now.” Can you tell us a little about the song and the inspiration behind it?

MAIYA: “I wanted to write a song that would help people overcome difficult times. No Stopping Me Now reminds people that even though it is easy to focus on the bad things that are happening, we need to look past them and look at the good times and appreciate every little moment we've got.”

How do you think each of these songs represent you as an artist?

MAIYA: “Well both songs are slightly different. Sidelines is fun, upbeat, and a tad bit more carefree. No Stopping Me Now is a little bit slower, and the message is more apparent, but its still very catchy and great to jam to. However both songs show not to give up and to be positive and as an artist I want to inspire others. So even though the songs are different musically, they are rather similar contextually.”

What are some goals that you hope to achieve as an artist?

MAIYA: “My goal as an artist is to inspire people and brighten their day. Whether that be only one or one million. All I want is to shed some light and joy into people's lives.”

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

MAIYA: “My goals for the future include writing more songs, recording them, and performing them live. I will be doing a couple local shows this year and singing at restaurants. I would also love to tour sometime in the future.”

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