SLEEP HOUSE: INTERVIEW


BY ABBY SAMUELSON

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Emerging from the city of brotherly love, Sleep House had established their alternative pop rock music within the walls of their high school in early 2016. The band’s edgy and unconventional style draws listeners in from all across the nation, boasting over 100k streams on their song “Her”. Sleep House has continued to expand their musical portfolio with their recent releases “Don’t You Cry” and “Pano-319”, and with many more to come. The band is excited to share their new single “Stephanie” on February 14, 2020. We had the chance for an exclusive interview with the band to dive deeper into their latest release!

What inspired you to write “Stephanie”?

Sleep House: “Stephanie is a real personal one and it’s just about the mix of agony and infatuation that you can feel towards someone who doesn’t love you the same way as they used to.”

How does being in a band make your personal lives flourish? How does the band community add to your life?

SH: “We really just have the band to make music, but the bands we have met and played with since we’ve started have been huge influences on us. It’s always so cool to meet other artists and connect in a way that our friends from home, for example, don’t really get. “

What were some obstacles you came across while writing “Stephanie”?

SH: “Stephanie was difficult to write from the beginning because I was writing it while I was going through those exact emotions. It’s a lot easier to write about something that you’ve felt in the past but when you’re going through something and write about it as you are dealing with it, it can be hard to get a solid perspective on how you feel. The song went through a substantial amount of changes through the recording process as well but I think it couldn’t have ended up any other way and while I always get nervous with these emotions coming out and stuff, we’re all so proud of how it turned out.“

What are hardships you come across while being in the band itself?

SH: “I would say the hardest part about being in a band, and even just being a musician, is that you always strive for absolute perfection but that doesn’t exist. With everything from the music quality, to the stats of your songs, to the crowd sizes, you always strive for more and more. The highs of getting those things are amazing but when you don’t reach the outcomes you expect, it can really take a toll on you. Releasing any art that you put your heart and soul into is really hard but you have to push through and keep going if you really want any of your music to be heard.”

What are you looking forward to/what are your goals as a band?

SH: “We really just want to make this passion that we have for making music and performing live into our way of living. We all love doing this more than anything else and want to reach as many people as we can with our music.”

What were the beginnings of the band like?

SH: “As musicians, we all clicked together really well very quickly and since G$ and I knew each other for a while and Nick and Evan were brothers, we kind of were able to all clique together faster. Writing in the beginning was tough since we were really trying to figure out who we were and, to be honest, we still are.”

Who are some top influencers that inspire you to create music? What about them drives your creativity?

SH: “A lot of the artists who inspire as are John Mayer, The Strokes, Vampire Weekend, and Hippo Campus, just to name a few. I think all of the artists we listen to have never been afraid to change their sound and do something different or unique and we really try to obtain that with our music.”

 

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'NO FUTURE' / EDEN: ALBUM REVIEW


BY MADDEN LEVIN

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EDEN has remained one of my favorite artists for many years now, creating such beautiful music that you can listen to in almost any mood. I was very lucky to have the opportunity to get an early release of his newest craft, no future, to share my thoughts with you. Here we go!

“good morning” is an incredible introduction to the album. At the beginning of most EDEN album’s there is a bit of an eerie feeling to it, creating anticipation for the rest of the album. The ending is very similar, as well, to many of his songs as he concludes with a slower, ballad style.

The next song, “in,” is a transition song but carries its spot in the album beautifully. It carries the energy from “good morning,” but with more of a beat. “Hertz,” the song following, continues from “in” almost seamlessly. Personally, the background vocals really stand out and make this song very unique to the rest on the album. A lyric that really stood out to me was: “I see myself in all the people I let go,” which seems to establish a very pivotal point for the album.

Another transition song, “static” elicits the feeling of listening to the radio in the background of a busy area, or in this case, what seems like a busy mind. Usually when albums include multiple transition songs, I tend to skip over them; however, with all EDEN albums, they are all worth a play – and this is no exception to that.

The beginning of the song “projector” gives me chills, to say the least. Not to sound any certain way, but this song really has an incredible vibe to it. Similarly to “static” eliciting a feeling, “projector” gives off the feeling of a song playing loudly in the next room. In particular, this song makes me feel like I’m waiting for something to occur, creating a mysterious but positive feeling. I really believe EDEN releasing this song earlier than the album release was very smart in establishing a mood for the album.

Another song released before the album, “love, death, distraction,” creates a very interesting storyline; it feels as if each word mentioned in the title is given a time in the song dedicated to it. Regardless of if this was meant or not, it is very much a relatable song, where love might be more about heartbreak than love itself.

“how to sleep” was a favorite of mine from the second I hit play; seeming to express a fear of relationships that someone is in, or even anger about someone in their past that is doing better in life than they are personally. The concept of this song is beautiful and was definitely crafted with care. This will be on the top of your list, trust me!

Reflecting the title very well, “calm down” is indeed a very calming song. In my opinion, it is also a good driving song, which are some of my favorites to find when it comes to new music! “just saying” feels very nostalgic from the beginning. In comparison to some of the other songs, at least so far, it has more beat to it. In addition to “calm down,” this is also a great driving song or one to listen to while you are starting your day.

When I saw the title, I didn’t know what to expect from this song, but “fomo” really proved to be another one of my favorites on the album. The lyrics are just so beautifully crafted and unique in creation. Despite the uniqueness, it still reminds me of his album vertigo, that is one of my favorites as an entire piece of work.

“so far so good,” in my opinion, is the best transition song on the album. The transition between this and “fomo” is almost seamless and really ties the whole story together. Highlighting EDEN’s vocal skills, this is most definitely a beautiful song.

Being released before the album, fans were blessed with “isohel.” Very unique to this album and to EDEN in relation to his whole discography. Not to sound like broken record player, but this is another one of my favorites on the album, also highlighting his alluring voice.

Another very unique one for EDEN, “????” is a very chill but also upbeat song. The beat of the song in general is meshed very well with the lyrics. The end of the song, in particular, is absolutely beautiful that it gave me chills. Don’t be scared by the mysteriousness of the title, this is definitely one to look forward to hearing.

A shorter song on the album, “tides” surely stands its ground. To point to my favorite part, I ask that you listen fully to the very end, where there is an abrupt stop to the lyrics that was very moving to me for some reason: I believe this is a monumental song for EDEN.

“rushing,” a more melancholy song, seems to be a song about rushing into a relationship or realizing that people might not be meant for each other. There really is no aspect of this song to dislike, as it is lyrically, instrumentally, and vocally so strong. In the past, my favorite EDEN songs have been ones with longer instrumental sections, and this pleases that aspect for me!

“$treams,” in my eyes, is a great song to relax to with a candle on and no cares in the world. EDEN is known for creating this feeling of anticipation in his lyrics and I think this captures that very well. In particular, my favorite part of the song was how it ended – extremely well crafted!

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Let me just warn you, the lyrics to “2020” are some of the best on this album; for example, “she says I’m no good with my hands but I’d hold the whole sky for her,” is just the opening lyric to the song. Definitely about love or heartbreak in discussion of the things that someone would do for someone that they love, is absolutely beautiful. Throughout the song, however, it seems to change a bit to self-growth or improvement, creating a great vibe to listen to.

“out,” the last transition song of the album, really feels like it is bringing the album to a conclusion. Preparing you for the next and final song, “out” has a great aurora to it. Leading into “untitled,” a great addition to the album – I am so glad that EDEN chose to end the album with this. In a way, this song made me feel optimistic, while also taking many twists and turns throughout the time.

In my eyes, no future is a monumental album for EDEN and if you still haven’t listened by now, I recommend you pull it up on any music streaming device you have and take a break from your crazy life. Enjoy, and let us know what you think! Keep your eye out for EDEN on tour in a city near you this summer!

 

'COMPLIC8ED' / TAYLOR GREY: SINGLE REVIEW


BY EMMA SCHOORS

Taylor Grey’s “COMPLIC8ED” is a fun and upbeat yet reflective song about the complications that can come with relationships with poor communication. 

The synth-like sounds echo through the entire song, and Grey’s versatile voice adds a silky component that contrasts the technological elements.

The track’s lyrics are a self-aware addition to the paradoxical way people perceive dating. “I’ve been up all night hoping that I would see you in a different light,” Grey sings, a unique take on the back-and-forth feelings that strike fear and doubt in relationships. 

Though the progression of words leave an impression of frustration with the relationship, Grey accepts the challenges openly with “Let’s make it complicated.” Grey’s passion seeps through with this tune. 

Taylor Grey has added a new spark to pop with her latest single, and it’s sure to earn her more dedicated listeners. 

 

'TIME OF OUR LIVES' / CHRISTIAN FRENCH: SINGLE REVIEW


BY MARIAH ESTRAN

Indiana alt-pop singer/songwriter Christian French has returned with the provoking new track “Time of Our Lives”. The single comes after the release of French’s 2019 EP Bright Side of The Moon, and it continues to showcase his integration of soulful basslines with radiant vocals and beat. 

However, it’s the lyrics that bring light to the common dilemma of overlooking the life that is set out before us. As French sings, "look up, 'cause we're missin' the time of our lives", the song takes the initiative, reminding the listener to soak in life’s beauty, as heavenly guitar chords support that sentiment.

The singer also released a video to accompany the three-minute tune. It shows Individuals attached to heavy cords as they live in a cold colored world, hinting at a theme of partaking in an unbreakable routine. Contrasting scenes show French being surrounded by light as he looks into the camera, hoping we break those accustomed habits that keep us from living.

Christian French is about to embark on part two of his ‘Bright Side of The Moon Tour’, which will start in Santa Barbara, CA and end in Austin, Texas. And if you can’t get enough of “Time of Our Lives”, be on the lookout for an EP set to be released later this spring.

 

See Christian on tour

2/27 — Santa Barbara, CA @ SOhO Music Club

2/29 — Santa Ana, CA @ Constellation Room

3/1 — San Diego, CA @ Casbah

3/4 — Salt Lake City, UT @ The Greek Station

3/6 — Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge

3/9 — Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry

3/11 — Madison, WI @ High Noon Saloon

3/12 — St. Louis, MO @ The Ready Room

3/15 — Grand Rapids, MI @ The Stache

3/17 — Columbus, OH @ The Basement

3/18 — Washington, D.C. @ DC9 Nightclub

3/19 — Raleigh, NC @ Kings

3/21 — Orlando, FL @ The Abbey

3/24 — Austin, TX @ The Parish

Buy tickets HERE

 

time of our lives out now : https://orcd.co/timeofourlives Follow me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianfr... Twitter: https://twitter.com/christianfrench Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/christianfre...

 

KITTEN: INTERVIEW


BY CHELSEY JOHNSTONE

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From 2009 to the present time, the band Kitten has been evolving musically for just about an entire decade. With the release of their newest EP, Goodbye Honeymoon Phase, along with front woman Chloe Chaidez’s collaboration with electro-pop artist Charlie XCX on a new side project, Kitten has been exploring new musical territories across a large spectrum.

Over the past years, Kitten has taken on different identities. Since its beginning, the group has explored multiple genres such as new wave, synth-pop, alternative rock, and pop punk. However, through all extensions of sound this band has musically explored, Kitten is still striving for more.

According to Chaidez, who has been spearheading the group since its beginning, 2019 has become another period for more musical exploration. She states, “I actually feel a similar way about the EP that I just released, Goodbye Honeymoon Phase, to how I felt when I made the Cut it Out EP, in the sense that it felt extremely fresh to myself as an artist. I was diving into new territory I’ve never gone before.”

Kitten has now once again taken a leap into another switch in sound; this time, in a genre only Chaidez can describe herself. “It’s like I want to be Michelle Branch on Pluto with a Mick Jagger haircut. That’s what it is,” she says. To put into context that concept, Chaidez says, “I think we’re inspired by a lot of experimental pop and we also have very classic influences in terms of rock. So I think that makes for some really interesting sounds.”

She continues, “We were getting really inspired by the early 2000s... kind of that ‘let’s go to the mall’ aesthetic. That’s the direction I’m headed in for sure. That’s the space I’m in now. It’s an elaboration but I think it’s a lot different.”

To help guide their path along this new direction of music, the group is constantly merging the vibes of various artists to form combinations of sound that are uniquely their own. With inspiration from artists such as Annie Lennox, Good Charlotte, No Doubt, The Police, Paramore and much more, Chaidez, along with her group, has concocted a taste of their own musical influence within their latest EP Goodbye Honeymoon Phase.

The key to piecing this album together, according to Chaidez, is to have a heightened focus on feeling, rather than forced sound. She states, “I think lyrically it’s a real stream of consciousness. There wasn't a lot of thought put into any of the lyrics or the concept behind them because I think that’s how my mind is. Pretty scattered honestly.”

She continues, “Melodies are almost like a spiritual thing because you don’t really know where they’re coming from. So I think the words that you’re putting to melodies just happen sometimes; there’s no rhyme or reason to it. And that’s the beauty of writing.”

Although there was no science behind piecing together the music of this newest EP, Chaidez still holds strong to the belief this scattered form of music can connect to her audience.

“You know, one moment I’m thinking about a spicy tuna roll and the next moment I’m worried that my best friend hasn’t texted back. I think that’s a very relatable concept because, man, none of us can get our shit together,” she says.

Ironically, with music representing the fact none of us have our shit together, Chaidez in particular seems to be getting her ducks in a row this year. Amongst the variety of attention Kitten has received from their newest EP, Chaidez has also joined the band Nasty Cherry, put together by pop artist Charli XCX, as the lead guitarist. The group released its first single, “Win”, in March of this year and quickly worked their way up to a Netflix Original Series documenting the bands growth that premiered this November 15th.

“Charlie XCX put Nasty Cherry together and curated the band. I think working with her and those girls is really inspiring. I mean, she sprints towards her ideas like an Olympic runner,” says Chaidez. The all-girl, female empowerment band was created in hopes of giving all women inspiration to succeed in anything they aim to accomplish. Chaidez says, “(Charlie XCX) taught me not to really think about anything and just do it. Nike. Aye.”

Between her long-running group Kitten and her newest involvement in the band Nasty Cherry, Chaidez is taking shows no signs of slowing down within the music field. She states, “I’ve never explored this zone that I’m in right now. I think I found kind of more of an identity and I feel a little bit more mature to translate what I am thinking into music.”

You can download and stream Goodbye Honeymoon Phase on all major music streaming services. Follow @kittentheband as well as @nastycherryband on Instagram to watch the growth of Chloe Chaidez and her musical career.

 

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