VENTS Magazine 58th issue

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IIn nt te er rv viie ew ws s T Th he e V Viir rg giin nm ma ar ry ys s T Th he e R Re eu ub be en ns s R Re eu ub be en n H Ho olllle eb bo on A AJ J L Le eh hr rm ma an n A Allll H Hu um ma an n A An nd dr re ew w B Bo ow we en n C Co od dy y L Liin nlle ey y B Be en na ajjm miin n C Ca ar rlliis slle e M Miik ke e C Cu ub biillllo os s F Fa au ullk kn ne er r E Er rr ra a D De eL Lo on n H Hiig gh hlly y S Su us sp pe ec ct t H Ho olly y W Wh hiit te e H Ho ou un nd ds s R Re ed d S Su un n R Riis siin ng g S St te ev ve e L Lo on nd do on n G Gr re ea at t C Ca ae es sa ar r O Ow we en n T Te ea ag gu ue e M Ma ar riit t L La ar rs se en n N No ov vo og gr ra at tz z S Sh he e IIs s W We e P Pr riis sc ciilllla a F Fa aiia a L Liis sa a T Tr ra au ug go ot tt t L Ly yr riic cs s B Bo oo om m!! ......a an nd d m mo or re e!! Live! S So ou ut th he er rn n R Re ee ell L La ac ce ey y S St tu ur rm m S So o W Wh ha at t? ?!! M Ma aiin nlla an nd d T Th he e D Da ar rk kn ne es ss s 3 36 6 C Cr ra az zy yf fiis st ts s T Th he e K Ka ar rm ma a K Kiilllle er rs s

COMING SOON

E Ed diit to or r iin n C Ch hiie ef f Rafael Jovine D De es siig gn ne er rs s Lydia Bobo RJ Frometa Echo Ma W Wr riit te er rs s Song River RJ Frometa Erman M. Baradi Nall Dube L Liiv ve e P Ph ho ot to og gr ra ap ph he er rs s Song River Nall Dube C Co ov ve er r b by y Pic by Raul Romo

Rachel Taylor is back and she has brought her fire to rise up and beyond as her new album under She Is We called, War has taken her and her message across the United States on tour with We The Kings. Even though the tour has now finished its course, Rachel is far from being done. Her album War is just the beginning, and with her incredible voice and passionate message to make a difference, is the ignition needed. This is one person who is not crying victim... she is burning and she soars in her music to bring all of us together to make a difference. S So on ng g R Riiv ve er r:: H He ey y R Ra ac ch he ell,, g go oo od d m mo or rn niin ng g!! H Ho ow w a ar re e y yo ou u d do oiin ng g a an nd d w wh he er re e a ar re e y yo ou u o on n t th he e r ro oa ad d t to od da ay y? ? Rachel Taylor: Hey Song, doing good. We are currently in Florida, St. Petersburg on tour. We are about to load in, but I wanted to chat with you first. S SR R:: T Th ha an nk k y yo ou u f fo or r t ta ak kiin ng g a a f fe ew w m mo om me en nt ts s o ou ut t R Ra ac ch he ell.. W Wh he en n y yo ou u''r re e o ou ut t o on n t to ou ur r d do o y yo ou u e ev ve er r f fo or rg ge et t s so om me et tiim me es s w wh he er re e y yo ou u a ar re e t th ha at t n niig gh ht t? ? RT: Yeah, I lose track sometimes (laughed). So, when we get up there on stage I just say, “Hey what's up?” (laughed). S SR R:: F Fo ollllo ow wiin ng g y yo ou ur r m mu us siic c t tiim me elliin ne e R Ra ac ch he ell,, II k kn no ow w o or riig giin na alllly y y yo ou ur r m mu us siic c c ca ar re ee er r b be eg ga an n w wiit th h t th he e p pr ro ojje ec ct t,, H He e IIs s W We e w wiit th h T Tr re ev vo or r K Ke elllly y.. C Ca an n y yo ou u t ta allk k a ab bo ou ut t w wh ha at t h ha ap pp pe en ne ed d? ? RT: I guess as I am moving forward, I just call him my former partner and let's just leave it at that. S SR R:: IIf f y yo ou u e ev ve er r w wa an nt t t to o t ta allk k a ab bo ou ut t w wh ha at t t to oo ok k p plla ac ce e w we e c ca an n r re ev viis siit t iit t t th he en n.. II u un nd de er rs st ta an nd d y yo ou u w we er re e d diia ag gn no os se ed d a aw wh hiille e b ba ac ck k w wiit th h A AS S ( (A An nk ky yllo os siin ng g s sp po on nd dy ylliit tiis s) ).. RT: Yes, thank goodness right now it's in remission. I had been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at first. My joints actually overextended, I finally saw a female doctor who had AS, she happened to have it, saw my symptoms, and said she was going to help me get better. I was on all kinds of meds to deal with the pain, but now I am off of everything. My body is a temple and here I am. S SR R:: II h ha ad d n no ot tiic ce ed d o on n y yo ou ur r s so oc ciia all m me ed diia a t th ha at t o on ne e o of f y yo ou ur r f fo ollllo ow we er rs s h ha ad d p po os st te ed d u un nd de er r a a p ph ho ot to o o of f y yo ou ur rs s s so om me et th hiin ng g t to o t th he e e ef ff fe ec ct t o of f,, y yo ou u a ar re e a a b be ea au ut tiif fu ull r re ep pr re es se en nt ta at tiio on n o of f w wh ha at t G Go od d c ca an n d do o iif f y yo ou u f fo ollllo ow w H Hiis s p pa at th h.. H Ho ow w m mu uc ch h o of f t th ha at t b be elliie ef f s sy ys st te em m a ar re e y yo ou u? ? RT: I am extremely spiritual. I take a little bit of everything. The teachings of Buddha, Christ. I would definitely say I have a lot of faith about being religious. I take a lot of teachings and apply them to my life it has helped me along with my dad. He has been huge in my life. S SR R:: Y Yo ou u m me en nt tiio on n y yo ou ur r d da ad d.. RT: My dad is my best friend. He is in Washington and I get to see him every Sunday. S SR R:: W Wh he en n y yo ou u w we en nt t f fr ro om m H He e IIs s W We e t to o S Sh he e IIs s W We e y yo ou u h ha ad d a a s so ollo o a allb bu um m iin n b be et tw we ee en n a as s R Ra ac ch he ell T Ta ay yllo or r.. A As s y yo ou u''v ve e b be ee en n t ta ak kiin ng g t th he es se e s st te ep pp piin ng g s st to on ne es s,, d do o y yo ou u f fe ee ell n no ow w y yo ou u a ar re e w wh he er re e y yo ou u b be ello on ng g? ? RT: Yes, definitely. The Rachel Taylor thing, you know I have always had a fear of the 'spotlight,' you know when you’re kind of like reading your diary to a bunch of people, it's intense. Rachel Taylor was kind of like my toe in the water. It gave me the strength to maintain every part of me, showing myself I could do it and have nothing to fear. It got my fear out of the way.

S SR R:: T Th hiis s lla at te es st t w wo or rk k a as s S Sh he e IIs s W We e iit t iis s p pr ro ob ba ab blly y t th he e d de ee ep pe es st t a an nd d a a c co om mp plle et te e u un nf fo olld diin ng g o of f y yo ou ur r w wh ho olle e s st to or ry y.. E Ea ac ch h s so on ng g w wr riit tt te en n c ca an n b be e iid de en nt tiif fiie ed d w wiit th h.. RT: Thank you very much, you're going to make me cry. S SR R:: D Do oe es s t th hiis s t th ho ou ug gh ht t s se ee em m t to o f fiit t w wiit th h w wh ha at t y yo ou u a ar re e d do oiin ng g,, “ “A A b ba an nd ds s iin nt tiim ma ac cy y w wiit th h t th he eiir r a au ud diie en nc ce e iis s a a c cllo os se en ne es ss s t th ha at t h ha as s n no ot th hiin ng g t to o d do o w wiit th h p ph hy ys siic ca all p pr ro ox xiim miit ty y b bu ut t e ev ve er ry yt th hiin ng g t to o d do o w wiit th h b be ello on ng giin ng g.. IIt t iis s a a b be ea au ut tiif fu ull a an nd d e em mo ot tiio on na all s st ta at te e iin n w wh hiic ch h a a b ba an nd d a an nd d a au ud diie en nc ce e b be ec co om me e o on ne e..” ” RT: Absolutely. It is all about community and building each other. That has always been my goal using music to bring people together. S SR R:: D Do o y yo ou u h ha av ve e a a p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r s so on ng g o of ff f t th he e a allb bu um m R Ra ac ch he ell t th ha at t y yo ou u iid de en nt tiif fy y w wiit th h m mo os st t? ? RT: "Monster." Definitely. S SR R:: E Ella ab bo or ra at te e.. RT: That song is all about PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). It's about our own personal 'Civil War' where your innocence of where you are now and finding the balance to love yourself while standing in front of the mirror all while not recognizing you anymore. S SR R:: A Ap pp plly yiin ng g t th he e m me et ta ap ph ho or r o of f ''C Ciiv viill W Wa ar r'' t to o s se ellf f,, p pr re et tt ty y d de ee ep p t th ho ou ug gh ht t.. RT: Yeah. It's how we see ourselves versus how others see us. PTSD is one of the hardest things, it can't be seen. But it is felt by those who have it. They are quiet about it. I identify with it, personally. I am tired of being told its too personal, it's too much to discuss. In reality, you could walk into a restaurant and at least five of the people in there have it. "Monster" is the song we play first at every show, I want to shock the system, and people go “Oh, shit.” I want them to realize something just happened to themselves and finally, someone gets it. S SR R:: R Ra ac ch he ell w wh ha at t w wa as s t th he e c ca au us se e o of f y yo ou ur r P PT TS SD D? ? RT: Um, I was raped twice. One time it took my virginity. I had every intention of being a virgin until I was married. I was raped and hospitalized and told to be quiet. I was on tour afterward and I threw my 'purity' ring into the ocean. That was March 25th, 2010 and I will never forget it. S SR R:: Y Yo ou u h ha av ve e c ce er rt ta aiin nlly y w wa allk ke ed d t th hr ro ou ug gh h f fiir re e.. RT: That is why my dad calls me his 'Phoenix.' S SR R:: H Ha av ve e y yo ou u c co on ns siid de er re ed d t th he e iid de ea a o of f w wr riit tiin ng g a a b bo oo ok k t to o a as ss siis st t o ot th he er rs s a an nd d/ /o or r e es st ta ab blliis sh hiin ng g s so om me e n no on np pr ro of fiit t t th ha at t h he ellp ps s o ot th he er rs s? ? RT: I need to build the platform first, but yes absolutely. I would love to work with To Love On Her Arms in some vein to do with rape. You know it happens to men just as much as women? My dad has told me stories from his days in the military. This is something we should be freaking out about it. S SR R:: IIt t s se ee em ms s iin n o ou ur r ''p pu ur riit ta an n'' b ba ac ck kg gr ro ou un nd d h he er re e iin n t th he e s st ta at te es s k ke ee ep ps s u us s h hu us sh he ed d a ab bo ou ut t t th hiin ng gs s lliik ke e s se ex xu ua all a an nd d m me en nt ta all a ab bu us se e.. RT: It's a shame thing. The fact of the matter is if you pretend everything’s is okay, then it is. The fucked up part about it is this, the victim being quiet lets the criminal get away with it. It is hard when you are trying to heal and stay strong... all I know is we aren’t doing this right. Both times these guys who raped me were able to get away with it. I promised myself if I had a mic in my hand I was going to say something about it. I am not going to be quiet about it. People need to get pissed off about this stuff. It is a passion that gets things to change. S SR R:: T Th hiis s a allll r ru un ns s iit ts se ellf f t to og ge et th he er r iin n y yo ou ur r a allb bu um m W Wa ar r,, y yo ou ur r lly yr riic cs s y yo ou ur r n niic ck kn na am me e...... iit t a allll f fiit ts s.. IIt t iis s t tiim me e t to o s st ta ar rt t y ye elllliin ng g,, s sc cr re ea am miin ng g a an nd d k kiic ck kiin ng g t to o h he ellp p o ot th he er rs s.. RT: Yes. It is all about putting everything together and that is what I am here to do.

H Hii M Ma ar riit t,, w we ellc co om me e t to o V VE EN NT TS S!! H Ho ow w h ha av ve e y yo ou u b be ee en n? ? Thank you for having me! I must honestly say this is a pretty good time in my life. After I started my little indie label I’m getting to spend more time doing what I love - juggling time in the studio with being on the road and writing new material more frequently, putting it out while it’s still fresh. It’s a very inspiring thing. C Ca an n y yo ou u t ta allk k t to o u us s m mo or re e a ab bo ou ut t " "R Ru un nn niin ng g O Ou ut t O Of f R Ro oa ad d" "? ? It’s an idea and a song that’s been with me for quite some time. It was a thrill to record - the challenge and focus just being on not losing any of the electricity and energy that I feel when playing this song live with my lovely band. D Diid d a an ny y e ev ve en nt t iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r iin ns sp piir re ed d y yo ou u t to o w wr riit te e t th hiis s s so on ng g? ? Yes. That sense of pure urgency, longing and frustration in the story most definitely has had its hold on me more than a few times in my life. C Ca an n y yo ou u t ta allk k t to o u us s m mo or re e a ab bo ou ut t t th he e v viid de eo o? ? The director, Andre Loyning, is gaining quite a reputation for being able to capture the magic that happens when people play music together well, and I wanted to invite my listeners into that universe - I wanted to see us through his lens, capturing all those awesome, raw and quirky little moments that occur when you think no one is watching. We made little videos for every song on this record, and «Running out of road» was filmed outside on chilly, windy island outside of Oslo. " "R RO OO OR R" " c co om me es s o of ff f y yo ou ur r n ne ew w E EP P J Jo on nii W Wa as s R Riig gh ht t - - w wh ha at t lle ed d y yo ou u t to o w wr riit te e a a t tr riib bu ut te e a allb bu um m? ? F Fr ro om m a allll y yo ou ur r b biig gg ge es st t iin nf fllu ue en nc ce es s,, w wh hy y J Jo on nii M Miit tc ch he ellll? ? First of all, it’s probably fair to say that everything I’ve written since I was sixteen has had a clear vein or trace of Joni in it. No other artist has, and probably ever will, inspire and shape me as much as she has, as a human being or as an artist. The title of this record is a tribute to all those moments in my life, big and small, where her lyrics have taken on a deeper meaning to me. Growing older, experiencing things that are so much in line with what she’s told me about and prepared me for, without knowing. I believe I share this experience with a lot of people. That said - the tribute is in the title, not in any one lyric. And it’s not a covers album, as some have wondered. H Ho ow w w wa as s t th he e r re ec co or rd diin ng g a an nd d w wr riit tiin ng g p pr ro oc ce es ss s? ? It was great fun. These songs were all but one written while I was traveling. In Nashville, in LA, in London. The recording itself took place in a small, really cool studio on the Faroe Islands. I brought my band there, locked the door and we worked for seven long and very intense days to get it just right. Bless them, they are very patient with me. W Wh ha at t r ro olle e d do oe es s N No or rw wa ay y p plla ay ys s iin n y yo ou ur r s so ou un nd d? ? To me, growing up in Norway means having access to complete silence - even now, living near the city center in Oslo, I can get close to nature in no time and find real peace and quiet. I think that leads to a different mindset for me creatively than when I spend time in NYC, for example, where you quite literally need to be louder to be heard, to be noticed. Anything I produce close to home is going to have that backdrop, having patience to be nerdy about the details, the dynamics and the courage to leave space in the compositions. That said, I thrive when I get to play with contrasts, and I’ve been inspired by so many different kinds of music in my life. It never ends. H Ho ow w t tr ru ue e d diid d y yo ou u s st ta ay y t to o M Miit tc ch he ellll''s s m mu us siic c a an nd d w wh ha at t a ap pp pr ro oa ac ch h d diid d y yo ou u llo oo ok k a af ft te er r? ? Well, I’ve dipped my toe into the ocean of folk music before, and used folky elements in my songs throughout my career in pop music, but this is the first time I go all in. I tried to stick to the bare minimum - I wanted the arrangements to be rich and sparse at the same time. The next time around I’ll hopefully be able to strip it down even further. I’ve been so accustomed to being a maximalist in the studio when making big pop records with twenty piece orchestras that it sort of feels like I need to unlearn some things about process. What it all boils down to is a good song is a good song no matter how you dress it up. H Ha as s a an ny y a allb bu um m iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r o of f h he er r d diis sc co og gr ra ap ph hy y h ha av ve e iin nf fllu ue en nc ce e y yo ou u t th he e m mo os st t? ? "Blue", "Court and spark" and "Ladies of the canyon" are my top three. S So o h ho ow w d diid d y yo ou u c co om me e u up p w wiit th h t th he e iid de ea a o of f s st ta ar rt tiin ng g t th hiis s lla ab be ell? ? It was time. I’ve learned so much from being on major labels since I was thirteen (yes, it’s true), and I want to put that knowledge into action and get closer to my listeners. It’s a risk, without doubt, but not a musical one, and so I definitely feel like it’s one worth taking. So far I’m having a lot of fun and only the occasional sleepless night. W Wh ha at t h ha as s b be ee en n t th he e P PR RO Os s a an nd d C CO ON Ns s o of f r ru un nn niin ng g t th hiis s lla ab be ell s so o f fa ar r? ? The pros are so many - being in control of my creativity, being able to release music when it’s fresh, letting my creative flow decide when I’m in the studio and not, owning my own masters, being able to release worldwide simultaneously and the list goes on. The only considerable con I can think of is losing that safety net I’ve been so privileged to have for years. But for this time in my career it feels right. A An ny y p plla an ns s t to o h hiit t t th he e r ro oa ad d? ? Yes, we’re heading out at the end of April in Norway and Denmark, then I’m playing a couple of shows in NYC in May, festivals in the summer and hoping there will be a tour stateside in the fall. W Wh ha at t e ells se e iis s h ha ap pp pe en niin ng g n ne ex xt t iin n M Ma ar riit t L La ar rs se en n''s s w wo or rlld d? ? Well, I’m heading back into the studio in June. I’ll let you know when I’m ready to share some more! Hehe.

So it shouldn't come as a surprise that just during the production of any material, call it an album or a film, weird things tend to happen. We recently asked our VENTS alumni The Virginmarys about their most odds, funny and awful things that happened during the recording of their latest album Divides. This is what they had to say: D Da an nn ny y: 1. We spent 5 weeks at Rockfield studios, and apart from being the most famous studios in the UK next to Abbey Road, it's also an ex-working farm and they actually still keep and farm cows on the site. Pretty much every drum track was recorded after midnight, so for most nights I was getting to bed really late. I remember waking up one morning at about 10am and was walking out into the yard; next thing I could hear someone shouting 'DON'T LET THEM OUT OF THAT GATE!!!!!!.’ It was from the owner of the studios (Kingsley) telling me to stop the on-coming stampede of cattle from leaving the grounds. Half asleep I dropped my cup of coffee and legged it to the gate to stop the herd from freedom!!!! Kingsley looked over and bellowed "GOOD SAVE LAD"!!!! Definitely not an event I was expecting while recording an album at Rockfield studio, but it was pretty funny:) 2. For the drum tracks, I remember Gil Norton (producer) coming in one morning just before we started recording the first track and said he wanted to know if I'd be up for trying out a particular technique of recording drums for 2 of the tracks for the record. I had no idea what he was talking about so I just replied "yeah!!... I'm up for it.” The following morning I came in to find all my cymbals had been replaced by bedding sheets duct taped to the top of the stands. It was the most bizarre image I think I've ever had walking into a live room. Anyways, he just said "play the track exactly as you would normally but instead of hitting cymbals where you normally would just hit the bed sheets.” It was so weird playing the track when all you can hear is a snare drum here, a bass drum there;like the most abstract/avant-garde Jazz drum solo ever. After 1 take he said "take 5 minutes and then come back" so I wandered off for a cup of tea and when I came back the cymbals had been returned to their stands but all that was left of the kit was a drum stool and a snare stand with a pillow strapped to it with tape. "Now...play the exact same drum track again but we'll be recording the cymbals this time and where you would normally hit the drums and kick the bass drum, just tap you foot on the floor and play the pillow."W. So we went through the track which literally just sounded like a hundred people dropping metal plates inside my head. After 1 take I came in to the control room where Gil played the 2 tracks together and there was my drum track! No jazz solo, no smashing plates, just one BIG, BAD-ASS DRUM TRACK. It actually worked so well we used the same technique for 6 out of the 12 tracks for the record:) M Ma at tt t ( (R Re ec co or rd diin ng g ''L Liiv viin ng g iin n m my y P Pe ea ac ce e'') ): After the final chorus of this tune we go into a long outro/jam where there's quite a lot of bass runs and drum fills. I think we only did a couple of takes of this before we got it but every time we did it, the runs I did changed. It was decided that the best thing to do would be to go back over the outro, pick out the best bass runs and overdub them. Easier said than done. I think we started at about 8/9pm and eventually finished at about 2am! It's not that they're complicated runs but it was all about trying to get the feel and vibe of when I originally played them that definitely got tougher as it got later. There were a couple of times where I'd play it and think 'yeah, I've nailed that one, that was ace'. Then I'd look up and see poor Gil with his head in his hands and saying 'not quite that time, try one more'. Ha ha. A Alllly y: 1. We were doing some over dubs in a really cool studio called Eve just outside Manchester. Gil went down to a near by cafe to get some breakfast and became entangled in a conversation between a few old ladies who'd taken over the cafe speaking full voice. One of them was talking about someone they knew sadly suffering from 'Out Simons' disease meaning Alzheimer's disease. Obviously nothing funny about someone suffering from Alzheimer's but an old lady mistakenly referring to it as 'Out Simons' in full voice over the whole room made me laugh. You have to love little northern cafes. 2. Matt had an idea of an ambient screaming vocal at the end of the opening track called "Push The Pedal." I ended up recording that particular vocal in the bathroom with a studio set up in one of the bedrooms. So the voice you hear on its own at the end of the track was actually recorded in the bathroom. We also tried to communicate during that session on facetime as we didn't have talk back for this set up. The voice effect works amazingly well though, it was a great idea!

Courtesy ofAGPR

H Hii A An nd dr re ew w,, w we ellc co om me e t to o V VE EN NT TS S!! H Ho ow w h ha av ve e y yo ou u b be ee en n? ? Awesome! Thank you for asking. So excited to be talking with you - Love you pieces. W Wh hiille e y yo ou u h ha av ve e b be ee en n m mo os st tlly y k kn no ow wn n f fo or r y yo ou ur r c co om miic c r ro olle es s,, lla at te elly y II''v ve e s se ee en n y yo ou u h ha av ve e b be ee en n d diiv viin ng g iin nt to o d diif ff fe er re en nt t w wa at te er rs s - - w wh ha at t lle ed d y yo ou u iin nt to o t th hiis s n ne ew w d diir re ec ct tiio on n? ? I just got these wonderful opportunities and went for it. I love doing character work. I don't get to play these kinda of offbeat characters that often, I'm like a character actor stuck in a leading man's body, LOL. So when these films came along, I just felt lucky and excited to have the opportunity to 'step outside the box ". I become an actor cause I love to act - so it's just been such an honor to finally have the opportunity to flex all my muscles so to speak. I hope it continues, 'cause I love playing roles like this - and the films have all turned out so awesome. H Ha as s iit t b be ee en n e ea as sy y t to o t tr ra an ns siit tiio on n f fr ro om m o on ne e g ge en nr re e t to o t th he e o ot th he er r? ? Well, so far so good. It's just a different place you get to inhabit. I don't think you can do drama without comedy and comedy without drama. Those are human traits we all carry. As long as you're being truthful with the character, that's all that matters. Having a rich comedy base, I think just gives you more of a colorful pallet to work from. It's nice to "quiet all the noise" and change things up. Again, I've just been appreciative of getting these opportunities. W We er re e y yo ou u llo oo ok kiin ng g t to o lle ea ar rn n a an ny yt th hiin ng g iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r f fr ro om m t th he es se e d diiv ve er rs se e r ro olle es s? ? A An nd d iif f s so o,, d diid d y yo ou u e en nd d u up p a ar rc ch hiiv viin ng g y yo ou ur r g go oa all? ? My goal in life is to learn something new everyday. Experience and learning is what life is about. I learn something new every time I'm lucky enough to be on a set. Each role presents it's own challenges and Reggie and Jack were really about seeing if I could completely remove my own identity and allow theirs to live and breath. It's really not for me to decide if I achieved those goals or not, I do this for you (audiences). Hopefully I've done something people enjoy. Ultimately my job is to give my directors all they need to tell the best story they can. When they're happy - I am. I've received some really kind words from folks about Holidays and Po so I'm just thankful people are enjoying the films. S So o lle et t''s s t ta allk k a ab bo ou ut t y yo ou ur r f fiillm m P PO O - - w wh ha at t d dr re ew w y yo ou u t to o t th hiis s f fiillm m? ? I've been friends with John (Asher) for years and he'd been talking about making this film forever. It was a 9 year labor of love for him. He didn't want me to read it till he knew he had the financing to make it. He finally sent me the script last summer and I was just floored by it. It's the only script I've ever read that I had to put down three times because I couldn't stop crying. It was beautifully written by Colin Goldman, imaginative, honest, moving and the subject matter hit very close to home. Both John and I have sons with Autism. The script (and finished film) not only honestly mirrored many of the experiences and challenges my wife and I have faced raising our own son - but presented this original and wonderfully magical glimpse of Autism "through the eyes" of its main character Po, played in the film by Julian Feder who is just remarkable in the film (I've already told him that he better not let his Oscar nomination go to his head). After reading PO, I told John I would help him any way I could. I'd have worked for free as a PA if he had asked. Fortunately for me, John had written a very special role in the film specifically for me. I can't talk about it just yet (when you see the film you'll understand why) but my character Jack plays a very important role in Po's journey and I got to play 5 different incarnations of him in the film. It was like the ultimate actors bucket list! I will forever be grateful to him for it as it was one of the most imaginatively fun, challenging and creatively fulfilling experiences of my entire acting career. T Th he e m mo ov viie e d de ea alls s w wiit th h a au ut tiis sm m – – H Ho ow w d do o y yo ou u r re ella at te e t to o t th hiis s? ? A An ny y f fr riie en nd ds s o or r f fa am miilly y m me em mb be er rs s g go oiin ng g t th hr ro ou ug gh h t th hiis s? ? F Fo or r t th he e p pr re ep pa ar ra at tiio on n d diid d y yo ou u h ha av ve e t to o g go o a an nd d m me ee et t s so om me e p pe eo op plle e? ? As I mentioned before, I have a son with Autism. He was diagnosed when he was almost 4, so I've been living in the Autism world and that community for almost for 12 years. I related to every part of this film. For me it wasn't so much about preparation as much as it was just helping John execute his vision of what it really is like for families raising these kids. I mean Autism effects 1 in 68 children born today and is the biggest childhood epidemic in human history. It effects more children than Aids, Cancer and Diabetes combined. It's important to have films like PO out there. Not only to better understand this disorder and how it effects folks but how important it is to see the beauty in these kids and how amazing they are. Being different doesn't have to be scary. W Wh ha at t w wo ou ulld d y yo ou u s sa ay y m ma ak ke es s t th hiis s d dr ra am ma a s so o p po ow we er rf fu ull a an nd d d diif ff fe er re en nt t t to o a an ny y o ot th he er r w we e''v ve e s se ee en n? ? It's just incredibly authentic and honest in it's portrait of how "difficult" and "beautiful" raising a child in the spectrum can be. Look, every child in the spectrum is different, so it's impossible to make a films that tells everyone's story - but PO is so authentic that ANY family out there raising a child with Autism will be able to identify and relate to this beautiful film. C Ca an n y yo ou u t te ellll u us s m mo or re e a ab bo ou ut t J Ja ac ck k? ? Ugh... We'll have to do a follow up. Like I mentioned earlier - Jack plays an important role in Po's journey in the film but I promised John I wouldn't give anything away cause it's a big part of the films narrative - and audiences deserve to get to experience it. When you see the movie you'll understand. Trust me, it's worth it. N Ne ex xt t u up p,, a an nd d c ch ha an ng giin ng g g ge en nr re es s,, y yo ou u w wiillll b be e s se ee en n o on n H Ho olliid da ay ys s - - n no ow w,, f fo or r s so om me e r re ea as so on n II a am m g ge et tt tiin ng g t th hiis s T Tr riic ck k N N'' T Tr re ea at t v viib be e,, m me ea an niin ng g,, w wo ou ulld d t th he e f fiillm m d de ea all w wiit th h d diif ff fe er re en nt t h ho olliid da ay ys s b blle en nd diin ng g b bo ot th h h ho or rr ro or r a an nd d c co om me ed dy y t to og ge et th he er r? ? Wow... Yeah pretty much. It's a wonderful combination of horror, comedy and more. You have 8 different incredible directors who were given the freedom to tell a holiday themed segment from their own creative prospective - which are all tied together in this anthology. John Hegeman produced the film, who's awesome (with Adam Egypt Mortimer) and gave each director the freedom to tell the story they wanted. That rarely ever happens in the film business and the results are awesome and utterly unique. Holidays is a twisted fun romp. W Wh ha at t w wa as s iit t lliik ke e t to o p plla ay y R Re eg gg giie e o on n t th he e f fiillm m a an nd d c ca an n y yo ou u t ta allk k t to o u us s m mo or re e a ab bo ou ut t h hiim m? ? It was a blast. Our Holidays segment "New Years Eve" follows these two folks whose perhaps "not so good intentions" lead to a rather explosive encounter. My character Reggie is this repulsively odd, vulnerably likeable misfit. It was one of those rare times (like Jack in PO) that I got the chance to completely disappear into a role. Adam (who directed NYE) was really collaborative and we spent a lot of time building Reggie's backstory. We knew his actions had to come from some kind of real buried pain or it wouldn't work. In Reggie’s mind, what he does isn't creepy or violent, it's just his “normal”. And creating his look was so much fun - the worse the better. Aoife Baker (our awesome costume designer) did this fantastic job of finding this look that was horrible without being cartoony. Lorenza Izzo is amazing to work with and a goofball like me, so this oddly comedic energy happened on set between us and these characters just came to life. After our Tribeca premier, most people didn't even recognize that I was the same actor who played Reggie in the film. I mean, it doesn't get any better than that. W Wh ha at t w wa as s iit t lliik ke e t to o s sh ha ar re e t th he e s se et t a an nd d w wo or rk k w wiit th h K Ke ev viin n S Sm miit th h a an nd d a allll t th he e o ot th he er r g gr re ea at t a ac ct to or rs s? ? Holidays is an anthology, so each of the eight stories was shot independent from each other. Kevin and Seth were not working on the days that we were. Most of us met for the first time at the Tribeca premier, LOL. They're all great and we bonded like some strange extended family. The work from everyone in the film - across the board - is just stellar. W Wh ha at t e ells se e iis s h ha ap pp pe en niin ng g n ne ex xt t iin n A An nd dr re ew w B Bo ow we en n''s s w wo or rlld d? ? Sleep. Shuttling my kids to school daily and hopefully some time with my wife and some good Whisky. Got some things on the burner - but overall I'm just looking for the next job and whatever new acting adventures may lie ahead.

H Hii T To om m,, w we ellc co om me e t to o V VE EN NT TS S!! H Ho ow w h ha av ve e y yo ou u b be ee en n? ? Damn good. Very geeked "Now Look What You've Done, Lyrics Born" is abt to drop. S So o y yo ou ur r s se er riie es s h ha as s c co om me e t to o a an n e en nd d a af ft te er r s se ev ve en n s se ea as so on n - - w wh ha at t d dr ra aw w y yo ou u t to o s st ta ar rt t t th hiis s " "s sh ho ow w" " iin n t th he e f fiir rs st t p plla ac ce e? ? Yeah, its a wrap. 12 yrs is enough. The purpose was to tie-in exclusives, rarities, & features ppl may not have access to unless I compiled them in all in one place. It would give people a chance to see what I was doing in-between albums, & also sneak-peaks at whatever LB project was forthcoming. L Lo oo ok kiin ng g b ba ac ck k a at t y yo ou ur r d de ec ciis siio on n o of f s sw wiit tc ch hiin ng g f fo or rm ma at t f fr ro om m C CD D t to o iin nt te er rn ne et t d diis st tr riib bu ut tiio on n - - w wo ou ulld d y yo ou u c ca allll t th hiis s a a s sm ma ar rt t d de ec ciis siio on n? ? We've always done both, but now since record stores no longer exist on the level they once did, you can ONLY buy Variety Show CDs at my concerts. Every nite after the gig I sign them & all my albums & other out-of-print exclusives for all my people. It's crazy fun. H Ho ow w d do oe es s t th he e s se elle ec ct tiio on n p pr ro oc ce es ss s w wo or rk ks s - - d do o y yo ou u c ca allll a a b bu un nc ch h o of f f fr riie en nd ds s? ? Y Yo ou u h ha av ve e s so om me e a ar rt tiis st ts s s su ub bm miit t t th he eiir r m mu us siic c t to o y yo ou u? ? All of that. I don't like to put less than 25 tracks on each CD. This one is 30. We try to keep at least 25% of the content exclusive or never- heard-before. I also have so many Aca pellas floating out there in the ether, I find LB remixes & mash-ups all the time on the Internet. The producers are always geeked to have their music end up on the Variety Shows. D Do o y yo ou u h ha ap pp pe en n t to o h ha av ve e a a f fa av vo or riit te e t tr ra ac ck k? ? On Season 7 I like "Uh-Oh", "LBs Monorail", "Bianca & Sandra", & Syze-One's Latyrx/Alessia mashup. W Wh ha at t m ma ak ke es s t th hiis s n ne ew w s se ea as so on n d diif ff fe er re en nt t t to o t th he e p pr re ev viio ou us s o on ne e? ? Besides the fact it's the last one, we took the best of the previous 6 & added so much new material. A An ny y p plla an ns s t to o d do o s so om me e s so or rt t o of f " "s sp piin n- -o of ff f" "? ? We'll see. Y Yo ou u a ar re e a alls so o r re elle ea as siin ng g y yo ou ur r G Gr re ea at te es st t H Hiit ts s a allb bu um m - - h ho ow w w wa as s t th he e r re ec co or rd diin ng g a an nd d w wr riit tiin ng g p pr ro oc ce es ss s? ? There wasn't one per se. It's a compilation of spanning my 23 year career. The fans pretty much determined the tracklist by giving their feedback via my social media. I don't argue with the fans. I made the songs, but they made them "hits". I'm very blessed. D Do o y yo ou u t ta ak ke e a a d diif ff fe er re en nt t a ap pp pr ro oa ac ch h w wh he en n y yo ou u w wr riit te e a an nd d p pr ro od du uc ce e f fo or r s so om me eo on ne e e ells se e t th ha an n w wh he en n y yo ou u d do o f fo or r y yo ou ur r o ow wn n p pr ro ojje ec ct t? ? Absolutely. For someone else, I generally have to feed into their vibe & bring their concept to life using my voice & words. I love the challenge of working with other artists & producers. That's when I feel like I hit growth spurts because I'm forced out of my comfort zone. I have to express ideas I may not have if left up to my own devices. W Wh ha at t a ar re e y yo ou ur r t th ho ou ug gh ht ts s o on n t th he e r ra ap p s sc ce en ne e a af ft te er r b be eiin ng g p pa ar rt t f fo or r o ov ve er r 2 25 5 y ye ea ar rs s n no ow w? ? It's changed so much. Culturally, politically, technologically, economically, generationally. I'm blessed & fortunate to have come up in the era I did, but still appreciate what this generation is doing. It's really exciting. A An ny y p plla an ns s t to o h hiit t t th he e r ro oa ad d? ? I'm currently on a greatest hits tour now. I'll be playing festivals all summer, then touring all thru the fall. W Wh ha at t e ells se e iis s h ha ap pp pe en niin ng g n ne ex xt t iin n L Ly yr riic cs s B Bo or rn n''s s w wo or rlld d? ? Putting things in motion for my next move.

H B S m Y t a q S b a H e A d g H I a o t t c m c S v t I a o S F I t I F H C W P c h N O F

H Hii T Tiin na a,, w we ellc co om me e t to o V VE EN NT TS S!! H Ho ow w h ha av ve e y yo ou u b be ee en n? ? Busy! And that equates to happy for me. S So o b by y r re ea ad diin ng g y yo ou ur r b biio o II n no ot tiic ce ed d y yo ou u a ac ct tu ua alllly y s st ta ar rt te ed d a as s a a f fa as sh hiio on n m ma ar rk ke et tiin ng g a ag ge en nt t - - w wh ha at t d dr ra aw w y yo ou u t to o a ac ct tiin ng g? ? Yes, I was a fashion executive for various clothing designers in NYC prior to discovering the acting bug. I was fortunate to have success in business at a young age which actually gave me permission to ask myself the question, “what else?” as in “if I could do or be anything what would it be?” Strangely, acting popped into my head – it had never crossed my mind before then. So, I took an acting class with famed coach, Susan Batson, and the rest is history. H Ho ow w w wa as s t th he e t tr ra an ns siit tiio on n f fr ro om m b be eiin ng g b be eh hiin nd d t th he e s sc ce en ne es s iin n o on ne e f fiie elld d o of f t th he e e en nt te er rt ta aiin nm me en nt t iin nd du us st tr ry y t to o b be e iin n f fr ro on nt t o of f t th he e c ca am me er ra a? ? Actually, I began as an actress and then later found writing, producing, and directing. I’m not one for sitting around waiting for the phone to ring, so I got busy creating projects for myself and my friends. H Ho ow w h ha as s y yo ou ur r k kn no ow wlle ed dg ge e o on n m ma ar rk ke et tiin ng g h ha av ve e h he ellp pe ed d y yo ou u w wiit th h y yo ou ur r c ca ar re ee er r? ? I understand that when people in the entertainment industry see actors as a product, it’s because on one level we are. It’s not a bad thing. That said, our product includes our emotional life so it can be delicate. Understanding that and finding the balance between the commerce of the business and the value of our internal life is really important for a successful and sane career. With that balance, marketing oneself or allowing oneself to be marketed in various ways in not self-defining but simply good business. I consider it sort of like a separation of Church and State. S Siin nc ce e y yo ou u e en nt te er re ed d t th he e f fiillm m iin nd du us st tr ry y y yo ou u h ha av ve e b be ee en n k kn no ow wn n f fo or r p plla ay yiin ng g s so om me e v ve er ry y u un nu us su ua all r ro olle es s - - d do o y yo ou u h ha av ve e a a s so of ft t s sp po ot t f fo or r c co om mp plle ex x c ch ha ar ra ac ct te er rs s o or r t th he er re e''s s a a m mo or re e - -d de es sp piit te e t th he e r re ed du un nd da an nc cy y- - c co om mp plle ex x r re ea as so on n? ? I love exploring complex character, they are rich and sometimes messy and I think it’s safe to say, I am pretty fearless about my need to get at my own truth, as well as a character’s. S Sp pe ea ak kiin ng g o of f w wh hiic ch h,, h ho ow w w wa as s t th he e w wr riit tiin ng g p pr ro oc ce es ss s f fo or r S Se ec cr re et ts s O Of f A A H Ho olly y F Fa at th he er r? ? It was wonderful. When creating solo shows, I like to write on my feet, so to speak. In other words, through character improvisation, I find the words. I entered the writing process through the acting on Secrets of a Holy Father. How did you get to "transform" yourself into your father? Complete surrender, and a willingness to just lose all judgments. W We er re e t th he er re e a an ny y c ch ha alllle en ng ge es s? ? Playing a man was challenging for all the reasons you can imagine. And of course, the man being my father, made it a greater challenge. It ultimately, helped me see my father as a human being vs. as just my Dad. N No ow w,, o on n t th he e o ot th he er r s siid de e o of f t th he e s sp pe ec ct tr ru um m,, y yo ou u w wo ou ulld d b be e s st ta ar rr riin ng g o on n W WG GN N''s s O Ou ut ts siid de er rs s - - h ho ow w w wa as s t th he e a au ud diit tiio on n p pr ro oc ce es ss s? ? Fast and furious, I self-taped on an iPhone in NYC and headed to Pittsburgh for a call back a few days later. I love technology! W WG GN N iis s s sllo ow wlly y b bu ut t f fiir rm mlly y lle ea av viin ng g h hiis s r re e- -r ru un nn ne er r d da ay ys s b be eh hiin nd d t to o b be ec co om me e a a f fr ro on nt tr ru un nn ne er r w wiit th h s so om me e r re ea alllly y iin nt te er re es st tiin ng g s sh ho ow ws s - - h ho ow w d do o y yo ou u f fe ee ell a ab bo ou ut t s so om me eh ho ow w b be eiin ng g p pa ar rt t o of f h hiis st to or ry y ( (II u un nd de er rs st ta an nd d t th hiis s iis s o on nlly y t th he e n ne et tw wo or rk k''s s t th hiir rd d o or riig giin na all s se er riie es s) )? ? Being part of something new is always exciting; we are breaking ground along with the network. It’s also been fun to watch Underground, their new series. WGN is making really interesting choices, broadcasting such fascinating and unexplored worlds. C Ca an n y yo ou u t te ellll u us s m mo or re e a ab bo ou ut t y yo ou ur r c ch ha ar ra ac ct te er r S Sh hu ur rn n? ? Shurn is a mother who loses her son to tragedy when we meet her. Because the death of a child must be hellish beyond words, we come to know Shurn through a host of combustible feelings. She is fierce, a fighter, a survivor, and loves her family and the mountain as much as her creator. She is outspoken, standing up for the good of the clan, and not afraid of much. H Ho ow w d do o y yo ou u p pr re ep pa ar re e f fo or r t th hiis s r ro olle e? ? With very little time, I had to throw myself into someone very different from myself. Shurn does not read, write, or use technology, she washes clothes by hand, makes her own clothes. I immediately started walking around in clothes and shoes I thought Shurn would wear. The biggest thing was committing to a visceral way of being, an almost animal quality. I still work with famed acting coach, Susan Batson, and there is always a high demand on a character’s emotional truth and authenticity in our preparation. T Th he e s sh ho ow w t ta ak ke es s p plla ac ce e iin n t th he e K Ke en nt tu uc ck ky y m mo ou un nt ta aiin ns s - - d do o y yo ou u g gu uy ys s r re ea alllly y g go o t th he er re e t to o s sh ho oo ot t o or r y yo ou u f fiin nd d o ot th he er r llo oc ca at tiio on ns s? ? We shoot in Pittsburgh. A fantastic and super friendly town. H Ho ow w''s s t th he e f fiillm m e ex xp pe er riie en nc ce e? ? The most incredible thing is we are shooting outdoors in the woods. Filming is 360 degrees of mother nature: gigantic trees, streams, chickens and goats around. It’s stunning and helps to really be immersed in mountain life. W Wh ha at t''s s b be ee en n lliik ke e w wo or rk k w wiit th h s su uc ch h a a g gr re ea at t c ca as st t a an nd d c cr re ew w m me em mb be er r a an nd d h ho ow w h ha as s t th ha at t iin nf fllu ue en nc ce e y yo ou u a as s a an n a ac ct tr re es ss s? ? There is nothing more satisfying than working opposite great actors – David Morse, Gillian Alexy, Phyllis Somerville, Ryan Hurst – and I must say the crew is one of the kindest, warmest bunch of people I’ve had the pleasure of working with. I hope it’s making me a better actress and human being engaging with them all. W Wh ha at t e ells se e iis s h ha ap pp pe en niin ng g n ne ex xt t iin n T Tiin na a A Alle ex xiis s A Alllle en n''s s w wo or rlld d? ? Secrets of a Holy Father, is being published as a coming of age memoir by Harper Collins; Dey Street in 2017. And I’m working on developing that story for the screen. I’m also writing a couple of features – one is a psychological thriller that I will co-star in – 2017, as well. And of course, hopefully a lot more of Shurn in Season Two of Outsiders! Follow all the action @tinaalexisallen Tina Alexis Allen

H Hii L Liis sa a,, w we ellc co om me e t to o V VE EN NT TS S!! H Ho ow w h ha av ve e y yo ou u b be ee en n? ? Thanks! I’ve been crazy busy after finishing filming American Grit. I’ve got three bodybuilding bikini competitions coming up, I’m training my kids for a Spartan race and I just finished filming a 30 Day Weight Loss Program, which I’m really excited about because my readers have been asking me to create a program for a while now. S So o II u un nd de er rs st ta an nd d y yo ou u w we er re e b ba ac ck k iin n t th he e d da ay ys s o ov ve er rw we eiig gh ht t a an nd d o on ne e d da ay y y yo ou u t to oo ok k t th he e iin niit tiia at tiiv ve e o of f llo os se e a allll t th ha at t w we eiig gh ht t – – w wa as s iit t s siim mp plle e a as s t th ha at t o or r y yo ou u h ha ad d t to o g go o t th hr ro ou ug gh h s so om me e iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r t th ha at t lle ed d y yo ou u t to o t th hiis s c ch ha an ng ge e o of f m miin nd d? ? Yeah, three years ago I was a mess. Our family business was failing, my doctor told me I was borderline obese and then one day my husband said to me, “Lisa, I will always love you. I’m just not attracted to you right now.” I was devastated. I sat in my car in my daughter’s nursery school sobbing and just prayed to God, “fix me.” I took my final maternity paycheck to the local gym and had exactly enough for three training sessions. It was there that I discovered the fittest women were competing in a local competition called the Texas Shredder. I had no idea that women could be bodybuilders! My husband’s comment might have gotten me into the gym, but it didn’t keep me there. About a week into it I realized that this sport would change my life. Long story short I lost 50 lbs. and fixed my messy life in the process. The experience was so life altering I wrote a book about it called “She’s Losing It!” Today, at 42, I’m in the best shape of my life and my husband and I are about to celebrate our 12th anniversary. N No ow w,, II g ge et t m ma an ny y p pe eo op plle e iin n t th he e w wo or rlld d a ar re e d do oiin ng g e ex xe er rc ciis se es s t to o llo oo ok k g go oo od d a an nd d b be e h he ea allt th hy y,, e et tc c..,, b bu ut t iin n y yo ou ur r c ca as se e y yo ou u t to oo ok k iit t a a lliit tt tlle e f fu ur rt th he er r,, s so o t to o s sp pe ea ak k – – w wh ha at t d dr re ew w y yo ou u iin nt to o t th he e b bo od dy yb bu uiilld diin ng g c co om mp pe et tiit tiio on ns s w wo or rlld d? ? When I was overweight I looked at the fittest women in the gym. They were beautiful, sure, but more than that they had confidence. They walked with their heads high and seemed so happy. I felt frumpy, old and invisible. I didn’t know what they ate or what they lifted but I knew I wanted what they had, so knowing absolutely NOTHING about the sport, I signed up for my first bikini competition. Bodybuilding is such a quirky sport; it just fascinated me. I had no idea there was so much science involved about combining macronutrients and eating at certain times of the day. I felt so cool buying lifting gloves and doing deadlifts in the “men’s” section of the gym. Posing was another story. I was awful! Even though I was fit, I still felt vulnerable and shy. My first show I came in dead last. And I do mean Dead. Last. Like 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 11th, 17thWLisa Traugott. But I told myself that not everyone can have a Cinderella story. My story would be the Little Engine That Could. It took me three years, but last year I ended up winning 1st Place and it felt amazing. P Pe er rh ha ap ps s o on ne e o of f t th he e m mo os st t d da an ng ge er ro ou us s t th hiin ng gs s a a f fiit tn ne es ss s p pe er rs so on n c ca an n g ge et t iin nt to o iis s o ob bs se es ss siio on n t to o b be e a allw wa ay ys s iin n s sh ha ap pe e,, e en nd diin ng g u up p iin n s so om me e s so or rt t o of f s se ellf f- -s slla av ve er ry y,, h ha av ve e y yo ou u e ev ve er r h ha ad d t to o f fiig gh ht t t th ho os se e “ “c co om mm mo on n d de em mo on ns s” ” a an nd d iif f s so o,, h ho ow w d do o y yo ou u b ba at tt tlle e t th he em m? ? My demon is emotional eating. Last year, just as my book was being released, my mother was diagnosed with end-stage lung cancer. I had to sell her house, move her from NJ to my home in Texas and take her to chemo. At the airport she fell and hurt her hip, so she had to go to physical therapy and use a walker too. The stress of watching my mother die slowly knowing there was nothing I could do to save her was incredibly horrific. I dropped out of the women’s bodybuilding team I was on and just began to eat and eat. My mother looked at me and said, “What are you doing to yourself, Lisa?” Here she was dying of cancer and she was worried about me! I had to get my act together. The original trainer who helped me lose the weight had moved to Houston, so I found a new coach to work with, Robin Johnson Jr. He told me that the Arnold Amateur, the 2nd biggest international bodybuilding competition in the world, was accepting applications for the bikini division. Now, I didn’t have an award winning body at the time, but I did write a good cover letter and I was accepted. I would be competing with women literally half my age (I was 41). I told my trainer, “I just don’t want to come in last. I’ve set the bar low for you as a trainer.” He said, “No, that’s the bar you set for yourself. I have higher standards.” That kind of woke me up. I ended up training harder than I ever had and came in 20th out of 38. Then I just kept competing. My mother got to see me win 3rd place at the Texas Shredder. She was so proud of me. I kept on competing, even after she died, and kept placing higher and higher until I finally won 1st place. S Sp pe ea ak kiin ng g o of f b ba at tt tlle es s,, y yo ou u g go ot t y yo ou ur rs se ellf f iin nt to o a a p pr re et tt ty y t to ou ug gh h o on ne e c ca alllle ed d A Am me er riic ca an n G Gr riit t – – h ho ow w d diid d y yo ou u g ge et t iin nv vo ollv ve ed d o on n t th hiis s s sh ho ow w? ? I started a blog called ShesLosingIt.com when I was training for my first competition and trying to figure out strength training and potty training my son at the same time. I loved writing so I just kept on doing it. I blogged about entering a pole dance competition for my 40th birthday, funny things my kids said about clean eating, and I blogged about training for the Arnold while my mom was dying from cancer. One of the casting directors saw my blog and the story behind my book and asked me to apply for the show. I thought she was nuts. I didn’t think they would ever cast a 40- something mother to do military-style obstacles. But I do write good cover lettersW A Ar re e y yo ou u a a f fa an n o of f s sh ho ow ws s lliik ke e A Am ma az ziin ng g R Ra ac ce e,, A Am me er riic ca an n N Niin njja a W Wa ar rr riio or rs s a an nd d S Su ur rv viiv vo or r? ? My kids were begging me to audition for American Ninja Warrior, which seemed incredibly fun, but I felt I’d have to train for at least two years before attempting it. I was totally sucked into the first year of Survivor. I loved the challenges but thought it was too cut throat for me. When American Grit came along I was so happy to be chosen! It had the athleticism of ANJ and the fun of dealing with various personalities like Survivor, but was better because it was all about teamwork and encouraging each other to be your best.

S Sp pe ea ak kiin ng g o of f w wh hiic ch h,, f fo or r t th ho os se e w wh ho o a ar re en n´ ´t t q qu uiit te e s su ur re e a ab bo ou ut t t th he e s sh ho ow w’’s s p pr re em miis se e b bu ut t m miig gh ht t b be e f fa an ns s o of f a an ny y o of f t th he e s sh ho ow ws s a af fo or re em me en nt tiio on ne ed d – – w wo ou ulld d A AG G f fo ollllo ow w t th he e s sa am me e s st ty ylle e a as s a an ny y o of f t th ho os se e t tw wo o? ? American Grit takes 16 civilians and divides them into 4 teams to be led by elite military heroes, called cadres, through military and survival obstacles called evolutions. The team who wins gets immunity. The cadres of the losing teams have to send one of their own ranks into The Circus, a brutal obstacle course followed by an endurance competition. The person whose body gives out, in Navy Seal fashion, has to ring a giant bell signifying that he or she can’t go on. It’s brutal. N No ow w,, w we e a ar re e t ta allk kiin ng g a ab bo ou ut t s su ur rv viiv va all a an nd d m miilliit ta ar ry y t to ou ug gh h c ch ha alllle en ng ge es s h he er re e – – w we er re e y yo ou u a an ny y w wo or rr riie ed d a ab bo ou ut t iit t? ? E Es sp pe ec ciia alllly y h ha av viin ng g t to o c co om mp pe et te e w wiit th h p pe eo op plle e w wh ho o h ha av ve e b ba ac ck kg gr ro ou un nd d iin n b bo ot th h t th he e A Ar rm my y a an nd d h ha av ve e S Su ur rv viiv va all s sk kiilllls s? ? Absolutely! We had no idea where we were being sent or what we would be asked to do. Two days before boarding the plane we were told to pack warm clothesWI live in Texas y’all! I had to find a sports store and make up some story about what to pack for camping in the snow over Christmas break. Plus, I was terrified that some drill sergeant would yell at me the first day and I’d cry. I watched GI Jane but that didn’t really make me feel better. I also prayed to God to send me a sign that doing this show was a good idea. This is pretty funny. On the drive from the airport to the location I looked up at the driver’s name plate. Know who my driver was? Jesus. For real. D Diid d y yo ou u g go o t th hr ro ou ug gh h a an ny y p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r t tr ra aiin niin ng g b be ef fo or re e a an nd d w wh hiille e e en nt te er riin ng g t th hiis s c co om mp pe et tiit tiio on n? ? My trainer, Robin, switched up my entire workout. I had 10 days to prepare. He had me wear a weighted vest and drag sandbags in and out of a local lake. I took two swim lessons (just in case) and met with a Marine for t t W s H a e k T s s c I Y g e h p

two hours who taught me some obstacle course techniques W Wh ha at t h ha as s b be ee en n t th he e b biig gg ge es st t c ch ha alllle en ng ge e f fo or r y yo ou u o on n t th he e s sh ho ow w? ? Honestly, I was my own obstacle. I had so many fears and self-doubts to conquer. This was one of the best experiences of my life. I discovered strength I didn’t know existed. One of the other competitors, Touchdown Tony, said that people come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. I feel like even though the first season of American Grit has been filmed, the 16 competitors and our cadres are connected for a lifetime. I guess that’s the whole point of the military, right? You’re there for each other, you protect each other in good times and bad and that doesn’t stop when everyone returns back to their normal life. I’m so honored to be part of this and hope that it inspires people to overcome challenges in their own life. W Wh ha at t e ells se e iis s h ha ap pp pe en niin ng g n ne ex xt t iin n L Liis sa a T Tr ra au ug go ot tt t´ ´s s w wo or rlld d? ? So many women have reached out to me, asking for help to get fit and feel like themselves again. I took all the information I learned from bodybuilding about nutrition, exercise and overcoming self-sabotage, fear and excuses, and distilled it down into a 30 Day Weight Loss Program to help kick start their own fitness journey. Lots programs sound “expert-y”. This is more like if you ran into your girlfriend who lost a lot of weight and said, “Hey! You look great! How’d you do it?” And she told you everything. You can find out more on my website ShesLosingIt.com. Also, I’m also training for three back-to-back bodybuilding bikini competitions and will do a Battle Frog Obstacle Course with a bunch of my American Grit cast mates in Boston this July and my kids will be running with me. It’ll be like a family reunion. Now we just need John Cena to show up with a race horn.

H He ey y B Be ea au u,, t th ha an nk k y yo ou u f fo or r t ta ak kiin ng g a a b biit t o of f t tiim me e t to od da ay y.. F Fiir rs st t o of ff f II a allw wa ay ys s g go o t to o s so oc ciia all m me ed diia a w wh he en n II a am m g go oiin ng g t to o g ge et t t to o c ch ha at t w wiit th h s so om me eo on ne e II h ha av ve en n’’t t m me et t f fa ac ce e t to o f fa ac ce e.. D Do o y yo ou u s se ee e s so oc ciia all m me ed diia a b be eiin ng g a a h hu ug ge e p pa ar rt t o of f n no ot t o on nlly y f fa an ns s f fiin nd diin ng g t th he eiir r s st ta ar rs s t to o f fo ollllo ow w,, b bu ut t iin n g ge en ne er ra all iit t b be eiin ng g u us se ed d a as s a a t to oo oll f fo or r h hiir riin ng g,, d da at tiin ng g,, e et tc c? ? In general social media has created a bridge between fan and "star," creating a direct avenue to their person of interest and allowing for a more personal relationship; however the level of intimacy is ultimately up to the celebrity, and is oftentimes more of a perceived personal relationship than a real one. Social media is definitely a factor for hiring, but this can be a precarious practice due to the complexity of social media. Number of followers seems like a direct way to quantify ones reach and influence, but one's ability to write fun quips on Twitter, or snap seductive photos on Instagram, not to mention age and frequency with which one posts, directly affects number of followers, and isn'tnalways an indication of "how many people will tune in." The numbers can be a little skewed is all I am saying, and at the end of the day talent should supersede celebrity. I mean, Gary Busy has only 133K followers. So, does that mean he should be hired less because of it . . . ? OK, BAD example. W Wh he en n II w we en nt t t to o y yo ou ur r F FB B p pa ag ge e,, p pa ag ge es s II s sh ho ou ulld d s sa ay y- - t th he er re e iis s a an n a af ff fiilliia at tiio on n w wiit th h M MT TV V a an nd d t th he e s sh ho ow w “ “A Aw wk kw wa ar rd d” ” w wh hiic ch h b be eg ga an n q qu uiie et t s so om me et tiim me e a ag go o.. E Ev viid de en nt tlly y,, t th he er re e a ar re e e ev ve en n a a f fe ew w f fa an n g gr ro ou up p p pa ag ge es s d de ed diic ca at te ed d t to o y yo ou u o on n t th hiis s t to op piic c.. H Ho ow w d diid d t th he e s sh ho ow w c co om me e a ab bo ou ut t? ? H Ho ow w h ha av ve e y yo ou u g gr ro ow wn n w wiit th h iit t,, o or r b be ey yo on nd d iit t? ? I had to audition. And then audition. Then I auditioned again. And then I got the part. I was just fortunate enough to land something good. Awkward has been such a kick-ass job for me. I was 21 when I landed the role, and this was a time of my life when I was still very much in the nascent stages of acting. I had been acting for years already, but the technique I learned wasn't a strong foundation. At this point I had been studying with various people and learning different techniques. Awkward was the perfect gym to work out. I am a tremendously better actor because of it. IIt t w wo ou ulld d s se ee em m,, a as s iit t d do oe es s w wiit th h m mo os st t iin n t th he e e en nt te er rt ta aiin nm me en nt t iin nd du us st tr ry y t th ha at t y yo ou u u ut tiilliiz ze e T Tw wiit tt te er r m mo or re e.. W Wh ha at t iis s iit t a ab bo ou ut t t tw we ee et tiin ng g y yo ou u t th hiin nk k? ? H Ho ow w iis s iit t t th ha at t iit t s se ee em ms s t to o f fiit t b be et tt te er r? ? I would like to say something inspiring about the beauty of 140 characters, but in truth it's because Twitter was first. I became aware of it first. That's all.

Y Yo ou u r re ea alllly y d do o s se ee em m t to o b be e a ab blle e t to o s st te ep p iin n w wiit th h e ea as se e m mu ullt tiip plle e a an nd d d diim me en ns siio on na all r ro olle es s.. G Go oiin ng g f fr ro om m s so om me et th hiin ng g m mo or re e t to ow wa ar rd ds s t th he e y yo ou un ng ge er r c cr ro ow wd d,, t to o a a d dr ra am ma a s se er riie es s lliik ke e “ “D De es sp pe er ra at te e H Ho ou us se ew wiiv ve es s,,” ” t th he en n o ov ve er r t to o a a m mo or re e c co om me ed dy y d dr riiv ve en n s se er riie es s “ “G Go oo od d F Fo or rt tu un ne e,,” ” p pllu us s II u un nd de er rs st ta an nd d t th he ea at tr re e s so om me eh ho ow w g ge et ts s m miix xe ed d iin nt to o a allll t th hiis s jja am m t to oo o!! Yeah, every genre offers something exciting. As long as the writing is good, I'll do whatever. W We e''v ve e t to ou uc ch he ed d o on n t th he e s sh ho ow w “ “A Aw wk kw wa ar rd d” ”,, C Ca an n t th he e t te ee en n h he ea ar rt tt th hr ro ob b e elle em me en nt t c co on nt tiin nu ue e o or r d do oe es s iit t n ne ee ed d t to o s sh hiif ft t g ge ea ar rs s,, o or r h ha as s iit t a allr re ea ad dy y s sh hiif ft te ed d f fo or r y yo ou u? ? I will play the teen heartthrob for as long as I can get away with it. Unfortunately, time and chest hair is against me! A As s t th he e s sh ho ow w s sa ad dlly y c co om me es s t to o a an n e en nd d - - w wh ha at t c ca an n w we e e ex xp pe ec ct t o on n t th he e r re em ma aiin niin ng g e ep piis so od de es s e es sp pe ec ciia alllly y o on n y yo ou ur r r re ella at tiio on ns sh hiip p w wiit th h J Je en nn na a? ? If you think things are crazy now, look out... With respect to Matty and Jenna, things look to be on the mend. I don't know if they will end up together. They might. Whatever the case, they start respecting each other regardless of their complex past. M Miix x iin nt to o t th he e m mo or re e s se er riio ou us s d dr ra am ma a''s s II u un nd de er rs st ta an nd d t th he er re e iis s s so om me et th hiin ng g t to o d do o w wiit th h a a s sh ho ow w c ca alllle ed d A Aq qu ua ar riiu us s a an nd d D Du uc ch ho ov va an ny y a as s w we ellll? ? Yes, I play Rick Zondervan, a college guy who wishes he is cooler and braver than what god made him. D Do oe es s t th hiis s p piillo ot t c co om me ed dy y,, “ “G Go oo od d F Fo or rt tu un ne e” ” f fe ee ell m mo or re e lliik ke e t th he e r re ea all y yo ou u b by y c ch ha an nc ce e? ? W Wh ha at t a allll iis s iin nv vo ollv ve ed d a an nd d w wh he er re e iit t iis s llo oo ok kiin ng g t to o g go o.. Haha I really, really, hope not. Dave is someone picked first for anything althletic, and picked last for anything requiring an ounce of thought. It's a multi- cam pilot for NBC produced by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack about a group of friends in Los Angeles. Y Yo ou u a ar re e a alls so o q qu uiit te e iin nv vo ollv ve ed d iit t llo oo ok ks s lliik ke e w wiit th h t th he ea at tr re e.. W Wh he er re e iis s iit t d do o y yo ou u f fe ee ell t th ha at t t th he ea at tr re e lle ea ad ds s y yo ou u? ? There's something special about theatre: there's a relationship with the audience, it's just you and your fellow actors, anything can happen. Also, the best roles and writing live in plays. W Wh hiic ch h d do o y yo ou u f fiin nd d m mo or re e f fr re ee eiin ng g- - t th he ea at tr re e o or r f fiillm m? ? When theatre is at it's best, it's more freeing. You can get lost in the play for a long time. Film is much shorter spurts. A An ny y s st ta ag ge e p pr ro od du uc ct tiio on ns s y yo ou u w wo ou ulld d lliik ke e t to o a ac ct t iin n,, h ho ow w a ab bo ou ut t d diir re ec ct t o or r p pr ro od du uc ce e? ? Yes, there's a bunch I'd like to do. I'm in the midst of producing something. I've read 4 plays today actually (my eyes hurt). There are a couple Eugene O'Neill works I want to do: Beyond the Horizon, and Long Days Journey into Night. But they're rather large productions. I will probably do something easier. We have a small theatre . . . A Ar re e y yo ou u s st tiillll a a p pa ar rt t o of f t th he e C Cr re ea at tiiv ve e W Wo or rk ks s C Co om mp pa an ny y? ? IIf f s so o,, t te ellll m me e a ab bo ou ut t iit t o or r w wh ha at t y yo ou ur r p pa ar rt t h ha as s b be ee en n w wiit th hiin n t th he e c co om mp pa an ny y.. Yes, it's a theater company in Los Angeles. We have a production of The Turn of the Screw, an adaptation by Jeffrey Hatcher of Henry James' short story, going on right now. I will be in a production of something (I don't know what yet), in the next couple months. E Ed du uc ca at tiio on n s se ee em ms s t to o b be e a a r re ella at tiiv ve elly y h hu ug ge e p pa ar rt t o of f y yo ou ur r lliif fe es st ty ylle e B Be ea au u.. W Wh ha at t d de eg gr re ee e a ar re e y yo ou u llo oo ok kiin ng g t to o a ad dd d o or r b bu uiilld d u up po on n a an nd d w wh hy y? ? Education enriches your life. The more you know, the more nuanced your thoughts, the more colors with which your mind can paint. Due to work I wasn't able to have a formal education, so I've been going back, chipping away at my degree in English Literature. A A S Se ea at tt tlle e S Se ea ah ha aw wk ks s f fa an n e eh h? ? J Ju us st t h ho ow w d diie e h ha ar rd d a ar re e y yo ou u? ? W Wh ho o w wa as s n na am me ed d M MV VP P 2 20 01 1 4 4 iin n t th he e S Se ea ah ha aw wk ks s ( (n no o G Go oo og glle e a as sk kiin ng g a allllo ow we ed d) ).. Do you mean in the Superbowl? Malcolm Smith. H Ho ow w o of ft te en n d do o y yo ou u g ge et t t to o a at tt te en nd d g ga am me es s a an nd d jju us st t h ho ow w m ma an ny y S Se ea ah ha aw wk k p plla as st tiic c s so od da a c cu up ps s d do o y yo ou u n no ow w o ow wn n? ? Ha! It's tough because I don't live in Seattle, but I still try and see a game a year. However, I'll definitely see the 'Hawks destroy the Rams once a year being that those Rams now call L.A. home. Y Yo ou u''r re e a ac ct tiiv ve e a an nd d p pa as ss siio on na at te e a ab bo ou ut t t th hiin ng gs s B Be ea au u f fr ro om m a ac ct tiin ng g,, f fiillm m,, t th he ea at tr re e,, s sp po or rt ts s,, h hiik kiin ng g,, k ka ay ya ak kiin ng g,, e ed du uc ca at tiio on n,, e et tc c...... w wh he en n iit t c co om me es s d do ow wn n t to o jju us st t y yo ou u,, w wh ho o y yo ou u a ar re e a at t h ho om me e w wiit th h t th he e d do og g,, k kiic ck kiin ng g b ba ac ck k o on n t th he e c cr re ea am m c co ollo or re ed d s so of fa a...... s sw we ea at ts sh hiir rt t ( (S Se ea ah ha aw wk ks s) ),, s sh ho or rt ts s,, r ru un nn ne er rs s,, W Wa allll S St tr re ee et t J Jo ou ur rn na all...... w wh ho o a ar re e y yo ou u a an nd d w wh ha at t iis s iit t y yo ou u r re ea alllly y w wa an nt t? ? I just want to be fulfilled and happy. That's it. P Ph ho ot to og gr ra ap ph he er r:: Birdie Thompson G Gr ro oo om miin ng g:: Michelle Quaranta

The Darkness Invades and Brings Their Glam Rock To Light Our Way! What the British bring to Glam Rock is oh so much for more than a “wham, bam, thank you, ma'am!” It is a cheeky, fun, rocking, at times gregariously over the top, saucy, loud, boisterous, precocious, and even a bit naughty. Glam Rock is supposed to be fun and The Darkness have been creating their brand of Brit Glam since their formation in 1999 out of the quiet spot known as Lowestoft, Suffolk England. Lead vocalist Justin Hawkins along with his consort bassist Frankie Poullain, are joined by the more seemingly 'serious' sided band mates, Justin's brother, guitarist Dan Hawkins, and drummer Rufus Taylor together they bring the colour of awesome to The Darkness, an art form of all that spins in the rock n roll circus. Deciding it was time to cross the pond and remind all of us Yankees what Glam Rock is supposed to be... The Darkness embarked on their “Back To The USSA” tour The Darkness recently made a stop over in Arizona and gave their top performance to a packed house over in Scottsdale at Livewire. Justin Hawkins led the foray of band mates, in his devilishly suited one piece 'marching' fashioned outfit, and Frankie quickly joined him on stage in his 1970's flowered top, polyester pants, and 'permed' like hair locks. Dan stepped on as the savvy dressed rock n roller, and somewhere behind the smoke-filled stage Rufus Taylor (son of Roger Taylor of Queen) began to keep the central system of beat flowing, pumping the arterial rock n roll motives only The Darkness can muster. Opening their set with their song, “Barbarian,” off the Last of Our Kind album, their fans were completely engaged and the admiration of good times rock n roll was set. Justin would take time in between songs to tell a bit of a story or relay an antidote, the problem was either the mic he was using he couldn't be heard correctly or Americans ears are no longer in tune with our mother language. Be that as it may baseball caps, or are they now affectionately only known as 'snapbacks' were exchanged between Justin and his captive audience, even one fan handed him a cowboy hat, and another young fan handing Justin his cap and Justin giving him back a guitar pick with a wicked grin. Onward as The Darkness brought their songs, “Black Shuck,” “Roaring Waters,” “Givin' Up” and right before their tune, “One Way Ticket” Frankie walks out with a cowbell. Their audience cheered and yelled, “More Cowbell!” Frankie obliged and The Darkness presented a performance, in true merriment. Prior to their two encores, Justin yelled out to his adoring fans... “We know what song you all came for...!” The crowd went wild. In total elation the audience along with The Darkness sang, danced, jumped, laughed to “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” their number one hit off The Darkness first album, Permission To Land back in 2003. It was a bloody good show, one that every fan will not soon forget. The Darkness really have always been a band that must be experienced, it's their energy, their rambunctiousness, their passion for making stellar rock n roll magic. That is after all what rock is supposed to be... good times, great friends, and a buzz kickin' a good time! The Darkness are currently out on their “Back To The USSA” tour through mid-May ending in the heartland of the blues, Chicago, Illinois.

Pic by Lesley Bryce

In 2003 with their debut release, Permission to Land, The Darkness came to a grand hard rock/metal glam stand. Forming in 1999 out of Lowestoff, Suffolk, band mates Justin Hawkins (lead vocals, guitar), his brother Dan Hawkins (guitar, backing vocals), Frankie Poullain (bass, backing vocals) and Rufus Taylor (drums) created an album that went quadruple platinum. The Darkness debut album produced hits like, "I Believe in a Thing Called Love", "Growing on Me", "Get Your Hands off My Woman", and "Love is Only a Feeling", and their sales hit well over the 1,300,000 mark. With challenges, disbanding, reunions, rehabs, readjustments over the next few years in June of 2015 they released their fourth album, Last Of Our Kind. In April 2015 drummer Rufus Taylor joined The Darkness and the rest now is the only special sound and a bit glamtastic metal rock being spread across the globe one Darkness conversion to the Darkness Army at a time. Whether it's odd references or Brit humor, bassist Frank Poullain, is a hoot to interview. The band as a whole keeps a rather nonchalant, unpretentiousness to them. They are here to make music, and they take what they love to do, perform, very seriously with a refreshing humorist sport at who they are. S So on ng g R Riiv ve er r:: Y Yo ou u a ar re e c cu ur rr re en nt tlly y o on n t th he e B Ba ac ck k T To o t th he e U US SS SA A t to ou ur r iin n s su up pp po or rt t o of f n ne ew w a allb bu um m L La as st t O Of f O Ou ur r K Kiin nd d.. D Do o y yo ou u t th hiin nk k T Th he e D Da ar rk kn ne es ss s s so ou un nd d iis s b be es st t e ex xp pe er riie en nc ce ed d lliiv ve e? ? Frankie Poullain: No shit Sherlock! (laughed) S SR R:: II w wiillll t ta ak ke e t th ha at t a as s a a d de ef fiin niit te e m ma ay yb be e ( (lla au ug gh he ed d) ).. O On n t th he e r ro oa ad d iin n A Am me er riic ca a,, w wh ha at t f fo oo od d o or r r re es st ta au ur ra an nt t s se ee em ms s t to o b be e y yo ou ur r k kiic ck k iin n t th he e p pa an nt ts s o ob bs se es ss siio on n w wh he er re e y yo ou u m mu us st t s st to op p a an nd d e ea at t a at t lle ea as st t o on nc ce e w wh hiille e h he er re e o or r d do o y yo ou u e ev ve en n lliik ke e A Am me er riic ca an n f fo oo od d? ? FP: I hate the food here. It's obscene. 95% of the time that is. The remaining 5% is superlative. That applies to everything, not just the food. S SR R:: W Wh ha at t f fo oo od d f fr ro om m h ho om me e d do o y yo ou u m miis ss s w wh he en n y yo ou u’’r re e o on n t to ou ur r o ov ve er r h he er re e? ? FP: I miss good bread and cheese. And fish. And vegetables. And fruit. And cereals. And sandwiches that you can actually fit in your mouth and not look like a pig when you're eating it. S SR R:: A Af ft te er r t th he e t to ou ur r iis s o ov ve er r,, a ar re e t th he e p plla an ns s f fo or r t th he e n ne ex xt t a allb bu um m u un nd de er rw wa ay y a an nd d w wh ha at t m mo or re e c ca an n w we e llo oo ok k f fo or rw wa ar rd d t to o f fr ro om m T Th he e D Da ar rk kn ne es ss s? ? FP: Yes, we are writing some more material with Rufus and sticking it down in the studio later in the year. It's gonna be dynamite. S SR R:: T Th he e D Da ar rk kn ne es ss s h ha av ve e r re ec ce eiiv ve ed d m ma an ny y a aw wa ar rd ds s:: K Ke er rr ra an ng g/ /B Br riit t A Aw wa ar rd d/ /M MT TV V E Eu ur ro op pe e t to o n na am me e a a f fe ew w.. W Wh ha at t iif f a an ny yt th hiin ng g d do o t th he es se e r re ec co og gn niit tiio on ns s m me ea an n? ? D Do o y yo ou u t th hiin nk k n no om miin na at tiio on ns s a an nd d a aw wa ar rd ds s r re ea alllly y,, iin n t th he e e en nd d,, m ma ak ke e o or r b br re ea ak k a a b ba an nd d o or r d do oe es s iit t r re es st t e en nt tiir re elly y w wiit th h t th he e f fa an ns s? ? FP: They mean very little, ultimately. Pointless and patronizing. Until you win one and then they are of vital significance and pregnant with meaning. Seriously, I don't even look at my awards, they are all in boxes and cupboards. S SR R:: H Ho ow w d diid d y yo ou ur r f fa an n g gr ro ou up p T Th he e D Da ar rk kn ne es ss s A Ar rm my y g ge et t s st ta ar rt te ed d? ? FP: A bunch of groovy cats making sweet Darkness love. S SR R:: H Ho ow w d diid d t th he e a ad dd diit tiio on n o of f R Ru uf fu us s T Tiig ge er r T Ta ay yllo or r a as s T Th he e D Da ar rk kn ne es ss s d dr ru um mm me er r c co om me e a ab bo ou ut t? ? FP: It was meant to be. Nothing was gonna stop it from happening. S SR R:: F Fo or r R Ru uf fu us s h hiim ms se ellf f,, h ha as s t th he er re e e ev ve er r b be ee en n a an ny y p pr re es ss su ur re e f fe ellt t o or r e ex xp pe ec ct ta at tiio on ns s t to o lliiv ve e u up p t to o,, b be eiin ng g w wh ho o iis s d da ad d iis s a an nd d a allll? ? FP: Ask him that, don't reckon so, though, his father is very laid back and a great laugh. S SR R:: W Wh ho o d diid d t th he e a allb bu um m c co ov ve er r a ar rt t f fo or r L La as st t O Of f O Ou ur r K Kiin nd d? ? FP: Nick Roche, an Irish artist friend and Phil Robertson, a very talented programmer. S SR R:: W Wh ha at t d do oe es s iit t r re ep pr re es se en nt t? ? FP: It represents cosmic innocence. (Imagine a lava lamp and wavy fingers motioning in the air) S SR R:: C Co ou ulld d y yo ou u e ella ab bo or ra at te e o on n t th hiis s s st ta at te em me en nt t f fr ro om m T Th he e D Da ar rk kn ne es ss s w we eb bs siit te e a ab bo ou ut t m mu us siic c,, r ro oc ck k iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r,, t th ha at t iit t h ha as s r re ea ac ch he ed d t th he e a ag ge e o of f ''s sa ac cc ch ha ar riin ne e'' a an nd d s su uc ch h? ? FP: Artificially sweet, isn't it obvious? S SR R:: W Wh he er re e m miig gh ht t w we e f fiin nd d y yo ou u h ha an ng giin ng g o ou ut t a an ny y g giiv ve en n w we ee ek ke en nd d n niig gh ht t b ba ac ck k h ho om me e? ? FP: Reading a book. Swallowing an oyster. Contemplating the day's football and significance thereof.

In support of their latest EP release Outcast 2015, the band Mainland has been out on tour so far 2015-2016 non-stop. Supporting Marianas Trench , Melanie Martinez, Atlas Genius and the list goes on from there. But really for lead vocalist Jordan Toft it has been an over four- year focus for him. After the loss of his father and finishing up college Toft put his nose to the grindstone and the development of Mainland has been his paved path ever since. With his bandmates, Corey Mullee (guitar/synth), Alex Pitta (bass), and Joey Sulkowski (Drums) they are unstoppable The sound of Mainland have been described as crisp-clean-free, yet this band hailing out of New York brings with them a sound that encompasses more of a middle American/California west coast tempo and attitude. Mainland has developed themselves along the way, found their way yet still carry a piece of who they originally were with them ever since their sidewalk song in 2011, “Occupation.” It is interesting to indulge oneself into the history of bands, as they change, grow, go off in other directions or allow life choices to either solidify or bring demise. With great surety all of Mainlands fans are extremely grateful that they have chosen to solidify, develop, and maintain their original heart and soul of sound... they just carry a bit more of a pop sound now. Mainland arrived at the Marquee Theatre recently as they were on the last stop for the Melanie Martinez tour. Shrouded in blue lights, the band's frontman Jordan, actually seemed a bit tired. At one point his strap came off his guitar and it crashed to the floor. Smiling and with the ease of “it happens," Jordan scooped his guitar back up, 're strapped it and continued playing to their fans. Mainland is loved without reservation. “Fading Friends” a trippy little funk number opened up Mainland's set. Immediately the crowd reacted and began to keep time with the beat. Jordan's vocals spill his heart openly to the engaged audience as he brought Mainland's next track, “A Bit Out of Time.” Next, the protest against what the band sees came from one of Mainland's new videos they are creating, “Beggars.” This song was recorded live back in 2015 when Mainland performed on the rooftop during the opening day of jetBlue's JFK T5. Taking a “Wheezer'isc” play, the next track bebopped the crowd into pogo bouncing along, “Not Cool As Me.” Mainland holds their own and their fans are increasing by leaps and bounds, along with music rags, their own peers and music snobs sitting up and taking notice. They are focused, central point taken and they keep creating good music, that crosses over. It's a sound that the rebel against the radio conglomerates love, and a sound the radio bigwigs want to put on their stations. As Mainland wrapped up their final song, "Outcast," Mainland's anthem song from the self-titled EP out currently. “Outcast” is a tune that every teen angst filled boy or girl gets... it's about real life and how it feels to be on the outside looking in. Far from being an outcast, on the right track on the inside, Mainland is here. Now, we are all waiting anxiously for their first full-length album. One that ties all who they are, what they’ve created, and stand for a sound all of us can relate to. Mainland will be taking a very short break before picking back up in May and touring with the artist Rooney. Mainland brings the ease of creative- rock-stories-and they are more than ready to roll. by Song River

Mainland

There are certain sounds we hear as identifying marks. A note, a pitch, a vocal that is undeniable. The one, the only, the amazing sounds that fill notes, pitches and vocals are uniquely and lovingly by none other than musician/singer-songwriter Lacey Sturm. Lacey, formerly of Flyleaf, is back out on the road with her band. And what a band at that! The entourage on the road not only includes Tom Gascon (drums), Ben Hull (Bass), her husband and guitarist Josh Sturm... but it also includes Lacey’s and Josh's two boys! A family experience and a fabulous way to build lifelong lessons and learning experiences. All of life’s highs and lows Lacey has traveled through certainly show in her performance that she has a grateful heart, a passion for music and her faith living and breathing in her soul. Her debut album, Life Screams, carried most of the set, “Impossible,” “Rot” but Lacey has seen fit to bring in a couple of the fans favorites from her days in Flyleaf, “Chasm” and “All Around Me.” Somewhere about halfway through her set Lacey takes time to really get in touch with her audience. She reaches out about her faith to her fans but in a very positive and unobtrusive way. The crowd responded with appreciation and agreement as Lacey encouraged them to know they are valued and loved. All in all Lacey's songwriting and vocals have developed and become richer. Finding herself in God, her marriage, and her children have been her key to creating the best musician she can ever desire to be. She has this incredible gift to not only win you over with her warmth, easy smile, and a never ending spark of life in her eyes, but her energy is intoxicatingly catchy and you want to be just as enthused and engaged as she is for her music, her life, and her faith. Lacey Sturm's Life Screams Tour is show filled with gusto, and the energy that has brought the name Lacey Sturm full circle in note, pitch and vocals. Review and Pics by Song River

Southern Reel

So What?!

T Th ha an nk ks s f fo or r s siit tt tiin ng g d do ow wn n w wiit th h V VE EN NT TS S!! P Plle ea as se e iin nt tr ro od du uc ce e y yo ou ur rs se ellv ve es s a an nd d y yo ou ur r b ba an nd d.. I’m John Swaba. I’m Joe Candelaria and we are in a band called Forever Came Calling. H Ho ow w llo on ng g h ha av ve e y yo ou u g gu uy ys s b be ee en n a a b ba an nd d a an nd d w wh he er re e a ar re e y yo ou u f fr ro om m? ? Joe: Joshua Tree, California. There’s a lot of different answers for when we became a band, hahah. John: Technically it was a band in like 2005 doing sweet fuckin’ high school talent shows, hahah. Joe: But probably when John joined in 2008/2009, something like that. John: They were just missin’ me, hahah. H Ho ow w w wa as s y yo ou ur r s se et t t to od da ay y a at t S So o W Wh ha at t? ?!!? ? John: It’s always fun. Joe: Super awesome, it was a good reaction, I think we sounded good, hahah. John: I was in the zone man, just tunnel vision just playin that fuckin’ bass man. B Be eiin ng g f fr ro om m C Ca alliif fo or rn niia a,, h ho ow w iis s t th he e D Da alllla as s- -s sc ce en ne e’’s s r re ea ac ct tiio on n t to ow wa ar rd ds s y yo ou ur r m mu us siic c? ? Joe: Dallas has always been really, really good to us so I love playing here. John: We always play at Tom Cats. Joe: Yeah, in Fort Worth right? We’ve played Trees before, we’ve played Sons Of Hermann Hall. S Sp pe ea ak kiin ng g o of f T Tr re ee es s,, d diid d y y’’a allll k kn no ow w t th ha at t T Tr re ee es s iin n k kn no ow wn n f fo or r K Ku ur rt t C Co ob ba aiin n g ge et tt tiin ng g iin n a a f fiig gh ht t w wiit th h s se ec cu ur riit ty y? ? Joe: I was actually just about to tell you about a similar story that happened, not as cool as that, but when we said Trees I was like “oh man, that place hates me”, hahah. I was Forever Ca

drinking in the bathroom out of a flask and the security guard came in and grabbed me by the shirt and I literally stopped and was like “ yo, dude I know it’s fuckin’ illegal but donn’t touch me like that” so me and him started yelling at each other and then I got kicked out of the fuckin’ venue and we hadn’t played yet. So our TM at the time worked it out to where I literally walk right on stage and then right back out, hahah. Trees is weird, man. A As siid de e f fr ro om m D Da alllla as s,, w wh ha at t a ar re e s so om me e o of f y yo ou ur r f fa av vo or riit te e c ciit tiie es s t to o b be e iin n? ? John: LA is always fun to me! Joe: Favorite cities.. I’d say like Long Island, New York, Chicago.. Honestly these are like stock ass answers, “oh you know Chicago, all major cities are pretty tight”, hahah. A few weird places I like are like this small place in Australia, we had never been there before and we played in a room as big as this table for 40 people or so and it’s one of my favorite shows of all time. T Th he e lla as st t r re ec co or rd d y y’’a allll p pu ut t o ou ut t w wa as s iin n 2 20 01 1 4 4,, c ca an n w we e e ex xp pe ec ct t a an ny y n ne ew w m mu us siic c s so oo on n? ? Joe: You can expect something but soon is relative, hahah. We’re just writing right now so at the earliest it would be at the end of this year but we’re probably looking at next year for a full new record. We might do something strange and just throw out new songs at some point for fun but a new full record next year is what it seems like right now. W Wh ha at t d do oe es s t th he e r re es st t o of f t th he e y ye ea ar r llo oo ok k lliik ke e f fo or r F Fo or re ev ve er r C Ca am me e C Ca alllliin ng g? ? John: Just writing the record, hahah. N No o t to ou ur riin ng g? ? Joe: If something comes up then maybe but right now we’ve kind of set the time apart to write but if fuckin’ Blink 182 is tryin’ to take us out then we can’t say no the the boys, hahah. T Th ha an nk k y yo ou u s so o m mu uc ch h f fo or r t ta ak kiin ng g t th he e t tiim me e t to o s sp pe ea ak k w wiit th h u us s!! Joe: Thank you! John: We’ll see you next time! ame Calling

Silverstein

n T Th ha an nk ks s f fo or r s siit tt tiin ng g d do ow wn n w wiit th h V VE EN NT TS S!! P Plle ea as se e iin nt tr ro od du uc ce e y yo ou ur rs se ellv ve es s a an nd d y yo ou ur r b ba an nd d.. I’m Paul and I am the drummer in the band Silverstein. S So o S Siillv ve er rs st te eiin n h ha as s b be ee en n a a b ba an nd d f fo or r 1 1 6 6 y ye ea ar rs s,, w wh ha at t h ha av ve e t th he e p pa as st t 1 1 6 6 y ye ea ar rs s b be ee en n lliik ke e? ? Yes, 16 years exactly! It’s been very different as time has gone on from starting as a local band with very low expectations on where things could go, to then starting a career and learning what it took to build and sustain that career. Now we’re at this point where we have a small little legacy that we’re trying to maintain and even try to see what we can do that continues to push things forward. 1 1 6 6 y ye ea ar rs s a ag go o d diid d y yo ou u s se ee e y yo ou ur rs se ellf f b be eiin ng g a as s s su uc cc ce es ss sf fu ull a as s y yo ou u a ar re e? ? No way, 16 years ago I couldn’t even imagine touring The United States, let alone having friends with all these amazing bands and playing festivals or really any of this kind of stuff. We really came in stages to even get to the realization of what it has become. S Sp pe ea ak kiin ng g o of f p plla ay yiin ng g w wo or rlld dw wiid de e,, w wh ha at t o of f y yo ou ur r f fa av vo or riit te e c ciit tiie es s t to o p plla ay y iin n? ? It tough! I mean, I think for us we just love switching it up and going different places. There’s a lot of comforts in touring North America with great friends and great cities like in Texas here. San Antonio is one of our best markets in North America oddly enough, Philly, New York, but we also love touring Europe. Cologne, Germany, is one of our best places to play and some of the most fun we have. We love Melbourne, AustraliaW We’ve toured over 40 countries so we’ve been to so many different places and I think for us every day is fun because when we switch it up, every day is a new experience. You know? That’s what’s really cool for us. H Ha as s a an ny yt th hiin ng g c cr ra az zy y h ha ap pp pe en ne ed d iin n a an ny y o of f t th ho os se e 4 40 0 c co ou un nt tr riie es s t th ha at t m ma ak ke es s y yo ou u n no ot t w wa an nt t t to o g go o b ba ac ck k? ? I think that’s what’s crazy about us too is that we’ll have either a scary experience or a really difficult experience where something may happen where we all say “never again” but then a couple months go by and we all want to go back. In the moment you kind of forget all the hardships that happened and then we’re kinda like, “that place is alright, the crowd was fine, let’s just go back”, hahah. It always happens! Y Y’’a allll p pu ut t o ou ut t a a r re ec co or rd d iin n M Ma ay y o of f 2 20 01 1 5 5,, h ho ow w h ha as s t th he e r re ea ac ct tiio on n b be ee en n t to ow wa ar rd ds s t th ha at t a allb bu um m? ? It’s been great! It was our debut album on Rise, so they’re our third label that we’ve worked with. T Th ha an nk k y yo ou u s so o m mu uc ch h f fo or r t ta ak kiin ng g t th he e t tiim me e t to o s sp pe ea ak k w wiit th h u us s!!

Hazing

T Th ha an nk ks s f fo or r h ha an ng giin ng g o ou ut t w wiit th h V VE EN NT TS S!! G Go o a ah he ea ad d a an nd d iin nt tr ro od du uc ce e y yo ou ur rs se ellf f a an nd d y yo ou ur r b ba an nd d.. I am Josh, and I play bass in Hazing. I’m Brennan, and I play guitar. W Wh he er re e a ar re e y yo ou u g gu uy ys s f fr ro om m a an nd d h ho ow w llo on ng g h ha av ve e y yo ou u b be ee en n a a b ba an nd d? ? Josh: We are from Kansas City, this band has been together for about two and a half years. Brennan and I have been playing together for about 4 years. T Th he er re e’’s s a a llo ot t o of f a aw we es so om me e b ba an nd ds s h he er re e t th hiis s w we ee ek ke en nd d,, w wh ho o a ar re e s so om me e o of f y yo ou ur r iin ns sp piir ra at tiio on ns s t th ha at t a ar re e p plla ay yiin ng g a at t S So o W Wh ha at t? ?!! Josh: Hmmm. Brennan: I’ve always liked Underoath, all throughout high school. I really like Dance Gavin Dance a lot as well. Hail the Sun is playing, that’s another newer band that I really like. Dang, I mean, Saosin with Anthony Green? Like, woah, WOAH. That’s gonna be intense. It’s kind of mind blowing, there’s so many good bands today and there were a lot of good ones yesterday too. S So o y y’’a allll jju us st t p pu ut t o ou ut t a a r re ec co or rd d lliik ke e a a f fe ew w d da ay ys s a ag go o,, r riig gh ht t? ? Josh: Yes! Two days ago, Friday the 18th. S So o h ho ow w h ha as s t th he e r re ec ce ep pt tiio on n t to o t th ha at t b be ee en n? ? Josh: It’s been well received so far, I mean, we’ve gotten rid of most of the CD’s already! We’ve actually been worried that we wouldn’t have enough to make it through the rest of the day. W We ellll t th ha at t’’s s a a g go oo od d t th hiin ng g!! Josh: Oh yeah, that’s a good problem to have, haha. S So o y y’’a allll p plla ay ye ed d t to od da ay y? ? H Ho ow w d diid d t th ha at t g go o,, w wh ha at t w wa as s t th he e c cr ro ow wd d r re ea ac ct tiio on n lliik ke e? ? Josh: It went really well I think, the hardest part was gettin’ warmed up! It was windy and cold, it was like 45 degrees I thinkW And that’s being kind, haha. Brennan: We’re so much more accustomed to small venues, house shows, and things like that. So being on an outdoor stage in a ballpark is VERY new to us. Josh: Outdoors is definitely a new experience. Brennan: We’re out of our element and we’re really glad we got to experience this. The crowd was awesome as we expected, there were a handful of friends there from Kansas City, too, which is always cool. Josh: We had a few people come down and watch us, but we got a lot of people to stop and listen to us so that’s good! T Th ha at t’’s s g gr re ea at tt t!! S So o s sp pe ea ak kiin ng g o of f v ve en nu ue es s a an nd d h ho ou us se e s sh ho ow ws s,, w wh ha at t a ar re e s so om me e o of f y yo ou ur r f fa av vo or riit te e c ciit tiie es s t to o p plla ay y iin n o or r w wh hy y a ar re e t th ho os se e v ve en nu ue es s s so o c co oo oll t to o y yo ou u g gu uy ys s? ? Brennan: Well, I really like a venue in Omaha, Nebraska called Sokol Underground. There’s an upstairs area which is more of a big venue, and then there’s a downstairs area which is more like a club. We played the downstairs of that and had a really, really good time and a lot of kids showed up to that show. That was a lot of fun. Josh: I’d say as far as venues goW Shoot. I don’t really remember a whole lot of the venues that we’ve played out of state. Brennan: The one called The Seventh Circle in Denver, Colorado was spooky. Josh: Yeah, that was a really awesome set up. They had this big garage warehouse type thing, and then inside was kinda like a vinyl shop-esque I guess? Because you know, the place was fairly run-down, or it seemed that way. Brennan: Very run-down, there were like no windows in some places. Josh: It was primarily a venue but they had some kind of record store inside, and then they had a skate park out back with like a little grind rail and a lot of room to rip it up out there. Just some real sweet artwork onstage, that was a real fun space to play at. Y Ye ea ah h,, t to ot ta alllly y!! H Ha av ve e y y’’a allll e ev ve er r b be ee en n iin n t th he e C Clle ev ve ella an nd d a ar re ea a? ? Josh: We have not, I’ve never been to Ohio in my life. Brennan: We’ll be in Kent, Ohio April 17th! O Oh h,, c co oo oll,, II’’m m o or riig giin na alllly y f fr ro om m C Clle ev ve ella an nd d a an nd d t th ha at t s sc ce en ne e u up p t th he er re e iis s a aw we es so om me e!! H Ha av ve e f fu un n w wiit th h iit t.. S So o d diid d y yo ou u g gu uy ys s h ha av ve e a an ny yt th hiin ng g y yo ou u w wo ou ulld d lliik ke e t to o t ta allk k a ab bo ou ut t b be ef fo or re e w we e f fiin niis sh h u up p? ? Brennan: There might be a music video coming out at some point, we’ll leave the song a surprise for that! Josh: Yeah, we haven’t decided on a song for it yet, but definitely by mid-summer we’ll have a new video in the works if not already coming out. A Aw we es so om me e!! W We ellll,, V VE EN NT TS S w wo ou ulld d lliik ke e t to o t th ha an nk k y yo ou u f fo or r y yo ou ur r t tiim me e a an nd d w wiis sh h y yo ou u t th he e b be es st t!! H Ho op pe e t to o t ta allk k t to o y yo ou u iin n t th he e f fu ut tu ur re e!!

T Th ha an nk ks s f fo or r s siit tt tiin ng g d do ow wn n w wiit th h V VE EN NT TS S!! P Plle ea as se e iin nt tr ro od du uc ce e y yo ou ur rs se ellv ve es s a an nd d w wh ha at t y yo ou u d do o.. My name is Morgan and I am a founder of Emo Night LA. F Fo or r t th ho os se e w wh ho o d do on n’’t t k kn no ow w,, w wh ha at t iis s E Em mo o N Niig gh ht t? ? Emo Night LA is a party that we throw in Los Angeles, and has now expanded to other cities, where we play songs that we listened to growing up that pretty much made us who we are and why we do this shit. It’s pretty special. W Wh ha at t iis s y yo ou ur r o op piin niio on n o on n h ho ow w e em mo o n niig gh ht t h ha as s e ev vo ollv ve ed d? ? I’m proud that it has because we’ve really put our heart and soul into making it something cool and something that’s not “just another night”. We wanted to make it an experience for people to come and have fun. It’s a fucking commitment dude, Tuesday’s mean you call of work Wednesday, you know? We wanted every aspect of it to be awesome for everybody that goes and have them be able to make it their own thing.. So yeah, creatively I’m pretty happy with the way that it’s evolved and going to be evolving. We’re going to keep doing cool new shit! D Diid d y yo ou u e ex xp pe ec ct t E Em mo o N Niig gh ht t t to o p pr re et tt ty y m mu uc ch h t ta ak ke e o ov ve er r n na at tiio on nw wiid de e? ? No, hahah. Fuck no, man. We do it in Portland, Seattle, Dallas, Toronto, Omaha, San Francisco was lit.. I’m forgetting a bunch of places but yeah, we never expected it to do any of this but it’s so cool that it has. It just proves that this music is still really, really relevant.. It’s seriously the biggest party in LA and that alone says something huge for the genre which I think is really important. And it’s not because of how big the party gets, it’s about the people that want to go to it and that just means there’s a need for music. People are so sick of Top 40 radio shit that they’re missing this old stuff.. H Ho ow w d do o y yo ou u d de ec ciid de e w wh ha at t y yo ou u p plla ay y e ea ac ch h n niig gh ht t? ? At this point we’re really just good at reading the crowd and.. I’m older, I’m 31, so I’ve actually started playing the shit I actually grew up listening to instead of what everyone will sing along to because I really want the generation that was after me to start listening to the roots.. Get Up Kid and Saves The Day, honestly I just kind of play whatever I want, hahah. We’ve been having guest DJs and they play the hits. They’re always super nervous the first time so they wanna play everything that people go off for. But yeah, setlists change from city to city, from night to night. It’s fun to see what works somewhere and what doesn’t work somewhere. H Ho ow w m ma an ny y p pe eo op plle e w wo ou ulld d y yo ou u s sa ay y c co om me e o ou ut t t to o t th hiis s e ev ve en nt t? ? LA is our biggest venue! We’ve usually been filling 400/500-cap rooms but LA is much bigger. Y Y’’a allll d diid d D Da alllla as s lla as st t n niig gh ht t,, h ho ow w w wa as s iit t? ?

Yes! It was awesome. It was fucking weird cause the venue was so big and the festival didn’t get out until 11 so people weren’t coming in til 11:30 but once they started it got fucking crazy! Everyone was just hanging around and having a good time until 11:30 and then it went fuckin/ crazy. We had Neck Deep and State Champs and Have Mercy, all those guys guest DJ’d and it was awesome. H Ho ow w d do o y yo ou u g gu uy ys s g go o a ab bo ou ut t p piic ck kiin ng g w wh ho o D DJ Js s? ? Now it’s a lot of bands coming to us where we used to have to reach and use every avenue we had just to get anyone to DJ. But it’s been a little easier since it’s grown and they just reach out to us. And we just wanna keep it cool, you know? We wanna have bands that people like and bands that people are excited about and even knew bands that people may not know about so we can give them exposure. IIs s t th he er re e s so om me et th hiin ng g t th ha at t y yo ou u d do o e ev ve er ry y n niig gh ht t n no o m ma at tt te er r w wh ha at t? ? M Ma ay yb be e a a s so on ng g t th ha at t e ev ve er ry yo on ne e llo ov ve es s? ? There’s a bunch of songs that kill it every night.. Helena, Cute Without The E, they both kill it... Those are just those staple songs that everyone goes nuts for and it does not matter where we play it. But I mean I don’t know, the most important thing for me every single night is hang out with the dudes and girls that come and make sure they’re having a really cool time and experiencing it the way that we do. I think that that’s my thing.. I just want everyone to have fun, I just fuckin’ love it when people have fun, it’s honestly the coolest thing in the world. IIs s t th he er re e a an ny yt th hiin ng g e ells se e y yo ou u’’d d lliik ke e t to o c ch ha at t a ab bo ou ut t t th ha at t w we e d diid dn n’’t t c co ov ve er r? ? Ask me something that’s weirder than anything you’ve ever asked someone!! H Ha ah ha ah ha a,, II’’m m n no ot t s su ur re e.... IIf f y yo ou u c co ou ulld d h ha av ve e a an ny y z zo oo o a an niim ma all a as s y yo ou u p pe et t t th ha at t y yo ou u w wa allk k o on n a a lle ea as sh h,, w wh ha at t w wo ou ulld d iit t b be e? ? N No o lliim miit ta at tiio on ns s!! That’s honestly a hard question.. That’s a good question, you did a good job, hahaha. I think that me and a gorilla would get along very well. I don’t know why, just.. It’s probably smarter than me and it could teach me to do stuff, hahah. W Wo ou ulld d y yo ou u h ha av ve e iit t D DJ J? ? Can you imagine how sick it would be if I was like, “yo, this is our guest DJ, my gorilla”. That would be so awesome! W Wh ha at t w wo ou ulld d h he e s sp piin n f fiir rs st t? ? Probably Gorilla Biscuits, hahaha. T Th ha an nk k y yo ou u s so o m mu uc ch h f fo or r t ta ak kiin ng g t th he e t tiim me e t to o s sp pe ea ak k w wiit th h u us s!!

T Th ha an nk ks s f fo or r h ha an ng giin ng g o ou ut t w wiit th h V VE EN NT TS S!! G Go o a ah he ea ad d a an nd d iin nt tr ro od du uc ce e y yo ou ur rs se ellf f a an nd d y yo ou ur r b ba an nd d.. I’m Chris. I’m Rodney. I’m Ryan. Chris: We’re Cali.Co from Austin, Texas. S So o w wh he en n d diid d y yo ou u g gu uy ys s b be ec co om me e a a b ba an nd d? ? Chris: Well this has been a project we’ve been working on for a little while now, we were in a band called Radio City before. We kinda changed the name and decided to restructure everything, rethink what we wanted to do. Like we said, it’s kind of a project of ours that we wanted to bring to life. This is our first show, actually, as a group! O Oh h,, h ha ah ha a!! W We ellll II w wa as s g go on nn na a a as sk k y yo ou u w wh he er re e y yo ou u’’v ve e b be ee en n r re ec ce en nt tlly yW W Chris: Yeah! I mean, like with our previous band we played So What?! last year and Warped this last summer as well. We’ve kinda been around, but this is our whole new project that we’re working on. R Riig gh ht t.. S So o y yo ou u g gu uy ys s p plla ay ye ed d e ea ar rlliie er r t to od da ay y,, h ho ow w w wa as s y yo ou ur r s se et t? ? Chris: It was good! We had a good turnout, I thought we had a pretty good time. Rodney: The weather is amazing. Ryan: Yeah! It’s not raining, thank God. For like the first year at So What?! S Sw we ee et t,, w wh he er re e a ar re e y y’’a allll h he ea ad de ed d f fr ro om m h he er re e? ? Chris: We’re heading back to the studio, we’re gonna release our EP. Well, we’re recording our EP right now. Hopefully it will be out in the summer time! W Wiillll t th ha at t b be e y yo ou ur r f fiir rs st t E EP P,, t th he en n? ? Chris: Yes, this will be our first EP from Cali.Co. D Do o y yo ou u g gu uy ys s h ha av ve e a an ny y p plla an ns s t to o t to ou ur r f fo or r t th he e r re es st t o of f t th he e y ye ea ar r? ? Chris: Yeah, I mean we’re really trying to focus on this EP really quick and just get it out there, get it going. We have a bunch of shows lined up and maybe some tours throughout Texas. We’re just trying to get the foundation for Texas, it’s so huge that it’s pretty much a tour on it’s own. We’ve been focusing on Texas because it has a really strong pop punk following throughout to pull from and then go from there. We’re gonna try to do some outside shows like this here and there until we release the EP and then see where it goes from there. S So o w wh ha at t h ha as s b be ee en n t th he e d diif ff fe er re en nc ce e f fo or r y yo ou u g gu uy ys s b be et tw we ee en n y yo ou ur r c cr ro ow wd d r re ec ce ep pt tiio on n iin n A Au us st tiin n v vs s.. D Da alllla as s? ? Chris: I mean, it’s actually crazy different. Dallas is like reallyW the music scene isn’t as big as a whole I guess as the local, Austin music scene. So when we’re playing in Austin, people are used to seeing live shows constantly so they’re not as interactive as much, they tend to just watch the show because they’re around it all the time. It’s like they’re used to it. And in Dallas, it seems like every time we come here it’s just crazy. Like people

just love hearing pure, good music, they go nuts, they sing with you even though you know they don’t know the words. We love coming to Dallas, it’s probably my favorite city I’ve played so far. Every time, I’ve had a pretty good time. II a allw wa ay ys s lliik ke e t to o a as sk k b be ec ca au us se e II’’m m f fr ro om m C Clle ev ve ella an nd d a an nd d t th he e s sc ce en ne e iis s a aw we es so om me e u up p t th he er re e!! Chris: Yeah! We’re excited to head up to the northeast someday, especially for what we play I think it’s gonna be really fun. Rodney: San Antonio is fun. They’re really energetic, they get pretty crazy for shows. Chris: Yeah, San Antonio is like, the harder scene is insane. If you can tap into that at all, it’s so passionate and so cool. But yeah, Dallas is fun! D Do o y yo ou u h ha av ve e a an ny yt th hiin ng g y yo ou u w wo ou ulld d lliik ke e t to o t ta allk k a ab bo ou ut t b be ef fo or re e w we e f fiin niis sh h u up p? ? Chris: Well, we released our debut single, it’s on Facebook on the Cali.Co page. There’s no real band name story behind it, we just like cats, so. Ryan: We like cats, haha. Chris: No we love cats. Just bring us cat stuff. Memes, whatever. We’ve got a bunch of cool stuff like cat shirts and goofy things like that coming out. Rodney: We’ve got live videos getting started and just hammering a bunch of footage out as much as we can to start getting those visuals going. All featuring cats, right? Haha! Rodney: Ohhhhh yeah, all cats! It’s actually cat directed! The actors and band are strictly cats. Ryan: Guys, we just came up with our music video, haha! V VE EN NT TS S w wo ou ulld d lliik ke e t to o t th ha an nk k y yo ou u f fo or r y yo ou ur r t tiim me e a an nd d w wiis sh h y yo ou u t th he e b be es st t!! H Ho op pe e t to o t ta allk k t to o y yo ou u iin n t th he e f fu ut tu ur re e!!

T Tiid de es s o of f M M W We ellc co om me e t to o V VE EN NT TS S!! G Go o a ah he ea ad d a an nd d iin nt tr ro od du uc ce e y yo ou ur rs se ellf f a an nd d y yo ou ur r b ba an nd d.. I’m Josh. And I’m Spencer, we’re from Tides of Man from Tampa, Florida. L Lu uc ck ky y y yo ou u,, h ha ah ha a!! Spencer: Yeah, it’s a little warmer there haha. S So o h ho ow w llo on ng g h ha av ve e y yo ou u g gu uy ys s b be ee en n a a b ba an nd d? ? Spencer: We started in 2008. Josh: December of 2008. S Sw we ee et t,, s so o w wh he er re e a ar re e y yo ou u g gu uy ys s a at t r riig gh ht t n no ow w,, a as s f fa ar r a as s m mu us siic c g go oe es s? ? W Wh ha at t a ar re e y yo ou u u up p t to o? ? Spencer: Right now we’re on an instrumental kick. A couple years ago we released an instrumental record and we’re working on our next one. W Wh he en n c ca an n w we e e ex xp pe ec ct t s so om me et th hiin ng g f fr ro om m t th ha at t? ? Spencer: We’re gonna try to have one out by the end of the year! W Wh ho o a ar re e s so om me e o of f y yo ou ur r iin ns sp piir ra at tiio on ns s m mu us siic c w wiis se e? ? Spencer: Uh, they’re pretty eclectic. Josh likes Kendrick Lamar, hahaha. Josh: I like the groovy stuff. Spencer: We all love Cloudkicker, obviously we kind of grew up in this scene so we love Saosin, all that stuff. Underoath has always been a huge inspiration for us. We’re very excited to see them! I’ve never seen them live, so I’m pretty stoked on that. S So o,, s sp pe ea ak kiin ng g o of f iin ns st tr ru um me en nt ta all m mu us siic c,, II’’m m p pe er rs so on na alllly y n no ot t t to oo o f fa am miilliia ar r w wiit th h iit t.. II’’v ve e s se ee en n lliik ke e,, P Po olly yp ph hiia a lliiv ve e b be ef fo or re e.. Spencer: Oh yeah, they’re great. Josh: They’re excellent. S So o w wh ha at t k kiin nd d o of f iin ns sp piir re ed d y yo ou u g gu uy ys s t to o d do o iin ns st tr ru um me en nt ta all m mu us siic c? ? Spencer: Well originally, when we started out as a band, I w E le s c a c A A d d S in a is b p J a o S S g g

M Ma an n was really listening to that a lot. It’s called post-rock, like Explosions in the Sky, big bands like that. Then our singer eft in 2010 and we decided we could either find a new singer, which we did try to do and it didn’t work out, or we could just release an instrumental record. We decided we all love that music, so why not just do it? It’d be a big change, but we wanted to go for it. A An nd d f fr ro om m m my y u un nd de er rs st ta an nd diin ng g,, iit t’’s s a a v ve er ry y s sm ma allll s sc ce en ne e,, s so o h ho ow w d do o y yo ou u g gu uy ys s p pu ullll b biig g c cr ro ow wd ds s? ? Spencer: It’s a niche thing. There are some really big bands n that scene, and it’s more of like a long-term getting bigger and bigger and bigger. One of the things we’re shooting for s getting into film and tv, and soundtracking and stuff. It’s a bit of a different route than your regular touring band, pulling big crowds all the time. Josh: And we’ve actually like, expanded a lot more because anyone can listen to it, you know? It’s not like mosh music or a specific style of person. It’s for anyone to enjoy. S So o a as siid de e f fr ro om m U Un nd de er ro oa at th h a an nd d S Sa ao os siin n,, w wh ho o e ells se e a ar re e y yo ou u g gu uy ys s e ex xc ciit te ed d t to o s se ee e h he er re e? ? Spencer: I wanna watch Beartooth. And our boys in Artifex Pereo, they’re awesome. Josh: Yeah, he’s playing my drum kit right now, hahaha. Spencer: And then Covet is playing today.. Josh: Yeah, we’re on tour with a band called Covet, they’re amazing. D Do o y yo ou u h ha av ve e a an ny yt th hiin ng g y yo ou u w wo ou ulld d lliik ke e t to o t ta allk k a ab bo ou ut t b be ef fo or re e w we e f fiin niis sh h u up p? ? Josh: Shout out to the Dominican Republic! Spencer: Yeah, we love the Dominican Republic. Josh: Yeah, hopefully we have some fans there, haha. V VE EN NT TS S w wo ou ulld d lliik ke e t to o t th ha an nk k y yo ou u f fo or r y yo ou ur r t tiim me e a an nd d w wiis sh h y yo ou u t th he e b be es st t!! H Ho op pe e t to o t ta allk k t to o y yo ou u iin n t th he e f fu ut tu ur re e!!

T Th ha an nk ks s f fo or r h ha an ng giin ng g o ou ut t w wiit th h V VE EN NT TS S!! G Go o a ah he ea ad d a an nd d iin nt tr ro od du uc ce e y yo ou ur rs se ellf f a an nd d y yo ou ur r b ba an nd d.. I’m Kevin, and I sing for Uh Huh Baby Yeah. We’re from Louisville, Kentucky. C Co oo oll!! W Wh he er re e a ar re e y yo ou u g gu uy ys s a at t r riig gh ht t n no ow w,, m mu us siic ca alllly y? ? W Wh ha at t a ar re e y yo ou u u up p t to o? ? We just released a new record called, Illuminasty. That was about two weeks ago, and we’re on tour right now in support of it with Assuming We Survive and Reckless Serenade. We hit South By Southwest yesterday, and now we’re at So What?! music fest. A Aw we es so om me e.. S So o h ho ow w w wo ou ulld d y yo ou u d de es sc cr riib be e y yo ou ur r g ge en nr re e o of f m mu us siic c? ? We call it “trash pop”. We kinda developed our own name ‘cause it’s very “poppy” in a sense, but at the same time it gets a little grungy and rowdy. So it’s a perfect blend of what’s like our own genre of music that we put together. S So o t th he e t to ou ur r y yo ou u g gu uy ys s a ar re e o on n n no ow w,, w wh he en n d diid d t th ha at t s st ta ar rt t? ? The tour started on March 4th in San Diego, and we did two support days with Matchbook Romance for their Voices ten year reunion. So we played The Glass House in Pomona, CA and then The Roxy Theatre in Hollywood. They were EPIC shows. The tour ends in Vegas on the 26th. W Wh ha at t a ar re e s so om me e o of f y yo ou ur r f fa av vo or riit te e c ciit tiie es s t to o p plla ay y iin n? ? I LOVE southern California, absolutely love it. The weather is beautiful, the people are nice, it’s just a really awesome place. I enjoy the desert oddly enough, haha. S So o y yo ou u lliik ke e T Te ex xa as s,, h ha ah ha a? ? I do, Texas is a little weird though ‘cause it’s kinda cold today! But we’ve played Warped 2013 and 2014 so like, Houston, San Antonio, and the rest of the Texas dates are always like the hottest days in the year on Warped. That’s what I thought was gonna happen here and then I was like, oh my God it’s so cold! I’m wearing a jacket and layers on, haha. But I love the desert areas so like, New Mexico and Arizona stuff like that. W Wh ho o a ar re e y yo ou u g gu uy ys s e ex xc ciit te ed d t to o s se ee e r re eg ga ar rd diin ng g t th he e o ot th he er r b ba an nd ds s h he er re e? ? I’m excited to see Saosin, just because I dig both styles. When they had Cove Reber as their singer I really enjoyed both of those albums, I heard the earlier stuff with Anthony Green. So because he’s back I’m kind of excited to hear how that transition has happened. W Wo ou ulld d y yo ou u s sa ay y t th ha at t t th he ey y’’r re e a a b ba an nd d y yo ou u’’v ve e b be ee en n iin ns sp piir re ed d b by y? ? Yeah! I really enjoyed Cove’s lyricism and vocal ability so I grew up listening to them along with a lot of other bands here. Beartooth, really good friends of ours and we’re definitely excited to see them play too. D Do o y yo ou u h ha av ve e a an ny yt th hiin ng g y yo ou u w wo ou ulld d lliik ke e t to o t ta allk k a ab bo ou ut t b be ef fo or re e w we e f fiin niis sh h u up p? ? We did release a new record, so if you guys happen upon itW haha. You can pick it up on iTunes, listen to it on Spotify, Pandora, all that good stuff. You can visit us on Facebook, Instagram, etc, everything is just “Uh Huh Baby Yeah”. So listen to it, spread the word, and thanks! VENTS would like to thank you for your time and wish you the best! Hope to talk to you in the future!

T Th ha an nk ks s f fo or r s siit tt tiin ng g d do ow wn n w wiit th h V VE EN NT TS S!! P Plle ea as se e iin nt tr ro od du uc ce e y yo ou ur rs se ellv ve es s a an nd d y yo ou ur r b ba an nd d.. My name is Josh. I’m Jason and we’re in the band Under Dog House H Ho ow w llo on ng g h ha av ve e y yo ou u g gu uy ys s b be ee en n a a b ba an nd d a an nd d w wh he er re e a ar re e y yo ou u f fr ro om m? ? Jason: We’ve been a band for about three and half years and we’re from Dallas. W Wh ha at t iis s c co oo oll a ab bo ou ut t b be eiin ng g a a b ba an nd d f fr ro om m D Da alllla as s? ? Josh: Well, there’s a lot of awesome venues to play at, there’s a good music scene with a lot of history like in Deep Ellum. We have Trees where Kurt Cobain got into a fight with the security guards. He actually hit him with the head of his guitar and Dave Grohl jumped over the drums and they stopped the show. That’s like Tree’s claim to fame, hahah. Jason: I actually didn’t know that. Lessons with Josh, hahah. But I think the cool thing about around here is that pop punk isn’t the biggest scene right here in Dallas. It’s mostly metal and metalcore, and more power to ‘um, but it’s just a closer group I think personally. So basically you play a show, you meet lots of cool people. There’s a guy who came to So What?! Today just for us and he met us three years ago at a total hole in the wall dive bar so that was really cool. W Wh ha at t a ar re e s so om me e o of f y yo ou ur r f fa av vo or riit te e D Da alllla as s- -llo oc ca all b ba an nd ds s t to o p plla ay y w wiit th h? ? Jason: Ooooh, name dropping, hahah. But, True Story, Happy Alright, Victory Maple, Cheap HaircutsW Josh: We’ve played with a lot of great local bands and like he was saying it’s all super tight nit. Jason: Half Hearted Hooligans! Josh: Hahaha, that’s my old band. S So o a ap pa ar rt t f fr ro om m llo oc ca all,, w wh ha at t a ar re e s so om me e o of f y yo ou ur r f fa av vo or riit te e c ciit tiie es s t to o p plla ay y iin n? ? Josh: Even though it’s close Austin is so fun! Jason: Yeah, every time we’ve gone down there we’ve had so much support. Josh: We were actually down there this time last year! Jason: You weren’t in the band at the time but Corpus Christi is awesome because we have a lot of friends down there and we’ve always had a really cool time. We go down there and get to hang ou at the beach, it’s definitely one of the best places to play for sure. Und

y s h s e t Josh: What was that venue we played at in Tyler? That was so weird and cool, that one guy hit on me a lot and he added me on Facebook, hahah. Jason: To be fair you looked really scrumptious that night, hahaha. H Ho ow w w wa as s y yo ou ur r s se et t t to od da ay y a at t S So o W Wh ha at t? ?!!? ? Jason: It was really good, I had so much fun. Josh: I had a lot of fun! So like 10 minutes before we started I cut the tip of my finger almost off. Jason: Yeah! So our merch tent kept getting picked up by the wind so he grabbed it. Josh: Yeah, ours took off and kinda hit some people so I grabbed it and when I was dismantling it one of the things just totally sliced it. I put on a ton of bandages and went on to play but every time I strummed it like snagged the skin and would pull it back.. It was so gross, my pick guard is covered in blood, it was so difficult to play but I had fun! W Wh ha at t iis s y yo ou ur r f fa av vo or riit te e t th hiin ng g a ab bo ou ut t S So o W Wh ha at t? ?!! F Fe es st tiiv va all? ? Jason: Definitely the line up! Josh: This year’s lineup is rad. Jason: I didn’t get to go to last year’s lineup unfortunately but the one before that we literally got to play with some of my favorite bands and then today we got to play with bands like Neck Deep, Knuckle Puck, New Found Glory. W Wh ha at t’’s s o on n U Un nd de er r D Do og g H Ho ou us se e’’s s p plla at te e r riig gh ht t n no ow w m mu us siic c w wiis se e? ? Josh: We will be touring this summer in July to California and back. Swoop down to Austin and head West, it’s like a Nike symbol, hahah, just do it. We’re stoked about that! We’re constantly writing. Jason: We just dropped a new EP so that’s what we were doing all last year; writing it, recording it so this year we’re going to play some really cool shows. Now until July is pretty much nonstop! Josh: The record took longer to release than we anticipated so now that it’s out we’re all already ready to write new stuff again, hahah. T Th ha an nk k y yo ou u s so o m mu uc ch h f fo or r t ta ak kiin ng g t th he e t tiim me e t to o s sp pe ea ak k w wiit th h u us s!! Jason: Of course. We were Under Dog House and we just want to remind everyone to isolate and shun any posers, hahaha! https://www.facebook.com/UnderDogHouse der Dog House

Catching up with a band when they are out on the road is most of the time impossible due to their heavy schedules, yet much to our delight, 36 Crazyfists took some time to answer a few of my questions. Bringing their own unique metal sound 36 Crazyfists began back in 1994 way up north, Anchorage Alaska. Now with Portland, Oregon as their home base, this band of mates continues to bring their crushing metalcore sound of nu metal and alternative metal to new heights. Following the vocals of Brock Lindow [lead vox], slashing Steve Holt [guitar], thumping Mick Whitney [bass] and smashing Kyle Baltus [drums] they have turned the name 36 Crazyfists (named after a Jackie Chan movie “36 Crazy Fists”) a sound well­known in the world of metal into a spreading spin outside their genre. On tour currently, lead singer Lindow stated that, "We've always just kind of stayed under the radar," however on tour currently with a line­up that has their good friends Killswitch Engage, Memphis May Fire and Toothgrinder all melting the metal 36 is more than just beating crazy fists... they have shown they have moxie, longevity and are more than ready to continue another 20 or more years! Be listening for their new album announcement and come December 2016 get ready to celebrate 22 years with 36 Crazyfists! S So on ng g R Riiv ve er r:: H He ey y 3 36 6 C Cr ra az zy yf fiis st ts s,, h ho ow w a ar re e y yo ou u a allll d do oiin ng g? ? IIt t h ha as s a allm mo os st t b be ee en n a a y ye ea ar r s siin nc ce e w we e s sp po ok ke e a an nd d II t th ho ou ug gh ht t iit t w wa as s t tiim me e t to o c ca at tc ch h u up p!! 36 Crazyfists: Doing good thanks! S SR R:: Y Yo ou u a ar re e o ou ut t o on n t th he e r ro oa ad d r riig gh ht t n no ow w w wiit th h K Kiilllls sw wiit tc ch h E En ng ga ag ge e,, M Me em mp ph hiis s M Ma ay y F Fiir re e,, a an nd d T To oo ot th hg gr riin nd de er r.. H Ho ow w h ha as s t th he e t to ou ur r b be ee en n s so o f fa ar r? ? 36: It's been a really fun run with great friends, perfect way for us to end our touring cycle. S SR R:: T Te ellll m me e h ho ow w d diid d t th hiis s c co om mb biin na at tiio on n c co om me e t to og ge et th he er r f fo or r t th hiis s t to ou ur r? ? 36: Killswitch Engage have been our dear friends for many years and we had been trying to line each other's schedules for a bit and it just happened to work out for this run and we are extremely grateful they brought us back out with them. S SR R:: II h ha ad d a a c ch ha an nc ce e a ac ct tu ua alllly y t to o c ca at tc ch h y yo ou u a allll o ou ut t o on n t to ou ur r,, c cu ur riio ou us s h ho ow w d do o t th he e s se et t t tiim me es s f fo or r b ba an nd d lliin ne eu up ps s u us su ua alllly y h ha ap pp pe en n? ? IIs s iit t a a f flliip p o of f t th he e c co oiin n a as s t to o w wh ho o g go oe es s o on n f fiir rs st t,, s se ec co on nd d,, t th hiir rd d e et tc c? ? 36: Well, I'm not totally sure but usually you just know who will be opening and who will be supporting over each other. S SR R:: W Wh ha at t d do o y yo ou u f fiin nd d t th ha at t y yo ou u p pr re ef fe er r s sh ho or rt te er r t to ou ur rs s w wiit th h a a v va ar riie et ty y o of f c co o- -h he ea ad dlliin ne er rs s,, o or r o on ne e s se et t f fo or r a an n e ex xt te en nd de ed d p pe er riio od d o of f t tiim me e? ? 36: I like the longer full package ones when you are with great friends. S SR R:: C Co ov ve er rs s a ar re en n''t t s so om me et th hiin ng g y yo ou u a ar re e r re ea alllly y k kn no ow wn n f fo or r,, a ar re e t th he ey y? ? 36: Well, we have done a few for B sides over the years but actually releasing one like we just did in a single format is a first time for us. S SR R:: Y Yo ou u a allll c ch ho os se e t th he e p po op p h hiit t,, " "R Re en ne eg ga ad de es s" " t to o d do o y yo ou ur r o ow wn n s st ty ylle e o on n.. W Wh hy y t th ha at t s so on ng g? ? 36: It was outside our normal realm and it was suggested to us by our A&R guy at Spinefarm. We hadn't heard of the band or the song before but it was fun to do and put our little stamp on it. S SR R:: A Af ft te er r y yo ou u f fiin niis sh he ed d p pu ut tt tiin ng g y yo ou ur r u un niiq qu ue e s so ou un nd d t to o iit t,, d diid d iit t k kiin nd d o of f b bllo ow w y yo ou ur r m miin nd d h ho ow w iit t t tu ur rn ne ed d o ou ut t? ? 36: Yeah a bit, we didn't realize how fun it would be to do it and it really was a good time. S SR R:: H Ha av ve e a an ny y o of f t th he e m me em mb be er rs s o of f X X A Am mb ba as ss sa ad do or rs s h ha ad d a a c ch ha an nc ce e t to o c ch he ec ck k iit t o ou ut t,, iif f s so o,, w wh ha at t d diid d t th he ey y t th hiin nk k? ? 36: I have no clue, to be honest. S SR R:: H Ho ow w iis s t th he e n ne ew w a allb bu um m c co om miin ng g a allo on ng g? ? 36: Good, we are getting closer to finishing the writing and it's exciting to have a new collection of songs S SR R:: A An ny y w wo or rk kiin ng g t tiit tlle e? ? 36: (laughed) NOPE! S SR R:: H Ho ow w a ab bo ou ut t a a r re elle ea as se e d da at te e ( (a ap pp pr ro ox x) ).. 36: Not really sure. Maybe June, or early next year. S SR R:: W Wh ha at t c ca an n 3 36 6 C Cr ra az zy yf fiis st ts s f fa an ns s e ex xp pe ec ct t o ou ut t o of f y yo ou ur r n ne ex xt t m ma as st te er rp piie ec ce e? ? 36: Well hopefully another batch of jams that our people will get behind, we turn 22 in December so we are surely grateful to all our fans for keeping us afloat for all this time.

“I'm not going to live by their rules anymore.”- Phil Connors (Bill Murray) Groundhog Day Spending ¾ of every year out on the road touring some might say is a bit insane. Maybe it is, but then again... the rules to live by don't fit everyone. Singer/Songwriter/Vocalist/Guitar player Jason Devore of Authority Zero set his own ground rules on his road to the land of rock no roll over 20 years ago. A road that has had its bumps, its turns, even a few ditches, but never derailed from what he envisioned for himself and what he loves­ making music and performing for his fans. Having recently returned from their Japanese tour with their new line­up Authority Zero will be back out on the road across the states soon on their SUMMER SICKNESS TOUR, and then later this year on over to Europe. It would seem this thing called music and sharing it with the world is as natural for Jason as breathing is for the rest of us. It is this dedication along with family support that keeps it all real, all moving, and creating a sound that is still hitting the airwaves, selling in music stores, streaming online, and selling out concert venues. Maybe, just maybe... rules were meant to be broken. S So on ng g R Riiv ve er r:: C Ca an n A Au ut th ho or riit ty y Z Ze er ro o a ac ct tu ua alllly y b be e d de ef fiin ne ed d? ? H He ea ad diin ng g iin nt to o t th he e lla an nd d o of f 2 20 0+ + y ye ea ar rs s.. Jason DeVore: Authority Zero can be defined as an eclectic band consisting of many styles of music with a centerpiece as Rock and Punk Rock. Ever changing, ever-growing, and ever exploring and trying new things. S SR R:: IIs s A Au ut th ho or riit ty y Z Ze er ro o,, iin n e es ss se en nc ce e,, a a ''t to ou ur riin ng g b ba an nd d'' a an nd d iif f s so o h ho ow w m mu uc ch h o of f a an n iin nf fllu ue en nc ce e h ha as s t th ha at t b be ee en n o on n t th he e e eb bb b a an nd d f fllo ow w o of f b ba an nd d m me em mb be er rs s o ov ve er r t th he e y ye ea ar rs s? ? ( (K Kn no ow wiin ng g a a f fe ew w o of f t th he e f fo or rm me er r m me em mb be er rs s iit t w wo ou ulld d s se ee em m f fa am miilly y o ob blliig ga at tiio on ns s p plla ay ye ed d a a h hu ug ge e r ro olle e iin n t th he eiir r d de ec ciis siio on n- -m ma ak kiin ng g) ).. Jason: We are undeniably a touring band. We tour roughly 3/4 of each year over the past 16 years and many out-of- town trips and shows leading up to that. Family obligations have definitely played something of a role in it, although ultimately it has been personal struggles and differences both musically and personality clash that has been the root of the band member changes. It happens when you're in a tour van for that much time with the same group of guys doing Groundhog day again and again to play the music you love and have worked so hard for. Some were fill in members, some couldn’t handle the heavy touring in the end, and some simply wanted to do something else with their lives after the realization settled in. What being age, artistic purposes or otherwise. The show must go on. S SR R:: T To od da ay y a an nd d t th he e w wa ay y t th he e iin nd du us st tr ry y w wo or rk ks s iin n t th he e 2 21 1 s st t c ce en nt tu ur ry y ( (iin ns st ta an nt t v viid de eo os s/ /lliiv ve e c co on nc ce er rt ts s/ /p ph ho ot to os s/ /iin nf fo o) ) c ca an n a a b ba an nd d s su ur rv viiv ve e t th he e e ep piit to om me e a as s a an n a ak ka a G Gr ra at te ef fu ull D De ea ad d...... t to ou ur riin ng g s st ty ylle e b ba an nd d? ? Jason: That is in itself the only way a touring style band CAN survive. You need to be willing to make that sacrifice to miss family, friends, anniversary’s, birthdays, you name it. It’s the only way especially a band of our middle ground stature can stay relevant and make a humble living while doing so. It’s definitely a labor of love. S SR R:: H Ho ow w h ha av ve e y yo ou u k ke ep pt t t th he e b ba alla an nc ce e y yo ou ur rs se ellf f J Ja as so on n o or r d do o y yo ou u t th hiin nk k y yo ou u h ha av ve e? ? Jason: I think I’ve lost balance more than my share of times undoubtedly. You lose long-term childhood friends only to meet back up with them finally 10 or so years later, you sacrifice your voice and body day and night, and ultimately once again you play Groundhogs Day. That will drive anyone crazy after a while. That all being said, I have an awesome helpful and supportive wife, a great support group back home and on the road. I love this more than most anything. You have to. If you don’t, then don’t do it. Simple as that. It’s an extreme release for me as well which helps you deal with those day-to-day nerves. Not many people get that and it keeps me calm. With balance, I also do side projects and solo music which is essentially the yin to the yang of Authority Zero. It’s all about how you handle it day-to-day to keep moving forward. S SR R:: C Cr re ea at tiiv viit ty y a an nd d e ex xp pllo or ra at tiio on n iis s a an n e en no or rm mo ou us s p po or rt tiio on n o of f a a m mu us siic ciia an ns s n ne ee ed d t to o g gr ro ow w a an nd d e ex xp pa an nd d.. Jason: To touch on the last response, you have to also do what comes naturally and not fight it. If you’re suddenly inspired by something, you need to grab hold of it and embrace it. It’s led me to a couple different side projects, but essentially my solo music which in a sense is the time for myself. It’s a completely different monster and side of me, it allows me to be completely honest and open. It’s liberating. S SR R:: T Ta allk k t to o m me e a a b biit t J Ja as so on n a ab bo ou ut t y yo ou ur r o ow wn n d de ev ve ello op pm me en nt t a as s a an n a ar rt tiis st t,, s so om me e o of f t th he e iin ns st tr ru um me en nt ts s y yo ou u''v ve e p piic ck ke ed d u up p t to o lle ea ar rn n a allo on ng g t th he e w wa ay y.. Jason: I’ve explored many musical styles over the years and have picked up many instruments along the way out of sheer curiosity, plus I have the want to learn. I have picked up the acoustic more and more over the years, drums, harmonica, and a great deal of percussion down to the triangle and a box of old tools. It’s a lot of fun.

S SR R:: IIs s t th he er re e a a p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r r re ea as so on n y yo ou u b be elliie ev ve e iin n w wh ha at t A Au ut th ho or riit ty y Z Ze er ro o iis s a an nd d w wh ha at t iit t b br riin ng gs s? ? W Wh ha at t d do oe es s t th hiis s b ba an nd d a as s a a w wh ho olle e,, iin n iit ts s o ow wn n c co om mp plle ex xiit ty y,, m me ea an n t to o y yo ou u? ? Jason: To be honest I just do believe in it, and what it means to me is everything. I believe the lyrics and life stories that have come from a lifetime of experiences. The feedback and stories of hope and survival that you get from the fans from day-to-day while being on the road, the energy and electricity that comes from both the fans and that stage each night, and ultimately, the fans who have believed in us. They have been the driving force for so many years. At least to me. S SR R:: D Do o y yo ou u f fa av vo or r a an n a ac co ou us st tiic c g gu uiit ta ar r b br ra an nd d o ov ve er r a an no ot th he er r? ? Jason: I was using Breedlove solely for some time and still do, though I have also now picked up Gibson. Both have an amazing tone and sound to them. S SR R:: Y Yo ou u c ce er rt ta aiin nlly y h ha av ve en n’’t t b be ee en n a af fr ra aiid d t to o t tr ry y m ma an ny y t th hiin ng gs s,, e ev ve en n y yo ou ur r o ow wn n r re ec co or rd d lla ab be ell.. W Wh ha at t iis s y yo ou ur r f fo or rm mu ulla a w wh he en n y yo ou u llo oo ok k a at t t th he e b bu us siin ne es ss s s siid de e o of f t th he e m mu us siic c iin nd du us st tr ry y? ? T Th hr ro ow w iit t a ag ga aiin ns st t t th he e w wa allll a an nd d s se ee e iif f iit t s st tiic ck ks s,, f fo or rm mu ulla at te e a an nd d c ca allc cu ulla at te e...... a a g ga am me e o of f c cr ra ap ps s? ? Jason: Honestly it is all a crap shoot. No real particular formula either to be honest. Get behind something you love, push it as much as you can financially and through whatever means and connections you may have made over time, and just believe in it. Eventually, I feel something, as you mentioned, has to stick. If not, you at least had control over it and weren’t being controlled or told what to do, and you had the personal and business stance of freedom to do it as you see fit through your own experiences. S SR R:: W Wh he er re e iis s t th he e a ag ga aiin ns st t t th he e e es st ta ab blliis sh hm me en nt t m mu us siic c t to od da ay y? ? D Do o y yo ou u t th hiin nk k t th he e g gllo ob ba all u un nr re es st t iis s s se ee ek kiin ng g a a n ne ew w v vo oiic ce e t th hr ro ou ug gh h t th he e a ar rt ts s,, a an nd d iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r v viia a m mu us siic c? ? J Ja as so on n:: II t th hiin nk k iit t’’s s a allll a ar ro ou un nd d u us s.. IIn n o ou ur r u un nd de er rg gr ro ou un nd d v ve en nu ue es s,, iin n o ou ur r g ga ar ra ag ge es s,, iin n a allll o ou ur r b be eg giin nn niin ng g s st ta ag ge es s s sc cr re ea am miin ng g h ho on ne es st tlly y w wiit th h iin nt te en nt t.. IIt t’’s s jju us st t a a m ma at tt te er r o of f t th he em m b br re ea ak kiin ng g o ou ut t a an nd d b be eiin ng g h he ea ar rd d.. S SR R:: W Wh he er re e w wo ou ulld d y yo ou u p plla ac ce e t to od da ay y''s s A Au ut th ho or riit ty y Z Ze er ro o iin n t th hiis s m miix x o of f t to od da ay y''s s p po op p p pu un nk k,, n nu u m me et ta all s so ou un nd ds s? ? Jason: Not sure I could! And that’s a good feeling. S SR R:: H Ho ow w a ab bo ou ut t y yo ou u J Ja as so on n a as s y yo ou ur r o ow wn n s so ou un nd d/ /s so ollo o? ? W Wh he er re e iis s iit t p pe er rs so on na alllly y y yo ou u w wa an nt t t to o g go o w wiit th h y yo ou ur r m mu us siic c? ? H Ho ow w a ab bo ou ut t t th he e b bu us siin ne es ss s iin nd du us st tr ry y s siid de e o of f iit t? ? Jason: I want to go wherever the wind blows me. The sound of my solo music is also eclectic in itself although with my upcoming and third solo record it’s gone a bit singer/songwriter. I'm trying to be even more honest with each emotion on it. I Have been doing the solo music since about 2006 which was the first release and have played as a soloist extensively around Arizona. I am looking to do a lot of touring with it to branch out, but again Authority Zero is pretty non-stop in that department. Will have to see how things play out. On the business industry side, it will probably be another release on my and partner Bryan Sandell’s indy label “Operation Records” unless other opportunities arise that are fair and make sense. S SR R:: A Ar re e y yo ou u w wiilllliin ng g a as s a a s so ollo oiis st t o or r e ev ve en n a as s A Au ut th ho or riit ty y Z Ze er ro o t to o c ch ha an ng ge e t to o b be e ''h hiip p'' t to o t th he e n ne ew w g ge en ne er ra at tiio on ns s? ? O Or r d do o y yo ou u e ev ve en n s se ee e a a d diiv viid diin ng g lliin ne e o of f a ag ge es s w wh he en n y yo ou u c co on nn ne ec ct t? ? Jason: I don’t believe in forcing chance, though I do believe in inspiration, exploring new and current ideas, and music in general. That’s the thing with Authority Zero is that we never really tried to pigeonhole ourselves into one set sound nor generation. It was and always has been ever-changing. Same with the solo music. Keeps it interesting for not only the fans but for us as musicians as well. Especially this many years later. S SR R:: C Ca an n m mu us siic c h ha av ve e t th he e s sa am me e f fo or rc ce e t to o m mo ov ve e lla ar rg ge e g gr ro ou up ps s o of f p pe eo op plle e t to o d do o t th hiin ng gs s a as s iit t h ha as s iin n t th he e p pa as st t? ? W Wh hy y o or r w wh hy y n no ot t.. Jason: AbsolutelyWIt’s music and music is life. All across the world it impacts emotion. Anger, sadness, happiness, confusion, revolution. You name it. It still exists and is a driving force of life. S SR R:: IIn n y yo ou ur r d diis sc co og gr ra ap ph hy y lliin ne e- -u up p s so om me ew wh he er re e o ou ut t t th he er re e o on n t th he e iin nt te er rn ne et t II f fo ou un nd d t th he e w wo or rd ds s “ “T TB BA A L Liiv ve e A Allb bu um m C CD D/ /D DV VD D” ” p plle ea as se e g giiv ve e u us s s so om me et th hiin ng g...... a an ny yt th hiin ng g.. IIs s A Au ut th ho or riit ty y Z Ze er ro o c cr re ea at tiin ng g a a lliiv ve e a allb bu um m a an nd d D DV VD D? ? IIs s t th hiis s k kiic ck ko of ff f t to ou ur r iin n y yo ou ur r h ho om me et to ow wn n a a p pr re ellu ud de e t to o t th he e b be eg giin nn niin ng g o of f t th hiis s? ? Jason: The 20 Year Anniversary album, unfortunately, has been put on hold for the time being due to many factors. Members have since changed, and audibly things got a bit glitchy and questionable, the Club which we held it in was once a beautiful thing and has since become something of a poisonous entity, and the list kind of goes on and on. We really want to release something awesome to the kids and people in participation. We are seeking out and brainstorming what we can do to either make it work or there are also talks of maybe doing a 22 Year Anniversary album instead. This would allow us to get our members solid and in line and well as put out a better product overall. With that in mind, we’ve talked about doing two nights back to back. One being an all Ska/Reggae night of recording, and the next night straight Punk/Rock. Even bringing in a horn section for the first night. It would be pretty epic, a lot of fun, and pretty sick. We ultimately don’t want to disappoint all out hometown fans that came out that night to be a part of it, so either trying to do a makeup and/or just sort out the best option . S SR R:: Y Yo ou u jju us st t g go ot t h ho om me e f fr ro om m a a m ma ajjo or r t to ou ur r o ov ve er r iin n J Ja ap pa an n? ? Jason: Yes, we actually just returned from our Japanese tour and it was AWESOME! We played out there with our Japanese friends Hey Smith and every show sold out in 30 minutes. It was just super intense and a lot of fun. Those kids know how to throw down! What brought on the following I believe is the years of going back and staying consistent, the over the top support of our record label out there Caffeine Bomb and it’s crew, and playing with big bands out there like Less Than Jake and Hey Smith. All the elements I feel have played a role. S SR R:: H Hu un ng gr ry y f fo or r w wh ha at t t th he e S St ta at te es s b br riin ng gs s iin n m mu us siic c a an nd d f fa as sh hiio on n......d do o y yo ou u t th hiin nk k a allll a ag ge es s a an nd d c cu ullt tu ur re es s y ye ea ar rn n f fo or r a a b biit t o of f t th ha at t p pu un nk k''t tu ud de e a an nd d e ea as sy y r re eg gg ga ae e f fe ee elliin ng g? ? Jason: I like to hope to think so! S SR R:: A Af ft te er r J Ja ap pa an n,, w wh he er re e n ne ex xt t? ? Jason: We head out across the U.S. in mid-June for our third annual “SUMMER SICKNESS TOUR,”and from there off for a seven-week tour overseas across Europe. S SR R:: A An nd d lla as st tlly y,, J Ja as so on n iis s t th hiis s lliiv ve e r re ec co or rd diin ng g,, p po os ss siib blly y t th he e o op pu us s o or r c cu ullm miin na at tiio on n o of f a allll t th ha at t n no ot t o on nlly y y yo ou ur rs se ellf f h ha as s p pu ut t iin nt to o A Au ut th ho or riit ty y Z Ze er ro o,, b bu ut t s so o m ma an ny y o ot th he er rs s...... o or r w wiillll t th he er re e u ullt tiim ma at te elly y b be e a a p pa as ss siin ng g o of f t th he e ''t to or rc ch h'' s so o t to o s sp pe ea ak k t to o t th he e n ne ex xt t g ge en ne er ra at tiio on n o of f A Au ut th ho or riit ty y Z Ze er ro o b ba an nd dm ma at te es s t to o p plla ay y o on n? ? Jason: When the live album comes out it will be for everyone who has ever been a part of this group. Members and fan and friends alike. Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorityZero Website: http://authorityzero.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Authority_Zero

On the road to Vans Warped Tour 2016 this year Senior Staff writer, Allyson Song River Jaynes of Vents Magazine, wanted to lay the groundwork of excitement by interviewing a long time DIY Independent publicists Mike Cubillos Founder and CEO of Earshot Media. Mike has worked closely on a few other projects such as, “Taste of Chaos” and “It's Not Dead Festival” developed and driven by the founder of the Warped Tour Kevin Lyman and he will be working closely with press coordinator of Vans Warped Tour, Danielle Mardahl, this year. It has been these experiences that Mike has developed and garnered over the years that have put him in a place to offer some expedient advice and insight. Invaluable content to bands, writers, photographers, magazines, and those pursuing careers in public relations. Mike's approach certainly has shown time and again that it is the collective working together on a common goal that brings about achievement. We are looking forward to all that Earshot Media will be bringing this year's Vans Warped Tour 2016! S So on ng g R Riiv ve er r:: M Miik ke e llo oo ok kiin ng g b ba ac ck k s siin nc ce e t th he e f fo ou un nd diin ng g o of f y yo ou ur r P PR R f fiir rm m,, 1 1 9 99 97 7,, w wh ha at t h ha as s b be ee en n t th he e m mo os st t s siig gn niif fiic ca an nt t c ch ha an ng ge e y yo ou u h ha av ve e e en nc co ou un nt te er re ed d iin n t th he e m mu us siic c P PR R iin nd du us st tr ry y? ? Mike Cubillos: I’d say the biggest change is the rise of the Internet and other technology. In many ways, it’s made the job of a publicist a lot easier in terms of how we service music to the media and the sheer number of outlets now available to us. Social media has become a valuable and essential tool that is now used as part of every campaign. But all of these changes bring about new sets of challenges as well. S SR R:: C Cr re ea at tiiv viit ty y o or r s sp po on nt ta an ne eiit ty y? ? W Wh hiic ch h iis s t th he e g gr re ea at te es st t a as ss se et t t to o a a P PR R f fiir rm m o or r a ar re e t th he ey y b bo ot th h e eq qu ua alllly y a a m mu us st t? ? MC: I think both are equally important. Creativity is an integral part of any successful PR campaign, but sometimes these creative ideas don’t work or pan out, so a publicist should be flexible and know when it’s time to change course if necessary, or be open to new opportunities as they come up. S SR R:: E Em mp piir re es s c ce er rt ta aiin nlly y d do o n no ot t o oc cc cu ur r o ov ve er rn niig gh ht t.. A As s E Ea ar rs sh ho ot t M Me ed diia a h ha as s b be ec co om me e o on ne e o of f t th he e lla ar rg ge es st t P Pu ub blliic c R Re ella at tiio on ns s f fiir rm ms s iin n t th he e D DIIY Y IIn nd de ep pe en nd de en nt t iin nd du us st tr ry y,, h ho ow w d diid d y yo ou u b be eg giin n t th he e f fo or rm mu ulla at tiio on n o of f y yo ou ur r f fiir rm m? ? MC: I started my company because I had enough of working in the major label world and wanted to use the skills and connections I had acquired to create a firm that placed equal emphasis on major mainstream and grassroots press. At some other jobs, I’d had, the focus was mostly on TV and major print outlets, anything outside of that was seen as less important. But I understood early on that the smaller outlets websites, zines and blogs etc were just as crucial (if not more so) to the success of most artists and so that’s really what I’ve tried to do at Earshot- pay equal attention to the larger outlets and the DIY press for a more-rounded campaign. S SR R:: D Do o y yo ou u r re ec ca allll t th he e f fiir rs st t b ba an nd d y yo ou u w wo or rk ke ed d w wiit th h a as s E Ea ar rs sh ho ot t? ? H Ho ow w d diid d t th he e r re ella at tiio on ns sh hiip p c co om me e a ab bo ou ut t w wiit th h t th he em m? ? MC: My first client was Mojo Records, so the first bands I worked with were bands on their roster-- Reel Big Fish and Goldfinger. That all came about via a former colleague of mine who was working in the marketing department at the label and brought me into the fold to work press for the label. I’m proud to say that Reel Big Fish is still with me after all these years. S SR R:: P Pu ub blliic c r re ella at tiio on ns s,, iin n o or rd de er r t to o b be e s su uc cc ce es ss sf fu ull,, m mu us st t c co om mm mu un niic ca at te e o ou ut ts siid de e t th he e b bo ox x.. H Ho ow w c ca an n b ba an nd ds s h he ellp p y yo ou u,, h he ellp p t th he em ms se ellv ve es s? ? MC: It’s important that bands understand that they should have a partnership with their publicist. They should also be willing to do the work required for a successful campaign. Whether that be showing up on time for interviews that we set up, being professional when interacting with the media, submitting things on time or maintaining their social media accounts. S SR R:: T To od da ay y’’s s g gr re ea at te es st t c ch ha alllle en ng ge e iin n t th he e r re ea allm m o of f P PR R iis s? ? MC: It used to be publicists were the “gatekeepers” and that’s still true to an extent, but the Internet and social media have made it that anyone with a computer has a forum to spout off on whatever they want. This can be a very positive thing, but oftentimes it allows certain individuals to leak news or music early, or to stir up drama or spread misinformation or make false accusations. In that respect, it’s become more of a challenge for a publicist to maintain control of a campaign and the messaging that we want to convey about a given artist. S SR R:: W Wh ha at t d do oe es s iit t t ta ak ke e,, b be es siid de es s a a v ve er ry y t th hiic ck k s sk kiin n,, t to o s st ta ay y iin n t th he e g ga am me e iin n t th he e f fiie elld d y yo ou u''v ve e c ch ho os se en n t to o b be e iin n? ? MC: It takes persistence, patience, flexibility, humility and hard work. It also helps to have a sense of humor. S SR R:: H Ha av ve e y yo ou u g gr ro ow wn n e en no ou ug gh h n no ow w t to o w wh he er re e y yo ou u h ha av ve e a a s st ta af ff f? ? IIf f s so o,, a ap pp pr ro ox xiim ma at te elly y h ho ow w m ma an ny y a ar re e o on n s st ta af ff f a an nd d d do o y yo ou u h he ellp p m me en nt to or r t th he em m iin n t th he e m mu us siic c iin nd du us st tr ry y s so o t th he ey y c ca an n g go o iin nt to o p po os ss siib blly y s so om me e f fa ac ce et t t th he em ms se ellv ve es s? ? MC: At the moment, Earshot is just me. I do hire on help when needed for certain projects or big events. I’ve always been open and willing to offer advice and guidance to people who are interested in pursuing careers in music PR and have also spoken at colleges and universities and other music industry events and conventions in the past. S SR R:: N No ow w a as s y yo ou u a ar re e f fa as st t a ap pp pr ro oa ac ch hiin ng g y yo ou ur r 2 20 0- -y ye ea ar r m ma ar rk k ( (c co or rr re ec ct t? ?) ) a an nd d t th he er re e a ar re e s so o m ma an ny y b ba an nd ds s a an nd d lla ab be ells s a as sk kiin ng g y yo ou u n no ow w t to o r re ep pr re es se en nt t t th he em m,, d do o y yo ou u a at t t tiim me es s jju us st t s st to op p a an nd d g go o W WO OW W a an nd d w wo on nd de er r w wh he er re e d diid d t tiim me e g go o? ? MC: Yeah it is really hard to believe that I’m still doing this after all these years. Over the years, I’ve been lucky to work many records that have gone on to become seminal releases and classics in the alt/punk/indie scenes and I’ve have worked with many bands that are now major players in the music business. So it’s gratifying to look back and know that Earshot played a part in their success. S SR R:: II a am m s su ur re e d du ur riin ng g t th hiis s t tiim me e y yo ou u h ha av ve e b be ee en n iin n t th he e m mu us siic c iin nd du us st tr ry y y yo ou u h ha av ve e s se ee en n m mu ullt tiip plle e s sh hiif ft ts s iin n s st ty ylle es s,, g ge en nr re es s,, s so ou un nd ds s,, a at tt tiit tu ud de es s,, a ap pp pr ro oa ac ch he es s,, f fa an n b ba as se es s,, e et tc c...... iif f y yo ou u c co ou ulld d lliis st t a at t lle ea as st t t th hr re ee e t to o f fiiv ve e n no ot ta ab blle e m mu us siic c s sh hiif ft ts s s siin nc ce e y yo ou ur r b be eg giin nn niin ng g w wh ha at t w wo ou ulld d t th he ey y b be e? ? MC: I’ve seen the return of ska and pop-punk, the rise of rap-rock/nu-metal and screamo, the haircuts, the neon, the emo resurgence, singer-songwriters and so much more. While the styles of music have definitely shifted over the years the one constant is that they are all rooted in the independent/punk/alternative/metal scenes. S SR R:: W Wh he en n d diid d y yo ou ur r r re ella at tiio on ns sh hiip p b be eg giin n w wiit th h V Va an n''s s W Wa ar rp pe ed d T To ou ur r? ? MC: Over the years I’ve had a countless number of bands on the Warped Tour, so I’ve been involved indirectly with them for a long time. I’ve also worked with Warped founder Kevin Lyman for several years on “Taste of Chaos” and last year returned to work with him on the return of “Taste of Chaos” and on “It’s Not Dead Festival.” I was honored and ecstatic to be asked to worked the tour this year. S SR R:: W Wiillll y yo ou u b be e t tr ra av ve elliin ng g w wiit th h t th he e t to ou ur r t th hiis s y ye ea ar r,, iin n 2 20 01 1 6 6? ? MC: No I will only be out on select dates. The bulk of my work will be done from my office. : ) The tour has an awesome on-site press coordinator named Danielle Mardahl that I work closely with. She will be out on all the dates as she was last year. S SR R:: W Wh ha at t iis s y yo ou ur r m ma aiin n p pu ur rp po os se e f fo or r w wo or rk kiin ng g/ /b be eiin ng g a a p pa ar rt t o of f t th hiis s y ye ea ar r''s s W Wa ar rp pe ed d? ? MC: My main purpose is to help get the word out about this year’s tour which has one of the strongest lineups ever. As a longtime fan of the tour and what Kevin Lyman has created, I’m excited to be part of the team. S SR R:: M Mo os st t h he ellp pf fu ull p piie ec ce e o of f a ad dv viic ce e y yo ou u c ca an n g giiv ve e m mu us siic c m ma ag ga az ziin ne es s,, z ziin ne es s,, e ed diit to or rs s,, jjo ou ur rn na alliis st ts s,, a an nd d p ph ho ot to og gr ra ap ph he er rs s? ? MC: This isn’t really advice but I’d just urge them to take chances on newer, developing acts rather than waiting for others to discover them first and then jumping on the bandwagon after the fact. I understand the need to sell magazines and ads and to get eyeballs and page views and clicks etc, but it’s always exciting when an outlet champions artists early on and helps break new bands. S SR R:: E Ex xp pe er riie en nc ce e iit t iis s s sa aiid d iis s o ou ur r g gr re ea at te es st t t te ea ac ch he er r.. M Miik ke e a as s y yo ou u llo oo ok k f fo or rw wa ar rd d w wh ha at t iis s iit t a an nd d w wh he er re e a ar re e y yo ou u w wa an nt tiin ng g t to o t ta ak ke e E Ea ar rs sh ho ot t M Me ed diia a? ? MC: I just hope to continue doing what I love--helping to turn people on to great new music and working with artists, labels and people I respect and admire. I hope to continue challenging myself to take on different kinds of projects and to keep doing good work on behalf of my clients.

When the Wave of Punk/Pop/ Rock combine you get a sound that is something like Karma. Add a sense of fashion and energy you get The Karma Killers. Fresh off a tour with Dreamers and Arkells Micky James of The Karma Killers takes a breath and chats about The Karma Killers past, future and their now. A bolt of wave rock hits with their signing under Island Records and their EP release, Strange Therapy. High energy and giving their fans all they come for, plus more when they perform is the only way TKK knows how to drive their rock n roll vehicle. S So on ng g R Riiv ve er r:: H He ey y M Miic ck ky y,, y yo ou u a allll t to ou ur r a allm mo os st t n no on n- -s st to op p iit t s se ee em ms s.. Micky James: Yeah, we love it. I am sitting right next Mango right now as we are somewhere in Ohio today and we just got done eating lunch. I was telling Mango I think we are talking to the lady who we talked about the band, The Bravery, with. (laughed). S SR R:: Y Ye es s,, t th ha at t w wa as s m me e!! II a am m d diig gg giin ng g iin nt to o y yo ou ur r p pa as st t a a b biit t t to od da ay y M Miic ck ky y w wiit th h T Th he e K Ka ar rm ma a K Kiilllle er rs s s so on ng g f fr ro om m 2 20 01 1 3 3,, “ “II''m m O Ok ka ay y..” ” MJ: That is really ironic you brought that song up. Our guitar player, Billy Stevens, just brought that song up during lunch. That song was one of our first songs way back in 2013 when we just started really solidifying ourselves and our sound. S SR R:: IIt t s se ee em me ed d a allm mo os st t lliik ke e y yo ou ur r s so on ng g t th ha at t w wa as s y yo ou ur r d diiv viin ng g b bo oa ar rd d.. MJ: It was, it really was. I think it set the platform for us to find a direction of what we are and what can happen next. That led us to write "Domino" and "Coming ofAge." S SR R:: W Wo ou ulld d y yo ou u c co on ns siid de er r r re e- -r re ec co or rd diin ng g iit t a an nd d r re elle ea as siin ng g iit t a ag ga aiin n u un nd de er r IIs slla an nd d R Re ec co or rd ds s? ? MJ: I don't know. What do you think? Do you like it? Should we re-release it? (laughed). S SR R:: D De ef fiin niit te elly y.. MJ: It is a song that is very dear to our hearts, especially my own personally. S SR R:: L Ly yr riic ca alllly y w wh he er re e d diid d t th he e s so on ng g c co om me e f fr ro om m? ? MJ: It is a song about my parents at that time. They were having some hardships and I was kind of in the middle of all of it and the band was wanting to write better songs and something good came out of it. S SR R:: M Mu us siic c c ca an n b be e o ou ur r t th he er ra ap py y.. MJ: Of course, it is always really good. S SR R:: Y Yo ou ur r h ho om me et to ow wn n M Miic ck ky y iis s a a s sm ma allll f fa ar rm m t to ow wn n c co om mm mu un niit ty y.. MJ: I still live there. It's a very small little town in New Jersey. Very a preppy, high academic, sport intensive school with farms around and you can tell I didn't fit in there. It is beautiful, though, so much open land. But for someone like me after awhile you feel like you’re in purgatory or something and you got to break out. I always love revisiting the town, especially after long tours. It's so peaceful. S SR R:: W Wh he en n y yo ou u d do o g go o b ba ac ck k h ho om me e M Miic ck ky y,, iis s t th he er re e a a d diif ff fe er re en nt t s siid de e o of f y yo ou u t th ha at t f fiit ts s t th ha at t a at tm mo os sp ph he er re e o or r a ar re e y yo ou u w wh ho o y yo ou u a ar re e w wh he er re e e ev ve er r y yo ou u g go o? ? MJ: Oh yeah. When I go home I just wear Polo’s and Nah... (laughed) when I go home I am who I am. S SR R:: Y Yo ou u a ar re e t tr ru ue e t to o y yo ou ur rs se ellf f.. MJ: Yeah. I mean even speaking for the band members when we go home we all kind of hibernate in our homes, with our select friends, or we just hang out with each other and we listen to music and watch a lot of films, we kind of just hang to ourselves. We don’t really go out. If we are hanging out together though in New York City that is when we go out and about. S SR R:: W Wh he er re e iis s h ho om me e e ev ve er ry yb bo od dy y? ? MJ: We are all scattered. Mango is from Riverdale, New Jersey. Billy is from Berkeley Heights, Josh is in Rockaway. S SR R:: H Ho ow w d diid d y yo ou u a allll f fiin nd d e ea ac ch h o ot th he er r? ? MJ: I have a friend who is a producer and at that time I was in a band and it broke up. I didn't and don't want to do any solo career thing, I wanted to be in a band and that's it. So, he knew this guitar player, which is Billy, we met up and had the same ambitions, dreams, and chemistry and he knew Mango and three and half years ago we met up. We all were for what we were doing. Billy had a big part in naming the band, he came up with the name The Karma Killers on our second day together.

S SR R:: W Wh he er re e w we er re e y yo ou u g gu uy ys s w wh he en n t th he e iin ns sp piir ra at tiio on n c ca am me e f fo or r B Biilllly y a an nd d t th he e n na am me e o of f t th he e b ba an nd d? ? MJ: I think we were sitting in my basement and we had gone outside to smoke a cigarette and Billy said something like how about Killer Karma or Karma Killers and I said, “Yeah it should be The Karma Killers” I wanted it to sound very defined and we were cool let's go for it. We wanted everything to just be a go and come about organically. It was soon after that we headed out to LA to record an EP. It was a learning experience. We got fucked, the tunes were good, but the product was terrible. We came back and focused on really writing songs again and we came out with “I'm Okay” and it felt right to us like it was a good representation of who we are. As I said before that set the platform. When we then recorded the songs “Domino” and “Coming ofAge” we knew this was it. S SR R:: Y Yo ou u t tr riie ed d o on n t th he e D DIIY Y c co om mp plle et te elly y.. MJ: We were just trying to build an organic fan base in New York City. For some bands, it worked, but we were a little different from other New York bands. We also wanted to play in front of more than three people. So we just kept on writing and the label Dirty Canvas, under Island picked us up. It got the ball rolling for us. S SR R:: T Ta ak ke e u us s b ba ac ck k t to o 2 20 01 1 2 2 a an nd d w wh he en n y yo ou u w we er re e p plla ay yiin ng g a at t A Ar rlle en ne e’’s s G Gr ro oc ce er ry y S St to or re e iin n f fr ro on nt t o of f t tw wo o p pe eo op plle e t to o w wh he er re e y yo ou u a ar re e t to od da ay y.. H Ho ow w d do oe es s iit t f fe ee ell t to od da ay y n no ow w w wh he en n y yo ou u n no ow w t to ou ur riin ng g a an nd d h hiit tt tiin ng g t th he es se e v ve en nu ue es s a ac cr ro os ss s A Am me er riic ca a? ? MJ: The ambition we have is to always put on a show no matter where we are... 100%. It doesn’t matter whether we are in front of a few people in middle America or in a large packed venue. Those moments like at Arlene's are some of the most precious moments you can have as a band. It makes you more hungry and motivated. The smaller venues are more nerve-wracking for me, I think it's easier to perform in front of 10,000 people as you scream “HEY!” they scream it back at you. We are all about putting on a good show and get the audience to participate. We aren't the band who just stands there. Certainly it isn't me. S SR R:: A As s m mu uc ch h a as s y yo ou u m mo ov ve e a ar ro ou un nd d w wh he en n p pe er rf fo or rm miin ng g a an nd d e en ng ga ag ge e e ev ve er ry yo on ne e iin n t th he e a au ud diie en nc ce e,, h ho ow w m mu uc ch h iis s t th ha at t lliik ke e t th he e M Miic ck ky y J Ja am me es s w wh ho o w wa as s iin n g gr ra ad de e s sc ch ho oo oll w wa ay y b ba ac ck k w wh he en n? ? W We er re e y yo ou ur r t te ea ac ch he er rs s a allw wa ay ys s t te elllliin ng g y yo ou u t to o s siit t d do ow wn n a an nd d b be e s st tiillll? ? MJ: (laughed) Actually I was the exact opposite. I was very quiet as a kid. I didn’t fit in. As I got older I would go see punk bands and jump around to get my angst out. For a band though I wanted to be able to sing and be a songwriter along with playing guitar, so that's what I did. I come from a very musical family. My brother is a singer, my dad's a singer and a guitar player and there's drummers in my family. S SR R:: Y Yo ou u w we er re e iin n V Vo og gu ue e M Ma ag ga az ziin ne e iin n 2 20 01 1 6 6? ? MJ: When I saw it I kind of laughed at myself. I don’t see myself as soon fashion pioneer. They decided they liked our music and they liked what we portrayed. It was cool. I was beyond flattered. My brother is a fashion major, and he saw his younger brother get in and not even try. (laughed) S SR R:: M Ma ay yb be e b be et tw we ee en n y yo ou ur r b br ro ot th he er r a an nd d y yo ou ur rs se ellf f y yo ou u c ca an n c cr re ea at te e a a T Th he e K Ka ar rm ma a K Kiilllle er rs s f fa as sh hiio on n lliin ne e.. MJ: Yeah, we are working on it. S SR R:: T Th he en n y yo ou u’’v ve e t th he e jje ew we ellr ry y a as sp pe ec ct t t to o a ad dd d o on n.. Y Yo ou u h ha av ve e t th he e d do oo or r w wiid de e o op pe en n iin n a allll p po oiin nt ts s.. MJ: I think we are really anxious and ready. We are taking this turn to be what we envisioned it all to be. A very cohesive foundation for our group. Musically and all of what and who we are. S SR R:: IIn n t th he e n ne ea ar r f fu ut tu ur re e II h ha ad d h he ea ar rd d t th he e p po os ss siib biilliit ty y o of f p pu ut tt tiin ng g y yo ou ur r E EP P S St tr ra an ng ge e T Th he er ra ap py y o on n v viin ny yll.. A At t lle ea as st t a a s siin ng glle e w wiit th h a a B B- -s siid de e o on n c co ollo or r o or r a an niim ma all p pr riin nt t v viin ny yll.. MJ: Yeah, yeah we are definitely wanting to do something like that, and it should be on a leopard print vinyl. (laughed) That actually would be very cool. S SR R:: Y Yo ou u''v ve e a a s sh ho ow w iin n L LA A c co om me e M Ma ay y w wiit th h M Miik ke e P Po os sn ne er r,, T Th ha at t P Po op pp py y a at t T Th he e F Fo on nd da a T Th he ea at tr re e,, c ca alllle ed d " "IIs slla an nd d L Liif fe e" " h ho os st te ed d b by y P Pe et te e W We en nt tz z.. MJ: Yes, on May 9th. We can't wait. We are ready to bring our music to the masses.

Pic by Paul Smith

Family Force 5

S So o a at t a a v ve er ry y y yo ou un ng g a ag ge e y yo ou u f flle ew w t to o L LA A f fo or r a a s sc cr re ee en n t te es st t - - d diid d y yo ou u h ha ad d a an ny y p pr re ev viio ou us s llo ov ve e f fo or r a ac ct tiin ng g b be ef fo or re e o or r h ho ow w d diid d t th ha at t g ge et t s st ta ar rt te ed d? ? Believe it or not it was Disney’s animated Beauty and the Beast that inspired me. Every day, I would act out scenes from that movie, with myself as the Beast, and then one day while watching the film for the thousandth time, I just blurted out to my mom that I “wanted to be in a movie.” And she wasn’t really sure how we would go about that, but pretty soon my parents got me involved with a local community theater. I started doing shows, and expanded beyond Tampa to Sarasota at the Players theater, eventually working professionally at Asolo Rep. I also worked at Orlando Shakespeare Theater and Orlando Rep, and after I did a show at the latter when I was 10, the director had me meet his agent, Traci Danielle. She submitted me on a national search, the screen-test happened, and things went from there. I’m still with Traci, as well as APA in Los Angeles. 2 2..Y Yo ou u a alls so o p plla ay y m mu us siic c - - d diid d o on ne e a ar rt t d dr ra aw w y yo ou u t to o t th he e o ot th he er r? ? I don’t know that music drew me to acting, but it certainly helped me understand important parts of the craft, especially when it comes to comedy. Timing and beats are very important to comedy (and all acting), and having a background in music made it easier for me to grasp. 3 3.. II u un nd de er rs st ta an nd d L Le eo o D Diic ca ap pr riio o p plla ay ys s a a b biig g r ro olle e iin n y yo ou ur r a ac ct tiin ng g - - w wh hiic ch h o of f h hiis s f fiillm ms s h ha av ve e iim mp pa ac ct te ed d y yo ou u t th he e m mo os st t? ? As a little kid, Titanic had a really big influence on me. I watched it as a four-year-old over and over again. By the time I turned 5 I'd pretty much decided that I wanted to be Leonardo DiCaprio. I got my hair cut like him, I got more serious about drawing — something which I had been doing already, and still do. I think I actually drew the stuffed llama I had at one pointW I was obsessed with that movie. “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?” also had a big impact, because it showed me how much an actor could change for a role. I barely knew it was DiCaprio. So that was kinda eye-opening for me. 4 4.. W Wh ha at t h ha av ve e y yo ou u lle ea ar rn ne ed d f fr ro om m y yo ou ur r e ex xp pe er riie en nc ce e s sh ha ar riin ng g t th he e s se et t w wiit th h s so om me e o of f t th he e g gr re ea at te es st t a ac ct to or rs s iin n t th he e iin nd du us st tr ry y t to od da ay y? ? H Ha av ve e y yo ou u lle ea ar rn ne ed d a an ny yt th hiin ng g iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r? ? I think one of the biggest things I’ve learned is that actors can have a lot more influence than I had imagined — on Bloodline, the actors are really integral to the way the story is told. Everyone is exploring. The stars are very creative and in touch with their characters. If something in the script doesn't seem like it's really working, they’ll try different things. 5 5.. H Ho ow w h ha as s y yo ou ur r t th he ea at tr re e b ba ac ck kg gr ro ou un nd d h ha av ve e iin nf fllu ue en nc ce e y yo ou ur r a ac ct tiin ng g? ? Theater really helped me learn to stay in the moment and in the character — in theater, the audience sees you all the time, so it’s crucial that you’re really there. You have to be that character every moment you’re on stage, and know your character so well that if something goes wrong — someone misses a line, skips, forgets what they’re doing — you can react as your character would. And I think that’s something I carry over into film. 6 6.. H Ho ow w w wa as s t th he e t tr ra an ns siit tiio on n f fr ro om m t th he ea at tr re e t to o f fiillm m a an nd d T TV V? ? I think the biggest part of transitioning from theater to film was learning that with film, there’s a camera inches away from your face, and so you don’t have to play to the person sitting in the back row. Nor do you have to project (your voice). Film acting is much more contained and subtle than theater acting — it’s thought-based. The camera can see you thinking a specific thought just from an eye movement or a muscle twitch. 7 7.. S So o s sp pe ea ak kiin ng g o on n T TV V,, y yo ou u m ma ak kiin ng g y yo ou ur r c co om me eb ba ac ck k o on n N Ne et tf flliix x''s s a aw wa ar rd d w wiin nn niin ng g s sh ho ow w B Bllo oo od dlliin ne e w wiit th h y yo ou ur r c ch ha ar ra ac ct te er r,, N No olla an n R Ra ay yb bu ur rn n,, p pu ut tt tiin ng g t th he e t tw wiis st t o on n lla as st t s se ea as so on n - - h ho ow w d diid d y yo ou u p pr re ep pa ar re e f fo or r w wh ha at t s se ee em ms s lliik ke e a a c co om mp plle ex x c ch ha ar ra ac ct te er r? ? I watched a lot of Bloodline Season 1 to prepare for Nolan. One of the most important things to the show, and to really any character, is backstory, and living your character’s backstory as the actor — creating the memories that that character would have. The thing about Bloodline, though, is that a lot of the time, you don’t know that backstory, because the KZK team writes the show as we shoot. So a lot of times, they don’t even know. Some of Nolan’s history had to be stuff I made up for myself until those parts of his life were filled in, which they were as the show progressed. And the parts of the Nolan’s history I didn’t know for sure had to be played a little on the safe side, which fortunately just works for the tone of the show — I feel like all the characters are, to greater or lesser degrees, guarded. Nolan especially. But in creating that backstory, I watched a lot of Season 1 just to see Danny (Ben Mendelsohn), imagining what having him for a father would have been like. 8 8.. W Wh ha at t d dr ra aw w y yo ou u t th hiis s c ch ha ar ra ac ct te er r iin n t th he e f fiir rs st t p plla ac ce e? ? Nolan kind of came to me as a result of the character I played in Season 1 — the flashback self of Danny. We had just finished my filming for Season 1 when I got a call from the casting director asking me to read for Nolan. I did, and got the job. I was amazed, and I still amW As I learned about the character I was playing, I couldn’t have been happier. He’s a really vulnerable guy who wears a lot of armor, and that’s a cool character to play. 9 9.. D Do o y yo ou u s se ee ek k f fo or r a an ny yt th hiin ng g iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r a at t t th he e t tiim me e o of f p plla ay yiin ng g a a r ro olle e? ? That depends on the role. With Nolan, it was just watching the show a lot, as I said, not just for creating Nolan’s history, but also to pick up some of the physical and vocal things Ben Mendelsohn does as Danny. The way Danny smokes, says certain things, etc., became important in figuring out what Nolan was like — giving him that little touch of Danny that haunts the rest of the Rayburn family. 1 1 0 0.. IIn n t th he e a af ft te er rm ma at th h o of f B Bllo oo od dlliin ne e,, y yo ou ur r T TV V f fa at th he er r g ge et t m mu ur rd de er re ed d,, c ca an n w we e e ex xp pe ec ct t a a v ve en ng ge ef fu ull s so on n c ca au us siin ng g s so om me e t tr ro ou ub blle es s? ? W Wiit th ho ou ut t p pu ut tt tiin ng g y yo ou ur rs se ellf f iin n a a r riis sk ky y s sp po ot t - - h ho ow w w wo ou ulld d y yo ou u a af ff fe ec ct t t th he e s st ta ab biilliit ty y o of f t th he e s se er riie es s? ? I don’t know if I would call Nolan vengeful just yetW but he certainly wants to figure out the truth about the Rayburns. He’s a layered character; he has a past. As season 2 progresses, we find out more and more about both Nolan and Danny. 1 11 1 .. W Wh ha at t e ells se e iis s h ha ap pp pe en niin ng g n ne ex xt t iin n O Ow we en n T Te ea ag gu ue e''s s w wo or rlld d? ? Of course everyone on Bloodline is hoping for a Season 3. Other than that, I’m excited for Cell to come out at some point, a film I did with John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson, based on the Stephen King book. I’m also excited to be going to Los Angeles and London for classes this summer.

Working on two Netflix series in one year is the best kind of busy, especially when they are the most talked about at the water cooler. It’s one thing to watch these shows but it’s another thing to truly see them. Cinematographer Martin Ahlgren may not be a household name yet but his works have infiltrated your laptop screens for hours at a time on quiet Friday nights in the form of Daredevil (season 2) and House of Cards (season 3). Ahlgren, whose other credits include hits Blindspot(pilot) and Starz seriesPower, opens up about working his way up the studio ladder from low budget lover to the mega­budget of the Marvel Universe. Exactly how do you follow up on that hallway scene in Daredevil season 1? Y Yo ou u w we er re e b bo or rn n iin n S Sw we ed de en n,, c co or rr re ec ct t? ? H Ho ow w d do oe es s iit ts s f fiillm m iin nd du us st tr ry y c co om mp pa ar re e t to o t th he e U Un niit te ed d S St ta at te es s’’? ? Yes! I was born in Sweden. It has a healthy amount of 20 features being made a year. Of course, the scale is much smaller. It usually co-productions with different countries. There are different ways of financing in Europe considering countries are smaller.Take the European version of The Bridge for instance. It was shared between Denmark and Sweden. You’d get days filmed in one country and other days shot in the other country. E Ev ve er ry yb bo od dy y iin n e en nt te er rt ta aiin nm me en nt t h ha as s a a u un niiq qu ue e s st to or ry y iin n b br re ea ak kiin ng g iin nt to o t th he e b bu us siin ne es ss s.. D Diid d y yo ou u a allw wa ay ys s w wa an nt t t to o b be e a a c ciin ne em ma at to og gr ra ap ph he er r? ? W We er re e y yo ou ur r iin ns st tiin nc ct ts s iin nn na at te e o or r w wa as s t th hiis s a a c cr ra af ft t y yo ou u r re ea alliiz ze ed d y yo ou u llo ov ve ed d o ov ve er r t tiim me e? ? When I started off in filmmaking I wasn’t really aware of the responsibilities of a cinematographer. When I was a teenager I made short films in Sweden and starting to feel like it was something I enjoyed but really from the standpoint as a director. I went to film school in Sweden and did shorts there, one in which I traveled to festivals. I always had an interest in the visuals for sure. I ended up applying for the School of Visual Arts in New York. When I came here I figured, ‘Ok, if I’m going to spend this money on tuition I better learn something very tangible like cinematography.” I saw it as a craft compared to a director, which I couldn’t get a full grasp of. Everything I enjoyed as a director I saw as a cinematographer from the visual aspect. Y Yo ou u h ha av ve e a a v ve er ry y u un niiq qu ue e f fiillm mo og gr ra ap ph hy y w wiit th h g gr re ea at t r ra an ng ge e.. IIt t iin nc cllu ud de es s m mu us siic c v viid de eo os s lliik ke e “ “P Po ow we er r” ” b by y K Ka an ny ye e W We es st t a an nd d “ “R Ra aiin n F Fa allll D Do ow wn n” ” b by y T Th he e R Ro olllliin ng g S St to on ne es s,, w wiit th h e ev ve en n a an no ot th he er r K Ka an ny ye e c co olllla ab bo or ra at tiio on n iin n t th he e w wo or rk ks s.. W Wh he et th he er r iit t’’s s t te elle ev viis siio on n o or r m mu us siic c v viid de eo os s,, d do o y yo ou u h ha av ve e a a d diif ff fe er re en nt t a ap pp pr ro oa ac ch h w wiit th h e ea ac ch h p pr ro ojje ec ct t? ? As a creative person I certainly want every project to be something new and challenging and out of my comfort zone. I’m forced to grow as a filmmaker. I intentionally choose projects that are different from each other. There are different schools of thought for this. People know that if they’re a cinematographer there’s a certain style they like to work in. Directors like a certain story they like to tell. For me, I always felt the interesting things come from new ideas. I don’t want just one style I’m known for. Y Yo ou u c ca am me e iin n o on n D Da ar re ed de ev viill f fo or r iit ts s s se ec co on nd d s se ea as so on n.. W Wh ha at t a ar re e t th he e c ch ha alllle en ng ge es s iin n jju um mp piin ng g iin n o on n a a s sh ho ow w k kn no ow wn n f fo or r iit ts s r re em ma ar rk ka ab blle e c ciin ne em ma at to og gr ra ap ph hy y iin n t th he e f fiir rs st t s se ea as so on n? ? H Ho ow w d do o y yo ou u b ba alla an nc ce e a ad dd diin ng g y yo ou ur r o ow wn n s st ty ylle e w wh hiille e s st ta ay yiin ng g f fa aiit th hf fu ull t to o iit ts s e es st ta ab blliis sh he ed d llo oo ok k? ? This was the second time I came in on a show where it wasn’t the first season and with a style established. What you want to do is true to and honor those who worked before you. You can’t depart from it dramatically. But then again, your aesthetics will always be imparted on the series. It’s impossible to replicate, but shows can grow over the course of several seasons. There’s such a great following in the Marvel universe that I hope I don’t disappoint with season two. It’s maybe slightly different than season one. Even the showrunners wanted the show to evolve from the first season and you’ll see that. W Wiit th ho ou ut t s sp po oiilliin ng g a an ny yt th hiin ng g,, c ca an n w we e e ex xp pe ec ct t a an ny y iic co on niic c s sh ho ot ts s f fo or r t th hiis s c cu ur rr re en nt t s se ea as so on n? ? E Ev ve er ry yb bo od dy y t ta allk ke ed d a ab bo ou ut t t th he e h ha allllw wa ay y s sc ce en ne e iin n e ep piis so od de e “ “C Cu ut tm ma an n” ” f fr ro om m s se ea as so on n 1 1 .. H Ho ow w d do o y yo ou u f fo ollllo ow w u up p o on n t th ha at t? ? If you give anything away Marvel has snipers around you! Step out the door and you’ll get wacked before you know it. Coming from House of Cards last year to Daredevil this past year was a complete 180 degree turn. On House of Cards we create drama and tension with scenes that are dialogue- driven and a lot of the energy is in making that as dynamic and interesting as possible. You do that on Daredevil as well but you have huge action and stunt sequences that are time consuming. You balance that, like, with House of Cards you average about 6 pages a day and it stays consistent. Daredevil may have roughly the same shooting pace with 9 or 10 pages of dialogue, then another day we’re just shooting action scenes. It’s a different approach and I enjoyed it, and it gave me my share of shooting on rooftops and dark alleys at night. W Wh ha at t w wa as s y yo ou ur r f fa av vo or riit te e s sh ho ot t o on n H Ho ou us se e o of f C Ca ar rd ds s? ? There are a lot of scenes I feel fondly about. I really like the candlelit dinner scene in episode 3 because it was something I’ve always wanted to try it. It was fun seeing it executed big. Sometimes, it’s the small scenes you spend a lot of time thinking about. There’s a car scene at the end of season 3. We’re in a car and – not to say too much about it for anyone who hasn’t seen it – it’s many, many, many minutes of just a man in the driver’s seat and a woman sitting in the back of the van. Things like that are a real challenge. You read it on the page and there’s no light on the streets. They’re navigating dim lit roads and they’re locked in their positions. You ask yourself, “How do we make this watchable for 15 pages?” But that becomes your big challenge. You could be shooting a big fight scene in a stadium or something. Instead, you get something small like this and have to make it look good with almost no lighting and little blocking. We shot it on one of our last days in the schedule. It was something I worried about but it worked out in the end! We created the tension and the mood we wanted. It was satisfying. W Wh he en n iit t c co om me es s t to o a ad dv viic ce e f fo or r f fiillm mm ma ak ke er rs s w we e a allw wa ay ys s h he ea ar r t tiip ps s f fo or r w wr riit te er rs s a an nd d d diir re ec ct to or rs s a an nd d p pr ro od du uc ce er rs s.. H Ho ow w a ab bo ou ut t c ciin ne em ma at to og gr ra ap ph he er rs s? ? T Th he e d diig giit ta all m me ed diiu um m iis s s se et tt tiin ng g a a p pr re ec ce ed de en nt t f fo or r q qu ua alliit ty y c co on nt te en nt t.. The most important thing is the practice of cinematography. You get work by showing work. You’re shooting short films, student films, anything you can get your hands on. At the same time you must pick projects where you feel like you’re actually doing something creative. There’ll be opportunities where you’re running around with a digital camera and shooting but are not actually practicing your lighting skills. Practice working with actors and breaking down scenes. It’ll help you pay rent but won’t necessarily lead you to where you want to go. It won’t pay the first few years but you’ll get practice. It can get valuable to work on big film sets in other capacities like an electrician, camera assistant, and such. I never did that so I missed out on that experience. But it’s valuable to see how others do it. Your purpose it to take something away from it and do it yourself. You never learn it by not actually doing it yourself. You can watch a cinematographer do these amazing things but you won’t learn unless you apply it. Try it on a smaller scale even. You’re there to steal ideas and then form your own ideas. Working on television for so many years, I see people moving up this way. You work with people you learn to trust over time and they get these opportunities they otherwise wouldn’t. A loader can find work as a 2nd AC. When the next season comes around they could get a full time job. If multiple cameras are added they might be the 1st AC. It’s not a quick route but a good one. You develop a professional mind set. I was impatient so I didn’t get that experience. But there are different routes. I did short films, super low budget music videos, and stuff like that. W Wh ho o w wo ou ulld d y yo ou u e en njjo oy y w wo or rk kiin ng g w wiit th h iin n t th he e f fu ut tu ur re e? ? Christopher Nolan and Spike Jonze are directors I’d like to work with. What Innaritu and Alfonso Cuaron are doing is some of the most amazing things out there right now. Where can we find you on social media! I’m on Instagram at @martin_ahlgren!

Music is the transcendentalist pulse of our lives as within each passing moment there is a complexity to it. Life brings her own nuances and our reaching out or in can create some of the most opportune moments to feel the rhythm, the beat. As engineer/producer Reuben Holleban decided it was time for his own solo project, he has created a spoken story of musical language called... life. S So on ng g R Riiv ve er r:: H He ellllo o R Re eu ub be en n,, h ho ow w a ar re e d do oiin ng g c clle ea ar r a ac cr ro os ss s t th he e o oc ce ea an n? ? Reuben Holleban: Doing well. It is evening here and the cats are going a bit bonkers. S SR R:: A As s y yo ou u s se et tt tlle e iin n f fo or r a a q qu uiie et t e ev ve en niin ng g a an nd d r re ea ad diin ng g m mo or re e a ab bo ou ut t y yo ou u R Re eu ub be en n,, y yo ou u s se ee em m t to o b be e a a b ba as siic c p pe er rs so on n,, n no ot t c co om mp plliic ca at te ed d iin n y yo ou ur r n ne ee ed ds s.. L Liif fe e d do oe es sn n''t t n ne ee ed d t to o b be e c co om mp plle ex x.. RH: No it doesn't. I think value can come through normal activities, life doesn't always have to be epic. I would say though that the past six years of my life has been very much up and down. One moment, that's amazing... then....ah... life goes up and down. You learn to not take it all in, that is life. S SR R:: IIn n o or rd de er r t to o w wr riit te e,, d do o t th he es se e e ex xp pe er riie en nc ce es s h ha av ve e t to o c co om me e? ? RH: No, not at all. We have the beautiful observation of life and stories and not have to suffer in order to connect art, music, poetry. There are enough things common in people. You can have an essay on the way you projected your suffering, you hear about their suffering, you can relate. I feel in the so called western world it pales in comparison to other times and other places, not to say we don't run into things, but art doesn’t have to be dictated by such. S SR R:: A As s y yo ou u s st te ep p o ou ut t iin nt to o t th he e w wo or rlld d a as s a a m mu us siic ciia an n d do o y yo ou u f fe ee ell iit t iis s iim mp po or rt ta an nt t t to o k ke ee ep p y yo ou ur r p pr riiv va ac cy y? ? RH: I don’t think my music lends itself so much to that

invasion. I think there is a certain level of respect for music. It isn’t like the Kardashians, it's not an interest to me to make my lifestyle so out there. Where I live is not that intriguing. S SR R:: IIt t s se ee em ms s w we e a ar re e a allw wa ay ys s llo oo ok kiin ng g t to o iid de en nt tiif fy y w wiit th h o or r b be e a a p pa ar rt t o of f s so om me et th hiin ng g.. RH: It certainly is possible. I think there is a locked in British and even European character that comes into play. Britain more so, as we are an island. I think that is a certain character of patriotism. Everyone can choose to be a part of it. S SR R:: Y Yo ou ur r u up pb br riin ng giin ng g,, h ho ow w m mu uc ch h o of f a an n iin nf fllu ue en nc ce e w wa as s t th ha at t? ? RH: I think there were things as a child that you might not have found very endearing, but when you look back at it, it gives you a very strong sense of ethics. With my family, we fostered many, many different children while I was growing up. In a four bedroom house, my brother and I shared with three or four other children. That sort of burden that gets put on a family gives you a different view of the world. I am very happy with the morality I had gotten from it. S SR R:: C Co ou ulld d y yo ou ur r p ph hr ra as se e t th he e m mo or ra alliit ty y t th ha at t y yo ou u w we er re e g giiv ve en n? ? RH: I think it has to adapt, it can't be locked down succinctly. S SR R:: A As s II lliis st te en n t to o y yo ou ur r a allb bu um m,, T Te er rm miin na all N No os st ta allg giia a,, iit t s se ee em ms s t to o h ha av ve e s so om me et th hiin ng g t th he er re e t th ha at t y yo ou u b be elliie ev ve e iin n a as s c ce er rt ta aiin n.. RH: Possibly. The album wasn’t an intent to preach, but more of an assessment. Many social stories and only one love song. Multiple opinions on these events, to have personal discussions, there are so many gray areas on everything we are in.

S SR R:: D De ee ep p t th hiin nk ke er rs s a an nd d d de ee ep p o ob bs se er rv ve er rs s c ce er rt ta aiin nlly y d do on n''t t s se ee e t th he e w wo or rlld d iin n b blla ac ck k a an nd d w wh hiit te e.. H Ho ow w h ha as s t th he e t tr ra an ns siit tiio on n b be ee en n f fo or r y yo ou u f fr ro om m r re ec co or rd diin ng g e en ng giin ne ee er r a an nd d s st te ep pp piin ng g o ou ut t t to o d do o t th hiis s s so ollo o m mu us siic c p pr ro ojje ec ct t? ? RH: There was some undermining negativity coming from people. Some groups were like no your engineer stay there, be a producer... whereas other people were like great go for it. I had to meet it all somewhere in the middle. As I have learned much in assisting other people with their projects. It was an accidental coming to doing this album of sorts, no box, no rules. S SR R:: D Do o y yo ou u f fe ee ell w wiit th h y yo ou ur r m mu us siic c y yo ou u c ca an n t to ou ur r w wiit th h iit t? ? RH: I would love to. I have this conflict. When I play my music in its correct form it's very fundamental, mediation so as I go through the processes and sit and meditate on stage either on my own or with other musicians it is quite scary. I find myself afraid of the idea but I am thrilled too. I think what I want to do is make it an invitation and not a performance as I do this. S SR R:: T Th he e p pe er rc cu us ss siio on n b biit ts s w wiit th hiin n t th he e a allb bu um m r re em miin nd d m me e o of f iin nf fllu ue en nc ce es s f fr ro om m A Af fr riic ca a.. RH: I think there are many influences, but I do spend a bit of time listening to African music, along with South Asia, Thai, etc... world music, which is a terrible term I think, but even on one of the tracks there is a bit of reggae. I think most of it is subconsciously brought forth. I like the percussion to be a bit of jarring at times. S SR R:: H Ho ow w w wa as s iit t w wo or rk kiin ng g w wiit th h E Em mm ma a R Ro oz za an ns sk kii o on n c cr re ea at tiin ng g y yo ou ur r v viid de eo o f fo or r t th he e s so on ng g,, “ “F Fa ac ce es s” ”? ? RH: I told her if she wanted to make a piece of art and interpret on the “Faces” song she could and she did beautifully. Her interpenetration was completely different from mine. S SR R:: H Ho ow w a ab bo ou ut t t th he e s so on ng g “ “C Co om mm mo on n T Ta ab blle e? ?” ” RH: The video is actually a little bit more related to the song itself. The Aristotle, I am not that well read just know a few things about him, but he believed we would all be better as people if we held dinner together. The most common thing we all share is that we will all die, that is beyond anything else in the world. It is the thing we have the most common thing over in religion and are afraid of. In this song, it is about all of us meeting up in the afterlife. That doesn’t deny divinity, I thought there was no better way than to round off a collection of stories. S SR R:: W Wh ho o w wo ou ulld d y yo ou u lliik ke e t to o s siit t d do ow wn n w wiit th h a at t t th ha at t c co om mm mu un na all t ta ab blle e? ? RH: Rather flippant I said to someone else recently I'd like to sit down with Winnie the Pooh and all his friends. (laughed) I think sticking to the point, after we've gone there is not the time to not be with anyone. I wouldn’t want to restrict anyone. S SR R:: T Th he er re e iis s a allw wa ay ys s s so om me et th hiin ng g t to o lle ea ar rn n f fr ro om m s so om me eb bo od dy y.. W Wh ho o c cr re ea at te ed d t th he e b biit ts s o of f a ar rt tw wo or rk k y yo ou u h ha av ve e u us se ed d w wiit th h t th he e m mu us siic c a an nd d p pr re es se en nt ta at tiio on n? ? RH: That was my former partner. She was there through all of this creation. Her work all fits so well with what was created. S SR R:: A Ar re e y yo ou u t tw wo o s st tiillll f fr riie en nd ds s? ? RH: At a distance, yes. S SR R:: A As s t th he es se e lla as st t s siix x y ye ea ar rs s h ha av ve e lle ed d y yo ou u t to o t th hiis s m mo om me en nt t,, R Re eu ub be en n,, w wh he er re e d do o y yo ou u w wa an nt t t to o g go o? ? RH: There are several roads I am curious about. Living in contentment, fulfillment in music. I love working with wood, and maybe learning to ride a fast motorbike. Maybe being somewhat better in meeting someone in the first ten seconds. There's a very vast difference even in language... yet we speak the same language. There is a lot to learn.

C Ca an n y yo ou u t ta allk k t to o u us s m mo or re e a ab bo ou ut t y yo ou ur r s siin ng glle e " "D Dr riif ft t" "? ? "Drift" was one of of the songs on the album that we knew would be very divisive within our fanbase. The mode the song is written in is very peculiar, and we've only used this mode one other time for a song called "Efflorescent" that was on our first album, "Impulse". The song isn't designed to appease the average person's ear like a lot of our melodies are. It is more of an experimental route. It's a song that you have to let grow on you, and that's why we love it and that's why we released it as a single. We always play it so safe, and this was our way of announcing that on this album, you're going to hear us stirring the pot a bit. D Diid d a an ny y e ev ve en nt t iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r iin ns sp piir re ed d y yo ou u t to o w wr riit te e t th hiis s s so on ng g? ? No, definitely not. Despite the song reading like an account of an acid trip, its message is actually much more open. It's a song that encourages a healthy amount of idealistic perspective. Singing about bursts of colors and drifting and tripping just felt like an appropriate way of portraying that message because that is just how we felt when we listened to the song instrumentally. Having never done acid before, I listened to the song thinking, "this just sounds like how I would imagine an acid trip feeling." It just sounds loopy. Loopy is an appropriate word I think. I listen to it and feel like I'm losing my mind in a beautiful way, so it makes sense that JT and I would implement lyrics about a psychedelic high. W Wh hy y n na am miin ng g t th he e r re ec co or rd d a af ft te er r t th hiis s t tr ra ac ck k iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r? ? It's actually the other way around. The song was originally called "Hyperreality". We knew we wanted to name the album "Drift" before we named the song. I by no means believe that this particular song is the one that fully culminates the message of the album as a whole. If anything, I'd actually say it does that the least of all of them. The song just culminated that feeling of drifting more than the others. It just felt right to give it that title. A An ny y p plla an ns s t to o r re elle ea as se e a a v viid de eo o f fo or r o on ne e o of f t th he e s siin ng glle es s? ? The first music video is for the song Irreversible, which is the heaviest song on the album in our opinion. It was shot by Aaron Marsh, who did the artwork for all of our albums, including "Drift", and he shot our music videos for "Warrior" and "Hybrid Earth". This is my favorite video of the 3 he's done for us. It turned out really cool. It's pretty simple, but the aesthetic of it is so great, and he shot 100% of the b-roll footage you see in the video (which is fascinating to look at). H Ho ow w w wa as s t th he e r re ec co or rd diin ng g a an nd d w wr riit tiin ng g p pr ro oc ce es ss s? ? The writing process was actually completely fluid and fun, which I believe is why the composition turned out so well. I've been learning how to relax more this year and just write because it's fun again, and not because I feel like I have to. "Impulse" was written by a group of young guys who wrote music because it was the most fun thing we had ever done. After garnering some attention and beginning to work on "Augment", there was a bit more pressure because for the first time, we had fans that we didn't want to let down. Fast forward 6 months later and we've lost 2 original members, so I'm left with the task of writing alone, and I honestly don't believe I was up for it just yet. It was more intimidating than I liked to lead on, and I was fearful of criticism. With writing "Drift" last year, I learned a valuable lesson which is to not get too wrapped up in the negative opinions that inevitably will happen. I basically just said to myself "I'm going to write a record that I like, that I know is good, and as long as I know it's good, I won't be so stressed when I see people feeling otherwise." If you apply the opinions of others too heavily, it really mixes your brain up and hurts the way you create. You stop creating for yourself and feel like you're creating strictly to please everyone, which is impossible, and certainly takes the fun out of a "job" that is meant to first and foremost be enjoyable. The recording process was obviously more stressful because we unfortunately ran into issues with Ian's voice in the studio. We held on for as long as we could and tried to it work around the recording timeline, but it was a severe enough situation that we felt that gut feeling that we would have to replace Ian before we even left the studio. It just sucks to be recording an album and feeling excited together, and then as quick as 9 days, you're having to kick out one of your best friends. It was really hard to do that. It was actually awful. Lots of tears and burrowed emotions surfaced during that time period. We feel that what came from that was really great though. I called JT and asked if he could join our band and he gave a very enthusiastic confirmation. JT and I went back to the studio 2 months after we let Ian go and finished up all of his vocals for the album in 6 days. He blew through it despite having bronchitis. It was very impressive.

W Wh ha at t w wa as s iit t lliik ke e t to o w wo or rk k w wiit th h N Niic ck k S Sa am mp ps so on n a an nd d h ho ow w d diid d t th ha at t r re ella at tiio on ns sh hiip p d de ev ve ello op p? ? Working with Nick is fantastic. He is the smoothest guy to track an album with. We rarely ever butted heads which is a hard thing to accomplish when spending that much time together working on a record. We didn't know Nick previously. He was just recommended highly by some friends of ours who knew him or had recorded with him, so we took a chance. Definitely one of my favorite guys I've come to know through playing music. H Ho ow w m mu uc ch h d diid d h he e g ge et t t to o iin nf fllu ue en nc ce e t th he e a allb bu um m? ? He usually plays a huge part in the composition/production process with the bands he records, but I have a producer mentality myself, so I came into the studio super prepared with everything finished instrumentally and ready to track. The biggest influence he had in the production was arrangement and phrasing of my singing. I don't know theory so I'm bad about sometimes writing melodies over music that falls into a different time signature, or one note sung that's in a slightly awkward spot. Sometimes it works out, but other times it just needs a little meticulous tweaking. Most of Nick's influence was in the meticulous details, which any good musician knows is a vital part of the process if you want a truly impressive composition. I definitely trusted his input. W Wiit th h a a n ne ew w v vo oc ca alliis st t o on n b bo oa ar rd d - - b be es siid de es s t th he e v vo oc ca alls s,, o of f c co ou ur rs se e,, d diid d y yo ou u h ha ad d t to o m ma ak ke e a an ny y o ot th he er r c ch ha an ng ge es s t to o t th he e s so ou un nd d? ? With the exception of screams, the album was totally finished whenever we brought JT into the band to perform on the album. So no, the sound wasn't altered at all. I'm excited to see what kind of new dynamic we can incorporate into the next album though. I discovered in the studio that JT had a great singing voice and was able to "pitch-scream," so I think fans can expect to hear that incorporated a bit into the next album. T Th he e a allb bu um m s se ee e y yo ou u a ad dd diin ng g s so om me e A Allt te er rn na at tiiv ve e a an nd d IIn nd diie e t to o y yo ou ur r s so ou un nd d,, s so o t to o s sp pe ea ak k,, h ho ow w d diid d t th ha at t c co om me e a ab bo ou ut t? ? I think that was honestly just a natural progression of my influences and tastes. I didn't really think too much about what to add while writing the album. I just wrote. I would agree that it turned out to be softer and have a lot more clean singing and slower tempos than our previous work though. It wasn't something that was contemplated too heavily. I think it's just a part of our band that was always inevitably going to grow more prominent as we grew older and more comfortable with trying new things. D Do oe es s A Alla ab ba am ma a''s s s sc ce en ne e a an nd d c cu ullt tu ur re e p plla ay ys s a a r ro olle e iin n y yo ou ur r m mu us siic c? ? Definitely not. There aren't bands that sound like us around our hometown. Birmingham unfortunately isn't the strongest music scene for our genre right now. We've only played 3 home shows over the last 3 years, but the scene that is here is very supportive. It's always special playing at home regardless of the condition of the scene or its venues. W Wh ha at t r re ea all e em mo ot tiio on ns s g ge et t t to o iin ns sp piir re e t th he e lly yr riic cs s o on n t th hiis s r re ec co or rd d? ? The same ones that you or anyone else feel. A sense of relatability was a crucial piece of the lyrics and even the way the music sounds. Most of the names of the songs were named based on how that song made me feel, and the lyrics were based heavily around that feeling. For me, the album's main role ended up being to evoke real emotion. I know the songs so well now that they don't hit me quite as hard as they did while in their early stages, but I still hear them sometimes and feel that they still connect strongly. Hopefully that feeling remaining present indicates a sign of an album with sustainable replay value. W Wiillll y yo ou u b be e t to ou ur riin ng g t th hr ro ou ug gh ho ou ut t t th he e y ye ea ar r? ? Yes we are completely booked for the rest of the year. A couple of the tours have not been announced yet, but they are going to be awesome. W Wh ha at t e ells se e iis s h ha ap pp pe en niin ng g n ne ex xt t iin n E Er rr ra a''s s w wo or rlld d? ? Touring and writing new music. Over and over again. We're excited about it.

1 1 .. C Ca an n y yo ou u t ta allk k t to o u us s m mo or re e a ab bo ou ut t y yo ou ur r lla at te es st t s siin ng glle e " "J Ja ac ck kp po ot t" "? ? It's pretty wild to see how one song can change your whole career. Writing this song with Hello Moth was just a casual day in my living room. We weren't focused on anything specifically with the song, we just wanted to enjoy the process of making something together and I think you can really feel that energy in the song. 2 2.. D Diid d a an ny y e ev ve en nt t iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r iin ns sp piir re ed d y yo ou u t to o w wr riit te e t th hiis s s so on ng g? ? Oh you know.. It all starts with some dude that's pissing me off. Haha. But in the end this song taught me so much more than that. I'm starting to believe that happiness is based on perspective and this song is a continual reminder of that for me every time I get to sing it. 3 3.. H Ho ow w w wa as s t th he e f fiillm m e ex xp pe er riie en nc ce e? ? Omg. I didn't want to leave set!! Sometimes making music can be really isolating and lonely. A lot of the process for me is spent in my head. So being surrounded with this huge crew and getting to make something beautiful with a bunch of beautiful people was a real treat. We laughed. A lot. 4 4.. H Ho ow w w wa as s t th he e r re ec co or rd diin ng g a an nd d w wr riit tiin ng g p pr ro oc ce es ss s? ? Recording is such a sacred thing for me. It's been a long journey of trying to feel as strong in the booth as I do on stage. I used to take literally any job I could find if it meant I was working in a studio. It's really cool to finally be at a place where I only record songs I really, really love. I am so excited about this EP. 5 5.. II c ca an n h he ea ar r s so om me e M Me ella an niie e R Ro od dr riig gu ue ez z a an nd d L Lo or rd de e''s s v viib be e iin n y yo ou ur r m mu us siic c - - h ha av ve e a an ny y o of f t th he em m c co on ns sc ciio ou us slly y - -o or r u un nc co on ns sc ciio ou us slly y- - h ha av ve e iin nf fllu ue en nc ce e y yo ou ur r m mu us siic c? ? I'll have to check out Melanie!! Obviously everyone on planet earth is a Lorde fan I hope! She is such a little alien. I can't wait to see what she does next. Inspiration has come from her as well as so many other artists for me. It's cool to see how things rub off. 6 6.. Y Yo ou u a ar re e a alls so o k kn no ow wn n f fo or r w wr riit tiin ng g f fo or r o ot th he er r p pe eo op plle e - - d do o y yo ou u t ta ak ke e a a d diif ff fe er re en nt t a ap pp pr ro oa ac ch h w wh he en n y yo ou u w wr riit te e f fo or r s so om me eo on ne e e ells se e r ra at th he er r t th ha an n w wh he en n y yo ou u w wr riit te e f fo or r y yo ou ur r o ow wn n m mu us siic ca all p pr ro ojje ec ct t? ? It's such a different world!! When I write a song for my project I try to immerse myself in my own experience. Writing for other people or projects is fun because I get to pretend for a while; escape almost. I love to have both in my world though. They allow such different perspectives. 7 7.. H Ho ow w''s s y yo ou ur r n ne ew w E EP P c co om miin ng g a allo on ng g? ? Oh dude. I have never been so proud of anything in my life. My first two albums were shelved and I never got to share them. Now all of that makes sense.. Everything feels so right. It's such an exhilarating and terrifying time. 8 8.. A An ny y t te en nt ta at tiiv ve e r re elle ea as se e d da at te e o or r t tiit tlle e iin n m miin nd d? ? We are hoping for the next few months but we will see what happens with “Jackpot” in America:):):). 9 9.. W Wo ou ulld d y yo ou u c ca allll t th hiis s n ne ew w m ma at te er riia all a a f fo ollllo ow w u up p o or r d de ep pa ar rt tu ur re e o of f e ev ve er ry yt th hiin ng g y yo ou u h ha av ve e d do on ne e t tiillll t th hiis s p po oiin nt t? ? I think everything is a follow up. I don't think you can have a true departure without taking some of it with you. I have dabbled in so many genres and bands and songs.. I hope this is what really makes me. All of the twists and turns in the road have brought me to this sound and I am proud of all of it. (Even the terribly old and embarrassing stuff). 1 1 0 0.. A An ny y p plla an ns s t to o h hiit t t th he e r ro oa ad d? ? Oh man. I would like to spend the next 2 or 3 years on the road. We have actually been on a radio tour in America for the last few months and I am so ready for more. 1 11 1 .. W Wh ha at t e ells se e iis s h ha ap pp pe en niin ng g n ne ex xt t iin n J Jo oc ce elly yn n A Alliic ce e''s s w wo or rlld d? ? My whole world revolves around “Jackpot”, the new EP and some shows we have coming up this summer. Oh. And loads of writing. Always, always writing a new song over here.

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1 1 .. H Ho ow w d diid d y yo ou ur r llo ov ve e f fo or r a ac ct tiin ng g b be eg giin n? ? When I was ten years old, I remember my parents enrolling me in a creative drama class on Saturday mornings. I have no idea why they thought it would be a good idea but I recall that it was kind of a blast. Lots of improv and make believe in my school gym with other kids, mostly girls I recall. It must have been planted then for some reason. 2 2.. W Wo ou ulld d y yo ou u s sa ay y y yo ou u g ge et t t to o s st tu ud dy y m me ed diic ciin ne e a as s a a w wa ay y t to o p plle ea as se e y yo ou ur r f fa am miilly y o or r y yo ou u a allw wa ay ys s w wa an nt te ed d t to o b be e a a d do oc ct to or r? ? I came from a family of doctors. My father was a neurosurgeon, his father was a doctor, I have an uncle who was a doctor, two cousins who were doctors and one of my younger sisters became a doctor. Growing up as an Indian kid in Saskatoon Saskatchewan, I assumed I’d become a doctor like my father and a career in the arts didn’t really make “sense” to me. After all, growing up here, I didn’t see brown people in movies or TV back then. But when I went to university I recall not really knowing what to major in other than signing up to do pre-med, which I always assumed I’d be doing, (which isn’t medicine, but is a heavy sciences load), and I stumbled upon a section in the college catalog on the drama program. So I signed up for both. Just one of those half-baked decisions you make that turn your life 180 degrees. 3 3.. H Ho ow w w wa as s t th he e t tr ra an ns siit tiio on n f fr ro om m p pr re e- -m me ed diic ciin ne e t to o a ac ct tiin ng g? ? To be honest, I never thought of myself as going into acting per se. I just didn’t want to apply for medical school and wanted to study other things, like Shakespeare and Greek and Roman mythology and American literature before specializing in anything, especially medicine. I thought I might apply to medical school eventually, but as I got more into studying theatre as well as performing in university shows, I transferred to the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis because they just had one of the best theatre programs in the US and also one of the most active theatre cities compared to where I grew up. I could see a play a week if I wanted to and I did while I was in school. In fact, the first play I saw there was Peter Brook’s production of The Ik, which was touring the US. Peter Brook remains one of the most important and influential theatre directors in the world and to get to see his work as a junior in university coming from a small city in Canada likely triggered the dream to make a career of this. But I was still not specializing, particularly in acting. I studied directing, design, playwriting but also American novels from one of the foremost scholars at the time who was a professor emeritus at the U of M. I studied humanities. I just liked learning and loved university for that. I took a course on Ingmar Bergman, which probably triggered my desire to go to film school. Asking me this question makes me realize that while I work as an actor, that refusal to specialize remains and yes I work in the arts, but if I had a choice I’d call myself a professional storyteller because acting, directing, writing—it’s all the same job: storytelling. And it actually uses all those skills I studied. In fact I didn’t really study acting in drama school, other than technical things like voice—huge impact on me—and oral interpretation, but things like scene study I approached from taking it as a director. In fact, being an actor wasn’t my ambition, it’s just been much of what I’ve ended up doing as a dramatic artist. 4 4.. B Be eiin ng g f fr ro om m IIn nd diia a,, w wh ha at t iin nd du us st tr ry y h ha as s iin nf fllu ue en nc ce ed d y yo ou u t th he e m mo os st t:: H Ho olllly yw wo oo od d o or r B Bo olllly yw wo oo od d? ? Hollywood. Again because I grew up here AND my family comes from a South Indian culture that isn’t reflected in Bollywood, I never grew up with Bollywood. I grew up with Hollywood. I remember going to the Broadway cinema a few blocks from my house as a little kid on Saturday afternoons to see movies. But when I was eleven, my parents took me to the University Film Society where they were screening an Indian art film and that was the first time I saw a brown person on screen. That blew me away because I realized that all those movies I’d seen with my friends at the Broadway I hadn’t been able to project myself into, but they had because they saw themselves on screen. So I think the seed for deciding to do this was really planted then because I just didn’t want to be invisible. And I felt that way going to the movies after that: invisible. Until I started being in them. 5 5.. W Wiit th h o ov ve er r 8 80 0 f fiillm m a an nd d T TV V c cr re ed diit ts s,, w wh ha at t h ha av ve e y yo ou u lle ea ar rn ne ed d f fr ro om m t th he es se e e ex xp pe er riie en nc ce es s? ? A An ny yt th hiin ng g iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r t th ha at t y yo ou u a ar re e p pu ut tt tiin ng g iin n a ac ct tiio on n o on n y yo ou ur r c ca ar re ee er r n no ow w? ? Acting, particularly in film and TV, is storytelling. It’s storytelling in front of the camera, but it’s the same job as directing, which is storytelling with the camera. Or screenwriting which is storytelling before the camera rolls. Or editing which is storytelling after the camera rolls. But it’s all the same job. Telling the truth, not being false, taking an audience to a place they can’t go on their own, those are the maxims driving the work. Regardless of the craft. I know a lot of actors, particularly those who work on stage a lot, find film and TV acting really restricting, but for me, acting for the screen exhilarates me because I now approach it as an equal to the director and the writer, (which are jobs I’ve also done professionally). And I think that makes it the collaborative process it must be. 6 6.. S So o a allll y yo ou ur r w wo or rk k h ha as s lle ea ad d y yo ou u t to o t th hiis s e ex xc ciit tiin ng g n ne ew w s se er riie es s T Th he e G Giir rllf fr riie en nd d E Ex xp pe er riie en nc ce e - - w wh ha at t w wa as s t th he e a au ud diit tiio on n p pr ro oc ce es ss s lliik ke e? ? Was it anything different from other auditions? Getting The Girlfriend Experience is my Hollywood story. I actually was called in to audition for a three-line part as a Mumbai businessman on the phone to his wife before he goes off with the escort. So I put on a cultured Indian accent and did it, and thought I’d nailed the part. But my agent called me a week later and said I hadn’t got it, but they wanted to cast me in a major recurring role, as the managing partner of the law firm where Riley’s character worked by day. He was originally written for a white actor but they were going to change the name to match my ethnicity. I was thunderstruck. Did they want me to do it with an Indian accent? Because that’s all they’d seen me do. Nope. I know that they did extensive auditions for other parts in the show, but for me, the first time I met Amy Seimetz was at my fitting, two days before my first day of filming. I don’t know what they saw because the part I auditioned for could not be more different than the role I ended up playing, but I’m eternally grateful and impressed with their ability to see through the character stuff I did and cast me as they did. That took a level of vision and guts that you don’t see often as an actor with network shows. 7 7.. W We er re e y yo ou u f fa am miilliia ar r w wiit th h t th he e f fiillm m p pr re ev viio ou us s t to o t th he e a au ud diit tiio on n? ? Only by reputation. I’m a big fan of Soderbergh’s films and can practically recite passages from Sex, Lies and Videotape. I own a copy and even have the published screenplay. But his film of The Girlfriend Experience went below my radar for some reason, so I’d only heard of it when I got cast. I didn’t even know he was involved at all with the series. 8 8.. C Ca an n y yo ou u t te ellll u us s m mo or re e a ab bo ou ut t y yo ou ur r r ro olle e o on n t th he e f fiillm m? ? I play Tariq Barr, who’s the managing partner of a major patent law firm where Riley Keogh’s character Christine interns, saddled with massive student debt. Which is one of the reasons she decides to take up escorting. Besides being higher in the firm than Paul Sparks’ character, David, we’re also friends. And given what happens in the story, I’m the one who has to manage the fallout. Any more would require a spoiler alert. 9 9.. H Ho ow w d diid d y yo ou u p pr re ep pa ar re e f fo or r t th hiis s c ch ha ar ra ac ct te er r? ? Well, given how quickly before I started filming I was cast and how little I knew about him—I only had the first script to read and I just have a brief encounter with Christine in that episode—my prep was really more about externals. I felt that if I’m playing the part of the managing partner, then that means something about that character. He’s an Indian American lawyer who has risen to a real position of prestige and status in an environment that isn’t about diversity. So I didn’t want him to be a “white guy in brown skin.” I spent a lot of time with the costume designer, Caroline Esselin, who’s a genius, talking about distinguishing him somehow. I think she really took off with that conversation and gave me clothes that while within that strict legal veneer—I mean I wear nice suits—yet there are little touches, I always wore a pocket puff, for instance—that made him more than just another lawyer. So my character’s name and ethnicity—while never part of the story—became in effect, a subtextual component, at least for me. And so wearing the clothes gave me a kind of confidence that I think this guy would have, given where he’s come from. He’d have to twice as good than the other partners to get that partnership and he knows it. And he wears it. That’s how I approached the character. 1 1 0 0.. W Wh ha at t d dr re ew w y yo ou u t to o t th hiis s r ro olle e iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r? ? B Be ey yo on nd d b be eiin ng g h ha ap pp py y t to o b be e w wo or rk kiin ng g? ? H Ha av ve e y yo ou u s se ee en n t th he e r re es st t o of f t th he e c ca as st t? ? Working with people like Paul Sparks and Mary Lynn Rajskub is worth showing up for work. I really didn’t have much that drew me because getting this came so out of the blue, but I will say that doing the part was one of the most interesting jobs I’ve had in TV. Mainly because the show is such a visual storytelling exercise. A lot of TV relies on dialogue to tell the story. You can often watch network shows with the picture off and still know what’s going on, but not this show. So much of the story isn’t in what people say to each other, but in looks and glances, in how the camera moves, what it reveals and how things are seen. This is a show you could probably watch with the sound off and still know exactly what’s going on. It’s closer to cinema. For example, in all the time I worked on the show, multiple locations, I NEVER saw a light on the set. Usually you’re tripping over lights and bounce cards and flags and trying to pretend they aren’t there so you can be truthful. But Steven, the DOP never used an artificial light! It was all available light and blocked for the camera using the light. I remember waiting to shoot a scene and watching Paul Sparks raise and lower a window blind multiple times because it had to time out with the movement of the camera. There’s all this cinematic choreography between actors, the set and the camera to make the moments. As an actor, I found that stuff thrilling. 1 11 1 .. T Th he e f fiillm m iit ts se ellf f w wa as s v ve er ry y iin nt te er re es st tiin ng g - - b be es siid de es s t th he e p pr re em miis se e,, d do oe es s t th he e s se er riie es s b bo or rr ro ow w a an ny yt th hiin ng g e ells se e f fr ro om m t th he e m mo ov viie e o or r d do oe es s iit t t te ellll a a w wh ho olle e n ne ew w s st to or ry y? ? Actually nothing beyond the premise. The film and the TV series are different stories with different characters. I think they were smart in not trying to reproduce the movie but tell a new story so it wasn’t cannibalizing what Soderbergh had done, but becomes a new volume in a collection of stories. 1 1 2 2.. W Wh ha at t e ells se e iis s h ha ap pp pe en niin ng g n ne ex xt t iin n S Su ug giit th h V Va ar ru ug gh he es se e''s s w wo or rlld d? ? I’m off to Vancouver to film a part in a pilot that I can’t tell you about yet. But if it goes to series, it will be a very high profile show and it’s exciting because it’s based on an existing property but they’ve cast me in a part that is a white character originally. It’s a chance to show that my diversity can be part of something already established and not violate the spirit of the original, kind of like what happened in The Girlfriend Experience. Exciting times for actors like me who come from diverse backgrounds and are now being used in parts that aren’t specifically written as diverse. Feels like a cultural sea change is finally happening.

H Hii L Lu uc ca as s,, w we ellc co om me e t to o V VE EN NT TS S!! H Ho ow w h ha av ve e y yo ou u b be ee en n? ? On my second bottle of wine! (So maybe doing too well) C Ca an n y yo ou u t ta allk k t to o u us s m mo or re e a ab bo ou ut t y yo ou ur r lla at te es st t s siin ng glle e “ “T Th he es se e K Kiid ds s N No ow wa ad da ay ys s? ?” ” The opening line is: “Someone’s naked, no ones listening, everything is smoke and hazeW” This is biographical and basically my every day life. D Diid d a an ny y e ev ve en nt t iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r iin ns sp piir re ed d y yo ou u t to o w wr riit te e t th hiis s s so on ng g? ? “These Kids Nowadays” came to me in a dream or maybe it was just a hallucination because it was exactly what I was feeling. Nearly all the songs I write come very fast or I drop them and don’t finish them. If a song takes longer than ten minutes to write It doesn’t get finished or released. I’m inspired by hip hop lyricism and street poetry that is an immediate stream of consciousness. T Th he e s siin ng glle e c co om me es s o of ff f y yo ou ur r n ne ew w a allb bu um m R Re ev va an nc ch hiis st t – – w wh ha at t’’s s t th he e s st to or ry y b be eh hiin nd d t th he e t tiit tlle e? ? FAULKNER bassist Dimitri Farougias introduced the title “Revanchist”. It’s from a French root word and advocates a policy of retaliation or revenge. With song titles like “Keep your enemies closer,” “All I wear is black,” and “Revolutionary” (to name a few) it is a consistent concept album including the cover art of Nouel. Every body of work we put out is under the umbrella of a story called “Axiom Chronicles.” So, “Revanchist” is chapter one of that narrative and the next chapter will be our album “Street Axioms.” H Ho ow w w wa as s t th he e r re ec co or rd diin ng g a an nd d w wr riit tiin ng g p pr ro oc ce es ss s? ? We recorded at Rick Rubin’s studio in Malibu called “Shangri La” and I did vocals in Bob Dylan’s tour bus outside. Working with RZA, (Wu Tang Clan) JP Bowersock, (The Strokes) and Mark Needham, (The Killers) was a dream come true for all of us; the energy was fast paced, etheric and seditious at times. W Wh ha at t w wa as s iit t lliik ke e t to o w wo or rk k w wiit th h R RZ ZA A a an nd d o ot th he er r b biig g p pr ro od du uc ce er rs s o on n t th hiis s a allb bu um m? ? RZA has a vast musical knowledge spanning all genres and time periods. He is able to draw on something like Wendy Rene’s “After Laughter,” Break down the esoteric traditions of Tai Djin and “bring da ruckus” on raw freestyle takes effortlessly as if they were all in symbiosis. H Ha av ve e y yo ou u lle ea ar rn ne ed d a an ny yt th hiin ng g iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r f fr ro om m a allll t th he es se e e ex xp pe er riie en nc ce es s? ? I personally learned that everyone has a right to remain

loud. If you are not fighting for your art nobody else will. There is always a new establishment so don’t worry about pissing people off. You can actually run out of time to die. Money doesn’t sleep but it does nap. Old rules are made by old people. W Wh hy y e en nt te er r t th he e s st tu ud diio o w wiit th h s so o m mu uc ch h p pr ro od du uc ce er rs s? ? B Be ec ca au us se e t th he ey y f fiit t t th hr ro ou ug gh h t th he e d do oo or r p pe er rf fe ec ct tlly y f fiin ne e.. H Ho ow w m mu uc ch h d diid d t th he ey y g ge et t t to o iin nf fllu ue en nc ce e t th he e a allb bu um m? ? Everyone brings an influence in his own way. Lucas Asher initially writes the Songs, they are refined and strengthened by Eric Scullin, Dimitri Farougias and Christian Hogan, then they are realized by RZA, JP Bowersock and Mark Needham. Even the mixing crew and mic placement staff influenced the art in direct or indirect ways. H Ho ow w h ha as s y yo ou ur r p pa as ss siio on n f fo or r c co od diin ng g iin nf fllu ue en nc ce ed d y yo ou ur r m mu us siic c? ? When I am not writing songs I am usually writing code, sometimes at the same time. Music is a lot like math given that you build from first principles using axioms and logic. I’ve always thought of writing a song from first principles and writing code as nearly the same geometry of sound. W Wh he er re e d diid d y yo ou u f fiin nd d t th he e iin ns sp piir ra at tiio on n f fo or r t th he e s so on ng gs s a an nd d lly yr riic cs s o on n t th hiis s r re ec co or rd d? ? From the life experiences of being abandoned when I was young and making my way through the world without any attachment or predefined ideological interpretation. I travelled to over 30 countries before I was 21 and just wrote about what I saw and what I felt without any helotry of mind. A An ny y p plla an ns s t to o h hiit t t th he e r ro oa ad d? ? We love playing live and can’t wait to show the fans our visual and sonic interpretation of this record. We put a strong emphasis on visuals being a servant to the sound and creating an ephemeral experience you will never see again. W Wh ha at t e ells se e iis s h ha ap pp pe en niin ng g n ne ex xt t iin n “ “F Fa au ullk kn ne er r’’s s” ” w wo or rlld? We have verified profiles on all of your mother’s favorite online dating sites. We are experts at predicting what’s going to happen in the world at everything except the future. Lastly, we are excited to bring “Revanchist” to a concert venue near you!

H Hii g gu uy ys s,, w we ellc co om me e t to o V VE EN NT TS S!! H Ho ow w h ha av ve e y yo ou u b be ee en n? ? We’ve been good! C Ca an n y yo ou u t ta allk k t to o u us s m mo or re e a ab bo ou ut t y yo ou ur r lla at te es st t s siin ng glle e " "T Th hiis s F Fe ee elliin ng g” ”? ? Ya we made it in Victoria and just vibed out on good feelings and smoking weed and thinking about intimacy and new places and coming homeWthings that make us feel good. It was more of a free flow kind of thing that eventually formed into a song. D Diid d a an ny y e ev ve en nt t iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r iin ns sp piir re ed d y yo ou u t to o w wr riit te e t th hiis s s so on ng g? ? I don’t think it was any particular eventW just a reminder to hold onto the enthusiasm of the good times when the times aren’t so good. H Ho ow w w wa as s t th he e f fiillm m e ex xp pe er riie en nc ce e? ? It was really spontaneous and organic. It’s actually the first video we’ve made and it was just the two of us filming at our studio in Victoria and at the Santa Monica Pier. We found an old vintage projector and some slides from the 60’s in the crawl space at DWhiz’s parents place and then we wanted to re create those vibes in real life during our writing trips to LA. W Wh ha at t’’s s iit t lliik ke e t to o w wo or rk k w wiit th h B Bo ob b E Ez zr riin n a an nd d h ho ow w d diid d t th ha at t r re ella at tiio on ns sh hiip p d de ev ve ello op p? ? It’s so rad to have Bob as someone we can reach out to for feedback on our musicW I mean he’s a musical genius and the records he’s been apart of are legendary. He doesn’t produce for us but he’s more of a mentor and creative voice that we can bounce ideas off and he gives us really honest critiques. He can be a hard ass haha but we can always guarantee he’s being real with us which has only helped us improve. H Ho ow w m mu uc ch h d diid d h he e g ge et t t to o iin nf fllu ue en nc ce e t th he e a allb bu um m? ? Well we’re working on our album now and he gives us his thoughts on all our tunes & we definitely hold his opinion in high regard so I’d say he’s had a pretty big influence on us. W Wh ha at t h ha av ve e y yo ou u lle ea ar rn ne ed d f fr ro om m y yo ou ur r e ex xp pe er riie en nc ce es s w wo or rk kiin ng g o or r s sh ha ar riin ng g t th he e s st ta ag ge e w wiit th h s so om me e o of f t th he e b biig gg ge es st t n na am me es s iin n m mu us siic c f fr ro om m B Bo ob b t to o M Ma ac cy y G Gr ra ay y a an nd d D Da at ts siik k? ? That hard work and being authentic is the most important thing. D Do o y yo ou u t ta ak ke e a a d diif ff fe er re en nt t a ap pp pr ro oa ac ch h w wh he en n y yo ou u w wr riit te e o or r w wo or rk k w wiit th h s so om me eo on ne e e ells se e t th ha an n w wh he en n y yo ou u a ar re e w wo or rk kiin ng g o on n y yo ou ur r o ow wn n p pr ro ojje ec ct t? ? We’re always just trying to make the best tune possible and really feel it and really love it no matter if it’s for us or someone else. D Do oe es s t th he e n ne ew w s siin ng glle e m me ea an n w we e c ca an n e ex xp pe ec ct t a an n a allb bu um m - - h ho ow w''s s t th ha at t c co om miin ng g a allo on ng g? ? Ya - thats what we’re working on. We’re going to put out a few singles and some more videos which may be followed up by an album later in the year. But alsoW.plans change and our minds change too so we don’t know exactly what the future will bring but we have loads of songs on the go that we definitely want to shareW.and what capacity they’ll be shared in is still up in the air. A An ny y t te en nt ta at tiiv ve e r re elle ea as se e d da at te e o or r t tiit tlle e iin n m miin nd d? ? uuuummmmm no I don’t think soW we might call it AlmeriaW or we might not. A An ny y p plla an ns s t to o h hiit t t th he e r ro oa ad d? ? Ya we’re actually playing a rad festival in Canada called The Phillips Backyard Weekender in July and we have more show announcements to come. W Wh ha at t e ells se e iis s h ha ap pp pe en niin ng g n ne ex xt t iin n L LIIIIN NK KS S'' w wo or rlld d? ? We’re about to go get some dinner and after that we’re putting the finishing touches on another new video we shot here in LA for our song Killer - another DIY-er by us. We also have a new song coming out in a couple weeks called Raise It Up and a video that was shot in Vancouver by HINDZ http://hindz.site/ (he’s so rad you have to check him). Just letting the good times roll, you know?

H Hii B Be en njja am miin n,, w we ellc co om me e t to o V VE EN NT TS S!! H Ho ow w h ha av ve e y yo ou u b be ee en n? ? Hey Guys, thanks for having me. I'm good. Have been writing a ton of new music lately. C Ca an n y yo ou u t ta allk k t to o u us s m mo or re e a ab bo ou ut t y yo ou ur r lla at te es st t s siin ng glle e ‘‘L Lo ov ve e M Me e L Liik ke e T Th hiis s ( (IIc ca ar ru us s M Miix x) )’’? ? Sure. 'Love Me Like This' is a collaboration piece from myself and Icarus. I wrote the original instrumental two years ago, under the title 'One'. D Diid d a an ny y e ev ve en nt t iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r iin ns sp piir re e y yo ou u t to o w wr riit te e t th hiis s s so on ng g? ? No particular event, but living in Brooklyn for the last 5 years has shaped my sound a lot. Writing this track, I wanted something different than the standard four on the floor kick. I wanted to use more ambient sounds that brightened up the track. This led to 'One'. H Ho ow w d diid d IIc ca ar ru us s e en nd d u up p r re em miix xiin ng g y yo ou ur r f fiir rs st t s siin ng glle e? ? The original instrumental 'One', caught interest from Insanity Records who introduced me to Icarus and eventually got the collaboration mix onto Subsoul. Huge shout out to the team at Insanity. They have some huge projects in the works. D Diid d y yo ou u g ge et t t to o c co olllla ab b w wiit th h t th he em m iin n s so om me e c ca ap pa ac ciit ty y? ? Working with Icarus was a dream. They have a killer sound. Their latest track 'Home' is huge here in Brooklyn. We went back and forth on the instrumental for a few months. W Wh ha at t''s s b be ee en n lliik ke e t to o h ha av ve e t th he e lliik ke es s o of f Z Ze ed d''s s D De ea ad d a as s a a f fa an n? ? I am a huge of Zed’s Dead myself so it's pretty mind-blowing. D Do oe es s t th hiis s s siin ng glle e m me ea an n w we e c ca an n e ex xp pe ec ct t a a n ne ew w a allb bu um m? ? IIf f y ye es s,, h ho ow w''s s t th ha at t c co om miin ng g a allo on ng g? ? There is no album in the works yet. I will be releasing a few more singles this year. Im really excited to share everything I have been working on for the last few years. A An ny y p plla an ns s t to o h hiit t t th he e r ro oa ad d? ? We’re working on it. I hope to be playing some shows over the summer. W Wh ha at t e ells se e iis s h ha ap pp pe en niin ng g n ne ex xt t iin n B Be en njja am miin n C Ca ar rlliis slle e''s s w wo or rlld d? ? We are shooting a music video for 'Love Me Like This' and we have some new releases in the works.

C Ca an n y yo ou u t ta allk k t to o u us s m mo or re e a ab bo ou ut t y yo ou ur r lla at te es st t s siin ng glle e " "S Sw wiit tc ch hb blla ad de e" "? ? D Diid d a an ny y e ev ve en nt t iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r iin ns sp piir re e y yo ou u t to o w wr riit te e t th hiis s s so on ng g? ? “Switchblade” is our new single off our album Sparkle Sparkle, which comes out on 5/6. “Switchblade” basically started when Ambrose came to practice with a bass line and then Brent had some lyrics ready to go that worked over it. The song came together very naturally and it practically finished itself. A lot of what we write is either about events that have happened to us or events that have happened to the people that surround us. This song is kind of an amalgam of a few things that happened to us and a friend when we were younger. H Ho ow w w wa as s t th he e f fiillm m e ex xp pe er riie en nc ce e? ? The filming of the music video for “Switchblade” was a great time. Our friend Dylan Sires and Ambrose directed most of it. Dylan filmed most of it in the house Ambrose was living in at the time and just invited a bunch of our friends over to have a party. The rest of the shots we grabbed the next morning at a local venue called Vaudeville Mews in Des Moines. Some parts of the video were a little tougher to capture but overall it was a blast. Everyone was awesome to work with. T Th he e s siin ng glle e c co om me es s o of ff f y yo ou ur r n ne ew w a allb bu um m S Sp pa ar rk klle e S Sp pa ar rk klle e - - w wh ha at t''s s t th he e s st to or ry y b be eh hiin nd d t th he e t tiit tlle e? ? The title is just something that stuck. We were trying to come up with titles leading up to the initial release and had a hard time landing on anything. Ambrose initially said Sparkle Sparkle but it didn't really catch until a few months later. It kind of became a rallying cry or a call to action over time, as well. Also, weirdly enough, it kind of became a good way to describe our sound. H Ho ow w w wa as s t th he e r re ec co or rd diin ng g a an nd d w wr riit tiin ng g p pr ro oc ce es ss s? ? Brent and Ambrose spent a lot of time writing the album over a couple of years and demoed all the songs multiple times with multiple compositions.

We're not really sure when and why we decided to go in and record. We did we decided to work with Brandon Darner as our producer and we recorded at The Sonic Factory in Des Moines, Iowa. The writing and recording was very chill. Recording and writing is probably one of our favorite things, not that we don't love the road, it's just awesome to flesh out ideas and construct them. W Wh he er re e d diid d y yo ou u f fiin nd d t th he e iin ns sp piir ra at tiio on n f fo or r t th he e s so on ng gs s a an nd d lly yr riic cs s? ? Like we said, most of what we write about is either events that happened to us or people we know. Often we'll mix in other concepts, stories or ideas but mostly our inspiration just comes from what we can take out of our own experiences. P Pe er rf fo or rm ma an nc ce e w wiis se e,, w wh ha at t h ha av ve e y yo ou u lle ea ar rn ne ed d f fr ro om m e ex xp pe er riie en nc ce es s s sh ha ar riin ng g t th he e s st ta ag ge e w wiit th h t th he e lliik ke es s o of f C Ca ag ge e T Th he e E Elle ep ph ha an nt t,, C Ca ak ke e a an nd d e ev ve en n R Ro ob b Z Zo om mb biie e? ? We’ve learned a lot passively. Watching how a bigger band interacts with those backstage and also onstage can teach you a lot. What we ultimately took away, though, was how lucky were to have been able to play with some staggeringly talented artists over our short career. F Fu ut tu ur re e p plla an ns s t to o h hiit t t th he e r ro oa ad d? ? We wrap up with The Cult on 4/19. Then shortly after that we go on an east coast run. After that we do a west coast run and then another east coast run. We are also lucky to be part of super awesome festivals this year. If anyone's curious just go to holywhitehounds.com and check out where we'll be. W Wh ha at t e ells se e iis s h ha ap pp pe en niin ng g n ne ex xt t iin n H Ho olly y W Wh hiit te e H Ho ou un nd ds s'' w wo or rlld d? ? Just keep on touring in support of our debut album Sparkle Sparkle. We're also writing a lot and always trying to create new material. So we'll be doing that, as well.

H Hii R Re em mii,, w we ellc co om me e t to o V VE EN NT TS S!! H Ho ow w h ha av ve e y yo ou u b be ee en n? ? Hello VENTS, I’m doing very good. C Ca an n y yo ou u t ta allk k t to o u us s m mo or re e a ab bo ou ut t y yo ou ur r lla at te es st t s siin ng glle e " "P Po oiin nt te er rs s" "? ? The title is a reference to a specific type of address in some programming languages (A pointer points to an address. Also a pointer can point to a pointer). This track took me a while to finish, I kept changing stuff and the version people hear is very different from what it originally was. I’m pretty happy with it now though, it’s a lot of fun to play this one Live! D Diid d a an ny y e ev ve en nt t iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r iin ns sp piir re ed d y yo ou u t to o w wr riit te e t th hiis s s so on ng g? ? I wrote it knowing it was gonna be the third track of the album, so I think this influenced its structure a lot. H Ho ow w w wa as s t th he e f fiillm m e ex xp pe er riie en nc ce e? ? It was great! We worked with Richard Oakes (Dark Fable Media) already in the past for the track Trojans, he’s a professional dude and he was very fast and competent. T Th he e s siin ng glle e c co om me es s o of ff f y yo ou ur r n ne ew w a allb bu um m B Br ru ut te e F Fo or rc ce e - - w wh ha at t''s s t th he e s st to or ry y b be eh hiin nd d t th he e t tiit tlle e? ? the idea for the title came on a way back from Arctangent Festival in the UK last year, while I was having a conversation with my manager John Sprich about my computer science degree I took years ago. The thought process was that I wanted to give a hacking/code feel to the album, while still making it sound aggressive. Brute Force represents in some sort of way a technique I use to write some of these songs: Keep trying crazy things until it works. S So or rt t o of f a a s siilllly y q qu ue es st tiio on n,, b bu ut t c ca an n w we e e ex xp pe ec ct t t th hiis s b be e p pe er rh ha ap ps s y yo ou ur r m mo os st t b br ru ut ta all a allb bu um m t to o d da at te e? ? I appreciate the joke, though I’m not sure if this is my most brutal album. I have the feeling that critical.error, released in 2010, is yet more aggressive due to a lot more harsh noises and chaos. What I can definitely say is that Brute Forcal (see what I did there) is the most metal album. H Ho ow w w wa as s t th he e r re ec co or rd diin ng g a an nd d w wr riit tiin ng g p pr ro oc ce es ss s? ?

I wrote and recorded everything in less than a year, which I have to admit is pretty fast. There was a lot of epiphanies but also a lot of creative blocks, which resolved themselves usually after a couple of days off. I had a great time doing it, and I’m very proud of it. I mean Proudal. K Kn no ow wn n f fo or r b blle en nd diin ng g d diif ff fe er re en nt t g ge en nr re es s t to og ge et th he er r,, d do oe es s o on ne e m mu us siic c s st ty ylle e t te en nd ds s t to o s sh hiin ne e t th he e m mo os st t d de ep pe en nd diin ng g o on n t th he e s so on ng g''s s t th he em me e o or r c co on nc ce ep pt t o or r d do o y yo ou u r ra an nd do om mlly y a ad dd d a a lliit tt tlle e b biit t o of f t th hiis s a an nd d t th ha at t? ? Yeah I think it all depends of what I’m trying to achieve, and usually one music style will tend to be more predominant to the other, but this is also very subjective. Having guitars and drums doesn’t necessarily mean it’s metal if there’s a lot of electronic synthesis work to back it up, and vice versa. What’s electronic and what’s metal? I think blurring the line is what I’m trying to achieve. D Do oe es s F Fr ra an nc ce e a an nd d iit t''s s r ro oc ck k a an nd d E ED DM M s sc ce en ne e p plla ay ys s a a r ro olle e iin n y yo ou ur r m mu us siic c? ? I have an undeniable love for french artists like Daft Punk or Justice, Kavinsky. Even Air had a big influence on what I make, tho it’s not always obvious. P Pe er rf fo or rm ma an nc ce e w wiis se e,, h ha av viin ng g s sh ha ar re ed d w wiit th h s so om me e o of f y yo ou ur r g gr re ea at te es st t iin nf fllu ue en nc ce es s - - w wh ha at t h ha av ve e y yo ou u lle ea ar rn ne ed d f fr ro om m t th he es se e e ex xp pe er riie en nc ce es s? ? A lot of things. One the latest things that I learned is that the album isn’t called Brutal Force. Jokes apart, I am still learning how to become more professional and this happens step by step. It’s great to witness the evolution! A An ny y p plla an ns s t to o h hiit t t th he e r ro oa ad d? ? We’re driving through UK in a week, and then Russia, Armenia, Georgia. After a couple weeks break we head to Canada for a big run of dates, it’s gonna be great! W Wh ha at t e ells se e iis s h ha ap pp pe en niin ng g n ne ex xt t iin n T Th he e A Allg go or riit th hm m''s s w wo or rlld d? ? After Brute Force, I decided to start writing my next highly anticipated latin jazz album called Brutal Force. Hope we can get another interview together.

H Hii G Giin ng gh he er r,, w we ellc co om me e t to o V VE EN NT TS S!! H Ho ow w h ha av ve e y yo ou u b be ee en n? ? Thank you so much for having me, happy to be here and doing great! C Ca an n y yo ou u t ta allk k t to o u us s m mo or re e a ab bo ou ut t y yo ou ur r s siin ng glle e " "W Wh hiit tt tlle e IIt t A Aw wa ay y" "? ? Whittle It Away is a song about having to pass time in unfavorable circumstances, in prison, in tough living conditions, an abusive relationship, combat, etc. Whittle it away refers to the minutes, hours, days, years one might have to endure as they hope for something better, or as they are pushed over the edge. D Diid d a an ny y e ev ve en nt t iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r iin ns sp piir re ed d y yo ou u t to o w wr riit te e t th hiis s s so on ng g? ? Everyone has their story of enduring and overcoming, so the song is based on categories of events. I think you have to write based on what you know, but you can also tell the stories of others as well. A An ny y p plla an ns s t to o r re elle ea as se e a a v viid de eo o f fo or r t th hiis s t tr ra ac ck k? ? We’re working on choosing two songs from the album with our videographer Chris Hambright, so look for something to happen in the next couple of months! W Wh hy y n na am miin ng g t th he e a allb bu um m a af ft te er r t th hiis s t tr ra ac ck k iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r? ? We didn’t actually name the album! Everyone in the band was having trouble figuring out what the name should be, so we let our fans decide. We put up a survey on Facebook with four choices and a write-in, and Whittle It Away came out on top. It was a really fun process and we got some hilarious write-ins and great comments. H Ho ow w w wa as s t th he e r re ec co or rd diin ng g a an nd d w wr riit tiin ng g p pr ro oc ce es ss s? ? Recording was amazing as we worked with Jamie Weddle from StudioCat productions. He was really great in that he spent tons of extra time making sure things were just right. I really liked his studio and he has such a laid back and yet professional attitude. He made us all feel right at home and excited to record, while pushing us to be our best. This is our fourth album and fourth studio, and I know we will be going back when we’re ready to record again. Y Yo ou u a ar re e k kn no ow wn n f fo or r y yo ou ur r r ra ar re e a an nd d p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r s sa allo oo on n r ro oc ck k s so ou un nd d - - w wh ha at t d dr re ew w y yo ou u iin nt to o t th hiis s g ge en nr re e? ? I’ve loved old school Americana since I was young and it’s always been an influence. The raw emotion and colorful depiction of the struggles of the working class were always compelling to me as a child growing up in the desert southwest. I remember singing “You Picked A Fine Time To Leave Me Lucille” with my dad driving in his old pickup truck with his elbow out the window, Coors in handW C Co om miin ng g a allll f fr ro om m d diif ff fe er re en nt t s st ta at te es s - - h ho ow w h ha as s y yo ou ur r h ho om me et to ow wn ns s a an nd d t th he eiir r r re es sp pe ec ct tiiv ve e s sc ce en ne es s iin nf fllu ue en nc ce e y yo ou ur r m mu us siic c? ? I think we share some similar hometown experiences. Dirty Dan is from Oklahoma, I’m from New Mexico, and Chris and Nate are from Arizona. We have similar attitudes about life that work together really well. We have a variety of musical influences that range from Americana to punk to metal and everything in between, so we’re always open to trying new things when we’re writing. A An ny y p plla an ns s t to o h hiit t t th he e r ro oa ad d? ? We’ll be in Snowflake in April and Jerome at the Spirit Room for Mother’s Day weekend in May. Hoping to head to Dan’s home of Oklahoma via New Mexico and Texas in late June, and maybe a few California trips over the summer to get out of the heat! W Wh ha at t e ells se e iis s h ha ap pp pe en niin ng g n ne ex xt t iin n T Th he e H Ha ar rd dw wa ay ys s'' w wo or rlld d? ? We just got our own bus and are getting ready to paint it and get it road worthy! We are starting on album number 5, and are playing venues that range from biker clubhouses to hang glider festivals to Burning Man events, and every saloon and bar you can imagine in between! We’ve been doing lots of interviews and radio shows these last couple months, thanks to the wonderful Song River. We are all great friends who enjoy playing music and hanging out together so everything we do is a fun adventure. Thanks so much for featuring The Hardways and promoting Whittle It Away—we can’t thank you enough! https://www.facebook.com/The-Hardways- 223094417703629/​ https://www.youtube.com/user/TheHardwaysLive​

C Ca an n y yo ou u t ta allk k t to o u us s a ab bo ou ut t y yo ou ur r n ne ew w s siin ng glle e " "G Go on nn na a D Do o" "? ? "Gonna Do" is a veil of defiance. It's one of our favorite songs to play live because of the way the song moves. It starts out with this devil-may- care attitude, but eventually reveals real vulnerability and insecurity. The vibe change allows each of us to express that vulnerability musically. D Diid d a an ny y e ev ve en nt t iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r iin ns sp piir re e y yo ou u t to o w wr riit te e t th hiis s s so on ng g? ? I went to a party, drank a bottle of wine, and got real mad. The rest is in the lyrics. A An ny y p plla an ns s t to o r re elle ea as se e a a v viid de eo o f fo or r t th he e s siin ng glle e? ? The band and I have definitely talked about it. The live version has some crazy solos where Mike and Ian just go ham on the bridge and we would love to be able to show people that side of the song. H Ho ow w w wa as s t th he e r re ec co or rd diin ng g a an nd d w wr riit tiin ng g p pr ro oc ce es ss s? ? "Gonna Do" was the start of my creative partnership with my close friend and co-writer, Katie Crone. I barely knew her at the time, but I needed to tell somebody about what had happened the night before and our co-write was first thing in the morning. Telling her this story forced me to be honest with myself and she let me say things I never would have let myself admit if I had been writing on my own. Recording this song was amazing and primal as hell. It was the last song we recorded after we had been at Blackbird for two days straight. There were a lot of passions that had accumulated by that point that we unleashed all over this song. I will always remember watching Mike go for a fill, then hit his drums so hard his stick broke and flew across the room and over Ian's head. Thank God Ian had been bending over to adjust something. W Wh ha at t r ro olle e d do oe es s N Na as sh hv viilllle e p plla ay y iin n y yo ou ur r m mu us siic c? ? Nashville has made all the difference. Being around such talented writers and players has been an amazing push for all of us as musicians. We go to so many shows and see our friends do such creative work that it pushes us to be better. It's also influenced the way I write. If you're writing music for a crowd that goes to a couple shows a week, you have to learn to craft something that will make an impact. D Do oe es s t th he e n ne ew w s siin ng glle e m me ea an n w we e c ca an n e ex xp pe ec ct t a a n ne ew w r re ec co or rd d - - h ho ow w''s s t th ha at t c co om miin ng g a allo on ng g? ? Yes! It's officially mixed and mastered and ready for human consumption. A An ny y t te en nt ta at tiiv ve e r re elle ea as se e d da at te e o or r t tiit tlle e iin n m miin nd d? ? The record is called "Don' Love Nobody" and it'll be out June. We're beyond stoked about it and we can't wait to share it with everyone. A An ny y p plla an ns s t to o h hiit t t th he e r ro oa ad d? ? This summer we're playing dates all over the Southeast and the Midwest, welcoming everyone to the Love-In. W Wh ha at t e ells se e iis s h ha ap pp pe en niin ng g n ne ex xt t iin n L La au ur re ell & & T Th he e L Lo ov ve e- -IIn n''s s w wo or rlld d? ? It feels like we're already writing the next record. So much has happened in the past year that we have to channel it creatively or we'll all explode.

H Hii K Ko or rr r- -A A,, w we ellc co om me e t to o V VE EN NT TS S!! H Ho ow w h ha av ve e y yo ou u b be ee en n? ? Hello! I’ve been very well, thank you for asking. :) C Ca an n y yo ou u t ta allk k t to o u us s m mo or re e a ab bo ou ut t y yo ou ur r lla at te es st t s siin ng glle e " "E Ev ve er ry yb bo od dy y G Ge et t D Do ow wn n” ”? ? Absolutely! “Everybody Get Down” is a fun energetic song which I hope will get everyone moving - whether it’s dancing, pumping some muscles at the gym, or just getting ready for a night out. It’s a song about putting aside our differences for a greater cause - having fun! D Diid d a an ny y e ev ve en nt t iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r iin ns sp piir re ed d y yo ou u t to o w wr riit te e t th hiis s s so on ng g? ? There wasn't a specific event but C+C Music Factory’s “Everybody Dance Now” was definitely an inspiration. I wanted to bring people back to that fun time in the 90’s when everyone was feeling free and getting goofy. H Ho ow w w wa as s t th he e f fiillm m e ex xp pe er riie en nc ce e? ? Filming the music video was a lot of fun. We laughed a lot because we had a lot of actors and everyone was playing their own stereotypical or outlandish role. We shot the music video in Venice Beach so we had a large crowd of onlookers cheering us on - it was pretty cool. I had an amazing team and loved shooting a video with that throwback vibe. H Ho ow w w wa as s t th he e r re ec co or rd diin ng g a an nd d w wr riit tiin ng g p pr ro oc ce es ss s? ? The process was smooth and fun. I was working with my close friend so that made it that much better and easier to communicate what we wanted to accomplish with the record. We wrote the song super fast - the inspiration just came and we knocked it out. H Ha av viin ng g w wo or rk ke ed d a allo on ng gs siid de e s so om me e o of f t th he e m mo os st t p po op pu ulla ar r a an nd d k kn no ow wn n a ac ct ts s iin n t th he e s sc ce en ne e t to od da ay y - - h ha av ve e y yo ou u lle ea ar rn ne ed d a an ny yt th hiin ng g iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r f fr ro om m t th he es se e e ex xp pe er riie en nc ce es s? ? I believe you learn something valuable from everyone who crosses your path. The most important thing I have learned though is that no matter how far along your individual path you are - it does not get easier. You still have to work just as hard and always give it your all! A As s a a c ch ho or re eo og gr ra ap ph he er r - - d do o y yo ou u t ta ak ke e a a d diif ff fe er re en nt t a ap pp pr ro oa ac ch h w wh he en n y yo ou u w wo or rk k f fo or r o or r w wiit th h s so om me eo on ne e e ells se e t th ha an n w wh he en n y yo ou u d do o iit t f fo or r y yo ou ur r o ow wn n? ? The approach is the same, the only difference being that if I am creating something for myself I have the final word. If I like it - that’s it. Boom. Done. Creating for someone else you have to work with their abilities, skill level, mannerisms, see what looks best on them, and of course do what they like and be willing to switch things up. D Do oe es s t th hiis s s siin ng glle e m me ea an n w we e c ca an n e ex xp pe ec ct t a a n ne ew w a allb bu um m - - h ho ow w''s s t th ha at t c co om miin ng g a allo on ng g? ? I have been working on many new songs, so I think what you can expect from me is an EP dropping not too far off in the distance. A An ny y t te en nt ta at tiiv ve e r re elle ea as se e d da at te e o or r t tiit tlle e iin n m miin nd d? ? No, not yet. :) A An ny y p plla an ns s t to o h hiit t t th he e r ro oa ad d? ? I am definitely planning dates for the summer. All the info will be on my website and social media. W Wh ha at t e ells se e iis s h ha ap pp pe en niin ng g n ne ex xt t iin n K Ko or rr r- - A A''s s w wo or rlld d? ? I will be debuting as a DJ this year actually - so that it something I am looking forward to. Also I am building a brand with my friend- so look our for that as well!

H Hii T Ta aw wn ny ya a,, w we ellc co om me e t to o V VE EN NT TS S!! H Ho ow w h ha av ve e y yo ou u b be ee en n? ? Hey! Thanks so much for checking out the new album. I’m thrilled it’s finally time to share with everyone what has been my main focus for the better part of last year. C Ca an n y yo ou u t ta allk k t to o u us s m mo or re e a ab bo ou ut t y yo ou ur r lla at te es st t s siin ng glle e “ “T Th he e B B- -S Siid de e” ”? ? The latest single “The B-Side” is a song I’m proud of not solely because of my hand in its creation, but because of what it represents. Some of the greatest works of our time have never known what it is to transcend the waves of radio because they were deemed unworthy of single status. So many of those beautifully crafted and moving songs just slip through the cracks of time. In a singles driven industry, it’s inevitable to continue happening. As a kid I remember locking myself in my room with a new album and soaking in everything from the downbeat to the last note. Some of my favorite songs never made it past my speakers. Just once in a while, I’d love to hear someone let those breathe. D Diid d a an ny y e ev ve en nt t iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r iin ns sp piir re e y yo ou u t to o w wr riit te e t th hiis s s so on ng g? ? I could have never written this song at 22 when I moved to Nashville. I needed a little life under my belt. I needed to know the longing of missing an old melody, the way you miss an old friend. One day I woke up and just completely understood. No one event has every really inspired any song for me. All the moments of our lives bring us to the presentWthe same is true for me and a song. It’s a culmination of sorts that manifests into one great need to explain itself. T Th he e s siin ng glle e c co om me es s o of ff f y yo ou ur r n ne ew w m ma at te er riia all 8 8 T Tr ra ac ck k - - w wh ha at t''s s t th he e s st to or ry y b be eh hiin nd d t th he e t tiit tlle e? ? With the inception of this third album, I wanted to choose only songs I felt were cohesive and told the story of me on a personal level. It came down to these eight songs. Just as I don’t believe there are any accidents, the same goes for “8 Track”. The title was for obvious reasons but led me immediately into a retro direction. It’s evident not only lyrically but down to the artwork as well. It has me written all over itW in more ways than one. Wink wink. H Ho ow w w wa as s t th he e r re ec co or rd diin ng g a an nd d w wr riit tiin ng g p pr ro oc ce es ss s? ? The recording process was a bit rocky in the beginning but took on a much smoother ride once I wrapped my mind around the direction the production needed to go. Bringing my co-producer, John Kennedy, on board also gave me a chance to further develop the nature of the sound. The writing, on the other hand, was a bit different. These songs that so comfortably found themselves rooming together on this record, were never written for this one purpose. These works were written organically over time. Some new, some old but I never thought of them in a myopic sense. As a writer, prolificacy, can be a blessing and a curse. On one hand, you may have an ocean of songs, but on the other, one tends to move on to the next without much exploration of what could be. These songs found their way to one another after the fact. W Wh ha at t w wa as s lliik ke e t to o w wo or rk k w wiit th h J Jo oh hn n K Ke en nn ne ed dy y a an nd d h ho ow w d diid d t th ha at t r re ella at tiio on ns sh hiip p d de ev ve ello op p? ? I’ve known John Kennedy most of my years in Nashville (and they add up to a few) He has always been a trusted friend and one of my favorite writers. Our endeavor truly came together through necessity. I was in need of someone to man the motherboard and let me express my truth. We committed to this project together in his upstairs home studio and went to work. It’s amazing what two people can create with a little bit of trust. We’re already talking about the next project. I never expected it to be so effortless. H Ho ow w m mu uc ch h d diid d h he e g ge et t t to o iin nf fllu ue en nc ce e t th he e a allb bu um m? ? It’s always difficult/impossible to say what would have been without the presence of another in any situation, (this is also true for songwriting) but I can assure you this project would never have the soul and depth without his ear and honesty. He’s more precise than I, and where I would have went in a more stylistic nature, he was able to rein me in a bit. There are signature licks that just dripped right of his fingertips. He played and sang much of the album, which made it even more personal. Together I feel we made it a true original. W Wh he er re e d diid d y yo ou u f fiin nd d t th he e iin ns sp piir ra at tiio on n f fo or r t th he e s so on ng gs s a an nd d lly yr riic cs s? ? For me inspiration comes in waves. Sometimes it hits you like a brick in the most unlikeliest of times. Sometimes you swear you’d pay for an idea. I used to try to force songs for the sake of saying I “did something” that day. I don’t subscribe to that anymore and haven’t for a while. Once I let that go, I began to accept that I’m not going to be a poet every day, but it could be possible for every day to be poetic. I had to let it unfold and come to me. Some of them are heartbreaking and instead of trying to find the movie ending, I just told the story. If I was happy, I just said so. When you’re telling the truth, there’s no need to embellish. As they say, the truth is always stranger. That seems much more interesting to me these days. S So o a a w wh hiille e b ba ac ck k y yo ou u m ma ad de e y yo ou ur r a ap pp pe ea ar ra an nc ce e o on n N NB BC C''s s T Th he e V Vo oiic ce e - - w wh ha at t d diid d y yo ou u lle ea ar rn n f fr ro om m y yo ou ur r t tiim me e t th he er re e y yo ou u a ar re e p pu ut tt tiin ng g o on n a ac ct tiio on n n no ow w iin n y yo ou ur r c ca ar re ee er r? ? Life is truly unpredictable. Never in a million years would I have dreamed I would have ended up on that sound stage. Just showing up told me even I can’t tell what I’ll do! I learned I can take more pressure than I ever anticipated. Being 100% prepared and focused (even when you are made comfortable) is highly underrated. I learned that in the eye of competition, not everyone hopes you fail. I also learned that some most definitely do. Although the exposure and morsel of fame led me to brighter shinier things, what I took away was much more. I came back with a confidence I never knew I was acquiring and a feeling of true self representation. I went in with Willie Nelson and left them with some Pistol Annies. I showed the country my country and feel I did it well. People are such enormous fans of the show and always have so many questions. I wouldn’t say it’s getting me an Opry debut anytime soon but it’s not a bad thing to have on the resume. I’m proud to be a part of The Voice family and don’t regret a single note. D Do oe es s N Na as sh hv viilllle e s st tiillll p plla ay y a a b biig g r ro olle e iin n y yo ou ur r s so ou un nd d? ? Yes, but not in the way you would think. Because of the direction modern day country music has veered, it’s taught me exactly what I don’t want to be. That may sound harsh but I most certainly don’t mean it that way. My music has always been a bit too much a risk for most labels. A bit too country for country (if that makes sense) but not quite edgy enough for the hipper scene. However, I have a fan base out there buying my music and asking for more. That’s success. Perhaps not on certain levels but it’s something special. Forcing a sound that isn’t you is a bit like chasing butterfliesWa complete waste of time . Music has a way of coming full circle. The foundation of today’s country is starting to rumble and if you listen close enough you can hear it cracking through. I want to be a part of yet another new beginning. A An ny y p plla an ns s t to o h hiit t t th he e r ro oa ad d? ? I absolutely love being on the road. Everything about it. Cheap hotels, long nights and gas station food are just a few of my favorite things. Honestly! Making new friends and fans though..that’s the real point. I try to hit the road every summer. The Southwest is my home so that’s always on the list. Private parties were a large part of the last couple runs. Such an intimate way to share the music. This June I’m more than excited to be booked in NYC for the first time. I love the idea of taking some of my roots up north. As always, social media and tawnyareynolds.com are some great ways to stay in touch with my travels. W Wh ha at t e ells se e iis s h ha ap pp pe en niin ng g n ne ex xt t iin n T Ta aw wn ny ya a R Re ey yn no olld ds s'' w wo or rlld d? ? I’m already looking forward to the next record but there is something to be said for taking my time and letting it figure itself out. Right now I’m thoroughly enjoying promoting “8 Track” and getting feedback from fans of my music. I still play in Nashville and don’t plan to stop anytime soon. I plan to keep writing, learning and growing. There are avenues I’ve covered and ones I haven’t. I don’t intend on making too many concrete plans as the landscape of music and personal truths are always changing. Whatever this city is or isn’t musically, doesn’t really matter. It’s taught me who I am, who I’m not and who I want to be. it’s been the strongest asset and toughest competitor of my life.

Q Q:: H Hii K Ka ay ylle ee e,, w we ellc co om me e t to o V VE EN NT TS S!! H Ho ow w h ha av ve e y yo ou u b be ee en n? ? A: I’ve been great! How have YOU been? Q Q:: C Ca an n y yo ou u t ta allk k t to o u us s m mo or re e a ab bo ou ut t y yo ou ur r u up pc co om miin ng g s siin ng glle e " "G Ge et tt tiin ng g O Ov ve er r Y Yo ou u" "? ? A: This song has been years in the making. It was the first song I wrote with my production team (SA Trackworks), and the last song to be finished on the record. We reproduced it three times over the course of two years, and then had LA duo Stu G & RDP remix it. Then I got even luckier and Orlando Vitto did the final mix. Needless to say, I'm SO happy all the hard work paid off and it's the first single we’re going to radio with! Q Q:: D Diid d a an ny y e ev ve en nt t iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r iin ns sp piir re e y yo ou u t to o w wr riit te e t th hiis s s so on ng g? ? A: Oh ya, haha!The biggest heartbreak of my life. I think I wrote 150 songs that year and “Getting Over You” was one of the first. What I like about the song is that it’s really about getting back on the horse and using whatever pain you’re feeling towards something positive. Q Q:: C Ca an n y yo ou u t ta allk k t to o u us s m mo or re e a ab bo ou ut t t th he e u up pc co om miin ng g v viid de eo o? ? A: The video is an extension of what the song means to me. The three women in my music video are all incredibly talented and super bad ass. The video showcases them using their gifts to overcome their own personal struggles. Q Q:: H Ho ow w w wa as s t th he e r re ec co or rd diin ng g a an nd d w wr riit tiin ng g p pr ro oc ce es ss s? ? A: Very long but also one of my favourite musical experiences yet. I started it in my first writing session with SA Trackworks. The rest of the song just kind of fell out of me and they helped me tweak it. It was the recording process that took forever. I wrote it when I was still finding my artistic direction, which of course kept changing. Every time we finished a new song, I’d listen to “Getting Over You” and feel like it didn’t fit with where I was going. We kept at it though until it was right and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. Q Q:: W Wh ha at t w wa as s iit t lliik ke e t to o w wo or rk k w wiit th h O Or rlla an nd do o V Viit tt to o a an nd d h ho ow w d diid d t th ha at t r re ella at tiio on ns sh hiip p d de ev ve ello op p? ? A: He is such an awesome dude! Daniel (Robot Disco Puma) and him were old friends and he asked Orlando if he’d be interested in mixing the song. Orlando loved it and jumped on board. It was a total stroke of luck that our paths crossed. Q Q:: W Wh ha at t r ro olle e d do o S St te ev viie e N Niic ck ks s a an nd d A An nn niie e L Le en nn no ox x p plla ay y iin n y yo ou ur r m mu us siic c? ? A: They are two of the best songwriters from two of the best bands of all time and FEMALE! I love strong, influential women who write honestly and aren’t afraid to add an edge to their songs. It’s what I strive to do and they inspire me. Q Q:: D Do oe es s t th he e n ne ew w s siin ng glle e m me ea an n w we e c ca an n e ex xp pe ec ct t n ne ew w m ma at te er riia all - - h ho ow w''s s t th ha at t c co om miin ng g a allo on ng g? ? A: You bet! My EP drops June 3rd. Q Q:: A An ny y t te en nt ta at tiiv ve e r re elle ea as se e d da at te e o or r t tiit tlle e iin n m miin nd d? ? A: It’s self-titledW I couldn’t decide what to call it and the EP feels so much like who I am that I just decided to leave it in my name. Q Q:: W Wh ha at t h ha av ve e y yo ou u lle ea ar rn ne ed d f fr ro om m y yo ou ur r e ex xp pe er riie en nc ce e s sh ha ar riin ng g t th he e s st ta ag ge e w wiit th h s so om me e o of f p po op p m mu us siic c’’s s b biig gg ge es st t n na am me es s? ? A: How to work a crowd. I’ve always felt comfortable on stage but when you see someone like Martina from Dragonette up there, it’s totally humbling and I feel like I still have so much to learn. Q Q:: A An ny y p plla an ns s t to o h hiit t t th he e r ro oa ad d? ? A: Nothing that I can announce as of right now but something’s in the works :) Q Q:: W Wh ha at t e ells se e iis s h ha ap pp pe en niin ng g n ne ex xt t iin n K Ka ay ylle ee e J Jo oh hn ns st to on n''s s w wo or rlld d? ? A: I’m writing my next album. That’s still a ways away from being released but I have a lot of creative energy right now and I need to put it to use. More on that another time :)

H Hii g gu uy ys s,, w we ellc co om me e t to o V VE EN NT TS S!! H Ho ow w h ha av ve e y yo ou u b be ee en n? ? Really good. This tour has been amazing so far and we're all just really soaking up the energy that has come with putting out this new record. C Ca an n y yo ou u t ta allk k t to o u us s m mo or re e a ab bo ou ut t y yo ou ur r lla at te es st t s siin ng glle e " "G Go olld de en n" "? ? W Wh ha at t w wa as s iit t lliik ke e t to o w wo or rk k w wiit th h E Elllliio ot t M Ma ar rt tiin n a an nd d h ho ow w d diid d h he e c co om me e o on n b bo oa ar rd d? ? W Wh hy y n na am miin ng g t th he e a allb bu um m a af ft te er r t th hiis s t tr ra ac ck k iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r? ? John Brown's Body is one of our all time favorite bands. They are Rootfire family and Matt Goodwin (keys) has toured and recorded with them. Elliot has been a big inspiration for many years. We picked out the name for the record before we even had a concept for this song and this song didn't even exist until the last day in the studio. We pretty much had all the tracking done for the record but knew we needed one more tune. We had ideas for a punk/metal song but didn't really like it. The last morning in the studio, I ran this jungle beat by the guys and we decided to try something different. I realized we didn't have a title track so I wrote the lyrics around the Golden theme. I left a 32 open hoping that Elliot would do it and he delivered. His verse is like a golden ray of sunshine bursting through the track. My favorite part of the record. Life complete. D Diid d a an ny y e ev ve en nt t iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r iin ns sp piir re e y yo ou u t to o w wr riit te e t th hiis s s so on ng g? ? Not any particular event but I have really liked that Frost poem for some time. It is a classic but I always felt it was kind of sad in a way. I wanted to put a positive spin on it. I also read "The Outsiders" when I was young and loved the quote, "Stay gold, Ponyboy." A An ny y p plla an ns s t to o r re elle ea as se e a a v viid de eo o f fo or r t th he e s siin ng glle e? ? Yes. We have plans for "Golden," and a few others. We just released a video for "Fair Warning" shot in one take by our friends at Sugarshack Sessions. https://youtu.be/KeyEudPOXyo H Ho ow w w wa as s t th he e r re ec co or rd diin ng g a an nd d w wr riit tiin ng g p pr ro oc ce es ss s? ? It was the best recording experience we've had so far. The studio was in a farm house in the middle of the woods in Louisa, Virginia. Goats, chickens, deer, tons of birds and other wildlife... We were really isolated and we loved it. We moved in for 10 days and were really able to concentrate on the music. I had just a handful of ideas coming in to the studio, and most of them played out in real time. H Ho ow w m mu uc ch h d diid d D Da am mm mu u g ge et t t to o iin nf fllu ue en nc ce e t th he e a allb bu um m? ? Danny had just finished The Green's newest record so he was already part of the family. We knew he had worked with Beck and Ben Harper and our mentor Seth Herman vouched for him so we knew he was going to be fantastic. We couldn't have done this record without him. He was so influential in the structure of the songs, even going so far as to suggest specific c s a t II a a T f i l W W m m T h W W T l t t W W y y h h

chord changes in some of them. Danny is a such a genius that sometimes I wouldn't understand his mix until I had listened to it a hundred times. It's like he couldn't be appreciated in his own time haha. IIn n w wh ha at t d diid d t th he e g ga alla ax xy y iin nf fllu ue en nc ce e t th he e s so on ng gs s a an nd d lly yr riic cs s o on n t th hiis s a allb bu um m? ? The galaxy influences everything. It is our home. I just find it fascinating that it actually IS the place in which we live, and yet t is so hard to fathom and almost never considered in our daily ives. The spiral theme connects the dots perfectly. W Wh ha at t c co on ns sc ciio ou us s c ch ho oiic ce es s g ge et t t to o iin ns sp piir re e t th he e lly yr riic cs s o on n t th hiis s m ma at te er riia all? ? The choice to stay sober, and the choice to stay positive and humble. W Wh he er re e e ells se e d diid d y yo ou u f fiin nd d t th he e iin ns sp piir ra at tiio on n f fo or r t th he e s so on ng gs s a an nd d lly yr riic cs s? ? These last two years have been crazy for me. They have been ife changing. The people in my life that have come along on this insane ride with me are really the main inspiration behind the lyrics. W Wh ha at t''s s iit t b be ee en n lliik ke e t to o b be e p pa ar rt t o of f R Ro oo ot tf fiir re e C Co oo op pe er ra at tiiv ve e a an nd d w wo ou ulld d y yo ou u m miin nd d e ex xp plla aiin niin ng g m mo or re e a ab bo ou ut t t th hiis s b bu us siin ne es ss s m mo od de ell t th he e lla ab be ell h ha as s? ? Rootfire Cooperative is our label, but I would describe it as a family. Working with Seth, Reid, and Curtis is amazing. They are our best friends and we treat each other as equals. They are supportive, encouraging, and fair. They approach the business with the artists interests in mind, and make the production of quality music easy and fun. Their business model is simple, transparent, and effective, and can be found on their website. http://rootfire.net H Ho ow w h ha as s t th he e r ro oa ad d b be ee en n t tr re ea at tiin ng g y yo ou u s so o f fa ar r? ? We are fairly early in the Golden Hearts Tour but we just played California Roots The Carolina Sessions in Myrtle Beach and it was a blast. The fans response to the new music is overwhelming and we are truly grateful. W Wh ha at t e ells se e iis s h ha ap pp pe en niin ng g n ne ex xt t iin n T Th he e M Mo ov ve em me en nt t''s s w wo or rlld d? ? We are heading out to Omaha as I write this. Then Denver and further out west with shows in Oregon, Seattle, and a bunch of dates in Cali. We've got some videos coming out and I'm stoked for the rest of this year. Now that the new record is out, it's time to start writing the next one. http://themovementvibe.com

H Hii g gu uy ys s,, w we ellc co om me e t to o V VE EN NT TS S!! H Ho ow w h ha av ve e y yo ou u b be ee en n? ? We have been great, thanks! We are very stoked to be featured on Vents. Things have been picking up very quickly for our band lately, it's pretty unreal to have all of these new outlets sharing our music all of the sudden. Thanks so much! F Fr ro om m a allll t th he e s so on ng gs s,, w wh hy y d diid d y yo ou u c ch ho oo os se e A At tm mo os sp ph he er re e` `s s ¨ ¨S Su un ns sh hiin ne e¨ ¨? ? Sunshine is a lyrical masterpiece and Atmosphere is a huge inspiration for us. We started covering this song at house parties and we found that the audience knew all of the lyrics, and they really enjoyed our version of it. This song is one of those hip-hop anthems, so we just want to try our best to do it justice. W Wh ha at t w wa as s t th he e a ap pp pr ro oa ac ch h y yo ou u w we er re e a af ft te er r w wiit th h t th hiis s c co ov ve er r? ? Well one of the big decisions we made early was to eliminate the famous piano riff from the original track and replace it with our brass section. We wanted to cover it with a live feel- so we cut it in the studio totally live. Sonically speaking we wanted to match the relaxed feel of the song while highlighting the story in Slug's lyrics as much as possible. The way we played it live always had a natural crescendo to it so we highlighted that vibe with a big ol guitar solo at the end! T Th he e c co ov ve er r c co om me es s o of ff f y yo ou ur r n ne ew w a allb bu um m S St tr riic ct tlly y S Sp pe ea ak kiin ng g – – w wh ha at t` `s s t th he e s st to or ry y b be eh hiin nd d t th he e t tiit tlle e? ? Well when we graduated college we decided to keep the band alive. At that time we decided to put 100% into the band and record our first LP. We feel like front to back, Strictly Speaking is a true representation of our sound. The album title tells it how it is. H Ho ow w w wa as s t th he e r re ec co or rd diin ng g a an nd d w wr riit tiin ng g p pr ro oc ce es ss s? ? The recording process was amazing. We funded $8,000 on Kickstarter to get the album done properly at a real studio. We ended up working at Playback Recording Studio in Santa Barbara- which is a world class facility. The vibe in there made the whole process feel very natural, and we were stoked on the outcome. From pen and paper straight into protools, the whole thing seemed to gel from the start. K Kn no ow wn n f fo or r b blle en nd diin ng g d diif ff fe er re en nt t g ge en nr re es s t to og ge et th he er r – – h ho ow w d do o y yo ou u w wo or rk k t th ha at t o ou ut t? ? H Ho ow w d do o y yo ou u k kn no ow w w wh he en n t to o b blle en nd d X X g ge en nr re e w wiit th h t th he e o ot th he er r? ? IIt t h ha as s a an ny yt th hiin ng g t to o d do o w wiit th h t th he e lly yr riic cs s´ ´ t th he em me e o or r iit t´ ´s s a a r ra an nd do om m p pr ro oc ce es ss s? ? We want to make music that everyone can listen to. Even though we blend a ton of genre's together, we try to forge a sound that is enjoyable for people of all ages. Our cover songs are usually chosen based on how we want to highlight our bandmembers various skill sets. We write

– – e e , e n . n n e t u u e e e e n a r o e songs that people can groove to the first time they hear it- but still find new elements during the 10th or 20th time they hear it. W Wh he er re e d diid d y yo ou u f fiin nd d t th he e iin ns sp piir ra at tiio on n f fo or r t th he e s so on ng gs s a an nd d lly yr riic cs s? ? Through life and positivity. Our songs are shared experiences amongst the band members. Our lyrics attempt to evoke imagery which anyone could relate to. We try to connect with the listener emotionally in this way. P Pe er rf fo or rm ma an nc ce e w wiis se e,, w wh ha at t h ha av ve e y yo ou u lle ea ar rn ne ed d f fr ro om m y yo ou ur r e ex xp pe er riie en nc ce es s s sh ha ar riin ng g t th he e s st ta ag ge e w wiit th h s so om me e o of f y yo ou ur r b biig gg ge es st t iin nf fllu ue en nc ce es s? ? Every show of ours is better than the last one. We will always continue to learn from the artists who we get to perform with and improve our sound accordingly. Playing with Don Carlos taught us the power of authenticity. His music is clearly a representation of who he is as a person, and I had a different perspective on my songwriting after performing with him. As for performances- bands like Mad Caddies or The Expanders, are just so incredibly tight as a unit. These guys are proof that practice makes perfect. Reggae shows are the most dancable shows you've ever been to... if the band is tight and cohesive. We want people to dance to our music too- we want every beat to be sealed tight. A An ny y p plla an ns s t to o h hiit t t th he e r ro oa ad d? ? Yes. We are doing our first West Coast tour starting with Cali Roots Festival this May. After we perform at Cali Roots we are hitting Washington, ORegon, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and more on our own DIY tour. Totally booked it ourselves with the help of the amazing West Coast reggae scene. We are performing on this tour with Bumpin Uglies, Tunnel Vision, Josh Heinrichs, Perfect By Tomorrow, Na'an Stop - all amazing reggae bands who are helping us out as we string these shows together. This is our first real tour, it certainly will not be the last. Keep an eye out- we are announcing the tour next week. W Wh ha at t e ells se e iis s h ha ap pp pe en niin ng g n ne ex xt t iin n T Th he e O Ollé és s´ ´ w wo or rlld d? ? Well, as DIY musicians, each of us work full time. It's 9-5 at work and after hours its full time band. Right now it feels like we are working two full time jobs. I wouldn't change anything about this life- we gotta do what we gotta do. Coming soon from us you will see more touring, and a new EP is already written, we have plans to record it soon. Besides that we want to tour with some big names! Just keeping the grind alive, I guess. It has been incredibly rewarding already and we intend to push hard until this becomes our full time job. Can;'t thank you enough for reaching out to interview us- thank you. ~Cole

H Hii g gu uy ys s,, w we ellc co om me e t to o V VE EN NT TS S!! H Ho ow w h ha av ve e y yo ou u b be ee en n? ? Hey! We’re great! Thanks for having us! C Ca an n y yo ou u t ta allk k t to o u us s m mo or re e a ab bo ou ut t y yo ou ur r lla at te es st t s siin ng glle e " "D Diig g M Me e U Up p" "? ? ‘Dig Me Up’ is our new track. We needed a step up so we started on experiment with new elements such as synths or percussions and so we did it. We wanted to keep all our old good things but improve the music as much as we could. D Diid d a an ny y e ev ve en nt t iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r iin ns sp piir re ed d y yo ou u t to o w wr riit te e t th hiis s s so on ng g? ? Yes, during your life you have to deal with so many letdowns, you sit and think; what am I doing wrong? This lyrics came on a bad moment I had when you think there’s no hope for you. I’m still trying to make a therapy from our songs. H Ho ow w w wa as s t th he e f fiillm m e ex xp pe er riie en nc ce e? ? Fantastic! We recorded with Bruno Marin and he made it easy. Half recorded in Barcelona and New York. Looks brilliant! We love it. H Ho ow w w wa as s t th he e r re ec co or rd diin ng g a an nd d w wr riit tiin ng g p pr ro oc ce es ss s? ? We have a lot of new songs so we had to choose the best one to be the stand-alone-single which is very difficult! During months we were listening to all those demos we recorded in Nacho’s room and we thought Dig Me Up was the best one, then we wanted to have a british sounds so we contact Oz Craggs. W Wh ha at t w wa as s iit t lliik ke e t to o w wo or rk k w wiit th h O Oz z C Cr ra ag gg gs s a an nd d h ho ow w d diid d t th ha at t r re ella at tiio on ns sh hiip p d de ev ve ello op p? ? Oz is such a lovely man. We fell in love with the process of recording the new single. He gave us confidence and a lot of tips. We can’t wait to comeback to Folkestone! Highly recommended for other bands!

H Ho ow w m mu uc ch h d diid d h he e g ge et t t to o iin nf fllu ue en nc ce e t th he e a allb bu um m? ? He has worked with bands like us for example Mallory Knox so he caught very fast what we wanted, he just push it to a next level. We’re so grateful of his job on Dig Me Up. W Wh ha at t r ro olle e d do oe es s B Ba ar rc ce ello on na a p plla ay ys s iin n y yo ou ur r m mu us siic c? ? Barcelona is home. We had our best shows in here. We sold out many times and we raised here. I’d rather to have a better music culture and more demand but we have another things like sun, paella and sangria. Haha! Y Yo ou u''v ve e m me en nt tiio on ne ed d t th ha at t t th hiis s t tr ra ac ck k s sh ho ow wc ca as se es s t th he e b be es st t o of f t th he e b ba an nd d s so o f fa ar r - - iin n w wh ha at t w wa ay y iit t a ac cc co om mp plliis sh h t th hiis s? ? When I said it I meant the whole pack of song-lyric- production-recording-mixing-mastering-videoW We did our best and we worked hard to get it, then, listened the song and felt complete. Like, okay, we made it. It sounds pro, it sounds like we wanted and people is liking it. H Ho ow w''s s y yo ou ur r n ne ew w a allb bu um m c co om miin ng g a allo on ng g? ? To be honest, we're not releasing a new album soon. During these years we noticed the format of an album it doesn't work for a band like us so we decided to experiment with a stand-alone-single that is 'Dig Me Up' and it seems it worked better than a whole album which means more budget and more time. But yes! We have a bunch of great new songs and we can't wait people to listen to this! A An ny y p plla an ns s t to o h hiit t t th he e r ro oa ad d? ? Fall 2016. You will know soon. W Wh ha at t e ells se e iis s h ha ap pp pe en niin ng g n ne ex xt t iin n L La an nc ca as st te er r''s s w wo or rlld d? ? We’re still recording new demos and new videos, you will get news soon! But for now we keep on promoting ‘Dig Me Up’ which needs a bit of pushing.

H Hii g gu uy ys s,, w we ellc co om me e t to o V VE EN NT TS S!! H Ho ow w h ha av ve e y yo ou u b be ee en n? ? C Ca an n y yo ou u t ta allk k t to o u us s m mo or re e a ab bo ou ut t y yo ou ur r n ne ew w s siin ng glle e " "W Wh he en n Y Yo ou u S Sa ay y S St ta ay y” ”? ? Ah! thank you for asking. When I sat down with Emil (Keys/vocals) and Joel (Bass-Guitar/ vocals)to discuss the new album.I had a vision of writing an album. not a bunch of songs, put together to an album. to describe the sound I had in mind. I said: Imagine Outcast, Little Dragon and Elvis Costello & The Attractions if they had a kid. I want the album to sound like that! Now When the album is done. I can tell you that it doesn't sound like any of those bands. But I like to have visions while creating. No problem to mess up those visions during the process though. ANYWAY! When You Say Stay was the first song we wrote. remember we had a lot of fun programming the drum machines and find a way to play organic over that stuff. it took a while to Swing. D Diid d a an ny y e ev ve en nt t iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r iin ns sp piir re ed d y yo ou u t to o w wr riit te e t th hiis s s so on ng g? ? Every story on this album is stolen. And I stole them from my friends, who are in a divorce or separation. there are some important albums written about this subject. Like Rumours, Blood On The Tracks, Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating In The Space. In case didn't have to break up with my wife to write the album. I wrote from my friends story with a twist. don't know if its call win-win. cause I probably gonna stay out of friends when the album is out :-) T Th he e v viid de eo o iis s q qu uiit te e s st tr riik kiin ng g.. C Ca an n y yo ou u t te ellll u us s a ab bo ou ut t t th he e c ca as st t a an nd d iim ma ag ge er ry y? ? YAY!! the video. our friend Christan Brix who's been doing our artwork for years now. He recommended to reach out to this video director. We told him to feel free to do what ever he want. besides we wanted a Zebra in the video and we (the band) didn't want to appear in the video. I think he did a tremendous job. H Ho ow w d diid d y yo ou u f fiin nd d ( (a an nd d h hiir re e) ) t th he e iim mm miig gr ra an nt ts s f fo or r s sh ho oo ot t? ? D Diid d t th he ey y k kn no ow w w wh ha at t y yo ou u w we er re e d do oiin ng g? ? Yes everyone involved new what they did. even the police Who had to fetch the escaping Zebra knew about this art- project/ Music Video. We recorded the video in Germany. As you probably know there is rough situation for many people in Europe right now. With people from Syria but also other parts of the world trying to find a calm place in a new country. so many people who need a helping hand. Germany is one of the counties who´s been helpful. The director of the video is very connected to help-organizations and doing all meaningful with immigrants in his town. And became friends with many. I wish I could say or knew more more about this. Its truly Mr Campesino table and he should get all the credit for it. We truly stand behind his work. But we just did the music. Mr Campesino and his crew did everything else. W Wh ha at t w wa as s iit t lliik ke e t to o w wo or rk k w wiit th h d diir re ec ct to or r J Ja am me es s C Co oe es st tiin no o a an nd d h ho ow w d diid d t th ha at t r re ella at tiio on ns sh hiip p d de ev ve ello op p? ? Ah I think you came up with a super-person here. I might have mixed up two of our main extern people. James Salter is our co:producer and mixing engineer. David Campesino is our video director. James Salter: We meet up maybe 3 years ago. been doing some projects together in Los Angeles. He understands our English and music. plus loves to track live. like us. I can honestly not think of a better engineer for us. David Campesino: I think I sort of answered that in the earlier question. Remember we had many Skype sessions before it was a confirmed yes from both parts. David will do our next video as well. No idea what he have in mind for next song. IIs s t th ha at t r re ea alllly y a a z ze eb br ra a? ? IIt t llo oo ok ks s m mo or re e lliik ke e a a h ho or rs se e t to o u us s? ? Ha, ha, ha, ha!!! No its not a Zebra. Its a horse. but good enough for us. T Th hiis s s so on ng g w wiillll b be e o on n y yo ou ur r n ne ex xt t r re ec co or rd d.. W Wh he en n c ca an n w we e e ex xp pe ec ct t t th ha at t r re ec co or rd d? ? Yes its the first song on Side B. The album is called EX/EX and recorded it in Sweden, Mixed it in Muscle Shoals/ Alabama. For me, that journey was a culture chock deluxe. It was extremely fun to have Jimmy Johnsson walking around while mixing. Listening to his stories. but also inputs on our songs. Wish I took more pictures. A An ny y p plla an ns s t to o t to ou ur r t th he e U US S t th hiis s y ye ea ar r? ? Yes I will mix an album with James in late may. don't know so much about touring. Im pretty sure everyone in the team are doing there best to have us over. love come back do solid US- tours again. W Wh ha at t e ells se e iis s h ha ap pp pe en niin ng g n ne ex xt t iin n t th he e w wo or rlld d o of f t th he e H Ha ar rb bo ou ur r H He ea ad ds s? ? I mean This project is an on going thing. I know we will do some proper touring in Europe when the album is out. We constantly talking about going back to Japan. I guess that will happen. we plan to travel a lot with the album. Between the tours we will hang with families and I have 3 albums to produce this year. from my point it looks like a wonderful year.

H Hii S Siillv va a,, w we ellc co om me e t to o V VE EN NT TS S!! H Ho ow w h ha av ve e y yo ou u b be ee en n? ? I’m fine, thank you! I am touring in Brazil right now and its been very fun. C Ca an n y yo ou u t ta allk k t to o u us s m mo or re e a ab bo ou ut t y yo ou ur r lla at te es st t s siin ng glle e " "S So ou uD De es ss se eJ Je eiit to o" "? ? “SouDesseJeito” is the first song I wrote for the Jupiter album. In English it means “I’m this way” and the lyrics are very confessional. It talks about being yourself and not worrying about someone else’s expectations. D Diid d a an ny y e ev ve en nt t iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r iin ns sp piir re ed d y yo ou u t to o w wr riit te e t th hiis s s so on ng g? ? No particular event, but my relation with my family in general. I was born in a very religious context and I never felt like I was part of it. So it is like a message to them but with love. A An ny y p plla an ns s t to o r re elle ea as se e a a v viid de eo o f fo or r t th he e s siin ng glle e? ? Yes, I have a good story in mind for a video but I’m still working on it. The theme is a little bit complex to talk to about. So I want to be very careful to address this issue. T Th he e s siin ng glle e c co om me es s o of ff f y yo ou ur r n ne ew w a allb bu um m J Ju up piit te er r - - w wh ha at t''s s t th he e s st to or ry y b be eh hiin nd d t th he e t tiit tlle e? ? Jupiter was always a fascinating planet for me since I was a kid. I used to be fascinated by the name, which sounds very powerful. Jupiter is also the name of one of my favorite Mozart symphonies, the 41st, and it is my ruling planet in the Chinese Astrology, which is something that makes me very curious. H Ho ow w w wa as s t th he e r re ec co or rd diin ng g a an nd d w wr riit tiin ng g p pr ro oc ce es ss s? ? It was very challenging. I was on the road with my previous album “Ocean View” and I had to take advantage of all the free time I had to produce and write songs. I recorded most of it in my home studio, some instruments in a friend’s studio and I wrote all the lyrics with my brother Lucas. W Wh ha at t''s s t th he e t th hiin ng g t th ha at t f fa as sc ciin na at te es s y yo ou u t th he e m mo os st t a ab bo ou ut t J Ju up piit te er r? ? The greatness, the instability and the power of it. It sounds like love, doesn’t it? W Wh ha at t lle ed d y yo ou u t to o w wr riit te e p pe er rh ha ap ps s o on ne e o of f y yo ou ur r m mo os st t m miin niim ma alliis st tiic c r re ec co or rd ds s? ? Well, I was a little bit tired of those dozens of layers in a simple track. If you are a classical trained musician, creating layers is not a very complicated duty. Choosing the right ones is quite more challenging. So I wanted to go that way. W Wh ha at t r ro olle e d do oe es s B Br ra az ziill p plla ay ys s iin n y yo ou ur r m mu us siic c? ? I love Brazilian music and I listen to it a lot. But unfortunately the music industry around the world has always explored a very cliché image of my country. We live in a globalized world and do not think that I have to be doomed to play traditional music. T Th he e a allb bu um m a alls so o f fe ea at tu ur re es s a a r re ew wo or rk k o of f " "M Ma ar riin na a" " b by y D Do or riim ma allC Ca ay ym mm mii - - w wh hy y f fr ro om m a allll t th he e t tr ra ac ck ks s y yo ou u c ch ho oo os se e t to o d do o a a c co ov ve er r o of f t th hiis s t tr ra ac ck k? ? Because I love the melody of the song. This song was recorded for the first time in 1947, I guess. So it was nice and challenging to bring it to another context. W Wh he er re e e ells se e d diid d y yo ou u f fiin nd d t th he e iin ns sp piir ra at tiio on n f fo or r t th he e s so on ng gs s a an nd d lly yr riic cs s? ? Traveling and touring inspires me a lot. Meeting new people and making new friends is something very important for me. If I don’t do this I get bored and I won’t work properly. A An ny y p plla an ns s t to o h hiit t t th he e r ro oa ad d? ? I already am! But hopefully I will have the opportunity to bring my music to places I have never been. W Wh ha at t e ells se e iis s h ha ap pp pe en niin ng g n ne ex xt t iin n S Siillv va a''s s w wo or rlld d? ? At the moment I am writing songs with a Brazilian singer that I really love and I am touring in Brazil, which makes me very excited.

H Hii g gu uy ys s,, w we ellc co om me e t to o V VE EN NT TS S!! H Ho ow w h ha av ve e y yo ou u b be ee en n? ? We've been awesome, thanks so much for having us! C Ca an n y yo ou u t ta allk k t to o u us s m mo or re e a ab bo ou ut t y yo ou ur r lla at te es st t s siin ng glle e " "D Diis sm ma an nt tlle e M Me e" "? ? Dismantle Me is a song we think really catches the essence of the whole EP, and is probably the best song to give people a taste of what we're about musically and lyrically. It's a song about the havoc depression wreaks on a relationship and life in general, something we hope people can hear and realize they're not alone in fighting. D Diid d a an ny y e ev ve en nt t iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r iin ns sp piir re ed d y yo ou u t to o w wr riit te e t th hiis s s so on ng g? ? It stems from relationships the band members have had, and from family and friends we've seen struggle through this disease. It's just our way of saying we know people are afflicted by this and we try our best to understand and help them through it. A An ny y p plla an ns s t to o r re elle ea as se e a a v viid de eo o f fo or r t th he e s siin ng glle e? ? No plans currently to release a video, but it's definitely still a possibility. T Th he e s siin ng glle e c co om me es s o of ff f y yo ou ur r n ne ew w E EP P A Ap pp pa ar riit tiio on ns s - - w wh ha at t''s s t th he e s st to or ry y b be eh hiin nd d t th he e t tiit tlle e? ? We picked Apparitions because this EP is about the "demons" that follow people through life that cause them to feel less human, turning them into a ghost of their former self, hence Apparitions. H Ho ow w w wa as s t th he e r re ec co or rd diin ng g a an nd d w wr riit tiin ng g p pr ro oc ce es ss s? ? It was long and tiring! We were writing this EP for around a half a year, then we demoed all the songs and rewrote all of them multiple times basically. After we found the versions we thought were the best, we took it to the studio and tried to make

everything as natural as we could; doing long takes for most parts of the songs so it flowed and sounded natural. We record on our own, as our guitarist Kyle is a sound engineer, so we do everything through Reverie Audio. I can say we're all really happy with the way it turned out, and hope other people are too. Y Yo ou u’’r re e k kn no ow wn n f fo or r b blle en nd diin ng g d diif ff fe er re en nt t g ge en nr re es s t to og ge et th he er r,, d do oe es s o on ne e t te en nd d t to o s sh hiin ne e f fr ro om m t th he e o ot th he er r d de ep pe en nd diin ng g o on n t th he e lly yr riic ca all t th he em me e? ? We really tried to show our polka influence in this EP, and if you listen carefully you can hear accordion parts on the background. Something we'd like to call Polka-Grunge. But people often don't realize it, so I guess what mostly shines though is our 90's alternative influence in the tones and pedals we use. W Wh he er re e d diid d y yo ou u f fiin nd d t th he e iin ns sp piir ra at tiio on n f fo or r t th he e s so on ng gs s a an nd d lly yr riic cs s? ? We drew them from personal experiences and found experiences from people we're close with and implemented them into our writing. A An ny y p plla an ns s t to o h hiit t t th he e r ro oa ad d? ? We're planning on doing some touring this summer, especially in markets that are closer to us. W Wh ha at t e ells se e iis s h ha ap pp pe en niin ng g n ne ex xt t iin n C Co om mm mo on nw we ea at th he er r''s s w wo or rlld d? ? We're just promoting hard for the release of the EP and doing some touring around the Midwest and trying to get our music to a wider audience. Definitely writing new songs and planning on more releases in the future but for the immediate plans just playing shows and spreading Apparitions around.

Hi Sun, welcome to VENTS! How have you been? Doing well, thank you! Just keeping busy with music and getting this record out. C Ca an n y yo ou u t ta allk k t to o u us s m mo or re e a ab bo ou ut t y yo ou ur r s siin ng glle e " "M My ys st te er ry y" "? ? “Mystery” represented for me the process of trying to figure out the circumstances behind my ancestor’s migration from China to Suriname in 1858. Having researched the socio-political situation of 1858 in Southern China, I discovered that the area was filled with strife: The Opium War, famine, overpopulation, civil war. My family’s account of his migration is very incomplete and muddled with rumor and innuendo. Based on those rumors, research about the migration, consultation with Professors of history, allowed me to pose several questions: did he leave voluntarily; was he abducted and sold into indentured servitude, did he have an outstanding debt that had him on the run? These were all questions I contemplated as I wrote the 5th Chapter of this ancestral quest. The song goes into various tempos and styles to create a feel of mystery and chaos. Some of the chord progressions also aim to convey a sense of mystery. D Diid d a an ny y e ev ve en nt t iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r iin ns sp piir re ed d y yo ou u t to o w wr riit te e t th hiis s s so on ng g? ? In embarking on this ancestral quest, the quandary had existed and started since age 7, when I landed in Suriname (from The Netherlands, where I was born) and for the first time really “noticed” the Chinese surname we had and the fact that many others had similar family histories (that of being the descendant of Chinese migrants to Suriname assimilated into Surinamese culture). As I grew my career as a musician, I saw an opportunity to explore the mysteries that surrounded my family name and drew me to wonder where my ancestor hailed from and why he landed in Suriname. A An ny y p plla an ns s t to o r re elle ea as se e a a v viid de eo o f fo or r t th hiis s o or r a an ny y o of f t th he e o ot th he er r s siin ng glle es s? ? The project came to fruition as an audio-visual performance project (commissioned by Asia Society Texas Center). The visuals were garnered during extensive filming during the 10- day excursion to China which started the ancestral quest). The performance (mixing the visuals to the music in real-time using Modul8) featured images that correspond to each song written fro the project. The videos, which will use these images, are being shot all throughout April and we hope to roll out videos in May, for “Mystery”, “Shop”, and “Macau”. T Th he e s siin ng glle e c co om me es s o of ff f y yo ou ur r n ne ew w m ma at te er riia all Q Qiin ng gx xii - - w wh ha at t lle ed d y yo ou u t to o d do o a a c co on nc ce ep pt t a allb bu um m a ab bo ou ut t y yo ou ur r a an nc ce es st to or rs s? ? After my first album “One Hundred”, Asia Society Texas Center approved a proposal i submitted about doing an ancestral quest. I wanted to delve into how my processes as an artist are influenced by my ancestry. Our family, hailing mostly from the Caribbean (via Suriname, Aruba, St Maarten, Dominican Republic) is mixed with various backgrounds, but the Chinese surname carries so much importance because its how we are “identified”- by name. Because of the mystery surrounding the background behind our name and our history, I was inspired to get as close to the truth as possible by tuning into all of the research and history to create a project that carries my sentiments about potential findings and have it be a significant musical project. W Wh hy y d diiv viid de e t th he em m o on n c ch ha ap pt te er rs s? ? The chapters are various ways that inspiration and facts were presented to me. They represent how i experienced the ancestral quest (as in “Bees” and “Shop”) along with what other chapters that I imagined my ancestor’s experience would have been. I wanted to present a narrative of those experiences, imagined and real. It was best organized in “Chapters”, which represent the songs, and also have differing “textures” and elements that are unique to that part of the story. W Wh ha at t''s s t th he e s st to or ry y b be eh hiin nd d t th he e t tiit tlle e? ? Qingxi is the town where my research (through the help of Dr. Tjon Sie Fat, Sinology) led me to understand my ancestor to have hailed from. It’s a town near the Qingxi forest. Qingxi refers to the deer that were encountered as my ancestor’s ancestors migrated to the area in South China (near Dongguan) from the North, a few centuries ago. To me, there was something very sacred to being in that area, touching the soil, interacting with people frm the region, and more. H Ho ow w w wa as s t th he e r re ec co or rd diin ng g a an nd d w wr riit tiin ng g p pr ro oc ce es ss s? ? We travelled in late April of 2015 and returned in early May. The performance we were commissioned for was set for October 3, 2015. I had between May and September (rehearsals were scheduled for all of September) to come up with a story that flowed, made sense, and covered all the elements that shaped and informed my experience and the imagined experience of my ancestor. It was a pressure- filled endeavor, but one that I took on with pride and which had the personal importance that lent itself to delving wholeheartedly into the process. The tracks were then recorded in FX Box Olmos’ studio (my friend, engineer, and a DJ in Houston). The tracks were then again (as in “One Hundred”) mastered by Dave McNair (whose credits have included mastering for Los Lobos, Willie Nelson, David Bowie, Cindy Lauper, and many more) D Diid d a an ny y r re ea all lliif fe e e ex xp pe er riie en nc ce es s iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r g ge et t t to o iin ns sp piir re e t th he e lly yr riic cs s o on n t th hiis s r re ec co or rd d? ? There are no lyrics on the record. A An ny y p plla an ns s t to o h hiit t t th he e r ro oa ad d? ? I am putting together a band and will then explore a summer tour. I own and operate a bar and music lounge in Houston (The Flat), since last year, and have my hands full with other projects at The Museum of Fine Arts Houston, as a m,usi curator for their Mixed Media parties, so it takes a bit of planning before I can get away from my obligations here. The plan is to do spot tours to major markets and those in the Colorado area where my music has gotten solid airplay in the past. W Wh ha at t e ells se e iis s h ha ap pp pe en niin ng g n ne ex xt t iin n D DJ J S Su un n''s s w wo or rlld d? ? I want to release the "follow up” to “One Hundred” and then continue on this quest that I started with Qingxi by going to Suriname late this summer and repeating the process.

Brauninger

H Hii B Br ra au un niin ng ge er r,, w we ellc co om me e t to o V VE EN NT TS S!! H Ho ow w h ha av ve e y yo ou u b be ee en n? ? I am great and very excited about what is going with my music and getting it out to everyone. Thanks for your support! C Ca an n y yo ou u t ta allk k t to o u us s m mo or re e a ab bo ou ut t y yo ou ur r lla at te es st t s siin ng glle e " "L Le et t''s s G Ge et t O Ou ur r K Kiin nk ks s W Wo or rk ke ed d O Ou ut t" "? ? It is a song about how relationships come and go and, the struggles one goes through especially when learning more about that other person. It also looks on how to keep the negativity out of the relationship. I think it has a great jazzy feel to it. I was in a Fleetwood Mac kinda mood when I wrote it. D Diid d a an ny y e ev ve en nt t iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r iin ns sp piir re e y yo ou u t to o w wr riit te e t th hiis s s so on ng g? ? Not really, I am a very observant person and I see other relationships where couples get together and have a lot of baggage from their past and have a lot, to work through before they can move forward. Hence that is where I came up “Kinks worked out”. It was really just an observation. A An ny y p plla an ns s t to o r re elle ea as se e a a v viid de eo o f fo or r t th he e s siin ng glle e? ? My team is making plans on getting one together. We developed a rough draft idea on how we want it to flow. The video would probably mimic the lyrics pretty closely. I really do enjoy doing videos. I do have a video made with another single” How did we end up this way” you can catch that on my youtube page just type in Brauninger McDaniel it’s that easy. H Ho ow w w wa as s t th he e r re ec co or rd diin ng g a an nd d w wr riit tiin ng g p pr ro oc ce es ss s? ? The writing of the song came pretty fast, with a few lines added here or there. It was a blast working with Jerry Webb, from the Project Room Studios in Hendersonville, TN. He has worked with a lot of country artist but, he really got into the production of this song. He actually was the guitar player in this single. W Wh ha at t r ro olle e d do oe es s N Na as sh hv viilllle e p plla ay ys s iin n y yo ou ur r m mu us siic c r riig gh ht t n no ow w? ? It plays a major role. I have met quite a few writers and musicians. Networking is such a plus. Since, Nashville has many venues to perform, it really gives an artist like me, plenty of opportunities to display my talent. Besides that it’s a great town for all types of music. D Do oe es s t th he e n ne ew w s siin ng glle e m me ea an n w we e c ca an n e ex xp pe ec ct t a a n ne ew w m ma at te er riia all - - h ho ow w''s s t th ha at t c co om miin ng g a allo on ng g? ? Yes we are getting new music together and wrapping up loose ends. I’m hoping to get into the studio very soon. I have a lot of material that I have written over the last six months. It will be exciting to see which songs will get chosen. A An ny y t te en nt ta at tiiv ve e r re elle ea as se e d da at te e o or r t tiit tlle e iin n m miin nd d? ? No release date at this time, everything is still in the infant stage of the process. Stay tuned though, we hope to have more information released soon. As far as a name, still working on that. I have a few in mind. We will see how things turn out. I’m sure it will be something real meaningful to me. I’m looking forward to releasing some more music soon! A An ny y p plla an ns s t to o h hiit t t th he e r ro oa ad d? ? I believe that is every musician’s goal. My team is starting to line up some gigs. I am so ready to get on the road, but, right now I am performing at local venues. Which is great too because I really enjoy performing close to home while I have the chance. I know once I get on the road I will not have the chance to be around home for a while. W Wh ha at t e ells se e iis s h ha ap pp pe en niin ng g n ne ex xt t iin n B Br ra au un niin ng ge er r''s s w wo or rlld d? ? I have auditioned for a comedy series, where I can showcase my musical talents. I have a role in an upcoming independent film,”Candles”, I was cast as a funeral singer. This will be my first opportunity for acting, I’m just excited about the opportunities that are opening up for my music.

C Ca an n y yo ou u t ta allk k t to o u us s m mo or re e a ab bo ou ut t y yo ou ur r lla at te es st t s siin ng glle e " "H He ea ad dlliig gh ht ts s" "? ? Tim: The original acoustic version of "Headlights" was more mellow. The verses were strummed and it wasn't as dark. After we brought it in to the studio and showed our producer (Anthony Lopardo), we added more rock elements to it to keep it inline with the theme of the song and overall album. It's kind of funny because our lead guitarist (Matthew Delay) didn't plan to add the leads that are in the intro. He was going ham, rocking out to the song before he started recording and we all liked it so there it stayed. D Diid d a an ny y e ev ve en nt t iin n p pa ar rt tiic cu ulla ar r iin ns sp piir re ed d y yo ou u t to o w wr riit te e t th hiis s s so on ng g? ? Sarah: Yes but I'm pretty secretive about "Headlights" in particular. That's one song I don't like breaking down and I'd prefer to leave it up for interpretation. I will say though that the car crash is symbolic for being taken by surprise, whether by your own behavior or someone else's. C Ca an n y yo ou u t te ellll u us s m mo or re e a ab bo ou ut t y yo ou ur r u up pc co om miin ng g v viid de eo o? ? Sarah: The release date for the music video for "Headlights" will be announced VERY soon. It's being produced by Slate Media Group, the sister company to Westfall Recording Company where we recorded the album. You're gonna have to wait and see what's it like but trust me, you'll love it. H Ho ow w w wa as s t th he e f fiillm m e ex xp pe er riie en nc ce e? ? Sarah: It's hard to explain. Imagine four sweaty men with their respective instruments and one blue headed girl with a microphone. Throw in some not safe for work jokes, a bucket of water and two cats fighting in an alley and you can kinda start to picture how filming went. Safe to say, it was fun. It's always fun. T Th he e s siin ng glle e c co om me es s o of ff f y yo ou ur r n ne ew w m ma at te er riia all S Sw wiin ng g S Se et ts s a an nd d H Ha an nd dg gu un ns s - - w wh ha at t lle ed d y yo ou u t to o d do o a a c co on nc ce ep pt t a allb bu um m? ? Sarah: When we started writing the album in 2013, we didn't plan to make it a concept album. Every time we wrote a new song, we'd record an acoustic demo of it. By the time we were ready to take them into the studio, we had almost twenty of them. When I listened to them all at once, I pictured a story unfolding with the lyrics. Naturally-since I write about my experiences, the songs were related to each other lyrically and they reflected those two years of my life. In a way, the songs kind of told their own story. That's when I got the idea to do a concept album. W Wh ha at t''s s t th he e s st to or ry y b be eh hiin nd d t th he e t tiit tlle e? ? Tim: It symbolizes innocence (Swing Sets) and corruption (Handguns). In the album, the story starts when the two characters are children. They grow up together and fall in love but as the album moves to the tenth track, it shows them falling deeper and deeper into their personal demons which puts a

H Hii g gu uy ys s,, w we ellc co om me e t to o V VE EN NT TS S!! H Ho ow w h ha av ve e y yo ou u b be ee en n? ? We've been great, just working to pay the bills and playing our music! W Wh ha at t c ca an n y yo ou u t te ellll u us s a ab bo ou ut t t th he e t tiit tlle e a an nd d m me ea an niin ng g b be eh hiin nd d y yo ou ur r m mo os st t r re ec ce en nt t r re elle ea as se e? ? "It's Not Me, It's You" incorporates experiences from all of our lives including toxic relationships, missed opportunities, and the chance to stand up for yourself when being taken advantage by someone. H Ho ow w w wa as s t th he e r re ec co or rd diin ng g a an nd d w wr riit tiin ng g p pr ro oc ce es ss s? ? Our most recent release was the second EP released under Older Than Oceans, after parting ways with our original singer we went from a post hardcore/experimental sound to more of an alternative mature sound and we love it! W Wh he er re e d diid d y yo ou u g gu uy ys s f fiin nd d t th he e iin ns sp piir ra at tiio on n f fo or r t th he e s so on ng g a an nd d lly yr riic cs s? ? Past experiences definitely play a role along with all the bands that influence us to play the music we love to play. W Wiillll y yo ou u b be e h hiit tt tiin ng g t th he e r ro oa ad d t th hiis s y ye ea ar r? ? We definitely plan to venture out along the east coast this year playing colleges, venues, anywhere we can!!! W Wh ha at t e ells se e iis s h ha ap pp pe en niin ng g n ne ex xt t iin n t th he e w wo or rlld d o of f O Olld de er r T Th ha an n O Oc ce ea an ns s? ? We plan on another EP release by the summer. Until then keep your eyes out for a new single in the near future! huge damper on their relationship. H Ho ow w w wa as s t th he e r re ec co or rd diin ng g a an nd d w wr riit tiin ng g p pr ro oc ce es ss s? ? Tim: Sarah and I write together; we have a natural chemistry. I come up with a verse and Sarah writes lyrics and comes up with a melody. From there, we try to make a full song of it and if it doesn't work, we scratch it and move on. The recording process was long-with preproduction included, we worked in the studio for about eight months. It felt like our second home for awhile and we were exhausted after every session, but it was worth it and I think we got the outcome we were looking for. Y Yo ou u’’r re e k kn no ow wn n f fo or r b blle en nd diin ng g d diif ff fe er re en nt t g ge en nr re es s t to og ge et th he er r,, d do oe es s o on ne e t te en nd d t to o s sh hiin ne e f fr ro om m t th he e o ot th he er r d de ep pe en nd diin ng g o on n t th he e lly yr riic ca all t th he em me e? ? Tim: In a way, it does. I come up with riffs to match what I think Sarah's feeling in the moment and what she's writing about. We write the base of it and the rest of the guys come up with their parts, writing whatever they feel fits the individual song best. We never really discuss genres when we're writing though. We let the song come to life on its own. W Wh he er re e d diid d y yo ou u f fiin nd d t th he e iin ns sp piir ra at tiio on n f fo or r t th he e s so on ng gs s a an nd d lly yr riic cs s? ? Sarah: The songs for Swing Sets and Handguns were inspired by my depression, my bulimia, Tim's alcoholism, our recoveries and our relationship. When we started dating, we were both in a really dark place. We knew what the other was going through because we were best friends but we didn't realize how toxic we'd be as a couple. I'm ashamed to say it but in the beginning, we made each other worse. I was sicker than before and even contemplating suicide. We'd have another huge fight and then Tim would disappear and binge drink for days. You are in control of your own mental health and you can't truly love someone until you love yourself. That's what we didn't understand. Six months into the relationship, we realized we weren't going to make it. It didn't matter how much chemistry we had-music wasn't strong enough to save us. That's when we started saving ourselves-individually. I began treatment, Tim was hospitalized. It was rough time for us but we made it out alive and that's what ultimately inspired the album. A An ny y p plla an ns s t to o h hiit t t th he e r ro oa ad d? ? Tim: Yeah! After the album release show, we will be announcing tour dates but expect to see us in upstate NY, PA, NJ and surrounding areas through the summer and fall. W Wh ha at t e ells se e iis s h ha ap pp pe en niin ng g n ne ex xt t iin n T Th he em m V Vs s.. H He er r''s s w wo or rlld d? ? Sarah: We have so much planned for 2016. I don't want to give too much away because I like the element of surprise, but there will be a couple of video releases over the year and a tour. Also, there may or may not be a compilation in the works.