These Words – New Singles
by Valerie on Jun.13, 2011, under Music/Artist Review
Time Wasters and Last Year are the new singles from the band “These Words.” Haven’t heard of them? Well maybe “The Cafe Kids” is familiar. Either way, these English rockers have been making music and tantalizing ears with their melodies and relatable lyrics since 2007. The name change is a recent thing and Niall Everitt (vocals) explains that it “was long overdue. The change from The Cafe Kids to These Words isn’t revolutionary. It’s a revision. We’re growing up and learning. We’re slowly finding our niche – our rung on the ladder.” Other members include David Holmes (drums), Sam Bendall (bass) and Rich Beech (guitar).
Along with the name change they have recently left their label and have stated that a music video will be released once a month. Beech explained in 247, that “Right now everybody is talking about how great the internet is, how it empowers the musician. Bands have completely overlooked the fact that it empowers the music fan as well. When I go on the internet, I want to hear a song I haven’t heard before, or discover a new band. There’s so much out there, why would fans choose to listen to the same album every day? Well we can’t release a song every day, but we’re pretty sure we can release one every month, so that’s what we’re going to do, and they’re all going to be better than the last!”
And with that, on to the music!
Last Year starts slow and what may have you thinking of a ‘Debbie Downer’ song, but it quickly changes into up-beat and reflective. A song about how things can change during a year; going from a recent breakup, to hanging out with friends and the start of a new relationship. The catchy, fast-paced melodies will have you getting ready for a night full of possibilities.
Time Wasters is a take it or leave it type of song. I can spot a time waster a half a year a way/so if you’re not in here to buy something/ then I can’t let you stay; are lyrics that everyone can relate too and yell out loud. All four come together musically, each playing off each other and just making quality songs that speak to a wide audience.
These guys are talented and I’m thankful for Twitter, otherwise I might not have heard about them for another four more years. Looking forward to the next song guys! Keep it up and everyone else, tune in and follow them on Twitter, Youtube or just check into their Website. Purchase their singles on itunes and enjoy the music videos!
Unsigned Artist – Greg Hansen
by Valerie on Jun.12, 2011, under Interview
Social networking strikes again! I love it when I find new solo artists or bands. A while ago a twitter post led me to Greg Hansen. His single “Better Man” is fantastic; seriously the guitar work is great. A song that is at home streaming through your speakers relaxing with friends or with that special someone. His other single, “New York City Girl,” is a catchier tune about a unknown girl that a man is searching for.
Greg was busy recording his album, but he had some time to answer questions via e-mail. Check out his twitter , Purevolume or Youtube channel for updates, that album should be making an appearance soon *fingers crossed*.
When did start making music?
I started playing music when I was 17. A friend of mine took me to a concert in Brooklyn when I was a senior in high school. After that I had a new sense of sound and music. From then on I developed a healthy addiction to the guitar and music.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
If I could travel anywhere in the world, I would not be able to pick one place. The world is so big and beautiful, I need to see it all.
How is recording your first album going?
Recording my new album has been an amazing and exciting learning experience. Because not only am I responsible for the music and lyrics, but the production as well. It has been an absolute blast!
Are you loyal to any brand?
I am not loyal to any instrument brand. I have owned or played every major brand guitar there is and, from what I have experienced, it all comes down to the luck of the draw. For instance, I like the $200 guitar that my friend gave me more than the $2000 guitar that I saved and saved for. For musicians I would say, find an instrument that is comfortable and that you love to play. Sound, especially these days, is easily manipulated.
What is the best concert or live show that you have ever been to?
I have been to so many concerts, I couldn’t say which one was the best. Any Phish or Pat Metheny concert. Though I did skip my 8th grade dance to go see KISS. That was a good one.
Do you have any strange quirks?
My strange quirk is giving obscure answers to honest questions and eating cereal out of plastic cups.
Why music?
Playing and writing music makes me happier than anything else I can think of. If I wasn’t musician, I would be doing something that made me equally happy. But since I’m always so busy playing music, I never had a chance to figure out what that was.
You can also purchase his single “Better Man” on itunes.
Unsigned Artists – One Step Away
by Valerie on Jun.10, 2011, under Interview
They won the Boston Music Festival in 2008, and since then life hasn’t been the same for this group of four. A polished sound, their songs are alternative rock/pop and definite BBQ, chilling in the backyard with friends, type of music. Two albums down, the world is wide open for these talented guys.
How did each of you start making music?
We each were introduced to music at a young age, and always enjoyed it. Many of us took up piano or some other instrument when we were young before we started playing our current instruments.
How did you all meet?
Mike and Terence met in middle school and picked up their instruments to play in a talent show. Mike found Adam when he saw Adam singing in his high school’s play. Searching to complete the group, Ben was recommended by a local music teacher.
How did you decide on the name One Step Away?
It was recommend to us by a friend in high school, and it stuck. The name to us stands for the fact that we’re always looking forward to another goal, the next step in our careers. We’re very determined and passionate guys and I think our name represents that well.
What/who influences your music?
Boys Like Girls, We The Kings, All Time Low, Fall Out Boy
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
California. We’ve been there before, and we really loved the music scene out there. The fans we met all were really passionate about music and we had an awesome time playing shows there.
Are you guys loyal to any brand concerning your instruments?
Individually, Terence is very loyal to PRS, Mike is to Ernie Ball basses, and Ben is to Yamaha drums. We are loyal mostly because of the durability and quality of the instruments. We can count on them not to have any problems over the course of a show.
If you all could trade places with anyone in the world who would it be and why?
Maybe Russell Brand, just because he’s married to Katy Perry.
Biggest challenge as a band?
Making a name for ourselves has been a challenge for us, but it’s something that helped us grow and learn to work through it. To start off as a band, especially at a young age, you really have to prove yourselves and show people that you have talent.
Who writes the songs?
We all take part in the writing process. It usually starts out with a guitar riff or some lyrics. From there, we all come together and add in our own ideas and inputs to help shape the song.
Why music?
Music is something we all really enjoy. Both playing and listening to it. It’s a universal language and music can connect and reach out to people in incredible ways.
If you all weren’t in music what would you be doing?
We’re all hugely driven and passionate guys, so we’d be successful in anything we’d be doing. If not for music, we’d probably be working and focused on that.
9 things you as a band, or individually, could not do without while touring, besides the usual like your instruments?
Water, iPods, earplugs, lots of clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, our pillows from home, Axe, and of course our GPS
What has been the best experience for each of you thus far, whether it was recording or performing at a specific venue, fan encounter, etc.?
It would have to be a tie between recording our first album, and getting to tour out to California. Both were new experiences for us that we hugely enjoyed, but also learned a lot from as musicians.
Make sure to check us out online! We love to talk with fans!
Facebook, Twitter, Youtube , Purevolume, Band Page – Also purchase their available music on itunes.
Gorillaz – The Fall
by Todd on Apr.19, 2011, under Music/Artist Review
The mysterious Gorillaz anima team is at it again with their new album title “The Fall.” The album is following the commercial release of Plastic Beach and the web only album produced completely on an iPad. With the quick back to back of these albums you would expect the quality to drop but it hasn’t. I will say this album is much more subdued than the last two but still quintessential Gorillaz. The album cover might give you an insight as to how the album was created. The band is well know for creating new music anywhere any time and a hotel on tour wouldn’t be a stretch. “The Fall” has some just instrumental tracks that are great to just kick back with. Other tracks have great driving beats and lyrics. One thing I caught listening to the album is their three track adventure in Texas. The tracks The Parish of Space Dust, The Snake in Dallas and Amarillo all center around Texas. With as secretive as the group is; they my have taken up residence here and felt like adding a tribute to their new home state. Aspen Forest sounds like another iPad or iPhone created track that you will love. Regardless of your opinion of the band they make great music and this is another great album. You can pick the album up in iTunes or Amazon today.
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