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Talent In Borders - Entertainment, Music & Media

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Talent In Borders - Entertainment, Music & Media

Tag / music single
Jamie Hart
Jamie Hart Photo provided by Hip Video Promo

Jamie Hart chats about how she almost quit music altogether, using ‘contact improv’ for her music video and single for ‘Get Closer,’ and her creative and inspiration process

Singer-songwriter Jamie Hart has recently released the music video for her single, “Get Closer,” with the video released in late October, and the single of the same name released in September. Hart has been a member of the voice faculty at Berklee College of Music since 2012, and she has been classically trained and focuses her music efforts in the genres of rock, pop and blues. Hart almost quit music altogether in 2017, and took a two-year break. During that time away from music, Hart focused her efforts on receiving certifications as a spiritual life coach and yoga instructor.

With “Get Closer,” Hart used “contact improv,” where dancers immerse in the experience and respond to each other. “It’s a mindfulness practice because you have to focus so much and tune in to each other’s energy to move through the song.” Hart explains that “it’s a mindfulness practice because you have to focus so much and tune in to each other’s energy to move through the song.” Hart and her co-star James Novakowski were directed in “Get Closer” by Jay Golde, and is an excellent portrayal of Hart’s new sound. Hart talks with us about her musical journey, from almost quitting, then returning, using “contact improv” in the music video for “Get Closer,” how and why filming the video was a “Synesthesia experience” for her, collaborating music and lyrics with her guitarist, producer and drummer, and what she’s looking forward to most in 2020.

You almost quit music altogether beginning in 2017, and having taken a two-year hiatus have come back with more depth to your lyrics and creation of your music overall. Please share some of this journey with our readers.

Jamie Hart: Being an independent artist is hard. Sometimes it feels like I’m pushing a large boulder up a mountain. I burnt out and needed to step back. That led me to delve deep into the big questions regarding my true desires and intentions around doing it, and trying to understand what part of it would give me joy again. I decided to switch gears to healing my past and grappling with some intense emotions. Healing is like peeling an onion , and once I worked through a layer, there was always clarity and immense relief. This became the most important endeavor in my life and is now entirely informing the way I create my music.

How have your lyrics and music evolved with your own personal growth?

Jamie: The songwriting now revolves around this process and the awakenings that ensue from deep healing and spiritual work. It’s all I want to talk about and write about now. The real s***. The deep things that can keep us from our joy and keep us stuck in old patterning and pain.

You used “contact improv” with the music video for your single “Get Closer,” which is a mindfulness practice. What was that experience like for you and the other members of the music video?

Jamie: Luckily, James and I have practiced this a few times before for fun, so we got to know each other’s movement style slowly over time. There is bound to be awkwardness and “mistakes” when you’re improvising and that’s also part of the experience–to get really vulnerable and present in the experience. The video only shows the pretty parts ha!

The creative and inspiration process for the video was “a Synesthesia experience” for you. Can you explain what that’s like for you?

Jamie: It was an effortless process for us because I could close my eyes when I listened to the song and see it. The movement and expressive pieces are very easy for me, but I had to work with the Sure Fire team to determine if the colors, lighting, and dreamy vibes I saw in my mind were possible. And as you can see from the video, it was, and Jay Golde surpassed my expectations.

You have a collection of songs that you wrote with guitarist Jason Jagentenfl and producer/drummer Shaq Duryan. What is your writing and recording process like?

Jamie: I write the melody and lyrics by myself. Sometimes while taking walks, sometimes in the car, sometimes in the bath (smiles). If I’m not in the mood to sit at a piano and plunk out chords, I call on Jason to collaborate with harmonic ideas. He and I work really fast and it’s a blessing to have talented and creative people on my team! Then we take the basic structure to Shaq and he works some mystery magic to create the whole production aesthetic. He adds, takes away, stretches my mind and really helps me expand my vision

What’s next for you and your music throughout 2019 and into 2020?

Jamie: 2020 hopefully brings clarity for me and my musical mission. Trying to find the right flow for me to make the process enjoyable and intentional. We plan on releasing an EP which will be a collection of songs about this awakening journey of mine which will hopefully serve as an inspiration to other people on this wild ride of life.

Fun Questions

Who was your first concert, and who has been your favorite so far?

Jamie: New Kids on The Block! I think I was 6 (smiles). One of the best shows I’ve been to has been Kimbra. That woman knows how to entertain.

What was your first album on cassette, CD and/or vinyl?

Jamie: I think it was Whitney Houston’s first tape!

Which five albums and/or artists would you not want to live without?

Jamie:

Tori Amos – Little Earthquakes
Fiona Apple – Tidal
Sade – Lover’s Rock
Beatles – (all of them)
Aretha Franklin – Lady Soul

Do you have a guilty music and/or entertainment pleasure?

Jamie: I don’t want to be guilty about my pleasure (smiles). But some of Celine Dion’s older music is a little cheesy and I just love every second! She is the queen.

Connect with Jamie on Instagram and Facebook. Stream her music on Spotify and SoundCloud.

Lovers & Poets
Lovers & Poets Photo provided by Hip Video Promo

Lovers & Poets talk about their new single and music video for ‘Sugar High,’ unique covers of ‘Barely Breathing’ & ‘Ashes to Ashes,’ more

Lovers & Poets is the 80s and 90s music loving duo, husband and wife, Shannon Hurley and Ben Eisen, with Hurley providing vocals and keys, along with Eisen playing bass and additional programming. The duo are influenced by musicians and artist like Portishead, Air, Ivy, Massive Attack, along with Duncan Sheik, whose hit single “Barely Breathing” was covered through a trip-hop version. The duo also covered David Bowie’s single “Ashes To Ashes.”

Having released two previous cover singles garnering traction with popular fan acclaim and rotation on Los Angeles’ well-known KLOS, the duo released their new album with their first single “Sugar High.” The song is about trying to avoid something one shouldn’t be doing, but divulging anyway, and the music video features Hurley and Eisen in an overexposed, ultravioletroom, with intermittent patterns and imagery, that flash across the screen.

Hurley spoke with us about creating music solely for three months while in Vietnam’s Saigon Park Hyatt, creating music with her other half, Ben Eisen, the influence behind their latest single “Sugar High,” and working with director Matt Dinan on it’s accompanying music video, along with their invested in 80s and 90s music.

Lovers & Poets

Photo by Brandie Bell

What led you to spend three months creating music in Vietnam’s Saigon Park Hyatt, and how did that experience help you grow and evolve with your music?

Shannon Hurley: I was referred by a fellow musician friend to perform there. It was the singularly the most character-shaping event I’ve ever experienced. I was performing 4 hours a night, 6 nights a week, for 3 months. I had to learn a large number of covers in a few days, and was taking requests, work-shopping new original songs, and meeting an international audience for the first time.

You and your other music half and husband, Ben Eisen, have created unique cover versions of Duncan Sheik’s hit single “Barely Breathing,” and David Bowie’s “Ashes to Ashes.” What led you guys to choosing these singles to cover, and do you plan to do future covers?

Shannon: We only cover songs we feel strongly attached to, and have something we think we can add as a cover. “Barely Breathing” came as a result of me performing the song in a crazy 90s pop medley (with Backstreet Boys, Savage Garden, & more) as a solo artist, and I rediscovered how great that song is.
“Ashes To Ashes” was our tribute to [David] Bowie. I had been feeling so dazed after the news of his passing, and this cover helped heal me. The beat and tempo was Ben’s idea. We will definitely do future covers, as long as we feel we can add something unique to the song.

Your newest single is “Sugar High,” from your latest album. What was the influence behind this song?

Shannon: I sat down at the piano, and the melody and lyrics came at the same time and it just wrote itself. Then when it came time to record, we just knew we wanted a 90s electronica feel. We turned to Elastica, Garbage, Luscious Jackson, and Lush.

The video for “Sugar High” is mysterious, featuring unique imagery, and other vivid details. What was the collaborative process like working on this music video?

Shannon: Ben and I met with our director Matt Dinan and told him we had an idea of making a Garbage-inspired music video. We wanted to borrow some aesthetic and direct concepts from their video for “Stupid Girl”, like the slate and the graffiti glass. But once we got into the cyclorama studio, we were having so much fun doing our own thing, like putting a mannequin on keyboards. We felt like we got to add our own layer of personality on top of it all. A lot of the magic came from Matt and assistant camera Benjamin Versher, and Matt’s post-production.

You both are also big fans of 80s and 90s music. What about those decades in music inspire you the most?

Shannon: Ben and I are a big fan of hooks and great, singable melodies, and the 80s and 90s were chock full of them.

What’s next for the remainder of the year and into 2020?

Shannon: We are talking about collaborating with a member of a big late 90s trip-hop group (one of our favorites) and we are pretty excited about that!

Fun Questions

Who was your first concert, and do you have a favorite?

Shannon: I went to a Don Henley concert with a high school boyfriend. Then my very next concert was Lollapalooza. Concerts that left an impression: Morcheeba was magical. Ben Folds is a genius. Joe Jackson and his band are tight and energetic. I see Keane every time they come to LA, and they exude so much joy performing. I finally saw my fave 80s band Duran Duran in 2016 and they were fabulous. Bird & The Bee are dreamy and smooth.

What was your first album on cassette, CD and/or vinyl?

Shannon: Duran Duran’s Seven And The Ragged Tiger was my first record.

Which five artists and/or albums would you not want to live without?

Shannon: Keane, The Beatles, Duran Duran, Prince, The Cars.

Do you have a guilty music and/or entertainment pleasure?

Shannon: ABBA, Olivia Newton John, The BeeGees, Smash Mouth, Barenaked Ladies, Hall & Oates.

What are you currently listening to, reading and/or watching?

Shannon: We just watched every Quentin Tarantino movie. He curates amazing music for his films. We are available to perform the theme song!

Keep up with Lovers & Poets on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Stream their music on Spotify.

The Bobbleheads
The Bobbleheads Photo provided by Hip Video Promo

The Bobbleheads’ John Ashfield talks about their latest album, Myths & Fables, music video and single ‘I Really See You,’ more

Based in San Francisco, The Bobbleheads, have kept true to their sound of pop-rock with infectious songwriting. The guys that make up The Bobbleheads are fully of joy and love, which radiates through their music and each of their own personas. Since they put out their first record, Automatic Fun, The Bobbleheads have continued their quest to write, create and perform music that their fans will enjoy, and they’re doing a fab job in doing so. The quartet also write and sing about important matters, which is prevalent on their new album, Myths & Fables, out now. The album still contains their fun and catchy songs, but they also focus on the mature matters, exemplified in their latest single and music video for “I Really See You.” The single tackles hope, yet acknowledges the communication problems that all people in relationships face.

The Bobbleheads’ music video for their single “I Really See You” features the band’s hometown of San Francisco, and features a young couple on a date, although there is a mysterious quality to the both of them, especially with the man’s face covered in gauze. Watch the music video below to find out why!

You guys have been creating music since 2003. How do you all keep the creativity and passion for your music flowing?

John Ashfield: Music is fun, and there are always new things to try! New sounds, new chords, new newness. The latest lineup of the band has been totally inspirational as well! Everyone in the band likes a lot of different music, so things can run in a bunch of directions. The thing to remember is that while you sometimes have to work on music, you “play” music. Keeping the process playful is important.

Your latest album, Myths & Fables, features the signature sound and writing of The Bobbleheads, while also dealing with real issues like communication between individuals. What was the writing and recording process like for this album?

John: The writing process happened a few different ways. Some songs I brought in fully formed, some were only half formed, and some came out of jam sessions with the guys in the band. The recording process was with Doug Hilsinger and he usually would have us run down the song live, then start one by one layering up the parts. So… this way you get a live feel, but you can work on a lot of detailed parts as well.

The music video for “I Really See You” is visually engaging and quite interesting and mysterious. How involved with the conception and direction of the video were you all?

John: Fred Gebhardt directed that video and came up with the concept. One of the ideas was that you see the band in a given scene because the main character has his headphones on! The Bobbleheads go with you!

What’s next for the remainder of the year?

John: Gigs, rehearsals, new songs for the next album! More fun and grooviness!

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Moody Little Sister
Moody Little Sister Photo by Michael Padilla

Moody Little Sister share new single ‘711 Lucky Street’

Naomi Sparrow and Rob Stroup, the New Mexico-based duo known as Moody Little Sister, moved themselves from Portland, Oregon two years ago to rural New Mexico. They established themselves in the small town, gaining new friends and supporters, and found themselves nominated for the New Mexico Music Awards, with their song “Evelina,” in the singer-songwriter category.

Their new album, Great Big Mama Sunshine, has labeled the duo “Southwestern Americana Soul,” and features thirteen-track collection of roots-influenced pop songs. Great Big Mama Sunshine is the follow-up to their 2016 debut full-length album, Wild Places, and Great Big Mama Sunshine is their new foray into their new surroundings. The duo utilized a guitar over the piano.

“My new love for the desert is also coupled with my new love for the guitar,” comments Sparrow on the shift in sound. “All these tunes are guitar songs, instead of the power piano tunes we’ve always written in the past. There is also a stronger sense of definition; we have finally landed on our sound after almost a decade of making music together.”

Great Big Mama Sunshine was released on August 31, 2019 and continues their tradition of honest lyrics and heartfelt melodies.

The album’s first single, “711 Lucky Street,” which will have a music video following the album’s release, finds the duo delving into danceable blues-grit, keeping the soulful essence that permeates the album, and reeling you with a well-crafted, hooky chorus.

“‘711 Lucky Street’ was written right before we started recording so none of our fans had ever heard that song,” recalls Sparrow. “Our friends came into the studio to add background vocals and Rob left the mics on while we chatted and carried on. He left some of that chatting on the recording and I love the effect it has on the tune, it makes me smile every time I hear it.”

Listen to “711 Lucky Street”:

When asked if they’re happy how Great Big Mama Sunshine came out, Sparrow doesn’t hesitate when she says, “It came out way better! We knew these songs were strong, we knew we had the ability and talent to create good sounding tracks, but some extra sparkle and magic made its way on to this record and we still feel every time we listen to these tracks.”

A record about being yourself, being bold, and living and loving life boldly, Sparrow says the message of the record is to, “give this heavy world a run for its money with your joy and determination, and to stay open-hearted.”

“From a human perspective, Great Big Mama Sunshine is the musical antidote to the current climate of despair. With a world in crisis, and bad news on every corner, good people of the planet forget that joy is our best medicine to defeat negativity. Rather than writing an album that focused on everything that has gone wrong, this album brings all that is good about the human experience to light.

“From a musical stance, I think we are overdue for a strong female representation in Americana music. I think the Southwestern/soul sound of this album is a refreshing new take on some of our musical roots. And a little bit of girl power never hurt anyone either.”

Find Moody Little Mama on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter & YouTube.

Source: Press Release

Red Tan
Red Tan Photo provided by EMPKT PR

Interview with Red Tan; talks about dedicating her music to her late husband, how music and songwriting helps her heal, more

Dance pop singer and songwriter, Red Tan, has cultivated a platform to express herself through the beauty of music. Tan, who is a young mother and widow, has overcome the most unexpected circumstances to see herself compete and win two medals at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Los Angeles, and write songs to encourage and uplift others despite whatever challenges they face.

Having studied and performed music since the age of 16, Tan has performed as a jazz singer in Manila, Dubai, Guam and Malaysia. Although she lost her beloved husband in 2010, it was his encouragement that led her to continue her pursuit of music, to this day. After his sudden passing, she decided to continue what her husband encouraged her to do; she competed against other artists from 60 countries, winning two medals. She also continued her training for musical masterclasses in London, and has performed at the famed O2 Arena as a grand finalist in Open Mic UK.

Tan will release her debut EP, Don’t You Dare, which is dedicated to her late husband, this fall, and she took some time to chat with us about the writing and recording process of it, how music and songwriting helps her heal, working with her engineer and mentors, Luke Adams and Chris Grayston, and her music favorites.

Watch Red Tan’s new music video for her single “Don’t Let Go!” below:

You’re gearing up for the release of your debut EP, Don’t You Dare, dedicated to your late husband. Can you tell us the writing and recording process for it?

“Don’t You Dare” is composed of all my sentiments in the past year put together to create a very honest track. I was alone in a place very unfamiliar to me when I wrote and recorded that song. Luke Adams aka St Luna created the music first. I was there in the River Studios the whole time he was doing it to make sure that he’s getting the sound that I want. He actually surpassed my expectations. His music was stronger than what I have expected and I really like it. I remember being excited writing the lyrics for it.

How does music and songwriting help you heal in life’s circumstances?

I used to sing covers a lot before I had my son and it’s a good way to relax and forget about troubles. After the passing, I started to put into writing all my sentiments and this helps me shut down the world and focus on what lies ahead. Writing, singing and listening to music is a great way to strengthen my coping skills. Music is a salvation to me personally and I would like it to be a salvation to my fans and supporters as well. Especially to those who are ignored, misjudged and rejected, to those suffering from mental health issues, and to those who are fighting their own battles.

How did you get connected with your engineer and mentor, Luke Adams (St Luna) and Chris Grayston, and what has it been like collaborating with them?

At first I was apprehensive. After being in the studio with them, we clicked and worked really well together. We exchange ideas and for me, I had so much fun learning. They taught me a lot about my music and my voice, which is the best route to take, and helped me show my potential. It was a great experience and helped me continuously develop myself and make improvements.

You just recently released your music video and single for your inspiring and anthemic, “Don’t You Dare.” What was the atmosphere and interaction like working on the video?

The filming of the video was so much fun! I was first not sure what to do as it was my first music video, but once I got there, the team was really professional and they made me feel at ease. Lora explained each step to me and the process and I was involved in every step of the way. The dancers helped me as I was very nervous but the result was amazing, I was so self-conscious about my dancing as I am not a natural dancer. They taught me my steps and went through it and felt so comfortable after and I was so happy with the end result.

What do you hope listeners take away from your music?

To be a strong person, don’t give up, to work hard and to follow your dreams. You will hit barriers along the way but keep pushing yourself, keep learning and go outside your comfort zone as it will help you grow and build your confidence. Singing is a passion. If you feel you have it, you need to utilize it and not prioritize thinking about what money you can make but what the music does to the listeners.

As cliche’ as it may sound, I dream that my music would lessen suicidal incidents and help a lot of people as much as it has helped me in my healing process and in gaining back my strength, confidence, and wisdom.

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Mychael Gabriel
Photo provided by Hip Video Promo

Interview: Mychael Gabriel talks about Prince, Sheila E, music video and single for ‘Ghost In The Midnight”

Musician and performer Mychael Gabriel‘s background in music is rich with vivid detail. Gabriel is the musical collaborator and lead guitarist for the legendary percussionist, Sheila E, in addition to being the godson of Sheila E and Prince. Gabriel has recently released his solo single and music video with “Ghost In The Midnight,” featuring the singer in a variety of outfits, masquerading as an 80s pin-up, a Day-Glo monk, a dandy, a superhero, and many more.

Gabriel’s music is rooted in the Minneapolis Sound, due to his upbringing and being immersed in the Minneapolis music scene and Paisley Park. “Ghost In The Midnight” is reflective of his eclectic and unique style. In our interview with Gabriel, he speaks about the influence of Prince and Sheila E. on his music, the inspiration behind his musical style, the aesthetics for his latest music video, and his fun music favorites.

How have Sheila E. and Prince shaped you into the musician you are today?

Being a child of the 80’s, living in MPLS, and my parents being associated with Sheila E., Prince, and Paisley Park, definitely had an impact on my perspective of music as art, and the importance of performance as entertainment. Having worked with Sheila E. as her engineer, collaborator, and lead guitarist over the last 15 years, has allowed me to actually “do” as a profession what my education and life experience has taught me.

When did you know that you wanted to be a musician and performer?

Actually, I consider myself a song writer and producer first. My abilities and education in guitar and my Degree in Audio Engineering allow me to expand my boundaries into music performance. In retrospect, music has just always been a part of who I am as a person. Like many artists, you jump on that train and see where it takes you. For me, at this time, my focus is on releasing music and performing.

I love your eclectic style. Can you share some of your inspiration behind your magnetic style?

Why, thank you. The music and lyrics of my songs propagates everything; the style, imagery, and story-line. With that said, the look will be eclectic because the catalog of music will be eclectic. We as humans can be simple creatures with complex thoughts or complex creatures with simple thoughts. Our thoughts, needs and wants, change as we learn and grow. I think music is a reflection of that. I think as a writer and musician my goal is to express feeling, through music and style.

For your music video “Ghost In The Midnight,” you masquerade as an 80s pin-up, Day-Glo monk, a superhero and more. What was the collaboration like with the video?

The song speaks of two things, Relationship and Nostalgia. These are two aspects of everyone’s life that are relatable. The video is meant to be a reminder of things from my childhood, teens, and adulthood. A reflection of those memories that make me who I am. In coming up with the concept and promotional ideas, it was fun to talk about those things that were of the past. Sometimes they come like whispers, or a breeze. With “Ghost in the Midnight” those memories manifested in to song and imagery.

What’s your songwriting and recording process like?

A blessing and a curse (joking). But seriously, I guess in some ways, I would say, my process is fluid and continuous. Sometimes it starts with a recording I eagerly hummed into my phone, other times it starts with an instrument, or maybe something I heard in a dream. As a writer, every experience could inspire a thought, lyric, or song. As a musician, it allows me to communicate those things through my instruments or my voice. As an engineer and producer I’m able to record, edit, mix, explore, and expound on those writings without having to rely on anyone else’s availability or schedule. Oftentimes regrettably, I’m a perfectionist…so this makes for many long days and sleepless nights. However, over time I’ve found the perfection is in the imperfections. When all is said and done, this feels as if it is what I was meant to do. I couldn’t imagine not doing it.

What kind of creative satisfaction do you get from being a solo performer and being in a band?

I kind of look at it this way:

As a solo performer, this is what I have to say and this is how I want to say it. Do you hear ME. DO you understand what I’M trying to say? Are we ONE?

In a band, I’m there to support someone else who has something to say, in the way they want to say it. Do you hear THEM and understand what THEY’RE trying to say. Are we all TOGETHER?

If the audience is responding to what I or the band is doing, then satisfaction is guaranteed.

Is an album or another single on the horizon?

As a writer I write and as a musician I play. I have so much I want to share and say. As long as there are ears to hear, there will be continuous singles and albums on the way.

Fun Questions:

Who was your first concert, and who has been your favorite so far?

Prince and Prince.

What was your first album on CD and/or vinyl?

As a kid… The first album I sought out and bought on my own was Slashes Snakepit It’s Five O’ Clock Somewhere. My older cousin was the first to introduce me to Slash – who was an early inspiration in my pursuit as a guitarist.

Which five albums and/or artists would you not want to live without?

Way too many to choose and too hard to narrow down!

Do you have a guilty music and/or entertainment pleasure?

Movie scores, Disney soundtracks, and MCU movie freak right here.

Connect with Mychael Gabriel on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter & YouTube.

KODIAK
Photo provided by Hip Video Promo

Interview: Kodiak on working with Carmine Appice, being compared to Van Halen, music video and single ‘Alone,’ more

Rock band KODIAK consists of Eric Dalton on vocals, Chris Biggiani on guitar, Pete Biggani on drums and TJ Haefner on bass. Originally from Toms River, New Jersey the quartet, by happenstance, were introduced to Carmine Appice after drummer, Pete, submitted into a contest via Modern Drummer Magazine with Appice and Pete won. Appice became interested in the group after developing a bond with the Biggiani family, and upon hearing KODIAK’s music, decided to work with them. Appice’s legendary novelty for the band is just as strong as it was when he was developing projects for hitmakers and chart-toppers Vanilla Fudge, Rod Stewart, Sly Stone and Pink Floyd, to name only a few.

Helping produce KODIAK’s upcoming debut album, he also directed the video for their latest single, “Alone,” which is a great rock anthem, filled with a roof-raising, shout-along chorus, with souped up, overdriven six-string, garnering the group comparisons with their predecessors, Van Halen, whom they feel honored to be compared to. “Alone” captures the group’s New Jersey upbringing, featuring footage of their local hangouts, and the beach at Seaside Heights. The video was also edited by Robert Neilson who brings eye-catching detail to the video, with bright washes of primary color and filters. Check out the video in our interview below, and learn more about the history of Kodiak, working with Appice, touring, and their fun music favorites!

What is each of you guys’ familial history with music?

Pete & Chris Biggiani: Our dad played drums from a very young age and and got me started on the drums at the age of 2! Chris got introduced to guitar at a very young age too he was only four years old.

TJ Haefner: Me and my cousins have always been collaborating with ideas and I learned how to play the trumpet from them and my father.

Eric Dalton: Everyone on my mom’s side of the family played instruments and my dad was a professional bass player, which really influenced me the most to start playing.

How did you guys get involved with the legendary Carmine Appice?

Pete: When I was 11 my dad and I saw a contest in Modern Drummer Magazine for a contest to do a drum DVD with Carmine Appice and I submitted and I was lucky enough to win. After shooting the video Carmine became very good friends with my parents. Chris and I would always send him our music and when I brought up this new band he was very interested and that’s how we got involved!

How do you guys feel about being compared to band legends like Van Halen?

Chris: I think it’s really cool. Van Halen is one of our favorite bands and they’re definitely one of the great rock bands. To be compared to them is really awesome especially for me as a guitarist with Eddie Van Halen being such a big influence.

Your new video for “Alone” features many facets of where you guys grew up in Jersey. Was that intentional and what do you hope viewers and fans take away from the video?

TJ: The hope is that the viewers see that we are a fun loving band who enjoys what we do.

What was the collaboration like with the director and producer for “Alone”?

Eric: It was a lot of back and forth on what exactly everyone wanted. A lot of time and effort went into multiple shots, including shots that didn’t make the final cut; but that’s what it takes to get a unique product.

Who or what are you guys most inspired by musically and lyrically?

Chris, Pete, TJ & Eric: We are most inspired by Van Halen, Def Leppard , Guns N Roses, and of course our manager Carmine Appice!

You guys are heading out on tour this fall. What’s the best thing about touring, and what do you like least?

Chris: I really love playing shows and seeing all the different places we get to go! I really don’t have a least favorite thing about touring!

Pete: Well I love playing shows in different city’s/states every night and experiencing every place as much as I can for the little time we are there! I hate being away from my dog and the back row of the van sucks to sleep in; it’s too bumpy!

TJ: The experience in itself is great. Being able to travel with you’re friends and play music you love every night is a dream come true. I really have nothing I don’t enjoy about it.

Eric: The best thing about touring is when you finish an awesome show and are at an emotional high. Definitely makes you feel on top of the world. I’d say the least favorite is the driving.

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The NaveBlues
Photo provided by Hip Video Promo

Interview with The NaveBlues; talks about space & music single and video for ‘Pale Blue Dot’

The NaveBlues‘ Navé Pundik has an invested interest in space, specifically referencing the space program for Voyager 1 that carried a golden record into outer space, in hopes that other life forms might play the record, learning more about Earth and its inhabitants. However, no one knows what is on the record, and Pundik has given his own interpretation with his single “Pale Blue Dot,” of what might be on the record, suggesting that the music carried into space on the Voyager 1 might sound like something he musically creates.

Pundik hails from Norway and his music is a plethora of rock, authentic blues and soul, and although performing in Norway exclusively, audiences are drawn to The NaveBlues’ music in an authentic way. “Pale Blue Dot” shows off Pundik’s Norwegian heritage, featuring mountains around Bergen, Norway, featuring him on the hilltop, overlooking the town below. The NaveBlues’ previous singles feature the heartbreaking single “Tender Rose,” the intimate “Sexy Kiss,” and the bellowing “Thank You.” The band has performed all across Norway, in hopes of trekking to the US someday soon.

It’s safe to say you have an interest in space and all things surrounding it, especially with your new single “Pale Blue Dot.” Can you elaborate on your fascination with space?

I think going in to space is the greatest achievement of the human mind because it is so difficult and a different environment. I hope with my new video, The Pale Blue Dot, people will understand that we are a part of this environment and not the center of it.

Speaking of your new single, how does your writing and recording process take place?

I think it’s important to be curious and that will lead you to get inspired. After I saw The Pale Blue Dot picture taken by Voyager 1 I got curious, started to read and understand how the picture was taken and it inspired me to write the song. It’s a great story; Voyager 1 and 2 are the farthest man made objects sent to space and they are still going, and on each of the satellites is a golden record with info about the humankind should alien’s will find them, and of course The Pale Blue Dot picture; to be inspired is almost a must.

Your latest video for “Pale Blue Dot” is beautiful and stellar. What was the inspiration behind it and what was it like creating it with the director?

Since I was the director of the video my job was to get the other’s that helped me making the video to be inspired and understand the vision for the video.

You guys have toured with your music across Norway. Is a US tour in the works someday?

Yes, our main goal is to tour the USA. Our music is very American oriented and we love to play in the US. We are coming out with a new album and it will be a dream come true…anyone want to help us make it happen?

What’s next for you guys throughout the remainder of the year? Working on a new album, new single, etc.?

We are at the final stages of a new album with very interesting songs. We’ve started to work on two new music videos/singles from the album. Spread the news of THE NAVEBLUES (TheNaveBlues.com). Good music is coming your way!

Fun Questions

Who was your first concert, and who has been your favorite so far?

My first concert was to my dog at that time…he didn’t like it, and walked away…but it has gotten much better since. (smiles)

What was your first album on cassette, CD and/or vinyl?

Probably Led Zeppelin

Which five albums and/or artists would you not want to live without?

All the godfathers of blues, because without them there is no music.

Do you have a guilty music and/or entertainment pleasure?

If you want to understand life watch “Seinfeld.”

Who’d be your ultimate collaboration with in music?

Ultimate is a big word, but if I can play harmonica in one Buddy Guy slow blues song, it would be the best.

Connect with The NaveBlues on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter & YouTube.

Dirty Honey
Photo by Richie Davis

Dirty Honey to support Guns N’ Roses on final two dates of the ‘Not in This Lifetime’ tour

Dirty Honey's debut single 'When I'm Gone,' now #3 on the Active Rock Radio Chart

One of rock’n’roll’s hottest new bands, DIRTY HONEY, has been tapped as main support for the two final dates of Guns N’Roses’ “Not In This Lifetime Tour” that launched in April, 2016. The dates are set for Friday and Saturday, November 1 and 2 at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, NV.

These dates are announced just as Dirty Honey’s debut single, “When I’m Gone,” from the band’s self-titled EP, claims the #3 position at Active Rock Radio. As NPR Music put it, “Don’t believe anyone if they tell you ‘rock is dead.’ Dirty Honey rocks in the best possible way.” Not bad for a band without a major label deal. Watch the video for “When I’m Gone” below:

Before joining Guns N Roses in November, Dirty Honey will hit the road on September 19 in Raleigh, NC with Alter Bridge; all dates below.

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Moon Palace
Photo by Loren Othón

Moon Palace debuts dreamy ‘Bold’ video; new album Shadowcast out now

Seattle indie-rock band Moon Palace – led by twin sisters Cat & Carrie Biell – just released a dreamy video for “Bold” with Get In Her Ears ahead of a west coast tour. Featuring mesmerizing movements by dancers Loren Othón & Georgia Maxine, KEXP previously premiered this single that guitarist/vocalist Cat Biell says harkens back to that “nostalgic feeling to a time when you felt more care free.” It’s off the band’s psych-inspired album Shadowcast out now, also featuring the contemplative “Who You Are” premiered with Medium. Watch the video below:

Shadowcast is a balance between light and dark, as the band elaborates:

“Shadow self and trying to be positive through interactions with people you love. Outer world to the innermost personal world. Balancing the sun sign and moon sign. Knowing your inner personal self within the context of the universe.”

Throughout recording, the band members would text each other songs from Sonic Youth, Talking Heads, Duran Duran and Big Thief, shaping the sound of what was to come.

Twins Cat (guitar, vocals) and Carrie (bass, vocals) began writing songs together as teenagers, cultivating a musical bond made particularly significant as children of two Deaf parents. Joined by Jude Miqueli (drums) and Darcey Zoller (cello, synth), the band’s hook-driven yet at times discordant guitars and gripping sibling harmonies akin to Beach House and Warpaint are the perfect soundtrack for late-night desert drives. Their 2017 self-titled debut album garnered accolades from the likes of KEXP (“heavenly…haunting…mesmerizing”), City Arts Magazine and more – they’ve shared stages with beloved Pacific Northwest artists like Thunderpussy, Y La Bamba, and Sera Cahoone.

When they’re not making music, Carrie works with the blind and deaf to secure employment (as well as taking care of her 5-year-old son), Jude is an elementary school teacher & drum instructor at Queer & Trans Youth Music Program, Cat is a graphic designer and Darcey also works in art direction and film production. Catch Moon Palace on tour and stay tuned!

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