This Wild Life’s Kevin Jordan Gives Us: The 7 Songs That Define A Break Up

If you don't know This Wild Life by now, you should. Recently they were signed to Epitaph Records, which is well-deserved because they have beautiful music and have worked hard to get to where they are.

If you listen to Kevin talk, or just listen to their music, you know he's quite a deep, emotional person, and maybe one of the most perfect people to have contributed to an article like this one.

I don't frequently repost articles from other music websites or music news, but this is a subject very close to my heart (breakup playlists) and I absolutely love what Kevin has put together. It's pretty perfect and definitely going into my phone as a new playlist.

Check out the sample and the article below, as well as This Wild Life's website and music, if you haven't yet.

Song #3 :

"Daughter - 'Still'
Find It: 'If You Leave'

It's hard to choose a more relevant song off this record because the entire feeling of the record is so consistent, but this song particularly stuck with me more than others. It's about continuing to sleep with the person you've broken up with. Sleeping with someone is such a vulnerable and special thing to me, I can't just do it with someone I don't have true feelings for and care about. When you've broken up with someone and have so much hate in your heart but continue to let your body connect with them, it's an awful feeling. When Elena Tonra sings, "Hate is spitting out each others mouths, but we're still sleeping like we're lovers. Still with feet touching, still with eyes meeting, still our hands match, still with hearts beating", it reminds me of a time when I hated myself every moment I was with my ex after we broke up. I just felt so sick of myself and this song represents that cold feeling so well."

Read more at
http://www.rocksound.tv/features/article/the-7-songs-that-define-a-break-up-as-told-by-this-wild-lifes-kevin-Jordan

Say Say @ Bardot Hollywood 2/24/14

Photo by ULR

I haven't been to that many shows since the new year and returning back to the US from Israel last month. I have all sorts of excuses, but all that matters is I'm getting back out there, and I can't explain how happy I am that seeing my buds in Say Say was one of my first shows of the year. It's easy to say that seeing friends play makes you biased, but these guys are genuinely so talented.

Photo by ULR

Singer Adam Reiter has a way of capturing a raw passion in his live performance that is rare to see on a stage. There's something about the way he sings that carries so much emotion and depth to it. Paired with well written lyrics, a talented drummer (Nick Jordan) and singer/keyboardist Jesse Gurtis, it's a captivating combination.

Live music usually has one of two effects on people. Either it acts as background to a scene, like in a bar or festival, where people aren't paying much attention, have their cellphones out, are chatting and barely notice that someone's playing a show, or it silences a crowd. And the latter is what Say Say did to Bardot on this special night.

I've personally become obsessed with their music, whether it be their live shows or listening to the recorded tracks and reminiscing about how great their live performance is. It's truly an experience you have to have in order to understand. This band is definitely going somewhere huge.

Photo by ULR

Interview with Sydney Sierota of Echosmith

I first heard of Echosmith because of their YouTube covers of many different popular songs. I was immediately drawn in by young Sydney's powerful vocals and the band's ability to put a great twist on songs, as opposed to trying to sound exactly like the original. Fast-forward a couple of years later, I bump into them earlier this March at Warped Tour Kickoff Party. Not only were they there, but they performed! Finding out that they were going to be playing on the tour was great news. Even better news was when they stepped on stage and even I was surprised at their sound. The band of siblings may look like they're too young to know who they are and what they're playing, but appearances can be deceiving. When I ran into Sydney and her brothers again at Warped Tour in Pomona, she promised we'd have some interview time soon, and she kept that promise. Hopefully you'll enjoy what she had to say.

***

You probably get this question a lot, but do you think that it's a benefit that you guys are starting out at such a young age?

Yeah! I mean, I think there are advantages and disadvantages to being so young, and in this industry. I feel like there are definitely more advantages. I think it's been working really well. One, we have the rest of our lives to try this. (laughs) And two, I think people appreciate that we're young. Especially if they hear the music first. People really think it's cool. Even on Warped Tour, I really realized how awesome it is that we're pretty much the age of the people attending, which is really cool because when we talk to them it's like we're friends already. We're on the same level. It's kind of cool to see that, being used to talking to older people obviously, and we have older fans, but it's cool having fans that are your age and so young that you can really connect with automatically. And I think that they can really appreciate that too. Some people have said, "Oh that's so cool that you're actually doing something with your life this young." and I'm happy that I'm doing that, too, because I don't know what else I would do. I think it definitely has been working really well and I wouldn't want to do it any other way. And I think this is the way to do it, at least for us. It's been working way better than we could have expected.

Does it make things better or worse for you that you're all in the band together as siblings?

Actually, believe it or not, I think it's better. we've grown up and been with each other for 14 years - all four of us. Growing up together and we've been learning how to deal with each other for 14 years. Not every band can say that. We've been together 24/7 so we definitely know how to be together, but also how to have fun. It definitely takes a while to get to this point, but we're finally there. And obviously we know what pushes each other's buttons and all that stuff that everybody would know, but we've definitely gotten to the point where it's like, "Yeah, that's not really cool to do when you're on tour." So it works good because we really know what to do and what not to do with each other. We know each other so well and we're all really on the same page. We grew up listening to all the same stuff, so with music we're on the same page. We're pretty in sync with each other. And we like each other. That doesn't always happen with siblings or with bandmates. It's really cool, I like it.

What influenced your band's name change?

We're going through a transition stage anyway, and our music was evolving and we as people were evolving, and we were going through a transition in every way. Since we had a new sound and felt different, we all were thinking the same thing, that we should change the name so it could be a new chapter for us. And the other name felt a little young and "blah." The new name was cool because we all finally liked the same thing. It's cool because it's one word, easy to find, and the domain name was open! So that's always helpful when you're looking for names. It worked really well and it has a nice ring to it. When you're making a band name, you're thinking about it so much. Once it's already your band name, nobody really cares. They like your music, they're going to like your name usually. So that's how we decided to change it.

I first heard about you from YouTube long before the Warped Tour this year. How do you feel that your YouTube covers affected your early career?

I think YouTube covers are really cool and interesting and a good way to find bands. I've found bands myself that way. I think that we've had a decent amount of response from that and a lot of cool fans, but it's also important to post original stuff too and not just post covers and get stuck in that world. Which I think we're doing, so it's okay. In general I think it works really well, we got a lot of new people and it was fun to do some of my favorite fans songs and make it our own. It's a cool way to be creative.

The album cover artwork got some amazing response this past week. How are you feeling about the completion of the album and the upcoming release?

I'm so excited. It's so cool that we got to post the cover and it feels extra real now that we did that. Like I said, we're all so proud of it. We were writing for two years. We wrote 80 songs probably, and now it's down to 14 for the deluxe. It's finally done, we've done our first record. We have always dreamed of this. There are three songs out from the Summer Sampler, but it's really exciting to be like, "Wait! There's more. There's more for you to hear. There's more depth." I really like this record, because I've listened to records myself and gotten confused, thinking that one sounds like that one, or which one was that? I wanted to make sure that didn't happen with our stuff. That was one of my things. That happened, every song is different. Not one song could be compared to another. They're all definitely related, in the same family, and you can tell they're all from the same band, which I thought was really important. But I'm excited for it to be out for real and for people to hear it and grasp it. It's so exciting! It's our first record it should be. I think people are usually this excited for it. I feel really good and confident about it. People have already have great responses to the three songs. I think it's going to do really well. And the record has even more depth to it and other sides to us. So I'm really excited. We've had listening parties before shows where we have pizza and listen to the record or a few songs off of it, and people are loving it. It's so encouraging to see fans really appreciate all of our music.

And you seemed to have really great response on Warped Tour as well!

Yeah, it went so well. It's crazy, I didn't know or expect it to go like that because we're different. But I'm really happy that it wasn't what I expected.

What's been the most difficult thing that you've had to overcome? And how has that helped you grow?

Wow, that's a good question! I think just being young and accepting that. We haven't had that many crazy things to go through as a band, especially since we didn't really put anything out before our Summer Sampler and this record. Because there are so many bands that have to deal with their first, FIRST record that they aren't proud of. And they hate it, the sound isn't what they like. We're really happy that in the six years we were a band, we didn't really post anything. Or release anything. So that makes it easier not to have a rough patch to get past that record, which I think is usually a band's problem. Just being young is an interesting thing. I think now we're at good age and it's really working well being this age, but definitely at first some people hear we're young and kind of say, "Eh, I dunno..." and I mean, I even do that sometimes and I'm in a young band. It's dumb but it's a natural response sometime from people, to be like, "Oh, they're only..." or "The drummer is 14. Ahh, they must suck." That's what a lot of people think. But we turned it around and made it a good thing. I'd rather pleasantly surprise someone and end up being great, than the other way around. and they expect us to be great because we're young and then we suck. That's the biggest thing we've had to overcome. And the way you take pictures and do photo shoots, that makes a difference. The kind of poses you do. You have to be careful when you're so young. But I think we're definitely working with it now and knowing what to do and what not to do. So it's better now.

As for the writing aspect of the album, what were some of your inspirations?

For the album, we were writing for two years. A lot of that was developing and I think this album shows our perspective on life in general. Life inspired us. That's what should inspire songs. What you go through, what you're doing, how you feel about life in general. I think that's really important. You can tell how someone feels about life by their songs. Like with how it sounds, and what they say... But, I think we're all really positive and excited about life. I think you can tell that in the songs we have and the lyrics. We're not super  excited, energetic, upbeat in every song. There are some songs that break it down and get real. It's so simple, but it's really true - life just really inspired this album and we were just being honest about life and there wasn't anything super crazy, so it's not like "this situation inspired this album." Just growing up and living life is what this album is about.

What has been the most amazing moment of your career so far?

Jeez. That's a great question! It's so hard. I'm going back and forth between two situations. I would probably pick Detroit Warped Tour, which was in the middle. And that was a show that almost got totally shut down. Or one of the few, because there were a couple. But there were thunderstorms, windstorms, they even thought there might be a tornado. All of this stuff... and then everybody had to go inside. Every band, every fan, everybody had to stay inside this building for like an hour for protection. We were supposed to go on when they called everyone in. And then an hour later, we got a call saying, "Hey! You guys are first up on your stage. Go set up right now and play in 5 minutes!" So we freaked out and ran over there. It was the best show we played on Warped Tour and maybe even ever. We were on the Ernie Ball stage with 600 people there. They were so into it. Not just there, bu so into it and singing along and passionate about it. It was so cool to see that. I mean I have videos of people singing "Cool Kids" Every single person was singing it. It was so insane to see that. A little bit of a shocker but in a good way getting to see... people really like this band. We really were appreciating that. It was sort of a "wow" moment that I had on stage. I was so inspired.

What would be your dream collaboration?

I definitely would pick Chris Martin from Coldplay. He's just so good. Everything he does is so good. He's always inspired me. The way he writes songs and doesn't really follow any rules. It's so great. I would die to collaborate with him. I wouldn't die, but I think it would be pretty great.

Warped Tour Kickoff 2013 Interview with New Years Day (3/28/13)

It's been a busy last few months, I must admit. Although that isn't the reason I'm finally publishing my work from the Warped Tour Kickoff Party! I'll get right to the point here.

They were having quite the busy evening with all of the interviews being recorded, but the spooky sweet New Years Day clan were gracious enough to grant me with a few minutes of their time; all of the members got involved and it was certainly one of the most memorable interviews I've had yet!

***

What was your inspiration to get together and start a band?

It started out as something to do. I didn't know how to do anything else. It began as an accident, really. And you have a choice in life - you can be a musician or you can be a serial killer.

Where do you get ideas for lyrics; what's your writing process liked?

It comes from a lot of bad things, honestly. Anxiety, insanity, heartbreak, depression. That's how we cope with those things. I once made an attempt at a happy song. It was called "Murder."

What are your musical influences?

Darker music; bands with dark imagery like MCR, Avenged Sevenfold, and AFI. We naturally became spooky and creepy; Halloween like.

What would be some of your guys' ideal collaborations?

Gerard Way, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Richard Ramirez, Danny Elfman

What has been your favorite tour or a specific favorite show?

Warped Tour. Main stage in Phoenix or New Mexico. In New Mexico, they get Albucrazy!

Have you had a least favorite moment or a very memorable one?

Picture from Facebook

Last Warped Tour - we had to sell our van and drive home in a UHaul.

What can fans expect from you in 2013?

Lots of touring, lots of shows, and on June 11th we release a brand-new full-length album!

Tell me your long-term goals, say 5 years from now?

World domination.

***

Well, there you have it. Prepare yourselves for New Years Day to take over the planet. And if you're unfamiliar, you should probably get to know them so you recognize who's coming for you!

Here are their Facebook and Twitter.

Now that their album is actually out (though this was written before it was) you should definitely hop on it and buy it. And while you're at it, catch them on Warped Tour at a date near you!

Picture from Facebook

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Red Jumpsuit Apparatus & The Material @ The Roxy Theater

Show reviews are much like album reviews in the struggle that involves morphing a beautiful live experience into the proper words. I started listening to The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus when I was probably 10 years old and they were part of my regularly listened to playlist over my early teenage years. Their first album Don't You Fake It, was a popular one that I couldn't stop listening to and sharing with everyone.

Not having seen them live for years, I was really excited when I found out my buddies in The Material were going to be on a leg of their tour! Stepping into The Roxy near the beginning of the night, I was so excited to see how many people were there. Not just for the main act, but in support of local music and for The Material, who over the years have gotten themselves quite the following as well.


The Material took the stage, and I glanced around to see how many fans pushed their way to the front, as well as how full the venue was. Often when you go to see a show, many people are standing outside or haven't even arrived until the headliner takes the stage. If you didn't know better, you'd have thought The Material was headlining the show. As vocalist Colleen started to belt out her strong, mesmerizing vocals, the crowd sang and clapped along with songs they were clearly familiar with. Something that's always caught my attention with their music is not only the quality of the vocals, but the power behind them. Impressive is the length at which she sings without taking a breath. Add to the mix two skilled guitarists and a kick-ass bassist, a drummer who seems he could go on for hours, and you've got yourself a band that's a real team. Safe to say besides being able to draw a crowd and put on a great show, The Material has truly grown into themselves and has so much to offer in terms of a real live experience.


When Red Jumpsuit took the stage, it was apparent that many didn't quite know what to expect. If you're like most modern Americans, you listen to so many different genres and bands, which means it's hard to keep up with every band. Many, like myself, are most familiar with RJA's first album, despite having listened to their newer albums over the years. Ronnie, after so many years in the band, still almost has a shyness about the way he performs, which seems to endear fans to him even more. Playing a mixture of songs from the beginning straight through to their latest album, the band made it clear why they're still around after so many years. With solid harmonies and passionate vocals, the guys still love what they're doing for the sake of the music.

Of course, it wouldn't be a Red Jumpsuit show without two of their most famous songs, "Your Guardian Angel" and the last song, their most popular, "Face Down." Any fan who wasn't singing for the entirety of the set was definitely singing and moving for the last few minutes of the show.

THE MATERIAL
(All live show photos shot by Molly Calvo)





RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS

Rival Tides (Previously Known as Harris Grade) Interviewed At Last!

I've been a friend and fan of local band Rival Tides (formally known as Harris Grade) for several years now and at last I got to interview them! I thought it was a perfect time since they just changed their name and just had a show last night - the first under their official new name! 

If you're unfamiliar with Rival Tides, it's time to get familiar. Please check out their Facebook page and music; all links included after the interview. Their humor is hilarious, if you've ever met them or seen videos, and I think it really carries through in some of their answers here. I know they had me laughing and I'm the one doing the interview!

(Alex Solca)

Me: How did you first get started as a band? Since then, how have any band member changes and personal ups and downs affected your sound? 

Rival Tides: We first got together in a previous project. As time progressed, the group experienced member changes and new experiences (both in life and musically) that really put us down a more focused path. Instead of continuing on with any old history, we decided to start over.

Me: Do you feel like your new songs are different from your older ones because you as people have grown? Or is this finally the "real you" coming out?

RT: Both, really. We’ve grown together as a group in a way that’s helped us get to the point of our true potential. It’s not that we’ve peaked or anything, but our new music is certainly the music we’ve always wanted to make together.

Me: Do you have one specific member who concentrates on writing a majority of lyrics and/or music or do you feel that it's an equal collaboration?

RT: Our vocalist, Robyn, writes all the lyrics, unless we just have minor suggestions to contribute. We all join forces to write the music. The success or failure of each individual song is the responsibility of everyone in the group.

  

Me: Tell me about your lyric writing process and how you're able to come up with such unique and moving songs? Has your process changed between albums?

RT: Robyn‘s lyrics are becoming a lot more personal, while being more relatable to those who listen. He starts with how a new song’s melody makes him feel and then writes what he feels is appropriate to that mood.

Me: Do you feel like it's hard to continue making a name for yourself as a band, while others seem to meld together under the pressure of the industry to make "popular" music?

(Alex Solca)

RT: Just wait until you hear our next album… jk. 

Either way, it’s a competitive market out there. Our goal is to make music that appeals to a wide variety of people, while keeping true to our own values.

  

Me: Have you experienced any problems or fallbacks while recording?

RT: Somewhat. As younger musicians we ran into problems clashing with producers’ visions for our style and direction. In recent times though, by the time we hit the studio, we’re confident and ready to record without any issues.

Me: I know you guys posted a statement about your name-change, but I think it's safe to say that everyone (including me as a friend and fan) who listens to your music would love to know what went into the thought process to changing your name, especially since you're already a fairly well-known band. 

RT: Our main reasoning was a fresh start. With the three songs we most recently released, (Mission:Control, How to Catch a Bullet, Oceans) we really felt that we discovered our true style. Instead of having a scattered history, we wanted all of our efforts from here on out to be as focused as possible. Rival Tides is all about having a good time while taking care of business at the same time. Kind of like a mullet: business up front, party in the back.

Me: Do you guys have any plans for a tour in the near future, whether local or US? 

RT: We’ve got some stuff in the pipeline being worked out, but until dates are confirmed and ready to be announced we’ll keep quiet about it.

Me: I'm curious as to how you guys personally feel about the way music sales have changed, including illegal downloading, iTunes, Amazon, and other online music retailers. Does this totally ruin music or do you think this improves how easily and rapidly music reaches your fan's ears? 

(Alex Solca)

RT: Each side of the debate has its pros and cons. Digital downloads provide easy access to new music discovery, but it also creates a much more saturated market. It does shut down a lot of those bands who just want to be instant rockstars though; the money just isn’t around for that anymore. The changed industry forces bands like us to think on our toes and look to the future at all times. Even if we’re not necessarily making visible moves or announcements every week, we’re still planning out the best courses of action at all times.

Me: Do you think that online sales will eventually completely replace CD and vinyl sales?

RT: I can see CDs disappearing. Sure, it could take a while since they’re still easily available, but most content can now be streamed online in cloud storage, or is just digital through mp3s. I think vinyl will stick around though. It makes music more of a collector item. With bigger artwork, better sound and limited quantities, it has staying power. Plus, something that I personally love about it is the fact that it’s really the only true way to “own” music. CDs are just data discs. Downloads are the same. A record is a physical item of music. If you put a needle to it, even without speakers, you can hear music from it. I don’t know about you, but I think that’s pretty awesome.

***

Check Rival Tides out on Facebook, Twitter, and on their website! 

(Photos by the magnificent Alex Solca)

The xx, John Talabot, and 2:54 @ The Hollywood Palladium 10/12/12

The xx is one of my favorite bands and has been since the first time I heard them. I listened to their album (xx) several times over in one day, and became somewhat obsessed with their music. The fact that they only had one album out likely added to me becoming such a huge fan, but their first album stood alone for three years, so I obviously wasn't the only one who stuck around patiently waiting for their second album to be released. Of course, along with the release of their second album, Coexist, came a tour around the U.S., which isn't their native country. That was another thing that had become a dreaded feeling for me as I fell in love with their music: the fact that they are from the UK meant that I would likely never see them in concert. So earlier this year, when I heard The xx was going to be doing a U.S. tour, I practically jumped for joy. My friend and I decided we would go together and we got the tickets. It had sold out within minutes, so we were fortunately able to find tickets with hiked prices from a resale website. (Totally worth it.) Outside the Palladium before the show, I was interviewed on camera for Livenation!

The two bands opening for The xx were 2:54 and John Talabot. I hadn't heard either of them live before, but  I knew the band 2:54 was also from the U.K.

I didn't hear much of John Talabot's set after finding the first couple of songs uninteresting and uncomfortable, but listening to 2:54 was the best way I could have imagined to prepare myself for The xx. The crowd seemed to get really into the band and the energy building inside the venue

When The xx took the stage, I think the only reason I didn't go deaf was my own loud cheering. I've genuinely never felt suck positive energy and heard so many people who knew the lyrics to the songs being played at a show before.

I was a little concerned that they might overtake the show with only songs from their new album, which although I liked, wasn't what I'd been listening to for the past few years on repeat! They managed to play quite the balanced set-list between both albums that pleased the crowd very much. The band's stage presence is phenomenal and their gratitude obvious. They even added a light show that changed throughout the night, which just added to the experience. I was impressed by how many fans knew the lyrics to the songs from Coexist, considering it didn't come out long ago.

Without question, it was my favorite concert of the year and possibly of all time.
Photos by Daisy Marietta, (c) October 2012

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Metric and Half Moon Run @ The Greek Theater 10/9/12

     On a breezy evening in Los Angeles, California, Half Moon Run took the stage, kicking off the evening and opening up for a much anticipated Metric concert. The Montreal based band got the crowd excited, with songs off of their debut album (2012) Dark Eyes. Three talented guys make the group a strong trio, whose music has been described as both traditional folk and electronic. Whatever genre they may be placed in, they certainly have a unique sound. I had the pleasure of meeting the band briefly during intermission, at which time they shook my hand and although they were already engaged in conversation, they behaved like complete gentleman. For me personally, this added a certain charm to their observed on stage presence and their sound.

     As the seats filled post-intermission, you could clearly hear the buzz and excitement of all the fans of the Canadian born band, Metric. For most of the concert-goers on this Tuesday evening, it would be their first time seeing Metric perform live. That was true for myself, and I was beyond excited to get to see one of my favorite bands play. I wondered how they would handle the set-list, due to the fact that they had just released their newest album, Synthetica. And handle it well, they did! They managed to impress me greatly with a combination of songs from each of their albums, but understandably focusing on their last two: Fantasies being the one previously released three-four years ago.

     As they opened with the first song on Synthetica, "Artificial Nocturne," I was impressed to see and hear that the majority of the fans in the crowd knew the song well enough to sing along. This followed suit with each of the songs throughout the evening that the band played off of their new album. I clearly underestimated Metric's fanbase and their ability to swiftly memorize the lyrics. I was equally impressed with Emily Haine's stage presence and with her versatile voice that I had previously enjoyed for so many years on their albums.

    All in all, Metric's beautiful songs paired with the energy at the Greek Theater and with the beautiful light show, made for an unforgettable concert.

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Back Pocket Memory & Culprit @ Club Moscow (Boardners) 9/5/12

     Picture this: Wednesday night brings Club Moscow to Boardners. Loyal friends, family, and fans come out late on a weeknight to see their favorite local bands. Cut in to two incredible local bands, Culprit and Back Pocket Memory, playing a show that doubles as a West Coast tour kickoff and a birthday show for BPM bassist Rob.

     The crowd both bands brought to the venue was only the first reflection upon the strength of their fan base. The way Back Pocket Memory moved (and excited) the crowd was just as impressive, especially when they played material from their new self-titled EP. Culprit was just as powerful in the way they kept the venue moving and singing along.

    I was especially impressed with hearing Back Pocket Memory's new material, since having heard their single, Prisoner, before they released their EP. It was my first time seeing Culprit live, and I was entirely blown away with how beautiful their songs were live!

     With two strong vocalists, exceptional drummers, impressive guitar and bass, Culprit and Back Pocket Memory seem to be the perfect 2 bands to tour together, and it's just coincidence that they're friends!

     If you are a fan of BPM or Culprit or want to hear more, you're in luck! They're only halfway through their West Coast tour! Check out the tour dates below as well as the links if you're not at any of the cities listed. Additionally, please look out for my interview with Back Pocket Memory coming soon, as well as one in the works with Culprit!

September 10th – Bend, OR @ The Soundgarden

September 11th – Seattle, WA @ El Corazon

September 12th – Portland, OR @ Mt. Tabor Theater (Lounge)

September 13th – Vancouver, WA @ Pop Culture

September 14th – San Lorenzo, CA @ The Annex

September 15th – San Jose, CA @ Homestead Lanes

www.facebook.com/backpocketmemory
www.twitter.com/bckpcktmmry
www.backpocketmemory.tumblr.com
www.backpocketmemory.bandcamp.com

www.whatisculprit.com
www.twitter.com/culprit
http://whatisculprit.tumblr.com

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Lemonade - Kyle Castellani's New Feature Song & Album

When Kyle asked me if I wanted to hear his new song "Lemonade" a week or two ago, I had to contain myself. Of course I would be thrilled to listen to an unreleased song! I was expecting something along the lines of what I had heard thus far, which has never let me down or disappointed me (including the songs I had heard so far from Lemonade before it was released - at live shows and on his website) but I could never have prepared myself for the flood of emotions I experienced listening to "Lemonade." It would be an understatement to say the song simply "failed to disappoint."

The song moved me so much that it took me a couple of days to actually respond and let him know what I thought of it - and when I did, embarrassingly enough, the words wouldn't stop coming. Kyle is an underrated, amazing musician who will hopefully get the recognition he so deserves. Just by this song alone being a sign of what's to come, I thought, he truly is going places.

Lemonade specifically, is a very soft and emotional song which moved me to tears. (I may be a woman, but I am not a crier.) Tears actually fell out of my eyes.

Kyle expresses himself perfectly through meaningful, deep lyrics and strong, versatile vocals. His range is incredible and I am consistently blown away by his finished products. Having been sent "Lemonade" for a preview, I had officially heard every single song on the album before its release (today, August 1st, 2012) by way of online teasers and live shows, I think it's safe to say that I have ground to stand on with my review saying that this is definitely my favorite album of 2012.

I really only intended to write a review for "Lemonade", but I got a bit carried away. (Not unusual for me...)

If you like beautiful lyrics and acoustic music, (with the added bonus that he actually sounds just as good live - so you're not getting some butchered, auto-tuned album) you'll want to get this CD!

To buy it on iTunes, visit: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/lemonade/id549621894

(You can find out more about Kyle and his current West Coast tour at http://www.reverbnation.com/kylecastellani)

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