Interview with The Neighbourhood

The Neighbourhood has been on my "watch list" since I first heard them, and the fact that none of my friends seemed to know their music was frustrating to me! How were so many good bands like this one so unknown, while others with more "marketable" sound were filthy rich and ridiculously famous? (Just another reason why I am passionate about this website - to help those great bands get more recognition - free press is good press!) I fell in love with their music, the lyrics, their energy, and I told myself I knew that they were gonna hit it big. I didn't know when, but I knew it was going to happen for them.

If you don't know them, they're California based and comprised of vocalist Jesse Rutherford, bassist Mikey Margott, drummer Bryan Sammis, and guitarists Jeremy Freedman and Zach Abels. All hugely talented guys, with an obvious passion for music. It's been said that they popped up out of nowhere as a band, and I think that mysterious aura adds something to their music.

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How did you guys first get started as a band?

We all knew each other and decided we wanted to try and fulfill this shared vision we had with our best friends.

What, if anything, have you run into as a band that was difficult to overcome?

We were thrust into this world so fast. It was the best thing that has ever happened to us, but going from living at home to being on tour for over a year is definitely something that you need to adjust to.

Do you feel like those things brought you closer and made the band even stronger?

Definitely. We live together now, all day every day. We've gone through the trials and tribulations of a proper relationship. We've had arguments and disagreements and it's all brought us to a place of love.

Tell me about your current process in songwriting and recording. Has this changed at all since the beginning?

It's always been an evolving process, especially on the road. Now a days people work on songs in the van on their computers and such. We have also been jamming some new stuff during sound-checks, which is definitely a new experience.

Who writes most of the lyrics and music? Or is it a collaboration between all of you?

Jesse writes the lyrics. We all write the music.

Photo by Eric T. White (c)

Do you find writing songs therapeutic, if you use real life experiences to influence them? They seem to be pretty different than a lot of what's going on in the music scene these days, so I'd like to know about where they come from.

It's definitely therapeutic. The lyrics are all truthful and about real life things. The music is from a place where we get to express our feelings through our instruments.

Did you experience any issues or problems while recording your new album?

Honestly, no. Our biggest problem was which songs to put on the album.

Do you think that the Spotify EMERGE contest had a lot to do with building your fan base more recently?

Spotify is a great tool for people to find music. It has definitely helped people find us.

How has being on tour for you recently? Have you had a favorite moment that has stood out as being especially memorable?

Denver was a great show with our good buds in the band Lovelife.

What can fans expect from you in 2013/2014 after your current tour is over? I know you just released a new album, but hey, the fans always want more!

They will get more. It will be momentous for us. You'll see.

Where do you see yourselves in 5 years? What are your long-term goals for the band?

I see us doing what we do on a larger scale. Being more respected.

I'm curious as to how you feel about the way music sales have changed, such as online sales and illegal downloading. Do you feel like this improes the way that music is purchased and reaches your fans ears?

Definitely. It makes it more accessible.

Do you think that the future of CD and vinyl sales will eventually be completely replaced by online music sales?

No, because there will always be that niche market for vinyl.

If each of you could colaborate with one artist or band, who would it be?

Mikey: Dustin Kensrue
Zach: Kendrick Lamar
Jeremy: Tony Iommi
Bryan: Hans Zimmer
Jesse: DJ Premier

If each of you could pick one place to travel/tour to, where would it be?

Mikey: Hawaii
Zach: The Beach in the movie "The Beach" with Leonardo DiCaprio
Jeremy: New Zealand
Bryan: Japan
Jesse: Paris

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If you don't know this band and their music, please do yourself a big favor and get acquainted right now. You don't even have to thank me. Let the music speak to you like it did to me. It might be one of the best things you do for yourself! Buy the music if you like it. Support them! I can't stress how important that is.

Find them on their website, Facebook, and Twitter.


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Interview with Laptop Rapper MC Lars

Pic @ Vans Warped Kickoff Party (MC Lars w/Andrea Blunt)

I'm a little late getting this up, but I was happy to catch up with my buddy MC Lars who makes some of the best "laptop rap" in the game, at the Vans Warped Tour Kickoff Party! I was introduced to his music many years ago, during a very monumental time of my life, and I was very influenced by this genre, which he's well known in. (If you don't know of him, get acquainted now!) I genuinely appreciate all the amazing work he puts into his music and the sweet, sweet poetry (literally and figuratively) that comes as a result. He also is inspired by one of my favorite poets, Edgar Allen Poe! To top it off, he's such a genuine sweetheart and for me, that makes everything in the music game better.

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What influenced you to start making music?

I was passionate about punk rock, hip hop, and I just really loved doing it myself. When I was sixteen I started writing hop hop songs.

What is your writing process like?

I start with a beat, need the cadences, the beat informs the rap. I look for a beat that matches, like a paper - the chorus is the thesis, the verses are the defending paragraphs. [I just have to say I love this, as a writer myself!]

Do you consider yourself a nerdcore artist? That's definitely how I was introduced to you.

No, I definitely don't consider myself a nerdcore artist.

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

Warped Tour 2011. The Less Than Jake main stage and performing with them.

What drives you and keeps you going?

It's a miraculous thing to make a living doing what you love. I feel very lucky.

Have there been any bumps in the road that you've had to overcome, and then grown from?

Being "DIY" you do it all. You have to find the fun and momentum. People are so generous. And Kickstarter helps.

Courtesy of mc_lars Instagram

Who did you grow up listening to that has influenced you?

I grew up on Weird Al and the Beastie Boys, but got more into punk and indie rap as I got older.

If you could have a collaboration with one person, who would it be?

Dr. Dre. He's awesome, a great song writer, and great with beats.

***

Check out MC Lars online to check out his music and what he's up to, and check him out on Warped Tour!

Twitter, Facebook, and his website!

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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

Rebel Revive - XI (Eleven) Album Review

It's often really strange when your musician friends (or acquaintances) ask you to review their album or ask if you want to interview them, because when you have a lot of friends who are pursuing careers in music, they all have their different styles. And I do mean that, it's not code for anything. They all have different sounds and levels of experience and talent. My favorite thing is when a musician or band (friend or not) gives you the chance to listen to their music with no pressure, and if you're into it, to write something about it. That way it comes from the heart! Anyway, that's what happened this time and I'm really happy to be able to write something genuine about this album.

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XI is an album in which you can hear the passion Matthew Lindblad (yep, another one man band!) has for his music. Something I value, and I think many others do too, is meaningful lyrics and sounds that grab your soul and drag you in. It's very rare that I like every track on an album and have little to no complaints, but that's the magic that was just produced in this 6-track masterpiece. 

Ambient rock with just enough tasteful aggressive vocals (don't get this confused with "screamo") placed discreetly just where it belongs, it seems that these tracks could be just about anyone's jam. Matt's sweet side is easily visible within the lyrics of these songs, making it obvious how much he cares about the music and what he's written, as does the letter included in the album, which made even me feel emotional! 

Although each track has its own sound, the album flows so easily that when it ends, it's almost as though all of the songs are each a part of one long, beautiful song. From the first time I listened to it, I couldn't stop. I soon had the whole album on repeat, and each time it ended, I felt like it was too soon! I definitely couldn't pick an absolute favorite out of the six songs, but I'll tell you that none of them were my least favorite either! 

It's hard to compare such beautiful, standalone music to other bands' sound, but I might relate it in slight to Cartel and New Found Glory. Matt definitely brings back some worth to the words "one-man band," which seemed to have lost their reputation as a valid form of talent. Produced by Colby Wedgeworth (who has produced albums for Lydia, The Maine, This Century, and others) it's obvious that they make a good team in the studio (and out).

If you don't know much about Matthew, he's been around the music industry for quite a while, in various different projects, including having been one of the guitarists for New Years Day (who I actually just interviewed at the end of March!) and has started this new project more recently. I'm glad he decided to go on his own path, so that he had the full creative decision making to create this gem of a record.

You can find Rebel Revive on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

Here's the promo video below, in case my review didn't get you excited enough about the album.



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Interview with Greeley Estates' Vocalist Ryan Zimmerman

I've been listening to Greeley Estates since, get this, back in the Myspace days, when half of the bands I was (or still am) into were just starting out and I was discovering (as many others were) the music I liked from adds and messages they used to promote themselves with on Myspace. I remember when I first messaged them in 2009 after they sent me a request and I was totally blown away by their music. They messaged me back and we had a conversation, which for me at the time, was totally mind-blowing. (A "popular" band was messaging "little ol' me"!?!) Getting to interview vocalist Ryan Zimmerman was my ultimate pleasure. I hope you enjoy reading what he had to say as much as I did!

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Up Late Reviews: How did you first get started as a band? From that time, do you feel like the constant change of band members has affected your sound? 

Ryan Zimmerman: We started back in 2002 as just a couple guys messing around trying to figure out how to play music. In a lot of ways it was kind of a joke. We starting playing local shows and decided to pursue it seriously in 2003-2004. We have had quite a few member changes but we have also been a band for a decade now and have 8 records out so its to be expected I guess. As far as our sound, we always try to switch things up with each release. We have had our current lineup for the last 4 years so we feel pretty good about it.

ULR: Do you feel like your newer songs are "way heavier" as many people claim? Or do you feel like your fans perceptions of you may have changed? 

RZ: Both. I think our records like NRNR and The Narrow Road are definitely heavier than our earlier material, but we still keep it Greeley. Our new release Devil Son has many of the musical elements that our early material had back when we started this band.

ULR: What is your favorite album and why?

RZ: I am honestly pretty connected to most of our records. I feel that Go West Young Man… seems to be the record we will be remembered by because i think it was a little before its time. I personally love both of our new EPs and I definitely have a strong connection to our first record Outside of This.

ULR: Who writes most of the lyrics and the music and if it's not a total collaboration, how do you come to agreements? 

RZ: I (Ryan) have always written the lyrics and for the most part Brandon has written the music until recently David has gotten involved and helped with writing music.

ULR: Please explain your writing process and how your process changed between albums, if it has.

We usually go into each record with a clean slate and just see how the direction and vibe of the music pans out. When we started as a band I would write a lot of my lyrics before I had heard the music. Now I write lyrics after feeling out the music and letting it speak to me. Many of our records have been written on the road which is tough, but this last 2 part album The Narrow Road/Devil Son was all written in AZ. We had the chance to live together and write and it was a good experience.

Do you find writing songs therapeutic, if you use real life experiences to influence them? 

RZ: Yeah, I love the writing process its one of the best parts of the job. Some songs are very personal to me and others are written in more a storybook format. I love watching movies and at times movies influence my writing.

ULR: What, if anything, have you run into as a band (or throughout the years with the member changes) that was difficult to over come? 

RZ: Touring 10 months out of the year is difficult on anyone. When you’re in a band on the road the members are your family. Its always tough losing members or letting members go it changes the dynamic of things. You just learn to work through this and hope that the changes are for the better.

ULR: Do you feel like those things brought you closer and made the current band even stronger? 

Yeah, I think difficult situations always make you appreciate life and make you stronger.

ULR: Do you guys have any plans for a tour in the near future, whether local or US? (Or even International!) 

RZ: Yeah, we plan to head to Japan again here soon. As for the U.S and other countries we are stilling working on figuring that out. Just trying to get the word out about The Narrow Road and Devil Son right now.

ULR: What can fans expect from you in 2013? 

Hopefully we will see them on the road soon and we hope to start writing again towards the end of the year.

ULR: 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?

RZ: In our situation doing this independently right now, it definitely affects us. Album sales directly help us and illegal downloading directly hurts us.

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

RZ: Yeah for the most part I think physical copies will be collectors items in the future.

ULR: If you got the chance to collaborate with any band or artist, who would it be? 

RZ: Wow that is tough. Probably Billy Corgan from the Smashing Pumpkins.

ULR: Anything else you'd like to add? 

RZ: Check out our new records The Narrow Road and Devil Son

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Check out what Greeley Estates is up to on Facebook or Twitter, and definitely catch up on their new tunes!

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Valaska's "Natural Habitat" Album Review

I have to preface this post with a short statement. When you're doing music journalism, you get a lot of opportunities to review different albums and shows. Not all of them are quite your style or things you would necessarily listen to or tell your friends excitedly about. So far I've tried to keep my personal website (though I do other work) limited to things I can sincerely talk up, because this isn't to make money or gain recognition for things I don't believe in. Besides getting my style of writing out there, I love helping bands and musicians who I really feel deserve it.

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And on that note, Valaska blew me away. When I first checked out the songs that were available online, before I heard the album, I was pretty impressed. I liked their sound; it was very soft and melodic, and definitely the type of music I often listen to. When I got the album, I started playing it and I couldn't stop. I literally could not stop playing it on repeat, for days. DAYS! I couldn't believe what a gem this album was and that I hadn't heard about this amazing band sooner.

When I found out that it was one guy, I became even more impressed. Multi-talented Dave Valdez definitely gives one-man bands a run for their money on this incredible album that he created with the producing and engineering help of Copeland's Aaron Marsh. I can only imagine the levels his music would rise on a live stage with a full band.

I've recently gone through a couple of hardships and I'm constantly looking for music which helps me get through painful experiences. The actual quality of the songs aside (which is stellar), each one hit home with me. From the first song, On the Surface, which reminds me a little bit of old DCFC and a little bit of City and Colour, to Golden Age, which made me reminisce Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots by The Flaming Lips. In Voids and Natural Habitat took my heart with their profound lyrics and especially soulful vocals.

Every song had something to offer, and while a couple of them reminded me in part of other bands' music, Valaska has its own sound which is distinct and memorable. This alone stood out to me, after listening to so many bands and artists over the years that blend together in a fairly acceptable, but forgettable manner. I'm always looking for bands that not only have a great sound, but who sound different and aren't afraid to make the music they want to make, and seem to have a passion and love for doing so. I personally think that you can feel that love for music in a musician or band's songs, and that makes the listening experience so enjoyable. While Valaska certainly deserves recognition in the indie world, I would be surprised if it was long before they get signed.

Natural Habitat Cover Art

I smiled, I swooned, and I cried. (YES, music makes me cry, okay?!) I have never fallen in love with a band so quickly. It's safe to say that this is my favorite album of 2013, if not in the past year altogether. So right now I put my reputation on the line (as I do with these reviews) and genuinely tell you that you're missing out if you don't have this album. If you know what's good for you, buy it as soon as you possibly can. Time is ticking. You are losing valuable listening time. Seriously, if I haven't sold you yet, check out the adorable album art. How could you possibly say "no" to that cute face?

If you want to check Valaska out, you can do so on Facebook, their website, Bandcamp, and Twitter.


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Good Morning Orbit, OC's Hidden Treasure

Music journalism has been one of my writing passions for a few years, but I never quite knew how to break into it. I started this website a long time ago and wasn't sure what to do with it. When I started reviewing albums and reaching out to bands for interviews, I never imagined that it would take off like it has.

The reason I bring all of this up, is because Good Morning Orbit is the first band who reached out to me on their own volition after seeing my post of another band on my site. The feeling I got when I : A) received the message and B) listened to their music and found out what a great band they were was indescribable.

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Good Morning Orbit is from Orange County and has played with many local OC and LA bands, including Back Pocket Memory and Lucky & Wild, and even opened for Everclear! The first time I talked to Matthew (lead singer) and listened to their album, Shooting Stars & Satellites, I realized just how underrated this band is.

I'm known for having eclectic taste, but I still search high and wide for the bands in the genres I listen to, that will pique my interest and hold onto it, which isn't the easiest thing to do.

Good Morning Orbit reminds me a little of a mixture of Circa Survive, +44, and Blink-182's self-titled album (which is pretty funny, because I found out after writing this that they've been compared to Angels & Airwaves). Catchy like Top-40 music, but filled with interesting and meaningful lyrics that will stick in your head without you cursing the "earworm." They weren't lying when they boasted that you'd have their album on repeat.

With so many bands trying to make it, especially living in LA, it can be hard to tell them apart. Some people say that having your own sound is the only thing that sets you apart, but I like to think that following in the footsteps (sound-wise) of popular bands and breaking off from there is just as effective. Besides all the ways they may sound like other bands, Good Morning Orbit definitely has a memorable sound that you can recognize through each song.

I've never been good at choosing favorites, but if I had to recommend a few tracks to check out first, they would be Shooting Stars & Satellites, Paranoid, and Shiver. These were three of my favorites right off the bat; I definitely found myself listening to them more than a few times.

All in all, Shooting Stars & Satellites was a strong album that did not leave me disappointed even once - something I find to be rare in a 10+ track CD. I think Good Morning Orbit will go far - you'd be smart to check them out so you can say you knew them before they were "super famous."

Find them on their website, Facebook, Reverbnation, and on Twitter!

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