Controversy Alert *BOOP BOOP*

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British Group Neon Jungle just released their EP Trouble. One of the songs on the EP was “Waiting Game” written and released originally by BANKS as a single and music video. It is a track on her upcoming debut album, being released in September. Many people questioned why BANKS would give them her song and this was her response.

“People keep asking why I let Neon Jungle put my song “Waiting Game” on their album when my album has yet to come out. The answer is I was never asked. I was as shocked as you to see this song made up of my own heartbeats on their album. A song that was born from my real life, my real heartache, my real fingertips when I was at one of the most confusing times in my life. 
How strange it is to see it used on someone else’s album before it even comes out on mine.
It makes me feel very uncomfortable. Like my own thoughts were stolen from me and sold as someone elses. I am a new artist and new to this business and I am told it is legal. But it feels really icky. I guess I can only hope Waiting Game means as much to Neon Jungle as it did to me when I wrote it……. BANKS”

I literally cannot believed this for several reasons. One isn’t this illegal? Two what group would have the audacity and indecency to do this? Three that really is unfortunate for BANKS and I’m sure very damaging as an upcoming artist.

What do you think about this?

Let’s Talk About: The Voyager

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The-Voyager

 

Never has an album cover better represented all of the musical glory that particular album holds. Yet somehow, Jenny Lewis has done it again. She has gone and created an album worthy of comparisons to rainbow jumpsuits, unicorns, and glitter in the best way possible.

After garnering positive reviews and warm reception to her “Just One Of The Guys” music video (iconically featuring Anne Hathaway, Kristin Stewart, Brie Larson, and Jenny herself dressed as men), the bar was set very high. Not only did the The Voyager surpass all of the expectations previously set, but it completely trumped them.

A theme of heartbreak seems to run through these songs like a strong current, yet Jenny is talented enough, and quite frankly smart enough musically, to present them in an upbeat manner, which I imagine is a very challenging thing to do.

Songs “She’s Not Me” and “Aloha & the Three Johns” are heavy hitting when it comes to revealing personal heartbreak that Jenny has experienced, yet they contain a certain island vibe entangled in a genius mix of euphonious melodies and enchanting layered rhythms.

The album takes a slight variation from the overall upbeat track listings with the title track “The Voyager” where a more melancholy mood is presented. In songs “Slippery Slope” and “Love U Forever” Jenny captures a more rock/indie vibe as seen in previous days with former band Rilo Kiley.

This versatility, while remaining familiar and consistant is one of the things I search for and most enjoy in artists. Jenny blows it out of the water once again. 

 

Let’s Talk About: Houndmouth

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Just call me photographer of the year.

Houndmouth: Four member alternative/folk/indie-rock band stemming from Indiana; comprised of members Matt, Katie, Zak, and Shane; play one hell of a live show.

I have been fan of Houndmouth for quite some time now and have always thought their fan base certainly minimized how talented they are. The four have been playing together as a band since 2011, yet remain relatively unknown. This past weekend I saw them perform at the Newport Folk Festival and their show completely exceeded my expectations. Not only did they sound incredible, but their interaction with fans as well as each other contained a certain charm that is not seen too frequently live. In between smoke breaks and sips of wine, Katie on the keys belted out clear folky versus laced with a certain velvety twang. Matt also contributed vocals in between guitar solos that sent chills down my spine. He alternated between blues riffs and rock lines so effortlessly, it was truly beautiful to see. Zak on the bass guitar spent his time when he wasn’t singing jumping around with so much energy that is seemed to almost pulsate through the crowd. He also engaged in banter with the other three/ made faces so much that at one point it appeared Katie had to really make an effort to suppress her laughter. Shane serves had a steady foundation for the band, contributing rhythmic percussion and occasional vocals, only to be interrupted by his constant show of appreciation to the fans who had showed up to watch the performance (which happened to be at the same time as Deer Tick). Harmonies get me every time, and Houndmouth certainly highlight their capability to do so by often minimizing musical accompaniment to single out various harmonic progressions.

Houndmouth also played NFF last year and have been around the world on several tour stops the past year in support of their debut album they released last year, From The Hills Below The City. They played a few songs from their new album at the fest and the songs gave the perfect glimpse into what an amazing follow-up album it will be. What is so enlightening about the band is that they are able to take what they are doing very seriously, yet have such a fun time doing it. Many bands say they are enjoying themselves, but seldom do you find a band who is able to successfully create convivial songs and shows.

Songs To Know: Penitentary, Long As You’re At Home