My Q&A With: Bear Hands!

Posted on by

If you were able to attend this year’s Coachella festival, you may have stumbled across the musical talent of Bear Hands (the band that is, not actual bear hands). The band, which consists of members Dylan Rau, Ted Feldman, Val Loper, and TJ Orscher, incorporate a variety of musical elements into their music, leading to new sounds heard in almost every song. Upon first listen, the captivating and catchy rhythms of the band’s music are not blatantly obvious. It isn’t until you find yourself singing their songs later in the day that you truly realize the underlying magic and beauty. 

Their music is unique and intriguing. Songs such as “Bone Digger” manage to literally dig themselves into one’s head and remain there for the rest of the afternoon. With two EPs and full-length albums under their belt, Bear Hands have created an extensive list of euphonious sounds, falling into various musical genres, and thus appealing to a variety of audiences. Be sure to follow their music, as they have nowhere to go but up. With upcoming tour stops in Europe, I can expect the band will continue to gain notoriety around the world. Members from the band were able to answer a few questions; the answers certainly seem to capture the fun vibe the band exudes.

I’ve read Dylan and Ted attended college together. How do you feel working together for several years in this sense has influenced the way you work together now as a group?

Image

Bear Hands-
Photo From Bear Hands Facebook Page

Well, whenever there’s a disagreement in the band, Dylan and I take out our diplomas and wave them around to remind Val and TJ of our intellectual superiority.  Then after they’ve been silenced, we usually have a round of one-on-one beer pong to decide who is actually right, because college.

How does it feel coming off of a successful Coachella performance? What was that experience like?

It had been a dream of ours for a long time to play that festival, but the fact that we had such a good crowd so early in the afternoon made it truly satisfying, validating.  Really fun.  I highly recommend it.

You are scheduled to play Reading and Leeds in Europe this August. Do you approach European tour stops differently than those in America?

No, we’re not making house remixes of all our songs or anything.

Distraction, your second full-length studio album came out this past February, on which Ted served as the producer. What was it like having these dual roles?

It didn’t feel like dual roles, more just a natural extension of the writing process.  I have a continuing interest in tone, in balanced arrangements, and in keeping the train moving.  I had to be present at all times, which was exhausting, but I prefer it that way.

Bear Hands produces a plethora of sounds including, punk, indie, dance and rock. Is there one particular sound that you think best describes the band?

Post-post-wavecore.

 

Listen to “Bone Digger” here

Support Distraction here

My Q&A With: Emily and The Woods!

Posted on by

From simple indie-folk choruses as heard in songs such as “Fire Is In The Fjord” off of their self-titled EP Emily and The Woods, to more upbeat rhythms as heard in “Helios” off of their latest EP Then We Collide, London based band Emily and The Woods capture it all. Lead singer, Emily Wood provides beautiful vocal melodies along side brother, Benedict Wood, and two other band members Dave Bush and Sam Brown.

Emily and The Woods taken from the band's Facebook page

Emily and The Woods- Emily and The Woods Facebook Page

Song after song the band produces sounds that capture the essence of beautiful simplicity, allowing listeners to focus on the creative and interesting lyrics, yet not lose focus of the bold guitar riffs and steady percussive rhythms. Over a series of years, the band has produced three EPs, each encompassing the familiar, wonderful sound of Emily and The Woods, while introducing new, much more electric sounds, representative of their growth together as a band. Maybe it is the name Emily and The Woods, implying something mystifying and lovely; I imagine woods filled with pine trees or a fairytale setting in London (even though I have never been there). The reality is Emily and The Woods consistently produce bold, yet whimsical songs with the right balance between unique lyrics and light, but effective musical accompaniment. I sincerely hope they are able to make a trip to tour in the United States soon! Recently, Emily was able to answer a few questions about the band’s music and experiences; this is what she had to say:

Emily and The Woods have released three EPs over a span of four years. In what ways do you feel your music has changed and evolved since the first one was released?

The music has evolved into a more full sound. It’s fully electric now, with electronic elements which sets it apart from my earlier songs that were far more acoustic.  

I read that you record music in a shed in the bottom of a garden, which sounds intriguing. How do you feel this environment adds to the experience of recording and making music?

I did record early demos in a shed at the bottom of the garden at my family home but we are now recording in a studio in North West London. We all feel it’s very important to record in a place you feel comfortable and at ease in – makes it a lot more fun and ensures the recordings have a relaxed feeling to them!

You have said that you have a degree in philosophy. Do you believe your knowledge of philosophy influences your lyrics and if so, how?

I think that reading lots does inspire lyric writing and that certain ideas, and ways of articulating them, are inspiring – sometimes you can learn as much about how you don’t want to say things as how you do!

One of my favorite songs is “Never Play.” The lyrics are a bit melancholic, yet charming. How did this song come about?

It came from overhearing a man warning his children about playing near some steps and I just thought about the ways in which people use certain phrases and ways of expressing things to stop others exploring. 

 I am sure this will be a difficult question, but do you have a personal favorite song?

I have lots! I love Joni Mitchell’s song ‘Hejira’ – it covers so many different ideas and themes all at once. 

 Any plans for upcoming tours?

We have just finished a UK tour which was great fun, and our next stop will be lots of festivals in the UK over the summer! We’d love to get further afield in the next year or so too!

Listen to a live version of “Never Play” here

Support the latest EP here

My Q&A With: Scavenger Hunt

Posted on by

image 3

Where to begin? I was lucky enough to be able to ask Jill from Scavenger Hunt a few questions before she and the band performed at my campus last night. Scavenger Hunt is on the Campus Consciousness Tour with Capital Cities. It was a great day filled with extraordinary performances, but I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s start from the beginning.

Scavenger Hunt is a Los Angeles based duo-turned-band comprised of lead singer Jill Lamoureux and Dan Mufson, and now also includes two other band members. The band is rapidly starting to gain attention for their catchy songs, friendly fan interaction and, of course, talent. Their self-titled, debut EP was recently released with four electrifying songs, as well as two remixes. One of the most well know songs form their EP is titled “Dreamers.” It is garnering a lot of attention for its mesmerizing pop-synth vibe, seeing plays in stores such as American Apparel.

The Campus Consciousness tour served as the very first tour for Scavenger Hunt, yet it appears as if they have been touring for several years. On my campus they performed both a stripped down set in the afternoon as well as a full set later in the evening. At both, Jill, Dan, and the band took control of the music and the stage. The band had great interaction with each other and a perfect, fun execution of each song.

It is quite apparent in seeing their performances that the band takes a lot of pride in their music and their fans. It is obvious they love what they are doing, which is one of the things most enjoyable about live performances and concerts. Seeing the raw talent and passion on the stage is just something that cannot be replicated. Jill is such a talented vocalist and is able to engage any audience, in this case, students on the lawn in the afternoon versus a filled auditorium in the night. Dan consistently brings bold baselines (who doesn’t love baselines?). Together with the rhythmic drumming and guitar riffs, the band encompasses pop/dance/rhythms that are heard in songs quickly raising up the charts. Not surprisingly, they were recently ranked in the top fifty of the Billboard Heatseekers chart (and I can assure you they will continue to rise!). Jill came out after both sets to talk with students, proving her dedication to this band and appreciation for those who support it, which is always so refreshing and nice to see.

Jill and I

Jill and I

I sincerely look forward to watching Scavenger Hunt’s success over time. Now for the questions Jill had answered earlier in the week:

I know Dan is from the Philadelphia area and Jill is from Kansas, how did you both meet and get together musically?

We met in LA! Dan came to a show of mine, and approached me afterwards. He is an advertising composer and was looking for a vocalist to sing on some of his commercials. We ended up writing several TV ads together, and loved writing together so much that we decided to start our own project. Scavenger Hunt was born! This was less than a year ago and it’s been a crazy ride ever since.

 According to the bio on your Facebook music page, you worked together on a song for a commercial just one day after you formed Scavenger Hunt. What was that experience like?

The first time we wrote together, we realized that we gelled creatively and loved each others’ musical styles. We actually wrote commercials together for a few months before we created Scavenger Hunt.

 Where does the name Scavenger Hunt come from?

Dan always likened the music industry in LA to a “scavenger hunt.” He felt that every person you meet has the potential to lead your career in new direction. It’s a great way to describe how we met, actually! When it came time to name our band, it just felt natural.

One of my favorite songs off your EP is “Dreamers”, particularly for the cool bassline and 80’s vibe. Where do you find inspiration for the sound you want to create in writing and putting together songs? 

We LOVE music of all genres and are very inspired by other artists. We listen to music new and old, all the time and it influences our writing.  We also write according to our mood. We wanted “Dreamers” to make the listener groove and want to get up and dance!

Check out “Dreamers” here
Support the EP here

My Q&A With: Austin Plaine!

Posted on by
602143_671416166244514_1244483506_n

Austin Plaine- Austin Plaine Facebook Page

 

If you have not yet heard of indie/folk singer and songwriter Austin Plaine, I can assure you that you will soon. With his first full length album released this past March, Austin is diving head first into the music scene. With backgrounds in two different states and incredible musical influences from Bob Dylan to Ryan Adams, Austin Plaine brings versatility and uniqueness to the realm of indie-folk. Incorporating a variety of instruments, such as guitar and mandolin, Austin exhibits a genuine understanding of his music and how he envisions it. If his debut album gives us any prediction into the future, I can only guess that the best has yet to come. Austin was able to answer a few questions for me about his career and music. Here is what he had to say:

You released your self-titled debut album this past March, which must be very exciting. What can we expect next from Austin Plaine?

 This was my first full-length and it’s been a lot of fun putting out a bunch of songs that I’m really proud of. I’m constantly writing and experimenting with different sounds. I want to put out as much music as possible and hopefully support another album with a midwest tour this next year.

 I know you mention Bob Dylan as a musical influence. What is your favorite Bob Dylan song and why?

Coming from Minnesota, it’s hard not to be influenced by Dylan. “Boots of Spanish Leather” was one of the first songs by him that I truly felt a connection with. The lyrics in that song just made me fall in love with songwriting in general. He’s able to paint such a vivid picture with pure words and tell a story. That song made me want to write.

 Having lived in both Minnesota and Tennessee, how have these different locations affected your music?

 I’ve only spent a little time in Nashville but it’s obvious in a few songs how that city has inspired my writing. I think changing environments in general affects the way you see things and ultimately affects how you write. It’s nice to switch it up every once in awhile and make music in a different setting. It keeps things fresh.

 I really enjoy your song, “Your Love”. It has a unique, almost country sound to it that is different from the rest of the album. Can you talk a little about this song and your inspiration?

 “Your Love” was the last song my producer, Jordan Schmidt, and I wrote for the album. It literally came out of nowhere by strumming simple chords on the mandolin. It’s a simple song and I think everyone can relate to it in one way or the other. We all can be different things in life and we are all scattered around the world, but we all try and find someone to share it with somehow. 

 

Listen To “Your Love” here!

Support the debut album here

My Q&A With: Ruby the RabbitFoot!

Posted on by

I first discovered Ruby the RabbitFoot while DJing for my college radio show. Her debut album, No Weight No Chain, was sitting on the countertop in the booth, and I decided to give it a listen. I’m so delighted that I did. Ruby is able to incorporate a variety of elements into her songs that are both pleasing and refreshing to hear. By uniting folky-pop with uncharacteristic rhythms and sounds, she provides a collection of very catchy music and cool lyrics. Her second album, New As Dew, was released a little over a month ago and did not disappoint. I had the opportunity to ask Ruby a few questions about her music and upcoming plans; here is what she had to say:

How do you feel your home state of Georgia influences the music and lyrics you produce?

I have deep feelings for Georgia. I definitely think the landscape, climate, and seasons have an influence on my music (at least I hope). Spring is so beautiful in Georgia, and I write most of my songs during that time. Winter is also special…. Peaches aren’t used to the cold so it can really crack you out of your comfort zone. Summer and Fall are equally wonderful. There’s a great variety in the seasons and the landscape here. You have the mountains and you have the coast. Georgia has it all. I’d like my music to have it all.

One of the things I most enjoy about your music is that each song brings a different sound, from folky riffs to keyboard loops and heavier accompaniment. How do these different musical variations evolve?

I usually let my band take the reins these days. They are so talented and creative. I’ll bring in a song and they just jump right in and make it bloom. Its magic and a blessing to have found them. Other songs I develop at home… when I want something completely outside of the usual. Coffee & Honey is an example.

 I really enjoy the light, whimsical feel of your song “Do Me Right”. How did this song come about?

Ooohh.. I had the hots for a fella. I wrote it around Valentine’s Day for him years ago.

What is next for Ruby the RabbitFoot?

We plan to tour as much as we can. More videos are on the horizon. Other than that, we have been developing record number 3. We are just getting started. It’s all very exciting.

 

Ruby is clearly a very talented musician, with a unique and awesome outlook on life!

Check out Coffee & Honey here

Support New As Dew here