If you've been following my Instagram stories lately, I've been in a bit of a 90's R&B mood. Different Ways from Toronto-based R&B singer Cyokilo (produced by Paul Nanuwa@nanuwamusic & Dj DMS) is giving me that same vibe, so into the "Chill Tunes" playlist it goes!
I love a good R&B song, especially if the artist happens to be from Toronto and has an esthetically-pleasing music video (directed by Gifty Singh) to match!
After the summer break, I'm back with an interview with Toronto-based rock band Drop Top Alibiwhosesingle Summer Nights & City Lights will drop this Friday!
Congrats on winning 97.7 FM’s Rock Search! That’s awesome! What did you guys do to prepare for the contest? Thanks Krystal! It was a fun ride for sure, and honestly came rather unexpectedly. We submitted our entry very early on, and a few months went by before they announced the Top 16, so we kind of forgot about it. The morning that they did, I woke up to a number of congratulatory messages and thought, 'Holy S**t, we got in this year!' We knew that if we got to the semi’s and had a chance to play on stage, there was a good chance we could win. We had been playing a lot and were in the midst of recording some new material. The confidence in how tight we were playing was there, so we didn’t change a single thing. Luckily for us, with the support of everyone who voted and the HTZ FM staff who scored us into the Top 8, we had a chance to let the music do the talking. It was a bit of a toss up between a few bands, and we were happy we won. I will say though, those two shows were two of the best shows we’ve played and it felt good to know that we were good enough to stand out among a group of talented bands.
Last time we spoke, you guys were working on new music in the studio- do you guys have an album release date set?
Our next single “Summer Nights & City Lights” will be released on September 20th, 2019! What happens next you’ll just have to stay in tune for.... ;) Sometimes people can get problematic at concerts (getting too drunk/annoying/harrassment, etc.). No one likes it when something kills the show’s vibe. How do you diffuse the situation while remaining professional at your shows in these instances?
Honestly, we haven’t had anything too crazy happen yet. Sometimes we will address the fans who are moshing, especially if photographers or women standing in the front are getting knocked around and don’t seem to be enjoying it. One time, a couple of drunk folks in Streetsville started getting into it in front of the stage and we just had security take them out. Having a microphone is handy for sure. Ultimately, we want people to feel like there is nothing to worry
Photo: Francesca Ludikar
about at our shows and that people who don’t or won’t respect that will be removed and dealt with. If and when the day comes that someone is being harassed at one of our shows, it will be dealt with right away and if it’s something we can see from the stage we won’t hesitate to stop the show until it’s dealt with. As musicians -who have the weirdest schedules at times- how do you guys stay mentally grounded as your band progresses? The biggest thing we’ve all noticed is that staying hydrated and getting enough rest is the most important thing. Mental strength is much easier to have when you’re not fighting other debilitating circumstances like fatigue. It helps keep everyone’s moods level as well, which means communication is strong and tension low.
Drop Top is also made up of members who have been grinding away in the music business for almost ten years. We have earned everything by ourselves, and oftentimes by burning the candle at both ends. The biggest thing keeping us grounded, is the fact that we now have a strong platform to have people listen, and if it starts to really move along, we won’t want to ruin it with ego and addiction. Maintaining the band of brothers mentality of partnership and compromise will be important as well. What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen at a show you’ve played so far? The first time we ever played in Hamilton, was at an outdoor
motorcycle festival on Hess Street. We were on the last song of our set, and this astonishingly hammered dude insisted on Dylan (Lead Guitar) letting him sing into his microphone. We were mid song and this dude starts trying to muscle his way to the mic and shoved Dylan. I think his guitar got unplugged in the process as well! We sort of forced this dude away from us, and he proceeded to try and fight everyone watching. This other guy, who was also drunk, decided he’d try and scrap the guy so he started egging the dude on a bit. The drunk guy who shoved Dylan then says, “15 years for murder, and I’d do it again...” Definitely the strangest thing we’ve seen so far, and to top it off this dude got picked up by the cops down the street and they smashed all his booze. Classic. Anything else you would like to add? Rock n’ Roll is alive and well! We will be playing a double-single release show at Lee’s Palace October 4th in Toronto with our brothers in The Crooked. They are also releasing a new song, and you definitely don’t want to miss this party! Thank you guys for your time and I look forward to hearing more from you! Follow Drop Top Alibi on their social media found here!
L-R: Braeden, Scott, Kevin. Photo: Boris R. Aguilar
There are storytellers, then there are storytellers that paint vivid memories of an ex-lover you've never even met.
Paired with music that makes you want to slow dance outdoors -in brisk weather- at sunset (with said ex-lover you've never met), Toronto-based indie band, Northern Heirs epitomizes the latter. Here is my interview with their singer, Scott Carruthers!
Scott- I must say you’ve got quite the buttery-smooth singing voice. Any tips on how you’ve maintained it over the years?
SC: Thank you so much - that means a great deal to me! A few years ago I blew my voice completely because I wasn't taking care of my throat or myself. It ultimately lead to me leaving music entirely because I couldn't sing. I didn't want to write, play guitar or even go to see live music. Even in 2017- when we released Northern Heirs' first EP- I was barely getting by in the studio. Sometimes it physically hurt to sing; it was a frustrating and emotional time. However, the EP was a start and it inspired me to quit smoking, reduce alcohol intake, get in shape... then last year I committed to recovering and getting back into playing again.
Photo: Boris R. Aguilar
In the past 13 months, I've been patient and disciplined. I'm now at a point where I'm surpassing my previous ability in terms of tone, range and confidence. For anyone going through voice issues: I just want to say that I'm always here to listen and help in any way I can. In my case, I don't expect my vocals will ever feel or sound the same as before, but with time and patience I've found that it is possible to navigate around the issues and to rediscover your artistic practice. Sorry for rambling, but I appreciate the compliment and I'm glad you enjoy the sounds I make.
No apologies necessary! It is great to hear you've found the solutions vital to your return to music! I noticed there’s a more mellow vibe musically compared to your previous band, Here Below. What inspired the transition?
SC:Actually some Northern Heirs' songs predate Here Below, so it wasn't a linear transition from heavy to melodic. Most of my songs start just with me and an acoustic, so it's more a question of arrangement whether they become a folk tune or a hard rock number (or anything in between).
I think the new sound is just a result of having a more balanced palette and working with different people. That said, if you see us live I'll still be throwing my guitar around and there are select moments where I'm kicking on the drive. Lower lows make for higher highs.
How did Northern Heirs meet/form as a band?
SC: It started as a studio project between myself and Producer, Michael Norberg. We were working on a record at Mushroom Studios (which, sadly no longer exists) and when we had some downtime, I played some songs from my back catalogue. Mike convinced me it was worth recording, and together we set about
Photo: Boris R. Aguilar
creating what would become Northern Heirs' first EP. After we released the EP we decided to take the project to the stage and recruit other musicians. I've since brought in Kevin O'Leary on bass, and Braeden McMillan on drums, respectively - they're awesome multi-instrumentalists and have a background working together as a rhythm section.
What is your favorite part of performing live? Least favorite?
SC: The start and the end. There's no substitute for the challenge of performance and establishing a feedback loop with an audience. When you really connect with a crowd, there's no other feeling that compares. I suppose the logistics of it all might be my least favorite, but I weirdly enjoy carrying equipment and loading vehicles efficiently, so... I have no negative feelings, generally.
Being in a band that is inspired by our beautiful country of Canada: if a restaurant were to name a gourmet poutine after the band, what would be in it?
Photo: Boris R. Aguilar
SC: Well, we're all about storytelling, discovering new things about the places and people around us, and we want to share personal stories in our music and live show. So, I'd say the Northern Heirs Poutine would be a straight-up traditional dish, brought out by a bardic server regaling you with a human-interest mystery involving their home town. Moose meat optional. Thick-cut East Coast spuds and maximally squeaky Quebec curds. You'd say, 'Hey thanks, that was interesting, and the music was delicious, and let me just go dust-off my photo albums and hit up the local reference library cause this gravy is inspiring me to follow a path of ancestral self-discovery'.
You've definitely painted quite the picture for me with that description *Toronto poutineries- take note!* Which one of your own songs is your favorite and why?
Photo: Boris R. Aguilar
SC:Stone Song is my favorite we've recorded so far because it's heart-breaking and epitomizes our style in terms of presenting simple melodies with hidden rhythmic complexity. That said, my favorite song will always be the latest one we've written, which you'll usually be able to catch at the live show!
If you were to collaborate with other artists of your choice- dead or alive- who would you work with?
SC: My 90s heroes - either Jeremy Enigk or Allen Epley. Do yourself a favor and go listen to SDRE and/or Shiner/The Life and Times. Or like, Adrian Belew... but that would be crazy.
Anything else you would like to add?
SC: I just want to say we appreciate all the love since we started the live band late last year. Would love to hear from folks and if you've got an interesting story we're all ears. Thank you so much for your time, Scott!
For upcoming announcements, new music, and shows near you, get social! Follow Northern Heirs on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, andYouTube! @thatchickkrys
There's no better way to kick off my return to the world of band interviews and music blogging than by interviewing Canadian punk/rock band We Outspoken, whose 13-track album State Of The Art is set for release on May 17, 2019 through Cyber Tracks (label owned by Jen Abeyta and El Hefe of NOFX), who they have recently signed with!
I got the chance to interview to lead vocalist/ rhythm guitarist, Anthony Mascarin to discuss their journey to this major milestone in their career! Here is the interview:
Congrats on the new record deal! What are 3 major moves you had to make on your journey to getting signed?
AM: Thank you so much. It has been surreal. To be honest, I wouldn’t say that we made moves. For every record that we have done, we have sent it out, got opinions and put out feelers to see if anyone would be interested in working with us. We did the same with this record and we caught the attention of a few companies and had to decide what was the better fit.
Photo: Fernando Aragon
I would say it’s more about timing, the right sound, etc. But if I were to pick three moves that brought us to today, I would say:
1. We practice and write songs all the time.
2. We made our own way, booked our own tours and took a leap of faith.
3. We never gave up.
You guys have done a lot of touring over the years. What is your favorite part of touring, and your least favorite part?
AM: We love touring. You get locked into a groove with your best friends and you get to see the world. Our favorite part about touring is that we get to see all of our friends again, be it other bands, fans, or family.
Our least favorite part is how fast we are in and out of cities. Sometimes it nice to have a few days in one particular city, but our schedules are so hectic.
Touring for long periods of time can be mentally taxing. How do you stay centered and focused?
AM: Good question! Touring is not glamorous. It is emotionally exhausting at times, and can wear you down if you are not use to it or not prepared. What helps us is that we
Photo: Fernando Aragon
are all going through it together. We can tell if one of us is not having a great day on the road. The important things are communication, space, and LOTS OF SLEEP. I can’t stress this enough.
We used to sleep on floors, share beds- we would take whatever we could get. After a while, you find that the schedule is so hectic that you need a good night's sleep to deal with performing and traveling, as it plays a big part on your mood.
What has been the toughest hurdle you had to overcome to get to this point in your career, and how did you overcome it?
AM: We are still jumping over hurdles! Ha! I would say the hardest thing is to keep going. It takes real strength to do what we do. Looking back, what we have accomplished has pushed us to this point, and that is what has kept us going. We also love songwriting, so if we are not touring we can be in the studio or at each other’s houses, coming up with ideas. Especially when we finish a new record- we can’t wait to play the songs live! With your busy schedules, how do you balance your work life and personal life? AM: Scheduling. We know when we record, we know when we tour, so we know where we can fit in our personal life. We are in control of the when and where, so it’s easy to fit everything in. If a restaurant were to name a burger after the band, what would be in it? AM: Lettuce, Mayo, Ketchup and hot peppers!
Photo: Brendan Purdy
Any tour hacks you would like to share?
AM:Always carry those Tide travel packs. You can do laundry anywhere. This saved us countless hours. Any shout-outs?
AM: Thank you Krystal for another great interview!
Thank you, Anthony for your time! Always a pleasure!
For upcoming We Outspoken tour dates near you, get social! Give these guys a follow on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram
As some of you may know, I've moved to Phoenix, AZ from Toronto (the 6ix), and have been touring as the merch manager for American rock band, Flaw, and so it's only fitting to wear their merch a lot!
Last week we were in Atlanta, GA and I put together this look:
The outfit pictured (blurry mirror pic) consists of Flaw's "Only The Strong Survive" tee, cut across the top and worn off the shoulder, tucked into a black asymmetrical cotton skirt, wide black corset belt, black suspenders, red and black Harley Quinn socks, and black studded Candie's boots. Hair down, smokey eye makeup and bam! Something other than wearing the tee with jeans!
How do you style your band merch?
Post up a pic on Instagram of your fave outfit with Flaw merch, and tag me @rockdinthe6ix ! I love getting inspired by you guys and gals! ❤🎶
Hey readers! I got the chance to interview 5-piece alt-rock band, hailing from
L-R: Charlie, Wes, Randy, Sarah, Robert
Greensboro, Mightier Than Me consists of Randy Williams (vocals), Wes Frank Norman (guitar), Robert Justin Seawell (bass/vocals), Sarah Barker (keys/vocals), and Charlie Fuson (drums).
We discuss recording their debut EP, Robert's special feather, and their favorite parts of being in an emerging band. Enjoy! ------------------------------ KK: Hey guys! How are you all doing?
MTM:Doing well, thanks!
KK: Awesome! So, how did you all form the band and when?
Robert:Well we all met at GTCC (Guilford Technical Community College) in a music ensemble class. About how long ago, Wes? A year?
Wes: Fall of 2015. We officially started the band in January of 2016.
Robert: Yeah, August sounds about right for when we started playing together. It took us a while to give the group a name, but it was definitely at the beginning of the semester
KK: Nice! So I hear you guys have been working on an EP, due out in December. What are your top 3 fave parts of the journey to completing it?
Robert: Yeah, we spent most of the summer in the GTCC studios recording it. It's our self-titled debut album so we're super excited about it. As far as top three favorite parts, I'd definitely have say that the songwriting sessions have been my absolute favorite. These guys never fail to surprise me with their musicianship, so it's always a blast. Second to that has been all of the shows we've played leading up to the release. We've done a lot of local promoting, and I really like any chance we get to play live. I guess third is the actual recording process and the time we spent in the studio itself. It's my first time ever being a part of something like this, so I've spent a large part of my time embarrassingly giddy.
Wes: For me, it was getting to work with everyone at GTCC to make our album sound so great. Thomas Johnson and Scott Hartsell did a fantastic job of producing the album. Also, everyone involved in bringing our album release show together. Ron Barrens, Nick, Wes, Lee and David Sprauve have done an amazing job with the lights and sound production for this concert. Something you only see at major concerts. Our manager, Enasha James has done awesome at managing us and our project since day 1 in the studio.
Charlie: Well, meeting and getting to know these very talented and driven musicians is the best part of it all... I loved recording with these guys and gal! I didn't feel any pressure...they just let me do me....lol and I can't wait to perform this release with my fellow band mates!!! I know it's going to be a highlight of my life!!!
Sarah: Getting to experience the recording process has definitely been one of my favorite parts! I have never recorded anything prior to this, and it's been one of my goals for a long time. Another favorite are the members of this band, we really seem to mesh well and getting to work together with people you really like is always a good thing!
Randy: 1. The actual writing of the songs. We would get together and jam, come up with ideas on the spot, or bring in things we’d been working on at home. There were two or three practices where we would hit a nice groove and leave with a finished song.
2. Being in the studio was awesome. It was my first time making real professional recordings after so many of years of recording one-take songs and putting them out for anyone who wanted to listen. We got to see how our songs really sounded in detail, and make changes on the fly that made the songs stronger.
3. Working with all of the supportive people at school and in the music scene gave me a lot of confidence, especially in the earlier stages of recording. Particularly, our engineer, Scott, and producer, TJ, helped us a lot with our creative vision for this record.
KK: It is great to see you guys have had a lot of fun and a strong support system so far- this is exciting! So to those who haven't checked you out live, what kind of vibe is the audience to expect at your shows? Does it get rowdy?
Robert: I think we bring an energetic vibe, but I don't know if I would describe us as rowdy exactly. {laughs} You see more people dancing at our shows than moshing, if that helps.
KK: Totally! Dancing at shows is always a good thing! So about your self-entitled debut EP, where and when will it be available for fans to buy it?
Wes: It releases December 2nd and will be available at all major digital retailers and physical along with digital downloads will be available from our website. So Spotify, Amazon, iTunes, Groove, etc.
KK: If you were to open for a band of your choice, who would it be?
Wes: Everyone should answer this.
Rob: Yes, boss!
KK: {laughs}
Charlie: Foo Fighters.
Robert: Damn, that's a good one!
Randy: The Killers! I love them and hear they put on a fantastic show. I feel like there would be a great level of cross-over between their fans and those who would like what we do, although we're not really that similar.
Robert: Well, my first two thoughts were Panic! At The Disco and Fall Out Boy, but that's just because I love those bands. lol I've thought about this a lot, and I'm actually torn between AWOLNATION and The Killers. I just think the kind of show they put one would go good with our style. I can see a natural blend there.
Sarah: Reliant K. Fallout boy is a good one!
Wes: I would love to open up for MGMT, Arcade Fire or The Black Keys. I would just fanboy the whole time. {laughs}
Robert: Someone get these people on the phone already!
Randy: Tell me about it dude! I'd be smiling too much to sing!
Sweet merch for Dec. 2!
KK: {laughs} Those are all great bands, for sure- now that I think about the pairings would be rad! Mightier Than Me definitely has a sound that can cross over into different shows and would definitely make sense either way!
MTM: Thank you!
KK: No problem! Anything else you would like to add?
Wes: We will be featuring Rumy Da Beast and Sir Plus for a special remix at our album release show. These guys are amazing rappers and we love to work with them every chance we get.
Robert: Just a special thanks to everyone who has come to a show, pre-ordered an album, or shown any support in any way. It means so much that so many have gotten on board so early, and we're truly grateful! Now can I please go back to being outrageous and goofy? Wes: Go for it Robert. KK: {laughs} Be outrageous and goofy all the time- it's encouraged! Haha
Sarah: {laughs} yes!
Randy: {laughs} KK: Waiting on the goofiness... Just kidding... Kinda.. {laughs} Robert: {laughs} I'm looking for my feather.
KK: Oh my... Dare I ask?? {laughs} Randy: {laughs} The feather gives him powers. Not sure you want to know much more than that!
Charlie: He wears it every show. {laughs}
Sarah: Well that and his shades! {laughs}
Robert: The feather itself is an antennae for awesome. When set on full blast, I get a solid jiggawatt of streaming awesome!
KK: {laughs} Sounds powerful- keep it in a safe place between shows! Keep spreading the awesome vibes! Thank you all so much for your time! Looking forward to hearing more from you all and hearing the full EP! MTM: Thank you for taking the time to chat with us Krystal!
---------------------------------------To pre-order Mightier Than Me's debut EP before December 2, go to www.mightierthanme.com You can also stream the Mightier Than Me Album Release party, which will be held at GTCC Center for Creative and Performing Arts Theatre (901 S Main Street, High Point, NC) live on December 2nd, 2016 at 7:00pm EST. Clickhttp://www.mightierthanme.com/live-stream
