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SXSW SPECIAL INTERVIEW: THE MOWGLI’S
Southern California septet THE MOWGLI’S has quite an odd origin. Says vocals and guitarist Michael Vincze, “I never thought that shotgunning a beer in a gutter with someone I had never met before could change my life forever. That is, until I met Colin Dieden,” who always plays guitar and sings in the band. Completing the group are Joshua Hagen (vocals/guitar), Katie Jayne Earl (vocals), Matthew DiPanni (bass), David Applebaum (Keys), and Spencer Trent (drums). The Mowgli’s formed in the summer of 2009 from a mutual love of happy vibrations, a love that shines through their songs and personalities. Everyone in the band was in on this interview, and we hope from their long list of nicknames that they never get arrested… poor, poor trees if they get rap sheets.
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SXSW SPECIAL INTERVIEW: THE D.A.
Formed almost five years ago in the stagnant El Paso music scene, THE D.A. is made up of Tyler Dudley (vocals, bass, guitar, synth), Michael Frisbey (trumpet, keys, vocals), Cesar Muniz (Keys, vocals), Stephen Escarzaga (guitar, bass, vocals), and Evan Tremper (drums), who have worked tirelessly to build a fan base in their home state. After two years “of late-night and sometimes sporadic sessions,” their debut LP You Kids! was completed. You Kids! was released two weeks ago and now touring is the only thing on The D.A.’s agenda. Multi-instrumentalist Tyler Dudley took some time out on their way to a show in Houston to answer some questions and give us our most, er, picturesque answer to our ice cream question.
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INTERVIEW: PHOTOGRAPHER ALEXANDRA PHILLIPS
ALEXANDRA PHILLIPS IS AN 18 YEAR OLD PHOTOGRAPHER ORIGINALLY FROM SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND NOW LIVING IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA.
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SXSW SPECIAL INTERVIEW: TIC TIC BOOM!
Los Angeles based TIC TIC BOOM! is singer and keyboardist Leilani Francisco, guitarist and vocalist Mike DeLay, bassist and backing vocalist Matt Gurgol, and drummer Trevor Hunnicutt. Started five years ago by Leilani and Mike when they were both working in a bar as love blossomed between them, they have built a steady and cohesive sound through dedication and hard work, adding members to the band as they went along. They’re gearing up for the April release of their new EP which promises a darker, dreamier sound. Leilani took the time to answer our questions about the band’s past and future.
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SXSW SPECIAL INTERVIEW: CANNON BROS.
Canadian duo and long time friends, Alannah Walker (vocals and guitar) and Cole Woods (drums and vocals), started CANNON BROS. when they both learned how to play drums well enough to play in a band, loving the idea of a project that would allow the two of them to switch instruments. Rooted in classic rock and old memories, Cannon Bros. leaves quite a big impact and will one day bring their music all over the States.
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SXSW SPECIAL INTERVIEW: THE JOHN STEEL SINGERS
Brisbane, Australia quintet THE JOHN STEEL SINGERS is Tim Morrissey and Luke McDonald (both vocals, guitar, keyboard), as well as Scott Bromiley (vocals, guitar, keyboard, trumpet), Pete Bernoth (keyboard, trombone), and Ross Chandler (drums). Aside from musical talent and their blend of 60s style pop, The John Steel Singers are known for their amusing personalities that show through during live performances and did not fail to shine during this interview. Pete Bernoth, also the band’s full-time Tim antagonist took the time to tell us about what the John Steel Singers are up to and give quite beguiling information about the band’s past. Above all, he wants you to know that no matter how much time passes, the agony of growing up with red hair, however close to strawberry blonde it may be, still lingers.
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Come Back as Rain // Good Old War
Newly released and hot on the iTunes music charts is Come Back as Rain, Good Old War’s third and most realized release. I believe the direction they have taken on this album is one of confidence and a nostalgic feel for the albums they grew up with.
“Over and Over” immediately shows better production than their previous self-titled effort. Dan Schwartz’s guitar fills the empty spaces in the song, once again making us say, “Wait, that’s only one guy?” If you don’t like tapping your toes, I’d start taping them to the floor before you start listening to this song.
“Calling Me Names” is the standout track on Come Back as Rain. Although I still have not warmed up to the intro, it is very catchy when the music kicks in. The whole song screams of Taylor Swift to me, and that is not a bad thing (hey now). I wish it had a bit more substance, but its somewhat immature lyrics do not stop me from loving it.
“Amazing Eyes” is simple and sports a beautiful vocal melody. There is a sophisticated meaning behind these lyrics but they are delivered through very simple and underwhelming wording. Keith Goodwin’s voice loses its characteristic softness on the higher notes of the song, which is unfortunate and rare. However, around 2:08, the softness comes back beautifully, melting the ice in my heart for those more grating high notes. However, this song is too long for my taste.
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INTERVIEW: PHOTOGRAPHER LAUREN TREECE
Good Old War // Good Old War
2010 saw the follow up to Good Old War’s highly successful debut album, Only Way to Be Alone, which happened to be one of the only three albums I listened to during the summer of 2008. I will admit, Good Old War is much softer than anything I would deem “my cup of tea”, but their live performances immediately had me in love with Only Way to Be Alone. However, when Good Old War came out, I took a few listens, didn’t really like it, and never listened to it again. It was only when I was listening to my iTunes library in alphabetical order that I accidentally stumbled upon this album again. It really grew on me, just in time for the release of their third album, Come Back As Rain.
The fifteen track album opens with “Good”, a very pleasant, busy, and uplifting intro that is something I would expect as an album closer. Perhaps they could have switched “Good” and the equally pleasant, slightly more somber last track “War” for a better flow. “Good” immediately displays their interesting vocal choices, far beyond the normal “ooh, ahh”, and “doo doo doos” we hear in almost every song these days. This is also seen in “That’s Some Dream”, where the syllabic choice is “lie die die”.
“Here are the Problems” begins with a bang. Tim Arnold creates a perfect drum beat that carries the guitar’s melody, keeping the song upbeat and full although there are many pauses between the instruments.
Next up is “My Own Sinking Ship”, a song I first heard on a YouTube video of a concert that was released long before the album actually came out; it is a song I immediately fell in love with. The trio did not disappoint and managed to improve the song that was already perfect in my eyes. The recorded version of this song is full and the tone is lovely. We also see Tim Arnold’s accordion skills featured prominently. I forgive the less than deep and well presented verse lyrics because of the brilliance of the chorus lyrics: “You are my own sinking ship / ‘cause every day the current shifts”.
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SXSW SPECIAL INTERVIEW: LES JUPES
Newcomers LES JUPES are a Canadian-rooted band with a French title who started to carve out a name for themselves with a debut album and a series of festival shows across the US and Canada in 2011. Now, in 2012, bassist David Schellenberg, keyboardist/vocalist Kelly Beaton, drummer Adam Klassen, and guitarist/vocalist Michael P Falk are expanding even further with a new single released and an album in the works - it will be undoubtedly exciting to see what exactly this “fierce and playful” quartet think up next.
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(L-R & top to bottom)
Here’s a new feature we’re trying out intended to hopefully give you a better look into the people behind Positivexposure and to share with you some cool stuff you may or may not know about.
1. Ecosystem notebooks.
Sunny: I love Ecosystem notebooks because they’re just as stylish and convenient as Moleskins, but they are completely eco-friendly and a lot cheaper. Plus, I doubt there is a debate on how to pronounce “ecosystem.” They come blank for artists, lined for writers, and in a grid for those who prefer it.
2. New Girl
Hailey: I’m not much of a TV person but three days ago I began and finished all episodes of New Girl thanks to some phantom sickness that left me in my comfy bed. Seeking residence after a break up, Zooey Deschanel plays lead character Jess Day, who moves into an apartment with three very different male housemates. Jess is super quirky, bubbly and fun and tends to see the good in just about everyone. When she’s not teaching at school or singing about mundane activities in an upbeat and dorky manner, Jess is teaching her new little family little life lessons. A day in the life of Jess Day also involves wearing ridiculously cute outfits which I wish would miraculously appear in my own wardrobe.
3. Through the Rough EP // Merriment
Sunny: I completely fell in love with this EP as soon as I heard the first song, and I’ve been listening to it non-stop ever since. Merriment is Christie and Collin DuPree.
4. On The Impossible Past // The Menzingers
Hailey: I’ve always liked what I’ve heard from The Menzingers, but their latest release on Epitaph Records leaves me confused and amazed after each listen – how do four dudes write something so perfect? A combination of On The Impossible Past and seeing them twice at Soundwave Festival has upgraded the quartet from my ‘rad bands’ list to ‘favourite bands list’. I’m just about certain I will not hear a song as good as “Gates” this year.
5. Psych
Sunny: Psych is a TV show that airs on USA. It’s about a slacker named Shawn Spencer and his uptight best friend Gus, who convince a police department that Shawn is psychic. Shawn is now head psychic for the Santa Barbara police department. It’s a fun show with good one off stories and likable characters. It’s really entertaining. I’ve been a fan since the pilot aired, but I prefer to watch TV online after the whole season is over… I just can’t take cliff hangers! Because of this, I am catching up on all 5 seasons of Psych on Netflix so that when I start season 6 everything is fresh in my mind.
6. “These Lights” // Your Demise
Hailey: Your Demise has gotten a bit of hate for their latest single (from their upcoming record The Golden Age) but “These Lights” clearly shows the English lads writing music they want to hear and not giving a damn about it – for that, I applaud them. The track is far less heavy and much catchier than previous efforts and presents a skater punk feel with a huge H2O and Pennywise sound, rather than their traditional hardcore punk style. The track simply rules, regardless of a genre change or the band that released it. High hopes for the new full length.
Are you into this feature? Let us know if you want to see it again.
Interview: The Hush Now
THE HUSH NOW is a five piece from Boston, Massachusetts, formed in 2006 by singer/guitarist Noel Kelly. After Noel moved from the west coast to the east coast, he teamed up with drummer Barry Marino, keyboard player Kurt Schneider, and former bassist Mike Dimino. In 2008 their first full length, The Hush Now, was released and in 2010 their followup, Constellations, was released. Their most recent album, Memos, was released in late 2011 to positive reviews. The band has been through many lineup changes since their beginning, now including singer and guitarist Noel Kelly, drummer Barry Marino, keyboard player Jon Rosen, guitarist Adam Quane, and bassist Pat MacDonald. Here, we spoke with bassist Pat MacDonald. Facebook | YouTube
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Interview: Photographer Lizbeth Foster
Through the Rough // Merriment
I have been an Eisley fan since I heard “I Wasn’t Prepared” on the radio while I was in the car one day, many years ago. I am not a die-hard fan, but the DuPrees have some of the most undeniably beautiful voices I have ever heard. Interestingly, it was not because of Eisley that I heard about Christie DuPree, who had me thinking, “Wow, she really sounds like the girls from Eisley.” Needless to say, I was feeling foolish, but hooked! One thing that gives a little bit more of my heart to Merriment is that although the narrative and vocal styles are very similar, Merriment’s lyrics are a lot more straight forward and easier to relate to. We see this on Through the Rough with its 18 minutes of vague, but very personal and emotional lyrics sung honestly over gorgeous and simple melodies.
“I Give Up” is a gorgeous introduction to Merriment’s overall sound. The vocal melody during the verses reminds me of a few songs from The Early November’s The Mother, the Mechanic, and the Path. It’s very easy to relate to the sentiments in this song. We all have been in this situation at one point in time: “You can’t even bring yourself to say / that you don’t need me / though you think about me. / It’s been two years now / you still don’t love me / but some day you might. / Some day, yeah right”. I find it interesting that “I Give Up” is the first track on the EP, for reasons which I will expand upon later.
“Blessed Soul” has gorgeous and flowing vocals, reminding me of Eisley’s “Trolleywood”. This song goes from the somber and slightly bitter “I Give Up” and moves into the optimism characteristic of young love: “If you choose to let me love you / our love, our love would reach the sky. / No bounds, no bonds, no breaks, no trials. / Just you, just me, our love goes free”.
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