UNDERDOG CHAMPS: INTERVIEW


BY FRANCES CRUZ

PHOTO COURTESY OF 25/8 PR

PHOTO COURTESY OF 25/8 PR

Heading into the new year, Virginia based pop punk band, Underdog Champs, has plenty to be excited about. Since the group’s inception in 2014, they’ve continually defined some of the finer points of pop punk - refreshing, catchy sing-alongs. Comprised of Mark Bradley (vocals), Nick Jones (guitar/vocals), Justin Mason (bass) and Josh Bailey (drums), the band has embarked on a journey to the world of music, releasing an EP called ‘Picked Last’ and a new single ‘Hear Me Out’ along the way. On top of that, their second EP titled, ‘Skeletons in Daylight’ will be released on February 24. We caught up with the group to chat about their musical influences, their new EP and more!

 

How did you start off as a band? How were you formed?

UC: Mark initially just wanted to record some song ideas he had, enlisted Nick, who enlisted Josh and Justin, and we went from there. We were not originally going to play a ton of shows, but after our first show in January 2015 we were so happy with how things were going that we decided to take things more seriously.

 

How did you come up with the name ‘Underdog Champs’?

UC: We went through some pretty bad names until settling on our current name. We were about to play the first show under the name “Rebuilt”, then “Rebuilt Hearts”, then decided that was terrible. Hours before the show Mark sent about 10 or so names that he had been thinking of and we chose the least terrible!

 

Who are your musical influences?

UC: We each pull from a bunch of different artists, but collectively we draw from bands like Taking Back Sunday, Underoath, Blink, Armor For Sleep, and Pierce the Veil. Recently we’ve all been going in pretty different directions; Nick likes a lot of heavier stuff like Every Time I Die; Justin with pop/punk like All Time Low and also Idiot Pilot; Josh has been jamming Oceana and Snarky Puppy; Mark is listening to the new I See Stars and Copeland.

 

How was it like to play shows on the east coast?

UC: We love our hometown scene and have been fortunate enough to grow up in Northern VA which is awesome. Mark went to school in Harrisonburg VA which became a second home to us - we played our first show there. Now most of us live in Richmond VA and call that awesome music scene home. There are so many awesome bands on the East Coast, and a lot of bands look out for each other - going to shows, letting each other crash at their houses, feeding each other, etc. It’s been awesome!

Out of everything we do as a band, playing shows is definitely the most fun. We look forward to venturing out like the pioneers slowly but surely towards the West, spreading our music as we go!

 

How are your feelings different as you approach the release of Skeletons in Daylight than they were before you released Picked Last?

UC: Picked last was our first release as a band; we just put out the best three songs we had at the time, even though they were very different from each other, and hoped for the best. We were nervous about showing people what this band would sound like, even though the name Underdog Champs gives a little bit of a hint to our sound. We were excited to put the songs out and hear what people thought!

This EP has been a long time in the making, so I think the feeling this time is more relief that we are FINALLY releasing more music. We have similar emotions as before - apprehensive, excited, proud - but people know what to expect from us now. There is less stress over being accepted and more excitement about breaking people's’ preconceptions.

 

How are the two EP's different?

UC: We took a few different songwriting approaches to Skeletons than we did on Picked Last. We sent songs back and forth over email, writing a few songs entirely that way before getting into a room to practice them. That was a big change. The genres we pull from vary more within each song. Picked Last had 3 very different songs, but each one was in a specific vein. On Skeletons, the songs themselves contain a lot of different influences within themselves.

We recorded Picked Last in 3 or so days, all together. Skeletons we took more time, recorded when we could, and were really able to hear the ideas come together as we recorded. This let us change the songs as we worked on them, which was great and tedious at the same time.

 

Do you find it hard to be a successful pop-punk band in today’s generation where punk music is not as appreciated/popular by many as it was back then?

UC: It seems like pop punk is coming back around, but in different niches. Some bands go the route of getting heavier in their sound, some have been going the slower sad-boy route, and some venture into a more radio-friendly sound. We may not be played on the radio ever, but there is a bright future ahead for pop punk bands who are willing to go outside of the box of what has been done before!

 

What about your music, do you think, separates you from other bands with sounds/style similar to yours?

UC: The thing that we think separates us - and we talk about this a lot - is that we don’t care about expectations or being pop punk. We all are our worst critics and just want to put out music that we’d want to listen to. We by no means want to put out a super aggressive record or a country record, but at the same time we all draw from so many influences and are always trying to practice and improve as musicians that it is hard to stick to one genre. If one of us has an idea that lends itself to a riffy, proggy song then we’ll roll with it and figure out later if it fits on the EP. If we have a killer acoustic song or ballad, we will work on it until it’s great and decide later if we should release it.

 

What has been the most memorable part of your career thus far?

UC: One of the most memorable moments we have had so far was getting to play Conditions’ 5-year anniversary show for their album Fluorescent Youth, which was and still is a huge influence on us as people, songwriters, musicians. The show was packed and the reception was amazing. People still come up to us around Richmond and tell us about that show!

 

If you could tour with any band, broken up or still together/dead or alive, who would you pick and why?

UC: I think we would be stoked to open the Pop Disaster Tour from 2004 - Blink, Green Day, Jimmy Eat World… It’s hard to get better than that!

 

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'ALL THESE COUNTLESS NIGHTS' / DEAF HAVANA: ALBUM REVIEW


BY GRACE SERRAMBANA

In 2013, the alternative rock band, Deaf Havana released one of the most captivating albums of the year - “Old Souls” - and are back again, years later, with “All These Countless Nights”. Before the makings of this album, putting pen to paper was a struggle for the band members. Lurking behind the scenes were financial problems and lack of internal communication which almost put an end to Deaf Havana all together. These tough times, though, ended up forming the band’s most meaningful album yet. “All These Countless Nights” obtains 12 creative and beautifully written tracks that carry the theme of loneliness and/or isolation. Each individual song will end up speaking to your heart; anyone listening will want to press repeat.

The album kick-starts with an upbeat song followed by an early release track to allow the audience to grasp a feel of the ultimate experience. Ashes, Ashes dabbles with the overall theme of the album, playing with lyrics such as “If we drive away to the place I love the most,” - “I’ll leave my ashes to the coast.” The early release, Trigger, was, according to James Veck-Gilodi, “one of the few songs where the words just came out of [him] as [he] put the pen to paper.” This song holds the overall theme like an Olympic torch and shows that if one reflects on their past mistakes but doesn’t do anything about them, the past mistakes will continue to reveal themselves in the coming future.

L.O.V.E. is a track demanding to be heard. The lyrics create a surrounding feeling of guilty pleasure as the speaker admits his faults even though “the guilt that should be eating at [his] conscience isn’t there.” Adding a different aspect to the album, the oceanic beginning gives added curiosity to the listener.

These two softer alternative rock songs - Happiness and Like A Ghost - allow the listener to take a breather from the usual Deaf Havana upbeat tone. Happiness’ lyrics contradict the title as the speaker tells of how his addictions keep chaining him down when he wants to experience happiness. Like A Ghost has a needed slow introduction and speeds up throughout the chorus which generously provides layers to the song.

Fever and Pretty Low both have an interesting use of instruments. Fever has a unique introduction; the use of the electric guitar feedback digs into a new perspective of the alternative rock world. With a softer edge to it, Pretty Low gives a beautiful demonstration of creativity by the guitar riff carried throughout the song. The fade out at the end will make the listener crave more.

A different tone has been brought to life with their track England. On the more ‘funk’ side, this is definitely a song to groove to, but it is also a song with a gentle message, such like the following track Seattle. Seattle lets the overall tone of isolation roam throughout the elements of the song; the soft tone and the use of gentler instruments really lets the listener collapse into the melody.

St. Paul’s quieter tone gives much needed contrast to the album. With the soft blend of instruments to the easy-to-decipher lyrics, this song will surely land in one of most played tracks of “All These Countless Nights”.

Back to the strong, easy to love vibes - 11Sing throws a sweet surprise after the softer tracks of the album. With the intimidating electric guitar, this track brings an upbeat sound that fits in like a puzzle piece.

Coming to a close, Pensacola, 2013 perfectly wraps up the theme with a little piece of hope. The album does an outstanding job of captivating ‘isolation’ in its whole, but ends with craving more than just those feelings of loneliness and regret, demonstrated by this closing track.

Although Deaf Havana faced a troubling time which almost broke apart the band, they ended up coming back stronger than before. The passion is noticeable throughout this album. As per usual, Deaf Havana provides a mixture being upbeat, grooving vibes and soft, gentle tracks. They even formed creative introductions which sucks the listener in. I do wish to see more variety in the sound of each song. The album came with a predictable upbeat sound and soft rock - along with the guitar solo found in nearly all songs near the bridge. (Though, the predictable Deaf Havana sound is still, nevertheless, mesmerizing.)

Even though the overall theme dips its toes into the darker shadows of life, “All These Countless Nights” does not fall short. With the extensive use of instruments to the blend of different lyrics, this album will surely not disappoint. If anything, it definitely seems to have brought the band closer together and stepped away from the more ‘emo-y’ vibe Deaf Havana used to bring to the table. It’s different, it’s incredibly pieced together, and it’s a step towards a brighter future for all the members of the band.

Grab your headphones and prepare to be unable to press pause.

 

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JEN JANET: INTERVIEW


BY KAT VISTI

 
PHOTO BY ANDREA VAN ORSOUW 

PHOTO BY ANDREA VAN ORSOUW 

Jen Janet and her upcoming EP "Dangerous" just makes you want to dance! In the past she's toured with Hawthorne Heights and Red Jumpsuit Apparatus with her band Blind Revision. We sat down with her to hear more about her music and what the future holds!

 

How would you describe your upcoming EP "Dangerous"?

JEN: Dance, dance, dance! The vibe is definitely fun and upbeat. I wanted to fuse pop sounds with electronic dance music and I think that’s a pretty good description. So far in my music career, I’ve actually written a lot of very serious music. I am also in an alternative rock band with metal influences, and our songs sound quite different from this pop EP. I will always love doing that and writing those types of songs - but this was a chance to try something new.

 

Which track off of the EP is your favorite?

JEN: That’s a tough question. I think I’ve gone through phases where each one was my favorite. Right now, I’d have to say I love Dangerous. It’s just a very fun, upbeat song that sounds a bit more EDM than the rest of the EP. For a while though, In Bloom was my favorite, because it’s the most vulnerable song. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to include it and actually release it publicly, but I’m glad that I’ve decided to do so.

 

You've toured with multiple acts like Hawthorne Heights - could you describe the experience for us?

JEN: In 2015, I opened for Hawthorne Heights and Red Jumpsuit Apparatus with my band, Blind Revision. It was definitely my favorite musical memory to date. The crowd was the best part. When we went on stage, no one really knew who we were. I was half expecting us to get booed off the stage, or to have people ignore us, since they were waiting for the headlining acts to perform. But the crowd wasn’t just polite - they were super excited as soon as we started playing. It was just a great vibe all around, and we were welcomed by their fans. So that definitely felt good. It’s sometimes nerve-racking to open for a big headlining band because you never know if people will be excited for you, or if they will ignore you and just want to see the headlining band.

 

What are some of your future goals?

JEN: Someday I’d really like to help score movies or TV shows. I especially love sci-fi and horror movies, and sometimes there’s a lot of room for creativity for music in those genres. I think that would be really fun. I’m also obsessed with the Netflix show Stranger Things right now, and all the music in that show is very creative. It’s definitely given me some inspiration. I’d also like to tour somewhere outside of the U.S. because I love to travel.

 

If you could perform in any place in the world where would it be and why?

JEN: Great question! Speaking of touring, I’d love to perform pretty much anywhere. It’s not really a matter of which venue, but which country. I’d love to see Australia, or do a European tour. That probably won’t happen for a very long time, but that’s something that I’d love to do.

 

What got you into music?

JEN: I started singing in front of people when I was 4 years old. I think I first performed at my pre-school graduation. I know it sounds very cliche, but I’ve been singing as long as I can remember, and it just felt very natural to me. I started taking voice lessons and piano lessons when I was young, and it just continued from there. I was never a very spiritual person, and I think in a way, music takes me to that type of place in my mind. I’ve also used songwriting as an outlet for coping with negative things that have happened. I think it’s a very healthy way to let out your feelings. And the best part is, you can choose to make music with others or choose to do it privately. When I was younger I was not good at talking about my problems, so I wrote about them instead. I always felt better afterward.

 

If you could compare yourself to one other musician, who would it be?

JEN: I think my EP sounds similar to Marina and the Diamonds or Lady Gaga, but I would never want to compare myself to people who are so hugely successful! I think they are both very creative and they have influenced me when writing music in the pop or dance genre. That’s really all i can say. I am always inspired by music in any genre. If it makes me feel something, I will pay attention. But I don’t really want to compare myself to anyone just yet.

 

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'HOLD ME DOWN' / YOKE LORE (GILLIGAN MOSS REMIX): SINGLE REVIEW


BY NAOMI GRACE

PHOTO BY WES & ALEX

PHOTO BY WES & ALEX

Previously under titles such as ‘Walk The Moon’ and ‘Yellerkin’, Adrian Galvin is now exploring his creative musical boundaries under his pseudonym Yoke Lore. He is the new solo project of Brooklyn multi-instrumentalist Adrian Galvin. He’s intentionally creating music that matches his personally styled remixes. Specifically, his new single “Hold Me Down” incorporates echos of pop music and strong vocal hooks that reel the modern ear in. After supporting Elliot Moss, he has returned to tours by supporting Handsome Ghost and will be performing at SXSW this year in March. Yoke Lore’s successful May debut EP “Far Shore” is just the beginning of the bulk of his career. The record received 3 Hype Machine Top 10’s. Specifically, his single “Hold Me Down” is a personal favourite and has 2.5 million streams on Spotify! His latest addition “Snow Day” involves delicate vocals accompanied by his attractive music video. In response to his artistic upbringing, Adrian has an artistic outlook on life even in practical ways and its evident in his music. Yoke Lore’s sound is one that will stay around for a while. 

 

Listen to Hold Me Down and watch the Snowday music video below!

 
 
 

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'HENCHMEN' / VISTA: SINGLE REVIEW


BY ALISSA ARUNARSIRAKUL

Anthem-rock three piece VISTA are back at it again just months after releasing their debut EP, “VERSUS.” These New York natives are ready to take on 2017 with an explosive single titled “Henchmen.” In a recent interview with Legendary Kids Press, Greg Almeida (lead guitar) cites “the typical [bands] to like on Long Island”—such as Taking Back Sunday and Brand New—as major influences of his music style, which is evident in “Henchmen.” Matt Vlossak (drums) describes the new tune as something that “happened naturally and evolved into something bigger than [he] imagined.” Hope Vista (lead vocals) accurately labels the band’s sound as “huge upbeat anthems,” and “Henchmen” is no exception.

This powerful track begins with intriguing guitar sounds and aggressive drumming, reminiscent of All Time Low, and smoothly layers in Hope Vista’s empowering vocals. Vista’s gritty and sharp voice in “Henchmen” has greatly matured since we last heard her in 2016’s “VERSUS.” The harmonies in the chorus are arguably what stands out the most throughout the song, because they flow impeccably with Vista’s defined voice. The infectious guitar riffs by Almeida on this track are impossible to forget and they sound incredibly well put together. Vlossak’s drumming on this song is better than ever, as they really define the hardcore aspect of this band.

Mixing various elements of alternative and punk rock, VISTA has been compared to female-fronted, punk powerhouse Paramore more than a few times. Although the captivating Hope Vista does sound similar to Paramore’s Hayley Williams, it is apparent that VISTA, who are much newer to the music scene, offer a fresher vibe.

VISTA are confirmed to play a sold out show on the night of their single release with Against The Current on their In Our Bones world tour on Friday, January 13th at the Irving Plaza in New York, NY. Their new single “Henchmen” is set to be released at midnight on January 13th. 

 

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