Interview: Louisville Based Rock Band Light Treasons Discusses Their Newly Released Album "Fortunes"

Light Treasons is a Louisville based rock band who recently released their debut LP entitled "Fortunes". We connected with the guys (Clay Nevels, Jared Howell, Joel Eichenberger, Rob Diver, Zack Pennington) for this Q&A to discuss the new album, find out how it compares to their self-titled EP from 2015, learn more about the music scene in Louisville, and much more.

After reading our exclusive interview with Light Treasons, be sure to follow the guys on their social media streams and more importantly, support them by purchasing "Fortunes" ASAP.

How did you guys come together to form "Light Treasons"? How was the band name decided on and does it have a special meaning? 

Zack and I had been on a fairly long hiatus from any musical projects and both kind of got that bug again.  Zack knew Rob from college.  Clay lived out of town at the time, but I hadn’t really done anything musically without him and we knew we wanted him involved if he ever moved back (he did).  Jared was the last to join, but he is someone we have all known for years and has long been a close friend of Clay’s.  As for the name….it is a reference to the one thing all five of us agree on: Arrested Development.  We added the ‘s’ to the end of Light Treason because we liked the way it looked/sounded better  Other Arrested Development themed names discussed but ultimately discarded: “Pop Pop & the Attics”, “Her?”, and “I’m Oscar (dot com)”.

Tell us about how your new album "Fortunes" came together. How long did it take to record and were there any songs that did not make the cut? If so, do you plan on releasing them at some point?

Fortunes is a concept album that (sort of) came together by accident. We wrote and recorded it over the course of two years. When we wrote & recorded the first two songs, we didn't know how we would be releasing them. We wanted to release them as singles with individual art pieces. My amazingly talented wife, Erin, agreed to draw up some ideas. She actually came up with the tarot card idea for those two which eventually expanded to a full concept album, with each song telling a different story. Though we discussed releasing the whole thing "progressively" by writing and releasing them one at a time, in real time, we ultimately decided to release together, as a completed concept. That said, we did record them in 4 different sessions spanning roughly 18 months, which presented its own unique challenges. As for additional songs, we decided early on that we wanted Fortunes to be 9 songs. We definitely had some songs that were scrapped along the way, but they were more rough ideas than completed songs. I'd say it's doubtful any of those pieces would ever see the light of day, but who knows?!

How would you compare "Fortunes" to your self titled EP which was released in 2015? 

Prior to Light Treasons, Zack, Clay, and myself (Joel) were in a band called Hark the Herald. The EP is really kind of the conclusion of that band in a lot of ways.  Some of the music were songs that we had written in Hark but never released and it kind of was a way we could end that band on our terms.  Fortunes, on the other hand, was really the five of us in LT finding our own sound and Rob (vocals) really finding his voice. The EP certainly holds a special place for me, but on Fortunes we really find our own, unique identity, in my opinion. 

Stream/Download: "Light Treasons" EP

What are your thoughts about the music scene in Louisville, especially for rock music. Would you say that the locals generally support acts native to the area?

Yeah, Louisville has a fantastic, often underrated, music scene. The rock scene probably isn't quite as large as the metal/hardcore scene, but what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality. Seriously. And yes, there is not much Louisvillians love more than supporting their own.

Will/are you guys touring in support of the new album? If so, will you be stopping for a date in Raleigh or the Triangle area?

We are definitely planning on hitting the road as much as possible in the fall in support of the album but we are likely to keep it pretty regionalized for now.  We all have full time day jobs and families, so getting out for more than a weekend is hard.  We would love to make it down to Raleigh soon, though no current plans to venture that far.

What are your goals musically for the remainder of 2017?

For the rest of 2017, we are trying to get these songs out to as many people as possible.  We have a couple local Louisville festivals coming up, and as previously mentioned, are planning on spending a lot of weekends in the cities and towns in our region.  If you are reading this and want to come see us play, send us a message, let us know, and we will do our best.  If you like these songs, if you like our band, please share it with your friends, on Facebook, etc. We really can't express how much it means to hear from people who enjoy what we do, and how much it means to us when people share it organically with the friends. 

Stream/Download "Fortunes": Apple Music | Spotify 

Connect with Light Treasons: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Interview: LA Based Rock Artist TJ Stafford

TJ Stafford is an LA based rock artist who recently released a very hard hitting album entitled "All My Bad Habits Have Prepared Me For This". It goes without saying that we are big fans of this album as you can read in our review, so it's only right that we connect with TJ to pick his brain about some things. 

After reading our exclusive interview with TJ, be sure to follow him on his social media streams and most importantly, stream/download his new album. 

Congratulations on the completion of your debut album "All My Bad Habits Have Prepared Me for This”. What are you most proud of with this project and what's the meaning behind the album title?

It's mine top to bottom. I've made albums before but always in the context of a band, which inevitably leads to some compromise, for better and worse. This album was just me telling a brilliant producer what I wanted with no compromise....for better and worse. 

The album title is a tongue in cheek reference to continuous mistakes being made throughout my life, yet somehow those mistakes and habits preparing me for situations I find myself in again. 

How did you get your start in rock music and when did you decide that you wanted to be an artist?

I guess you could say I got my start in rock music the first time my dad put a Three Dog Night album on when I was a child and us singing "Jeremiah was a bullfrog!" at the top of our lungs. That's a hard imprint to let go of. 

As far as being an artist, I've wanted to be one in some capacity since taking guitar lessons as a child. I just never really had any idea how that worked or what it looked like. Sometimes I still don't. 

Who are some of the artists who have influenced your music throughout the years and how would you say that you stand apart from them?

Literature has influence my music a lot. I've always been a book worm, so diving into story and empathizing with characters and being made to think about gray areas and life outside of a black & white dichotomy has impacted my music and songwriting more than anything. Learning how to be precise and efficient with words, gratuitous when necessary, silent when appropriate, etc. I only stand apart in that I bow at their feet. 

As a songwriter, how do you decide which songs you give to other artists and which you keep for yourself?

Yes. And really it all comes down to ego and being selfish. I turn into a little child. When the songs resonates with me on a carnal, basic level, I literally and figuratively go "mine" and keep it.  

We really dig your new single "Catch", which follows the first song on the album "Crazy". Can we expect a visual for "Catch" soon that is just as breathtaking as the "Crazy" video?

First, thank you. Glad you're digging it. And yes, there is a beautiful video coming out. It's aesthetically quite different, but I believe just as emotionally moving. 

Describe a typical TJ Stafford live show for us; is there a song in your catalog that when you perform it, it takes the show to another level?

Oh man, a typical show is loud. I've stopped trying to be pretty and really just want to play loud rock music. I've become a teenager in a garage...with much more skill. Hopefully the first song in the set takes it to another level, and the rest sustain it. 

Stream/Download "All My Bad Habits Have Prepared Me For This" by TJ Stafford on iTunes

Connect with TJ Stafford: Website | Twitter | Soundcloud | Facebook

Review: C.R. And The Degenerates' "Degeneration" Album

When I first saw Chris Gennone perform, it was at a pay-to-play “battle of the bands” at Just Jake’s in Montclair, NJ, sometime around 2010. It was one of those pyramid schemes that young bands find themselves getting sucked into, just at a chance for a “gig.” It was stupid.

My band, The Deafening Colors, played too. We lost. Chris’ band also lost. Neither of our bands had sold enough tickets for the “promoter” to let us play, but we forked over money out of our own pockets to get on the stage. It was the first and last time we ever did that.

His band, at the time, was called Hiawatha. They looked like they were having a blast on stage. They were absolutely not the most polished band around, but they were probably the most genuine, and the most original, even if their guitars were slightly out of tune. They were either in high school or had just graduated. 

Now about seven or eight years later, and after five or six band changes, Chris Gennone is still at it, now under the moniker C.R. and the Degenerates. He has written and released hundreds of songs, worked on countless projects, and is easily one of the most prolific young songwriters on the east coast.

The Degenerates newest album, aptly titled Degeneration, feels like an artist truly reaching maturity. Gennone’s jaunty, almost Neil Young-esque guitar parts, his soaring vocals, the spot-on backing vocals from James Abbott (Guitar, Lap Steel), Harrison Bieth (Keys), John Crane (Bass), and Evan Luberger (Drums) elevate each track.

And then there is Max Rauch, who also drummed on some of the tracks, and sang backing vocals, engineered, mixed, and produced the album. Rauch has been involved in dozens of NJ-based indie band’s albums—both he and Gennone seem to never stop working on new projects. 

I once read in a book, the title of which I’ve forgotten, that a pottery teacher once ran an experiment. She told one group of students to work on one piece of pottery until it was perfect. She told the other group to work on a new piece every day. At the end of the series of classes, the students who worked on something new had created far better pieces. The students who worked on one piece until it was “perfect” ended up with junk.

Chris Gennone and his band, by constantly working on something new, have created their best work to date with Degeneration. One just hopes they do what they’ve always done—refuse to look back, and start working on the next thing as soon as possible.

Degeneration, released on July 7, 2017 from Sniffling Indie Kids, is available below to stream/download as well as all the typical streaming services.

Review: Night Argent's "The Fear" EP

Night Argent's newest EP, "The Fear", starts off with a thumping beat and a feeling of the epic that is perfectly crafted to be paired with film. This is 21st century soundtrack music at its most banal. The first track, "Mannequin," could fittingly be paired with any blockbuster movie trailer—everything about their sound is melodic, put-together, produced, and slick, just like most of the fare that comes out of Hollywood.

Night Argent is music made by people who are making music designed to be popular. 

There is nothing to fear in "The Fear", except perhaps boredom. Proficient musicians all, these sounds are relatively well done pieces of pop/rock, but there is nothing memorable about any of the tracks.

One can listen to "The Fear" as one listens to background music at a shopping mall—it makes little difference whether you pay any attention, as the band does not have anything unique to say either musically or lyrically.

There are some catchy hooks laden throughout the EP, most noticeably in the title track, "The Fear," itself, but none of them render the EP worthy of the twenty-some minutes it takes to listen to the whole thing.

With cliché-laden lyrics and the type of simple-minded pining that one might find from an amateur poet, "The Fear" might attract the type of mindless listeners that would likely be Night Argent's perfect target demographic, and since there are apparently tens of millions of them ready to queue up whatever is new and shiny, perhaps that will work for them. More mature listeners, however, will likely find little of note here.

Interview With Blaine "Shred Master General" Kaltman From Virginia Based Rock Band Stone Mob

Guitarist Blaine "Shred Master General" Kaltman from the Virginia based rock band Stone Mob is what you would consider a renaissance man. He is an expert guitar player, writes for several music magazines, has a PhD in Philosophy, speaks fluent Chinese, is an actor and producer, and will be running for President in 2020 (just joking). He and the band just released their epic animated video entitled "Requiem" which we have featured on this site, so it was only right that we connect with Blaine to pick his brain about how he juggles so many responsibilities, his Top 5 guitarists of all time, and much more.

After reading our exclusive Q&A with the "Shred Master General", be sure to follow him and Stone Mob on Facebook and check out their website and videos on YouTube. 

Tell us about how you and your bandmates in Stone Mob came together to form the band? Also, what does Stone Mob mean? 

I've known Doug "Earthdog" Masterson for 20 years.  I used to watch him sing in a hard rock cover band and then in between sets I would get up there and play some pseudo classical guitar bullshit.  The people in the bars would be like "What the hell is this?"  It was fun but I always knew in my heart we should be in a band together.  His voice was amazing- so full of power and range- and with such a distinct tonal quality.  Like he didn't sound like anyone else.   I mean he could.  He could sing Ozzy just like Ozzy or Aerosmith like Steven Tyler- but I could hear something underneath all that which was truly uniquely awesome.  If anything I felt like Doug was being held back trying to sing like other people when he was an original.  Making things worse ninety percent of  the time he was constricted- singing songs by singers that could never hit the notes he was capable of.   It didn't make any sense.   But- the band wasn't meant to be back then.  I moved to China- Doug kept on with his thing.  But years later  I was back in the US and I just called him up out of the blue and said let's start a band.  And he was like "hell yes."   And here we are.   It was the best decision I've ever made in terms of my musical career.  Because while I'm getting attention right now for my guitar playing- which I understand- there's guitar culture and guitar magazines- the only reason anyone's listening to Stone Mob is because we have such a great front man.  Doug's voice brings the crowd.  Aside from that  Wil David aka Mr. Creative,  our bassist- we knew each other in high school.  He's always been into music, production, etc.  So when we were in the studio he would come by to hang out and give us advice, or just make pithy comments which is one of his many specialties.  Then he was our director of photography on the "Murder Town" video.   I guess after a while he was like "Screw this, I'm just gona join this band."  Our drummer Andy Hamburger plays with everyone and he's Cue Studio's go to session guy.  We were recording their and our engineer introduced us.  The rest is history.  As for Stone Mob's meaning- Doug named the band and I never really thought about it. I just liked how it sounded.  The word Stone is so iconic in rock n roll-  everyone from Muddy Waters to Bob Dylan to the Temptations - Papa was a rolling stone- to the Rolling Stones themselves- have had an association with that word.   And I liked the Mob reference because we think of mobs as tight knit groups that are big and bad.  Plus- it's not personal, it's just business.  

We're really big fans of the new visual for your song "Requiem ". Why did you guys decide to do an animated video for it and how did the concept come together?  

Thanks! I've always loved how rock and roll refers to the electric guitar as weaponry.  We call it an ax, we call a great guitarist a shredder or ax wielder or gunslinger...so I always had this idea in my head of someone using a guitar in battle.  I thought "Requiem" is such a violent fast paced song that it would be well suited to that sort of video, so I wrote a script and then found a fellow  named Eddix- who was absolutely fantastic- a very talented animator and a super cool guy in general- to bring it to life.  I remember him asking me "Do you want it bloody or super bloody?"  Ha ha the guy totally got it- the music- what we were trying to do- everything.  We're mutual fans and I can't wait to see what Eddix comes up with next.  He's is truly amazing.

Will we be hearing "Requiem" on an upcoming EP or album this year? 

Definitely.  We've recorded 9 songs and 1 instrumental which we'll be releasing this year.  We were really lucky to have award winning engineer Sean Russell not only record us in the studio but also do our mixes.  The guy is phenomenal and one of the main reasons Stone Mob sounds so big and bad.  I could tell you stories about Sean but I don't want him to assassinate me.  But I will says this- when we're recording most of what we hear from him is "Fuck yeah man- let's take it again and see if we can get it even better."  He really does push us to be the best we can be and even bands he doesn't dig on- guys that he's going to make sure his name doesn't appear anywhere on that project- I guarantee they still sound better than they ever would have because of his influence.  The man is a fucking wizard.  

You've probably been asked this a million times but indulge me... how did you learn how to play the guitar and how did you get the name "The Shred Master General"? 

I taught myself to play guitar.  I took a few lessons here and there but only for a couple weeks. The teachers all wanted me to learn notes and scales- which retrospectively isn't the worst thing in the world- but as a 14 year old metal head I just wanted to rock.  Of course back then I was on a classical guitar which made things difficult- but I just learned to hit the strings harder because of it.  Volume is the poor man's distortion.  Just ask the Kinks.  So anyway I learned some chords from other kids at school  that were already playing and just kinda figured things out from there.  It's funny, I was doing hammer-on pull-offs before I knew how to play most chords- and it took me years before I knew what I was doing was called hammer-on pull-offs. This has actually proven to be the most challenging part of teaching my shit in guitar magazines- all my life I've played by feel and while I can reproduce what I played- I don't know how to describe what I did.  I don't know the tabs.  I barely know the notes- so when I'm dissecting what I played for someone else I have to figure it out as I go.  It makes me feel like I'm deciphering fucking hieroglyphics.   And it makes me appreciate guys like my brother who can just sight read any piece of music.  He's a classical pianist and for him reading a piece of music is like reading an English book- it's just another language he's fluent in.  Which, by the way, if you get a chance, YouTube Mylan Kaltman - absolutely amazing Pianist.  Anyway as for the nickname- Wil  started calling me that and it just kinda stuck.  The other day I was complaining to Doug I was having a hard time nailing a lick and he was like "Hey, you're Shred Master- GENERAL.  You will nail it." I suppose  if I don't keep my chops sharp I'll be demoted to Shred Master Lieutenant- or Private- which wouldn't sound as catchy.  

Name your top 5 guitarists of all time. Why is ..... #1 to you?   

Narrowing down my list to 5 is almost impossible but I'll try.   Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai- especially when he played with David Lee Roth who I think pushed him to write catchier licks. Angus Young from AC/DC- he's not the most technical player- although he's still pretty damn good- but I just love the rawness and energy he puts into his solos.   After that I'd have to say Jimmy Page.  He turned the blues into heavy metal and in some ways is the godfather of the tasty lick.  Last it's probably a tie between Hendrix and Johnny Lee Hooker.  You can't overstate the profound influence the early blues guys had on rock and roll- and on me personally. Growing up I was into heavy metal but I liked Muddy Waters and Robert Johnson just as much and for the same reason: Sexual Power.  But I'd have to say my favorite ax man is Van Halen- not just because of his insane technical proficiency and inventiveness, or even the massive influence he had on rock guitar- but because he just wrote awesome songs.  I've always said no one goes home at the end of the night humming the guitar solo.  You can be the best guitar player in the world- if you're songs don't rock, no one's going to care.  

You have a PhD in Philosophy, are an actor, screenwriter and producer of films such as the award winning "Back Alley Bulls", write articles that are featured in several guitar magazines including Guitar World, and play lead guitar for Stone Mob. How do you juggle all of these responsibilities and when do you sleep?  

Haha, I don't sleep much.  And I drink a lot of triple espressos.  Although it does catch up to me and a couple times a month I end up crashing for like 12 hours straight.  But you'd be surprised how much you can get done when you don't watch TV.   Time is our most valuable commodity and most people waste it like a billionaire spending dollar bills. If it was your last night on earth would you spend it on the couch playing Xbox?  I know life isn't that dramatic and you're probably not going to get hit by a bus tomorrow but the point is we are all slowly dying.  We have a limited amount of time on this earth so please, spend it wisely.  I think about what do I take more pleasure from- watching some forgettable CGI comic book movie  or never ending TV show about zombies- or crushing an insane lick.  And if I am going to waste time- I'm going to really enjoy the shit out of it because I've earned it.  Most of my time is wasted enjoying a great dinner with family or friends, drinking copious amounts of wine, and celebrating a success like finishing a video or seeing Stone Mob in a magazine.  There's no greater feeling than watching your hard earned goals come to fruition.  Then again if your goal is to veg out on the couch, more power to you.  And there is a place for that.  I have this neighbor Jeff who comes over at night a few times a week.  He's a super cool guy and we have a lot of laughs so it's a good break for me.  We'll hang out, drink a beer or whatever, but after about fifteen minutes I'm always like "Sorry bro, I have to kick you out and get back to work."  And he'll be like "What?  No dude, let's have another beer."  Ha ha I'm kidding.  Fortunately my friends are super understanding.  And they all know they're invited to the party should Stone Mob break big.  But, you know, we're not going to break big chilling on the couch wishing it would happen. And yeah, I know you could argue it's a super long shot and what a waste of effort if we're not successful- I could've at least enjoyed all that time relaxing and catching up on Game of Thrones or whatever.  But to me that's cowardly thinking.  There's a wonderful quote by Teddy Roosevelt that my dad once sent me when I had worked years on a project only to see it criticized and fail. I can't remember exactly but it's something like "It's not the critic that counts,  not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly;  who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds.  And if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."   

Connect with Blaine Kaltman and Stone Mob: Website | Facebook | YouTube

Interview: Memphis Based Indie Rock Band China Gate

China Gate is a Memphis based indie rock band who recently released their latest project entitled "Good Grief", featuring the single "Covered In Flames". We connected with the band to find out more about the rock music scene in Memphis, how the band was formed, and much more.

After reading our exclusive Q&A with China Gate, be sure to follow them on social media and stream/download "Good Grief" below.  

When most people think about Memphis music, Blues, Country and Elvis Presley most likely come to mind. Tell us about the music scene in your city now, especially for rock music. 

There is a pretty big punk/garage scene in Memphis because of Goner records. There were some incredible bands in the late 2000's like Jay Reatard, Magic Kids, The Barbaras. There is a group of younger bands in Memphis including China Gate like Melinda, Harlan, Elf Rage that we feel pretty connected to musically. 

If you had to describe your new EP "Good Grief" in three words to a stranger, which words would you select?

Sad, sounding, happy.

Speaking of the 'Good Grief' EP, describe your creative process in writing and recording the songs. Were there other songs recorded that you decided not to include on the project? If so, why?

No we set out to record just those four songs. We are doing a full length this summer though. 

How did the five of you connect and form the band? And where does the name "China Gate" originate?

(Tiger Adams): Walt, and Conner and I have been friends and bandmates since early high school. We met Harry and Kyle at the University of Memphis. China Gate is a reference to the great cosmic jazz hero Sun Ra. 

In terms of developing the "China Gate" sound and differentiating yourselves from other bands like Bright Eyes and Wilco, how would you say that you stand out from the pack?

Yeah I don't really see the Bright Eyes thing, but after every show at least one person says that. So I don't really know how to answer it, just because I'm not familiar enough with his music. I guess with Wilco we are more high energy or play faster music!

Stream/Download "Good Grief" by China Gate

Connect with China Gate: Facebook | Bandcamp

Gone But Not Forgotten: 5 Underrated Tracks By Artists Who Recently Passed Away

Everyone is dying, like, right now. I understand a few of these artists deaths were self induced, via drugs or other methods, but it doesn’t make the loss any easier. There is still a vacancy in knowing you will never hear a new track from an artist you loved (unless they pull a Tupac and release 26 albums after they die, inexplicably). For that reason alone, I thought it might be nice to put together a sort of mixtape of some underrated and underappreciated songs from some of the artists who we have recently lost, just so more people can see their range and just how talented they were.

They may not be with us in body, but they will live on through their music forever, as cliche’ as that may sound.

Prince: Creep by Radiohead

Yes, this is Prince covering one of the greatest bands of all time (and my God he brings some soul to this song) but you wanna hear the best part? The only reason I can include it here is because Prince pulled it from YouTube before he died, and Radiohead found out (and they loved the cover and it was their song) so they MADE HIM put it back on, which is why you see the permissions written at the top of the video.

Suffice it to say, posthumously hearing this rendition of Creep is chill-inducing. And my God he f*cking shreds. Makes an old song brand new again.

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Scott Weiland: Son

The problem here is no one took Scott Weiland seriously because many saw Stone Temple Pilots as a 90’s grunge band that came a little late to the party, but if they had taken the time to listen to Scott’s solo album, 12 Bar Blues, they would’ve found a man closer to Bowie and the Beatles than the flannel wearing tough guy we remember sneering in videos from the 90’s.
I would also like to point out that a sweeter song about being a father has never been written, and is only more profoundly sad in the wake of the tragedy.

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Prodigy: Stuck on You

This one is extra rough as it just happened and the wound is still really fresh (only days old at this point). Most people wouldn’t even know who Prodigy is if you asked them, but if you played the beat to the classic track Shook Ones from Mobb Deep then played his verse, they would recognize. Problem was, that was all dude was known for in the mainstream, when in fact, he was dropping mixtapes and records on the regs.

Stuck On You gives us insight into a more sentimental Prodigy, offering a nice juxtaposition between his thug persona and the real person that lived inside that.

Also, the beat on this song is sick and never ages, for real.

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Chuck Berry: Carol

The saddest thing is, a great many people had no idea Chuck Berry died this year and if we are being honest, from Elvis to The Beatles to Led Zep, the sounds we grew to love from those bands and artists were just reworked Chuck Berry songs. Hell, even most self respecting bands will admit that. White Stripes anyone?

While it could be said Carol sounds like a lot of Berry’s other music, that was HIS sound and that’s what made him so special.

Plus, he has so many songs named after women you wonder how the guy had any time left to eat in between all the philandering, god bless him. 

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Chris Cornell: Ava Maria

Another wound that is really fresh is the passing of Chris Cornell and the news that came along with that. Heroin, suicide, ativan. It was a rough and dark world he was living in, and if I were to pick a Soundgarden song, you would hear that angst, but I want the world to know that Chris Cornell was GENUINELY one of the best singers (as in best voices) in the world. 

Though I really wanted to share some of his cover songs (look up I Will Always Love You and Billy Jean, thank me later), I have to go with Ava Maria, as it is fucking opera and he hits every note with aching precision.

Side note, I had a NDE a month ago (near death experience) and in my hour of dying, this song was playing over and over. Chris died mere days after I got home from the hospital, making it even more surreal and haunting.

Interview: Brighton Based Rock Band Ragweed

Ragweed is a Brighton, UK based rock band who recently released a visual and three song EP entitled "Silver Spoon". We connected with the guys (Reg, Tom, Matt) to discuss the new video and release, find out how their city is reflected in their music, and much more.

After reading our exclusive interview with Ragweed, be sure to follow them on social media and catch them performing live across the UK from late June into July. 

How would you describe the music scene in Brighton? Are the locals supportive of music not coming from larger centers such as Manchester and London?

REG: With BIMM there are a lot of bands in town, a product of that is all the students support each other, even if they aren't from Brighton originally. 
TOM: It's very much made by the students, and the students/ex-students support it.
REG: Also with the local DIY punk scenes are very supportive of each other.

Is the scenic, laid back vibe of Brighton's beachfront reflected in your music at all? Or would you say that your sound is the total antithesis?

TOM: It's much more reflective of Brighton when the sun goes down, and people are throwing up on the back streets, rather than chilling on the beach.
MATT: Yeah, still the parties and the fun but just by night.
TOM: Ooo and thank you for teaching us a new word; Antithesis! Matt and I had to look it up.

Tell us about your new visual "Silver Spoon" featuring the burlesque dancer Coco Deville. How did you guys get her to appear in the video?

TOM: She's an old friend of mine, and so I just asked her if she would like to star in our video and she was all over it. Avocado Baby Media, who made the video, is a friend as well. Him and I came up with this idea for the video. It went through a few drafts actually, but the look and feel to the whole video was Sam, from ABM, he did a great job, so did Coco and Reg. Interesting fact - at the start when the stage curtains close, am the one closing them!!!

What are you enjoying the most about your current tour? Any crazy tour stories you can tell?

TOM: So far it's just nice to be gigging so much again. The best tour story we have, so far, is from last November. 
MATT: Yeah, we thought Tom was going to end up in prison that night. We got to Oxford early to spend the day there, didn't realise that the car park we used shut early. So the van had got locked in, we couldn't get it out to go to the venue, or even drive home that night. Tom said that he was going to break it out of the car park, which was closed by these two huge gates and padlocked. Reg and I said it was a bad idea cos the police would be called. Tom agreed and said we should split up and go to see if any hostels had free beds for us to have somewhere to stay, Reg and I knew he was going to try and break it out though. No where had any space, so Reg and I gave up and went and got some food all the while expecting a call from the cops saying Tom had been arrested.
REG: Haha yeah then when we got to the venue Tom was already there loading in the gear when we arrived, was the best show of the tour too!

Do you guys have a favorite song to perform live?

REG: Performances wise Up n Under from our first single.
MATT: The heavy one,
TOM: Oh yeah, that one doesn't have a name yet, haha
MATT: Yeah someone said the snare rolls in that sounded like a helicopter going round and round the venue.
TOM: I know saying all of them sounds lame, so I won't do that. Probably the Punk one.
REG: Yeah that one doesn't have a name yet either.
TOM: Soon I get some proper lyrics it will, when ever that happens haha.

Ragweed Tour Dates:

June

29th - The Lab, Northampton

July

1st - Sonder Fest, Manchester
2nd - Vault, Leicester
7th - Spice of Life, London
8th - Purple Turtle, Oxford
9th - Louisiana, Bristol
14th - The Cavendish Arms, London

Connect with Ragweed: Bandcamp   Twitter   Instagram   Facebook

Interview: Los Angeles Based Rock Artist Kendall Lake

We connected with the extremely talented LA based Rock artist Kendall Lake to discuss her latest single "Hero", as well as to find out what she enjoys most about performing in front of a lively audience, and much more. 

After reading our exclusive Q&A with Kendall, be sure to follow her on social media so that the next time you're in southern Cali you can see this dynamic artist sing "Hero" in person. 

Tell us about your latest single "Hero"; who produced it and what are you most proud of with it?

I've really only worked with one producer. His name is Tek/Tekneek and he's tucking amazing!! Everyone I've released is produced by him. "Hero" is about asking and giving someone help and being and needing a savior. It's hard to trust someone and admit what you want whilst also figuring out what you need. They aren't always the same thing.

With the opportunities to perform at the SKITZO concert series, The Viper Room, and The Troubadour, what do you enjoy most about performing live?

Performing in a room face to face with people is a bonding experience. I'm looking to them for comfort for affirmation for support and to be the recipient of the love I have and want to give. It's a connection. It's like being naked in front of someone. At first you're insecure scared they are going to judge you or disapprove, make you feel inferior or want to leave. But when they stay, it's a feeling of acceptance and vulnerability that weirdly calms you down and encourages you to be yourself. Then you get excited because you FINALLY found someone who sees you for what and who you truly are.

That's what I enjoy most about performing.

Do you ever get stage fright before a show? If so, how do you deal with it?

HELL YEA!

"Knees weak, arms are heavy. There's vomit on my sweater already moms spaghetti" - Eminem That's the best way I can describe how I feel before a show.

Which do you enjoy more being on stage performing for a live audience or appearing in TV and films?

Performing live!!! Hands down! All I want to do is perform and sing. It's my therapy.

From your catalog of music thus far, which one song would you say personifies you the most as an artist?

I don't really know how to answer that because every song personifies' me. Every single song is a personification of who I am. I wanna give some deep, intellectual answer but I can't. Every song is a piece of my mind, body and soul.

Being a LA native, which local artists/actors have been the most influential to you as you came into yourself as a performer?

I'm not sure I can list "local" artists/entertainers who impact and inspire me but I can say everyone I'm around makes me want to be the best version of me. I go to shows and witness artists I've never heard of, for one reason or another, and I'm floored and wish I was like them. They all influence me in one way or another.

What are your goals for the remainder of 2017?

My number one goal is to be happy. That's the only reason we do the shit we do. We think it's going to make us happy. I'm happiest making music so I'm working hard to share my music with people. I need to travel and tour to do that best and that's my focus. Spreading my crazy little gospel.

Connect with Kendall Lake: Twitter   Instagram   Facebook

Interview: New Zealand Based Rock Band Golden Curtain Discusses Their New Album "Underwater Gospels"

Golden Curtain is a New Zealand based rock band who on June 9th released their latest album "Underwater Gospels", which features the single "Amen". We connected with the trio to learn more about their creative process for "Underwater Gospels", how the album compares to their earlier releases, and much more.

After reading our exclusive interview with Golden Curtain, be sure to follow them on social media, head over to Bandcamp to stream/download "Underwater Gospels" and share it with some friends.

How did you guys connect to form the band and who are some of your influences?

The band formed when I moved from Wellington back to my hometown and Andrew Gladstone decided to move out of Auckland to the easy spread of Hawkes bay. He'd been playing in Garageland and I'd been playing in Grand Prix. We hooked up with Brad Gamble on bass because he's a great musician, a songwriter in his own right, a multi-instrumentalist, but also someone you can hang with. And most recently, we persuaded Nick Blow to join us on keys to play the parts live that are on the album. Nick is also a songwriter in his own right, but also records bands including Jacob.

Does the name "Golden Curtain" have a special significance? Let me guess... is the band named after a restaurant in New Zealand?

The name 'Golden Curtain' is a term coined by Ian Morris for a section of a song that is like the extra icing on top. 'I like how you opened the golden curtain in the middle eight.' I'd been trying to write a 'Super-Chorus' where you'd go from a chorus to a superchorus where the first chorus would now sound like a verse. We didn't have a name when our first gig came up and we went with it because it sounded like something from 'Bad News' and our singer would be called something like Vim Fuego. We never got round to choosing something better.

Tell us about the creative process for your new album "Underwater Gospels" and the songs included on it. How did you decide on the final ten songs that made the cut?

The creative process was such that the words were written first, which is one of two ways of writing: words first or music first. Words can be harder and take longer (ask Alex, he writes novels as well), so it was a relatively quick process for me. Identify a meter in the words that could fit over 4/4 etc. Sometimes I would have to add words for a chorus. Alex gave me free reign but I tried to avoid it if possible. Once I had a melody or some type of head, we were on our way. I was using a different tuning on the guitar on seven out of the ten songs. All the chords look weird but sound great. For anyone interested, it's tuned A,D,B,E,G#,B. Then we played the songs as a band and worked out what we were all doing. After that's done it's time to record! We did that here ourselves with a pretty simple recording set up. The recording and mixing is a big part of the creative process and took the longest. I use Poo Tools.

The process was really cool--I would write the lyrics and send them over to Andrew who would somehow find the pop center in my stacks of weird images and he would work up a kind of sketch of the song that he would then bring to the band to flesh out. It was a sort of global artistic assembly line.

How would you say "Underwater Gospels" compares to your prior releases Hell Is Other People, Dream City and English Tuning? 

The way 'Underwater Gospels' compares to the previous albums is that the words are a whole step up. Check out Alex Green's 'Emergency Anthems'. Its deep, dark and hilarious. My favourite. There are recurring themes in all the songs. Sharks, blue wolves, summer, the surf, girls. One of my favourite lines: 'You're better off alone, better drowning the shallows, better pressed against despair, feeling the decades run out of power.' (From 'I Changed My Mind For You).

What do you enjoy most about performing live? 

What I enjoy about playing live is changing the energy in the room. Hopefully for the better. I like it when before you play, it's kind of stilted, but by the time you've finished the energy level is way higher, people are louder, laughing, having a good time. The alcohol probably helps as well.

Connect with Golden Curtain: Facebook   Bandcamp   Twitter

Pre-Release Review: "Good Grief" EP by China Gate

"Good Grief" is one of the most aptly titled EPs I've heard in years. 

Right from the first track, which is the title track, the music is sunny and upbeat, but the lyrics and the string arrangements introduce a bit of melancholy that, by the end of the track, turns dissonant before circling back around to the joyful sound that kicks off the EP. That, it seems to me, is China Gate’s statement about how you should react to grief—to make the most beautiful art you can. And that's what China Gate has done with this EP.

These are breakup songs that you won't mind blasting while driving on the highway—they're just as fun as they are wistful.

With piano, orchestral arrangements, vocal harmonies, hook-laden guitar riffs, and drums propelling everything constantly forward, this four-song EP is an easily digestible introduction to this Memphis-based indie group, which is following up on the heels of their 2015 debut Hunca Munca.

If there's a standout track on "Good Grief", it's probably "Covered in Flames," which immediately announces itself with memorable backing vocals and carries you through with a solid melody, some interesting synth work, and a solid vocal performance from singer Tiger Adams.

For fans of Bright Eyes especially, this EP is worth taking with you on your next car trip, or out for a jog—it’s music that makes you want to constantly be moving forward.

"Good Grief" is available on May 19, 2017. Check out China Gate's Bandcamp site for more information.

Interview: The Vaughns Talk About Ear Worms, Sea Foam Green, and Sesame Street

The Vaughns are a four-piece indie rock band out of Springfield, New Jersey. All accomplished musicians, they’ve been sharing their infectious melodies throughout and around the Garden State since 2014. 

DOPECAUSEWESAID took some time to talk to them amidst a slew of weekend tour dates—check out the interview below and check out their latest single here.

In your song, "Santa Cruz," you repeatedly sing this little riff-thing that goes oh-oh-a-a-oh. This little vocal-riff-thing is extremely catchy. When I was trying to go to sleep last night, after listening to this song, it was stuck in my head and I had trouble sleeping because of it. It was almost as bad as that time I couldn't stop hearing "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" by Beyoncé (specifically the part where she goes, oh oh OH oh oh OH oh oh OH oh oh OH, so there's a pattern I'm finding here) and I spent an entire night struggling to sleep and I genuinely, truly thought I was going insane. Are you trying to be so catchy that you drive people insane? If so, why would you do that? 

First off, we really enjoyed hearing about your sleeping patterns. As a band we love doing harmonies and sometimes I suppose these little patterns really get addicting…you must go on a trip to Santa Cruz, there you will find the answers to your sleeping problems. That is all we can disclose at the moment. We like The Beatles. 

The logo for band, and your choice of, like, sea foam green colored instruments has a very retro feel to it. Are you time travelers? If so, how did you get here and why did you choose 2017? Do you have any regrets about your time traveling choices? Please reference Donald Trump in your answer.

Sea foam green is definitely a favorite of ours. We don't remember much about our time traveling experience. All we know is that Marty McFly was there and Phil Lynott from Thin Lizzy. HEY MCFLY!

You play a lot of shows in and around New Jersey, PA, NY, etc. Considering practice, travel, and promotion, that takes a lot of time and, since I'm extremely lazy, I can't imagine devoting so much time to something. Don't you ever want to just sit around at home and watch fourteen hours straight of Netflix like good Americans? Why do you have to work so hard at your artistic pursuits when there's so many fun distractions all around us at all times? Please answer using only GIFs.

On the cover of your album Tomfoolery, everyone in your band is jumping into a swimming pool while holding hands. It appears as if you all were trying to jump at the same time, but in the resulting image three of you are still in the air, while the drummer has clearly jumped ahead of you, because he is already halfway submerged in the pool. So my question is: does your drummer have a terrible sense of timing, or is it the rest of you? Please only let your drummer respond.

I probably should have pulled the stones out of my pocket. I'm not a witch.

If you could have a guitar that was also a unicorn or a unicorn that was also a guitar, which would you choose and why?

We would love to let the unicorn stand on stage before we performed for approximately 33 minutes. Then Dave would take the Unicorn and turn it into his guitar. Their name would be Charlie Willoughby.

If you could open for any band on the planet, and you were at the show, and you were backstage, and you were about to meet the band that you were opening for, and they were a band you loved, and they told you that the only way they would allow you to perform was if you wore Sesame Street character costumes on stage, which character would you each select and why?

Anna: I would choose Cookie Monster. 

Dave: I would choose Elmo.

Tom: I would choose Count Von Count.

Ryan: I would choose Animal.

Please leave us with your favorite words of wisdom. But please also jumble the words of the phrase, like this: "Bird early the gets worm the."

"home pants forget your never at"

Connect with The Vaughns: Website   Facebook   Instagram   Twitter   YouTube   Bandcamp

Beta Days' Bill Bierce Discusses Their Single "This Art Ain't Mine" And Upcoming Album "S.T.T."

Beta Days evolved from multi-instrumentalist, Bill Bierce’s, late night writing sessions that would start around 3AM.  Fighting isolation, lack of sleep, and depression, Bierce battled through ups and downs to write and record enough material for a full length LP.  

We connected with Bill Bierce to discuss the band's upcoming album "S.T.T." (due out on June 23rd), how their single "This Art Ain't Mine" reflects the overall direction of the album, and much more.

After reading this exclusive Q&A, be sure to follow Beta Days on social media and head on over to their website for more information about the band and "S.T.T.". 

If the band's music was to be described in three words, which words would you select?

It’s not rap.

Tell us about how therapeutic this album, and music in general, has been for you as you'd dealt with the loss of your mother and sickness of your father. 

Its definitely been helpful. Obsessive minds will always obsess, but you can find healthier things to channel it into. Music gives me a sort of an alternate reality to jump into, which is nice. Not that this one is so bad…

Is "This Art Ain't Mine" a reflection of the overall direction of the music we can expect on "S.T.T."? And can you tell us what the acronym stands for?

I think it is actually a good overall representation, which is probably why I put it first. It’s probably the one that’s the most like all the others, if that makes any sense. The lyrics are kind of about needing to do your own thing, which I certainly how I felt prior to making the album. The acronym stands for “Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday”, which were the days of the week we would have recording sessions. 

What are your goals musically after the album drops next month? Can we expect some more visuals and tour dates across the country? 

We’re already working on the next bunch of songs. I can’t wait to make some new music. Some of the songs on the album were written like 5 years ago and I really feel like our best work is ahead of us. Touring has certainly been on my mind… I gotta ask the boys.

If Beta Days were to play Coachella next year, what would be the first song you would play? Why?

Well I’m assuming we’d be on the smallest, most obscure stage.. Like if they have one for people waiting in line in the parking lot to get into the festival. Actually, that’s probably a gig you need some industry clout to get.. we’re more of a play in a restaurant near Coachella type of act. In which case we’d probably just play the full album in order.

Tell us about the name Beta Days. Where did it originate and what does it mean specifically?

The name is kind of about youth. Like, if you’re “in beta” as a person, you’re still open minded/messing around/filled with wonderment/not an old curmudgeon yet. Its also just two words that sound OK put together. I dunno, I hate band names.

Connect with Beta Days: Website   Facebook   Instagram   Soundcloud

Interview: HANK Connects With DCWS To Discuss His New EP "Grate "A" And Video "Equilibrium"

We connected with HANK, a folk, rock, indie, and progressive businessman by trade from Pittsburgh, PA for an exclusive interview to discuss his new EP Grate "A", which was released January 20th, 2017.  We also discussed his single/video "Equilibrium" and the concept behind it, as well as his musical goals for 2017. After reading this Q&A, be sure to stream Grate "A" and follow HANK on Facebook. 

Tell us about your single/video "Equilibrium; is the song self-produced and how did you come up with its concept?

Equilibrium is a song that I wrote while being at home and it’s about being out of your comfort zone. At one point in the song, I say “side to side” meaning that I like to rock in and out of equilibrium and I also use the scenario of being at a bar to help reinforce that idea. And I recorded the song myself on my Macbook and sent it for mix/mastering to my cousin Nick. 

Who are some of your musical inspirations and what led you to want to become a musician/"businessman"?

I have been a musician for most of my life and I really only started branching out as a solo artist a few months ago. I was in a band for a long time but after I had a full-time suit and tie job, it changed my direction. I then embraced the businessman persona and became HANK the businessman. Some of my biggest inspirations in my writing/music include John Mayer, the instrumental group CHON, Little Barrie, Billy Joel, and Tenacious D. 

If you had to describe your music in three words, which words would you select?

Relatable (to some), Dynamic, Detailed.          

Tell us about your recently released EP Grate "A". What are you most proud of with this project?

Grate “A” was essentially my response to working a full-time suit and tie job. Some songs are more prevalent than others with aligning to the businessman persona but at the end of the day, it is my story about a corporate job. I would say just being able to write a bunch of music is the proudest thing I can think of about this project. I wrote a bunch of songs and was able to pick and choose versus having 6 songs and calling it a finished project. 

To follow up on the last question, do you plan to release another single/video off Grate "A"?

Probably not. This EP is intended to be a starting point in my solo career. I have already been actively writing for the next project but that doesn’t mean I am not focusing on getting Grate “A” out there more. I have been doing things daily to help promote it as much as possible. There’s still lots more to come from the businessman by trade….

We're midway through February; what are your musical goals for remainder of 2017?

I would like to play at least one show weekly. I also aspire to move somewhere where my music can flourish more. I also wanna release another project by the end of the year. I think this year is gonna get a lil hectic at times but I am determined to have my music listened to as much as possible.

Connect with HANK: Facebook

Alternative Pop Band Inner Call Discusses Their Video "Gravity" And The Music Scene In Italy

Inner Call is a four piece Alternative Pop band from the Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG) region of Italy. They recently released the very DOPE visual for their song "Gravity", which we have available for you to stream/download below. We connected with the guys to discuss this new video, learn more about how they came together to form the group, as well as their assessment of the music scene in Italy, and much more. 

Tell us about your name 'Inner Call'. What does the name mean to you?

Usually it seems that chosing and giving a name to a band or a project which leaves a mark, may be the biggest problem, sometimes above the music. How hilarious, isn’t it? 

By the way INNER CALL has came natural when we decided to indentify ourselves put together in what we wanted to do. The wolf symbolizes power, when you are feeling lost and do not know where to go, he guides you, he will be your protector as you make your journey on a new unexplored path. So we listened to our “inner call” and start to follow our path (dream).

How did you guys come together and decide to form a band?

Two years ago three of us were looking for a drummer, it would have been the sixth one from our previous line-ups. We auditioned Tiziano and after two months of rehearsals he became instantly the permanent member, hopefully the definitive drummer.

Officially we started seriously all together at the beginning of 2015. It was clearly from the start that we wanted the same things, it was never been an hobby for us, it’s a common passion and an urgent need to express themselves with what we love most in the world. Being in a band is like having multiple relationships simultaneously so it’s not simple to reach an agreement all the time, but it’s in these moments of discussion that our songs take shape and the magic happens. 

Who are some of the artists who have influenced you guys the most?

Too many to mention. It’s easier to say that we listen every kind of music. From extreme metal to classic music. A lot of electronic music and jazz as well as pop and rock. Individually we grown up with completely different genres and you can listen these elements mashed up in our songs. 

What are your goals musically this year?

We have played a bunch of local shows here in Italy since the songs and the video (GRAVITY) was released this fall and we have received very positive feedbacks. So we would really like to go out and played live more in 2017, that’s definitely the major goal. The other goal is to keep our music visible and we already have many songs that are on the launching pad, we’re thrilled to share them to our fans and audience very soon. 
So the debut album is on it’s way.

Describe the Pop and Rock music scene in Italy for us? Would you say there is enough of a scene to sustain success without having to go out to other European countries and to the US?

There is not much of a music scene going on here. It’s always been difficult to talk about it, that’s because, especially now, the television variety shows are the widest venue for popular music. 

So both major and independent labels are based and focused on them and that’s the problem because it should be the opposite. There are many great bands that propose a large variety on genres and choose to play and invest in their music, trying to emerge in the big music scene, but as we all know it’s never so easier, that’s a common topic nowadays.

However we believe that good music always find its way and the passion is increasingly recognized sooner or later. We’ve chosen english language for our music, so yes, we definitely want to go out to other European countries and possibly to the rest of the world. We all know how strong and powerful music can be, so we are conscious that everything it’s possible when you reach people’s emotions and hopefully till someone will continue to listen to us.

The visuals for your new single "Gravity" are amazing. Congrats on putting together such a dope video. Who directed it and how long did it take from start to finish to complete it?

First of all thank you, we’re happy that you enjoyed it. The director of the video was Simone Vrech, a video maker and producer from our our region Friuli Venezia Giulia; his video production company is called MOVE11.

The shootings began last spring in the city of Trieste both for the outdoor and indoor scenes and at the director’s home in the city of Udine. He used advanced green screen techniques and 3D modelling too, so we’ve been able to work with many more variants to carry on the plot and realize the entire story as we wanted to tell. The leading actors were two local models that have identified themselves immediately in the story of a boy and a girl which, when they meet at some point, the surrounding gravity fails. When all the visuals came up together we were all amazed and satisfied. The video was ready on September of this years, so it took 4/5 months. 

Stream/Download "Gravity"
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/id1...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
http://open.spotify.com/album/3ouVdth...

How important would you say it is to able to perform your music in both Italian and English?

In times like these, it’s very important for a band, that isn’t anglo-saxon, be able to perform in English. Like we previously said this ability allows us to reach more people all around the world and put you in an understandable situation. It’s not that we don’t like our language of course, but musically English comes more easier for us and so the process of writing the lyrics. 

What do you guys enjoy most about performing live in front of an audience?

We’ve learned that people may forget what you said, people may forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Performing live for us is a serious thing and means trying to do our best to evoke strong emotions that our audience tend to remember better.

So the connection it’s the most important thing that allows us to play better and create a relation with who we can call “strangers”.  We’re always curious on how these “strangers” can respond to our music. This is what we enjoy the most and what drives us.

Connect with Inner Call: Facebook   Twitter   Instagram

DCWS's Exclusive Interview With The Company Kept

Since 2011, New Jersey based band The Company Kept has performed their atmospheric, melodic blend of emotional indie rock at venues all around the Garden State and the east coast. The Company Kept is Paul Singh on lead guitar/vocals, Tom Hickey on bass, Dan Chiera on drums, and Nikki Marroccoli on keys and rhythm guitar.

Check out their 2015 full-length Patterns as well as our interview below:

Tell us a story about how your band formed. It doesn't have to be true.

Professor X added some sugar, spice, some awful puns, and about 17 reverb pedals. After a while we outgrew the test tube and became what we are today.

Whether music related or not, what is the most fun thing your band ever did as a group?

One time we decided that we were going to have a meeting to get our priorities straight. So naturally we got drunk at 3 a.m. and watched the home shopping network together. The ladies were dunking boots under water. Not really sure why…

Tell us about the most fun show you ever played. Then tell us about the least fun show you ever played. Please include a happy face emoji and a sad face emoji in your response.

Our show with From Indian Lakes was great! They're a huge influence, and the show was A1. A close contender was this one Friday night at the Meatlocker in Montclair. We ended up with a broken amp and a drum stick in the ceiling. Smiley face :)

Our worst show was in Atlanta, GA. Pretty sure there was meth and someone might have died. Details were sketchy. (Leaving out venue name JUUUUST IN CASE). Sad face :(

What's the point of being in a band in America in 2016? Whatever was the point?

There is no point. There's never a point. Not to anything ever. See you in hell, I guess.

Tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to devote much of your life to the making of music. Please attempt to psychoanalyze yourself in the process.

Paul: “Nessun Dorma” as performed by Luciano Pavarotti was playing in the delivery room as I was being born. I know this because my parents forced me to watch the video every Saturday growing up. I can only assume through the latent psycho-dynamic amorous relationship between a maternal caregiver and Pavlovian conditioning paired with music I have become fairly inclined toward music.

Connect with The Company Kept: Bandcamp   Twitter   Facebook

Purchase "Patterns" by The Company Kept