So I discovered these guys a little more than a month ago and I was initially attracted to these guys because we share a hometown – Tampere, Finland. There actually seems to be some good music coming out of Finland finally – no more Him or Lordi.
Paperfangs consists of a brother and sister, and their mutual friend. When they aren’t enjoying life or making music, Jyri, Tarleena, and Mikko occupy their time through a shared interest in film – with genres including film noir, horror, and western – as well as a connection to nature. When they do find time to produce music, we all benefit from it.
Paperfangs have a plethora of facets that make them unique and interesting. Although they formed fairly recently and have only a few singles out, what they have released thus far is impressive. What makes Paperfangs unique and interesting and what caught me off guard – in a good way – is how they present themselves. They not only strive to make good music, but they also work on providing their fans with a visually appealing representation of themselves. They describe themselves as an “audial, visual and audiovisual” experience.
What this means is pleasure for your mind, ears, and eyes. That’s a pretty damn good deal if you ask me. What has emerged from this motto includes a number of well-designed tracks and artwork. With every single they release, an impressive cover follows suit. They display their gala on their artistically designed tumblr. This tumblr includes an array of scattered songs, lyrical cut-outs, pictures from around Finland, and an Arial Narrow-looking text that has become habitual throughout their releases.
These releases include a mixture of an indie synthpop, electro-pop, chillwave, and dreampop sound combined into one satisfying piece of work to listen to. They seek to combine sounds like no one else and make music that escapes from the norm. Their music encompasses an attempt to sound crisp as paper but sharp and stunning as fangs. Using 80’s post-punk and 90’s tweepop as inspiration, Paperfangs have made their own, new sound unheard by far too many ears. With the help of “quite a lot of software and some synthesizers,” Paperfangs makes this sound possible.
What exactly is this sound? Well I think it is best captured in their three singles “Oh I Wandered,” “Books,” and their most recent release, “Witches.” The incredibly amazing phenomenon of listening to Paperfangs lies in the effectiveness of the lyrics. Even though each song consists of about three stanzas, the vocals lead the listener into a dream that tells the story at hand. With a mixture of piano and other abstract instruments, “Books” effectively drew me into Paperfangs the first time I heard it. “Books” follows the typical ideology of what comprises their own contradictions: “I’m not a writer, I’m not a new kind of metaphor.” Paperfangs tempts you to explore into yourself and figure out who exactly you are. Since my initial taste, I’ve explored into the factory of what Paperfangs produces. The next song, “Oh I Wandered,” I fell in love with straight from the beginning – the beginning where their interest in Western culture becomes clear. “Oh I Wandered” relies on the synthpop background bliss to prepare the listener for the soft, almost story-telling vocals ahead. In this story, a man questions himself in his ability to rely on himself and must ask himself, “was it I who fell?” Finally, their newly released “Witches” tells the story of a young man growing up and the unknown of where he’s been and what he’s accomplished. “Witches” perfectly displays Paperfangs obsession with opposites: “Give me a smile, I’ll make it a war;” these confuting lyrics lie together with an almost peaceful Spring-pop sound that soothes the ear drums. Furthermore, with the release of “Witches” so too came the release of the cover art for “Witches” seen above ^ to the right. The confusion in the lyrics becomes made into artwork as Paperfangs overlaps their name to an almost indecipherable text.
With only getting a small taste of what is known as Paperfangs, I can say I am already addicted. Each song’s anticipation of release equates to waiting for that new book to come out that you can’t wait to read. Whether you love the stories in the songs or you love the dreampop synthesized noise, enjoy Paperfangs. Take a listen to those three songs below and check out the music video for “Books” here. Also take a read of the full interview below.
“Oh I Wandered” [audio http://nofearofpop.net/downloads/Oh%20I%20Wandered.mp3]
So to start off, what are your guys’ names and how old are you? And in which city do you live/work?
– We’re Jyri, Tarleena and Mikko. Together we’re 75 years old and live currently in Tampere, Finland.
Where does the name Paperfangs come from?
– The name, as well as the whole concept of Paperfangs is about contrasts. We like to mix different things and enjoy surprising results.
A lot of music like yours doesn’t usually come out of Scandinavia, even more so Finland. Have you found it hard to get a lot of followers or support from those in Finland?
– There’s quite a few interesting, small bands in Finland right now. Big Wave Riders, French Films, Delay Trees and Satellite Stories for example. They all create great new music, which sounds very 2011 in our opinion. The whole scene is way more active than just a few years ago.
What would you say your biggest accomplishment has been so far?
– I don’t think we have any specific accomplishments or goals that we’re heading for. We have released songs and visuals that we’re proud of – that’s enough for us.
Are you guys signed or unsigned? If unsigned, do you guys have any plans to become signed in the upcoming months?
– We’re currently unsigned. There’s been some discussions with a few labels, but nothing’s confirmed so far. Overall, we don’t find it necessary to be signed to get your music heard.
What is your guys’ biggest influence? And what kind of music are you listening to now?
– 80’s post-punk and new wave as well as 90’s tweepop and shoegaze have influenced us a lot. New indie stuff also. We love swedish bands, especially the ones from Gothenburg.
What sort of instruments do you guys use and what is your general writing process?
– We use quite a lot of software and some synthesizers, as well as some more unorthodox, childish instruments. The writing process varies quite a lot and the individual songs tend to change quite radically.
What’s your favorite animal and why?
– It’s a three-way-tie between a donkey, a cat and a platypus.
What other hobbies do you guys have besides music? What else occupies your time?
– We’re big enthusiasts of good cinema, especially old musicals, westerns, horror movies and film noir. We enjoy design, architecture and nature.
This might sound a little weird, but I haven’t been able to find any real pictures of you guys besides your feet. Is there a reason why or is it you just haven’t had many pictures taken*?
– We find our work more important than the people behind it. Also, we’re a bit shy.
* Paperfangs have released a photo now. See above.
Work Drugs: discuss killer crab cakes, jazz music, and the king of the ocean.
Who are Work Drugs?
Ben Louisiana:”more instrumental/less vocals”
Thomas Crystal:”more vocal/less instrumental”
Joan Wellfleet: “additional pretty vocals”
They refer to themselves on their website as Philadelphia’s premier Bat Mitzvah and Quinceanera party band, but have yet to find anyone who is interested in hiring a band called “Work Drugs” to play a teenager’s coming of age event. Looks like Philadelphia’s prepubescents are missing out.
Work Drugs are perhaps the chillest band in Philadelphia. That may be due to some of their hobbies, their sense of humor, or their keen ability to compose lo-fi pop masterpiece’s – consistently.
Work drugs is composed of Benjamin Louisiana and Thomas Crystal, who met in kindergarten. They didn’t start playing music together until they met at sailing school. They then brought back up vocalist and mutual friend Joan Wellfleet into the mix in when “Work Drugs” was beginning. Their experiences at sailing school led them to become avid sailors, and the over all relaxed nature of “cruising the Chesapeake” can be recognized in their music.
The sound of Work Drugs is more complex than just chill-sailing music. It is soft spoken, beat driven, hook riddled dream pop that is perfect for any time, not just a sail on the bay.
My key tracks include – Rad Racer, Curious Serge, and Sunset Junction. Rad Racer is a perfect example of a Work Drugs song. It starts with an engine rumble and a hushed “Lets go;” indeed we will. Then a smooth melodic guitar part comes in, backed by a perfectly sedative beat. The whispered vocals compliment the rest of calming song. As seen in the video of actual video game “Rad Racer,” the imagery of just leaning your head back and watching the interstate lights pass over you one by one as you and your accomplice thunder towards the big city lights, “Im a Rad Racer/Big City Chaser/Running away with you tonight”. The whole experience of Rad Racer is the reason why Work Drugs are important to Scandinavian Ice Box, it shows Work Drugs ability to craft an escape within three and a half minutes.
Work Drugs first album, Tropic of Cancer was released April 1st and features all of the songs i mentioned in the profile, it can be found here for purchase and listening.
I predict big things for Work Drugs in the future, they plan on recording more songs in 2012, and I expect them to be as good or even better than what they have already recorded.
Check out Rad Racer, Curious Surge, and Sunset Junction below, and the rest of the interview to see their favorite place to eat in Philly, and what they’re currently listening too.
“Rad Racer”
“Curious Surge”
“Sunset Junction”
READ THE WHOLE INTERVIEW BELOW!
SIB: Hello. How are you?
WD: Just trying to batten down the hatches tonight. We hear there is a big storm on the horizon.
SIB: So I have a 15 year old Jewish, Mexican daughter, how can I help you help me? On your website it states you are “Philadelphia’s premier Bat Mitzvah and Quinceanera party band.”
WD: That we are! Unfortunately (for obvious reasons) we have yet to find any takers eligible for this service. Right now we’re sticking to our other job as a 90’s era Springsteen cover band.
SIB: How did you guys form as a band? And how old are each of you? You guys said on your website that if it wasn’t for the Philly Phanatic you wouldn’t be a band. What do you mean by this?
WD: Well Ben and I first met in Mrs. McDonald’s kindergarten class, but it wasn’t until we attended sailing school together that we forged our musical friendship. Eventually we brought our mutual friend Joan into the fold… and thus Work Drugs was created. We’re saving the rest of the story for the Behind the Music…
SIB: You guys have a lot of images of beaches and tropical scenes on your work. Are beaches a big inspiration/motivation for you guys?
WD: Totally. We are avid sailors, so naturally the music associated with our sailing adventures has been a big inspiration. It doesn’t get much better than cruising the Chesapeake Bay while listening to traditional sea shanties by the likes of Boz Scaggs, Michael McDonald, Kings of Convenience, and Steely Dan.
SIB: What were your motives behind your music video for “Rad Racer?” How do you guys think of the idea?
WD: It’s funny what you can come up with after one too many VOs (on the rocks) in Miami Beach. Our friend’s erratic (yet sober) driving helped.
SIB: What music have you guys been listening to recently?
WD: Winter time is usually set aside for jazz. Lots of Bill Evans recently. Hopefully we will get a new Kings of Convenience album in time for summer. All other times of the year are set aside for Hall and Oates.
SIB: What is your favorite place to eat in Philly?
WD: Bonk’s Bar and Grille. Killer crab cakes + Miller High Life on tap = Winning.
SIB: What is your favorite animal and why?
WD: Great White Shark. Who wouldn’t want to be “king of the ocean”?
SIB: Where do you guys see yourself in 2012?
WD: Probably down in the basement working on more songs. Gotta keep the bait box fresh.
SIB: Do you ever venture down to the great state of Delaware for some tax free shopping?
WD: As my father used to say, “Life feels easy when you’re sailin’ down the C&D.”
Names and Ages:
Kyle Taylor – 18
Wes Maxwell – 18
Connor Davis – 18
Luke Raber – 18
Hometown: Wilmington, DE
Label: unsigned
Albums/EPs: Coming to Grips, A Modest Proposal
Favorite Animal: Seal, Black Bear, Otter, Fox
Representing the good ol’ state of Delaware and the local high schools in our area, Fueled by Mary, a developed band that has finally come full circle in the last year or so, has always been a staple of small bands in the area, filled with a likable and talented group of guys.
The musical groundwork has been laid out by the two core members, Wes Maxwell and Kyle Taylor, ever since they began learning how to play guitar in grade school. As they developed into an actual band with a few other members, known as the Darcy Trio, they gained legitimacy and began playing at local venues with the help of a 4-track demo and then with the help of Kyle’s dad, also a musician.
Initially playing at the Blue Parrot, the “Darcy Trio,” as they went by up until this year, expanded their performances to such places as Scrimmages and Café Rivieria. While the years went by, Wes and Kyle would continue to perfect their skills in both the guitar and their vocals, while cycling through different band members. Under the “Darcy Trio” during sophomore year, Kyle and Wes released a limited supply of a seven song EP known as Coming to Grips.
Finally, in the summer of 2010, the conch shell was blown and the team came together. That is, Connor Davis and Luke Raber joined the rat pack, and Fueled by Mary was born. At long last, the ball began rolling and Fueled by Mary began playing more and getting more recognition. Working on their first full-length album, A Modest Proposal, Fueled by Mary have been busy in the recent six months. Combining their old Coming to Grips EP with five new songs, A Modest Proposal came together. They recorded the five new tracks through the home studio of Richie Degnars and now await the process of mass production.
Off their TBA release of A Modest Proposal, “Anomaly” and “Smoke and Soot” showcase their development into a steadfast band with coherent lyrics and a captivating control of acoustic guitar use. Falling into an acoustic-rock genre, Fueled by Mary offer their very best-to-date with these two tracks. With the heavy reliance on guitars, “Anomaly” wisps into the ears a euphoria of stringed serenity. Similarly, “Smoke and Soot” illustrates the strength of these four young men and their ability to play a guitar, and well. “Smoke and Soot” has the typical soft rock/acoustic-rock feel with spurs of a delicate piano chord occasionally flaring in the background. Taylor’s vocals gives the song emotion and a voice – literally. “It’s all right yeah, It’s all right with me.” The lyrics soothe the listener to relax, drawing them into the song, resulting in the repetitive pushing of the repeat button. The forecast for Fueled by Mary seems secure with dexterity proven in “Anomaly” and “Smoke and Soot.”
Take a listen to “Anomaly” and “Smoke and Soot” as well as two other released tracks from A Modest Proposal on theirFacebook page (Download these songs free, and don’t forget to “like” them). Also, check out the music video for “Anomaly” and “Smoke and Soot.” below. Enjoy.
What are your names and how old are each of you? Lead Vocals & Rhythm Guitar – Kyle Taylor (18 years old)
Lead Guitar & backup vocals – Wes Maxwell (18 years old)
Bass Guitar – Connor Davis (18 years old)
Drums – Luke Raber (18 years old)
You guys play a lot at Cafe Rivieria and the Blue Parrot. How did you guys first get introduced to these locales and how did you build a relationship with them? Well, Kyle and I first started playing at the Blue Parrot sophomore year when we were distributing our very first 4 song demo under the name Darcy Trio. We just walked into the place and handed them our demo. We told them to call us if they were interested in booking us, and ever since we’ve been playing there about 4-5 times a year. As for Cafe Riviera, we started playing there because Kyle’s dad needed someone to fill in for him about 2 years ago, and I guess they really liked us, so now they ask us back once a month to host open mic night. We also play at Scrimmages a lot. We’ve been playing there since freshman year. We got that gig in because Kyle’s dad invited us to come play a few songs with him during his set, and ever since they ve booked us about 3-4 times a year. We also play at various places down in Dewey every summer like the Lighthouse, north beach, and jimmy’s.
Where do you guys record your music? And where’s your favorite location to sit and play together? “A Modest Proposal” was actually recorded in 3 different studios. The majority of it though was recorded with this guy we know named Richie Degnars down in Pike Creek, Delaware. He has a home studio, and we know him pretty well. He does really good work and has really nice recording equipment. We also recorded 3 songs with this guy named Brad Mcclain in Wilmington. He had a studio above his parents business. Then, we recorded one song with an old friend named Andy Coupe. The upcoming EP is actually gonna be recorded primarily with Andy.
Our favorite place to sit and play together would probably be either my basement or Connor’s (depending on where we’re practicing). Its really dim/dark and chill in both places, which suits a good atmosphere to play music in our minds.
You guys recently got the chance to play at the Troc? How was that experience? And what else have been some other memorable experiences along the way? We actually ended up not playing at the Troc. The people who were hosting the event were running a scam. They hired literally 60 local bands to play on a Sunday afternoon from 10 AM to 5Pm, but to get a spot in the show you had to sell at least 30 tickets at 15.00$ a pop to people without knowing what time you were gonna play at or what venue you were going to play at. They decided what time and what venue you were playing at based on how many tickets you sold, so basically it was just a way for them to make money. And they also claimed that there would be record company reps there “judging” the show, who we eventually found out were just the bartenders at the venues. Sooooo we opted not to do it.
Some memorable experiences though were playing at the CCA first annual rock showcase with holidays in london (a band from Georgia). It was really cool playing for a packed room of ppl, and holidays in london was awesome. Also, some other memorable experiences were playing at North Beach in Dewey las summer. Also, opening up for John Eddie last winter down at the Lighthouse in Dewey was really fun too.
Who would you say are your guys’ biggest influences and role models? Do you see yourself becoming as big as the Spinto Band considering you share such similar circumstances? Our biggest influences are Kings of Leon, Radiohead, Grizzly Bear, The Black Keys, and Death Cab for Cutie, Phoenix, Interpol
We would hope that we would get as big as The Spinto Band haha, but we can’t control that. It depends how much people like our music. As you can tell, the Wilmington area isn’t the best place for bands (actually it’s fucking horrendous), but we just like playing music, and hopefully the chips will fall in the right places down the road. Our album release will hopefully get us a good amount of exposure, and right now were working on promoting ourselves more and possibly playing at some places up in Philly. We definitely think we have what it takes to get as much recognition as the Spinto Band, but who knows. Making it in the music business these days depends so little on the music content now, it’s all about who you know, promotion, and being in the right place at the right time, but we don’t let that discourage us. We just play and write music because we love it.
What sparked the creation of the band? Was it a planned thing or spontaneous? And when do you think you began to take the band as a serious commitment? The band actually first started with me and Kyle when were in the 6th grade. We had been friends for about a year and both started taking guitar lessons at the same time. So, naturally we just started playing with each other on weekends, and then before you knew it we were playing out and writing songs by 8th grade. Kyle’s been writing songs ever since then, he probably has like 100 some songs, so it’s not like we planned on forming a band it’s just something that happened as the years went on. We didn’t officially become the Fueled By Mary that we are today (with Connor and Luke) until the beginning of this year though (up until then we were Darcy Trio or just me and Kyle playing acoustic stuff). We didn’t meet Connor until the beginning of this year. A girl we knew (Helen Kuhn’s) boyfriend played drums and he knew Connor so we just jammed with them a few times, then we realized “hey we need a bassist” so we just asked Connor to join the band and he was stoked, so ever since he’s been playing bass for us. As for Luke, we met him about 2 months ago through Connor. Connor knew his sister and he had heard that Luke was dirty on the drums. So we jammed with him once, and he was chill enough and good as shit at the drums so we asked him to play with us. So, I guess I wouldn’t call the creation of the band planned, me and Kyle just liked playing music and then we started playing with other people through acquaintances, and before you knew it we had a band.
You could say we started to take shit serious with the full band in august 2010 when we started shooting music videos and getting the album finished up.
Obviously you have a large support base from your friends. Was there any source of unexpected support that caught you off guard? I guess support from our friends and kids in the area was unexpected. At parties people sometimes know who we are cuz of our band, which was pretty unexpected haha. Also I guess support at Archmere’s coffee house was unexpected too/ When people told us that they came to coffee house just to see us play that was pretty cool. like random people that I don’t talk to much would come up and say that they only came to coffee house to hear us play, and id be like “damn i didn’t know you liked our music” haha.
How is the production of A Modest Proposal coming along? How was the experience as a whole? Was it harder or easier than expected? All the tracks for a modest proposal are finished. Everything’s mastered, the artwork is ready, cd’s have been bought to burn copies; the only hold up is the people that we went through to organize its mass production. Everything is literally ready to go its just the people that we paid to mass produce copies are a bunch of lazy asshole losers who are impossible to get a hold of. So right now were just waiting on the people to start mass producing it. In terms of recording, it was more difficult than we thought it would be at first I guess. We recorded 7 of the tracks on the album back in sophomore year (2008-2009). So we were really new to the whole thing at first and it took a lot longer than we initially thought it would take. After those 7 took so long we were just gonna release them as an EP but we only printed probably 75 copies of it. Then last summer (2010) we decided to finish the album off after we met Connor and we banged through 5 songs in about a month. So, we just combined those 5 with the 7 we had from before and worked on going through the tedious stuff, like artwork, credits, promotion, mastering, etc. I guess we were just kids at first and inexperienced when we took our first crack at it back in sophomore year. But our next release will be much quicker now that we are more experienced. We actually are beginning production of a 5 or 6 song EP on April 16. Were not sure what were calling it yet though. We expect a release date around June or July.
What’s your plan post-high school? Are you going to try and keep the band going through college? We actually are going to try and keep the band together as much as we can. Kyle, Connor, and I all are probably going to go to college at Texas State. we just visited out there and it is literally the place to be for music. the city of Austin thrives off of live music and everyone loves cool indie music out there, so were pretty stoked about that.
What’s your favorite animal and why? Wes – Seal because they move funny and sound awesome when they talk.
Luke – Black Bear because they’re fucking sick.
Kyle – Otter because they look like they know how to party.
Connor – Fox because I found an injured fox in my backyard once and it was just real chill.
Names and Ages:
Jordi James – 17
Josh Biondillo – 18
Scarlett Stevens – 18
Nick Gardner – 18
Hometown: Fremantle, WA, Australia
Label: unsigned
Albums/EPs: Golden Revolver
Favorite Animal: Canine
San Cisco, previously known as King George until a conflict with another King, have a fun, indie pop, summer-feel sound. Consisting of three guys and one gal – Jordi (guitar & vocals), Josh (guitar & vocals), Scarlett (drums), and Nick (bass) – San Cisco make their music in Fremantle, Western Australia.
Friends since school (and even as far back as childhood), these four playfully worked on music by themselves until the right combination came together for them to begin San Cisco. Quickly and surely, they have begun to make ears turn as they gain popularity down under. Developing their sound from a folk-acoustic bedroom melody to a more “alternative beach pop” sound, San Cisco have sculpted their sound into a tune enjoyable for everyone.
Working around the time of their youngest member Jordi – who is currently enrolled in year 12 (equivalent of US high school senior year) – skateboarding, and N64, they have finally released their first EP: Golden Revolver. This 5-track EP displays the development of San Cisco’s sound. From an almost garage rock-like sound in “Solitude is bliss” to the fun, indie pop sound of “Golden Revolver” and even back to their acoustic sound in “John’s Song,” San Cisco showcases their musical flexibility.
To start off, “Golden Revolver,” arguably the most developed and impressive song on the album, has brought San Cisco the most praise and success – including their very own music video. With a fun indie-pop beat and enticing vocals, “Golden Revolver” shows all that San Cisco has to offer and gives their audience a reason to stay for more. Another track on the EP, “John’s Song” brings us back to the acoustic/folk sound of San Cisco in the beginning. For most of the song, the vocals carry the listener through the life of a working boy escaping from his troubles. About halfway through the song, San Cisco’s more audacious and expressive vocals break out. The listener can really feel the emotions coming out in the chorus.
It’s an adventure listing to the whole EP as San Cisco explores their musical curiosity. It’ll be interesting to see what they can do once Jordi graduates and they can devote all their time to music. Take a listen to “Golden Revolver” and “John’s Song” below. Also follow the download link to see the full EP.
How did you guys form and when? How old are each of you? And are you signed to a label or unsigned? Everybody in the band has been friends for years, Jordi and Scarlett are childhood friends, Josh and I were in the same year at school and Jordi was two years below us, so it was only natural for us to start playing together. Jordi was making music with Scarlett for a while before they even thought of forming anything and it wasn’t until the discovery of some masterful guitar work on Josh’s behalf that the ball began rolling, from that point onwards things have snowballed.
We’re all 18 years old, with the exception of Jordi who is 17, which means he’s currently enduring the gruelling battle of year 12. We are currently independent.
So if we understand correctly, you guys used to be called “King George?” What prompted the change of name? And where did the name “San Cisco” come from?
There is a band in Melbourne called King George, I believe they declined our offer to coexist thereby bringing the name issue into the spotlight. However for months leading up to this event there were murmurs of discontent circling about the name, so a name change was welcomed with open arms. But it’s never as simple as that. Everyone brought a few names to the table until it became a futile task trying to get everyone to agree on one name, so there seemed to be only one option… a Facebook vote. San Cisco got the most votes, and with a little more encouragement and convincing it stuck.
What genre would you guys define your music as?
This is a question i have never really been comfortable answering, simply because I still can’t quite put my finger on it. We’re more and more rapidly moving away from our folky roots and producing more faster moving songs, probably due to an increasing number of songs written with the whole band in comparison with songs written by Josh or Jordi in their bedroom with an acoustic guitar. Perhaps if I we’re forced into placing out music in a genre I would say its almost alternative beach pop, but i could be wrong, so don’t hold me to that.
Who are your inspirations and which artists would you say have had the most influence on your music?
There is a mutual love for bands like Beach House, Vampire Weekend, MGMT, The Black Keys, Local Natives and The Beatles, but each member has separate tastes; Jordi is bordering on solely hip hop, but will occasionally tolerate other genres, Josh is a big MGMT, Tame Impala and Pond fan. Scarlett is Black Keys, Arcade Fire and Grinderman, actually Scarlett would have the best taste in music out of all of us. I love Motown and Soul music or anything with that influence, so anything from Otis Redding and Al Green to Herbie Hancock and Quincy Jones.
You guys are still graduating high school. How do you find time to make music?
It’s just Jordi graduating, however he’s a rather important member, so things are starting to slow down with year 12 beginning to get hectic. We’re down to one rehearsal a week and even then it’s only for an hour max. Yet we’ve almost finished writing another song, so I’m not sure how that works, but it does, so no one’s really complaining.
Have you guys set a release date for your EP Golden Revolver?
Yep. It’s out!
You guys recently came out with a music video for “Golden Revolver.” Where did you guys film it and how did the whole filming process go?
The video was filmed in Margaret River, actually in THE Margaret River in the south west of Western Australia. Matt Saville and Tom Crammond did the filming/editing. It was a pretty tight knit video clip, we all stayed in the same house, ate the same food and spent every second together, the whole experience was great fun and everyone is really happy with the final product.
Living in Australia, how do you try and spread you music to such places as the US? Does internet play a large role in the spread of your music? Do you think Australia as a country has a large effect on your music?
The internet most certainly plays a large part in getting our music out there, as I’m sure it does with the majority of artists. We’ve got great management, actually the best management, so a lot of the music spreading is done by them, although in saying that we just wrapped and posted over a hundred EP’s and sent them across Australia to radio stations, magazines and newspapers. We all really enjoy living in Australia, but it’s more the music and our upbringings that influence the music we play.
What’s your guys’ favorite animal and why?
Well, we all have dogs with the exception of Jordi, so i’m going to say the dog, simply because we all love our dogs. Obviously Jordi doesn’t, maybe one day he’ll understand.
What music do you guys listen to especially recently?
Almost everyday something new is added to this category but albums like Kanye West My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Kings of Leon Come Around Sundown, Little Dragon Machine Dreams, Pond Frond, Beach House Teen Dream, The Black Keys Brothers and Local Natives Gorilla Manor stand out.
What are your plans for this year and after you graduate from high school?
This year we’re playing a few gigs. We’re recording another EP in July, we’re constantly writing new songs and waiting for jordi to be free.
Album/EP: Imago Demos, Change of Pace
Jim Hewitt is a 23 year-old graduate of Westfield State University who currently works in a cubicle at an energy company and drives a Prius..during the day that is. By night and whenever he has free time he is Young Minds, a Lo-fi Dream Pop one man band from Alston, Massachusetts. Jim’s and Young Minds story is built from the ashes of his former band Ultra Ghost. Jim had recorded an entire album with Ultra Ghost and when the project was finished, he hated it. He then quit the band and created Young Minds.
Young Minds cites some of his influences as Bright Eyes, Get Up kids, Radiohead, and Built to Spill.
Young Mind’s first album “Imago Demos” is a five song serenade off lo-fi mastery. Although recorded in the closet of his bedroom or at time even in his car the vocals on this record are great despite the low production quality. And do not forget he has done all of this on his own. Jim’s ability to layer electro/synth sounds with atmospheric back noise and strained vocals give Young Minds its unique sound and presentation. This is not an album you can simply just listen to one song of and be done, it is an experience and at only five songs, sadly a short one.
Young Minds is a relatively new project but has already accumulated a substantial amount of acclaim-to his surprise. He’s been played on BBC Radio, featured in Fader, and played a show with Twin Tigers.
Young Minds wants to get into an actual studio, and have an album done in the next year.
Expect huge things from Young Minds.
Below there is a link to his Bandcamp page where you can download Imago Demos.
Oh and his Favorite Animal is the Killer Whale, because it’s totally badass and he saw it kill a shark in a documentary once. Best answer yet.
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Scandinavian Ice Box 