Interview: Cody Votolato of J.R. SLAYER

J.R. SLAYER

Recently I was able to schedule a Zoom interview with Cody Votolato (The Blood Brothers) to discuss his latest musical offering called J.R. SLAYER. In this interview we discussed his new EP called Not Rotten as well as the new single of the same name. Additionally, we discussed what keeps him motivated as an artist, the bands he’s influenced by, as well as much more. You can purchase Not Rotten here.

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Calling Cadence – ‘Acoustic Session Vol. 1’ EP (Album Stream)

Calling Cadence

Today is the perfect day to share the latest offering of music from Calling Cadence, with their Acoustic Session Vol. 1 EP. This LA-based band are following up their debut, self-titled EP with this collection of acoustic songs to further showcase their songwriting chops. The band is comprised of Rae Cole and Oscar Bugarin, who shared this about the acoustic record:

Getting into the acoustic versions of the songs, was really taking it back to how the songs began. Three part harmony and 12 string (I didn’t have much money, sold all my guitars except the old 12 string to get by). We used to work these songs by performing live around LA, and I used to bang on the guitar like a drum to fill it out, which is an indigenous technique, when they took away their drums. It’s in my blood, and embedded in these songs. This time we had Thomas on bass, and it felt a little more complete in the acoustic incarnation.

If you’re enjoying the early listen, the record will be available for purchase starting tomorrow.

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Jude Flannery – “Stars” (Video Premiere)

Jude Flannery

Today is the perfect day to share the latest single and music video from Jude Flannery called “Stars.” On this heartfelt song, Flannery croons over sweeping instrumentation in a song ready for that playlist you’ve been crafting. Flannery shared:

This song considers the moment we decide to continue to love someone, despite being aware of their more apparent faults. Directed by Marc Zajack and filmed by Alexandra Golden Flannery, the video for Stars is a series of moments accentuated by an abstract narrative that reflects upon the ideas of journey, relationship and connection. Intertwined with each other, these moments emphasize the intimate human experiences that keep us coming back to the connections we make with others over time.

I was also able to catch up with Jude Flannery for a brief chat about his upcoming record called Quiet By Your Side, out everywhere music is sold on October 28th.

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Wesley – “Not Sure That Was Me” (Video Premiere)

Wesley

Today is a great day to share the latest single from singer-songwriter Wesley called “Not Sure That Was Me.” For those unfamiliar with the artist, he would fit in the same vein of fans of Kurt Vile and Arthur Russell. On the latest music video, Wesley shared, “I’ve always really liked those red glowing eyes in movies and things. Like in Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives, and the Cure’s video for ‘Boys Don’t Cry.’ I cut red reflective tape and put it over my eyes. At one point I was standing on the top of a ladder in the dark with tape over my eyes. I wouldn’t want to do it again. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Wesley’s new LP Glows in the Dark, out everywhere on November 11th via Earth Libraries.

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Mortal Prophets – “Me and The Devil” (Song Premiere)

Mortal Prophets

Today I’m excited to bring everyone an early listen to Mortal Prophets and their new single “Me and the Devil.” The album was produced by William Declan Lucey. Band leader, John Beckmann shared, “The songs on ‘Me and the Devil’ are especially poignant and timeless in so many ways. I had to get these songs out of my system because they touched me so much. The lyrics are a form of incantation.” If you’re enjoying the early listen, please consider purchasing the full album on December 9th.

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Interview: Caracara

Caracara

Recently I was able to catch up on the road with the ultra-talented band, Caracara, for an in-depth interview about the process they took while recording their latest record New Preoccupations. I asked the band about specific songs like “My Thousand Eyes,” “Colorglut” and more as well as what went into deciding the final tracklisting for the album. Be sure to catch Caracara on their current US tour with Sad Park and Heart To Gold.

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Flarelight – “One More Night” (Song Premiere)

Flarelight

Today is a great day to share the latest single from Alternative rock duo Flarelight, called “One More Night.” This great-sounding rock track comes from the band’s forthcoming new LP The Light We Make and the tight production found on this song and others showcases the limitless possibilities of this artist. The band is comprised of Rachel Brandsness and band leader Tyler Warren, who shared some insight on the single by saying, “Do you really want to stay the night…Do you really want to say goodbye…a situation that most of us have been in, I’m sure. Wondering if that person you met tonight could be the one that heals your broken heart… or not. Either way, you’ll at least share this one moment together. I love this track, our guitar work, and its hopefulness, and it leaves you wanting more, just like the story itself.” If you’ve been searching for that next breakthrough artist, look no further than Flarelight.

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Palamino – “I Really Want To Leave” (Video Premiere)

Palamino

Today is the perfect time to share the latest single and music video from emo band Palamino, for their great sounding new song “I Really Want To Leave.” This New Jersey-based band does their best to reignite interest in the emo genre, and they have taken a dramatic leap forward in their songwriting from their earlier material. If you’re enjoying the latest single, you can check out some ordering/streaming options here.

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Tearing Up – “Highway Bandits” (Video Premiere)

Tearing Up

Today is a great day to share the latest single and music video from Tearing Up called “Highway Bandits.” Tearing Up comes from the mind of Graham Caldwell and his creative energy that he puts into this new project is felt far and wide. On the name of the band, Caldwell shared, “Growing up, I loved punk bands that sneered in the face of authority, demanding their voice be heard. They made me feel like I was stronger than I was. I was the kind of person who avoided conflict since I’d lose every fight I’d end up in, but there’s still a part of me that itches to get its hands dirty, hence the name: Tearing Up. The single comes from the recently announced debut EP called Billy Is Dead, out everywhere music is sold on October 14th.

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TVOD – “Alien” (Song Premiere)

TVOD

Today I’m ecstatic to share the latest single from the talented Brooklyn-based band TVOD (Television Overdose). The new track is called “Alien” and features a great mix of sounds that blend together in a crowd-pleasing package. The band’s vocalist, Tyler Wright shared, “This was a song I came up with while sitting on the floor of my practice space feeling sorry for myself. I was having a lot of feelings of self doubt and jealousy at the time and for some reason I could not stop painting this mental image that there was a little envious martian man slowly eating my brain and trying to take over my life. It’s amazing what some painful emotions and a couple catchy guitar riffs can become.” If you’ve been looking for that next exciting band that makes you feel a little less alone, TVOD have come to your rescue.

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Kelsey Magnuson – “Anna’s Song” (Song Premiere)

Kelsey Magnuson

Today is a great day to share the latest single from talented singer-songwriter Kelsey Magnuson for “Anna’s Song.” On this track, Magnuson channels heartfelt lyrics and upper echelon songwriting. She shared, “I was so drawn to her range of sound, from plucky guitar songs to heavier riffs, and how it flowed so well through one album. But I’d also be a phony if I didn’t mention my real life inspo-from-idea-man-confidant-and total lyrical genius, Anna McClellan.” If you’re ready to discover quite possibly your next favorite artist, look no further than Kelsey Magnuson.

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All Things Go Festival Creator Summit: Interview With Bartees Strange

Bartees All Things Go Feature

Over the weekend, I was in attendance for the All Things Go Festival and specifically the “Creator Summit” that featured several key interviews of All Things Go artists like Bartees Strange, and Empress Of. I was able to record the full interview session of NPR’s Marissa Lorusso’s “Fireside Chat” with Bartees Strange, where he shared his unique story that led to his critical acclaim and commercial success. The event took place in the heart of Washington D.C., at the Eaton Hotel’s Beverly Snow Room.

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Spain – “Her Used To Been” (Song Premiere)

Spain

Today is the perfect day to share a blast from the past. Spain have returned with a new single and video for their latest song called “Her Used To Been.” The song comes from the band’s new LP entitled World of Blue, out everywhere music is sold today. On the latest single, the band shared:

In the late 1980s, I worked as a music librarian at KCRW while taking college classes at Santa Monica College. One of the perks of the job was taking home lots of great music. The music director let me keep a Bessie Smith box set, and I listened to those discs all the time. ‘Her Used-To-Been’ is paraphrased from a Bessie Smith song about how the protagonist goes back to her abusive ex-. In my version, I’m the protagonist and I’m telling Bessie to not go back.

Step right up if you’re ready to experience some music that makes you feel something magical in its delivery.

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J. Graves – “Fortress of Fun” (Album Stream)

J. Graves

Today is a great day to share the brand new album from post-punk trio, J. Graves, a day early called Fortress of Fun. The band would be perfect for fans of artists like Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Sleater-Kinney, and Interpol. The band is clearly excited for everyone to hear what they cooked up:

Say it: “Fortress of Fun is here.” Fortress of Fun is here – it’s surreal, unreal, and a little hard to believe. Maybe it’s just another dimension of our story, a different choice, and somewhere I’m actually still chanting “Fortress of Fun is coming!” This time last year J. Graves and our amazing, talented family of artists, film makers, musicians, stunt people, and loved ones were at the Oregon coast filming the music videos that would make FOF’s choose your own adventure visuals. It was this time last year we all donned the cursed chain-mail, faced our deepest fears, only to break its nefarious spell with love, acceptance, and a whole lot of help from our friends. And FOF has been just that – support from our loved ones and from the talented folks who played integral parts in bringing this adventure to life. Fortress of Fun IS here, and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with you.

If you’re enjoying the early album stream, please consider purchasing the album starting tomorrow.

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Fujiya & Miyagi – “New Body Language” (Video Premiere)

Fujiya & Miyagi

Today is the perfect day to share the latest single and music video from Brighton popstars, Fujiya & Miyahgi, with their great new track called “New Body Language.” On this latest single the band shared, “‘New Body Language’ is probably the most instant and accessible song on the record. We took a lot of our current listening habits and put them in a blender till it turned out like us.” The song comes from their new LP called Slight Variations, available tomorrow here.

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