BWD Magazine - July 2013

Worldwide Underground Indie Music Entertainment Magazine

July 2013

branson hollis

HAITIAN FRESH

getting on the radar

marcus east passion for the

“My influence is any-one

sounds of motown

who ever grind and earn their success.”

max’s guitars customs for less BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 1

a decades worth of experience and knowledge

Features 04 Marcus East A Passion for the Sounds of Motown

09 EP/OC Entertainment Putting the Artist First

10

The Vegabonds

A Large Shot of the Good Stuff

16 KaiCarra Awe-inspiring Voice and Charm.

18

The Whiskey Syndicate

Right Side Of Crazy

22 Branson Hollis Putting France on the Radar

COVER STORY 12 Haitian Fresh The Music He Creates Inspires

reviews 08 E-Lites The Smoking Alternative

14 Max’s Guitar Store Epiphone SG 400 Review

Lifestyle 06 Five Tips for Covering an Song A Cover Version of a Song is a Double-Edged Sword

ENTERTAINMENT

26 BWD Records

2 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com

The Independent Music Label of the South

last issue

FROM THE EDITOR Having continuously been recognized throughout the music world as a vast movement with an undeniable force we at BWD Radio are now bringing you the best music and individuals within their field in a more easily digestible format; with a dedicated online magazine packed to the rafters with news, reviews, features and phenomenal artists from across the globe.

Synonymous with breaking new ground and talent, our aim isn’t to deliver you an aggregator of articles; more like, the BWD Bible of breaking talent and breath taking bands turning heads and volume dials up to eleven.

In each breaking issue we reveal the winners of the BWD Radio’s Indie Music Featured Artist Competition, a monthly competition where we invite you to Get On The ‘Visual’ Playlist for your chance to become one of the featured BWD Competition Winners. The winners are awarded the opportunity of talent exposure across the globe and throughout the world as part of our aim to prove a good tune isn’t limited to whatever celebrity judge endorsed single is currently riding high in the iTunes download chart.

In each issue, we also bring you the newest faces in the world of modeling to watch out for in store windows, on the billboards, and in the high-street, as well as on the catwalks of Paris and Milan.

Editor In Chief Veralyn Keach, Veralyn.Keach@bwdmagazine.com

Associate Editor Robert Baker, Robert.Baker@bwdmagazine.com

Though that may be enough to fill the covers of most magazines, we’ll be taking things even further with exclusive ‘first-looks’ at the best in indie talent, our unique position

Lead Contributing Writer

within the world of media affording us the opportunity to bring you the next big hitters

Robert Baker, Robert.Baker@bwdmagazine.com

before anyone else and by combining the two enormous forces--presences of BWD Radio and BWD Magazine into one with the newly launched new BWD website there is twice the promotion to deliver double the impact and even more worldwide exposure to its featured artists.

All the freshest new faces and hottest new talent in one magazine, BWD Magazine in conjunction with BWD Radio is committed to setting the standard of what you deserve from a magazine with constant promotion through the BWD network of contacts and promoters.

Did someone say BWD Promotions? The BWD Triple Threat Trio!

Contributing Writer Veralyn Keach, Veralyn.Keach@bwdmagazine.com

Art Director Veralyn Keach, Veralyn.Keach@bwdmagazine.com

Graphic Artist Veralyn Keach, Veralyn.Keach@bwdmagazine.com

BWD MAGAZINE’S SERVICES: Being in such a unique position affords us the ability to offer our services at ‘considerably less’ than most others, our network allowing us to expose

Circulation Officer

your talent in all the right places without needless expense or additional ‘secret costs’ less

Veralyn Keach, Veralyn.Keach@bwdmagazine.com

scrupulous companies fill their small print and help fill their bank balances with.

Covering all aspects of media promotion (from social media sites through to music video promotion) we are able to offer the best when it comes to brand awareness and public

Sales Officer(s) Veralyn Keach/Robert Baker www.bwdmagazine.com

For price and space availability inquiries, please contact us via the contact details to the

bwdmagazine.com bwdradio.com

right where we can discuss your specific requirements to ensure maximum exposure.

facebook.com/bwdmagazine

recognition of your name or product, without compromising either your impact or finances.

BWD MAGAZINE: Where YOU go to get as much VARIETY in music, news, sports, entertainment and lifestyles!! MORE THAN JUST MUSIC.

twitter.com/bwdmagazine facebook.com/bwdradio twitter.com/bwdradio_

BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 3

marcus east “New Chick” has been turning the iTunes charts on its head.”

F

rom the ‘Windy City’ to the headlines on the front pages of the press comes the latest face to grab the attention and infatuations of an awaiting public, BWD Magazine would like to present for your consideration one Mr. Marcus East.

Born in the City of Illinois and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Marcus’ timeless good looks are backed up by an embarrassment of riches in talent; whilst growing up he became the ‘Joker in the Pack’, the holder of humour for raising the spirits and bringing a smile to the lips and faces of family and friends. Clearly, social skills and the ability to interact with all ages of people marked Marcus out as being something more than just an obviously pretty face, something greater than the sum of his parts.

A passion for the sounds of Motown and such artists as Stevie Wonder and Minnie Ripperton turned Marcus’s attentions to the music world, specifically the art of turning words into wonder, sound into sensual aural syrup, and his voice into the soothing explosion of soulfulness and song.

From his studies within the field of Radio and Television during High School Marcus focused his attentions on perfecting the gift he’d found within, studying vocal performance at the noted Columbia College, Chicago and being a regular haunt of the production studio since 4 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com

sixteen years of age.

There is so much more to come from Marcus East this year, so definitely be on the lookout for this Hip-Hop infused R&B Singer from the Windy City.”

a passion for the sounds of motown artists

After attending the ASCAP Pop Awards in ’08 California’s charms seemed a perfect mirror for Marcus’ own, and a move to the Bay Area in 2012 saw him reach a wider audience of appreciating fans and growing the fan-base that many would find incredible to have been able to achieve in such a short time.

Demand for his talents saw him return to Chicago more recently, his position within the music scene of his hometown now secure and assured within the minds of the public.

In between working on his latest album and bringing a new standard of suave sophistication to the world of artists and entertainers, Marcus’ latest single “New Chick” has been turning the iTunes charts on its head with its uniquely Marcus East style and charm delivered with an engaging effortlessness unlike any of his so-called contemporaries, the video for his other prodigious release, “Addicted”, doing likewise on the video sharing sites of the web with an increasingly ascending view count showing appreciative audiences everywhere there is an internet connection and ears.

‘I’m very grateful for BWD showing me so much love and support,’ Marcus said when talking about his ‘BWD Magazine’ win. ‘There is so much more to come from Marcus East this year so definitely be on the lookout for this hip-hop infused R&B Singer from the Windy City.’

For some it would be enough to be known as ‘just a pretty face’; fortunately for us and the music world as a whole, Marcus East is as determined as he is able to move the boundaries of expectations away from such obvious flattery, and into a wondrous future of artisan mastery and splendour.

Contact Information: Website: MarcusEastMusic.com Twitter: @MarcusEastMusic Facebook: MarcusEastMusic Photographer: Crishone Givens Photo Editor: Jeff Franko Barber: John Collins - Stylist: Kendrick A. Gibson

BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 5

five tips for covering an song pick a song you actually like A cover version of a song is a double edged sword of uncertainty and unseen pit-falls and possibly negative public perception. It raises the attention towards the performer with an almost Pavlovian response; we are drawn to things we know and feel

1.

Whether death metal or urban hip-hop, experimental triphop/rock artist or soul singer from the south, any genre can cover a song from any other genre; there are no right or wrong songs to pick and no hard and fast rules over which song would be better than any other. It’s an open-book of

complete self-indulgence, an opportunity to step outside of your own field of musi-

comfortable with, so are attracted to that which

cal style to incorporate a completely different genre within that of your own, should

purports to be both.

you so choose.

So whichever track you pick to cover should first and foremost be one you actually

Conversely, however, we hold great reservations

enjoy; the enthusiasm you have for the song will see you through the tricky stage

when it’s presented in a new and different form,

of figuring out the arrangements and learning the different chord/tempo changes,

and by a hand that smells funny.

and your own passion for the source material will spur you on should the goal of a complete re-interpretation of the track in your own individual style seem too far a finishing line to reach at times.

However, don’t think that means you should shy away from that jungle-grind re-mix of Genie In A Bottle you just know the world has been crying out for and you’ve started laying down the basic tracks

Some may even attempt to forestall your take on Hey Jude to the backdrop of guttural screaming and thousand-mile-an-hour double-bass pedal and splash combo; but their comments and nay-saying will only have grounds for concern if you don’t choose to….

on you iMac all morning to; by the sounds of it,

play to your strengths

you’ve already come to grips with the first tip of our five…”

6 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com

2.

So once you’ve decided on which song to cover, the next step is figuring out how you are going to cover it?

Everybody loves hearing their favourite song when it comes on the radio or floats

who sounds like Frank Sinatra, after all. And speaking of which…

out a nightclub’s door; it’s one of the most effective ways of attracting new listen-

do it your way

ers to your music, so a good cover version can be one of the most effective tools in your promotional campaign.

People can and will get very precious when they hear ‘their song’ being performed with anything less than 100% accuracy to the original, so you need to decide if your version is going to be either: a) an exact re-tread of the source material or b) a re-imagining of same. Whichever path you choose you will gain the attentions of

4.

So the song you want to cover has a half-time double stop midway through the hung chorus at the twelfth with a back-beat accompaniment rising from the east.

Jolly good; your version can have a guitar solo that

the detractors, those who will insist it’s the worse version of Favourite Song they’ve

mimics the originals half-time double-stop etc. with

ever heard and you should feel bad for making the world somehow worse for its

arpeggios and classic baroque chords instead, the guitarist quite keen on showing

creation, even if the ‘original artist’ endorsed the release.

his axe-wielding chops or perhaps you feel that part of the original grinds the whole song to a halt, can be removed or ignored with little detriment to the song

So whilst you could choose to stay firm and true to the original releases sound,

as you have focussed on the track being more dance-orientated, up-tempo and

applying your (or your bands) own style to the track works better for two crucial

pacey, as befitting your DJ status and style. Hell, you could have the Kool-Aid guy

and useful reasons: 1) Being a familiar track will attract and encourage people to

‘Oh yeah’-ing his way through the entire thing from beginning to end, the lyrics of

listen to it, and thus you (or your band), and 2) It introduces them to you (or your

the song the only thing left of the original track and even then only the bit in the

bands) own style and sound in a much more approachable way, the curiosity fac-

chorus that gets everyone up and chanting – does anyone actually know the full

tor of hearing something familiar but different hooking the ears and attentions of

lyrics to Hi Ho Silver Lining..? Your rules, your vision, your way overall; no-one can

potential fans.

tell you your rendition is worth less than anyone else’s, as it’s your own version of the song, and therefore of equal merit as any other artist’s interpretation. You don’t

Haters will hate regardless, and trying to placate those who would complain about

need anyone’s permission to cover Heartbreak Hotel as an elevator-friendly musak

the fifty they found being creased will only result in headaches and heartaches and

n’ jazz number with harpsichord mid-section on the treble-eighth. Well, not unless

a sense of people wasting their time.

you intend to sell or distribute it, that is; then you may very well need to…

get permission

So take the song and make it your own, wholly; there are innumerable renditions of Hit Me Baby One More Time up on YouTube to show you the malleability of a piece of music no matter how sugar coated with saccharin sweetness it is, from The Black Ingvars to Bowling For Soup. Whatever you do and however you do it, though, remember…

you aren’t (name of singer)

5.

Playing someone else’s song live isn’t a problem legally - as proven by the number of cover bands and Elvis impersonators out there offering you the chance to imagine your favourite songs are being performed to you live but at half the ticket price and with all members still in the land of the living. Putting the self-same

3.

The above example is perhaps the best you can find

cover on sale, however, will require you to do some legalize checking to find out if

when considering how to tackle a cover version of a

you are actually entitled to do so. Most cover songs have already required someone

song; the many, many different artists and groups who

to pay a tithe to the original owner of the song, a percent off every sale or an up-

have provided their own take on the Brittany Spears

front chunk of cash, for any permissions or licences needed.

classic provides you with as many new ways to look at the different ways of delivering the vocals as there are uploaded versions online.

In the age of the internet it’s easy to see how many people have taken to the web-cam with guitar or mixing desk with patches to capture their magnum opus rendition of Trending Song of the Month. Which, unless they intend to monetize

Maybe you can’t hit the high notes, so need to bring it down a little too somewhere

such a performance, they are fully entitled to do. However, once you put that song

more mid-range? Maybe your version of Cover Song has a much slower, lower

up for others to buy you are using someone else’s original product to raise money

tempo that excitable high-school-sounding squeals don’t quite mesh with? Maybe

for your own coffers and that is a big legal no-no. Copy-write, licences, performance

the eighteen screaming pigs jumping on trampolines in the background gives

royalties and distribution rights are only some of the things you will find listed as

everything a more moribund feel to the track, quite the opposite of the originals

the reason for your court summons; different countries and territories may also

uplifting beat? Johnny Cash’s version of the NiN song Hurt removes all of the

have similar legal wrangles to overcome, so unless you are attempting to break the

originals electronic dissolution into insanity and self-loathing and replaces it with

world record for number of air-miles accrued during court appearance dates it’s

a simple piano riff and some acoustic guitar to the strains of a much older mans

essential you learn what you can and cannot do with the song.

voice, and still retains the impact of the original with all its integrity intact whilst changing just about everything about the track.

As a general rule, free is fine, but as an individual work or part of an album you are charging money for is not. Do your own homework and find out where you stand

It can be too easy to fall into the karaoke-trap of cover songs, where the vocals

legally; because you can bet whoever owns the song you are trying to cover will

seem too worried about matching the originals to the detriment of the overall

have lawyers who not only know where you, they and the owner of the song stand,

composition; play with the song, trying as many different ways of delivering each

but exactly how much of the ground you’re standing on you now owe them in royal-

word and every line as you can. You aren’t the original singer, so don’t try to be;

ties and fees and quite possibly perpetuity.

instead, focus on being who you are and what you sound like. There’s only one man BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 7

e-lites

A

s the most recognized brand of e-cigarettes, E-Lites have

Smoking it is just like smoking a real cigarette; the hit you get when

made a name for themselves as the de facto name in vap-

inhaling is obviously unlike that you’re used to from a traditional ciga-

ing. Not intended as a replacement for other forms of NRT,

rette. It’s a lot less harsh for a start, the bite at the back of the throat

E-Lites are nevertheless an increasingly popular alterna-

missing. What it did do was quell my fix for a nicotine hit, however, and

tive to more traditional forms of smoking cessation that

much quicker than I was expecting. With the E-Lite I found that without

offer a remarkably similar experience to that of a real cigarette, but with

that visual reminder of how much was left/would be wasted; I was tak-

the benefits of containing none of the toxic pollutants or choking smoke

ing fewer and fewer pulls and still felt like I’d had ‘a cigarette’.

of tobacco.

It feels slightly larger than a real cigarette, too, its solid construction Marketed as a smoking alternative, each cigarette is made up of two key

requiring a much firmer hold in the fingers than I was used to which

components; the white main body of the cigarette and a replaceable

resulted in one E-Lite being lost to the inner workings of a street sweep-

faux filter tip that screw together and present a very real impression of

ing cart as it hit the floor and was whipped away by the whirring brushes

the image of a cigarette– albeit one with a glowing green tip that lights

on the front.

up when you take a pull and flashes to let you know when the battery needs a charge.

After a week of first supplementing, then supplanting my tobacco intake with E-Lite I found my overall dependency reduced; the act of ‘having a

A small vent on the seal between the tip and the battery draws air

smoke’ fulfilled my need for the habitual hand-to-mouth act of smoking,

into the atomizer chamber housed inside the tip, wherein also sits the

and with the small amount of nicotine contained in the tip it certainly

sponge-like material that’s soaked in propylene glycol, nicotine, and

stops that ‘smokers stress’.

tobacco flavours. As you take a pull the atomizer heats up, the solution becomes a vapour, you inhale and voila; simulated smoking.

Stats and Facts *Contains no tobacco, no tar, and no second-hand-smoke smell

Picking the Menthol Flavoured E-Lite Starter Kit, I was surprised to find

*Does contain nicotine, and also contains water, propylene, glycol, glyc-

they didn’t just look like a real cigarette, but did in fact contain nicotine;

erol and flavourings

just in significantly reduced amount to that of a real cigarette (the lowest

*Each tip contains the equivalent of forty cigarettes

strength at 1.6% per ml for Lights and Menthol, whilst Regular strength

*The G9 battery will last an average of between thirty and forty ‘ciga-

is still only a paltry 2.4% per ml).

rettes’ before needing a recharge, and over 300 recharges before needing to be replaced.

Inside the packet there were two replacement tips, one G9 battery core,

*Considerably cheaper than the traditional forms of smoking

and USB charger. Taking a tip and the core I was able to ‘smoke’ straight away – I was sure there would be need of the USB charger before I was

Contact Information:

able to use it, so this was a surprise.

http://www.e-lites.co.uk/ Photo Credits: E-Lites - All Rights Reserved

With each E-Lite the equivalent of 40 cigarettes - and with between 300 and 400 charges before each battery needs to be replaced - there’s certainly enough mileage in each ‘Lite’ before needing to worry about running out.

8 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com

ep/oc entertainment

W

ith the giants of the music industry desperately trying

Pakk are only a few of the familiar names to be found within the folds

not to hang themselves, on the reins of power they

of the E.P./O.C. ENT family.

control their artists and rosters with, it seems dark and confusing times abound behind the scenes and chart

Branching out further still this unique collective has turned its hands

homogenization of today’s music world.

to being master of all and beholden to none, taking to task all aspects of thorough music management; be it the promotion of their latest hit

Seemingly unwilling to allow this status-quo to continue unchallenged,

release or the execution of their artists performance on stage, as a busi-

there has emerged a new group of people looking to bring the artists out

ness founded by musicians it is focused on delivering the best for its ever

from behind the politics of corporate business – wherein numbers mean

growing audience time after time, each and every time.

more than the music or musicians they pertain to represent – and into the spotlight of an awaiting audience, where image is always secondary

With the gulf between what the current music industry thinks the buying

to solid beats and uncompromising style.

public want and what fans of the music world actually need seemingly widening with every re-packaged and re-trod re-release, E.P./O.C. ENT are

Coming from Pennsylvania and bringing its own mission statement of

the only people not only willing but capable of delivering the artists and

putting the artist first and choosing to rely on its own discerning taste

sounds big enough to fill the void.

in flavoursome sounds, E.P./O.C. ENT represents not just a family of musicians collectively taking the music world as its own; but also quite

“We are extremely honored to have been contenders, not to mention, runners

possibly the future of the music industry as we know it.

up! We are thankful to BWD for this opportunity, and appreciate all the hard work and deditcation put in to making BWD as successful as they are today.”

From an unassuming start in 2001, the family collectively known as E.P./O.C. ENT brought together a handful of beats from self-styled sound-

Contact Information:

stalwarts and in house production team Wise Guy Productions, and a

Website: EPOCENT.com

selected team of laureates and lyricists from the founding members and

Email: EPOCENT2013@GMAIL.COM

presented the awaiting crowds the E.P./O.C. ENT hip-hop family.

Twitter: @EPOCENT Facebook: EPOCENT

Ten years later and now larger than ever they have become more a force than a family, E.P./O.C. ENT a reckoning in its own right, managing a roster of artists that reads more like a who’s-who of fresh talent than a mere litany of names on a page; B. Mills, Mark Seven, Trag, and Pakkastan

Photo Credits: EPOCENT - All Rights Reserved BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 9

inspire, dream, believe, this is what I live by.....

F

rom the instant smash hit “Shaky Hands” off the band’s

thoroughly satisfying and heady mix of singular musical immoderation.

first album “Dear Revolution” breaking the number one

spot

the

on

Released in 2009 and gar-

IAIRA

nering the group much

charts, to earn-

praise and worthy attention

ing a place within the cov-

from the worldwide musi-

eted top 25 Unsigned Bands

cal masses “Dear Revolution”

on

“The

was a debut album that

Vegabonds” have taken all six

delivered 100% proof Rock;

flavours of the bands south-

and the public lapped it up

ern charm and style, infused

hugely, the demand for more

it with the spice of good old

came loud and clear. “It was

fashioned Rock, adding only

a great starting point, and

the finest riffs and unforget-

really just put us in a mind-

table lyrics into the mix, before

frame to write more songs,

blending it together to deliver

and find our sound.” says lead

one of the most compelling

singer Daniel Allen.

IndieCharts.com,

of sounds to be imbibed and enjoyed in equal (large) measure.

Buoyed by public reception of their first album “The Vegabonds” followup release “Southern Sons”, was launched onto an eagerly awaiting

Hailing from the Southern State of Auburn, AL “The Vegabonds” have

audience, an accompanying tour in conjunction with ‘Teenage Head

already established themselves as more than six people playing in

Music’ taking the band across the pond and into Europe. Here they stole

a group on stage together; they are an indulgence, an extravagance,

a march across the continent, managing to play for crowds across eight

a unique fusing of inspirations and minds that combine to deliver a

separate countries in a mere six weeks.

10 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com

“We are very grateful and excited to be chosen as the winners,” the band said when informed of their BWD win, adding it was “…a great way to spread our music to a new fan base and we are looking forward to new fans and friends.”

With the road their second home and a stage presence that turns every live performance into a story of legend for their audiences to speak of to others in captivated tones of almost drunken enthusiasm, The Vegabonds” are a large shot of the good stuff poured over ice cool Rock, served in generous quantities, and to Naturally, the effusive reception

band takes such a fulsome work-

for their southern style sounds

load into their stride, however,

and inimitable charms strength-

“The Vegabonds” have added

ened the bands reputation as

another dram of a discerning

masters of the music-craft, and

serving with the recording of

with it a second tour of Europe

their third album.

be appreciated and enjoyed by music connoisseurs everywhere.

for 2013, ensuring another generous serving of perfectly blend-

Recorded at the RCA Studio B in

ed and expertly delivered Rock

Nashville, TN, and to be released

for the European audience.

later this year, this third full length studio release will also

Having already performed for

come packed with a gener-

crowds across the world and

ous side serving of live band

appeared with such names as

action that manages to capture

Gregg Allman, the mighty Blues

and convey the atmosphere of

Traveller, and Charlie Daniels,

“The Vegabonds” on stage, the

“The Vegabonds” have capital-

band’s first Official and Live

ized upon the music worlds

DVD release accompanying the

reception to their in-demand

album. Filmed at ‘Ampalooza’

sound as they uncorked audi-

in Alexander City, the DVD is

ences appreciation wherever

a chance for fans to recreate

they took the stage, managing

the memories of witnessing the

to notch up a not-insubstantial

band live in action, as well as

and 150 shows and appearances

the rest of us a chance to wit-

over the past twelve months.

ness this impressive six piece in

Such is the ease with which the

action for ourselves.

Contact Information: Website: TheVegabonds.com Twitter: @TheVegabonds Facebook: TheVegabonds Photo Credits: TheVegabonds- All Rights Reserved BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 11

cover story

F

rom the eye melting sun kissed beaches of a tropical paradise

Immediately he made his presence known on the Florida music circuit as an

to the eye pleasing sun kissed bodies of the crowds flocking

independent artist of note; and though audiences and accolades were quick in

to a performance, Haitian Fresh has come a long way since

their forthcoming, Haitian Fresh has never considered these accomplishments

his birth in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, and not just geographically.

to be the reason he creates music, simply that the music he creates inspires other people to better things.

Political instability forced his mother to relocate the family of himself and five brothers to Miami, Florida, but it was through this early life-changing event

With a performance at BET’s Spring Bling and numerous red carpet appear-

Haitian Fresh was able to find himself attending one of the most prominent

ances Haitian Fresh has found the world not just ready for him, but eagerly

colleges in America.

awaiting his arrival. Such could be seen by Haitian Fresh’s signing to the Sak Pase Records label owned by fellow Haitian and musician, Wyclef Jean.

Knowing the opportunity was one not to be wasted he immersed himself in his schooling, dedicated his time and efforts to investing in a future he may

With his first single Gon Joc (ft. Lil Boosie) proving itself to be a hit with over

not have been able to see, but was determined to inure he would be more

twenty million views of the official video on YouTube it has rightly earned its

than well equipped to handle.

status as a classic now in Florida, beating out Common, Alicia Keys and Neyo with over four hundred thousand plays on Music Choice.

In due course his hard work and sacrifices were rewarded with a degree in Business and Marketing, and with it he took to the business world with

Clearly the business world’s loss has been the music world’s gain.

aplomb. Success ensured he not only avoided the descent into drugs and illegal dealings that had claimed many of the peers he’d grown up around, but also that he was able to fulfil the promise he’d made to his mother when

exclusive interview

only 6 years of age; of buying her a house she could call her home, as well as her own.

BWD: Who are you and why should you be on our iPods?

Though apparently secure and certain in his career of dominating the busi-

Answer: Haitian Fresh; I have the biggest movement in hip-hop right now.

ness world Haitian Fresh felt the call of his roots drawing him to music, pull-

I’m carrying a country on my back and dropping hot music and my story is

ing him into the scene and filling him with the same drive that fuelled him to

nonfictional. We grind harder than anyone to get here!

success throughout college.

12 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com

HAITIAN FRESH Cover Story

BWD: Who are your musical influences?

Answer: My ‘voice name’ mascot and 106 and park and my grind. My music - Beastmode - silenences all

Answer: My influence is any-one who ever grind and

critics and non-believers.

earn their success.

BWD: What advice would you give to fellow artists BWD: What would you describe your sound as?

trying to find their own audience?

My influence is any-one

Answer: Haitian Fresh, from the bottom slowly

Answer: To believe in themselves and have fun; go

who ever grind and earn

climbing to the top, just a matter of time; music

hard no matter what. If they’re not serious about it,

speaks for its-self.

don’t get in it. And have a back-up education first!

BWD: What inspires the music you create; any spe-

BWD: Is there a particular theme or message you

cific moments or incidents?

are trying to convey with your music?

their success.”

www.haitianfreshbsm.com Answer: The fact they told me I couldn’t do it, and

Answer: Yes, you can really turn non-believers into

twitter.com/haitianfreshBSM

me choosing to put Haitian in front of my name. I

believers once you stop rapping and give them ya

facebook.com/HaitianFreshBSM

knew it would be difficult, but once the door opens

real story and just be yaself.

Instagram: Bsmhaitianfresh

it will be the biggest topic in hip hop.

BWD: What are the biggest obstacles for an artist BWD: How do you promote your music; do you find

such as yourself, in your experience?

social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter essential or simply an additional promotional tool?

Answer: Radio and getting the right people to believe. I got the fans, but the politics is heavy. It’s

Answer: We have good fan base; XXL Live Mix-tapes,

all about money, not talent.

blogs, and all social networks and loyal fans.

BWD: What’s the best and worst thing about makBWD: Compared to your contemporaries, what sets

ing music?

you apart from being ‘just another artist’ in your genre?

Answer: It takes years and years to be on, and just days to fall off.

Answer: I heard all the lies and all the ‘no’s and I perfected my craft. I never once stopped believ-

BWD: Have there ever been any disasters/incidents

ing in myself. Most of all, I’m the only rapper who

in the mixing room you would care to forget about?

has accomplished more than most with-out ‘the machine’ behind me.

Answer: Nah, my team respect me.

BWD: What’s your outlook on the changing face of

BWD: And finally; what does the future hold for

the record industry?

you? Any future plans or announcements on the horizon?

Answer: Go listen to soul on my Beast mode Mixtape; it’s an unfair business with too many politics.

Answer: More good music, more history, and when

“Thanks in advance, love my fans and my street-team, and my label BSM. “

we get that final push, the throne will be mine!

BWD: What’s your biggest claim to notoriety as an artist so far?

BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 13

max’s “GUITAR STORE”

Customer Feedback Dear Maxsguitarstore, “I wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU. This guitar completely wiped me out. WAY, WAY beyond expectations. The sound was spectacular and the guitar’s look and feel is to die for.

Big, bold sound and with the warm sunburst you chose for me, it also has that “WOW” factor!

This guitar absolutely made my day. I’m in guitar heaven.” Ricky

Bringing the guitar you want at the price you can afford, “Max’s Guitar Store” (http://

Out of the box and immediately you can tell there’s been an extra level of after-

maxsguitarstore.com/) hosts some of the most well-known and recognized brands

market attention paid to the SG 400; the shine is flawless, the strings are bright,

currently available for the discerning guitarist wanting a high quality instrument

and the set-up is absolutely spot-on. Whereas, normally you’d be expecting to pay

that offers a little something extra and at a fraction of the cost. In this review we

an additional sum for preparing an instrument to this level, “Max’s Guitar Store”

shall be looking at one of the innumerate select pieces on offer from Max’s Guitar

have gone that little bit further than off-the-shelf outlets in what they offer you

Store, the iconic guitar of many an axe-wielding musician and bedroom guitar-god,

for your money and it certainly shows.

the re-issued classic that is the Epiphone SG 400.

Epiphone SG 400 Review

Spec:

A quick wind on the traditional Gibson-styled Wilkinson Deluxe tuners (slackened for transport purposes) and a perfect pitch across all six strings is attained. The distance between the strings and the fret-board is wonderfully low, a true player’s

Body

Mahogany

guitar in the hand, the pinched harmonics biting without buzz and sounding bril-

Neck

Mahogany – glued in

liantly bright.

Scale

24.75 inches

Neck Profile

D shape, slim

With its D shaped profile the neck is straight and true and like pure silk; the

Fingerboard

22 fret Rosewood

rosewood fret board has a welcoming feel beneath the fingers and playing it is

Neck Pick-up

Alnico Classic Humbucker

almost effortless- again, one more in the plus column for Max’s who have come

Bridge Pick-up

Alnico Classic Humbucker

up trumps with their prepping of each instrument before shipping. The frets sit

Bridge

Tune-O-Matic

snug and flush within the neck and have been polished and smoothed to the

Tailpiece

Stopbar

point of being almost imperceptible where they sit, the running of a hand up and

Controls

1 Volume, 1 Tone 500K pot control per pick-up, Push-Pull

down the edge showing up no snags or corners of unhammered fret. Looking

Nickel

down the neck and it’s as straight as an arrow, the Rosewood fret-board suitably

Hardware

14 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com

understated and showing off the peerless set-up of the instrument.

Turning the guitar over reveals a black plastic back panel hiding nicely tidy wir-

pot out to create a single coil sound, and it’s like Clapton’s coming through the

ing and pots, and another excuse to marvel at the sheen of the cherry veneer

amp, the double cut-away shape of the SG-400 allowing ease of access to those

and count the grain in the wood beneath- for a guitar that would normally

22 frets on any string and like butter to play due to the expert set-up.

retail at a significantly higher price it’s getting harder to justify the extra cost an off-the-peg outlet expects you to pay, especially when looking at the machine-

Dialling up and down on each of the four tone/volume controls takes nothing

head and truss rod cover screws (which can become loosened and are an easily

more than a brush of the finger to achieve, the transition through the 1 to 10

forgotten area of after-market quality control) and finding every single one flush

positions a well-oiled execution of precision that reveal just how far the level of

and true within their holes.

attention has gone into this instrument, the speed knobs living up to and surpassing their name.

The strap buttons are secure and firm and backed by felt to protect the veneer, and the jack input is likewise perfectly flush and surrounded by a brace of four

A thorough inspection around the edge of the scratch-plate, the hardware and

classic speed knob dials. The volume control for each of the pick-up also houses

pick-up surrounds finds nothing but an unblemished veneer and incredible

a Push-Pull mechanic that allows you to turn the instrument into a single-coil,

grain beneath, and all are highly finished and compliment the rest of the guitar

rather than hum-bucker, configuration and each has a satisfying click when

superbly.

Pushed/Pulled accordingly.

Conclusion: The difference between buying a guitar off-the-peg or from someA serial number on the back of the headstock and mother of pearl Epiphone

where with a more personal approach to each sale is what makes this particular

logo and decal on the front and there is nothing visually that points to it being

model of Epiphone simply the most stunning example of its kind; the quality

a refurbished piece, no ‘tells’ or ‘blemishes’ that could be seen as reason for its

of the finish, the attention to the smallest of details (such as the individual

lower price point.

setting on each of the six saddles to achieve a pitch perfect tone across all six strings), makes it feel unique, exclusive, something head and shoulders above

Plugged in and flicked to the back pick-up and the sound of classic rock fills the

the homogenized retail outlets selection of same yet noticeable inferior dop-

air; power chords have weight and single notes have bite, the sustain satisfy-

pelgangers. It brings the guitar on a par with those bearing the hallowed Gibson

ingly long and clear. The D shaped profile neck feels comfortable to hold in any

moniker, a level of quality previously only available to those able to afford four

position, the fret edges smooth against the liquid finish of the mahogany fret-

figured guitars, reminding you why the SG was once called the ‘fretless wonder’

board and polished to an equally high-end instrument feel.

and revealing why “Max’s Guitar Store” is becoming known as the online store for true musicians.

Flicked into the neck position and the tone dialled down and with the Push-Pull

BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 15

I

f there is one thing the world knows about Dallas, Texas, is

Aside from her singing engagements and away from the spotlight’s charms,

that the state doesn’t do things small. With a sound that is

KaiCarra has dedicated her time and efforts to the various charities with which

so uniquely encapsulating and enrapturing a performance of

she has aligned herself with; the protection of the young from child abuse

largess comes KaiCarra; an artist who has already had favour-

and the eradication of cruelty to animals primarily the focus of her charitable

able comparisons drawn to such names as Tori Amos, Sara

attentions, she graciously donated all the proceeds from several benefit

Brightman, and the incredible prodigious talent of Alanis Morissette.

Little wonder, too, when you realize that KaiCarra is more than a voice to captivate the rest of the world with; she is a talented, gifted young woman,

concerts staged in Paris and the USA to undisclosed charitable organizations, echoing the heart-felt emotion and strength of feeling her songs create in others.

with an elegance and grace, an austere allure that flows through her songs

Calling her single Lady ‘…a gift to the USA,’ it was inspired by the patriotism

and ensnares all who catch a line or two from her amazing single release

found from gazing upon the Statue of Liberty’s noble visage; the desire to

“Lady”, or the lullaby “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, or even the atmospheric holi-

want to share the feelings of love and encouragement to progress through

day hit “Christmas Sunrise”.

darker times inspiring in its execution and emboldening in its airing.

Since beginning on her musical sojourn at age seven KaiCarren’s career

Her third and latest album “Up Until Now” has already had Rick Sherman

has seen fifteen years spent at a professional level as an artist performing to

(of Sherman Sound) announced as producer for the release, with Sherman

audiences throughout the world, an appearance on the Queen Mary in Long

quoted as describing KaiCarra like ‘…Andrew Lloyd Webber…genius…dramatic,

Beach California propelling her

emotional,’ and has taken this

across CA in the smash hit musi-

further to ‘…emerge with her own

cal “Annie”.

incredible sound.’

By age ten she could already

‘I hope my music touches a

count herself as one of the select

chord with others,’ KaiCarra said

few to be interviewed by the

when discussing her win with

American Television

Network,

BWD Magazine, ‘and encourages

interviews with Reporter Connie

them to write, speak or sing their

Chung

truth, whatever that may be.’

and

Good

Morning

America’s host Steve Fox taken all

Such strength in not just

in her stride as she bestrode the

voice but character too shows

stage and beguiled theatre goers

KaiCarra as being truly deserving

with her awe-inspiring voice and

of the number one position on

charm.

her Reverbnation site, not just

With a return to the Phillip

for her music but for altruistic

Martin School of Music, to define

actions and the consideration of

and truly hold captive the control within her coloratura voice and sublime

all; and as such perhaps it’s best for the lady herself to have the final word

sonic styling, it has given her a voice that now finds comparisons with other

when she tells us to always…

’Carry a song in your heart.’

artists to be like the vaguest of outlines of understanding when held against KaiCarra’s own exulting sound.

America seemingly too small to keep KaiCarra to itself has meant Europe

Contact Information:

is a known land to her now, her name and reputation spoken of between

Website: KaiCarra.com

aficionados of honest compositions that speak to the very soul, and mark her

Twitter: @KaiCarra

out from the other singers in her genre as individual, unique, and very much in demand.

16 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com

Photo Credits: KaiCarra - All Rights Reserved.

Kaicarra

freedom and the pursuit of maintaining same is natural I hope my music touches a chord with others, KaiCarra said when discussing her win with BWD Magazine, ‘and encourages them to write, speak or sing their truth, whatever that may be.”

BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 17

inspire, dream, believe, this is what I live by.....

Q

uestion: What do you get when you mix the attitude of

and sensual sounds that is LA, the bright lights and indulgent crowds of

The Datsuns, the stage-manship of KISS, the killer stick-

Las Vegas, and culminated in a sold out show at the infamous and world

in-your-head guitar hooks of AC/DC, and the honest

famous club “The Viper Rooms” on Sunset Strip.

snarling attitude of Motley Crue?

Answer: You get The Whiskey Syndicate, a five-piece Rock band from the

With a healthy mix of seventies Rock, classic Punk, the energy of Metal and just a soupcon of Tennessee magic to taste blended expertly togeth-

Midlands, UK, bursting from

er, The Whiskey Syndicate’s

the heart of music’s soul and

first album release “Right

attacking the playlists of rock-

Side Of Crazy” on the ‘In

ers across the globe.

At The Eye Records label immediately turned heads

Formed in the summer of 2007

and dials up to eleven, the

by frontman and lead guitarist

ten tracks on offer receiving

Anthony Wright “The Whiskey

critical praise and acclaim,

Syndicate” are a Rock band

as well as quickly proved

equally in the league with that

them as being a band wor-

of their peers, their unapolo-

thy of the attentions and

getic delivery of ‘in your face’

loyalties of its devil-horned

rock a lone shining example of

audience.

understanding what separates the real sound of Rock from

As the first truly great band

the homogenized and packaged examples clogging the arteries of the

in some considerable time to emerge from the shadows of the under-

download charts.

ground scene to the headlines and spotlight of a worldwide stage, and comprising of Mike Davies, Anthony Wright, Richard Corry and Stu

Having already supported such bands as King Lizard, The Answer and

Adams, BWD sat down with these future Rock n’ Roll Hall Of Famers to

Red Light Rippers the call of the road took them from their home base

learn a little more of their legacy, find us some facts, and test if the band

of England and across the seas to rocks spiritual second home of sin

truly can live up to their rather modest claim of ‘…we bring the party!!!’

18 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com

the whiskey syndicate - exclusive interview BWD: Who are you and why should you be on our iPods?

BWD: How has the reception to your debut album Right Side of Crazy been?

Answer: We are The Whiskey Syndicate. A loud, hard rocking 4 piece from the spiritual home of Rock n’ Roll. Big riffs with a groove and a bluesy undertone.

Answer: The reception has been incredible. We’ve had some great reviews from both fans and critics alike. Some stores sold out on the first day which was mind blowing.

BWD: Tell us a brief history of the band.

BWD: What inspires the music you create; any specific moments or incidents?

Answer: We formed in 2003. Went through a couple of line ups to find the right formula and then started writing and recorded straight away. We hit the road and

Answer: I don’t think there are any specific examples but you can become inspired by

have since played with a whole load of bands including Voodoo Six, The Answer,

everyday life quite easily. People you know telling you stories or things that happen

King Lizard and Blaze Bailey to name a few. Working on our lives as we went along

to you personally. Both good and bad.

we have now cemented our reputation as one of the best live Rock n’ Roll bands in the UK today.

BWD: How do you promote your music; do you find social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter essential or simply an additional promotional tool?

BWD: Coming from the Midlands do you feel the influence of previous greats from that area such as Zeppelin and Sabbath? There is a similar feeling of integrity and honesty, a

Answer: Yeah the social media side is a major part of the promotion. I think in today’s

‘realness’ if you will, to your sound that marks you apart from other bands pertaining to

society it is one of the best ways to not only reach a wider audience but keep your

be rock; why do you think this is?

fans in the loop and involved in the band. It’s also a great way to connect with both other bands and promoters.

Answer: Yeah I think it’s hard not to be influenced by the likes of Zeppelin, Sabbath, Judas Priest, etc., where we come from. Those bands did so much for the hard rock

BWD: What can fans look forward to hearing on your latest single Darker Side of Your

and metal scene. I mean, they practically invented the genre. I think the integrity and

Mind?

honesty comes from having a similar background to those bands. We are all hard working guys from working class Black Country families aiming to get to the top of

Answer: It’s a brooding beast of a track with a great groove to it and enough riffs to

our game. Nothing is false about us or our music. It is all straight from the heart.

shake your head clean off your shoulders. Can you tell I like it? Ha-ha!!

There’s no set formula and no contrived image. I think that’s what sets us apart.

(Continued - Page 20)

BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 19

the whiskey syndicate exclusive interview BWD: And how should this new song be best enjoyed?

false or contrived in any way. They seem to have put a great new twist on a classic formula to make it exciting and fresh.

Answer: Loud and with your fist in the air!

There is also a huge amount of great talent on the underground and BWD: With online resources such as Kickstarter funding albums, merchan-

unsigned scene at the moment. Particularly in the Midlands.

dise, and even tours for some bands, what’s your outlook on the changing face of the record industry?

BWD: What are the biggest challenges (good or bad) you wish someone had told you about before embarking on the life of a musician?

Answer: It’s a strange time for the industry at the moment. There are so many different resources like Kickstarter and Pledge Music out there to

Answer: The promotional side of things is definitely the biggest b*tch

help artists and yet it seems harder than ever for new artists to get the

you face. When you’re new to the business you’ll work with anyone who

big break. Having said that, these funding sites are a fantastic concept.

offers a gig or a chance at something. There is a lot of so called “promot-

Not only does it give bands an opportunity to raise the capital they need

ers” out there who are totally clueless and are just someone calling up

but they can connect with their fan base while they do it.

bands to play in their pub. The real ones out there will have all the facts you need, offer you a proper deal before hand and will get a great line

BWD: Having toured foreign shores through America, as well as your home-

up. They will also promote properly so chances are you will have heard

land of England, what would you say are the biggest differences between

their name from other people. The sh*tty ones out there are hard to spot

the two audiences?

at first but you soon get wise to it all.

Answer: I don’t think there was a mega difference. Rock n’ Roll fans are animals all over the world. There is a different attitude to the underground live scene across the pond though. The local live music scene is still a major part of the typical night out and most places we went whether we were playing or just drinking had a stage and some kind of live events calendar.

BWD: What advice would you give to fellow bands trying to find their own audience abroad for the first time?

Answer: Definitely be yourself, and be confident with it. You see a lot of bands out there trying to live up to the hype of previous exports from certain areas, LA in particular, so when you bring something not only new but natural to the table you stand out in a big way. Don’t get me wrong, a lot of the bands are really great but there is a lot of similarity. It may sound like an obvious cliché but being yourself in such a big market of live music really is the key.

BWD: Aside from yourselves, which other bands would you say are moving

Contact Information:

the music scene forward, keeping it alive and interesting?

Official Website: TheWhiskeySyndicate.com Answer: One that instantly springs to mind is “Rival Sons”. They’ve really

Label: In At the Eye Records- www.iaterecords.com

moved up over the past couple of years and have a great sound and

Photo Credits: All Rights Reserved

image. The great thing with them is that nothing about them seems 20 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com

Official Website: Chamane-energydrink.com Facebook: ChamaneEnergyDrinkOfficialPage

BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 21

Vi s i t w w w. B W D R e c o r d s . c o m o r w w w. Fa c e b o o k . c o m / B W D R e c o r d s . l l c

branson hollis Feature & exclusive interview Bursting into the music world and bringing France into the spotlight for BWD: Who are you and why should you be on our iPods? producing Earth-shattering bands with a conviction and appeal universal in its language Branson Hollis’ debut release “The Unexpected Way Of Nicolas: We’re called Branson Hollis and we’re a French band from Paris.

Things” on the ‘Back to the Well Records’ label has made the ears and Now this is a tricky question because we’d have to sort of brag a little attentions of an audience quickly building in its number, and made Europe bit and we don’t know how to do that, ha-ha. Let’s just say that Kerrang the bands own personal stage.

gave our debut album four Ks so if you don’t want to disappoint this wellknown and great magazine of yours over in The UK, give us a shot.

Having formed as 2009 was beginning, the band wrote and released the first fully realized examples of what Branson Hollis was promising to be BWD: Tell us a brief history of the band. only the tip of the ice-berg in its post/hardcore-rock out-pourings with the demo release, “Dyad”.

Nicolas: We started the band in early 2009 and started to perform one year after that.

Less than a year later and “Dive Suits Drying”, a five track EP embodying more musical energy and inventive synergy in a mere five tracks than most Around that time we sort of toured Europe a few times and shared the full albums could achieve, took Branson Hollis from obscurity and under stage with bands such as Devil Sold His Soul, La Dispute, Norma Jean and the scrutiny of an attentively listening music audience. With tracks such as Moving Mountains. At the time, we only had a 2 track demo (2009) and a “The Jar” and “New Colours, New Shapes” confirming the band as worthy of 5 track EP (2010). their attentions, the audiences of Europe embraced Branson Hollis wholeheartedly as they appeared before them on stage, touring with Devil Sold Around 2011 we welcomed a fifth member to the band (to play keys and His Soul, Norma Jean, and Moving Mountains.

additional drums). We immediately started working on our debut album that we went on to record during the following year at “Glow in the Dark

Off the road and straight into the studio and “The Unexpected Way of Studios” in Atlanta. We were lucky enough to work with Matt Goldman Things” is Branson Hollis’ first full length album release. Recorded at and Matt McClellan over there and Drew Lavyne in New York for all the ‘Glow In The Dark Studios’, Georgia, USA and mixed by Matt Goldman mastering part. before being mastered in NY by Drew Lavyne, TUWAT is an album worthy of worldwide exposure, comprising of twelve tracks of the bands own After that, we shot our first music video for “Maunder’s Tale” featuring self-styled sonic authority - as witnessed on tracks Maunder’s Tale and Norma Jean’s Cory Brandan who, by the way, did an awesome job on the incomparable This Is A Slow Ride - that shows who and what Branson everything.

Hollis are about.

We recently toured with our good pals of “Admiral’s Arms” and “The With an upcoming tour kicking off in September, BWD took the chance Prestige”. We had a blast touring with them and we had a lot of fun playing to catch the band with sometime between engagements to sit down and at ‘Black Heart’ in Camden! It’s a pretty sweet place. speak with the group voted ‘French Upcoming Band of the Year’.

Our debut album was released on May 20th and is available on www.

Contact Information:

bransonhollis.com.

BWD: You describe yourself as post/hardcore Rock, your debut EP Diving Suits

Website: BransonHollis.com

Drying showing you as a band in a class all of your own?

Twitter: @BransonHollis Facebook: BransonHollis Photo Credits: Branson Hollis - All Rights Reserved.

Nicolas: Well thank you, I guess! This question is kind of a pickle too because we sort of don’t qualify to answer it. What’s for sure is we don’t calculate anything. We’re just doing the music we like. But when we’re asked: ‘what kind of music do you play?’ the first words coming out are

22 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com

Post-hardcore.

It’s funny because I always have that friend of mine around telling me I

people who are going to love it and tag along. I think if you’re true to

shouldn’t put it this way because ‘it’s harsh and it doesn’t quite honour

everyone that is supporting you, even to those who don’t, then everything

what we truly do’. He’s just afraid people might get scared if we label it

is fine, you can chin up and enjoy.

that, if we say the word ‘Hardcore’. So he’s all like ‘no, but, you know, it’s not that violent he just said Post-hardcore but it’s really not that violent

Florian: We just made the music we like, blending our influences into

there’s some sweet stuff too just stay please and have a drink with me’,

something new - at least we tried - and didn’t really think about what

ha-ha. I still think it’s what best describes our music (as a quick answer),

people are going to say about it. We just wanted to make it sincere. We are

because it’s full of possibilities. Post-hardcore is generally a pretty heavy

aware that we are nobody, even if we got pretty lucky to get all this credit.

and energetic type of music though it allows you to put an electro song in

So, definitely no pressure. We really think this album is the real beginning

your album; Post-hardcore is okay with instrumental songs or just piano

of our story and hope TUWOT will get as much honour as our previous EP,

and vocals. This also is what we love about it. There are just fewer rules

and more. This is the one that matters.

than in Hardcore or Punk.

BWD: Though France is known for its rich history and beautiful culture, its BWD: Having not only been voted French upcoming Band Of The Year by

music scene still doesn’t appear on most people’s radar, and the bands within

OUIFM radio but also receiving the honour of having your debut EP voted

it less so. Branson Hollis shows there are bands out there full of phenomenal

Favourite Release by FNAC.com, you recently released your first full length

music and engaging sounds, so why do you think we aren’t seeing more bands

album “The Unexpected Way Of Things”; did you feel any pressure to live up

emerge?

to the expectation caused by your earlier acclaim?

Florian: Post-Hardcore and Rock n’ Roll generally speaking are really Nicolas: No pressure at all. We’re infinitely grateful for what has happened

inherent to English-speaking people, USA or UK. When you speak about

to us so far, all the credit and stuff but we know how little we are. We

Rock music in France, most people are stuck with Johnny Hallyday or Eddy

know we still have everything to prove. We’re just playing the music we

Mitchell, people who only sang English hit songs with French lyrics.

like. You know, to me, it’s impossible to feel bad about what you do if you put your heart in it and work hard (unless you’re killing or abusing people

Nicolas: Thank you so much. Believe me I wish things were better over

ha-ha). There’s an expectation we have to live up to and that would be

here. Most people pass on so many good bands, just because they’re not

ours. We can’t let down those guys who started the project 2 to 4 years

mediatized enough or smashed in their faces with million dollar adver-

ago. We have to live up to the promises we made to ourselves. Of course,

tising campaigns. Most people just take what they’re given. They don’t

there always are some people who sincerely hate what you do and they’re

search for anything. Plus we don’t have the same musical culture over

not even wrong in the way they see it, because it’s their way. There also

here. We don’t have an Elvis, a David Bowie or a Clash, Pogo, Led Zeppelin,

are going to be people who end up disliking how things turned out, and

Beatles.

BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 23

I think musical progress and culture are a huge part of the reasons things

Florian: Be sure you have your passport and ID up to date when you cross

are different in France and the English language has also a lot to do with

the Channel!

it. I think it’s really conclusive how French is not the kind of language you want to use to do that type of music properly. Anyway, if French bands

Nicolas: He’s not talking about me, ha-ha!

were to emerge overseas, that would mean they’ve emerged over here, but they don’t and that is so weird. I don’t mean we’re full of it, “au con-

Florian: I’m not sure you can call that a ‘lesson’ but we all agree to say that

traire!” but it feels like whenever there’s talent in France, we need foreign

we know now that we want to do this as much as possible. Playing music,

countries to pluck it out of here and then, when it’s all known elsewhere

travelling and above all: meeting great people every night and day, talk-

and ‘dealt with’, people claim ‘hey it’s French, I know them, now let’s be

ing about different ways to see and feel music with people you just met,

proud and have a more attentive listen to what they do’ (Phoenix is pop-

just because we are gathered around the same passion. I know it sounds

ping in my head right now, perfect example). Anyway, France is different

a little bit hippie-ish, but still ha-ha.

like that. Let’s put it this way. Otherwise, we’re in for a looooong debate.

BWD: With online resources such as Kickstarter funding albums, merchanBWD: How do you promote yourselves and your music to your fans; do you

dise, and even tours for some bands, what’s your perception on ways bands

find social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter essential or simply an

can now achieve success?

additional promotional tool?

Nicolas: First off, you have to make music, and then it has to be good Nicolas: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr - I’m even thinking about

enough to get people’s attention. Once you have people’s attention and

opening a Vine account for the band -, etc. Those are definitely essential

approval and they’re not your families and friends, you can say you’re

tools that allow us to promote the band and spread the word along with

pretty lucky so far. At least you’re lucky to have found some other guys,

doing interviews like this one, or touring the world. When you have a

just as crazy as you are, ready to give up on anything quite resembling

band, you want people to know about it, even those who don’t care at all

a “normal life” to fall head first in a road to perdition hahaha. Also, you

and never will listen to you. You just want them to know that you exist.

must move with the times, keeping up with everything that allows you to

Give them a chance to give you a shot. So, yeah, those social networks

promote your music.

are a great way to reach people across the world. Also, it allows you to talk to your fans on a regular basis. Just like when on the road and that’s

Everything is moving forward and so is the music industry. You have to

awesome.

move forward with it. You can’t be stuck on Myspace or doing tapes. You have to be everywhere. As I said before, people won’t look for you. You

Florian: Like I said, we are still no one, and (most) social medias are free

have to make them aware. So, basically, tour, tour, tour, be on several social

so, definitely the best way to reach people for us.

networks and yeah, make some good merchandise.

I think Facebook is the most important communication tool for bands

BWD: An artist is nothing without their inspiration, so what inspires Branson

like us right now, because of the fan base you can build on it and the way

Hollis?

people can share stuff. Be sure we’ll repost this interview on our page. So will you, right?

Nicolas: I would say we all find things to think of when it comes to composing or that it’s all in us when we’re delivering something. Everyone has

BWD: Having conquered your homeland you recently went on tour, taking

their share of regrets, and beautiful things in them.

your music to audiences throughout Europe; how did it go?

About my texts, I would say I draw a lot from my background and stuff Florian: We had the chance to share the stage with our great friends

that has happened to me in the past. At least I’m learning to do so. Just

from “Admiral’s Arms” and “The Prestige”. It was absolutely lovely. We also

like we all are. It’s our baggage, we all have some but I love to travel,

played our first show in London, which was really awesome and meant a

meet people and be inspired by things that I wouldn’t be inspired by if I’d

lot to us, little frenchies.

stayed home working at my desk. That’s why I travelled a month through different places so I could have some thoughts on what I was going to

I guess playing for the last Admiral’s Arms show in Paris was a huge

write. So I could draw things out of me, as well as out of people and new

moment of this tour too; a night full of mixed feelings between the

things I was witnessing; stories I was being told. I need all that to write. I

beauty of a last performance and the sadness of their split.

need new feelings to overwhelm the past ones. Not erasing them, but get them to merge with new ones instead and just embrace life.

We’d like to take the opportunity to thank “The Black Heart” for letting us play and all the people that went to the show.

Interactions are what makes creation possible, are what feeds your interest in things.

Nicolas: It all went smoothly and amazingly, except for the tiredness and the lack of sleep but it’s part of the game, and we love suffering that way

That’s how travels, more than routines, make you more sensitive and

and like Florian said, there was a lot of emotion on that tour too. It was

receptive to things around you.

beautiful and sad at the same time, so overwhelming.

We also love sunshine, cats and pizza.

BWD: And what lesson-of-the-road were learned on this tour?

24 • BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com

BWD: Would you say your French background affords the band a different

This Is a Slow Ride is a bit different, with more orchestration, not just

insight or view in its musical composition?

crushing drums and guitars. It has something more dramatic in it and different layers hidden behind some classic strings and positive chords. I

Nicolas: Maybe I jumped the gun on the previous question, ha-ha. Our

guess if you like these two songs, you like Branson Hollis.

French background is kind of who we are so, I would say yeah, it sort of gives the band a different insight though we kept an eye on the world so

If you are a hardcore fan or want to be, I’d recommend you to listen par-

far and I’d say we’re very eclectic like that. We’ve been listening to a lot

ticularly to Zemlya Sannikova, as I feel it’s the most melancholic song, due

of different kinds of music, from everywhere in the world. I guess maybe,

to both lyrics and music. Another way to get into what we are, even who

more than being French, this is what makes us the band we are today, that

we are. Maybe the song I’m the most proud of.

and our personal backgrounds.

BWD: So, penultimate question time; the band have just come back off a BWD: Aside from yourselves, what other bands do you feel represent the

seventeen month tour of the world supporting their multi-platinum album

French music scene best today?

release. As you land at the airport you suddenly remember you left a pot of half-eaten yogurt out. Upon returning home you find the yogurt has mutated

Nicolas: If you mean among all existing famous bands, we’d say Gojira,

and evolved during the previous year’s unusually radioactive summer, and is

Phoenix and Daft Punk (for example). If you’re talking about bands like

now refusing to let you back into the house or return your all-in-one foot-spa

us, not quite famous and struggling their way through the music industry,

and massager you so desperately need after having spent so long on the road.

we’d definitely say Admiral’s Arms (RIP) and The Prestige.

You’re tired and jet-lagged and in three day old underwear and in no mood to deal with the consequences of possible homicide charges against milk-

BWD: And which do you feel are being under-represented or ignored by the

products, so decide to go to a friend’s house to ask for a bed for the night.

industry?

Knowing they will want to know why you are asking them for help, who do you think you could trust enough to believe you when you turn upon their

Nicolas: These exact same last ones. Admiral’s Arms (RIP) and The

door-step, aching feet and all?

Prestige. We also have quite an admiration for the work of Rise of the North Star. You can tell how hard these guys work and how passionate

Florian: In this case, who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters!

and true they are.

BWD: And finally; what does the future hold? Any future plans or announceBWD: Which one track on your new album The Unexpected Way of Things

ments on the horizon?

would you recommend fans listen to first?

Nicolas: We hope we’ll get to tour and travel the world doing what we Florian: We first released two songs, Maunder’s Tale and This Is a Slow

love the most. We hope we’ll get to meet new people and eat awesome

Ride.

food. One thing is certain, we’ll be touring first thing around September or so. Once everyone is back in school, we’ll be back on the road.

Maunder’s Tale seems to be a good sample of what we can do: You have the three voices, synth and additional drums, and on top of that Cory of Norma Jean as a guest.

BWD Magazine • www.bwdradio.com • 25

bwd records, llc independent music label of the south

BWD Records Releases Artist “5 M.I.C-Z” Self~Titled Debut Album!!

Available In All Major Digital Outlets Worldwide 7/16/13 Why Wait?

Get Your Own Copy Now!! www.bwdrecords.com

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