Anniversary Issue by Heart Eyes Magazine

KEEP PRINT

ALIVE

THE REGRETTES

ron gallo + carlie hanson + potty MOUTH + deeper

Lucy Dacus TWIN XL / NINA NESBITT SLOW PULP / THE DUNE FLOWERS

$20 hearteyesmag.com/issues

the team editor in chief gabi yost creative director jared elliott public relations caleigh wells & ashleigh haddock photography coordinator heather zalabak production jiselle santos & hailey hale social media madi mize editor ava butera copy editor erin christie marketing mallory haynes, mckayla grace & rachel albright

the contributors writers

emma schoors, carly tagen-dye, caroline rohnstock, ej jolly, chelsea holecek, victoria price, alex hopkins, amy paine, amelia zollner, jada moore, maria kornacki

photographers

mallory turner, madison mead, bella peterson, athena merry, caylee robillard, dana jacobs, megan briggs, sam rice

graphics

becca burroughs, sydney wisner, kendall wisniewski, madyson barnfield

twitter @hearteyesmag instagram @hearteyesmag website hearteyesmag.com

for submissions & questions, email us at

hearteyesmag@gmail.com

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

TWO YEARS! Heart Eyes Magazine is two years old! We have accomplished so much due to the drive and passion of the team, contributors, and for the love given to us by you, the reader. This issue is a special one where we will look back on the past features and what we have achieved for our anniversary during the last two years in the form of a yearbook issue. We have featured some phenomenal artists in the past and I cannot wait for the future to add artists to the list! For those of you who have been following us from the begging, or have just stumbled upon us, we thank you and we are so grateful for the constant support! Heart Eyes Magazine has brought dozens of people together because of the music and art that takes up our everyday worlds. Welcome to the Yearbook Issue. We love you, enjoy.

gabi yost, editor in chief

CONTENTS

interviews

reads culture wars courier club aldous harding dagny remo drive nina nesbitt yungblud jet black alley cat coast modern potty mouth the regrettes carlie hanson bad suns hinds the unlikely candidates idkhow jukebox the ghost rock isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t dead. cuco twin xl the greeting committee

8 16 17 18 22 32 36 40 42 44 45 50 56 57 58 60 61 62 66 68 74

photos aly and aj ashe greta van fleet blackbear hardcastle maggie rogers post animal hailey reinhart vampire weekend hozier japanese house hippo campus twin peaks lovelytheband our last night.

6 10 14 15 20 24 25 30 34 38 64 70 72 76 78

morgxn hunny joan

12 26 52

Aly Aly & & AJ AJ

Photos by bella Peterson

CULTURE WARS 8

Written by EJ Jolly Culture Wars, a three-piece electro-rock band out of Austin, TX, has most certainly cemented their spot amongst the Texas music scene. Rising from the dust of their previous band The Vanity, Culture Wars’ self-titled debut EP was full of catchy, aggressive tunes. Their newest single “Let Me Down”, which released back in May, is an interesting change to the band’s usual sound. It's definitely not missing their melodic guitar licks and heady vocals, but the tone is much more electronic than what fans may be used to from the band. Synth drastically shapes the tone rather than the usual drum and bass, marking an interesting divide between “Let Me Down” and the rest of their catalog. But it’s still so clearly Culture Wars, leaving fans eagerly awaiting what's coming up for the band next.

Photos by mallory turner

ASH

morgxn morgxn morgxn by Hailey Hale

If you haven’t been living under a rock for the past couple of months, chances are you’ve heard the name morgxn. His music has taken the nation by storm, and since his song ‘home’ hit the radio he has been on a constant rise to the top. He’s currently embarking on a major US tour supporting ARIZONA, and though his schedule is jam packed I got the chance to ask him some questions about music, touring, and life in general. So ﬁrst off, I just want to say a huge congratulations on all the success ‘home’ has gotten. I think it is very well deserved, and was wondering how the collaboration with Walk The Moon came about? How was the writing process between you both? morgxn: Nicholas and I have been friends for several years. I started sharing early demos of the record with him as i was making it. I think it was 'me without you' that really hit a different chord with him. We had written a couple times just hanging out -- but the idea to collaborate on 'home' came organically. He and I were 12

both performing at lollapalooza (my first time) and I wanted to do something special. It seems like a natural fit. So with the success of ‘home’ you have done a lot of touring with the song, does the song take on a new meaning when you are performing it to a room of your adoring fans who might consider your music home? morgxn: Wow. what a beautiful question. I think some artists might say when you release a song 'it's no longer yours anymore' but the truth is... I feel this music every time I perform. it's what has made this process so special for me. feeling and living in these songs and watching as people connect to them. I think, though, that 'home' has taken a life of it's own. and it's beautiful to watch it leave my body and become someone else's. There's really nothing like it. ’Home’ obviously isn’t your only success as one of your songs ‘vital’ has resonated deeply with your fans. What are three things that are most vital to you and why?

morgxn: My mother. Because she is the rock. And has been through so much. It's beautiful to see her blossom even at her age. She continues to inspire me, y music, because it has been my lifeline. And humanity. because this process has taught me more about humanity than anything. Seeing people turn my art into art is something i can't describe. And seeing people bond over the music and create community through it. That's the side of humanity that keeps me inspired and hopeful. Back on the topic of touring, I know last year you were super busy on the road opening for a lot of shows. I saw you in Austin with Dreamers, and have never seen an opener encapture the crowd so thoroughly! How did you, as an opener, keep the room so engaged? morgxn: That is very kind. I pretend like every show is my show. You have just embarked on a huge tour, which is very exciting! What are you most looking forward to now that you are the headliner for some of the dates? morgxn: I’m still working up to it. But I look forward to more songs and more variety in my set. I like to have different peaks and valleys every show. and short sets don't allow for that. With all this success that’s come your way recently, you’ve gained a whole army of fans who really look up to you and the ﬁght for equality that you stand up for. What would be your one piece of advice you’d give your fans who are struggling with adversity or are struggling with the idea of speaking out? morgxn: KEEP GOING. Your differences will be your beauty mark. I wish I could have heard that when I was younger. I had days and nights where I didn't think I would make it. All of that makes you

who you are. And all of that is vital. Keep going. Keep going. Keep going. So I know this was not a collaboration, more of a cool pairing, but I saw you got to meet Rami Malek when you had your big late night TV debut on Jimmy Kimmel. How did that whole experience feel? What were some emotions you had that night? Did you have any 'fangirl' moments? morgxn: TV/late night is this holy grail of the music industry. When i found out I'd be on Jimmy Kimmel I felt both excited and nervous. Although sometimes I get those two confused. But in actuality - the day of the taping. I felt more at home than I have felt the last two years. I think something about timing and a bit of magic - it just felt like home. Rami is a cool, kind, and beautiful human. His energy was maybe a bit calming for me that day too. It was special to be on the show right after he won the Golden Globe. Ok, a bit of a fun one. If you could describe the overall vibe of your headlining tour in an ice cream ﬂavor, which one would it be? morgxn: Birthday cake. Lastly, is there any sneak peak of an upcoming project that you can give the readers of Heart Eyes Magazine? morgxn: New music. New music. New music. With a passion for creating good music, and a voice that refuses to be silent, I can only guess that we will be seeing much more from morgxn in the coming years. Make sure you listen to his newest single ‘Holy Water’ and catch him opening for ARIZONA this summer because, he is an artist you do not want to miss.

Photos by Caylee Robillard

Greta Van Fleet

bbllaacckkbbee aarr photos photos by by Sam Sam Rice Rice

meet the underclassmen

Courier Club Your New Obsession Written by Emma Schoors With four singles in their catalog, each of post-punk, Philly-based band Courier Club’s tracks stand well on their own, yet all of them have a common mantra of Strokes-esque guitars and vocals comparable to those of Catfish and the Bottlemen, both of which the band has been compared to frequently. A perfect example of this uniqueness is “Soapbox Sunday”, which mends revamped early 2000’s riffs and modern complexity. The track builds tension slowly through Jack Kessler’s drums and bursts into lyrics that hit hard. “You’re withering your worth away, slipping up on words you used to say with ease.” Coming down from the high of the middle section, the highlight of the track has to be the playful bridge. This novelistic way of writing, made possible by lead singer Timmy Waldron, is working well for the band, as it keeps things unpredictable and fun. Taking bits and pieces of inspiration from vintage video games and modern social situations, Courier Club is something completely different from what you’d expect of a post-punk group. In the compulsion to label them something else comes the realization that the band doesn’t really need a genre label, and fitting under one can sometimes turn out boring. Anything but boring, Courier Club has the secret musical recipe down, and they’re sure to gain even more traction in the future.

meet the underclassmen

Aldous Harding Written by Maria Kornacki Hannah Harding, known professionally as Aldous Harding, is a New Zealand folk singer-songwriter. Her album Party was nominated for IMPALA’s European Album of the Year Award. This 2017 record also came with a new label, 4AD. Folk storytelling has been at the root of Harding’s music. Her latest album, Designer explores more of the introspective intimacy heard on her previous albums. She appears to effortlessly place word formations in the right place, highlighting their poetic potency. She delivers songs and then mysteriously leaves them up to the listener to decipher. Thus, creating more allure to her artistry. Harding has proved minimal chords and carefully woven lyrics resonate well on their own. She let her artistic expression loose for “The Barrel” music video, showing off more of her playful side. Her interpretive dance moves and outlandish style choices allowed viewers to peek inside her active mind. I find myself hung up on lyrics like, “I rushed in to hold down your page / And now I sleep ‘side words you do not read with me”, “When you jump, up and down / The chains, almost sound, like a tambourine”, and “You slide like a bangle down the day’s arm”.

Written by Chelsea Holecek

I stumbled upon Norwegian artist Dagny during a late night Spotify shuffle session. There’s something enthralling about a decently carefree pop song—most of my playlists are chock full of upbeat tracks. So when a song like “Too Young” by the aforementioned pop star showed up, it’s like I hit the jackpot. She’s been an ever-growing presence since 2015 with her debut single “Backbeat,” a record that ties together her first EP Ultraviolet. It’s a five-track addiction, laced with a sense of enthusiasm. It quickly became the soundtrack to my car rides to and from work and long road trips. Garnering millions of streams on Spotify, she’s estab-

lished herself as a star in the making, working alongside some of the music industry’s hottest producers like Steve Aoki and Seeb. Perhaps most critics might be familiar with her recent career accomplishment— Katy Perry sampled Dagny’s hit 2017 track “Love You Like That” for her comeback single “Never Really Over.” It further proves the 28-year-old’s unique knack for catchy hooks and infectious rhythms. Dagny creates music for the true pop music lovers—the ones who devote their lives to radio-friendly smashes and lovesick anthems. Sometimes energetic and

beat-driven music can be perceived as generic—it all sounds the same in a sea full of other rising stars trying to stand out. But the singer serves a dose of individuality in every bit of art she releases. Dagny’s music has a distinct air of originality, booming club beats and devoted love lyrics. You can dance, cry, and profess your affections for someone to a Dagny song—it makes sense somehow. As a rising female artist, she solidifies a place for fun pop music where music elitism attempts to bring it down. 19

HARDCASTLE Photos by Bella Peterson

REMO DRIVE

Written by Amelia Zollner Since the release of their popular 2017 album Greatest Hits, which garnered widely positive reviews and gained the band much of their fame, the emo band Remo Drive, composed of brothers Erik and Stephen Paulson, has been hard at work with a variety of projects. In 2018, Remo Drive released their EP Pop Music. To support both the EP and the album, the band has consistently toured around the United States, bringing their charismatic live shows to a variety of venues and small festivals. This year, the band underwent a drastic change in sound when they were signed by Epitaph Records. Their sophomore album Natural, Everyday Degradation, released on May 31, strays away from the band’s typical garage rock sound and features much cleaner production and more polished instrumentals. In order to promote their new record, Remo Drive is currently touring the United States. Possibly the band’s best aspect is their live shows. Remo Drive puts on the most energetic shows I’ve ever seen, packing small venues with energetic fans that create long-lasting mosh pits. Even with the band’s new sound, their loyal listeners are still in love with the music they create and can’t wait to hear what’s in store for the next few years.

Photos by Dana Jacobs

Maggie Rogers

POST ANIMAL POST ANIMAL POST ANIMAL POST ANIMAL Photos by Ava Butera

HUNNY took the time out of their tour with Citizen and Knuckle Puck to sit down with us and chat about their upcoming debut album, “Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes,” out July 19 Interview by Mallory Haynes | Photos by Caylee Robillard

Thank you for taking the time to sit down with Heart Eyes! We’re really excited to have you guys in our publication again. Alright, so are you guys excited for your album, “Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes,” coming out two months from today? HUNNY: Yeah, super stoked for that to come out. Been a long time coming and we’re happy to do it with Epitaph, and happy to hear what people think, for sure.

I really like “Lula, I’m Not Really? That’s exciting! Mad,” your lead single. Is the JAKE: Stoked. Hopefully album’s sound in any way people like it. indicative of how that song KEVIN: We don’t have a sounds? video for it yet, we’ll have to HUNNY: Hard to say. Um, I do that when we get home. mean, like, when the next one But it should be cool. comes out, it - I don’t know. It’s very hard to explain. I think Have y’all been having fun on everything sounds like that, tour so far? What’s been your but also not like that at all. I favorite city? mean - there’s elements of the HUNNY: Yeah, absolutely. We same stuff. Like, we use a lot didn’t play, but I think it was of the same guitars and stuff Montreal. Yeah, we just went like that. Sonically, there are and hung out in Montreal. Can y’all tell me a little bit similarities, but I think that the about the [album] process? songwriting is different. And What would your dream Who and what certain artists they’re written in different collab be? If you could pick or albums inspired you during ways. It’s cohesive and any artist living or dead. the recording process? eclectic. KEVIN: I’d choose Charli JAKE: We wrote it all XCX. I would love to feature together, just as far as the Do you guys have a favorite her. I love her. actual process of creating it. song - that hasn’t been reJAKE: That’s a pretty damn We were demoing a bunch leased yet - off of “Yes Yes Yes good one. at Kevin’s house while there Yes Yes?” KEVIN: It’s pretty good, I were literal, like, fires in his KEVIN: I think “Lula” was my mean, if not collab like, “Yo, backyard and crazy stuff favorite. help me write a chorus on a going on. Yeah, he had, like, JASON: That one was one of song!” firemen sleeping in his my top ones. I think “Change JASON: She has the best backyard so that was kind of a Your Mind” is my favorite. hooks. For sure. focal point for us being like, “I JAKE: I like parts of a lot of KEVIN: So, I think that would feel like there’s a sense of them. Selfishly, I like - there’s be cool. That’s the one like I urgency.” So a lot of the songs a song that I like the guitars can think collaborates with are faster and like might just on, so I got to play a bunch of people. Like, we could say be in direct correlation to weird stuff and that was fun. Paramore, but does Paramore what was happening around But like, as a whole song, I collab with people? Probably us. think “Saturday Night” might not. be my favorite. That comes 27 out Tuesday.

JASON: I would love to have Hayley [Williams] sing on a song. Yeah, sh*t, I don’t know. I don’t know what else. Who could we get to play like a freaking crazy guitar solo on something someday? HUNNY: Bucket Head. Yeah, get Bucket Head on a guitar solo. Do you guys have a favorite song - just on this tour set specifically - that you love to play over others? JAKE: We love playing - oh, I forgot that that’s not out yet. That might be my favorite song, period, on the record. But we open with this song, it’s called “Slow Death in Pacific Standard Time,” and it’s likeKEVIN: It’s three tempo changes… JASON: It’s just crazy, like, sonically. It starts like, really fast. JAKE: It’ll probably make no sense.

KEVIN: If I never heard that song before and it just started playing, I’d be like, “I don’t know what’s going on,” So it probably won’t make sense to y’all, butJAKE: And then you’ll hear it in the context of the record and be like, “Ohhh.” So it’s fun to open sets with, because it kind of throws people off. You watch a lot of people do this [looking confused]. Well, what does the rest of 2019 and the next year look like for HUNNY? JAKE: Trying to promote this release and hopefully making, like - this last video we made with our friend Logan was so fun that, like, we’re just thinking of ideas and treatments and stuff for the next songs that we want to make videos for. So hopefully we can figure out how to do that and keep touring and just keep the ball rolling a little bit.

Haley Reinhart

photos by Sydney Wisner

NINA NESBI Written by Caroline Rohnstock // Photo by Sydney Wisner 32

I first heard about Scottish singer-songwriter Nina Nesbitt back in 2013 when she had platinum blonde hair, a guitar in hand, and a folky sound. I fell in love with the honesty she portrays in her songs, her emotional ballads, sometimes heartbroken lyrics, and her messages of moving on and growing up. With that in mind, I was disappointed when her debut 2015 album, Peroxide, was only released in the U.K. After some Google searching, I discovered she was dropped by her label. She faded for awhile, but every now and then, she would pop up with a song she wrote and recorded in her bedroom, and I would be entranced again. When 2019 rolled around, a pinkhaired Nesbitt announced she would be releasing her second album; after all these years of waiting, “Nesbians” (the lovely term for her fanbase) were thrilled! The few singles she released before the album were

ITT much more mature than her previous teenage songs, and it was clear she has grown both emotionally and in her songwriting abilities. She eventually was able to sign with indie label, Cooking Vinyl, and was able to release her second album on February 1 of this year. After the release of her mature, emotional, and well-composed album, The Sun Will Come Up, The Seasons Will Change, Nesbitt has continued to prove herself as a strong performer and songwriter. Moving away from her folk roots and experimenting with beats and a more pop sound, she has shown just how much an artist can grow if they chose to be adventurous. The 13 songs on the record are all delicately placed within the tracklist, meant to be listened to in order as she expressed her story. She covers feelings and situations many of us twenty-something-year-olds are experiencing, and she has a way of putting all those

feelings and moments into songs that make you say, ”Wow this was written for me.” From empowering anthems, to songs about the nerves you might have when admitting your feelings to someone, to the feeling of with falling in love, to expressing what it feels like to be lost in what you’re doing with your life… she covers it all. One of my personal favorites includes the title tack, “The Sun Will Come Up The Seasons Will Change.” I think everyone should listen to this song anytime they feel uncertain about their future or unsure of anything ahead. Her lyric, “My life’s uncertain/ and sometimes it’s strange/ but one thing I know is/ it won’t stay the same/ even in the dark times I’ll be okay/ the sun will come up, the seasons will change,” is a gentle reminder that things can be uncertain, change is good, and the sun will always rise just like the seasons will always change. Track, “Is It Really Me You’re Missing,” cuts deep with it’s simple inclusion of piano accompanying her hauntingly beautiful voice asking the question, is this person truly missing me as a person, or do they just need somebody to hold for a night? The line, “If I pick up the phone tonight/ will it be pieces by the morning/ am I the only number that you’ve tried/ or is it just another lonely night?” always hits me “in the feels.” Nesbitt knows just what she’s doing, taking a relatable subject from her experiences and turning it into a song for anyone to listen to when they need it. I was lucky enough to catch Nesbitt on her North American tour for the album before she toured the U.K. and Australia. Even though she was performing in this small dive bar, her stage presence made it feel like I was at some “girl power” arena show. Her strong voice and genuine quality when explaining the meaning behind her songs is so entertaining to see but it also makes you feel like you’re one of her best friends and she needed to sing this song about a fuckboy not only for herself, but for you too. Following the success of her album, she signed to Kobalt Music and Publishing, a new label that will allow her to write more songs the world needs: powerful bops and ballads. This includes her most recent release, “Afterhours,” with pop artist AJ Mitchell. The track is all about non-committal love: asking to keep a relationship even after the bar closes, and the lack of pressure with no labels. The fun pop beat along with Nina’s vocals makes this the perfect summer jam that I find myself dancing to whenever it plays. May Nina Nesbitt always release empowering bangers and songs to get us “all up in our feels,” especially with the help of this new label! 33

Vampire Weekend

Photos by Ava Butera

YUNGBLUD 36

Written by Victoria Price Last time we caught up with UK rocker Yungblud was last fall, while he was on his 2018 North American tour supporting his first album, 21st Century Liability. Since then, the success has been on a steady incline. While there isn’t much news about a second album, he’s continued to release music in 2019, creating anticipation for the next record. His first release of the year was “11 Minutes” featuring singer Halsey and Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, charting at number five on the US Billboard Hot Rock Songs chart. “11 Minutes” was followed by “Loner” and “Parents” with the most recent being “I Think I’m Okay,” featuring rapper Machine Gun Kelly and another collab with Barker. Yungblud is currently on the North American leg of his Don’t Wanna Be a Loner tour, and fans wait in excitement for news of a sophomore album.

HOZIER HOZIER HOZIER photos by caleigh wells

JET BLACK ALLEY CAT Wrtitten by Amy Paine | Photos by Bella Peterson Nashville-based Jet Black Alley Cat have been busy since they were featured in Issue 6 of Heart Eyes. Their vintage-inspired, dramatic, rock-and-roll style hasn’t changed, but they’ve since released a second EP, Motel. This EP builds on their recognizable style and incorporates a more traditional pop sound on its three main tracks, as well as a series of softer interludes that divide the tracks. Jet Black has also been working to actively grow their fan base through “Lovers USA,” an idea that allows fans to gain a closer relationship with the band through exchanging letters. This idea also expanded to create a street team. This direct interaction with supporters, as well as their maturing sound, has contributed to their growing popularity.

Although Jet Black Alley Cat’s level of interaction with their listeners is unique in and of itself, the band also stands out from other acts by sticking to a strong, dramatic vintage vibe that appeals to their audience. They have never been one to follow trends, and that has remained consistent throughout their career. It’s especially apparent in their live shows: JBAC just finished a spring run through the Eastern half of The United States. Currently, the five-piece is in the midst of a summer tour, with stops across the West. Tour dates are available through Jet Black Alley Cat’s website and social media pages- keep an ear open for when they’ll be near you!

Written by Caroline Rohnstock

After their whirlwind debut at SXSW 2016, indie pop duo Coast Modern has been on a roll ever since. As a fan of groovy indie pop myself, I feel the LA-based band is a match made in music heaven. Guitarist Luke Atlas and singer Coleman Trapp have a way of creating tunes that make you feel like you’re in the room with them, watching them combine different beats and harmonies just for the fun of it. The result is refreshing songs to groove to or have on in the background. Their songs feel different than a lot of the indie pop out there. This is probably due to their ability to combine beats and odd sounds, such as from a kitchen sink, into a light, airy, or beachy kind of song. Their debut self-titled album was released in July 2017, and the duo has been touring with the tunes for the past year. Some of my favorites include “Run it Up” and “Dive”! They have a way of transporting you into a calm and dreamlike state. It’s that kind of album you can play straight through over and over without even noticing. It’s feel good vibes in all of the 18 songs, so who wouldn’t want that during these summer months?

POTTYH

MOUT We are in a time where feminism has grown even further on a louder, more unapologetic scale (though also hurting more of the credibility to some, especially those who would rather their rights be fought on an intersectional matter more than with flimsy pussy hats). This growth in modern-day feminism has yet again shown itself in bands with strong female voices, unafraid of the world they face: The Regrettes, CHVRCHES, Bad Cop, Bad Cop, Doll Skin, and even the continuation of historic bands like Bikini Kill, Sleater-Kinney, etc. And if there’s one who has continued the best of female-fronted rock bands, Potty Mouth certainly do follow through in spades. While only releasing two albums (2013’s Hell Bent and this year’s SNAFU, as well as two EP’s in-between) since their formation in 2011, the trio has made their name in the business seen and groove in every sense of their genre of surf-rock.

By: Alex Hopkins

A big part of what helps make the Massachusetts-born band sustain their sound is through lead singer’s Abby Weems and her controlled baritone voice, which serves as hauntingly bitter and yet soothing to the ears. In songs like “Cherry Picking” or “Creeper Weed”, Weems as well as the stellar bass work done by bassist Ally Einbinder sustain such a danceable hold on the listener, you may as well sense yourself in the midst of a dance party in your friend’s basement. Though the band has gone through changes, it seems like every day they are growing; since 2015’s self-titled EP and especially SNAFU, they have had the assistance of Death Cab For Cutie’s Chris Walla, the trio is going on tour soon with Dressy Bessy and Colleen Green. Yet arguably, its that lowkey status that also lets their music, and even the band themselves, shine further. That low-fi, unapologetic feel, where bliss comes in the form of medium-sized venues and a few festivals here and there? Potty Mouth revels in it, and it is what makes them the best at what they do.

THE THE REGRETTES REGRETTES Second Anniversay Recap In February of this year, Heart Eyes had the privilege of The Regrettes gracing our cover. For this feature, photographer Ava Butera got to speak with the band about the inspiration behind their hit “Poor Boy.” The young group of musicians has always used their platform to speak out on political and social topics. As they’ve grown in success, they’ve also grown in passion and social advocacy. But before you start to think they take themselves too seriously, be sure to check out their series of cooking videos for some quality education and entertainment. And if you’re new to The Regrettes, check out their newest single ‘Dress Up.’ Once you fall in love with their quirky personalities and perfectly angsty alt-pop sound, you’ll have to score tickets to their 2019 summer and fall tours.

COIN

A Love Letter to the Band that Started it All

Written by Erin Christie / Photos by Athena Merry

urning eighteen is a significant milestone. Once you turn eighteen, you are legally considered an adult. You can vote in state and federal elections. You can get a tattoo without parental consent. When I got my first tattoo just after I turned eighteen, I knew I wanted to get something that would be significant to me years later. Laying in a small studio in Somerville, Mass, I decided to immortalize Chase Lawrence’s handwriting, forever inking his script onto my left elbow. That was nearly two years ago and I still look at that $70 piece with an incomparable fondness. The lyric from “Fingers Crossed” that I chose— “We all grow older/ still incomplete”— has been a reminder of a moment when I feel most jubilant: the culmination of a COIN show, the moment when the audience gathers, fingers crossed as the track named after the action begins as a way to end the set. As I’ve grown with COIN constantly streaming through my earbuds, that phrase written in ink serves a reminder of that growth, that love that I have been able to foster as a result of their music and the community that I have encountered through them. In many ways, COIN has been an important part of my life for the past few years, allowing me to meet so many wonderful people, make the best memories, and even crash a local college gig and fight drunken college kids with my dear friends. For the past almost five years since the boys entered my life, I’ve spent my young adulthood soundtracked by their two studio records, each potent with sentimentality, hope, and a genuine sense of clarity regarding the basics of life and love to the complexities of maturing into adulthood and coming to terms with one’s sense of self. While I’m able to dance my heart out to “Don’t Cry 2020,” I’m also able to reflect on the existential dread present within the lyrics. It’s that duality that makes them so impactful: their ability to write a perfect summer hit whilst also being able to draw upon the more dismal.

As remarkable as their discography, a COIN show truly feels like a homecoming, as many can attest to. Each time I witness that Converse-clad foursome take a venue by storm, their songs come to life. It’s no question that over the years, the boys of COIN have found themselves playing in less than conventional circumstances, two of those more recent events having (luckily for me) taken place in my home state of Connecticut. My first COIN show unfolded in the heart of Mohegan Sun Casino and Resort where I was able to witness the boys perform to a crowd of no more than a dozen at the infamous Wolf Den. Despite only being seventeen at the time, some friends and I ambushed the stage area, hidden among the slot machines and blackjack tables, to witness “Boyfriend” being played for the first time live, joined in by a chorus of animatronic wolves that would howl at each hour. That night, I knew with utmost clarity that this was a band I was willing to go to the extremes for and that love hasn’t died since. Aside from being utterly talented musicians, noting the absolute kindness behind the four boys—Chase, Ryan, Joe, and Matt—is a total must. What made me fall in love with COIN, aside from their infectious tunes, was their genuine heart and dedication to not only their craft, but to their fans as well. They make a conscious effort to stay connected and it’s refreshing to see. While they create music that I wholeheartedly enjoy, it’s nice to know that under the surface, the people behind that stellar sound are just as wonderful and worthy of support.

This love letter aside, it goes without saying that the staff of Heart Eyes Magazine have a bit of a soft spot for COIN (if our publication name doesn’t give that away). Despite our inherent positive bias, it’s not unjustified even from a journalistic standpoint. For many, if not all, of us, COIN has become a stereotypical beacon of hope, a reminder of the small ounces of goodness in the world that oftentimes get overshadowed. Strictly speaking, their discography oozes a positive energy that cannot be matched (if you’re willing to ignore the outright skewness of such a statement). Heart Eyes Magazine, plainly and simply, wouldn’t exist without those boys joining together and creating something that meant something to them. In the same manner, we, the staff, joined together and made something that is meaningful to us—a publication inspired by a little not-so Christian band from the West—and without their influence, everything that we have been able to accomplish would’ve lain dormant, undiscovered and unfulfilled. Since being introduced to COIN during my sophomore year of high school, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly significant and the same can be said for anyone who’s given them a listen in any capacity. On the brink of their third studio LP, it’s certain that my heart’s been fluttering a beat in time to the kick drum in their latest single, “Crash My Car.” Regardless as to the direction they’re heading in, I (and the rest of the Heart Eyes staff) will be standing beside them each step of the way with pride.

CARLIEHANSON

Written by McKayla Dyk | Photos by Ava Butera Viral success is the catalyst for many aspiring musicians. Carlie Hanson is one of them. After she posted a cover of her singing ZAYN’s “Pillowtalk” for a radio contest, she caught a break. It’s quite relatable—Hanson was merely trying to win tickets to see ZAYN in concert just like any other dedicated fan. She went from a McDonald’s cashier to a rising pop star. It’s a big change for a very impressionable teenager. Now as a vibrant 19-year-old, Hanson has already become a name many can’t forget. Since her tremendous success of her single “Only One”—a true pop-perfect jam—she’s settling nicely alongside some of pop’s most promising acts. She embarked on a nationwide tour with Troye Sivan and Kim Petras. Also her catchy tunes have caught the attention of stars like Taylor Swift—the singer included some of Hanson’s tracks on some of her own curated Apple Music playlists. With her recent milestone of signing with Warner Bros. Records came the release of her debut EP Junk. There’s no right or wrong way to do pop music. It can be experimental, edgy, eccentric, and any other creative word pulled out of a hat. But with Hanson, she cultivates a song that makes us feel like we’re listening to a close friend read their diary. We’re entering the mind of a soon-to-be 20-year-old—someone who’s just trying to figure out love, life, and purpose. Each song is laced with honesty, glittered with a bit of bubblegum pop only Hanson can portray. The artist forces us to listen without a sense of bossiness—we’re genuinely interested in what she wants to say. Hanson has had us hooked since we first discovered her. Good thing she’s just getting started. 51

an interview with

by hailey hale Southern Arkansas-based, retro-pop duo, joan, recently made their way to Austin, Texas to show that no matter how cold it gets, they will always bring the heat. With their new single ‘Drive All Night’ having been released early this year, performing in sold out venues, and the vigorous touring schedule this past spring, it could be said that joan is a busy and active band. However, they made some time to answer some of our questions before their big show in Austin. Steven: We love Heart Eyes! Alan: Yep, there you go end of the interview, love you guys so much. Awesome, thank you so much! Ok, first off I want to welcome you back to Austin, how are you enjoying your stay? Both: Thank you! Alan: It’s been a while. It has been since, what last year? Steven: Yeah, last fall. Alan: We love it here, the weather is awesome right now! That’s good! We hope you love it and come back all the time! Alan: Yeah, we want to. So, y’all have been touring with The Aces for a while now. What has been the best experience so far? Alan: Every show’s been amazing, there hasn’t been a bad show, bad city. Um, I don’t know I feel like every night has been getting better. Steven: I don’t know if San Diego sold out, but it was the biggest show we’ve had and it was packed in there! It was their big room in the House Of Blues San Diego, and it was insane! Like, as far as shows, that was so far out. It was awesome. Alan: The energy and the crowd was awesome.

HEM: That’s great! Steven: It was a bunch of people that were super into it. It felt really cool. HEM: Well that’s awesome! Alan: When you’re touring as an opener, you never know who’s heard of you, who hasn’t, but I feel like with The Aces we have some good cross over of fan bases, so it’s nice to go in and see people who know our songs and stuff. Steven: Yeah, because it was like, almost all sold out whenever we were added on to it, and so we were super surprised to see people who knew us already. Or who looked us up from that, like a lot of people don’t do that, like they go and don’t care about the opener.

HEM: Well when y’all got announced it was the reason I came, so that’s really awesome. Steven: Thank you, thank you.

So, speaking of touring, y’all have been pretty busy the past couple of months. Constant touring, and releasing new music, so I just want to know how y’all manage the busy schedule?

Alan: We’re learning how to do that right now. Last year we toured quite a bit but it wasn’t like crazy, crazy. This year we’re gonna have been gone for like, almost a full two months at the beginning of the year already. It’s almost the second month of the year, so by the end of this, which I think we’re done with The Aces and then we’re doing this festival in the Philippines in the middle of march. Steven: Yeah March! Alan: So by the end of that it’s gonna be nice, like to take a little breath and then you know, who knows what touring looks like after that. We’ve got some irons in the fire on that, so it’s like, maybe we’ll get a break after but, I think what we’re learning, to answer your question, is like we’re trying to learn the balance of touring and writing. It’s a very hard thing. HEM: And very important! Alan: Because Steven will drive us, and I’m over trying to think of some stuff to pitch to him, and we’ll kinda try to write in the van, but it’s just hard to not have your daily schedule that we have back home, which is basically like 10-5 writing every day and recording. We don’t get to do that. That part sucks, but we love touring at the same time. HEM: Well that’s great!! Steven: And we’re in this weird spot too where we are saying yes to everything, at the same time it’s just three, like us and him (tour manager) total, like three people total just going on the road, so we’re doing all the work as far as like, I mean everything! Alan: Set up, tear down. HEM: That’s crazy. Steven: We’re doing everything ourselves. Alan: Which is great! Steven: It’s super great, it’s just writing kind of ends up on the back burner. Alan: There’s no time for it basically. HEM: Well all the songs are great, so you know it works out. Both: Thank you! So, you spoke about the Wanderlands performance. That’s pretty big. Steven: It is, we’re very excited! HEM: So what are y’all feeling, like give me some emotions. Alan: I’m honestly so surprised at how many fans we have in the Philippines. HEM: Really? Alan: Yeah, like I had no idea, and I think we knew just from Spotify data and stuff, like we could see that we had some fans in Asia, but until we saw the announcement and then the reaction from them. And I think they crave and love, from what we can tell, American pop music. Maybe just pop music in general, but there’s this rapid group of fans of American pop music there that I didn’t know existed. So to watch them start spreading our music around to their friends and stuff, like I have no idea what to expect with the size of the crowd, but all the pictures look like it’s just a massive festival.

HEM: Yeah, it’s huge!! So, congratulations! Steven: Well, bands on the list are insane. HEM: It’s so huge! Steven: So it’s crazy that we’re able to play with them. Yeah, this is a big, big thing! So, ‘Drive All Night’ is your newest single, and I know some fans, a lot of fans, are calling it joan’s best work yet. Steven: Oh wow, well I haven’t heard that. HEM: So do you think any new singles are going to top it, and if so can I get a little something about it? Steven: *Laughs*. I think they’re gonna top it, I think we hope that everything tops the next one. But also at the same time we hope they’re all really amazing songs. That’s kinda the goal right now, like write the best songs that we can, and release the best songs we can. Alan: I think we’re looking at ‘Drive All Night’ as kind of a bridge into where we’ve been and where we’re going. Like production wise, just like who we’ve partnered with right now, producer wise it feels like our biggest song, like sonically, and it really gets there. We’re kind of with these new songs we’re writing and recording right now, they definitely have a nice new pop bit to them. We’re trying to get our foothold in that. HEM: So the new vibe is kinda more pop? Alan: Yeah, but still I would argue, and we’ll let the fans decide, but I would argue that it’s still very “joan”. Basically our version of pop. So, whatever that means. HEM: Yeah, I totally get what you’re saying. Steven: It’s not Portra all over again Alan: But it’s also not Ariana Grande. HEM: So a good mix? Steven: Yeah, a good mix. That’s the goal. Awesome! So with the release of ‘Drive All Night’, y’all put out a zine type post, so I thought that was really creative, and I wanted to know what inspired it, and how it came about? Steven: Yeah, I mean the shoot that we did for the artwork that we did for ‘Drive All Night’ the pictures that we weren’t using for the artwork, I was just looking at them and I don’t know. They just seemed so sick and so thematic, and we were like trying to figure out where we could fit in as far as magazines go, for press and stuff. We were trying to maybe partner with a magazine or something like that and it just wasn’t clicking right away, so we were like “let’s make our own magazine!”, and so that was kind of the idea behind it, and a lot of people have reached out and said they really dug it and want to get it, so we’re currently thinking on it. HEM: Like releasing physical? Steven: Yeah, that may be something we do in the future. It was kind of just a little feeling we put out, just to see if this was something people liked. It’s something we really loved creating and putting out, cause we do everything ourselves as far as visually and stuff, so why not make our own thing? 53

HEM: Well it worked really well! Both: Thank you! So speaking about inspirations and things like that, everyone knows y’all are one fashionable groups in the music industry. Steven: How about that? HEM: I just wanted to know if y’all have any fashion inspo’s? Anyone y’all look up to fashion wise? Steven: My current inspiration is Deer Wood. HEM: Deer Wood?? Steven: Just kidding. Alan: We’re really tapping into the southern Arkansas vibe. I think we both say we like retro inspired things, but we also like streetwear brands and stuff, but we don’t want to spend $1,000 on a shirt. Steven: For me, and I think for Alan too, we both are very much Goodwill people, second hand clothing. Alan: Thrift stores! HEM: It’s truly the way to go. Steven: Yeah, vintage stuff and things you find at Goodwill, and you can literally make your own outfit, so that’s kind of our overall inspiration. Alan: Making old stuff new. HEM: Yeah, it’s kinda the way your music goes. Kind of retro, but making it more modern. Alan: Hey I’ve never thought about that! HEM: It bleeds into all aspects! Steven: That’s a very nice parallel. Alan: All credit to you for that. Thank you! Now I’m going to ask you guys a tough one. If you had to choose one song, one of your songs, that you could never perform live again, which one would it be? Alan: We’re gonna get some hate mail for this I bet. Steven: Never perform live again? HEM: Yep! Alan: Well does it have to be something that is released? HEM: No! It can be something new, as long as you give me a clue about the song. Alan: I really can’t think of one, but if there was a least one. Go ahead man, what is it? I feel like it’s on the tip of your tongue. HEM: I know it’s a hard one. It’s a tough one. Steven: AHH. It is a tough one. I mean I don’t know. Alan: I love that I’m just letting you answer this. Steven: It’s crazy because we only have like, two songs out. Okay, I’ll say uhh. Alan: Come on you’re taking forever. Steven: I’m sorry! HEM: No you’re good, you’re good! It’s a really tough question. Alan: I just like how we completely bypassed me, you go right ahead man. Whenever you’re ready. HEM: Give him all the hate right? Alan: Be sure to put whatever he says “Steven said this” and “Alan no comment”. HEM: Yeah, I’ll make sure.

Steven: Okay, I’ll say. I think this is going to be a bad thing to say, but ‘Love Somebody Like You’ just because it’s like the one with, it’s one of the ones we’ve played longest. HEM: So you feel you could make room for new stuff? Steven: It’s not old to me, it’s just I know the whole thing so well. It’s like “well maybe?”, but at the same time everybody likes that song live, so it’s fresh every time. HEM: But it’s good to add something new. Alan: Yeah, if there’s any song that most people, even if they don’t know who we are yet have heard, like on Spotify radio or from a friend, ‘Love Somebody Like You’ is like the one. Steven: That’s the one that we won’t stop playing for a long time. Alan: So ask us again in three years and we’re gonna hate that song. HEM: Oh yeah, I’ll make sure to do that. Steven: Yeah, that one will probably stay on the set for a while, so it’s probably a good answer because it’s like “well maybe”. Like foreshadowing. Gotta keep people on their toes, right? Okay, so let’s talk about fans for a second. Y’all have some pretty dedicated fans, and a lot of them get some tattoos inspired by your work, so how does it feel to know you’ve changed some people’s lives so much they want a permanent reminder of you guys? Steven: Well literally some people came up to us last night with two new tattoos, or with a new tattoo. Alan: It’s pretty sick! Steven: Two friends and fans of us since the very beginning had matching tattoos. Alan: It blows my mind. Like it really does, just because I think it’s weird for me to think about this, and I mean this in the most respectful way possible cause I’m so grateful for it. HEM: Yes of course! Alan: It’s that thought process of “do I love an artist enough to do that?”, and I don’t know the answer to that. Like I love music, so for someone to love us as people and our music and for it to affect them as much to do that. I’m like, man that takes some dedication. HEM: It’s pretty crazy to think about. Alan: It is crazy, in such a great way. Steven: What I like about it, like last night the reason they did it was more for their friendship instead of us, which I thought was so cool because it’s like, they didn’t meet because of us but they really bonded going to shows, like our shows and like when we were touring with Coin they were following us and Coin the whole time. Alan: They were big fans. Steven: And like after that they fell in love with us, and followed us and that’s the reason they did it. It was more of a friendship thing, which I thought was sick because it’s like people are meeting and really bonding over going to shows, our shows, and that part was really cool. It’s like a community thing.

HEM: Yeah, I know tons of people who have met through your shows or through your music and it’s just really amazing and inspiring. Alan: I love it. That was a great question. Well thank you! So, for the fans who have never seen you live, what would you say in three words for them to expect from a joan live show? Only three words. Alan: “Oh, okay cool” HEM: Okay! That’s valid. Steven: “Decent music guys” HEM: Both valid points. Alan: Wait a minute, I love that! “Oh, okay cool. Decent music guys” HEM: Yeah I’ll just put that. Interview’s over. Alan: Question mark, you’ve got to put a question mark! HEM: Oh okay, on both of them? Alan: Yah “Oh, okay cool? Decent music guys?” HEM: Perfect. Lastly, is there anything you would like to share with the readers of Heart Eyes Magazine? Anything. Alan: Anything? Anything’s fair game? HEM: Anything goes. Steven: We love Heart Eyes! Alan: They’ve literally been with us since the beginning. Steven: I’m so glad that they’re still doing stuff, and growing, and killing it, and we’re the biggest fans of Heart Eyes. We will never stop taking interviews from Heart Eyes. Alan: Or being fans. HEM: Awesome! Steven: Yep. No matter how big or small we get. HEM: Awesome! Alan: Hah or small! Steven: We’ll probably get smaller. Alan: Next year when we decline. HEM: I feel y’all can only go up! Steven: Well I hope that’s the goal but. Alan: So we’ve hit rock bottom, I get it. HEM: Omg no! Well thank you guys so much, and good luck tonight! Both: Thank you!!

So even though the band joked about their growth, that night while standing in the crowd I could feel the energy from every single person in that venue. Not a single person was standing still, and everyone had a smile on their faces, so I’d say it’s safe to say that before we know it, joan will be selling out stadiums on their own.

BAD SUNS EMMA SCHOORS

Bad Suns’ hard-hitting lyrics detail love and loss in a way that veers on the side of musical escapism. Bright guitars balance these lyrics, and often complex bass lines and drums are what complete the signature sound. The band’s most recent effort, Mystic Truth, is by far the most optimistic effort the band has released, flaunting the evolution of sound that the four-piece has undergone. With their moody yet defining sophomore record Disappear Here and their refreshing debut Language and Perspective full of punchy bass lines and intense instrumentals, Bad Suns has proved they can perfect all sides of the indie rock/alternative genres. Language and Perspective resonates with me in a way not many full albums do. “Rearview” is a standout track that many fans agree is an unforgettable live experience, with lead singer and guitarist Christo Bowman “coming in for a closer look” (as he would describe it) and going into the crowd for the majority of the song. Bassist Gavin Bennett shines particularly bright in this record, flaunting his complex bass lines and leading the groove; “We Move Like the Ocean” is a perfect example of the way he pieces together the vibe of the entire album through bass. Upon listening for the first time, Disappear Here is one of those albums you just can’t put down. “Even In My

Dreams, I Can’t Win” has always been a favorite of mine because of the lyrics and their poetic nature; a theme relatively common with the band. Guitarist Ray Libby is the heartbeat of this album, and it shows through every song and every guitar hook. The lyrics strung throughout the entirety of the effort are unforgettable and scenic. A fan favorite is a line from “Heartbreaker”; “Doesn’t like wine, she loves shooting liquor. I taste a mistake, it’s getting me drunk quicker.” Mystic Truth, however, brings more of Miles Morris’ drum talent into the mix. “Hold Your Fire” shows the way Morris can make drums sound incredibly powerful while keeping them simple; a skill many drummers never master. The record’s optimism is reflective of how the band has progressed so quickly in the years they’ve been in the public eye. Bad Suns doesn’t have a bad album in my book. It’s all a game of what feeling you want to take away from the listening experience. From Language and Perspective’s unpredictability and frantic nature to Mystic Truth’s more polished and optimistic sound, there’s something to love about every song the band puts out.

H I N D S

Jada Moore

Have you ever gone to a shown and felt immediately at home and comfortable? As if you were surrounded by your closest friends and family while enjoying the music you absolutely love? Well, that feeling is exactly what I experienced at my very first Hinds show. October 29, 2016 was easily one of the most relaxed, cool, and exciting shows I’ve ever been to. In fact, it’s been almost three years since and I can still picture with vivid imagery the amazing night my friends and I had. It’s also significant to mention that that show was filled with people of many different ethnicities and ages (something you don’t always see in the indie music scene) so the gig truly was a diverse community of individuals who wanted to enjoy a great show. With Halloween around the corner, the streets lining the venue were filled with those dressed in costumes (many Eleven’s and Hopper’s) and it really put everyone in the spirit for a great night. With that being said, this show actually took place early, and it was my very first early show. However, that did not make anyone feel down; if anything, it brought their spirits up even more! Cold Fronts, the openers, did such an amazing job warming up the already excited crowd. This really helped to set the tone for our favorite quartet, Hinds. At one time, the frontman Craig Almquist went into the crowd with his guitar, engaging with us all in the audience (whilst playing chords and all!) Again, this was something I had never experienced at a show before this. There was no pushing, no fighting when he entered the pit; it was like everyone equally respected one another. In fact, before they came on stage, we had all taken a step back to give one another space. As Hinds walked onto the stage, greeted by a round of applause, the first strum of guitar zapped the atmosphere into high-gear and everyone was immediately super excited. Right then, you could feel how electrifying the night was going to be. I remember laughing and dancing like I never had before at a show. Hinds are some of the most downto-earth individuals, and they truly made everyone in the crowd feel at home while entertaining all at one time. At one moment, the girls started conversing in Spanish, not just amongst themselves but they also included the entire crowd. Seeing them conversing back and forth with the crowd and telling jokes all while speaking in their native tongue was amazing. I remember feeling so welcome and emerged in togetherness, especially since tensions were rising with the upcoming election at the time of the show. Another moment I’ll forever envision and cherish was when the crowd favorite, “Davey Crockett,” was performed. I think almost everyone in that venue shouted and sang with all of their heart! The whole concert carried the same joyful energy throughout- there were plenty of of laughs, jokes, and happiness to go around. After the show, I had the honor of meeting each member of Hinds. Again, I have nothing but praise for them. The foursome are extremely hard-working, sweet, funny, and humble. Carlotta, Ade, Amber, and Ana are all tremendously down to earth, and everything you see is genuine with them. They pour their hearts into each and every show, and I experienced that first hand. I’ll forever remember this show for just that, and I look forward to hopefully seeing them again one day soon!

The Unlikely Canidates

Words by Amy Paine Interview/photography by Sydney Wisner

photgraphy by Sydney Wisner

SINCE THEY WERE FEATURED in the first issue of Heart Eyes, The Unlikely Candidates have soared higher in popularity. The band- Kyle Morris (vocals), Kevin Goddard (drums), and Cole Male (guitar), Brenton “Brent” Carney (lead guitar), and Jared Hornbeek (bass)- sticks to their roots in Fort Worth, Texas, but their over 15,000 followers are local AND international. Recently, The Unlikely Candidates finished a two-month run of North American tour dates and released a new single, “Novocaine,” complete with a music video. With over a decade logged in the industry, The Unlikely Candidates continue to reach new fans, an accomplishment in and of itself. Their musical talent and mutual respect for their fans has allowed them to continue gaining well-deserved recognition. Recently, Heart Eyes had a chance to sit down with the band and discuss their personal history and what they’ve been up to since we last caught up with them. Heart Eyes Magazine: I don’t know if you knew this, but you guys were in the first ever issue of Heart Eyes Magazine. Kyle Morris: Were we really? Kevin Goddard: No shit! HEM: Yeah! So now we’re doing like a yearbook with everyone we’ve featured. KM: Where they are now. HEM: Yeah, exactly. KM: Good for Heart Eyes! That’s awesome. We’re all the way up here. HEM: So that was two years ago, and I’m just curious, how have you guys grown as a group in the past two years? KM: Age. [laughs] Probably weight as well. Cole Male: Yeah weight, probably a little bit. KG: We’ve become better musicians, better friends. We’re a little bit wiser. Better enemies. These are the worst answers. [laughs] KM: How have we grown? I think we’ve learned a lot about literally just how to set up a show. How to entertain people. We’ve really added a lot to our show to try and make it more of a cohesive experience rather than just song after song and that’s definitely one thing that we have done recently and grown into. And we’re going to try to continue doing that. CM: That’s a good answer. KM: That’s the only good answer out of all we just said. HEM: That’ll be the one that gets written down, so that’s good. [laughs] HEM: What are your musical inspirations? KM: I love Gorillaz. I just like… I don’t know. The weirder you can be and still

remain catchy and melodic and poppythat’s really the sweet spot. Like the Zombies; the Zombies are like the weirdest, like it’s a psychedelic pop band. It’s super weird but also really poppy and catchy. Anyone who can really pull off both of that is somebody that I try to emulate. CM: I’ve been listening to a lot of Cage the Elephant lately. Love those guys; the new one is awesome. KG: The 1975, people that produce their own stuff. Honestly, after playing with Irontom the past few days; Irontom is really influential. They’re amazing. Really good musicians. HEM: How has your style changed from being just a duo to being a full band? CM: Drastically! KM: Yeah, it’s changed quite a bit. Way more rock-and-roll. I think we had as much of a rock-and-roll kind of an attitude as you could for being an acoustic duo, but now we can actually be rock-and-roll with a real band. CM: Back it up a little, yeah. KM: It’s a real, full experience. CM: And I have other people to hang out with besides him now [points at Kyle]. So that’s good. KM: Is it though? [laughs] HEM: Can you describe your song creation process? KM: Song creation process… usually I’ll start with a track, back in the day, call it “Make the Tracks.” Brent- for a while Brent made the tracks. And now, sometimes, it’s just a medley and some producers make tracks. KG: But then Kyle comes in with like a… KM: I’ll just come in there and start freestyling over the track. Sometimes I’ll have a lyrical kind of idea- just general idea. And I’ll just start freestyling melodies over the top and start connecting either melodically or lyrically and just kind of fill it in from there. HEM: I’ve got a few quickfire questions. We did that in the first interview, so I thought I’d bring it full circle. Your favorite city to play in, go. KM: Denver/ everywhere [laughs] CM: Denver KG: Philly HEM: Who are you listening to right now? CM: Cage the Elephant KG: Samm Henshaw KM: I mean… you. You’re talking to us. HEM: Yeah, fair enough. [laughs] HEM: If you could fly or be invisible, which one would you choose?

CM: Fly KG: Fly KM: I guess fly. HEM: See, this is how I weed out the creeps because if you’re invisible, that just means you’re trying to spy on people. So good answers. [laughs] HEM: Favorite food? CM: Pizza KM: Fried chicken KG: Steak… all three of those. HEM: Rain or sun? KM: Sun KG: Sprinkles HEM: Okay, cuz you’re in Portland… so. HEM: Who snores on the tour bus? CM: This guy [points at Kyle] or Jared. KM: Oh my God, Jared’s the worst. KG: I slept in between both of them the other day and it was bad. KM: I’m like a bush leaves snorer, Jared’s like pro circuit, going for the medal snorer. KG: I started using a thunderstorm rain app and put headphones in. It’s kind of nice. HEM: Well, what can we expect to see next from you? KG: More songs CM: Album KM: After “Novacaine,” we’ll probably be putting out more and more songs. And then we’ll be on the road. HEM: Sweet. Well that’s all I got for you. Thank you! KM: Thanks! CM: Thank you! KG: Thanks! The Unlikely Candidates is a great example of a band that is always striving to improve, and a successful one at that. They have pushed several singles, including newer track “Novocaine,” into the alternative rock charts as of late and although commercial sales aren’t everything, they’re certainly a sign of an act to watch out for. In addition, their live shows continually win people over as they combine a high-energy performance and an ability to connect with audiences on a personal level, both during and after the show. Over the past two years since we last saw them, they’ve grown significantly and it’s been a pleasure to watch them thrive. If you missed them on the road this spring, check out TUC at Summerfest in Milwaukee (on June 27th) or on their soon-to-be-announced fall tour.

I DON’T KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME by Victoria Price

In 2016, two unlikely musicians would come together to create the electronic rock/pop duo I Don’t Know How But They Found Me (shortened to IDKHow). Although the duo wasn’t fully realized until the following year, the two had been working together in secret, after both being in the now-disbanded band, The Brobecks. Dallon Weekes, former Panic! at the Disco bassist, had departed the band after the Death of a Bachelor tour cycle in 2017. That same year, drummer Ryan Seaman left his former band, Falling in Reverse, and the two formed IDKHow. Heart Eyes caught up with IDKHow last fall to chat about their unique theme and style, as well as new music and an upcoming tour with Waterparks. Since then, they have released their debut EP titled 1981 - Extended Play, plus an acoustic version of “Choke” earlier this spring. The duo recently finished up a festival run in Europe and is about to start a new leg of the Night Heat tour that started earlier this spring.

JUKEBOX THE GHOST by Carly Tagen-Dye

My hometown of Washington, D.C. has given me many things; one of my favorites is Jukebox the Ghost. It’s often interesting trying to describe this band to people. They’re a trio comprised of Ben Thornewill (keyboards), Tommy Siegel (guitar/bass), and Jesse Kristin (drums), without a singular lead singer, who dabble in everything from feel-good pop songs to ripping keytar solos. They write concept albums about millennial anxiety, make music videos directed by dogs, and put rainbow horses on their album covers. In this group, absolutely anything goes. Jukebox the Ghost has been around for over ten years, and seem to have explored just about every genre there is. Their debut album, Let Live and Let Ghosts, is apocalyptic pop at its finest, with songs about space and the end of the world. 2010’s Everything Under the Sun paves the way for an optimistic undertone with its upbeat piano heavy tracks. 2012’s Safe Travels has its share of soft rock ballads and love songs, while 2014’s self-titled record is more par to blast at parties. Their most recent release, Off To The Races, is heavily influenced by Queen, focusing on adulthood and everything that comes with it.

I feel like I’ve grown up with this band as they’ve grown as a group themselves. From seeing them play street festivals in the nation’s capital, to winning over a jam packed Brooklyn Steel, Jukebox the Ghost have gained a loyal fanbase for a reason. No matter what type of style they’re focused on, this group always creates art that makes you feel significant and more in touch with what’s around you. I’ve f o u n d p a r t s o f m y s e l f t h ro u g h t h e i r introspective lyricism, and learned to soar alongside their musical arrangements. At their hometown show last spring, surrounded by loving fans, and watching the band’s pure ecstasy performing, I realized that I wanted to capture that passion for music in a career. In a way, they brought me to where I am today. Jukebox the Ghost have come so far from the three guys jamming in their college dorm room back in the early 2000’s. With their heartfelt writing and carefree attitudes, Ben, Tommy, and Jesse continue to spread both positivity and relatability through their music. To me, they will always be a group that puts a smile on my face; something I hope they continue to do for many years to come. 61

ROCK ISN’T DEAD. Written by Carly Tagen-Dye The recent rise of the music biopic has been throwing classic rock back into the mainstream. For oldtimers, it’s a hard slap of nostalgia, whisking them back to their years spent rocking to some of the greatest names in music history. For kids who weren’t born when these artists were big, it’s a reminder of what we missed out on. Bohemian Rhapsody, a film about British rock band Queen, had me wishing for front row tickets to Live Aid. The Dirt, which showcases the trainwreck that is Mötley Crüe, made me want to experience the electricity of the Sunset Strip in the 80’s. Rocketman, a glance into Elton John’s fantastical life, made me crave to see his shows at their peak. If you’re anything like me, and also wishing for a time machine back to the golden age of rock, there’s no need to fear. There are some great bands today who capture the sweet sounds and soul of the past, all the while creating new and exciting music that is entirely their own. With ripping guitars, flamboyant fashion, and intricate attention to detail, these bands bring back everything great about the past. Here are eight of my favorite groups that are sure to make you feel like a teenager in 1975, experiencing rock n’ roll as it was in its heyday.

GRETA VAN FLEET Perhaps one of the most well known groups on this list, Greta van Fleet have made headlines for their rock n’ roll vibes. Most notably compared to Led Zeppelin, lead singer Josh Kiszka’s screeching falsetto is like a young Robert Plant, while the rest of the group (Jake Kiszka on guitar, Sammy Kiszka on bass, and Danny Wagner on drums) fill in the remainder of that big band sound. With songs focused on spreading peace and love, Greta van Fleet truly provide the mindset of the decade. Their fans are also some of the most dedicated I’ve ever seen; quite reminiscent of those who would follow groups like the Grateful Dead around. BLAME CANDY The 70’s wouldn’t have been complete without glam rock, a fantastical free-for-all that merged fun and fashion together. With their sequin jackets, high heels, and undying will to rock, LA’s Blame Candy bring all of that flair back. Songs like “Sweet Tooth” capture the grit of the genre, while “Pathetic” ties in a modern twist through harmonic and distorted vocals. Nonetheless, Blame Candy are a group whose sound and vibe are absolutely infectious. It’s hard not to want to bang your head, or steal their look, for that matter (the feather boas and eyeliner are still to die for). SICK HOT With influences like Rush, Deep Purple, and Led Zeppelin, Tampa’s Sick Hot bursts with the energy and charisma of the 70’s, while creating a loyal following that is solely theirs. Comprised of Nik Wilson (guitar/vocals), Chris Erickson (bass), and Cory Bernardi (drums), the group is sure to turn heads of both old and newtimers alike. Their debut EP, Lost and Forever Gone, hits hard with banging guitar solos, while slowing things down for some softer rock ballads as well. Sick Hot is nothing short of electrifying; their classic sound is something you don’t want to miss out on.

FUR As rocking as the 70’s were, the 60’s were the real deal, introducing bands like the Beatles, the Kinks, and others from across the pond. Brighton’s Fur brings back the sweet sounds of the British Invasion (and the look of it too). Songs like “Him and Her” and “Angel Eyes” are impeccable to the era, with soft shoe drumming, melancholy vocals, and innocent messages of boy meets girl. Heavy with charm and sweet nostalgia, Fur introduces the decade of love to a whole new generation. It will be a real challenge not to fall in love with them as well. STARCRAWLER Classic rock was bursting at the brim with the absurd and extreme; Starcrawler takes that all to another level. Inspired by frontmen like Alice Cooper and Iggy Pop, this SoCal band is unafraid to turn things up a notch. Their songs are jam packed with nostalgia, “I Love LA paying tribute to their sweet memories of their hometown, while “Hollywood Ending” recognizes the importance of classic flick tropes. Starcrawler’s music is infused with the grit of rock and early punk. Lead singer Arrow de Wilde also isn’t afraid to put on a show, going as far as to perform in a straightjacket and spit blood on her audience; all in the true fashion of the band’s inspirations.

THE LEMON TWIGS With approval from Elton John and the Zombies, Michael and Brian D’Addario, better known as the Lemon Twigs, truly have a gift for making music not of this generation. At just 20 and 22 respectively, their guitar-heavy, psychedelic tunes are beyond their years, with the kind of lyricism reminiscent of great writing duos of the decade. Their latest album, Go To School, pays tribute to classic concept albums of the past, featuring 70’s soft rock legend Todd Rundgren as well. If you’re a fan of the intricate and experiential, and want to get down to some wailing guitar solos, the Lemon Twigs are the band for you. THE STRUTS England is home to some of the best rock acts in music history: the Struts are sure to be added to that list one day too. A mixture of glam and hard rock, these Derby musicians know how to get people moving. Lead singer Luke Spiller has often been described as a cross between Freddie Mercury and Mick Jagger, both in looks and stage presence. However, the entirety of the Struts’ ability to enchant a crowd doesn’t fail either. Their incomparable flair and ferocity is clear. Earning the approval of groups like Foo Fighters and the Rolling Stones, it’s a safe bet that the Struts have a bright future ahead of them.

DIRTY HONEY If you can say you’ve opened for names like Slash and the Who, you’ve got something going for you. An intriguing combination of hard rock, blues, and punk, LA’s Dirty Honey is truly making moves towards rock royalty status. Lead singer Marc Labelle’s gravelly falsetto is a guaranteed crowd pleaser, while guitarist John Notto wins them over with his riffs. Drummer Corey Coverstone kills the skins like Keith Moon, while Justin Smolian shreds on bass. The group’s debut EP, Dirty Honey, is the perfect introduction to the irresistible sounds and songs the band has to offer. With upcoming tour dates and new music on the way, this group needs to be on everyone’s radars soon.

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photos by Sy 64

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ydney Wisner 65

CU CO

Amelia Zollner

OMAR BANOS, BETTER KNOWN by his musi-

Infinita” and “Amor de Siempre” are fully sung in

cal project’s name Cuco, creates dreamy, lo-fi beats

Spanish. As a first-generation American, Cuco

that are perfect for summertime relaxation. At least

creates music that provides representation for

that’s what I thought before I saw him at Lollapaloo-

others that share his background. His music serves

za in 2018 when, during the rap track “Lucy”, the

as a refreshing viewpoint to have in the bedroom

LA-based artist commanded the crowd to open up

pop scene, considering the fact that most current

a pit. I had never expected to see a pit at a Cuco

artists solely sing in English.

show, but nevertheless, the crowd started one, and that show taught me that bedroom pop can be energetic, too.

Now, the artist is traveling into new territory, mixing his already apparent standpoint in the indie genre with rap. His recent releases include

Since then, my friends and I have blasted his

“Bossa No Sé”, a trap-infused track that features

songs, especially “CR-V”, while driving with the

verses from rapper Jean Carter, and “SEARCH”, a

windows down, proclaiming them as our summer

laidback Spanish rap tune that features MC Magic

anthems and singing them at the top of our lungs.

and Lil Rob. Still, Cuco isn’t letting go of the lo-fi

We’re not the only ones, though; the artist has

instrumentals that got him to where he is today,

gained over two million monthly listeners on Spotify,

seen in “Hydrocodone” and “Drown”, two dreamy,

many of whom are dedicated fans of the artist that

sad tracks that reflect Cuco’s earlier sounds.

have helped him sell out dates on various tours. Cuco’s music isn’t exactly revolutionary, but Cuco first went viral after his hit “Lo Que Siento”

that’s what makes his music so lovable. The major-

spread over social media. Using his talents in play-

ity of his songs are sad, regretful love songs that

ing the guitar, trumpet, keys, and a variety of other

ponder lost relationships, while others like “One

instruments, the artist then went on to create two

and Only” are happier and more hopeful. But my

albums: 2016’s Wannabewithu and 2017’s Songs4u.

favorites are the songs like “CR-V” and “Summer

His single “Lover Is a Day” is another one of his

Time High Time” that detail life’s simple pleasures,

shoegaze hits, a 7-minute track that presents Cuco’s

things like driving around with friends in the sum-

vulnerability and gained him thousands of fans.

mer. Those songs are fun, and that’s what I love about Cuco. He isn’t afraid to embrace the things

One of the most defining aspects of Cuco’s mu-

that make him happy without searching for a deep-

sic is his ability to mix Spanish with English fluidly

er meaning, something too many artists try (and

throughout his songs. As seen in “Lo Que Siento”

fail) to accomplish.

as well as others like “Drown”, the artist frequently switches between the two languages during his songs. Alternately, some of his songs, such as “Mi 67

TWIN XL Writing by Caroline Rohnstock Photography by Mallory Turner

SYNTH-POP TRIO TWIN XL is continuing to make a musical name out of what most people think of as a college dorm mattress size. I first heard about them through following guitarist Stephen Gomez and bassist John Gomez from the pop rock band The Summer Set. With their band on hiatus, they found themselves writing mainly for other people, then eventually got back into performing by teaming up with Cameron Walker, formerly of Nekokat. The trio have known each other for a while, but recently reconnected in LA. After having a instant creative connection with each other, they decided to create Twin XL. The band recently released their debut EP in March titled How to Talk to Strangers, and have has touring around since, spreading their infectious tunes. With all their combined talent in songwriting and expe-

riences in different bands, the trio is able to deliver tunes that listeners want to hear, pulling us in with catchy synth beats and an alternative feel, but with a lighter and simpler vibe than the usual synth pop out there. Their songs “Friends” and “Good” have become staples on my driving playlist because of the light feel of their sound. Their EP feels like it’s made for the summer, and maybe that connects to their LA vibe. I find myself blasting their 7 songs while driving with the windows down, it’s just that kind of feel-good music. They recently announced a few summer shows with alternative band iDKHOW, so if you can catch these guys sometime this summer go for it!

Photos by Athena Merry

HIPPO CAMPUS

TWIN PEAKS Ava Butera

The Greeting Committee By Carly Tagen-Dye

I WILL NEVER FORGET the first time I saw The Greeting Committee live. I was a senior in high school, waiting at the

ourselves. It was a moment made just for us. Despite all the singalongs and solos, the greatest part of

barricade in D.C.’s 9:30 Club for Jukebox the Ghost. Before they

this show was the undeniable feeling of home that present

came on, a group of kids from Kansas City took the stage first,

throughout its entirety. Sartino commented on how many

and forever changed what I thought a live show could be. The

familiar faces she saw, stopping to give a few audience members

perfect mixture of pop, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll, with some dance

big hugs and warm welcomes. Each person mattered and was

breaks and crowd-surfing thrown in, The Greeting Committee

not taken for granted; a staple of a Greeting Committee show.

were unlike anything I had ever seen before. Now, nearly a year

The band ended the night by playing “I Don’t Mind,” a cathartic

later, the group swung back through the nation’s capital on May

classic off of their first EP. The room, jam packed with singing

15th as part of their first headlining tour. They played to a sold

fans, was full of pure adoration. I could see it in the eyes of

out crowd at DC9 Nightclub, in support of their debut album,

the people beside me and feel it in the soft strum of the guitar

This Is It. Somehow, it was as if the band had never left.

and in the heart of the chorus. Looking onstage at the smiles on the band’s faces, it was clear that they felt the same way.

There is something about lead singer Addie Sartino that makes you fall in love immediately. As she jumped around

As I left the venue that night, ears buzzing and heart full, I

during the opening song “She’s A Gun,” headbanging along to

couldn’t help but think about how big The Greeting Committee

drummer Austin Fraser’s frenetic beat, the energy seemed to

is going to be one day. This band’s ability to make even the

radiate off every inch of her. Things got funky, as they tend to

smallest of venues feel like a sold-out amphitheater constantly

do with this band. Bassist Pierce Turcotte took over on saxo-

leaves me in awe. Their energy and charisma, as well as the

phone during “Dancing to Nothing At All,” his wailing solo

pure love they have for their fans, is clear. To see how far they

getting everybody on their feet. During a cover of Amy Wine-

have come since I saw them only a year ago is insane. While I

house’s “Valerie,” Brandon Yangmi shredded on guitar, while

hope to see this band sell out much larger venues in the future,

touring member Noah Spencer helped out on tambourine. The

the intimacy of these smaller shows, in the backrooms of bars,

band also slowed things down as well. Towards the middle of

songs shared amongst strangers who feel like much more, are

the set, Sartino had the entire room sit down as she played an

ones that I will treasure most. If I’ve learned anything, however,

acoustic version of “Elise,” a ballad written about her girlfriend.

it is this: home is at a Greeting Committee show, no matter

We all sat in silence, sharing this intimate love letter amongst

where you are. I hope to experience it all again soon.

lovelytheband Sydney Wisner

Our LAst Night. photos by megan briggs