HIGHLIGHT
MAGAZINE
allstar weekend // goldhouse // parade // pat brown & MORE
MOD SUN
Bringing the genuine back to the industry
HIGHLIGHT STAFF Press & Publicity – Head Photographer – Editor– Co-Founder Ashley Osborn
Production – Art Director – Layout & Design Cara Bahniuk
Editor - Writer – Co-Founder McKenzie Hughes
Contributing Photographers
Derrick Austinson, Cara Bahniuk, Lauren Brown, Nicole Busch, Mike Danenberg, Lori Gutman, Catherine Khom, Erica Livoti, Charlie Martel, Tara Novak, Josh Olson, Heather Phillips and Brittney Tambeau
Contributing writers
Logan Anne, Claudia Boisvert, Liz Brossard, Jessica Klinner, Sophie McCaul, Jade Middleditch, Marina Oliver, Kristy Siciliano, Brian Sykes and Patrick Quiring
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WANT TO ADVERTISE WITH US? contact ashley@highlightmagazine.net for more information
INSIDE FEATURES
12 mod sun
INSIDE FEATURES
8Evercurrent trends 18 goldhouse 28 show reviews wondered where Taylor Thomas Breathe Electric has matured into Highlight went to three must-attend got her inspriation for Live To Love Apparel? Check in for her reasoning behind her designs.
the new band Goldhouse, but don’t worry, the sound we all know and love is still here.
9 venue highlight
20 parade
Ever been to The Vic in Chicago? Did you know it was built in 1912? We didn’t either. Read more to learn the history of this venue.
10 label highlight
Equal Vision is one label that has a completly unique lists of artists. Check in to hear more about our three suggestions from the roster
Parade sits down and talks about their “Highlight” moments as a band so far and what is to come in the future.
22 pat brown
Pat Brown has enjoyed every money of being a solo artist, but is Good Problems going to be accepted by old fans. Read more to find out.
11 Photo Highlight 24 van hunt Megan Thompson began her photo career by breaking her ankle. She never guessed she would be where she is now. Check in to read more about Megan’s plan for the future.
Van Hunt became a quick networked in the music industry through singing and owning a label, but what is to come? Keep reading on for info.
(or should have attended) shows this month. Check out our reviews on Young The Giant, Good Old War and Asking Alexandria to see what you missed out on.
THank you
We would like to send out a big thank you to Big Hassle Media, Equal Vision Records, Megan Thompson, Natalie Bisignano, Pat Brown, Rick Butler, Taylor Thomas and Working Group Artist Management as well as all the bands that took time out of their busy schedules to work with us. Also, thank you to everyone who supported us and checked out the first issue (and now the second!) We hope you have enjoyed what you have seen!
16 allstar weekend 26 album Reviews Leaving Hollywood Records isn’t holding Allstar Weekend back. We chatted with them about their plans for the future/
Need new music to listen to? Want to read someone elses’ opinion on your new favorite album? Our album reviews should be your stop
INSIDE PHOTOGRAPHS page 6-7
Mod sun
goldhouse
gabriel the marine
allstar weekend
pat brown
van hunt
parade
the devil wears prada
House of Blues, Chicago, IL, Ashley Osborn
Amityville, NY, Erica Livoti
Reggie’s Rock Club, Chicago, IL, Ashley Osborn
Hampton, VA, Ashley Osborn
Evan Perigo
House of Blues, Chicago, IL, Cara Bahniuk
Lincoln Hall, Chicago, IL, Ashley Osborn
The NorVa, Norfolk, VA, Ashley Osborn
Want to post news online? Contact ashley@highlightmagazine.net
HIGHLIGHTMAGAZINE.NET - 5
modsun - 12
goldhouse - 18
Van Hunt - 24
the devil wears prada
gabriel the marine
16 - allstar weekend
22 - pat brown
20 - Parade
TRENDS YOU’LL LOVE
Straight out of her hometown in Tyler, Texas, Taylor Thomas designs the apparel you see from Live To Love. Like what you see? We checked in with Taylor to find out the background meanings from the messages on her clothing.
How did Live To Love Apparel come about?
I wanted my brand to be a positive and hopeful message that people of all ages, races, cultures, etc., could identify with. Nothing is more powerful than living to love.
What you feel your brand represents?
Live to Love Apparel was born in efforts to spread the everlasting love of God made visible in Christ our Lord. The goal of this company is to remind people that we are able to love because He first loved us. We live in a world of hate, greed, power, criticism, and addiction that can so easily become toxic and deforming, so why not spread His endless love with each and every person and remind them that there is so much more to life? At the end of the day, there is nothing stronger or more enduring than the love of Jesus Christ. Live to Love Apparel is simply a way to spread His message and remind people that love is the greatest gift of all. 8 - HIGHLIGHTMAGAZINE.net
Why did you start Live To Love Apparel?
To shine the light of love in a seemingly dark world that is filled with negativity.
What are your three favorite designs?
They (images shown above) are my personal favorites because of their message, and are each inspired from some of my favorite bible verses
Why people should check out your brand? It’s motivated by love, and the hope that it will inspire someone to shine their light and live a life of love.
See more of Live To Love Apparel at www.livetolovepparel.com
venue highlight the victoria - chicago, illinois History:
Why Play Here?
Notable APRIL Shows:
After taking more than three years to build, The Victoria Theatre, otherwise known as The Vic opened in 1912. For several of the past hundred years, the Vic Theater has served as both a music venue and a movie theater. The venue was designed to suit everyone’s viewing needs and fits over 1400 people.
The Vic is located in the heart of Chicago’s Lakeview area. It’s blocks away from Lake Michigan and surrounded by an incredible variety of stores, trendy eateries and the subway is directly behind the venue! This is truly one of the best and most convenient venues Chicago offers.
april 12th – Ingrid Michaelson
april 14th – fun.
april 15th – The Naked and Famous
april 17th –
Portugal. The Man
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label highlight
Equal Vision Records is a New York based label that is full of surprises. With a completely unique range of artists, Equal Vision is truly a label that strays away from anything generic in the industry. Their artists stem anywhere from heavy metal to haunting indie rock and they cater to their bands’ needs every way they can. With several up and comers and a solid group of well-established bands on their roster, we’ve decided to feature them as this month’s featured label. We’ve also given you our three picks from their roster that we feel you must check out!
Glass Cloud - With a line-up of incredible and heavily
experienced musicians and only two tracks released, ‘White Flag’ and ‘Counting Sheep,’ we can firmly say that we have high hopes for their first album (set to be released this summer). They are currently getting ready to head out with Iwrestledabearonce on the Road To Metal Fest tour and they will be announcing summer tour plans very soon! Even though Glass Cloud as an entity is fresh on to the scene and have only played a small handful of shows, Glass Cloud has already begun to make a bold statement. Watch out! Because 2012 is going to be the year Glass Cloud conquers. Listen to: “Counting Sheep”
Life On Repeat - After being signed to Equal Vision
for three years, Life On Repeat has made a musical impact not only in their hometown, but on the entire country as well. Last summer, the band released their first full-length album, Struggle + Sleep, and has left fans desperately wanting more. Complete with vocalist Patrick Purves’ capturing lyrics Struggle + Sleep is full of unique pop-punk anthems that will truly leave a mark on you one after the other. After recently finishing up a very packed tour schedule and future touring plans still unannounced, we’re highly anticipating Life On Repeat’s future. Listen To: “Layover Letdown”
Texas In July - For a band that was formed in 2007,
it’s very hard to name something Texas In July hasn’t yet been able to do. After releasing their incredible second full-length album, One Reality, last year (also their first to be released on Equal Vision Records), Texas In July have had a jam packed touring schedule and have shared the stage with some of today’s most respected metal bands. This April, they will be completing a headlining tour which has once again taken them all across the country. With summer plans yet to be announced, we feel confident in sharing with you that Texas In July will not be disappearing from the scene anytime soon. Listen to: “Magnolia” 10 - HIGHLIGHTMAGAZINE.net
Highlight of
megan thompson Name: Megan Thompson Location: Los Angeles Website: www.meganthompson.com Clients: Hide&Seek Clothing, Love Before Glory, Rise
Records, Fearless Records, Alternative Press, Substream Magazine, People Magazine, Fueled By Ramen, Atlantic Records, and a bunch of bands you may like.
How did you get into photography?
I broke my ankle in 2003 and at the time was in school to become a horse trainer. I had to take the semester off to heal and the only friends I had left at home were in a band. I bought a camera on ebay to help with the boredom, and ended up spending all my time hanging out at the band house taking pictures, and filming practices. I guess the rest is history. I changed schools and majors in 2004 and graduated with my photography degree from Montana State in 2008, and moved to Los Angeles.
Career highlights?
Shooting for Blink 182 at their first show since their breakup back in 2009. It was a secret show, and it was pretty surreal being side stage, and looking out at the audience when the guys surprised everyone. Working with Attack Attack! on This Means War. It was amazing having a band trust me with all of the visual components to their music. It was such an amazing experience working with my good friends to make something that we were all really proud of. Those guys are like my family. I don’t think I’ve ever been as proud of anything as much as the video for The Wretched.
What do you still want to accomplish?
Everything. I haven’t done even close to a quarter of the things I want to do. I’m not the type of person who accomplishes something and sits back and goes, “Welp, look what I did! I’m going to take a break now because I’m special.” I get something done, and then hate it 10 minutes later and try to think of ways to make the next thing bigger and better.
Favorite tour memory?
Fearless Friends 2010… Vegas. Oh brother. You know it was a good time when Breathe Carolina writes a song about how insane it was!
Keep updated with Megan www.meganpicturetaker.tumblr.com @meganthompson
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MOD SUN HOME: Bloomington, Minnesota NOW jamming: In Mod We Trust [Independent] CURRENTLY: Preparing for the Vans Warped Tour
HIGHLIGHTMAGAZINE.NET - 13
A
sparklingly personality and an
electric but bright smile is only the start off of who MOD SUN is to fans. Having toured the world at the young age of 17, discovering the definition of happiness, and sharing more than music with his hands and feet, MOD SUN has shown the world what is to come with his creations. While having a solid team behind him for support of his two best friends, family, and his lawyer while being without an agent and management team, his career is shinning into positive light. MOD SUN has shared details that create his personal persona of the future for himself and the others he chooses to surround himself with. From having a personal philosophy of, “Understanding that you can restart whatever you’re doing and you can be exactly what you want to be the next day when you wake up,” Mod has taken the bull by the horns with becoming his true self. By wanting to be known as the most enjoyable person to be around, Mod is creating a 100% positive outlook with knowing that you can be whoever you wish to be and that is something fans can take away from his personal character. With sharing a smile and laugh when taking the spin of life and being persistent to pass that rule along, Mod knows that life and death does happen and that not many people would trade their life for something else, or any object to obtain. “It is about the fact that you woke up this morning, and you can become this exact motto person you want to be… it is never too late.” While this is not only gracing his own intimate character but also through creating work in Mod’s ‘Hippy Hop’ music, from rapping and free styling. And that was what started it all. “Rap, okay right, when I was removed from my band I wanted to naturally say more with not just my hands and my feet… there is nothing more inspirational than just knowing that anyone else can rap...” he says, and believing that it is something anyone can and is capable of. “My mom can rap if she wanted too, anyone can rap if they can talk.” Mod has taken something on a wide reach to inspire and to also inform people that we can be in power. “My life right now is a ten out of ten,” he claimed while remarking that he is doing this to help other people. Mod exposed that anything from here on out is to better another person, and that is the key to gaining your own self-happiness. However Mod does not care whether there is a paycheck in hand at the end of the day, but he is a believer that anything that happens from this point on is extra credit.
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From starting his career with having purchased his own $100 mic and keyboard, having recorded all the beats and vocals at his moms house, his friend Mike Brown wanted to help further along his aspirations. Mod states that everything truly started when Mike provided him with the proper tools and faith to create his music. The only worry Mod truly was worried about was letting down Mike with having a negative outcome. Although, Mod prevailed and showed Mike how much he truly appreciated his friendships, time, and efforts. Having had used YouTube and Google to have learned how to use every tool and function to future his career goals, Mod moved his home-based studio to Mike Browns home. Eventually they created their own space, and ultimately it all came together. “It all clicked in the studio, Pat Brown and his ability to help with song writing was important,” Mod said. After having had created a successful start to his career, the strength within his current liabilities led into helping other people produce and mix their own music. Mod also took his recording process to different heights. Using Brown and Mod’s studio and recording in hotel rooms across America for Blazed By The Bell, there is not much of anything that Mod Sun’s music has yet to experience. Mod remarks that having been able to record in different places has made his experience more exciting and some of his best memories to date. When everything came together and Mod began exceling with his career, he was given many opportunities, which he is very thankful for. From having KIA set him up to play a set date this past year in Minnesota at Warped Tour, and having emailed Kevin at Warped himself (with no agent or manager) explaining his wants to be on the tour this year; Kevin responded with, “You’re on it.” This thrilling email made MOD’s summer plans official and exciting. MOD SUN has future plans from heading to Italy and Greece, being an artist on Warped Tour this summer, and plans to stay on the road; his career is keeping his smile consistent. This coming May MOD SUN has a new EP Happy As Fuck being released and following Warped Tour, a new mixtape EP is being dropped as well. “Your mentality becomes your reality,” Mod remarks as his positive outlook on his past goals, current aspirations, and his positive message he hopes to relay on fans within the future of his career. INTERVIEW AND PHOTO: Ashley Osborn STORY: McKenzie Hughes
HOME: Poway, California NOW jamming: All The Way [Hollywood Records] CURRENTLY: Recently finished up a headlining North American tour
INTERVIEW AND PHOTO: Cara Bahniuk STORY: Jessica Klinner
allstar weekend
T
he instant rise to fame is
not something that every band gets to experience. Most work their butts off for years and years just hoping to get picked up on a small tour. For the band Allstar Weekend, getting the attention of big names in the music business came naturally. The band formed in high school and started playing local gigs. After a year or two after forming, the band was added to the list of contestants on Radio Disney’s show Next Big Thing. Although they were a fan favorite, the band ended up finishing in second place. This was not the end of the road for the 4 boys in Allstar Weekend, though. They were almost immediately picked up by Hollywood Records and began working on their first album. Most artists signed to Hollywood Records are Disney stars that started with a TV show and somehow ended up with a recording contract. Allstar Weekend is one of the most different bands to emerge from Hollywood Records. Unlike most of their label mates, they actually hold raw talent. The band has held a continuous sound since their emergence and because of that has been able to maintain a steady fan base. At the beginning of this year, Allstar Weekend decided to part ways with their label after 3 years of working together. Unfortunately, there is no juicy drama to dish about the split. The band and label just had different visions. The boys in Allstar Weekend wanted to appeal to a larger demographic of listeners while the label wanted them to be younger than they were in order to maintain the “Disney image”. The band felt they knew what their fans wanted better than the label. Currently Allstar Weekend is working as an independent band. They are not looking to run to another label any time soon. Lead singer Zach Porter said, “We can make music ourselves. If someone wants to do what we want to do with the band, then okay. It’s not like we’re looking for an SOS from a label.”
Before their split with Hollywood Records, Allstar Weekend had the misfortune of losing guitar player Nathan Darmody. His exit from the band was a clean one, though. They all still remain friends. Darmody wanted to go in a different direction with the band and the other members did not agree. It is always hard to see a founding member leave, but Darmody continues to work on music as a solo artist. To fill the guitar void in their band, Allstar Weekend brought on Brent Schneiders. So far Schneiders has only been a touring guitarist, but the possibility of him writing and recording with Allstar Weekend in the future is not to be written off. The past year has definitely brought a lot of change for Allstar Weekend. Losing a member and leaving a label doesn’t seem like an easy thing to move on from. Most bands would just give up, but Allstar Weekend kept fighting for their fans. Their most recent headliner hosted some of their biggest headlining shows to date. The tour was titled after their latest album, All The Way, and the lineup included some of todays the best up and coming pop bands. Hollywood Ending, The After Party, and Before You Exit were the perfect openers for the show and really got the crowd moving. The best part of the tour for Allstar Weekend was the fact that after all they have been through the fans still care enough to come out and support them. Through all their tribulations, Allstar Weekend shows no signs of stopping. After the All The Way tour ended, the boys began writing for future projects. The feedback from their newest album All The Way has been tremendous and will only continue to get better as the band tours. They are expecting to put out a cover EP this spring as well as play a few fairs and festivals. The future of Allstar Weekend looks promising and bright. We can only wish them all the luck as they begin their journey as independent artists and continue on their journey to pop stardom. HIGHLIGHTMAGAZINE.NET - 17
GOLDHOUSE
HOME: Chicago, Illinois NOW jamming: All Night Long [Self-released] CURRENTLY: Promoting EP Release
M
any artists during their career
go through a metamorphosis whether it be a change in musical genre, lyrical preference, or performance style. At this point, artists are confronted with an obstacle. Do you keep all of your fans happy and stay in their comfort zone? Or do you spread your wings and maximize your own? Grant Harris faced this challenge head on with his new project, GOLDHOUSE. Harris, former brainchild behind the popular electropop entity Breathe Electric, is no rookie to the music scene. Having toured around the United States and even snagging a spot on Warped Tour, he quickly gained fans with his dance beats and catchy lyrics. With several hits and concerts under his belt throughout the past years, Harris felt it was time for something new. “I’ve changed so much as an artist over the past couple years that I felt a branding change was necessary. I wanted to reinvent myself as an artist, and what better way to do that than create a new identity altogether,” he says. With hard work and determination, GOLDHOUSE was born. Fans of Breathe Electric should have no worries about Harris abandoning the unique feel of his music. With one quick listen to the first GOLDHOUSE album, All Night Long, listeners will see that his once dance party pop music is simply maturing into a heavier electronica genre. Harris explains, “GOLDHOUSE is a much darker and in your face persona and isn’t afraid to get its hands dirty.” With more aggressive topics within his songs, Harris hopes to surprise his audience. “GOLDHOUSE is not for the faint of heart. I wanted GOLDHOUSE to have a bit of grunge and raunch to it, something I don’t think people are used to hearing so blatantly from me.” Harris seems to hit the bullseye when it comes to this new aggressive persona with simply the title of the album’s opening song, “F-C-K.” With a catchy beat and blunt lyrics, the song is sure to be your go-to jam to shake your hips to. Introducing the album with it shows that Harris is wasting no time in embracing his project’s raunchy attitude and sharing it with his fans. In order to completely exhibit this new and darker persona, Harris has been making changes to the visual concept behind his music. His goal is to make GOLDHOUSE more visual than Breathe Electric to show fans that his new project is taking on a lot more attitude. For instance, many of the GOLDHOUSE videos showcase a single masked man that captures the overall theme to his new music. On another visual note, Harris plans to make changes to his live performances. “I’m putting a lot more focus on the live show by doing things that people aren’t necessarily used to seeing. We’re
implementing a lot more electronics and percussion with many other cool and unique things.” Lucky fans near Chicago will be able to see these changes first hand at his show at the Metro on April 11th with Timeflies. With several visual transitions underway, fans are wondering what GOLDHOUSE plans to do in the future musically. “I’m excited to explore some boundaries with the new project,” says Harris. “I’ve always wanted to stay mainstream accessible, but by doing it in my own way.” In order to do this, Harris has been hard at work releasing weekly videos of remixes for what he calls “GOLDHOUSE Wednesdays.” So far, he has remixed popular songs from artists, such as Lights, Childish Gambino, and Outasight. Starting with a clean slate and a new identity is a huge risk to take, but it is one that has paid off for GOLDHOUSE. Harris hopes to use this method even when it comes to writing individual songs. “Creating a whole new project from scratch and abandoning the name Breathe Electric was a huge leap, and I’m going to try the same approach with every new song I work on. Jump first, think later.” While he lists Steely Dan, Prince, M83, and Crystal Castles as artists he’s been into recently, fans should not expect too much outside influence when it comes to new songs from GOLDHOUSE. “Lately I’ve just been trying to listen to myself and to trust my instincts,” he explains. According to the fans, his instincts have been spot on. Although GOLDHOUSE is still fairly new, it has no plans of slowing down. Thanks to the welcoming arms of fans both old and new, Harris hopes to push forward with this darker persona, while remaining true to himself. “I’m to the point now where I just want to do me, where whatever I feel I want to write, I’m going to write.” With the completion of his transition as an artist and the success of the new album, it is clear to see that GOLDHOUSE is going places, and Harris is ready to dive in. INTERVIEW: Ashley Osborn PHOTO: Evan Perigo STORY: Taylor Pittman
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HOME: Hampton, Virginia NOW jamming: Our Hammer - Single CURRENTLY: Preparing for a few shows and Raleighpalooza
W
ith having many exciting and
career changing plans ahead within the upcoming months, Parade started with uniqueness that is shown through their music. Within the past year and a half, Parade’s members Brian, Chris and Jojo formed to create something that was different and unique from what is your typical everyday band. Parade started with the merging on Brian and Jojo, from starting with Brian working on developing his solo artist material and both Brian and Jojo thought it would be an exciting start to develop music together. Without having a drummer, Brians cousin Christopher merged with the duo. “When we got together for the first time, it was no fairy tale happening, but in the end this band has been one of the best things to happen to us,” claimed Jojo. While their band name soon came after their merging, Parade came about as their name with an agreement when Brian, Chris, and Jojo were asked to play a headlining show. When discussing the meaning behind the name Parade claimed, “The name has stuck ever since. We try not to dwell on the name, but to just let the music speak for itself.” When wanting their music to speak for itself, Parade says that it has been troubling them since the very beginning. “We were constantly always searching for ‘our’ sound. It has taken a while but we have finally
been able to build a chemistry that just clicks,” along with stating that it is an allowance of who they are as a team and family. While Parade knows that their music is going to evolve and progress as their work continues to develop, Parade stated that it is how the industry works from all aspects, “You can listen to any music group from their beginnings to their current state and there will be a definite difference. The tricky part is to just stay true to you, but let the music do what it wants.” When writing music Parade has a process that mostly starts out with Jojo or Brian coming into practice with an idea to work with. From their idea, the three will merge to allow the process to go two ways; I do not like this or I really like that; and then they will begin working from there. Through this process as a team their music is able to explore many different ideas or elements. Parade claims, “We have a really strict song-writing process. We all have to fully agree on the idea or song in order to pursue it.” From having written songs in the past, played them, and then having thrown them away because it did not click, Parade notes that their songs need to be enjoyed by not only when playing, but also when being listened to by each member. From affirming Brian as the lyricist of the band, Parade followed with a substantial statement on their music’s entirety, “When it really comes down to it, we have to be completely confident in the song that we write,
otherwise, what is the point?” When Brian spoke of his writing style and inspiration noting that it changes from time to time, currently the most common theme in his lyrics is life; stating that it is all about what truly matters and has an impact on his experiences. Treating each song from familiarities that everyone can relate within, the idea is that the fans will be able to grasp, or has been through a similar experience in the past. This allows Brian to have the option and capability to leave fans with an understanding of who he is along with Parade’s outlook on life in general. Brian claimed that their music is a new level of communication rather than just beats, words, and instruments. Their music is also based on past, present, and future experiences. “Things that bring us together as people. Whether it is positive or negative, everyone has had some struggle with something that is holding them down, and at the same time, everyone has had something that makes them happier than anything else,” Brian continued, “It is just real life.” Brian speaks honestly of his life to Parade fans through their music when it comes his experiences, words, and work. While using metaphors and analogies to hide what he is trying to sing about, Brian is able to have the chance to mess with a words meaning and twist it completely. This method allows Brian to change the way people think about life. With the way that Brian shares his words and it is done notably so that the lyrics to music are the icing on the cake because since it is art, “It has no certain boundaries,” Brian remarked. Recording is a whole different experience aside from Brian constructing lyrics to Chris and Jojo’s work. With having recorded songs at Earthsound Studios in Georgia, Parade has begun working from their own home studio making demos. With the idea of working at home and it allowing the band to be back at their original roots, it is a good experience but it is hard to grasp. Mentioning that the experience can be more challenging from not being in a typical studio, Parade now has a chance to give their fans something more to hold onto as well as giving themselves a taste of what they are working on for their future. As Jojo claimed when considering their current process within their music, “So to keep this short, it is frustrating, stupid, crazy, but we love it.” When discussing past shows and having had the majority of them in Virginia this far in the bands career, Parade has created a wish list on bands to play with in the future. Though this list is inspiring to many artists in the industry. “On our wish list, we would love to play with bands such as Grizzly Bear and Radiohead,” which are two very influential bands in the music industry. While having high goals to play with those two bands in the distant future, Parade does not take the past musical ventures from their prior shows for granted. “We recently played a show with Minus the Bear and had a blast. We felt that we blended well,” noted Parade as a whole.
While the list does continue to bands such as Circa Survive, Death Cab for Cutie, As Tall as Lions (R.I.P.), and Brand New; Parade is all about taking chances and having faith in their future performances and tours ahead. In the reality of performing at any venue or on any tour Parade shares, “The list goes on, but honestly, we would be honored to share the stage with anyone who shares the same passion for music as we do.” When Parade elaborated on having had performed with Minus the Bear and how it has been their highlighting moment together as a band, they also claimed, “It was a great show for us. The crowd was way into it and we felt that we gave it our all and we were very well received.” Remarking that it was the first time that Parade believed that everything was starting to pay off and their ideas in general were coming together as a whole, “That feeling has kind of lasted ever since as we begin to take on new opportunities.” As serious as they are about their music career, the three boys in Parade believe in having a good time along with taking their work seriously. Recalling the time that Chris was tricked into shaving his head as another highlighting moment for the band as well. “We even shaved PARADE on his head too. That was just really funny to us,” they remarked as one of their fondest memories to date within their collaborations. In the next few months ahead, Parade has plans and confidence that are staging chances to further them in this growing and fast changing industry. They are soon playing with LoveDrug at Kingdom in Richmond, Virginia. Aside from this exciting upcoming show, Parade is playing their first summer festival, Raleighpalooza, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Though Parade has these two big events coming up for them, they have no plans to put a hold on generating music. “Not to mention tons of writing and recording,” as a plan to expand their work in the months ahead. Alongside their recent press images, Parade is wearing their three-man sweater that shows their true, exciting personas. What is truly exciting behind these images is that this sweater Parade does plan to release it as band merchandise to sell. With having a positive response to the sweater from released images, “Yes, absolutely. We will start the bidding at a million dollars or will give it away if you take us to Jimmy Johns AND Chipotle. We are not cheap dates!” Through their kind smiles, cheerful personalities and upbeat interview, Parade provides what fans believe will change the industry. Having exciting summer plans, and goals ahead, Parade does one thing best which is keeping fans on their toes. From this, bands can learn lessons to never slow down and it is evident that they are not slowing down in the near future and will continue working for their future success. INTERVIEW: Logan Anne PHOTO: Ashley Osborn STORY: McKenzie Hughes
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pat brown HOME: Burnsville, Minnesota NOW jamming: Be Eccentric EP CURRENTLY: Touring with Mod Sun
Pat
Brown, previously known as
the singer of Sing It Loud, has changed himself and his potential since they disassembled. Good Problems is Browns most recent debut work, which was an idea hard to grasp. Since the band dismantled, grasping the idea of not knowing what to do was challenging, “ It was hard, until six months ago until we went on the Breathe Carolina Tour because none of their fans truly listened to Sing It Loud.” That was when Brown realized that he loved when people knew him as Pat Brown, not the singer of his past band Sing It Loud. Stating that he doesn’t enjoy his past band genre anymore and that he felt disconnected, this new venture has kept Brown on his toes with creativity. “I love writing and producing work for other bands. When they ask if I miss it, I believe they will not understand it until they go through their own transitional change.” Relating it to graduating college, and having crazy experiences finding a job from the age of 25-30 is what he feels he is going through musically stating, “99% of people aren’t lucky like this. I have people that I love and that love me while I am still figuring things out and they are still helping me.” Good Problems was developed on pure faith while going through a life transition. Brown had thoughts prior to its development on whether or not he would get a job or even attend college. Having called MOD SUN for advice, it was simple, do your own thing. After having been invited to work as MOD SUN’s tour manager and running merchandise, The Summer Set hired him as their guitar tech for the bands current tour. This tour gave Brown the chance to see positive influence from his friends, stay on tour, play music, and do something productive. “I had all my friends around me, pushing me, and being super supportive,” Brown recalled. Having developed the name Good Problems and began working on releasing merchandise and music, Brown has been multitasking on an hourly basis. Recently Pat decided to leave the name Good Problems to be known as Pat Brown, himself. This year for Warped Tour, Pat is offering a lifestyle brand and will be offering his music. This May, Brown and close friend, Cisco Adler are recording an EP; which is going to be his first titled Pat Brown work, “I am super pumped up about it, and (Cisco) has developed to be one of my best friends.” This summer, Brown is going to be touring on Warped Tour for himself, aside for working with MOD. With an EP in the works to have a single and video released, performing Acoustic shows at their merchandise tent, Good Problems will have the opportunity to be shared with the Country. “I want it to be more than band
merchandise, I want it to be a lifestyle brand. I want it to be something like skate, surf oriented. I want it to be something that can grow into more than just clothing.” With high hopes on his successful summer ahead, Brown relates to how Social Media can have a negative connotation on the world when people think harsh realities on others, “I get it, I’ve been there,” Brown states. Although, this is Brown’s opportunity to radiate happiness as good things do come from the Internet along with his new outlook on life. Believing that people think the wrong way, Brown plans on curing that through his lifestyle brand. “Not many people understand that every bad thing that happened to you before is an opportunity to get something new. When I figured that out, I became much more happy and content,” is Brown’s message to communicate on fans. On Brown’s Twitter he states that he is ‘Forever chasing the dream.” When explained further Brown noted that actor Dennis Haskins, from Saved By The Bell inspired him over a friendly dinner. Stating that Dennis is an older, intellectual soul and has seen that there are many broken people in the industry, his words gave Brown a new meaning. “You need to realize that you’re doing this because you’ve dreamt of making your career by one thing. I have been chasing a dream since I was a kid and I will do it until I am dead.” Brown knows that he wants to be working with everything that comes from music until he dies. Noting that he hasn’t had a real job since the day Sing It Loud got signed, Brown states that this is his dream. Not having to have a job and deal with the everyday stress behind it, “This is what I am supposed to do.” Brown gave an example of Wall Street that helps shine his true meaning behind himself, happiness, and goals, “It is not something you do if you’re like, ‘I want to be on Wall Street, I want to have conflict in my life, I always want to have money, and I want to live in Manhattan.’ Nobody wants either of those things, that is what makes this (music) different.” Browns words are dedicated to getting straight to the point, “You do it because you believe in it.” With having had Brown making music since 6th grade, having his share of fun with developing friendships, music, and future projects; Brown has many years to come on forever chasing his dreams. “I could go on tour for the rest of my life. It has been a crazy transition. It’s crazy and I love doing this.” PHOTO AND INTERVIEW: Ashley Osborn STORY: McKenzie Hughes
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van hunt
HOME: Dayton, Ohio NOW jamming: What Were You Hoping For? [Godless-Hotspot] CURRENTLY: Focusing on his future in the music industry
A
casual appearance and an award
winning smile graces fans, friends, and family when being spoken to or when relating with Van Hunt. Being relative and successful in the music industry is something that is able to show ones drive, strengths, and goals within obtaining their future dreams. Van Hunt is an artist that creates to inspire, change, and motivate the industry that he has seen change over the years of his career. With becoming apart of the music industry in the late 90’s, experience and an understanding of the music world is not something lacked by Van in any way, shape, or form. After being an award winning Grammy Songwriter/Producer/Singer and developing his own Record Label, Van Hunt has seen his career excel and develop in a positive light. When Van won his Grammy, at the time it was the highest the industry had to offer in awards and now, five years later Van is seeing the industry differently. “It is a broad opportunity; anything and everything you want to have. Record music, share it with people, and play live. Develop your craft. I feel that it is a brand new frontier. I want much more than what I have ever had.” A career that started off of being a producer, which later branched Van into the music industry through networking, he quickly learned what was considered right and wrong. When discussing whether or not it was the proper way to get into the industry Van noted, “For me it was difficult… now it is normal for a guy to grab his friends and record, throw it online, and put it on YouTube. Now you have the opportunity to be heard. Back in the 90’s it was a long shot to say the least.”
achievements, Van noted, “My greatest relationship is probably with Randy Jackson, he is a great guy and has given me the most successful advice that I still follow in my career.” From giving positive advice to follow your own current dreams and make sure that we are passionate about our goals, balance is a key factor in demonstrating the right attitude in creating works of art. From different ventures in the past and currently having had developed his own music label Godless Hotspot, Van didn’t give away any future projects to fans but what he did note was that there are many projects in the works that he is excited to see further developed and have excel when the time is right. “Having control over music feels terrific, I am not one of those guys who hates the major labels… the older system major labels has used was powerful, I hope to see with my creations.” Van also noted; “Now I understand that I can make those changes and quickly adapt to those new changes.” Focusing on music, his label, and future projects, Van Hunt is keeping his eyes open to future opportunities and is looking forward to what the remainder of the year has to offer himself, Godless Hotspot, and his endeavors. PHOTO: Ashley Osborn STORY: Mckenzie Hughes INTERVIEW: Mckenzie Hughes and Ashley Osborn
With having the music industry constantly changing and becoming more ‘self produced’ in this decade it has shown creators, producers, writers, and fans that this industry may be changing but will still be in for the long haul. Van noted that bands in todays society could and should do everything themselves, and that is something that more people can take the initiative from. Throughout Van’s career labels had changed as well as what was considered the ‘norm’ in the industry. Although after three years on absence from the scene Van is back more powerful than ever. While touring his current album, Live at “The Troubadour” 2011, spreading music has been shown through his positive lyrics, attitude, and friendly smile. Backtracking on his career
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review: Patrick Quiring
artist:
Now, Now album:
Threads rating:
sounds like: Death Cab For Cutie Bon Iver Policia
recommended tracks: “Prehistoric” “Wolf” “School Friends”
tracklisting: The Pull 2 Prehistoric 3 Lucie, Too 4 Dead Oaks 5 Oh, Hi. 6 But I Do 7 Seperate Rooms 8 Thread 9 Wolf 10 School Friends 11 Colony 12 Magnet 1
release date: March 6
website: nownowband.com
twitter: @nownowband 26 - HIGHLIGHTMAGAZINE.net
Threads, the new album by Now, Now (formerly Now, Now Every Children), is definitely a feat for these three life-long friends. Attempting to expand upon a sound that is so original is no easy task. Their last full-length offering, Cars, had a dark, melodic, lo-fi sound that was all its own, and this new album is no exception. They’ve polished up their old sound with some really beautiful effects. This glossy lo-fi sound definitely complements the band. It’s not all gloss though. On “School Friends” you can hear the band at one of its most minimalistic moments of the record. This record has everything you associate Now, Now with. There’s the moody melody and heart wrenching lyrics, but this time they’ve added layer upon layer of effects to make it quite the piece of musical work. This new direction will leave many fans quite happy, and might even bring in a whole slew of new supporters.
Artist: The All American Rejects Album: Kids In The Street
After a 4 year musical drought, The All-American Rejects have gotten their grove back and released their fourth studio album entitled “Kids In The Street”. The band teamed up with producer Greg Wells to create a more mature sound than ever before. The opening track, Someday’s Gone, starts off the album on an upbeat note with heavy guitar tones and is a mashup of the sound you should expect to hear throughout the album. The single from the album, Beekeeper’s Daughter, is a fun track that everyone should have on their summer playlist. Walk Over Me is a headbanger with Ritter’s vocals resembling that of Steven Tyler of Aerosmith. This is the perfect comeback album for the band. Whether you have been a fan of the Rejects or are just now hearing of them, this is an album you are not going to want to miss!
recommended tracks: “Beekeeper’s Daughter” and “Fast & Slow” review: Jessica Klinner
Artist: Of Monsters and Men Album: My Head Is An Animal Iceland’s Of Monsters and Men have recently released in the US their debut album ‘My Head is an Animal’ and the potential of it is undeniable. The joy released by the rhythms, the voices of both singers and the clever lyrics will sure get you. While playing the record, the band versatility is obvious, from ballads to alternative pop songs and an overall folk vibe; there is a song for every mood you may be in. The first song ‘Dirty Paws’ bring us to their universe and imposes the general sound that will be explored throughout the 12 tracks of the record. Some songs are more energetic and very rhythmic but others like ‘From Finner’ have a heavier and mythical feel because of the strong presence of the accordion and loud drums. They also present good acoustics on songs like ‘Love Love Love’ and ‘Sloom’. Their current single ‘Little Talks’ with its festive ensemble is the most representative track of the record. Of Monsters and Men delivers a record faithful to their image, and tracks that will bring a fresh breath to the summer season.
recommended tracks: “Dirty Paws,” “Little Talks” and “Love Love Love” review: Charlie Martel Artist: Waterparks Album: Airplane Conversations
Hailing from the Houston area, Waterparks’ debut EP “Airplane Conversations” is sure to have people buzzing. The EP begins with the high energy track, “Silver” that packs a punch and leaves the listener wanting more. For such a young band, the debut feels very reminiscent of the music I grew up with and loved in high school (i.e. old school TBS/Brand New) without completely ripping it off. Not to say the album is in any way juvenile; vocalist Awsten Knight and company offer up a 5 song EP full of hope and clever/catchy choruses that are a refreshing kick to the hum drum music scene. Although they may not be a household name yet, Waterparks’ debut is a solid start for the band that is sure to turn heads and set them off in the right direction.
recommended tracks: “They All Float” and “Fantastic” review: Heather Phillips
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Young the giant
WHERE: Warehouse Live, Houston, TX PHOTO and recap BY: Heather Phillips
The crowd sweated and danced along through a set full of new and old favorites. YTG debuted a total of 3 new songs and announced that their new album is expected to be released by Spring of next year and that they hoped everyone still “stuck around” to hear it. Judging by the reaction to the new songs it’s easy to say most of the audience isn’t going anywhere. There was so much energy bursting from the crowd that Sameer even went as far as leaping onto the barricades to single along with the crowd in the final moments.
GOod old war
Fresh off of SXSW, Good Old War headed to Houston to go forth on their headlining tour in support of their new album, Come Back As Rain. The venue, Fitzgerald’s was a seemingly perfect fit for their show. Made to look like a two story house, you felt an overwhelming sense of home upon stepping into the venue; a perfect setting for a band of this genre. If there is one word to describe Good Old War’s stage presence it is humble. No fancy intros needed, the group came out all smiles as they set up their gear. From the moment they stepped out on stage the fans, aka Warriors, cheered them on. The room might have been small but it was packed with dedicated fans just ready to clap and sing-a-long to the band’s music. From the lighting, to the face-to-face proximity of the stage to the audience the entire show felt as if a group of friends were just getting together to share a few drinks, a few laughs and enjoy some good music. The three piece blazed through a 15 song set. Covering both the classics as well as the new jams to leave no one in the crowd disappointed. Keith Goodwin’s soothing
vocals blasted through the speakers while Dan Schwartz, powered through solos on acoustic as well as electric guitar while drummer Tim Arnold kept the beat and lead the crown into rhythmic claps to create a truly euphoric sound. The set had the audience completely hooked the entire time and singing along with every word. After 13 songs the band departed from the stage only to be greeted with the crowd chanting their name for more. All smiles, the band returned back for two more, ending with the crowd favorite, “Coney Island” to wrap up a great night of music. They then immediately went to greet their fans, pose for photos and thank everyone for attending. Good Old War is a truly humble band. It’s easy to see this from their live performance as well as their interaction with fans. If you are in the mood to see a down-to-earth performance that feels like a reunion with old friends then I would highly recommend checking out Good Old War when they come through your town.
WHERE: Fitzgerald’s, Houston, TX PHOTO and recap BY: Heather Phillips
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