Issue #29

ISSUE 29

HIGHLIGHT

MAGAZINE

SWEETLIFE – FOREVER CAME CALLING – GABRIELLE APLIN – BLAKE LEWIS & MORE

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editor-in-chief jenn stookey

IGHLIGH

co-founder – art director cara bahniuk co-founder – photographer ashley osborn copy editor courtney dondelinger co-founder mckenzie hughes contributing photographers

cara bahniuk, matt burke, dan deslover, brendon donahue, courtney dondelinger, tarina doolittle, jordan fischels, brad heaton, megan leetz, anjel lopez, nicole mago, charlie martel, david mullis, laura murray, ally newbold, ashley osborn, heather phillips, petey place, sam polonsky, danny raybon, sam roenfeldt, sam san roman, daniel shippey and amy willard

contributing writers (online & publication)

christina belles, haley black, jennifer boylen, geoff burns, colleen casey, madison convey, rebecca del castillo, trevor figge, tamara fuentes, jessica klinner, catt kruger, jordyn, lockwood, daisy marietta, zoe marquedant, bridjet mendyuck, theresa pham, ryan bahniuk, annette schaefer, alyssa schmidt, elizabeth tolbert, abby welsh and nick yacovazzi

digital marketing team

olivia adams, kelly basdavanos, geoff burns, rachel carter, megan shea and catie suliga

news posters

caroline hall, brad laplante, jordyn lockwood, and sarah akomanyi

_________________________ www.highlightmagazine.net facebook facebook.com/highlightmagazine twitter @highlightzine instagram @highlightzine _________________________ thank you

neon trees, shannon cosgrove, bb gun press, warner brothers records, votiv, source pr, pep talk media, promenade music entertainment, bullhorn publicity, the catalyst publicity group, muddy paw pr, derek buell and all of our amazing readers!

_________________________ 06 neon trees jordan fischels

07 derek buell chris martin

the icarus account danny raybon

blake lewis provided

forever came calling sam polonsky

sweetlife cara bahniuk

gabrielle aplin sammy roenfeldt

the so so glos matt vogel HIGHLIGHTMAGAZINE.NET - 3

july

05 this or that 08 clothing highlight 10 label highlight 11 venue highlight 12 highlighted artists 13 film highlight 15 industry highlight 16 sweetlife 20 the so so glos 24 the icarus account 26 forever came calling 28 gabrielle aplin 30 blake lewis 34 neon trees 44 tour round up janelle monae fall out boy new politics 50 reviews

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THIS

OR

55%

45%

STAY WITH ME 62%

RUDE 38%

25%

75%

THAT

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NEON TREES - 34

THE ICARUS ACCOUNT - 24

FOREVER CAME CALLING - 26

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GABRIELLE APLIN - 28

15 - DEREK BUELL

30 - BLAKE LEWIS

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CATCH ONTO THESE TRENDS COMPANY: Still Proud LOCATION: Lahaina, Hawaii WEBSITE: stillproudclothing.com

HOW DID STILL PROUD BEGIN?

At the heart of it, Still Proud means to retain your sense of self (what you are proud of) as you go through life. I started SP in the winter of 2009 after getting laid off from my first “big job.” It was at that time that I realized working in a dead end office my whole life wasn’t going to cut it. So with some savings, a few ideas, and no knowledge of fashion, I embarked on this crazy journey and have been building it ever since.

WHAT DO YOU FEEL YOUR BRAND REPRESENTS?

There are two main concepts you’ll see coursing through our releases: Achievement & Defiance. Motivating others to see the world in a different light is my main purpose with this project.

WHAT IS THE REASON YOU STARTED STILL PROUD?

It can all be summed up in one word: Expression. Prior to SP, I was in metal/ hardcore bands (Through The Worst and PALENSTINE) for many years and when that was over my sense of frustration with society at large didn’t also burn out.

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So as a natural creative, I found the t-shirt to be one of the most direct ways to convey an idea and I rolled with it.

THREE PERSONAL FAVORITE DESIGNS?

1) Question Everything: because if you’re not questioning your surroundings, chances are, you’re living someone else’s shitty morality.

2) Achieve: too many people fall short of what they deserve and this piece is a reminder to persevere & “Never Give Up.” 3) Pyramid Seal: I love this piece because it took us in a slightly different direction with our message, which we’ve owned ever since. Defy tradition, never compromise!

WHY PEOPLE SHOULD CHECK OUT YOUR BRAND?

No use in using hyperbole to hype us up as if you’re reading this far, you’re already somewhat interested. All I’ll say is, real recognize real!

f/stillproudclothing

YOU MAY WANT TO LISTEN TO...

Island Def Jam Music Group was formed in 1999, when Universal Music Group merged Island Records and Def Jam Recordings. CEO Barry Weiss served for 15 years, until just this past April, when the label announced Motown Records (who became a part of IDJMG in 2011) would become its own entity once more. With a roster that’s always changing and keeping it fresh, Island Def Jam is home to artists like Avicii, Fall Out Boy, Bon Jovi, and The Killers. Their artists are always coming out with new releases, exciting announcements, and are constantly touring the world. Even artists like Brandon Flowers (The Killers) and Patrick Stump (Fall Out Boy) are represented in their solo work.

GASLIGHT ANTHEM

The New Jersey punk rock band came together when talented musician Brian Fallon founded the group in 2007. Although many line-up changes took place before they found their rhythm, it didn’t take long before they found the perfect line-up. Inspired by bands like The Replacements and The Misfits, Gaslight Anthem brings a traditional punk rock sound to modern music, without straying from their roots. August 19th, they will release their much-anticipated fifth album, Get Hurt.

Listen to: “Rollin’ and Thumblin’”

NEON TREES

Currently on a US tour which will turn into an International tour in the fall, Neon Trees has certainly accelerated in their fame over the past two years since releasing Picture Show including hit single “Everybody Talks” in 2012.

Although the band has been around since 2005 and even toured with The Killers in 2008, it hasn’t been until their 2012 album and now their newest album, Pop Psychology released this year that they have really taken off.

With catchy pop tunes and fun lyrics, they’re definitely top-40 radio material and likely to be heard all summer long on party soundtracks.

Listen To: “Sleeping with a Friend”

SNOW PATROL

With over 20 years in the business, Snow Patrol has recorded six albums and is headed into the studio to record their 7th, out next year. Although they’ve been around since 1994, it wasn’t until 2003 and the release of Final Straw that the band had any real exposure to fame. Co-founders Mark McClelland and Gary Lightbody hail from Ireland, which explains their smooth crooning and sensitive lyrics. This band definitely has jams for any mood, which makes them both versatile and enjoyable, whether you’re feeling a little down, looking to party, or looking for a truly emotional time.

Listen to: “Set the Fire to the Third Bar”

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WORDS: Daisy Marietta

VENUE HIGHLIGHT THE BOTTOM LOUNGE - CHICAGO, IL

HISTORY

Bottom Lounge is a music venue and restaurant on Chicago’s west side. The old Bottom Lounge was located at Wilton and Belmont, but after being forced to close for CTA expansion in 2005 it moved to its current Lake Street location and reopened in 2008. After thriving since their re-launch, Live Nation began booking at The Bottom Lounge as of 2012.

The Bottom Lounge is on the smaller side, as the main room holds 700 people and the venue also features a multi-use 300 capacity space called the Volcano Room.

WHY PLAY HERE?

The Bottom Lounge is always a favorite in Chicago. They have an intimate set up that really gives musicians and fans a chance to interact. Security and their staff are always very organized and polite; they run a well-oiled machine during every show. Not only is the venue portion of the Bottom Lounge a gem, but they also have a restaurant and bar in front complete with brick walls, hanging lights, and vintage arcade games. They feature American fare style food, craft beer, and small batch whiskey. Ticket prices for the Bottom Lounge are some of the lowest around and their food and drinks are very reasonably priced as well. On top of that, it’s easy to get to, all ages, and has big, clean bathrooms.

What more could you ask for from any venue?

TWITTER: @thebottomlounge FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/bottomloungechicago WEBSITE: bottomlounge.com JULY 25TH

AUGUST 1ST & AUGUST 2ND

SEPTEMBER 9TH

Our Last Night

Lollapalooza Aftershows

Hawthorne Heights

REVIEW: Jennifer Boylen PHOTO: Adam McCall/Google

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HIGHLIGHTED

ARTISTS INSTEAD OF SLEEPING

Location: Pittsburgh, PA Current Single: “Insatiable” Memebrs: Corey McClaine – Drums, Woody Wright – Guitar/ Keys/Aux Percussives, Jeff Binando – Bass/Vocals Pittsburgh’s own Instead of Sleeping will have you waking up in an instant. Forming in 2008, the band has transcended from being a bar jam band to a contemporary indie-rock sensation.

ONLY ON WEEKENDS Location: Philadelphia, PA Current Single: “Sugarrump, This One’s for You” Memebrs: Harry Rose – Vocals/Guitar, Anthony Dandrea – Drums, Jes Clark – Keys/Vocals, Chuck DelRoss – Bass/Vocals Only On Weekends‘ alternative rock anthems are for any day of the week. Hailing from Philadelphia, PA, the band has recorded three releases since their 2011 inception, with their most recent EP “Light Years & Heavy Lifting” dropping in 2014. The band has also toured across the midwest and southeast while also staying active in the Philadelphia music scene.

TALL WALKER Location: Chicago, IL Current Single: “Deadbeat” Memebrs: Nick Bays – Vocals/Guitar, Chris Hershman – Bass, Ben Johnson – Drums Indie rock faction Tall Walker isn›t afraid to stand tall in the windy city. Hailing from Logan Square in Chicago, IL, the band released its self-titled EP in December 2013. The band has the gift to entice listeners with powerful delivery and thought provoking lyrics.

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WORDS: Nick Yacovazzi

HIGHLIGHTED NINE DAYS AND NINE NIGHTS

FILMS

OF ED SHEERAN DELUXE EDITION

With his debut album +, Sheeran cemented himself as the endearing ginger with the English accent who writes decimating love songs. Since then, three years have passed and Sheeran has spent them touring, building a massive fan base and writing a second record. The album, x (pronounced ‘multiply’), is due for release this June. Five months ago, Sheeran shot a TV series with MTV, titled Nine Days and Nights of Ed Sheeran, documenting the entire process.

Starting at a Sacramento acoustic performance then rewinding, the series counts down the months until the release. Viewers are given a glimpse into the life of a recording artist on the cusp of releasing the dreaded sophomore album – infamous for putting artists in a “slump.”

Nine Days also provides an unabashed look at Sheeran’s life before + as well as his life leading up x.

It jumps from the past when Sheeran was playing small shows in London and selling his EPs by hand to the present when Sheeran is touring worldwide promoting x. The series focuses on the pressure on him to release a successful second album; he owns up to the anxiety, touching on what he calls the “moment after such a successful first album.” He calls it “literally a make or break situation. Everyone’s watching this time...This time around it’s a lot more stressful experience. It’s whether [he] can be a career artist for the rest of my life or [he] had a very big album back in 2011. That’s the difference. It’s ‘an artist of the times or a career.”

The differences in the records, as Nine Days reveals, is one thing that seems to bot excite and unsettle Sheeran. With + he established himself as the guy who writes songs for “women to cry and eat ice cream to.” With x Sheeran introduces a different sound, grounded more in hip­ hop. Nine Days proves that Sheeran is not only versatile musician and a skilled rapper, but also an incredibly hard worker. He describes himself as both an artist and a brand throughout the documentary, admitting that he “will do what needs to be done to get [his] music out there.”

This is evident in a scene in which Sheeran touches on life before +, namely when he first moved to London and feverishly networked to get gigs. Sheeran shows viewers EPs he sold from his rucksack before making it big, including #5 Collaborations Project, the EP that got him signed. Sheeran tells the story of how he flew to L.A. with the profits in search of a bigger fanbase and a label, using a handwritten diary as a guide.

Sheeran has met wild success since then, but he hasn’t let it go to his head. When in London, he leads the camera crew around his room pointing out, amongst other things, the washing that’s drying on the radiator. Sheeran gives the sense that although he is an accomplished singer­songwriter, he’s still very much a regular person. He chuckles, showing viewers a snack he made, saying, “If you want anything microwaved. I’m your man.” Throughout Nine Days, Sheeran seems overwhelmingly normal. When the film jumps to stories of Hollywood parties, it’s hard to imagine such a grounded young man amongst A­listers. When showing the audience his childhood home, Sheeran points out walls signed both by famous and old friends alike, evidence that he has somehow seamlessly married the two sides of his life together.

In these human, often comical moments Sheeran opens up about navigating the two worlds. He explains how important it was that he signed his record contract in his local pub. In other equally telling moment, Sheeran visits his old school and points to the stage where he once played Clapton’s “Layla,” but not before almost bailing due to nerves. It is hard to remember in these scenes that Sheeran was nominated “Best New Artist” at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards.

Back home Sheeran steps away from a shelf of awards and quietly comments that he hasn’t “won anything else besides breakthrough.”

Suddenly, the audience is snapped out of pastoral England and reminded of the impending release. The audience is reminded that Sheeran, despite his jovial demeanor, is about to release a record, which he considers “not inside the comfort zone” of his fan base. These moments when the narrative unearths Sheeran’s inner feelings are what make the series. Without them, Nine Days is just a very long episode of Cribs.

The viewer is reminded that Sheeran is more than the “chubby ginger white kid from Britain [who sings] acoustic love songs.” The series humanizes him although it seems that Sheeran was human all along.

Although we are yet to hear x or feel its impact, Nine Days shows that Sheeran maintains a connection with himself, his friends, his family and his fans, that is yet to be challenged by his fame.

REVIEW: Zoe Marquedant

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INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHT

NAME: Derek Buell LOCATION: Albany, NY/Tallahassee, FL LOCATION: Currently the merchandise manager for The Summer Set on the Vans Warped Tour PREVIOUS ROSTER: Young And Divine (20072010), Avion Roe Vans (Warped Tour 2011), Junior Doctor (Warped Tour 2012), Go Radio (2010- 2014), Northern Faces (2013-2014), Pierce The Veil (2013), Stages & Stereos (2014)

WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL STORY/WHY DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE INDUSTRY?

Music has always been a huge outlet for me. When I was young I would listen to records with my dad and on short road trips we would play mix tapes of bands he liked. Years later in high school many of my friends started listening to a lot of punk and hardcore music so I became exposed to “the scene” at a very early age and was around people who booked small DIY type shows. I learned pretty quickly how shows operated and I fell in love with the touring lifestyle but I didn’t have an in to start touring until years later. In 2007 after moving back to Albany from Los Angeles, some friends in a band called Young And Divine asked me to start touring with them. From there I learned more of the ins and outs of booking tours, networking, tour managing, creating and selling merchandise, and how to resolve problems that can arise on tour. Each tour I complete leads to new jobs and new opportunities.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ATTRIBUTE A TOUR MANAGER SHOULD HAVE?

Be patient but bold. It’s your job to work with the artist and present the best options for them to be successful. A TM should understand the needs of the group he or she is in charge of and be able to communicate why their decision is the best for the team.

WHAT ARE THREE OF YOUR MOST MEMORABLE CAREER MOMENTS?

The second would be Go Radio getting bumped up to main stage over ten times last year on Warped Tour. To be treated that well by the Warped Tour staff is a privilege and because of that I have some of the best memories of my life.

My 3rd most memorable accomplishment was working with Pierce The Veil on the House Party Tour. I learned a lot about touring in arenas, working with much larger amounts of merchandise, how shows with local union staff and venue sellers works. This was another opportunity to work with top of the line bands and crew people and learn a lot.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH?

I think it’s always going to be important for me to have new goals.

I am the type of person who has seen the positive effects of hard work and determination and that makes me want to create more and push my lifestyle further. In the future I think a small run of a book could be a possibility (featuring stories and photos from the past seven years of touring.) Beyond that, just keep moving forward.

I love the touring lifestyle and think that the sky is the limit as far as working with top tier artists and helping them succeed by creating the best product possible.

PHOTO: Chris Martin

The first would provably be Young And Divine getting signed to RCA records. We worked for a very long time and spent many months building something we all felt very attached to and to find major label success was a very proud moment.

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SWEETLIFE, a music and food festival organized

by east coast salad chain Sweetgreen, is held annually at Merriweather Pavilion in rural Maryland. This year it played host to Foster the People, Lana Del Rey, Fitz & the Tantrums, and many more artists coming together to celebrate good music, good food, and sustainable living. What makes Sweetlife unique isn’t the headlining acts that it draws each year, but the other half of the festival - the food. Sweetgreen uses their connections in the food and drink industries to outfit the festival grounds with restaurants, food trucks, breweries, and food vendors from unique locations around the Mid-Atlantic region. The goal is to enjoy the music, but also gain an appreciation for the local food scene - something that is achieved each spring when Sweetlife is held.

Any good music festival is one big party, and Sweetlife picked artists this year that fit that vibe. The Treehouse Stage, nestled in the wooded area at the back of the festival grounds, hosted Spirit Animal, Capital Cities, and St. Lucia. Led by energetic front man Jean-Philip Grobler, St. Lucia was one of the highlight performances of the day. They played through heavy rain while their very large crowd enjoyed all of the synthpop songs from their debut album “When the Night”. Wearing his signature floral patterns, Grobler rocked through St. Lucia’s singles ‘Elevate’ and ‘September’ while the crowd packed between the trees to join the party.

While these artists were playing the Treehouse Stage, the big names were headlining the pavilion. Hozier surprised the crowd with his unique blend of folk and soul. While his music was a sharp contrast to the feel-good songs on the Treehouse stage, he absolutely walked away from Sweetlife with a new fanbase. Fitz & the Tantrums was another big highlight of the Pavilion. The always energetic neo-soul band led by Michael Fitzpatrick and Noelle Scaggs played through hits from their 2010 album “Pickin’ Up the Pieces” and their more recent “More Than Just a Dream”. One of the breakout artists of 2013, Bastille, also played the Pavilion. The London-based band played their percussion heavy hits from their debut album “Bad Blood”. At one point during the title track, front man Dan Smith jumped off the stage and ran up the Pavilion steps without breaking a beat.

Lana Del Rey’s set was quite the experience. Prefaced for an hour by the piercing screams of every American Apparel wearing 13-year old in attendance, LDR finally hit the stage and started crooning her way through her songs from “Born to Die”. After taking breaks during the set to take selfies with fans in the front row, smoke a cigarette, and tell the crowd to buy her new album, she finally played the hits ‘Blue Jeans’ and ‘National Anthem’. Playing the video for ‘National Anthem’ (featuring A$AP Rocky) behind the stage was a nice touch that added to the effect of that haunting song.

Foster the People was the headliner for the entire day and they brought the energy back to the Pavilion stage. Mark Foster and crew knows how to liven up an audience, even though the crowd was much more familiar with the songs from their first album than their latest release. The highlights of the show were ‘Helena Beat’, ‘Call It What You Want’, and one of their new songs ‘Best Friend’.

Music is just one part of Sweetlife - the food and commitment to sustainability makes this festival unique. I tried to sample as much of the food as I could, but the highlights were Jose Andres’ Pepe food truck, Rappahannock Oysters, and of course Sweetgreen. The booths from Honest Tea and Stumptown Coffee were also great for giving a bit of a caffeine boost to get through the day. There really was so much variety available, that I don’t think I even saw every option, let alone sampled. Looking back I wish I could have tried out DGS Delicatessen and some of the various local breweries such as Flying Dog, Chocolate City, and DC Brau.

Overall, this was a hugely successful festival because they accomplished their mission: putting on a party with a purpose. The variety of musical, food, and drink choices literally give something to everyone. This was the second year that I have had the opportunity to go to Sweetlife, but I hope this is something that becomes an annual tradition for me.

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PHOTOS: Cara Bahniuk WORDS: Ryan Bahniuk

FITZ & THE TANTRUMS

ST. LUCIA

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HOIZER

LANA DEL REY

BASTILLE

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FOSTER THE PEOPLE

FITZ & THE TANTRUMS

FOSTER THE PEOPLE PHOTOS: Submitted

BASTILLE

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FOSTER THE PEOPLE

HOME: Brooklyn, NY NOW JAMMING: Speakeasy CURRENTLY: Touring with Say Anything

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IT’S NOT EVERYDAY THAT AN INDEPENDENT

released album gets put on Rolling Stone’s “Top 50 Albums” list, but The So So Glos are able to say that they did. “It’s always great when publications support you, especially something as revered and respected as Rolling Stone, which we grew up reading,” expressed lead vocalist and bassist, Alex Levine.

But even hitting a milestone like that doesn’t change this band one bit. According to Levine, “It’s really important not to get hung up on what people say about the things you make. As [Conor] Oberst once said, ‘I do not read the reviews. I am not singing for you.’ I try to live by that motto as best as I can.”

The band, which also comprises of guitarist Ryan Levine, guitarist Matt Elkin, and drummer Zach Staggers is truly a family affair. Alex, Ryan, and Zach are all related; Zach is their stepbrother. Despite the fact that Matt is not related to them, they consider him to be their “long lost brother.”

“He joined the band a few weeks before our first DIY tour of the states. We would go on to book and tour in that fashion for the next five years. Four of us in an old airport shuttle bus. We became instantly close on that tour, brothers even.”

But being related doesn’t always make things any easier, even in a band. Alex explained that the deep connection can create more tension that one might expect, “There’s a push and pull fire that propels us when we come together.

As a band of brothers there is a lot of negativity and fighting and it sure gets tough.”

Despite going through some rough patches here and there (maybe even because of all that) the band has been able to grow and improve. “The aim of The So So Glos has always been to take that negative energy and turn it into something positive. The conversion of negative to positive is the energy that we›ve been sending out into this fine universe. There’s this feeling that’s like, get up, get over yourself and work together to make something worthwhile. That’s what we’ve always done.”

Their past even brings them together as well – turning the inevitable negativity that was a result of their parents’ divorce into a band. “Punk rock has always been our way of turning things around. Controlled anarchy tilted toward positivity.”

After over seven years together and four albums, they admitted to still facing some challenges when it comes to creating their music. “It’s hard to say which was most taxing. I think they were all taxing in a different way. All of the records were treated like it was the last thing we were ever going to do. I think we’ve always had that view when making a record. For better or for worse, the urgency can be felt it whatever we do,” Alex commented.

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The urgency worked, and they created albums that have brought them a growing and dedicated fan base. But even though the fans might love it, there are days when Alex does not always agree with them. “It’s a true representation of ourselves and that comes with loving it and sometimes hating it. Some days I’ll enjoy things we’ve done more than others but overall I’m never truly satisfied with it and that’s the way it’s always been. I guess that’s why it never feels finished to me, and the need to keep creating is there.”

Despite being a punk rock band at heart, the band has been through several musical changes over the years, whether it was individually or as a group. Their sound stems from a mix of all the music that they have been listening to throughout the years; anything from hip hop to punk to reggae to show tunes to jazz, all come together for the band to create The So So Glos sound. Alex noted, “It all comes out sounding like us because of our limited skill coupled with our grand ideas. We’re just kids still hitting the ground on a bounce.”

And that “bounce” has come in many different forms; the band also co-founded two Brooklyn venues: Market Hotel and Shea Stadium alongside producer and friend, Adam Reich. “It’s essential,” Alex commented on DIY venues.

“Keeping venues all ages and helping to foster a collective art scene in a place is what it’s all about. We’ve done what we can to help out in spaces like this.“ When not helping out their local DIY scene, the band tours with the likes of Say Anything. For them, being able to visit new places and see what each audience brings is the best part of the experience. “There’s a new and unique energy in every room. Every time we play, something is different. […] It’s the room that plays along and changes the art. It’s inspiring to see what kind of energy people bring to our show. We throw it out and the people throw it back to us and it becomes this tabletop toss back and forth conversation of energy. It’s inspiring to see like-minded appreciators of subversive art and music come together all across America. Punk rock.”

After two DIY venues, seven years, and four albums it’s safe to say that the band has been through quite a bit. Though for them, there is no particular moment that is the absolute best as they are grateful for all of them. Alex explained that, “If you get hung up on milestones, they tend to get in your way. We’ve had some surreal moments over the years.”

Certainly, this band has been lucky enough to see more ups than downs in their career so far, but despite all the success that they have received and all the success that is yet to come, the band is going to continue to look forward to all that’s ahead. For Alex, “There’s no success like failure and failure’s no success at all.”

PHOTOS: Matt Vogel INTERVIEW: Christina Belles STORY: Tamara Fuentes

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HOME: Fort Myers, FL NOW JAMMING: “Girls Like You” CURRENTLY: Just recorded a music video for “Bad News”. Recently released the Girls Like You EP

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IN A BUSINESS SUCH AS THE

music industry, it always seems to be about doing something different. Whether it’s your look, your sound, your lyrics, your antics – “they” say if you want to be noticed, you have to stand out. The Icarus Account has done a pretty good job at standing out and staying true to their roots.

As siblings (fraternal twins, to be exact), the two have certainly been able to stand out as a band in that aspect.

Not only that, but since they grew up and learned everything together, that included singing and playing instruments.

“Being so well connected throughout our lives really keeps us on the same page with our goals, passions, etc. towards music. It’s a lot easier to follow someone and make changes on the fly when you can read someone’s mind.”

It makes sense that they’re often complimented about their harmonies and they’ve even joked that it seems like cheating when two nearly identical people sing together, giving a certain perfected illusion. Of course with the positive comes the negative, and when you work constantly with another individual at such a close proximity, there’s always going to be conflict. Fortunately for the brothers, they have something tying them together deeper than just a band, which forces them to resolve any fight. They’ve already gotten past all of the surprises and seen each other’s bad sides, leaving them with only positivity and growth to look forward to.

Girls Like You is the band’s first release since 2012. Although the EP is only five songs, those songs were carefully chosen from a list of about 40 songs that they had written since their last release. Going from 40 ideas to five was a process on its own, and once they had five, they worked together to break each one down and make changes to the lyrics, structures, melodies, and make them as strong as possible. “The title track ‘Girls Like You’ took us over a year and a half to finish because we knew how much potential it had and didn’t want to waste it with subpar lyrics or melodies. Quality is always better than quantity. There’s no point in having great lyrics with awful melodies, and vice versa,” they added, explaining their respectable attitude very eloquently.

Another endeavor was the one the guys took on for recording their new album. Their process was different from any of their other releases, because it was the first time they produced, recorded, and mixed the entire project by themselves. In the past, they recorded and helped to produce some of their music, but the projects were never entirely “DIY.” As one could imagine, it was a long process, but definitely a refreshing one. Using their home studio and having as much time as they needed to make things sound as best as possible took the pressure off and made for a clean release.

“It’s honestly the start of a new chapter for us being completely self-sufficient with our recording capabilities. Ultimately it’s the most proud we’ve ever been with the production on a record that we’ve released,” they elaborated. Additionally, because they’re independent, there is no label or outside pressure influencing them on what to do or what way to create their music. This allows them to stay completely true to who they are, as people and as musicians. It gives them an extraordinary amount of freedom. “We’ve built our entire career as a band on being real and authentic with our music; that’s something that we are never going to change,” Ty added.

Another thing that sets the band apart from many musicians is that they take the time to connect and interact with their fans on their social media fans. The reason behind this is that their goal as musicians is to connect with as many people as possible while they have this opportunity. “If someone is going to take the time to listen to our stories/ songs/lives, we want to take the time to get to know them and hear their stories as well,” they commented.

Whether it’s at a live show or through various social media outlets, that’s exactly what they do. It’s a wonderful experience for both sides, fan and band, to be able to witness a genuine understanding and appreciation for the music. Although there are only so many people in the world one can personally meet and have a connection with, they have a great point that music can reach and impact anyone, potentially. By being genuine and transparent with their fans, they hope that they will be able to relate to them and be positively impacted. Ty and Trey both feel so honored to be in the position where people care about their music and their lives, and it’s not something they want to take for granted – especially their fans.

Now that they’ve released their new EP, their goal is to share it with as many listeners as possible. Whether fans are buying, streaming, or even “stealing” it, they’re happy that people are taking the time to listen. “We love giving our music away for free because honestly, if that’s what it takes to get someone to listen to our stories and songs, then we are all in. It’s not about making money for us, it’s about reaching as many people as possible,” Trey explained. In addition to their new EP, they’re also working on filming music videos and in progress on writing more songs for another release, hopefully in late 2014/early 2015. Until then, fans of The Icarus Account have a wonderful five-track EP of feel-good tunes to tide them over.

PHOTO: Danny Raybon INTERVIEW & STORY: Daisy Marietta

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HOME: San Francisco, CA

HOME: 29 Palms, CA

NOW JAMMING: “Transformer”

NOW JAMMING: “Indebted”

CURRENTLY: Getting ready to head overseas for a couple of shows

CURRENTLY: Gearing up for the Common Vision Tour

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EARNEST. PASSIONATE. MAYBE EVEN

a little crazy. All words to describe the summer of 2010 for the members of Forever Came Calling. Like many bands before them, the four-piece pop punk ensemble decided to follow the Vans Warped Tour in hopes of one day joining it.

29 Palms, California, didn’t offer the music scene for the band to grow. What started out as a Senses Fail and Taking Back Sunday cover band, quickly evolved into the band wanting to create their own music and tour. So they took to the road.

After weeks of selling CDs for gas money and gathering signatures, their hopes were finally came into fruition.

Kevin Lyman, founder of Warped, gave them their chance.

They opened the day and played the first time slot. “We felt like we had done what we set out to do,” front man Joe Candelaria recalled. “But at the same time, we had just glimpsed what we wanted and it made us hungry for more.”

While on their journey, they were filmed for the documentary No Room for Rockstars. The crew followed the highs of playing their first Warped show, but also the lows. Many obstacles stood in the way for the band. “I think it definitely brought new ears to our band and captured us in a hardworking light,” Candelaria said. “At moments in a light we were not too fond of, but it is what it is and we’re thankful to be a part of it.”

While on Warped, the band’s van broke down. They spent their last remaining money on repairs, causing their spirits to break down as well. Thousands of miles from home, they were stuck. In those lowest moments of being gone is when the band wishes they were home the most.

“If you see me on tour and I am having a bad day its probably because I am just wrestling with being away,” Candelaria said. “Being from a small town you get this fucked up disease. You dream your whole life about getting out and once you’re out you just dream about getting back.

We have a great support system back home and it’s hard to miss them sometimes.”

Forever Came Calling signed to Pure Noise before leaving for Warped in 2010. No Room For Rockstars gave the band momentum on their debut album, Contender, released in 2012. Although the band said it was intense to write the record, they are thankful for what the album has done for them.

“We wrote the best record we possibly could at that time, and I think that’s how it should be every time you go into the studio,” Candelaria said. “I think the reaction to it was

awesome, Contender has given us an audience to play for, and we have made so many great friends because of the record.”

The hunger from their first Warped stayed. Kevin Lyman gave them another chance of a lifetime: to join the official lineup of the 2013 tour. Playing the Kevin Says once again, Forever Came Calling said it was a night and day experience. “Just seeing how things actually work when you’re a part of it, it’s so awesome and one of the best running tours on the planet. It was super humbling to see how many people we’re choosing to watch our band each day. It was the best summer of our lives,” Candelaria said.

Since Warped tour, they wrote their follow-up album, What Matters Most… They worked with producer Kyle Black (All Time Low, Set Your Goals and Heart to Heart.) Black encouraged the band to expand their songwriting, which the band felt the album reflects. “We have been so critical of every part of this record. On Contender, we were young and playing as fast as we could. But on What Matters Most…, we paid attention to ebb and flow and building tension. It’s a record we can be even prouder of in ten years,” Candelaria noted.

In preparation to the release of What Matters Most…, Forever Came Calling supported Man Overboard on the Heart Attack Tour. It was the biggest tour they had been a part of, separate from Warped. The band recalls playing their most important show yet at Irving Plaza in New York City. They played to over 800 people, bringing another dream into fruition.

“Growing up I dreamed about just playing NYC,” Candelaria said. “Hearing so many people sing our words back to us was so humbling and literally one of the coolest moments of my life. It was just a huge milestone for all of us.”

Being a part of tours and playing shows like that remind Forever Came Calling why they’re doing this: the hard work, the lows… all of it. Why they decided to follow Warped Tour in the first place – because all of it brought them here.

“We get to see the country and play music, it is the coolest thing in the world,” Candelaria said. “Sometimes I get a little jaded, but at the end of the day I know that this is all a gift and every day I get to say I am living my dreams. It’s so tight!”

PHOTO: Sam Polonsky INTERVIEW & STORY: Alyssa Schmidt

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HOME: Bath, England NOW JAMMING: “Salvation” from English Rain CURRENTLY: Working on new music

AT ONLY 21 GABRIELLE APLIN

With the release of her first full length Aplin has had several new opportunities present themselves including bringing her music to a wider audience and getting the chance to travel and play to more of the world. No two audiences are the same; each offers a unique experience that can either be uplifting or discouraging. But Aplin felt that she hasn’t really had any negative situations with her audiences, “I love getting to perform in different countries, and no matter where you are it is always an enjoyable experience.”

For her, songwriting began with a love for written word that eventually progressed into a genuine passion and interest for writing music as well. She found herself inspired by writers in all forms to take her poetry and songwriting to the next level.

There is no doubt that this songwriter has put in the time and effort to get where she is today, and on top of it all she has managed to do so without having to be a part of a larger unit. It’s just her, and her heartwarmingly honest music; though that’s all she seems to need. “I’ve just always written songs,” explained Aplin, “It wasn’t like I never wanted to be a part of a collection of musicians but it just turned out this way.”

has proven herself in the music industry as a self-made success story. The singer-songwriter from Bath, England, has entranced listeners all over Europe and the rest of the world with her sweet melodies and her gentle, breathy vocals.

But like all artists, she did not start with crowds of fans at her disposal, and had to progressively work to where she is today.

“I really loved creative writing and wrote lots of short stories and poems. When I discovered John Mitchell and Leonard Cohen, I learned that they put their poetry to music and that’s what I then went on to do,” explained Aplin.

Perhaps what made the start of Aplin’s career so intriguing was being able to watch it all online. Like many songwriters today, she sparked many people’s interests by posting cover versions of artists such as Bob Dylan and Katy Perry on YouTube. Eventually, as her musical talents began to develop, she began releasing her own material as well.

Armed with an attitude that is almost reminiscent of what one might find in DIY punk communities, Aplin started Never Fade Records and self-released her first few EPs. Things really started to take off for Aplin in 2012 when her rendition of Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s hit, “The Power of Love,” was picked as UK retailer John Lewis’ holiday advertising campaign track. Not long after, she was invited to perform on the BBC Introducing… sessions and the title track off of her Home EP was a Single of the Week on iTunes.

She has gone on to sign to Parlophone Records to release her first full-length album, joining the likes of Kylie Minouge, Lily Allen, and Gorillaz, just to name a few. The record, entitled English Rain, released last year and has proven to be a whole new chapter in her promising career. But signing to a big label and recording a full length proved to not be that different from her past experiences. For her, “[…] the more you write and record the better you get at it.

I felt that my EPs were great for me to learn how I wanted to go about things and a great way to test a few things out,” Aplin expressed, “I think English Rain is the best thing I have done so far, but I’m sure my next release will be better.

Purely because I’ve improved since then, and I can take the things I loved from the previous process and carry them on to the next project.”

Being a young, female solo artist seems like it would warrant some tales of woe in an industry that is often seen as infamous for its cruelty. It’s not shocking to hear stories of female musicians being pushed to the back burners or otherwise treated as sex objects, but Aplin has been lucky enough to witness a different side of the big, bad music industry. She confirmed that, “[…] sometimes there is a misconception from people who aren’t connected to the music industry who see it as an industry ran by men where female artists are told what to wear and how to be marketed and that’s not the case. We can say no and make our own choices.”

She’s not just letting her gender hinder her ability to thrive in the entertainment world. Despite being only 21, Aplin sings and writes beyond her years and in a society where younger artists are often not given the same respect as more seasoned performers, she’s taking that stereotype and demolishing it.

“I don’t think my age would necessarily mean I face more struggles than someone older than me, we’re all in the same industry,” said Aplin.

Recently Aplin played her only show of the summer at the Glastonbury Festival and had been building her label by taking on some new up-and-coming artists. In the middle of all that she has also been working on new music with plans for a new album in the near future. With so many strong pursuits coming up quickly, it’s safe to say that this won’t be the last time you hear from this songwriter.

PHOTO: Sammy Roenfeldt INTERVIEW & STORY: Annette Schaefer

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HOME: Bothell, WA NOW JAMMING: “Your Touch” CURRENTLY: Playing several Pride festivals later this summer

CHAMELEONS ARE ABLE TO

adapt to certain situations in order to not only survive, but to thrive. They are unique creatures that take on various colors, camouflaging to protect themselves from threats.

However, blending in is not their only strength, but rather standing out and showing emotion through altering their pigments.

In a sense, Blake Lewis has many of these chameleon-like qualities. Taking on many different “colors” within the music industry granted him a wide-range of achievements such as: being affiliated with two hip-hop groups and writing songs such as one featuring Twista, performing in an a cappella group, beat boxing, and DJing at local raves in and around Seattle under the name BShorty.

So when Blake Lewis was thrown into the confined world of the most famous singing competition show in the United States, American Idol, he was no stranger to the stage and already had a leg up on many of the other contestants he was fighting in the spotlight for America’s votes. Back in 2007 when the show was in its prime, Lewis was predicted to be one of the top performers from the beginning.

and be crazy on stage – that’s all I cared about. Other stuff was like the bells and whistles that don’t really have to do with my art, so that was a big learning experience for me.”

Previous experiences with beat boxing and the a cappella and hip-hop groups gave the aspiring Idol contestant a competitive edge, but were also kept fairly well restrained by producers. Working in show business, he did not always have free reign of his creative freedom.

Though his journey on the show had given him a number of amazing opportunities and hook-ups with big-name industry professionals, it was a constant struggle for the budding artist to remain true to his craft. He recalled a time on the show when he challenged producers by singing the song “Time of the Season,” instead of the song they had hand chosen, which to this day remains one of his favorite memories.

“I told them no and they hated me for it. Two days later when we did the dress rehearsal they were like, ‘this is gonna be the best song of the night. We’re totally sorry,’ and then from that moment on they kind of just left me alone finally. It was a struggle every week being myself.”

Having never watched the show before, he was venturing into the unknown, as a friend had convinced him that it could be a turning point for his career and drove him to the audition. Obtaining a unique style and sense-of-self as a young adult, Lewis had a strong vision of the type of artist he wanted to be and the last thing he wanted to do was compromise his individuality.

The obstacles continued even after Idol had come to a close as he transitioned into creating an album with a major record label with a large budget. Though things were rushed, the experience had its highs and lows as he got the opportunity to work with Lupe Fiasco and producer Ryan Tedder of One Republic, which led to a great friendship and a supporting slot on one of their tours.

“I was already solidified with my community in Seattle, doing shows and writing songs for hip hop artists and singing on songs. That kind of stage was just a new experience. And what a phenomenal experience it was,” Lewis said.

“It’s not fun when you’re an artist not having any choice, so I took it for what it was and tried not to take it for granted and I tried to write and be as creative as possible, like I would do in any situation, and I think I made a fantastic album,” said Lewis. “The promotion and marketing of all that was just putting me back into another box, a box in which I had just fought my way out of when I was on television.”

A seasoned performer such as him did not necessarily go on the show to learn the ins and outs of who he was going to be as an artist. If anything, the experience of being on live television gave him intense training in Music Industry 101, preparing him for things such as interviews and various other appearances.

“I was terrible in front of a camera when it came to talking about myself,” explained Lewis. “It’s basically a crash course in artist development and PR. It was such a bubble and they would give us four hours a day – like, ‘Hey this is how you should compose yourself when on camera, how you should rephrase a question in a sentence,’ – things I’d never even thought about. I just wanted to write my music and create 32 - HIGHLIGHTMAGAZINE.NET

Lewis finally broke down the walls of that box for good, as he recently released his fourth full-length independently, exploring his creative immunity to the fullest extent by producing his own record, Portrait of a Chameleon, which the artist likes to label as “future pop.” Creating the album was a liberating experience for the solo artist, as he no longer had record labels and bigwig music industry professionals ball-and-chaining his freedom of expression.

His love for electronic dance music, European sounds, and background with hip-hop has all been heavy influences in establishing his genre of “future pop.”

“It’s hand crafted. It’s not just cookie cutter pop where someone is using a preset.

Every single thing besides a little string, hit, or sample is completely made by hand. We took the time and put a lot of, lot of work and hours into creating everything and being meticulous about it,” Lewis explained.

Considering himself a chameleon, and naming his record after the concept, he views himself as the type of artist who is able to blend in to multiple genres and is not defined by a transparent label. He is in tune with his creativity and loves to show his artistry through more than one creative outlet, displaying a prime example of what it is like to be prolific and well rounded.

“I do voiceover work for cartoons and video games. I write commercial music for commercials and produce it.

I do design work and photography. I like art – I love it,” said Lewis. “I think a lot of chameleons move to LA as I did. Some people don’t find their colors.”

The innovator may consider himself a chameleon, but he does anything but blend in.

His versatility grants him the ability to stand out without restraint, and now he is able to be true to his authenticity without predators forcing him to camouflage his strengths.

PHOTOS: Provided INTERVIEW: Haley Black/Jenn Stookey STORY: Haley Black

PHOTOS: Sammy Roenfeldt INTERVIEW & STORY: Annette Schaefer

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HOME: Provo, UT NOW JAMMING: “Text Me In The Morning” CURRENTLY: Headlining the Pop Psychology Tour

A NUMBER ONE HIT SINGLE CAN change the face of a band’s career forever. Most bands are lucky to have a break through in their first three album cycles; others never even get to see their music reach the top of the charts. Not everyone gets a chance to reach mass success with the release of their debut album, but not everyone is Neon Trees.

The pop-rock band based out of Provo, Utah, jumped into the hearts of America with their hit single, “Animal” from their debut album, Habits. For months on end, radio stations were playing the catchy tune nonstop. Soon, people began to wonder who the mysterious band behind the song was. While it may seem like Neon Trees—vocalist Tyler Glenn, guitarist Chris Allen, bassist Branden Campbell and drummer Elaine Bradley—just popped up out of nowhere all of a sudden, they worked their way to success just like every other band out there. Their success story just didn’t take as long to start.

The story of Neon Trees begins, as many do, with a connection. Glenn and Allen began writing music thanks to their dads. Their fathers worked together and decided that the two might get along well since they both enjoyed 36 - HIGHLIGHTMAGAZINE.NET

music so much. What started out as a few writing sessions for fun turned into a friendship that gave way to the start of Neon Trees. When Allen decided to move to Provo, Utah, for school, Glenn willingly followed. “I felt like he and I understood each other in a way,” Glenn recalls. “I liked writing to his music.”

Most bands don’t find themselves moving from California to Utah to start a successful music career, but as it’s already been pointed out, Neon Tress is not like most bands. Provo, Utah, isn’t necessarily the ideal place that musicians flock to in order to jumpstart their career, but the move proved to be the best decision Glenn and Allen ever made. Provo, a town where 98 percent of residents proclaim the faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, doesn’t seem like the place where secular music would be accepted and embraced, but it had quite a vibrant and growing music scene. The guys soon found themselves playing in a local band, which they named Neon Trees. Likewise, Bradley and Campbell were also playing in local bands in Provo.

Fate intervened when the separate bands decided to call it quits and Glenn, Allen, Campbell and Bradley joined forces to create the current lineup of Neon Trees. In an unlikely turn of events, moving to a small town in Utah changed the course of their lives forever.

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Glancing over the members of Neon Trees with their eccentric and colorful style, it would never be assumed that they come from a strict moral background. They don’t flaunt their beliefs because it’s separate from their creative endeavors, but they are not shy about sharing their faith off stage. Starting out in a religious town actually helped the band’s career tremendously. The local clubs in town refused to serve alcohol, which meant the audiences at shows were more attentive and were there for the music instead of a social hour. Glenn explained how this majorly impacted their live show because they would get an honest response from the crowds, allowing them to grow and develop early in their career.

While playing a show in Las Vegas, Nevada, Neon Trees was approached by Ronnie Vannucci, Jr., drummer for the world-renowned band The Killers. Vannucci, who played in a ska band with Campbell before joining The Killers, knew he had stumbled across something special while watching them perform. Soon after, Neon Trees found themselves on their first major tour as an opening act for none other than The Killers. Later that same year, Vannucci helped the band land a record deal with Mercury/Def Jam Records.

As Neon Trees was on the brink of presenting their debut album, Habits, to the world, things began to change, and it came in a song by the name of “Animal.” (You may have heard of it.) The song fought its way for 32 weeks to number one on the Billboard Alternative charts, making it their first number-one song on a Billboard chart. “When it took off, we were really taken by surprise,” Glenn recalls.

Well, the surprises would keep on coming as “Animal” topped more Billboard charts including the Billboard Hot 100, Canadian Hot 100 and Billboard Rock charts.

Eventually, the band was rewarded for their groundbreaking single when it won Top Alternative Song at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards.

In what seemed like a blink of an eye, Neon Trees had transformed from a small local band in Utah, to a fullfledged pop sensation taking the world by storm. The band took the sudden fame with a grain of salt and tried their best to stay grounded. “It was definitely an adjustment. You’re sort of thrust in front of these people and audiences. We were opening for quite big bands and then started to create our own fan base,” Glenn said.

The touring cycle for Habits saw the band opening for Thirty Seconds to Mars, My Chemical Romance and Duran Duran and included several TV appearances. Neon Trees was quickly becoming a household name and all because of one song.

Before long, it was time for Neon Trees to begin working on a new album, and in April 2012, Picture Show, was released. Much like their first album, Picture Show’s first 38 - HIGHLIGHTMAGAZINE.NET

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single, “Everybody Talks,” began quickly gaining popularity.

Soon another huge touring opportunity presented itself, and Neon Trees found themselves on the road with The Offspring. By this time, the band was on top of the world with two successful songs getting repeated radio play, two albums and several successful tours, but something was off within the dynamic of the band. “That particular tour was just an uncomfortable tour. We were in front of audiences that didn’t quite understand us. I had been able to put with that for a while usually, but I think it just got to me,” Glenn recalled.

While on tour with The Offspring, Glenn approached his fellow band members about his current state of mind, and Neon Trees collectively decided to pull off of the tour and take a hiatus from live performances. “I think I was having an identity crisis with trying to figure out who I was off stage and who I was onstage and how to merge that. It finally just caught up with me,” Glenn expressed.

Glenn sought counseling to deal with the internal struggles he was facing. When approached about his decision to take a break from music, Glenn answered vaguely, leaving people wondering what was really happening. On March 25th of this year, all the answers were revealed in the form of an article released by the infamous music magazine, Rolling Stone. The headline announced, “Neon Trees’ Tyler Glenn: Gay, Mormon and Finally Out,” and just like that all the rumors were put to rest.

It’s no mistake that the announcement about Glenn’s sexuality came just a few weeks before the release of Neon Trees’ third studio album, Pop Psychology. Glenn wrote much of the album during his recovery process and wanted to be completely open and honest when talking about the songs. “I’ve always written honestly, but I feel like this record and going through therapy and still having therapist and still recognizing there are things about me that I need to accept or things about me that I want to change a little, that helped kind of provide a safe sound for writing a little more candidly,” Glenn admitted.

Glenn collaborated with Tim Pagnotta (vocalist of Sugarcult) to write and produce Pop Psychology. Pagnotta previously worked with Neon Trees on “Animal” and “Everybody Talks,” which happen to be two of the band’s biggest hits.

Working with him again after such a big change in Glenn’s life as well as the life of the band just seemed like the right move to make. “I give him a lot of credit for letting us open for [Sugarcult]. He’s always been such a friend… it just felt right with him because it doesn’t feel like writing. It’s a really comfortable environment,” Glenn commented.

Pop music has become a sort of taboo in our society.

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risk by putting the tabooed word in the title of their album.

While many pop songs are disposable, Neon Trees’ pop songs hold a deeper meaning. The whole album deals with trying to adjust to and find love in the 21st century.

It’s a dichotomy of upbeat, fun songs induced with heavy subject matter. Glenn, at the ripe age of 30, explores the challenges of dating in the modern world through songs like the album opener, “Love In The 21st Century,” the album’s first single based off of a real life experience, “Sleeping With A Friend,” and the infectious dance tune, “Text Me In The Morning.” But it’s the album’s closing song that really brings it and Glenn’s personal experiences full circle.

Glenn sings, “I’m a million different people all the time / but there’s only one of me to get it right.” The song takes listeners through a musical scrapbook of Glenn’s life from the time he left Southern California to present day. “I wanted some sort of an anthem that was empowering but not telling people cliché empowerment phrases…I love that it’s a very personal song, but has become a fan favorite, and people can apply it to their situation as well,” Glenn said.

When watching interviews of Glenn prior to his coming out, it’s very apparent that he is holding back in his answers about the subject matter of Pop Psychology. Now, he has nothing to hide and can be as open as he wants about his struggle to find himself. Glenn admitted that he is still trying to sort his life out, but for now he’s just happy to be in a good place mentally. “I’m just a happy dude right now. I know that doesn’t sound very rock and roll, but I feel really well adjusted these days. Don’t be too hard on yourself when you are a little lost.”

Through the highs and the lows, Neon Trees has shown they can stand tall in any situation. In the end, it only matters that they continue to remain true to themselves because everybody talks.

PHOTOS: Jordan Fischels INTERVIEW & STORY: Jessica Klinner

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TOUR ROUND UP

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P PHOTO: Danny DeSolver

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TOUR ROUND UP

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TOUR ROUND UP PHOTO: Amy Willard

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album

reviews ARTIST

Anberlin ALBUM

Lowborn RATING

SOUNDS LIKE AFI Thirty Seconds to Mars Switchfoot RECOMMENDED TRACKS “Atonement” “Hearing Voices” TRACKS 1

We Are Destroyer

2

Armageddon

3

Stranger Ways

4

Velvet Covered Brick

5

Atonement

6

Birds of Prey

7

Dissenter

8

Losing It All

9

Hearing Voices

10

Harbinger

RELEASE DATE June 23rd, 2014

WEBSITE anberlin.com

REVIEW: Annette Schaefer

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On June 23 Anberlin will be releasing their final album as a band. Earlier this year the band announced that 2014 would be last year for the band with one final album and a string of final tours. As farewells go, Anberlin have ended on a solid note with Lowborn.

Overall the album encompasses a bit of a dark and haunting nature. This is especially evident with tracks like “Armageddon” which feels like a filler track but adds to the album’s tone and “Stranger Ways” which mixes a bit of sweetness in with the darkness with quick rhythms and brighter melodies.

The lighter moments on the album consist of tracks like “Atonement” and “Losing It All.” Although, lyrically they are not as joyful, especially on “Atonement” which addresses the band’s split.

Most of the songs on this album are enchanting and make for a great listen, but the album can seem a little flat. At times the album isn’t so gripping and can become a bit dull. Overall, though, this is a strong release from the band and a mostly pleasing good-bye.

ARTIST Bright

Light Bright Light ALBUM Life is Easy Rod Thomas is a London-dwelling singer, who most people probably haven’t heard of, but with his new album Life is Easy it might be hard to miss. He is currently on tour with Elton John as his opening act for his 2014 tour. Even with a great gig in his pocket, Bright Light Bright Light’s new EP doesn’t live up to its expectation. Thomas’ lackluster voice and droning beats sound something comparable of a garage band session. His lyrics are bland and nothing out of the ordinary for an up-and-coming electronic pop singer.

Even though his lyrics and somewhat sleepy sounding beats take over the album, there are some songs that are worth giving a shot. His song “I Wish We Were Leaving,” which features Elton John, has catchy undertones and rhythm to it as well as a cutesy music video. Also, Thomas did cover The Pet Shop Boys’ “West End Girl” and was given praise by the band, which does help when listening to Life is Easy (because if The Pet Shop Boys like it, then it can’t be all bad.)

All in all, while some alternative listeners might find this album a snooze fest, synth heads and smooth electro fans might find Life Is Easy to be something worth giving a listen to.

RECOMMENDED TRACKS “I Wish We Were Leaving” & “Happiness” REVIEW Bridjet Mendyuk ARTIST Every

Time I Die ALBUM From Parts Unknown Every Time I Die’s new album From Parts Unknown is pure sweaty, hostile, and relentless bliss.

The album is filled to the brim with amazing ugly chords and lyrical tirades. One of the most unexpected, avant garde, twisted and refreshing songs is piano-driven “Moor.” The repetitive piano turn glass-shattering “Moor” is genius. The piano line is so simple yet uncomfortable, it adds an eerie tone that makes your skin curl.

My favorite song off the album would have to be “Old Light” featuring Brian Fallon of The Gaslight Anthem. “Old Light” is the wonderful lovechild of howling aggression and Americana punk. From Parts Unknown then closes with “Idiot” which showcases front man Keith Buckley’s melodic growls and leaves the listeners gasping for more.

The album will demolish anything in its path. Every Time I Die may be close to two decades in, but From Parts Unknown is proof they’re not to be messed with and are still out for vengeance.

RECOMMENDED TRACKS “Idiot,” “Moor” & “Old Light” REVIEW Theresa Pham

ARTIST Four

Year Strong ALBUM Go Down In History Four Year Strong are generally considered as one of the front-runners when it comes to old school pop punk, but with an album release almost three years ago it’s no wonder that their fans are hungry for new material. Fear not, as July 22 brings a five track EP entitled Go Down In History.

Each song showcases Four Year Strong’s brand of effortless melodic hardcore, and with the addition of emotional lyrics that are sure to connect with the listener (for example, “I know my wounds will heal with time / but still I wear all my scars with pride,” from first track, “What’s In The Box?”) it’s clear that the Massachusetts quartet’s game is still on point.

Sometimes sticking with what you know isn’t always a good thing, but it’s somewhat comforting that even after 13 years of being a band Four Year Strong are continuing on with their familiar style and still inspiring the pop punk scene’s newcomers. Go Down In History may be short, but it’s sweet, and hopefully an indication of what’s to come from camp Four Year Strong in the near future.

RECOMMENDED TRACKS “What’s In The Box?” & “Go Down In History” REVIEW Madison Convey HIGHLIGHTMAGAZINE.NET - 51

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