ON THE MOVE MAG - JUNE 2017 by On The Move

INTERVIEW

PVRIS, the blossom of the rock trio

COVER STORY

All Time Low, the American

pop-rock princes

Bruno Mars, the heir of pop

12 10

ZOOM ON... Declan McKenna, Chord Overstreet and Avriel & The Sequoias

Our Best Albums of May

‘‘

In the current music industry where radios, TV and streaming are the big players deciding to spread the word about an artist (or not), it becomes more and more difficult for a lambda artist to get his music heard if he doesn’t fit some kind of criterias. It takes time, it takes patience, talent but above all it takes a lot of hard work. At On The Move Magazine, we give a particular attention to talent no matter where you come from, your musical genre, the amount of followers/views/fans you have got. We don’t talk quantity, we talk quality. We talk quality because we love music with the big M. We carefully choose the artists you’ll discover in this magazine to introduce you to «la crème de la crème». You’ll find big names, you’ll find unknown names. You’ll love what you’ll listen to, maybe you will hate it but at least, you’ll give our artists a chance. Because at the end of the day, every success story began with a chance given. ‘‘ Pamela Charbit, founder of On The Move

EDITORIAL

INTERVIEW

Isaiah, Australia’s new favourite voice

INTERVIEW

SWMRS, the young punk-rock

troublemakers

Are they worth seeing live ? 44

What’s Up In France ? 48

OTM Mag : Meeting the team 51

SUMMARY 3

PVRIS Formed by members Lyndsey Gunnulfsen, Alex Babinski and Brian MacDonald, the American rock band PVRIS managed to earn their way into fans’ hearts all around the world with their deep yet dark lyrics. After a successful debut album named «White Noise» unveiled in 2014 and a non-stop touring, giging and playing, the band is soon ready to release their sophomore and highly awaited album «All We Know Of Heaven, All We Need Of Hell» on August 4. In the meantime, let’s have a chat with Brian MacDonald, the bassist of the band, regarding the new release and upcoming projects.

On The Move Mag : Hi Brian ! It’s very nice to have you here with us. You’re in Paris with Lyndsey and Alex to promote your second album « All We Know Of Heaven, All We Need Of Hell » which will be out this summer. What is the main difference between “White Noise” and the upcoming album? Brian MacDonald : Hi guys ! It’s really nice to be here. The difference between the two is growth. When we did “White Noise”, we were younger and just really starting out and kind of exploring new sounds and stuff like that. And with this record I feel like we have somehow found the notch individually and musically. So yeah I think that’s mainly the big difference between them and I feel like the sound is bigger as well because we recorded “White Noise” in a small bedroom in our producer’s house – which was a great time! – and then for this record, we got to record a church, a haunted church so it was really cool! That was definitely a big change and we had more access to instruments and other things.

« Musically, we like to hear the darkness » On The Move Mag : Wasn’t it freaky to record in such a place? Brian MacDonald : (Laughs) I’ve had experiences with ghosts, but I didn’t find out until halfway through when we were doing the record that it was haunted so I was like “this is a beautiful church, it’s great what they did to it!” and then I found out and apparently Lyndsey had some things happening to her and our engineer Anthony Reeder said he heard someone walk down the stairs and he looked back and no one was there. So some people got spooked, unfortunately I didn’t have anything happening to me! (laughs) On The Move Mag : Why did you choose the title “All We Know Of Heaven, All We Need Of Hell”? Brian MacDonald : Lyndsey came to us with a name, she actually watched the TED talks, and there was an Emily Dickinson’s poem and she brought it to us and I remember reading it and just that line I was like “this is beautiful”, this is definitely fitting for the record, the songs, the lyrics and everything collectively. On The Move Mag : So you found the name after the record was made?

Brian MacDonald : Yeah! It came very recently actually, not like super super recently but she [Lyndsey] came to us when we got the album art done. I remember reading it on the album and I was like “that just sums it up!”. On The Move Mag : In “White Noise” the themes were kind of dark, can we expect the same for the new record? Brian MacDonald : Yeah! I feel like the way we write individually and how Lyndsey writes these lyrics, I think that’s kind of how we all are. We’re all joyful people, we’re all happy, I want to say I’m funny, I try to be funny (laughs) but musically we like to hear the darkness if that makes any sense. We like to bring that to the surface sonically so I think that kind of remains in our music. On The Move Mag : A lot of rock bands for example Green Day used their new album as a platform to express their feelings regarding what happened recently in the USA, especially with the recent elections. Is it going to be the case for your album ? Brian MacDonald : We did the record before any of that happened but definitely having a platform that kind of help people that are going through things and they, not necessarily have a voice, but they can bring it to the floor ground and things affected them whether it’d be racism, it’s great to be able to support them, donate like we have. We have donated to the LGBT community, I actually auctioned one of my basses for charity and fundraisers for things like the Trevor Project and other organizations that have been affected by it. I think it’s important to use your voice for it, use your platform to help people get through it. On The Move Mag : You’ll be playing with Muse and 30 Seconds To Mars… Brian MacDonald : I’m beyond excited. I don’t feel like it’s real, still. Actually when we started the band, we were in our friend’s basement and we were talking about dream bands we wanted to tour with and Muse and 30 Seconds To Mars actually came hand and hand when we were talking about it. When we got the offer I kind of laughed, I was like “What? This is real?” and a few minutes later I was like “Whoa this is crazy!”, and that’s insane that it has actually happened because we talked about this four/five years prior to getting the opportunity.

On The Move Mag : What is your favorite song to play live?

On The Move Mag : Do you prefer recording or touring?

Brian MacDonald : Hmm, I love playing all of them. My favorite song, I have to say, is “Heaven”. Because it’s just something new to the setlist and we get to kind of showcase individually things that we as musicians grew up listening to so yeah I’d say “Heaven” right now but once the record is out and we start playing new stuff…

Brian MacDonald : That’s a tough question because I love both! I love performing, playing new materials is always amazing but creating the new material is the first step so I definitely love being in the studio. It’s great because you can kind of just experiment and do cool new things. Like with our producer Blake Harnage, instead of sticking to a formula saying “You have to record this, this and this!”, he just lets you be creative and lets it flows organically. So definitely for me, I’d have to say the studio! Definitely with the second record because we’ve been asked this question and I was like “touring!” which I love doing but yeah the creative process is great, we can all just kind of sit down and watch something grow from nothing. It’s really cool.

On The Move Mag : Are there specific songs you look forward to releasing from this album? Brian MacDonald: Yes! I can’t say the names yet, I can’t give it away, I almost slipped yeah (laughs) but I’m actually excited to play all of them, it’s going to be a nice new release because like I said we’ve toured off “White Noise” for like three years so it’s nice and refreshing to add a couple new songs and then once we come back it’s going to be great to play that much more. On The Move Mag : Are you planning on going back on tour anytime soon ? Brian MacDonald : Yes! Of course! We can’t just go “Here is this” and then “No we’re not going anywhere!” (laughs). We’re going to stay home and you guys can come over and we’ll play a show at our house! (laughs). But yeah we just planned to get on the road again for just as long as the last record and just keep going and keep travelling and see new places and playing to amazing beautiful people that appreciate the music. We’re never going to stop! (laughs) On The Move Mag : You’ve talked a lot about supernatural in your debut album. Is there going to be some kind of supernatural in the new project as well ? Brian MacDonald : Yeah I think there are bits and pieces that kind of shine for supernatural experiences. But more so I think it’s the travelling we did for the three years off “White Noise” and the experiences that we had through everything. So I think that’s kind of based off this upcoming record, just how we grew up as people and how we matured. Like I said everything we’ve been through it’s brought forward in this record.

« Playing with Muse and 30 Seconds To Mars is insane » On The Move Mag : What is your favorite band or artist? Brian MacDonald: My favorite artist is Ben Howard, he is an amazing artist. I look up to him in so many ways, sonically, visually and just the way he carries himself through music and how he is portrayed in the music scene. On The Move Mag : So if you had one day the opportunity to play with him…? Brian MacDonald : Oh my gosh! I don’t think I would make it on stage, I’d pass out (laughs). But yeah we were asked this question actually recently as well and if it’s influenced on the new record and it kind of is somewhat because his music is a lot different than ours. You know, it’s foggy, kind of slow and we do alternative electronic rock but just the vibe that I get and the feeling that I get from listening to his music I can kind of create my own path with PVRIS. I feel like when I track and I do this and that, he’s definitely an inspiration for me as a musician.

BRUNO MARS THE HEIR OF POP live from Paris

When talking about pop royalty we think of Michael Jackson or more recently Justin Timberlake. While JT is taking a little break (unfortunately for us), there’s another artist who literally won over the music industry for the past couple of years. His name is Bruno Mars. With his perfect vocals, incredible writing skills, dance moves and old-school-turned-new style, the 31 year old Hawaiian became one of the most respected names in the game. After starting slowly with his debut album «Doo-Wops & Hooligans» lead by «Just The Way You Are» and «Grenade», the singer started experiencing new sounds and picking up some soul, funk, jazz to mix them into his multi-faceted album named «Unorthodox Jukebox». Bruno Mars proved during his two (yes, he played it twice) Superbowl performances that he’s not only a good singer, he’s a real showman and owns the entire package. If he was awfully quiet for a while, the singer collaborated on the worldwide super hit «Uptown Funk» by British producer Mark Ronson which marked a new musical era for him. After touring and recording for almost 4 years, Bruno Mars came back in November with his third album named «24K Magic», an ingenious cocktail of funky-pop songs, he and his crew started hitting the road for a world tour. The «Versace On The Floor» singer was in Paris for two nights this month and the audience was in for a treat ! Paris had the chance to welcome the great Anderson Paak who opened the show with an incredible set made of his best tracks taken from his new album «Malibu». From «Come Down» to «Without You» and «Luh You», the rapper set the stage on fire and has been joined by Mac Miller during the second show. The hyped-up crowd welcomed Bruno Mars and his highly talented musicians the right way while they put up a perfectly crafted show. The singer chose songs from his three albums. From singing (and dancing on) the upbeat «Finesse», «Locked Out Of Heaven», «Treasure» or «Perm» to revisiting classics like «Grenade», «Just The Way You Are» and «Marry You» Bruno Mars managed to do things that only a few in the business can do. While he moved the audience with «When I Was Your Man» he also made them laugh while trying to speak French in «Calling All My Lovelies». A multi-faceted artist, multi-instrumentalist, probably vocally even better live with dancing skills that could make Chris Brown cry, Bruno Mars showed the world what a truly gifted entertainer he is and he is definitely the new heir of pop.

WordS AND LIVE PHOTOS by PAM CHARBIT

ALL TIME LOW All Time Low is a name you already know if you’re a little bit familiar with the American Pop-Rock scene. Throughout their 7 albums, the quartet managed to make a name for themselves and build a solid reputation among their peers and the community of fans. Their new album «Last Young Renegade», which is the first one to be released through their new record label Fueled By Ramen, is full of new promises. Old All Time Low vibe mixed with new and yet unknown sound in order to create a perfect cocktail of catchy-dark-upbeat-personal songs. Let’s have a chat with the bang who got back stronger than ever.

On The Move Mag : Hey guys ! Happy to have you in Paris with us. How’s the tour going so far ? Jack Barakat: Hey On The Move ! Thank you for having us and for the support you’ve been showing us. The tour is going well, it’s crazy we haven’t been touring or headlining in so long, you know over a year ago, so it’s been fun to get back into it. On The Move Mag : Were you excited to be back to Europe? Jack Barakat: Yeah, a lot. We didn’t tour that much with Future Hearts because that was our last album on Hopeless so we toured a little bit on it and then we kind of started making the next one, and we kind of started on the next journey so I feel like that’s one of the reasons why we didn’t get to come over here as much as we would have loved to but we’re here now!

« Last Young Renegade is a pretty nostalgic album » On The Move Mag : Your new album «Last Young Renegade» is out. A renegade is a kind of rebel, right? Is it the same spirit than «Reckless and The Brave» ? Zack Merrick: I think they complete each other, it’s a part of it. Jack: Yeah I think we’ve always kinda had that mentality. We’re a band that is all about being yourself and doing what you wanna do and not being pushed into something you don’t wanna do. It’s just kind of being ok with who you are and it’s definitely a part of what I think renegade means. Zack: Yes I think it’s all of us, it’s everybody. It’s kind of everyone. On the Move Mag : It seems like the new album is a kind of natural evolution of «Future Hearts». It’s very different yet it follows your style. Was it your intention to stay in your late path but at the same time to reinvent yourself ? Jack: It wasn’t our intention in the sense that we were like «ok let’s compose the songs and make them sound like Future Hearts». I think it’s interesting how it turned out because «Future Hearts» is kind of about

Alex being young and writing about the future. Like you know, being in high school and driving around and going to parties. Songs from a younger stand point whereas I feel like «Last Young Renegade» is a pretty nostalgic album. Kind of looking at us know, looking back and what it was like being in high school or what it was like being younger. And there’s a lot of that, that touch on there and also you know who you used to be and who you are now. So it is a counterpoint of Future Hearts but it was definitely not planned to be like that (laughs). It is because of last year, us becoming older and Alex getting married and everyone kinda going into big life changes. We just became more nostalgic you know (laughs) at some point when you’re 28 you just kinda think about the past sometimes. On The Move Mag : There are a lot of new rhythms especially in «Dirty Laundry» and «Ground Control». What were your musical inspirations? Jack: I think «Dirty Laundry» has a pretty big Depeche mode vibe to it which is crazy because it’s not a band that we really listened to that much, but I think the big thing with this album is that’s our seventh album and we wanted it to be a little different. We wanted to still be All Time Low but sound a little different. The songs still be like All Time Low lyrics, All Time Low choruses but the vibe would be something that no one’s ever heard before from us, which I think is what we accomplished, and that was important to us to not have another album sounding like a pop punk album, because you just wanna grow and create new things. Zack: Not getting stuck in the same spot. Jack: yes (laughs) and it’s cool for us too from a live standpoint to be able to add a different aspect to the show because when we play live «Dirty Laundry» and «Last Young Renegade», they give a whole different mood. When you play like sixteen songs that’s cool to kinda change it up. Make it different. On The Move Mag : What’s «Dirty Laundry» about ? Is it about commitment and marriage ? Jack: It’s interesting because a lot of songs on the album, not all of them but some of them, aren’t about Alex pursuing which is new for him. I know that he wrote some of the songs from either my standpoint, or Zack’s or Rian’s or his friends’ and people around him and I think that «Dirty Laundry» is not about someone in particular but it’s more about something that I feel that anyone who has been in a relationship has gone through. That’s why it speaks to me more than any

other song in the album because it’s a pretty universal thing that we’ve never sung about and it’s something that is kind of obvious but it also can go a couple ways and I feel like this song is pretty powerful. Lyrically it’s super powerful and I feel like it’s a hopeful message.

definitely sing». So it was kind of a surprise for us but a nice one.

On The Move Mag : Do you often get lost in the life of the party? Regarding what you say in the song...

Jack: We didn’t really work on it on tour but a lot of it was written and recorded when we went out and did the Blink-182 tour for like five weeks. That tour kind of changed the whole album process because we had the songs recorded and we had a month to listen to them. Once we came back from the tour we were like «wow we don’t really love some of these songs and the album doesn’t feel like an album» so we cut out some of the songs and wrote a couple of more. If we didn’t do the Blink-182 tour, the album could have turned out to be totally different. We didn’t actually write on the road but the road was a big part for modeling the album at the end.

Jack: Yeah no, I think that song is probably one of the most personal songs in the album for Alex and I guess that song is probably about him if his life had been different and ended up differently. If he came from a bad place you know, that’s that type of thing. That song is another really personal song that I think doesn’t speak completely for itself. When you first hear it you’ll be like «oh it’s just a kind of poppy song» but it’s actually pretty dark. Zack: The lyrics are pretty dark Jack: (laughs) Yeah pretty dark and moody! On The Move Mag : What represents the ghost in the song «Nightmare»? Jack: I think that song is about being young and scared and being able to overcome your fears. Whether you’re five years old or ten or twenty, whatever age you are it’s about overcoming your fears no matter what they are. I think the fans will connect with the song on that level. On The Move Mag : How did the featuring with Tegan & Sara happen for «Ground Control»? Jack: In a really interesting way. The song was written and we knew it was going to be a duet. It was written as a duet between two people. We wanted it to be sung by a girl and we didn’t know who and we had like a short list of people, Tegan & Sara were pretty much at the top because we’re big fans of them. At the time of recording we were listening to them a lot and we didn’t know them at the time and to be honest we still don’t really know them at all (laughs). Zack: Yeah we reached out like «hey» (laughs) Jack: Yes we reached out and asked them and send them the song like «here’s the song» because we didn’t even know if they knew who we were, because we’ve never met them or played a show with them (laughs). We sent them the song and they reached out and they were like «yeah we love you guys we love the song we’ll

On The Move Mag : Did you write the album while you were on tour?

« We wanted our seventh album to be a little bit different» On The Move Mag : Which album did you enjoy the most recording and why? Jack: This was the first album in a while... well I think the last two. «Future Hearts» was probably my favorite process because John Feldmann’s a crazy person (laughs) and he’s just fun to be around. It was also cool because me and Alex were living in LA at the time, we just rented an apartment together and it was just fun, we had a really good time. A little bit of partying but also a lot of working. We would be in the studio until like 2 or 3am every night. It was a really fun process and we got to work with crazy people in the album like Mark Hoppus and Joel and Benji [Madden]. I feel like I’m forgetting someone (laughs) but this last one was really fun as well because we were all out in LA together and we got a good time in the studio. On The Move Mag : A lot of your fans have therapy tattoos with your lyrics written on them, how does it feels to be an inspiration for so many kids? Jack: It’s crazy! Everytime I see one it’s still so weird to me like I really don’t get used to it... I mean I have a Blink tattoo so I know what it’s like to get a tattoo of an artist that changed your life. That definitely means a lot for me when I see it on other people.

On The Move Mag : What are the songs you like most to play live? Jack: Obviously the new stuff because it’s fresh. It is also challenging like «Dirty Laundry» and «Last Young Renegade» for me personally are like...I have to concentrate the whole time (laughs) I’m not really moving around much. I don’t know if fans have noticed that yet but the new album guitar wise is also a way more challenging, I like that! It’s nice to have something new and mixed it up. How about you Zack? Zack: Definitely the new stuff because it’s fresh but see if I go old I would choose... «Weightless» because it’s always fun. Or maybe «Take Cover»! Jack: Yeah «Weightless» is very fun to play because the crowd always goes insane. It’s one of the songs that’s not really hard to play. «Take Cover» is really fun to play as well but I like to play «Weightless» because it’s not a super hard song to perform so you can actually react with the crowd, get them involved, have fun. «Dear Maria...count me in» is the same way it’s so simple and it’s so old, easy but it’s fun to play (laughs) On The Move Mag : What are your best tour memories so far ? Jack: On this tour, one of my best memories was playing literally the second show of the tour, in London, in front of like 55 000 people and it was the first time playing «Dirty Laundry» and start the song out and it was terrifying. At the time I was still getting used to playing the part and... Zack: ...and his parents were there watching... Jack: ...and my parents were there watching for the first time for like five years ! It was the first time playing a new song and so it was a really powerful moment. I was super nervous but once I heard the whole crowd sing the chorus, it was crazy. It was very very crazy. I can’t express what i felt (laughs).

INTERVIEW by AVA Gholikhani WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF PAM CHARBIT PHOTOS : ALISSON NILSSON

ZOOM ON...

With the power of the internet and social medias, aspiring musicians have now a powerful platform between their hands to create music and make themselves heard. And, the public, on the other side, is one click away from discovering an infinity of talented young artists... Each month, the team of On The Move chooses three of them to showcase and bet on three careers, bound to take off in the near future !

DECLAN MCKENNA

MUSIC AS AN ACTIVISM

Every artist has his own aim when making music. Some use it as a catharsis to find a way out for their own feelings, some as a laboratory of words and sounds... But some others turn it into a political and social weapon. That is exactly the case of Declan McKenna. Surprisingly young, and surprisingly committed, the British artist is on his way to become the voice of the generation Z ! Declan McKenna carries intelligence, innocence and maturity both musically and lyrically. Singer, songwriter and musician, the 18 years old British act throws waves of revival and irreverence on the international music scene. This young prodigy has been making music since he was a kid and can count on numerous influences, from David Bowie to Jeff Buckley, without forgetting The Beatles. 2014 was a defining year for his career. Nobody could have imagined the destiny reserved to «Brazil», a song he composed and recorded in his own room before uploading it on Bandcamp. «Brazil» is much more than the first song of a teen seeking to become a professional musician. Declan takes inspiration from the news and the actual world surrounding him. In the song, he condemns the FIFA (International Federation of Football) for having organized the World Cup in Brazil in 2014 without giving attention to its population touched by an extreme poverty. « Brazil » met a serious success thanks to the fair cause defended and the corruption denounced by it and also the rasping voice of the young singer, reminding us of Pete Doherty in The Libertines. This commitment in music even had Declan invited by Sky News, to discuss politics and responsibilities of such huge organization as FIFA. Not very common for a musician ! In 2015, thanks to this specific song, he won the contest for young emerging talents organized by Glastonbury festival, and labels were ready to fight to have Declan in their ranges. After signing a contract with Columbia Records, he released a first EP called « Stains », mixing all of his very authentic and delicious compositions, and went on tour. By singing about what he sees and what touches him, the young British rocker proves that he is part of a generation very much aware of our society issues, and much ready to fight them. Giving his voice to that disillusioned generation

and spreading meaningful messages, Declan McKenna declares that he loves to talk about taboo subjects because it helps changing perceptions about them. Two years after « Brazil » comes « Paracetamol », with an equal strong story : the one of a transgender teenager who killed herself after being rejected by society and her family. In early 2017, with « The Kids Don’t Wanna Come Home », he gives a response to the exclusion of the youth from social and political debates. Each song of Declan McKenna is striking and shows that music can be an activism, denouncing social injustices. McKenna wants to make his audience think for itself. He aspires for changes and expresses himself the strong way, but with the eternal hope of his youth. Declan is about to release his debut album, produced by the talented James Ford, who previously worked with Arctic Monkeys, Foals or Haim. «What Do You Think About The Car?» will be out on July 21st. Those eleven tracks will certainly be the boldest we’ve seen in a while in alt-pop music !

Listen if you are a fan ofWe wouldn’t want to establish any comparison between McKenna and other artists. Go for it if your curiosity is tickled by this young man with the wisdom of the eldest, talking about the worst with the greatest optimism.

ONe song to listen to«Brazil» to understand what brought this phenomenon to a global (and deserved) attention. «Humongous» to have a surprising taste of sweet -then angry- psychedelic pop.

CHORD OVERSTREET

FROM TV SENSATION TO MUSICIAN ON THE RISE

You know his name and you know his voice. In 2011, Chord Overstreet rose to fame thanks to the famous TV show Glee, where he portrayed Sam Evans. At 28, he’s now producing and focusing on his own music. In May, the singer released his new EP «Tree House Tapes». Let’s see what the future holds for this promising artist. Chord Overstreet was basically born and raised in music as his father is the famous country singer Paul Overstreet. Growing up, the singer eventually found his own sound and slowly drifted away from his father’s strong country identity to turn more pop while sticking to his roots. And while music has shaped his past and present, there’s no doubt that it will also shape his future ! From touring with Nick Jonas and Demi Lovato, to releasing his debut EP and working on his debut album, it only seems to be getting bigger and bigger for Chord. Even if he never felt the pressure to pursue a career in music, the singer often said that working with his father in the studio has helped and inspired him to follow a similar path. «Watching my dad writing songs, being around music so much since I was born really helped me choose this path. (...) Even my name is music related ! There are three notes to a chord and I was the third born in my family, so it was quite natural to pick music as my favorite thing to do !» His debutt single «Homeland», released in 2016, was mainly inspired by his own homesickness and is easily relatable to many.

Now working on his debut album, Chord Overstreet released a new song «Hold On», a touching and relatable ballad. The track became famous since it was featured in the final episode of Vampire Diaries. This song is the perfect representation of what Chord is capable of. «Hold On» has also been remixed by Dutch DJs/Producers Deepend which added a House vibe to the track. Sincere and fragile, the singer isn’t afraid to talk about his feelings and to share his deepest thoughts and emotions. Raw and beautiful. «To me, this song is about loving someone unconditionally regardless of their flaws. I wanted to communicate how important it is to love on the people that are in our lives and to take every day with someone as a blessing.» You heard it first, Chord will be going places ! Keep an eye and ear out for his debut album, it’s gonna be amazing.

Listen if you are a fan ofHonest, beautiful, fragile yet irresistible songs. «I feel like I have a bunch of songs and stories that I could put out there into the universe». Yes, there’s more to discover about Chord.

Like an open message, the song is about love and the place where you feel at home.

ONe song to listen to-

«I feel like that would be a good place to kick off and introduce myself and where I come from.» said Chord about the song.

«Hold On». Because it talks about his feelings, his emotions and because the singer is not afraid to be true. If you’re looking for the next song to be obsessed about, here it is. Special mention to Chord’s simple yet beautiful vocals.

Inspired by legends like John Lennon, Bob Dylan and James Taylor, his dad also played a major role and influenced his own songwriting.

WordS by LÉNAELLE FONTAINE PHOTO : Meredith Truax

AVRIEL & THE SEQUOIAS

A NEW MUSICAl JOURNEY

A few weeks ago, the American a cappella formation Pentatonix made an announcement that shook its entire fandom... Avi Kaplan, one of the five pillars of the band, is leaving. Even if the bass voice of the quintet will be dearly missed, he won’t disappear from the music scene. His new musical project is already on the way and is full of elegant promises. Meet Avriel & The Sequoias ! Since 2011 and the revelation of Pentatonix in the TV competition The Sing-Off, Avi was its bass asset. When Kirstin Maldonado, Mitch Grassi and Scott Hoying are known for their varied but high pitched voices and Kevin Olusola for his talents as musician and beatboxer, the deep voice of Avi Kaplan -as striking talked than sung- gives a unique relief to PTX’s covers and original compositions. The 28 years old singer’s presence has always fluttered in PTX’s songs almost imperceptibly but has always been essential for their harmonies. He was also highlighted in some graceful tracks like « Standing By » or « Light In The Hallway ». With this well-deserved success also came a crazy path of work and promotion. And this is exactly the side of the band’s career that pushed Avi Kaplan to take a step back from it. For six years, the band has been recording, shooting, promoting, touring non stop. Pentatonix has been playing to sold out venues through America, Europe and Asia constantly. Their talents might make it seem easy but when you think that their only instruments are their voices, it is undeniable that living at this speed is even more demanding and tiring. Past May, in a touching video, Avi Kaplan explained to his audience how this crazy life has become kind of a fight for him. Being constantly under the spotlights, away from his family, friends and the nature that he cherishes so much was a burden. So, in a speech full of emotions and gratitude towards his public, Avi Kaplan turned the Pentatonix’s page.... to open a new one. Avi’s departure from PTX will happen gradually, as he draws the first lines of his new musical journey. Avriel Benjamin Kaplan is building up this new project with all his heart and soul, as he recovers his full first name to pursue it. After «Avriel», he adds « & The Sequoias » referring to the landscapes of his childhood. He grew up in California, next to the Sequoia National Park, in which he

has always found a way out from society and pressure to compose his own music. Avriel & The Sequoias delivers something more organic than the pure pop of Pentatonix. His first two singles named «Fields And Pier» and « Quarter Past Four » are already great mirrors of this change of sound : his true and independent self. “Folk music is everything to me; it’s where I come from; It’s home,” Kaplan explains. “It lifts me up. It inspires me. It intrigues me. And it heals me. I can only hope that the people who find it feel the same.” Away from any vocal demonstration, this two first tracks play with soothing harmonies and light layers of voices on rich folk instrumentals, at times even celtic. This inspired, delicate almost vulnerable musical proposition also takes its well identified graphic identity from natural landscapes.

Listen if you are a fan of

Adding plaintive yet epic «Sage And Stone» and countryish «Song For The Seeker» to the playlist, Avriel & The Sequoias’ first EP « Sage And Stone » is out and is the perfect change of scenery.

Listen if you are a fan ofAvriel & The Sequoias’ sound has a wide range of influences, from classics of Simon & Garfunkel to the brut contemporanean sound of Bon Iver or José González.

ONe song to listen to« Sweet Adeline » is an uplifting track to brighten up any of your dark days. This lovely and upbeat ballad will stay in your mind for hours, thanks to heady lyrics and an irresistible rhythm.

WordS by CORALINE BLAISE PHOTO : DANIEL ZUCHNIK

IsAIAH He is only 17 and already made his way onto the music scene. The young Australian artist Isaiah Firebrace was the big winner of the 8th season of the X-Factor Australia. Little protégé of Adam Lambert, Isaiah is promised to a beautiful future in the industry. After the release of his first album simply named «Isaiah», which contains two original tracks and different covers from artists like Beyonce or Adele, Isaiah has been chosen to represent his country this year at the Eurovision song contest. Meet a star on the rise.

On The Move Mag : You were on The X-Factor in 2015 first then you came back in 2016. Does the fact that you failed in getting through the first time made you want to work harder? Isaiah: It was always a massive dream for me to be on The X-Factor and in 2015, I got to the early stages of the competition. I really wanted to prove myself and everyone else who were watching the competition that year that you can always come back and make it. On The Move Mag : How long have you been doing music? Isaiah: I’ve been singing since I was 3. We had some kind of a band with my brother and my dad, I sang and played the drums and even the guitar sometimes. Well, my brother played the drums and I would sometime sing because my dad was the singer as well. And while growing up, I wanted to experience more, like performing and what it was like being on stage so I would go into little singing competitions and stuff like that. And from one of the competitions that I did, that’s when I knew I wanted to do The X-Factor. I kind of make the most of every opportunities and it worked out so it’s cool. On The Move Mag : What’s the next step? Isaiah: Today is actually the first day of promo in Europe. I feel very lucky to be here because I’m only 17 and I’ve never been to Europe before. Ukraine was actually the first European country I’ve ever visited and so far I’m really enjoying Paris. I love the fact that people are really lively and there are some good vibes here.

« I KIND OF make the most of every opportunities AND IT WORKED OUT ON THE XFACTOR » On The Move Mag : You represented Australia during the Eurovision contest. Was it a pride for you to represent your country? Isaiah: I felt so proud of myself and when it finished and I was really pleased with the result. The whole experience was just so amazing and of course I was proud to represent my home country.

On The Move Mag : The Eurovision helped you to reach another audience out of Australia, didn’t it? Isaiah: Exactly! My debut single «It’s Gotta Be You» went platinum particularly in Sweden and Finland, it was like a dream come true! Hopefully now, with the Eurovision, people will be more familiar with me and my music. I definitely want to create more music. On The Move Mag : What’s the story behind your song «It’s Gotta Be You»? Isaiah: It was written and produced by DNA, an Australian producing team, and I think the song is about having hope and keeping faith that you’ll find someone who is the best for you, who’ll support and love you no matter what. On The Move Mag : Are you currently working on new music? Isaiah: Not currently but I’d like to! I think when I’ll go back to Australia I’ll start working on new music and hopefully I’ll come over to Europe, in France and Sweden to create some songs. On The Move Mag : How would you describe your own sound? Isaiah: I think there is definitely an influence from RnB music and soul. But I grew up listening to American country and rock’n’roll, a lot of bands including ACDC, and some others old bands. I have a large range of styles that I listened to while growing up, but I think my main style is definitely RnB and pop.

On The Move Mag : Who are the artist you get your inspiration from? Isaiah: I certainly want to write more RnB style music because I feel like I can connect to that type of music, but also I think RnB-pop music is cool. I think Bruno Mars is a really big influence, I really love his music for example his song «24k Magic». I started singing a lot of his songs and music when I did my competitions when I was young. I really like Justin Bieber’s latest album, I think it’s incredible actually. And I love Michael Jackson music, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and, well there’s too many! I like Stevie Wonder and Bruno Mars as well but also some DJ like Calvin Harris, and David Guetta. My mind is open to all kinds of music!

« My mind is open to all kinds of music » On The Move Mag : If you had to collaborate with only one artist on a new song, who would it be? Isaiah: There’s a lot of people but I think i’d choose Sia. Her music is incredible, the way she writes her songs, the way she creates the melody. She’s really special and I really enjoy her voice and her music. On The Move Mag : Now that you experienced both things, would you rather performing live or recording in studio ? Isaiah: Tough question! (laugh) It’s always fun being in the studio creating music and creating something you can really can connect to. It’s a good feeling. But then performing is just amazing as there’s the audience you can feel the energy from, and have a lot of fun. I can’t really choose between the two because they both complete each other.(laugh) On The Move Mag: Do you have songs that you’re listening to a lot at the moment? Isaiah: I’ve been listening to Bruno Mars’ latest album a lot. He released it a few months ago but it’s awesome and I love it. And I’ve also been listening to Katy Perry’s «Chained to The Rhythm», I think it’s cool and it was written by Sia actually (laugh)

WordS by PAM CHARBIT PHOTOS : Peter Brew Bevan/SBS (COVER) ; Mark Stewart

OUR BEST ALBUMS

OF MAY Every week of the year, a bunch of records are thrown into the world, portraying the singular influences, universe and sound of artists. Do you get lost in the numerous releases ? On The Move Mag is here to help. This month, as always, we opened our ears and dived into what matters most : music ! Whatever genre suits you, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find something new to discover... Here are our favourite albums released this May.

It’s been a long time coming but Harry Styles‘album is finally here and we are not disappointed! Authentic, his debut solo album pays tribute to classic rock’n’roll and really shows off his vocals. While the opening song «Meet Me In The Hallway» is intimate, there’s some John Lennon touch in his voice. With «Sign Of The Times», Harry sets the tone in the way it’s inspired by both Queen and David Bowie. On «Kiwi», the young singer dives intoa hard-rock sound and it feels amazingly good! Through it all, Harry Styles manages to steer away from the original ‘boyband member goes solo’ move and avoids all the traps. As a whole, the album is not ordinary, but Harry isn’t ordinary either.

Top 3 tracks: Kiwi, Woman, S ign Of The Times

HARRY STYLES - HARRY STYLES

Think ambitious, creative, innovative and emotional: “After Laughter” is going to blow your mind away! Nashville’s very own Paramore is finally back after four years, with a very creative and ambitious album, and a fascinating concept: while the instrumental parts sound jovial and happy, the lyrics are darker and hide difficult times (think of the surprising “Hard Times” for instance). This contrast is one of Paramore’s talents, as well as the songwriting which remains an undeniable talent of Hayley Williams and Taylor York. The album is introspective, moving, but full of hope as in “26” or “Tell Me How”. The American trio took a step out of its comfort zone and took risks to compose and produce, what is probably the most audacious and creative album of its musical career. The band had a lot of ups and downs but decided to see things on the bright side and dance!

Top 3 tracks: Told You So, 26, Idle Worship

PARAMORE - AFTER LAUGHTER He made waves around the world with his so-called single. Australian pop-folk sensation Dean Lewis released a six tracks EP opening on the rollercoaster of emotions of his successful track. Unveiling all the shades of his sincere sound, Dean Lewis finds a great balance between intensity and intimacy in this production. He surrounded himself with the greatest producers, who previously worked for Halsey, Josef Salvat or Vance Joy, to finally deliver a raw and honest piece of work. At times haunting, at times poignant -with the subtle help of choirs- «Same Kind Of Different» could easily place Dean Lewis next to Ed Sheeran or James Bay in the rank of best pop-folk acts. Closing the tracklist, «Adore» is an actual cover from Amy Shark which Dean Lewis nicely made his by rewriting the lyrics. And we adore !

Top 3 tracks: Waves, Let Go, Lose My Mind

DEAN LEWIS - SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT Th e main problemin today’s Hip-Hop remainsthe lack of identity and the fact that almost all the artistssound the same. However, some find a way to difference themselves from the competition. Russ is one of those artists that are extremely creative and musically gifted. Not only the young rapper sings and raps, but he also produces, mixes and writes his own music and sound. His debutalbum, «There’s really a Wolf» is worth of a plenty of melodies and infectious beats. The rap-focused tracks feel particularly authentic as it w asthe case for the highly acclaimed single « Do It Myself». While «Losin control» is a very down to earth song, the first track of the album «I’m Here» is equally efficient and powerful. As a whole, Russ’ album is great. It shows the artist’s unique personality but also put upfront his prodigious talent.

Top 3 tracks : I’m Here, No Turning Back, Do It Myself

RUSS - THERE’S REALLY A WOLF

We all have the «Bad Things» chorusin mindfeaturing Camilla Cabello, when someone mentionsMachine Gun Kelly’s name. While some tracks on «Bloom» really put his vulnerability upfront and are universally relatable as «Rehab» and «At My Best» which features impressive vocals by Hailee Steinfeld, the rest of the album still has an original hip-hop vibe. It’s really the opening track that kicks everything off with MGK exhibiting his flow over a dark and melancholic melody. Machine Gun Kelly hasindeedgrown up as an artist, not only lyrically but also in his music choices.

Top 3 tracks : Rehab, Bad Things, Kiss The Sky

MACHINE GUN KELLY - BLOOM At 28, there’s only a few things that James can’t do. Born and raised in Austria, he is a multi-talented artist and can easily combine electro music with pop element. He recently unveiled his first EP «Pages», an authentic project on which James put some nice vibes as well as soulful yet hook-driven songs. All recorded in 10 days, the EP is an emotional journey filled with vocals that really stand out like on «Everyone’s Talking» and personal lyrics «Miss You». If you’re looking for some songs that will keep your feet tapping the ground «Tomorrow» is definitely the one you’re looking for with its soft folk sound. Once again, Hersey proves that he is an accomplished producer and song writer.

Top 3 tracks: Everyone’s Talking, Tomorrow, Pages

JAMES HERSEY - PAGES

From acoustic to electronic... Icelandic prodigy Asgeir is in a magnetic in-between for his second album. While «In The Silence» in 2013 was somehow an ode to his homeland (and one in 10 of Icelandic people got a hand on the album), «Afterglow» is all about movement and evolution. His virtuoso voice is always as clear and high pitched but Asgeir is not afraid to play with it, distort it as in «Unbound» or making it almost disappear in «Fennir Yfir». The artist took the time to build this new record and explore diversed propositions. He defies radio formats on short- almost religious- interlude «Nothing» or in longer tracks. Organic and hybrid, the songs of «Afterglow» could be several tracks as one, often growing bigger, bolder and eerier within minutes. Asgeir injects warmth and epicness in the coldness of electronica, setting sparks to his glacial lands.

Top 3 tracks: Afterglow, Here Comes The Waving, I Know You Know

ASGEIR - AFTERGLOW

The Amazons is your new favorite rock band! The quartet, originally from Reading in England has gradually been recognized in the musical industry thanks to a viral word-of-mouth among fellow rock bands and thanks to energetic performances notably alongside The Kooks or You Me At Six, which helped gathering new fans. After several EPs, the band has released its powerful first full-length album, showcasing 11 tracks, which bring together what the group has done best up until now: expect the punk’n’roll «Stay With Me», the heavy-structured riffs of “In My Mind”, the catchy «Black Magic» as well as the obscure «Little Something». The album is an explosive cocktail, introspective even, combining lyricism and emotions with “Palace” a surprising conclusion that brings a certain depth to the ensemble. There’s no doubt, The Amazons have an undeniable potential and are rejuvenating the rock scene!

Top 3 tracks :In My Mind, Black Magic, Holly Roller

THE AMAZONS - THE AMAZONS 37

SWMRS Formed in California in 2004, the American quartet SWMRS composed of Cole Becker, Max Becker, Joey Armstrong and Seb Mueller, managed to build a core fanbase of die-hard punk rock fans, leading them to sign with Fueled By Ramen last year. While they opened for label mates All Time Low recently in Paris, On The Move had a chat with the band who is set to take over the punk-rock scene. While you’re reading this, you’re advised to listen to their latest album «Drive North» which will take you to places.

On The Move Mag : Hey guy ! We are happy to have you here in Paris, opening for All Time Low. Tell us, how did you guys met? Seb: Hello On The Move ! Thank you for having us! The guys have all known each other since they were little kids. The all other three guys. I met Cole for the first time really when... Cole: When I was in 11th grade, you were in 10th grade. Math class. Our teacher was this weird guy and he was only a teacher at school for one year. Seb: He still got fired (laughs). Cole: But people in the street called him OJ Mike because he was a really kind of well-known in Oakland, he is a break dancer. And he’s this old white guy with a mustache. Mike Prodovek you know like «well I’m gonna teach you how fractals today» (laughs). Seb and I bounded because we just liked good music and everybody else liked just stupid music. Seb: And Joey and I played in a jazz band together and then Max I just kinda met through these guys.

« A lot of band ruins what they’re doing by compartmentalizING IT » On The Move Mag : How has the tour been so far? Seb: Great! Super great crowds. There’s been no gang on stage or hearing boos or bullshit «fuck off» Cole: The only resistance we got from the crowd was when I tried to get them to do a wall of death and they were like «no please no» (laughs). Seb: The only things that happen are people on the front row, the barriers are on the phones the whole time. Cole: One lady fell asleep on the barrier. Seb: Yeah so if this interview comes out before our last show please advise that I will pour water on you if you’re on your phone. I’m gonna do that tonight. On The Move Mag : How can you even fall asleep at a show?

Cole: She must had really strong ear plugs. On The Move Mag : How did you choose this band name and why? Cole: You know we were swimming one day? Well we had a EP from our last band called «Swim» and we just decided that we should start a new band, we were like «ok well we can be swimers» and people would kinda get the logical connection. Seb: We used to spell it like how it is actually spelled with the vowels. Then when you search that on the internet the only two things that came up where like Michel Phelps and sea man like swimers and stuff. We were like «ok we have to think how to spell it somehow». On The Move Mag : There are nice rhythms in «Drive North», what were your musical inspirations for this album? Seb: I was listening to a lot of Dinosaur Junior at the time and «Blue first Wizard» album. A Tribe Called Quest also. Cole: Like Black pavement, and then I don’t think it necessarily influenced the music that much but also a lot of Public Enemy. Old rap that kind of stuff... Yeah so that kind of influences and the work ethic behind it. On The Move Mag : Signing with Fueled By Ramen was an achievement or a kind of logical step regarding where you were in your career? Cole: Oh, probably both. When we heard that they were interested we were really kind of «oh my God that’s crazy» because you know they were like at the high of everything. They have Panic At The Disco, and Twenty One Pilots. So we were like «wow and they only have like 8 bands and they all really successful» so we were really like «Oh my God like we are trying but we are at this level for them? That’s pretty cool». On The Move Mag : Who is Miley? Can you tell us the story of the song? Cole: Miley is Miley Cyrus. I was writing for the university newspaper and I got assigned to write about her. She had entered a short movie she made into a porn festival and I was like «Oh my God». I always knew her from Hanna Montana and heard that she went crazy but then I started looking into it and I was like «Oh my God, she is really cool!» Like she is like kind

of championing this thing that not enough celebrities do. She is letting herself be imperfect. That’s what’s true about her. You know that song I just wrote it one day and we liked it. On The Move Mag : How do you see the evolution of your music in terms of style, maybe for a new album, how do you want to evolve? Cole: Definitely a lot more heavy metal break downs (laughs). Seven string guitars. We are going to see with the songs. Seb: It’s a hard question to answer because we know we want to take it to the next level but that means yet we don’t know.nYeah that’s gonna be discovered as we write the songs and what will bring the songs like the demos to the studio and like we’ll really get into it. And start working it out. I don’t like going into writing music like «this is how I want it to sound, that is what I want». Cole: «it’s huge», «loser» (laughs) Seb: I think all of us are kinda in the same page. We’ll just keep writing music and see what happens. On The Move Mag : Which bands do you look up to or wish to collaborate with? Cole: I really look up to this rock group Run The Jewels they kinda run their whole project like it’s a punk band. It’s just really cool, energetic music and their tag line is «we’re here to fuck shit up» and they mean it. It’s just not a stupid phrase, it’s like «we’re here to make you think about the world you live in and whether it’s the world you wanna be in or if you should change that». You know, God knows that I’ve tried to hit Killer Mike up for a collaboration bunch of times (laughs). Seb: I wanna collaborate with Nick Kivlen from Sunflower Bean. He is a badass guitar player, that would be really fun. I always thought it would be fun to do stuff like that. Obviously that would be really cool to do something with a band like Run the Jewels or bands bigger than us, but it would be really fun to do something like get in the studio with bands our age and contemporaries like we were talking to our friends into Twin Peaks and we were like «yo we should just one time just rent out a studio for a couple weeks. Just set up two of every instrument and just go and record whatever we want». I always think that stuff like would be really fun.

On The Move Mag : Are you working on a new album? Cole: Kind of. You know when the minute you say you’re starting to work on a new album the last naturally the work flow comes. And so like Max and I and Seb write songs too, like we don’t know which songs are going to be on the album just all kind of write and because that’s what we are we are musicians and we are songwriters. You know we’re not rock stars, just people that wanna make music together. We’ve seen a lot of band kind of ruining what they’re doing by starting to compartmentalize what they are doing. They’re like «Hey all, we’ve just finished the tour we are going to go on vacation fuck you guys, I hate you now but we’ll call up John Feldmann when we wanna write a new album. He will write it for us» (laughs).

« we’re not rock stars » On The Move Mag : Do you have any funny tour memories to share with us? Cole: Oh man, so many tour memories. One time we were in Nebraska and we were on a gas station and we heard this fucking noise, this sound. Just like the craziest shrillest scream you ever heard in your life. And it wasn’t from a human. It was from a dog. Seb: We turned around and this couple was with their kids outside of the gas station, they were making their dog... forcing their dog to fuck. The guy was grabbing his own dog’s dick... It was fucking bizarre. The weirdest thing I have ever seen. The kids running around and laughing, I was like «eww, it’s fucking disgusting! Let’s get the fuck out of here». On The Move Mag : What are your favorite songs to play live? Seb: I like playing «Miley»... I guess it’s the bridge or maybe the breakdown. The breakdown is like my favorite part to play live in the whole set. It’s so fun. Cole: I like playing «Lose it». Kinda makes me feel like I’m in Led Zeppelin or Fleetwood Mac, you know. The kind of music we play all the time we’re just strumming but on «Lose it» I get to do really intricate things. That’s we’re the most dynamic with each other.

INTERVIEW by AVA Gholikhani WITH PAM CHARBIT PHOTOS : Alice Baxley (COVER), MICHAEL SCHWARTZ

ARE THEY WORTH

SEEING LIVE ? 45

live from Australia

TASH SULTANA In case you have been living under a rock, you probably have seen that Tash Sultana has rapidly become one of our favorite artists lately. The Australian artist is on the verge of becoming the best breakthrough talent as she is taking over the world with her unique and mesmerizing art. At only 22 of age, Tash is playing sold out shows in the USA as well as in Europe, not to mention in her home country Australia. We, at On The Move Mag, have been fortunate enough to be part of one of the two sold-out Sydney headline shows on June 7th. After Josh Cashman and Reuben Stone, two talented and unique opening acts, Tash Sultana arrives on stage, acclaimed by a wild crowd. From the very beginning, you are surprised by her petite figure (she later states she is 5”2 – 157 cms- when she notices “the tallest person” she’s ever seen in the audience), like how is she real?? How so much talent can hide in this tiny woman afraid of nothing and full of surprises? We are in awe of her. When you see her, you understand straight away she is down to earth, vibrant and endearing. And that’s what makes the artist and her sound. She plays barefoot, her instruments set on a hippie-like carpet as if she were in her bedroom, making the stage more intimate. Throughout the whole show Tash never stops smiling, communicating her joy of being on stage and playing in front of a continuously cheering crowd. Her dad is also present, playing the role of an assistant to her, giving her the trombone when she needs it, water after a particularly voice-focused song (and what a voice!), or even just encouraging her, adding a little fun on stage as he waves to the audience which we found very cool!

Tash is known for mixing and layering her tracks live on stage thanks to her loop pedal and appears as a musical genius, alternating between the mic, some beatboxing, the guitar, the synths, the drum pad machine and even the trombone! Is there anything she CANNOT do? In between songs, which include “Notion”, her smash hit “Jungle” and her latest single “Murder To The Mind”, she addresses the audience with some thoughtful and kind words, regarding the LGTB+ community and later points out that there are two permanent things in life: you were born and you will die “so do not be a cunt!” and as she says those words the crowd laughs out loud and cheers even more. The “second last song” of her set -as she calls it- is the captivating “Jungle”. After teasing the crowd with a small intro and suddenly saying “that’s it”, she goes on full rockstar mode and showcases her boundless energy, jumping around, dancing and singing effortlessly. As she plays the final guitar solo, she ends up laying on the floor and it’s just crazy. The show must sadly come to an end, and Tash sits down for the first time for the last 1 hour and 30 minutes, with an acoustic guitar which she will play with her entire soul for the next 10 minutes and we just can’t keep our eyes off of her. We are the witnesses of her communion and love for music and there’s nothing else that matters at that moment, just her, us, and music. She’s the real deal, mark our words!

WORDS AND PHOTO by LUDIVINE DESUMEUR

SHAWN MENDES For the past two years, we’ve been witnessing Shawn Mendes’ incredibly rise to fame. From the 16 year-old kid who posted short videos of himself covering the best pop songs on Vine, to the 18 year old hitmaker who plays in front of hundreds people every night (soldout Madison Square Garden, anyone?) around the globe, Shawn Mendes is definitely an example to follow for all the aspiring pop stars out there.

« Roses » to « Don’t Be A Fool », « Ruin » or « Bad Reputation », the young artist swept Paris off its feet.

With his sophomore album «Illuminate» lead by the hits «Mercy» and «Treat You Better» Shawn managed to showcase his writing skills and incredible vocals even more, two things he used live in Paris during the «Illuminate World Tour» last month. While we still remember his show at La Boule Noire a couple of years ago, we’ve been impressed by how professional Shawn has become over the years. His long time friend and singer James TW we met a couple of months ago opened for him, singing some of his greatest songs such as «When You Love Someone» and totally won over the fans’ hearts.

While picking up a guitar to serenade his audience, Shawn managed to create an emotional vibe while he appeared closer than ever to his fans. The pop star showed that working hard always pays off. At 18, Shawn Mendes still has a lot to accomplish but has already proved he can overcome any obstacle. Those who were still skeptical about Shawn Mendes are now smitten with the young Canadian, and so are we.

Another stage has been added on the center of the arena for Shawn to go and play piano. That’s how he offered the beginning of «Castle Of The Hill» by Ed Sheeran, closely followed by « Life Of The Party » and « Three Empty Words »

Before starting the show, Shawn Mendes made sure to pay tribute to the victims of the attacks that happened two days before Shawn’s show during Ariana Grande’s show before stating that «Nobody should be afraid to go at a show. Keep doing what you love» he said. After making the entire arena scream, the singer started his set with his latest hit «There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back» and picked up the best songs from his two albums. From « I Don’t Even Know Your Name / Aftertaste / Kid in Love / I Want You Back », « A Little Too Much »,

WORDS AND PHOTOS by PAM CHARBIT

WHAT’S UP

IN FRANCE ?

ARENSKY, YOUR NEW FAVOURITE EDM DUET

BERYWAM, THE FRENCH A CAPPELLA MASTERS

France has got an incredible amount of talents when it comes to EDM music. David Guetta, DJ Snake, Kungs among many others found their way into the fans’ hearts. Now, we see the arrival of a new generation of DJs who try to push boundaries, create new catchy tunes and make people dance, in this competitive industry.

©CLACK Paco

The french duet Arensky is one of those artists. The band unveiled a brunch of remixes and mashups before releasing their own tracks supported by wellestablished DJs and producers such as Nicky Romero, Quintino, Yves V or Tom Swoon. Their latest track «Close To Me» is a cocktail of efficient and futuristic bass, catchy melody mixed with British singer Chris Linton’s voice. The song will catch your ears and your heart from the start and we can’t wait for Arensky to release more. Watch out for them !

The more, the merrier! Last year, MB14 - Mohammed Belkhir, was one of the finalistsof The Voice season 5. His impressive cover of «Gangsta Paradise«impressed the judges and allowed MB14 to pull himself out of the game. This unique experience also allowed him to release his first EP with his band named Berywam.

©DR

Berywam has a lot of potential : B eatness, Rythmoind, WaWad and MB14 are an explosive cocktail and a mix of diverse musical genreslike Hip-hop, Reggae, classical music and electro sound. Released on June 2nd, their EPsimply named «BERYWAM» holds four covers such as number 1 hitslike «Shape Of You» by Ed Sheeran, « Crazy«by Gnarls Barkley , the classic «No Diggity» by Blackstreet and one of Avicii’s most popular songs : «Hey Brother». «The EP is composed of some fairly modern covers, Hip -Hop, pop, and soul hits remixed with things we love. A true beat box a capellaand 1 00% vocal» explains MB14. This summer Berywam will be on the road to present their EP and play their covers live and trust u syou don’t want to miss out their performances !

THE RFM MUSIC SHOW STARTED A SUMMER OF MUSIC

©Florent Pepet

The festival season has officially begun and French music radio RFM gave it one great start with its special RFM Music Show. Taking place in a park of Issy-LesMoulineaux, near Paris, this night of live music reunited some of the greatest french acts of the moment, plus some surprising international figures.

Loïc Nottet delivered another perfect performance of his single «Million Eyes». Voice always on point, powerful and expressive interpretation... this boy definitely has no flaws. Only regret ? We would have wanted to hear more. Talking about strong and striking voices, Marina Kaye could be Loïc’s female alter-ego. Her performances are always so right and mature you could easily forget she’s only 19. Infused with dark electro beats, her new single «On My Own» is a catchy anthem about independence, self-confidence and is promised to a great success.

For more than 3 hours, this is a ballet of energetic performances that happened on the open air stage. First one to hit it was Amir, whose positive pop took France by storm last year with the viral gimmick of «J’ai cherché». The heady track also bear french music to the greatest heights with him participating to the 2016 Eurovision contest, and winning a remarkable 6th place. No limits of genre or proposition at the RFM Music Show : you could have been touched by Shy’m’s soft and refined interpretation of «Si tu m’aimes encore» or taken away by the infectious african rhythm of Kid United’s last single «Mama Africa». This five children, giving their voices to the UNICEF cause, are seriously impressive, both by their talents and professionalism.

Frenchies’ favorite Vianney popped up several times on stage to sing his uplifting songs. With a singular voice, accurate songwriting skills and his eternal guitar, Vianney doesn’t have anything left to prove but sings with the same genuineness : an authentic pleasure shared with the audience.

Along the way, the elegant Imany had everyone singing along on «Don’t Be So Shy» which is now a global hit thanks to Filatov & Karas’ remix. The young singersongwriter Tibz proved he is a serious performer with its federating «Nation» and also greeted us with a short but intense cover of «Freed From Desire» by GALA.

Before the show comes to an end, one last surprise happens. The young British sensation Jasmine Thompson is here to sing her beautiful rendition of «Mad World» from Tears For Fears. At the 1st place of RFM charts for the 12th week, she was giving her first proper french gig at Les Etoiles that very day and went straight to the RFM Music Show to share one last moment with her fans.

But some of the highlights of the show were almost predictable.

Folk troubadour Claudio Capeo, Nolwenn Leroy, Olivia Ruiz and iconic Florent Pagny were also parts of the night. A nice weather, some summer festival vibes, a varied and enthusiastic line-up singing to thousands of souls -from all ages and origins- brought together by the sole power of music... What a great night to be alive ! And a nice way to keep up with french artists newest works.

©Florent Pepet

WORDS by CORALINE BLAISE, PAM CHARBIT AND LÉNAELLE FONTAINE

OTM TEAM PAM

editorial director I spend most of my time apologizing to my favorite streaming platform for ripping off their «add to playlist» button. When i’m not looking for new artists to talk to you about I drown myself in a sea containing a mix of old R&B and punk-rock sound. Sometimes I go to concert venues more often than I go to bed and I listen to music even when I sleep. I’ll be probably deaf in 40 years but knowing you’ll discover new artists through this mag makes everything worthwhile.

ELODIE

writer Longtime writer for OTM, I love being able to talk about my favourite tracks and artists online. Got a passion for pop, indie and rock bands, Harry Potter and photography. You can usually find me at venues, front row, next to the following curly girl. Spending way too much money on those travels and gigs. But, we only got one life, better get the most out of it !

CORALINE

graphic designer, writer

Wannabe architect, musical writer by passion. I am in love with matter, music and words. Drunk with british indie-rock and popfolk. I guess my wildest dream would be designing and building a gig venue, for which I would decide the opening line-up. In the meantime, I am the curly girl with too much hair, front row.

LUDIVINE

writer

Who am I, in a nutshell? Daydreamer, traveler at heart, sees beauty in everything, concert addict, Germany lover. Music is my escape route and my best friend. Fun fact: I actually own a guitar since I was 4 but I don’t know how to play. I am also the girl that’s like “Hey you gotta listen to this!” and 2 hours later we’re still on YouTube… Oops!

LENA

writer

Meet the youngest of the crew ! Aspiring music journalist and communication student, I spend most of my free time surrounded by books and hot chocolate. Basically obsessed with british pop music and indie artists, if you’re looking for me you’ll probably find me singing my heart out at a concert. if i could turn back time, i’d definitely pop to the Panic! At The Disco show in Chicago in 2006.

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