2 minute read
Now, Now More Confident Than Ever
Originally named Now, Now Every Children, the band’s story began already 15 years ago, in 2003 when Cacie Dalager (vocals, guitar, and keyboard) met Bradley Hale (drums, backing vocals) in high school in the marching band they both integrated. The two teenagers soon became friends and started making music together, putting into life their teenage angst à la Avril Lavigne at the time.
After several years, composing and recording in their parents’ basements and performing in bars and other events of their city and neighborhoods, the power of MySpace and word-of-mouth enabled the duo to increase their visibility little by little. Cacie and Bradley signed to the record label Afternoon Records in 2007 and released a few EPs while working on their first album. The latter came out around the end of 2008 and was named “Cars”. Their early material is moody, anguished and dark but raised by a certain lightness thanks to Cacie’s voice and particular tone.
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The big breakthrough for Now, Now (Every Children) happened thanks to Brad’s graphic design talents who had created an ad for the band in the American rock music magazine Alternative Press. Now, Now was then invited by Paramore on their Europe tour, a golden opportunity for the duo that would win a new audience. Shortly after, the young-formed band separated from its label, shortened its name to its current state and released independently an EP in 2010 entitled "Neighbors" whose edition was very limited. The band also reached a new peak of notoriety when one of their songs landed in an episode of Grey’s Anatomy in 2011... and we all know it, having a song in Grey’s Anatomy is not insignificant!
Later, Now, Now signed with Trans – an Atlantic Records subsidiary – and released their second album “Threads” in 2012. This album was a major turning point for the duo as the band then performed as the opening act for The Naked And Famous, Fun and also performed on the set of Late Night Show with Jimmy Fallon. Cacie and Bradley were more mature and this was also to be felt musically: “Threads” extends through a pattern –a thread – on a lyric scale as well as on an instrumental scale and is distinguished by a unique atmosphere, quite moody which they have made their signature sound.
Five years after their latest album, Now, Now is back on the limelight with a third record “Saved” released last May. Before that they went on Parahoy, Paramore’s cruise in the Bahamas, enabling them to kind of rekindle the flame for their early fans – and win some new ones. Although the duo has evolved a lot musically – tending towards more indie-pop direction – they remain faithful to their early spirit and signature sound, transposed by a lasting, nostalgic element so characteristic of the songs interpreted by Cacie’s captivating voice, which pronounces each lyric as an extended breath.
"Saved" is fresh, bold, catchy and above all more confident. We can witness a real transformation in "MJ" or "Yours", two of the album’s tracks which showcase successful catchy choruses. In general, emotions are exposed to the light of day and although the words are quite blunt, they shape these feelings into something real and beautiful. Everything is interpretation and depends on the perspective of each one of us, just like the album’s artwork, revealing multiple meanings...
Listen If You Are a Fan Of
Dreamscapes and if you’re in need, upbeat yet moody tracks that will directly speak to your heart and lift it up.
One Song to Listen To
« Yours » for its guitar-driven melody, fuzzy bass and airy vocals. Trust us, you’ll be humming soon enough!
Words by Ludivine Desumeur | Photo: All Rights Reserved
