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Available on Bandcamp
SPF Editor-In-Chief
Janet Adamana
Associate Editor
Ally Sigurdson
Contributors & Photography Credits Ally Sigurdson Laura Wixon Jared Leibowitz Sam San Roman Lexi Mathioudakis Eric Dickey Red Works Studio Spencer Marr Olivia Mayes Dinorah Prevost Kristen Fisher Stephanie Shields Debra Heather Cassie Werner Special Thanks Ryan Dillon Matt Pisz Casie Huntley Kevin Cross Eddie Deal Andrew Hallett Callum Cramp John Floreani Jeremy Winchester Kamden Kern Emily Eller Alexa San Roman Anthony Rega Nicholas Starrantino Dane Petersen Nic Dyson Kevin Kirk Jacob Rangel Conner Jones Dan Herring Ben Barlow Lloyd Roberts Matt West Fil Thorpe-Evans Dani Washington Jake Mcelfresh Sound, Phrase & Fury is a Canadian music magazine out to help promote musicians not usually covered in mainstream media. All music, photos and articles used are for the sole purpose of spreading the knowledge of these artists and their music. We always encourage readers to support every act through purchasing releases, merchandise and attending live shows. info@sound-phrase-fury.com @soundphrasefury facebook.com/soundphrasefury Sound-Phrase-Fury.com
jan/feb 2014 Ignite The Sky Words from the Editor-In-Chief To The City & The World We Say Sunrise & their debut album, Urbis Et Orbis
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Get Ready For The Heavy Trophy Eyes talk hardships
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Hitting a Snag Industry profile on Snag!
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It’s Good To Be Bad Love, Robot and their new album, B.A.D.
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Recommends 24 We share our artist picks Painfully Honest Winnipeg’s Nic Dyson shares his hope filled story
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For The Fans 34 The Day After’s impact on the scene Wishful Thinking Neck Deep and their debut album, Wishful Thinking
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Words Of The Wounded Front Porch Step talks heartache and, Awake
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This is Our Ode 40 Readers talk about how music impacts their lives In Review 41 A closer look at some releases
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Editor’s Note
ignite the sky There was this moment, back when I was 21. My friend and I were driving over a bridge in the middle of God-Knows-Where, South Dakota. We were on our first road trip. Freshly graduated from college, I was using the trip as my “last” chance to hold on to the seemingly fleeting freedom of my youth, all before I headed back to the humdrum of the working world that awaited me. I remember seeing the most amazing sunrise coming up above this nice calm lake. It was, hands down, the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. I will always remember how I felt when I saw it. I was instantly fueled with this deep appreciation for life and the world. I was instantly filled with hope. No matter how much post-college fear and angst I was feeling, somewhere in that sunrise I saw the bright and shiny possibilities of my future. It was on this trip where the idea for what would eventually become Sound, Phrase & Fury, had started. Upon seeing that sunrise, I was filled with this overwhelming feeling that everything I ever wanted was completely within my reach, patiently waiting for me just beyond that horizon. Everything I ever wanted just felt so real, so tangible. As Sound, Phrase & Fury goes into its second year, I can’t help but think back to that moment. Just four years later, here I sit with an internationally-read magazine, a team of extraordinary writers and passionate music lovers, and the privilege to hear and share the inspiring stories of independent artists and professionals who keep this wonderful scene alive. This magazine has grown even bigger than I could have ever imagined and I only have our readers to thank. Because of all your support, we’ve been able to expand with a brand new website and video series. Because of all of you, a window of endless opportunities has been busted open and it feels as though it could never close. Because of all of you, I can look back at that one wondrous moment, and sort of laugh. I guess all that optimism wasn’t just a silly little pipe dream after all. We still have all that fire in our eyes. We’re ready to ignite the sky.
Feeling no defeat
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Janet Adamana Editor-In-Chief
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Q&A
To The City & The World We Say Sunrise hope to take the indie-pop scene by storm with their debut album, Urbis Et Orbis. Armed with this refreshing pop release, vocalist Ryan Dillon, bassist/pianist Matt Pisz, guitarist Casie Huntley and drummer Dan Steinhart, hope to charge into the scene and leave a lasting mark. Ryan Dillon and Matt Pisz take us through Urbis Et Orbis. photos by Laura Wixon words by Janet Adamana JAN/FEB 2014 • Sound, Phrase, & Fury
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Q&A
JA: Tell me about We Say Sunrise and your upcoming album. RD: We Say Sunrise is an indie-pop band based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We’re currently recording our debut album, Urbis Et Orbis with Matt Geroux of Feverbell Studios. Early last summer, we decided it was finally time to jump into the studio and release an official album. We plan on releasing Urbis Et Orbis in early 2014, and following it up with polished live shows and tours. We strive to write relatable music and connect with those who enjoy it.
our first few brief tours, and earned a spot on Vans Warped Tour. My passion for music grew stronger during each show we played, and although We Say Sunrise has gone through a few different member changes, I will always go forward with the project.
JA: Is there any significance to the band name? RD: The name “We Say Sunrise” represents the coming of new days and new experiences. We try to live up to that name. Because the band has been based out of a few different states over time, we’ve both lost and added band members. These experiences have been a test of patience, but the project We’ve been creating Urbis Et Orbis both in and has and will survive. We always look forward to out of the studio- whenever inspiration strikes. A what the future holds for We Say Sunrise. “We Say couple of the songs featured on the album are re- Sunrise” also rolls off the tongue pretty easily! vamped versions of our older songs. Those songs were fairly simple to record. Other songs, like our JA: Your new album is called Urbis et Orbis. August 2013 single, “Captain, My Captain” were Can you go deeper into the phrase and why written mostly in studio. I really enjoy getting the you’ve decided to use that as the title? feel of a song as it’s being built. I imagined “Cap- RD: Urbis Et Orbis, comes from the Latin idiom, tain, My Captain” as a completely acoustic song “To The City and The World.” We choose this with a more raw feel until Matt Pisz added his bass name because it is our debut album, and our oppart in the studio. We were able to rearrange the portunity to introduce ourselves. My interest in song to give it a bigger feel and write more from studying Latin has chronologically paralleled my there. love for music. When learning that soldiers marching to battle often used “Urbis Et Orbis” as a war JA: Can you explain how We Say Sunrise all be- cry, it seemed like a perfect fit for our introductory gan, and how you got involved in music? album! RD: I have always loved music. As a kid, I would MP: Personally, it means the music we write, and wait for my parents to leave the house and sing music in general, isn’t just for one person or just for every song I knew, as loudly as I could. I picked us - it’s something for everyone to experience and up my first guitar in 7th grade, and have been in share. That is our interpretation. bands ever since. We Say Sunrise began in 2009 at Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, Ohio, where I began writing and recording songs with a few close friends. After the great reception we re- Like We Say Sunrise at Facebook.com/WeSayceived about the music we posted on YouTube and Sunrise. Keep an eye out for Urbis Et Orbis which Myspace, we decided to recruit more members and comes out in early 2014. play live shows. That summer, we embarked on
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“We Say Sunrise” represents the coming of new days and new experiences. &
Q&A
MP: Playing music has always been important to me. I was classically trained in piano at age 5/6, and started playing guitar at age 10. The earliest memory I have is sitting at the piano bench watching my grandpa play. JA: Is there any significance to the name, We Say Sunrise? RD: The name “We Say Sunrise” represents the coming of new days and new experiences. We try to live up to that name. Because the band has been based out of a few different states over time, we’ve both lost and added band members. These experiences have been a test of patience, but the project has and will survive. We always look forward to what the future holds for We Say Sunrise. “We Say Sunrise” also rolls off the tongue pretty easily!
RD: Our Ep “Urbis Et Orbis” comes from the Latin idiom, “To The City and The World.” We choose this name because it is our Debut album, and our opportunity to introduce ourselves. My interest in studying Latin has chronologically paralleled my love for music. When learning that soldiers marching to battle often used “Urbis Et Orbis” as a war cry, it seemed like a perfect fit for our introductory album! MP: Personally to me it means the music we write or music in general isn’t just for one person or just for us - it’s something for everyone to experience and share, this is just our interpretation.
JA: Your new EP is called Urbis et Orbis. Can go deeper into the phrase and why you’ve decided to use that as your EP title?
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D A E R U O Y N CA ? E T I R W AND & ABSOLUTELY LOVE NEW MUSIC?
THEN DO WHAT YOU SHOULD BE DOING, AND WRITE FOR US! HIT UP SOUND-PHRASE-FURY.COM FOR MORE INFO.
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Q&A
get ready for the
JA: Can you explain how Trophy Eyes began? CC: Most of us grew up in the same small town. The town was pretty influenced by music. Everyone listened to Blink 182 and Sum 41 so naturally, a whole bunch of people started learning how to play instruments. We all played in various punk bands in our younger teen years. It wasn’t until the end of school did we find the right mixture of members and started writing some serious stuff. We found John [Floreani] at the end of 2012 and he seemed to fit. We spent a few months trying to find our sound and we eventually did.
my life severely changed by a girlfriend, and then seeing the end of that relationship. It’s also about how I drank a lot, lost a lot of friends, became a burden to everyone I love and moved to Newcastle (a smaller city on the East Coast of Australia) where I started my life over and planted a lot of roots.
JA: I want to talk about your new EP, Everything Goes Away. It centers on some pretty heavy stuff. Can you go into the whole story behind it? JF: The EP is a reflection on some big parts of my life that I thought deserved to be written about: My grandfather dying, a friend completely succumbing to a meth addiction, being controlled and having
JA: I was reading your write up about the EP and it sounds as though music was a sort of saving grace for you. What was it about music (listening to it and/or creating it) that really made these positive changes for you? JF: Listening to songs always gets you through shitty times. Everyone knows that. That’s an obivous
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JA: What was it like writing and recording it? CC: It was fun! Shane Edwards at Electric Sun Studios is always a blast to work with. We would record during the day, and then go hang out with Sydney friends all night for 10 days straight!
q&a
heavy
John Floreani knows a thing or two about tragedy. The Trophy Eyes vocalist, trudged through the death of his grandfather, witnessed the crushing grip of drug addiction, and suffered through the pitfalls of fiery, fallen friendships. All of which is poetically hashed out in the pop-punk band’s new EP, Everything Goes Away. We spoke with John and Trophy Eyes drummer, Callum Cramp, about their new EP and the rough patches that brought them to where they are today. photo by Jared Leibowitz words by Janet Adamana
reason as to how music helped me so much. I think the bigger reason is that creating it gave me a purpose in life, not to mention the places it’s taken me, and the people it’s helped me meet. When I have something that’s bringing me down, I can write about it and it’s not just in my head anymore. It’s out there for everyone to see and that helps me deal with it. I’ve learned that everyone deals with things differently, and that’s my way, I guess.
JA: I want to talk a bit more about your genre. What is it about pop punk that speaks to you guys the most? What do you hope to add to the scene? CC: I’m not completely sure. I’ve listened to pop punk for as long as I can remember and it was my introductory to musical life. If I didn’t buy Blink’s Enema of the State when I was like six, I would have never hung out with the group of friends I did or have taken up an instrument, which means I definitely would not be doing this interview right now. There really isn’t a whole lot we want to add to the scene. We will never claim to be “a breath of fresh air” or any of that bullshit. We just want to play shows that will allow us to see nice places and meet cool people.
JA: You guys started in February 2013. What has the past year been like for you? Any big plans in 2014? CC: This past year has been crazy good. We’ve gotten to play some awesome shows and meet so many new people that we can call our friends now. This year is looking just as good, if not better. We are going to tour a whole lot and get a new record out Grab a copy of Everything Goes Away at ASAP. We have already started writing, so we are TrophyEyes.Bandcamp.com pumped for that!
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DIY LABEL www.facebook.com/mayflowercollective 14 Sound, Phrase, & Fury • jAN/FEB 2014
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Industry
hitting itting a hitting a Kamden Kern & Emily Eller kept hearing about touring bands struggling to find places to sleep, They decided to take matters into their own hands and created Snag! a new service that connects help. Emily Eller gave us the run down of the company and how fans and bands can work together
JA: Tell me all about Snag! EE: Snag! is a non-profit organization dedicated to making the touring lives of bands and band members run as smoothly as possible. We want to make sure that smaller touring bands (and even big touring bands, if they need it) have everything they need. Showering and sleeping are tour essentials, but sometimes, bands don’t know anyone in the particular location they are in, and are at a loss of what to do. That’s where we come in. We have forms and files filled with contacts that we can set them up with.
happen. She told me about this idea, and we just ran with it! JA: Are you musicians yourselves, who have experienced touring troubles first hand? EE: Neither of us are musicians or play instruments. Growing up, music was a huge part of our lives. We have grown and evolved in the music industry (we both work in it!) and have seen so many people we love struggle while on tour. Although we can’t really help with financial issues at this time, providing a hot meal or a place to rest a tired head does mean a lot to bands. We just want everyone to be taken care of. We don’t want to think about what it would be like if our loved ones were in that situation.
JA: How many people run and work for the company? EE: Currently Kamden [Kern] and I are the only ones running the company. We both work for Live JA: What kind of feedback have you received? Nation and have super busy schedules, but we try EE: Honestly, when we first started Snag! we weren’t our best to make things happen for Snag! sure what kind of response we were going to get. We took the idea and ran with it. Everyone’s support JA: What sparked the idea behind it? has been SO overwhelming (in a good way) and we EE: Kamden came up with the idea behind Snag! couldn’t be happier. In the first day alone, we got She grew up in Ohio, and as an avid music lover, she over 100 likes on Facebook, and even more Twitter saw many friends go through the hassles of touring, followers. I got messages from friends saying that and saw many tweets/Facebook posts (and maybe this was such a cool idea, and they couldn’t believe even myspace posts back in the day!) of bands ask- we thought of it, and were actually putting it into ing for help. Snag! has been an idea she has had for action. Nobody has said anything negative about us many years, but never quite knew how to execute. at all, and that’s really cool. One day she decided she really wanted to make this
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snag
shower and sometimes even eat, while on the road. touring bands in need with music lovers willing to to make touring a more fun and safe endeavor.
Industry
words by Janet Adamana illustration courtesy of Snag!
JA: What do musicians ask for/are in need of the most while on tour? EE: The majority of our requests are to help find them places to stay for the night. I, myself, have offered my couch to people like Nate Flynn, Good Luck Varsity and Jane Decker.
funding and artists using it to pay for touring mishaps/expenses? EE: Snag! isn’t trying to take the place of Kickstarter or PledgeMusic. At this time, we aren’t accepting donations. We’re still trying to get everything sorted out and in place. But at some point, we hope to be able to provide direct support to bands in need. Personally, I think it’s fine to use Kickstarter or other fundraising sites to fund music endeavors, or to help pay for your broken van as long as you aren’t taking advantage of it. Don’t lie to your fans and say you need $10,000 to fix your van if you just have a broken taillight. Don’t say you need $5,000 to fund your independently released record. Be fair and honest!
JA: What’s the best way for fans to help touring bands? What’s the best way for bands to get help from Snag!? EE: The best way for music lovers to help out bands is to fill out the form with their info! That way, when a band is looking for somewhere to stay in their area, we can pull out their phone number and fix them up! The best way for a band to get our help is to fill out a submission form or email us directly . JA: Where do you see Snag! in the next few years? EE: If we can get Snag! on the right track, we hope JA: Any advice for bands planning a tour? that in the next few years we will be a common name EE: Pack extra underwear and socks. Check your oil. in the music world. Maybe even have a booth at Make sure your trailer is on tight and it’s actually Warped Tour or something equally as cheesy! Mostclosed and locked. Dropping your kick drum out of ly, we just want people to know that we are here for your trailer in the middle of a freeway isn’t fun. them and we have their backs.
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JA: Sites like Kickstarter and PledgeMusic were started to help fund artistic projects, like a re- To help touring bands, fill out the form on Snaghelps. cord or movie. Nowadays, bands use these sites com. To get help from Snag! e-mail snaghelps@ to raise funds to fix broken vans, pay for hotels, gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/Snaghelps gas and food. What do you think about crowd-
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q&A
it’s good to be bad photos by Sam San Roman words by Janet Adamana
Since their start in 2008, Long Island alt-rock group, Love, Robot, has been capturing the emotional essence of the early 2000’s East Coast rock scene, taking listeners back to the dark and gloomy days of reckless, heart-wrenching youth. 18 Sound, Phrase, & Fury • jAN/FEB 2014
q&a
With their new album, B.A.D., Alexa San Roman (vocals/guitar), Anthony Rega (drums), Nicholas Starrantino (bass) and Dane Petersen (guitar), hope to inspire fans to live life, explore the world, and get bad. Nicholas tells us all about the new album. JAN/FEB 2014 • Sound, Phrase, & Fury
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q&A JA: Your last record, Rebuild|Rebirth, was released in 2012. How have you guys grown since then and has any of that helped shape the new record? NS: I think the biggest change would be the difference in members. Since then, we’ve replaced two members and in most ways it’s made for a more efficient creative process. R|R was written and recorded over the course of a little more than a year and musically, it was written mostly from Alexa’s point of view. As I made my way into the band and got a little more involved, there was a difference in collaboration. We started making an EP and we JA: B.A.D. comes out in February. What can you liked what we were writing so much that we ended tell me about the record? up with almost 17 or 18 songs before trying to get NS: With this record, we made something that re- them down to the absolute best of the bunch. ally rocks and something everyone involved can be proud of. I know we’re extremely pumped just to JA: What do you hope people will take from hear it all put together, not to mention release and this new record? share these tunes with everyone we can. NS: Just do you. Explore the world around you confidently and enjoy it. JA: You recorded at Westfall Recording. What was that whole experience like? JA: Tell me about your new music video. NS: B.A.D. is the second full-length that we’ve NS: It’s a performance-based video of our song done with Westfall. Anthony Lopardo and Ray “Machine.” We wanted to make a video of the band Marte are super invested in this band and are ded- rocking out without it being just another video of a icated to our sound. For B.A.D., we wanted to try band “rocking out”. We all put together a few ideas things differently than what we did when tracking and came up with a pretty cool way to get us playing Rebuild|Rebirth. Westfall is a really comfortable en- a nice tune and still have a little bit of camera fun. vironment and we definitely got the chance to do a little experimentation, which always makes me JA: Do you have any plans in the works aside happy. There were so many good vibes, like record- from releasing the new record and video? ing vocals in the control room so we could sing with NS: At this exact moment those are the big goals. everyone sitting around us. Shows and tours would be perfect. All of us are sure itching to start playing as much as we can. We’d JA: How are you going to be releasing it? love to be able to get this album and all of our music NS: We don’t really have plans for anything special out to as many people around the earth as possible. right now. Personally, I’d like to release it on cas- Ultimately, that’s what we plan to do. sette or 8-track. I think the aesthetic of something like that would be way worth the compromise in fi- Visit Facebook.com/LoveCommaRobot and get delity but I’m still trying to work on how to pitch B.A.D. when it comes out in February. Watch the that to the group. “Machine” video at Youtube.com/LoveCommaRobot JA: Your style is so reminiscent of the early 2000’s alt-rock/emo movement. I felt like I had transported back in time to my bedroom floor moping in my teen angst! It’s pretty awesome, so tell me about your musical influences. NS: That surely is a big part of our influence. We grew up on bands like Taking Back Sunday, Brand New and Death Cab for Cutie. More recently, our tastes have been widening, from classic rock like Led Zeppelin to more current groups like The 1975 or maybe even a little Justin Bieber if the mood’s just right.
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“we made something that really rocks and something everyone involved can be proud of.”
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Facebook.com/AestheticHeartPromotions JAN/FEB 2014 • Sound, Phrase, & Fury
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the king & his friends indie-rock
The King and His Friends formed a little over a year and a half ago. They are an indie-rock band from Auckland, New Zealand. Alex Johnston started the band with his high school friends, Christopher Moses (bass), William King (vocalist/guitar) and his cousin Angus Grainger (drums).
Initially, the band entered a national high school band competition in New Zealand called Rockquest. In doing so, they made the Auckland regional finals which gained them experience and a chance to meet and play with other local bands.
The King and His Friends plan to record and re“Our sound kind of emerged out of covering U2 and lease an EP in February 2014. Until then, you can Coldplay songs mixed with our varying tastes, with check out some of their songs on YouTube such as; me bringing songs I had written in skeleton form “Smile On Your Face,” and “Kelsey.” -and the instrumentation worked out as a group,” Debra Heather says, Johnston.
TheKingAndHisFriends.Bandcamp.com Facebook.com/TheKingAndHisFriends Youtube.com/user/TheKingAndHisFriends 24 Sound, Phrase, & Fury • jAN/FEB 2014
recommends Forming in 2008, British hard rock band Heaven’s performed at different events including Sonisphere Basement consists of Aaron Buchanan (lead vo- and Download festivals. cals), Sid Glover (guitar), Chris Rivers (drums) and Buchanan’s impressive range rips through every Rob Ellershaw (bass). note flawlessly, while Glover showcases masterHeaven’s Basement released their full-length debut ful riffs and Ellershaw and Rivers’ in sync dynamic album, Filthy Empire, on February 4, 2013. They are melody in hit songs like, “Nothing Left to Lose,” “I best known for their relentless touring schedule am Electric,” and “Heartbreaking Son of a Bitch.” and energetic live performances. Heaven’s Basement proves that rock and roll defiAerosmith, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, and nitely is not dead. This is a band to keep your eye Guns N’ Roses are major influences in their music. on. They are taking the world by storm, one city at They’ve toured with Bon Jovi, Buckcherry, Papa a time. These guys will be headliners in the near Roach and Theory of a Deadman. They have also future, give them a listen. -- Debra Heather
heaven’s basement hard rock
HeavensBasement.com Facebook.com/HeavensBasement Twitter.com/heavensbasement JAN/FEB 2014 • Sound, Phrase, & Fury 25
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french press indie-pop
French Press, led by singer/songwriter Chantel Edmond, stepped out onto the Winnipeg music scene in 2011 with their digital track “Heart Full of Anger.” Since then, the band has been building their Canadian fan-base through club performances around the greater Winnipeg area. Follow-up recordings, such as “Back on the Mattress,” demonstrate the band’s willingness to press forward with their musical initiative. The unique quality of French Press’ music stems from the wonderfully disjointed lyrics and instrumentals which make it possible to appreciate all aspects of a song at one time, while viewing the techniques in use, on their own level.
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Although the band spent the majority of 2010 playing clubs throughout Thailand and Morocco, they have brought their initiative and introspective music stylings back home. Members of French Press have announced their intentions to release their debut record, Youthful Trouble, in early 2014. Until then, fans can find the band at Festival Du Voyageur in mid-February. -Stephanie Shields
FrenchPressMusic.com Facebook.com/FrenchPressMusic Twitter.com/FrenchPressMus Instagram.com/FrenchPressMusic
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Mercy Street came together when five Winnipeggers set their sights on a new sound for the music scene and through exploration of genres and styles, they found it.
Members of Mercy Street show no signs of slowing down, gradually building a loyal localized fan base, using social media to spread the word about their new sound.
The band’s self-titled debut album proves to be a It is loud, it is heartfelt and it is able to bring out the hybrid of punk rock style, progressive rock rhythms angst-ridden rebel in all of us. Mercy Street is one and thoughtful lyrics that engage audiences on a to watch. -- Stephanie Shields personal level. With sharp riffs and seamless percussion, songs, like “Last Song,” demonstrate the MercyStreet.Bandcamp.com bands technical nature.
Facebook.com/MercyStreetMB Twitter.com/MercyStreetMB
mercy street pop punk
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Mariachi ghost Folk/Latin/Jazz
They’re here, they’re painted and they are taking over the Winnipeg music scene. Between the success of their newly-released sophomore album, sold-out appearances at the Winnipeg Jazz Festival and the Live on the Rooftop series sponsored by the Winnipeg Art Gallery, Mariachi Ghost will soon be a household name.
from the already developed styles of their 2011 debut EP, Machete. Employing folk music alongside Jazz standards, with just a touch of showmanship, Mariachi Ghost gives audiences a progressive twist on traditional Spanish rhythms and styles.
It all has earned Mariachi Ghost such accolades as a top five spot on Canadian !earshot national charts. Their self-titled album shows a great evolution -- Stephanie Shields
TheMariachiGhost.com Facebook.com/TheMariachiGhost Twitter.com/MariachiGhost Youtube.com/user/TheMariachiGhost 28 Sound, Phrase, & Fury • jAN/FEB 2014
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Singer-songwriter, Sonia Eidse, entered the Winnipeg music scene at the age of eighteen and now, only a short four years later, Eidse has staked her claim as a fierce up-and-comer.
Her music speaks of heartache and self-discovery in a sleepy Canadian town with a still present enthusiasm that reflects the optimistic personality of the songstress herself.
With a résumé that includes two independent LP’s (Acoustic 1 & 2) and appearances at the Winnipeg Folk Fest and Aboriginal Music Week, Eidse has been able to generate a broad audience for her consistently heartfelt and captivating acoustic melodies.
Alongside continuous writing and recording, Eidse is looking at a third installment toward her collection of musical productions and has just recently begun the audition process for JunoFest, vying for involvement in the national award show. -Stephanie Shields
SoniaEidse.Bandcamp.com Facebook.com/SoniaEidseMusic Twitter.com/SoniaEidse
sonia eidse
photo: Red Works Studio
acoustic
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ds
Local love
Painfully Honest As 2013 came to an end and a new year rolled around, we couldn`t help but look back on our highlights of the last 365 days. Musically, one of the highlights in Winnipeg music has been acoustic artist, Nic Dyson. His inspiration and determination has shown hundreds of people that anything is possible, to be who you are, and to follow your heart. Talented and modest, we sat down with the young musician to talk about life, music and growing up. 30 Sound, Phrase, & Fury • jAN/FEB 2014
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photos and words by Ally Sigurdson JAN/FEB 2014 • Sound, Phrase, & Fury
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local love
AS: What inspired you to start making music? ND: When I was very young my dad showed me the classics: Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, Pearl Jam, and Nirvana. I grew up with that kind of music in my life. I started playing guitar when I was eight. At twelve, I started making chord progressions and recording them on my computer. I was inspired by whatever I was listening to at the time, and I would usually name them after whatever song it was inspired by. I stopped doing that at seventeen, when I was inspired to start singing and writing my own songs. In my last year of high school, I was invited to this creative arts camp. My friends, who had gone there before, said the kids always bring their instruments and that jams/sing-alongs happen on a regular basis. When I got there it was so easy to play for them, to open up and just be myself. That’s something I never really got to do before. That was the first time I sang in front of anyone. It was pretty well received. When I got home I went through a sort of depression because all these people were scattered all over the place. I knew it would be a long time before I saw them again. I missed them so much because of the overwhelmingly positive impact they had on my life, so I wrote my first song about them. It was like my therapy, how I dealt with these overwhelming feelings. It took me a long time to gain the courage to share it with anyone. Now, people tell me to never stop playing that song because they connect with it so well. That is one of the greatest compliments. When I play it now, I get emotional. I think it will always be a song that I can connect with in the deepest way. I think the song means more to me now than it did back then. As I’ve grown up, more of my friends have started their
lives, moved away, started following their dreams, and sometimes I’m not in them, and that sucks, but I understand. I thought for a long time that it would be the only song I ever wrote. Obviously, I was wrong. AS: You’ve had a VERY successful 2013, what are some of the highlights? ND: I’ve been given many opportunities and privileges that seem like a dream to me. Right at the beginning of the year I was given the chance to open for my friend’s band, Kobalt, at their EP release show in front of 200 people. In March, I was asked to open for Take Me to the Pilot and other bands like Live the Story, who I look up to. I got to play in front of another 300 people. Another thing I find amazing, being an acoustic singer/songwriter, is that I seem to have been embraced by the Winnipeg metal scene. I’ve been asked to open for a few hardcore shows. Although I am a huge fan of it, I obviously don’t play that kind of music. It’s simply amazing that our local scene can appreciate and support different genres. This past summer, I played a headline show at a coffee shop. Over 100 people crammed into this small space. Many tears were shared that night. I will never forget it. I also had the opportunity to play at an inspiring art show, Words to Live By, which was eye opening. I also had the opportunity to do a bullying presentation at a middle school. I got to share my experience, and how I overcame my insecurities and adversity. It was extraordinarily humbling to be someone these kids could look up to. Hopefully I’ll be able to do that again one day. I’ve had some incredible experiences, and I’m so eternally thankful for them all.
More of my friends have started their lives, moved away and started following their dreams. Sometimes I’m not in them and that sucks, but I understand. 32 Sound, Phrase, & Fury • jAN/FEB 2014
at Local the show love
AS: What’s the biggest influence in your life and your music? ND: My biggest influence in my early life was my dad. Now, I am mostly influenced by the friends I have. They inspire me and push me to be the best person I can be. They constantly blow me away. I am so incredibly lucky and grateful to have them in my life. Musically, Dallas Green is my biggest influence. When I listen to his songs, I think, this is the kind of music I want to make. I learn how to play all of his songs, and all of his lyrics are burned into my brain. The first time I saw him play live, I cried the entire time. He’s not only an influence, but I have an emotional connection to his songs. They have helped me through the hardest times in my life. I can also hear a lot of influence from Neil Young, Dave Matthews, and The Paper Kites.
feeling having hundreds of people sing along to a song that I wrote alone in my basement. Nothing compares to it. I also hate to love to play the first song I ever wrote, because it is so painful for me but I’ve been told that it means a lot to other people. I’ve seen people cry along with me when the song is over. That moment justifies any pain I endure while bringing up those feelings.
AS: Do you have advice for young aspiring artists out there? ND: Don’t be afraid to be who you really are. Don’t be afraid to be honest with yourself and others. It is hard, and terrifying, but if you can get past that, people take notice of it and respect it. I think that’s why people connect with what I do so much. They see that I am 100 percent connected with the words I sing, and I’m not afraid to show it. There is nothing wrong with being emotional and showing how AS: What’s your favourite song to play? ND: I love to play my song “It’s Okay, It’s Alright.” you really feel. I think that’s something society has It’s the song that people sing along to. It’s the best tried to tell us is wrong, but it isn’t at all.
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Visit Facebook.com/NicDysonMusic and grab a free download of Dreaming Under a Broken Tree at JAN/FEB 2014 • Sound, Phrase, & Fury 33 NicDysonMusic.bandcamp.com
Profile From their passion for music to their slightly awkward personalities, The Day After is not your typical pop-punk band. While vocalist and part-time guitarist, Kevin Kirk, is the band’s only remaining founding father, guitarist, Jacob Rangel, and drummer, Dan Herring, have been around since 2009 and 2010, respectively. The most recent addition to the band is second guitarist, Conner Jones, who was added to the mix just four months before their most popular record, The Year, was released in 2012. Since the release of The Year, the band has found their lyrics affecting the lives of many. “I’m happy that we have the power to make an impact on someone’s life.” Jones mentions. “I don’t think I deserve it but I am thankful for the gift.” The Year was inspired by the struggles life had thrown at Kirk. “I was writing as honestly as possible in the hopes that it
would be relatable,” he explains. The record has been known to bring hope to those who considered themselves hopeless by bringing melodic comfort through simple ear-buds. Their music is loved for more reasons than one. A very important reason is best described by TDA fan, Josie Ryberg, of Nashville, Tennessee. “They aren’t some cliché band adopting an overused formula for their music. It’s original. It’s excellent.” Not only does The Day After have an impact on their fans’ lives, but the fans have a clear impact on the band members as well. For Rangel, the love and support from their fans is what keeps his passion for music alive. “The fans who confront us either in person or on [the internet] and tell us their story of why they listen to us and how we have affected their lives. That’s what keeps me going to practice.”
For The Fans
photo by Lexi Mathioudakis words by Olivia Mayes Passion-driven Indianapolis pop-punk band, The Day After, has created a feel-good record, worthy of at least a thousand repeat listens. The five-piece talk to us about their latest record, This Year, the love for their craft and the positive impact they have on their fans. 34 Sound, Phrase, & Fury • jAN/FEB 2014
Profile One of the kind-hearted features of the band is that they’re always ready to be your friend. Kirk makes that quite clear. “If someone understands or has a deep enough connection with the music to be a ‘fan’, why shouldn’t they be considered a friend?” The Day After has made it very obvious that there is nothing more important to them than their music and the fans who appreciate it.
scene, The Day After has helped numerous colleagues, including fellow local band, Authors. “The Day After is ‘easy-core’ played by musicians with actual talent.” Explains Authors. “In a genre with so many over-done themes, The Day After rises above the rest with their unique spin on pop-punk. Combine that with their fine-tuned live show and you have a band that will soon be unstoppable.”
Anyone who has ever heard of The Day After will most likely agree with the opinion of long time friend, Stephen Zumbrun. “I’m excited to see The Day After grow so much over the years. They’ve worked hard to craft excellent songs and a live show that is more than ready for a national audience.” Fans of TDA all agree that at every show you feel welcomed and accepted. “Every show they have reminds me that this is truly where I belong,” says TDA fan, Kaitlyn Eagan.
The band has recently started writing new music with hopes of releasing a new project sometime in 2014. The Day After has had their fair share of ups and downs, but nothing can extinguish the flame that fuels their passion for making music. The Day After has made it very clear that they truly owe their hearts, their minds, and their lives to music.
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To connect with The Day After and receive updates on shows and new music, visit Facebook.com/TheDayAfterFB. Pick up The Year through iTunes or at As a very active force in the Indianapolis music TheDayAfterIndy.Bandcamp.com
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wishful thinking words by Ally Sigurdson
It may come to a surprise that Wrexham, UK’s Neck Deep has only been around for a year. From playing the UK Vans Warped Tour, and playing all over Australia to signing to Hopeless Records, the pop-punk quintet has seen incredible success in 2013. This year kicks off with their highly-anticipated debut album, and a UK and US headlining tour.
Guitarist, Lloyd Roberts and bassist Fil ThorpeEvans talk to us about their insane first year and their upcoming debut album, Wishful Thinking.
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q&a
AS: You guys had such an amazing year last year. LR: 2013 was amazing for us, especially considering it was our first full year as a band. When we released A History Of Bad Decisions at the start of the year, none of us could have predicted the position we’d be in now: signing with Hopeless Records, a label we’ve always dreamed of being a part of and playing shows on the other side of the world! It’s been crazy!
AS: Tell me about your upcoming debut album, Wishful Thinking. FT: I think people can expect some more diversity from us than they might be used to. It’s still Neck Deep, but I think it’s a lot more of a new sound, a lot less like the new wave of pop-punk and more old school styled. Lyrically, Ben [Barlow] (Vocals) was really keen to explore some new ground for the record. He often jokes about how all our songs are just about girls and heartbreak, but it’s something everyone deals with. There is some stuff like that AS: Your video “Part of Me” just hit half a mil- on the record, but I know he really made an effort lion views on YouTube. What did that feel like? to tackle some new themes. As a result, there is LR: That’s really surreal when you hear it like that. some pretty emotional stuff on the new record. It’s Half a million views is just crazy! I think this time definitely a step forward from just moaning about last year it had something like five thousand. To chicks. know that people still want to listen to music (and watch videos) we released a year ago obviously AS: How has the reception of your singles, makes us feel great. None of us thought that the “Crushing Grief (No Remedy)” and “Growing “Part of Me” video would get anywhere close to half Pains” been so far? a million. FT: Really great. We were super nervous about “Growing Pains,” as we felt it was the first demonAS: Who are your biggest influences in life and stration of the diversity of the record. Being kind in music? of a different sound for us, we weren’t sure what LR: I guess it varies from member to member. I people would think, but it seems like everyone is think collectively, we’re all influenced by the music super stoked on it. That song is probably the softwe grew up listening to, so all of those early 2000’s est one the record, bar the final track, so hopefully pop-punk bands like Blink-182, New Found Glo- everyone digs the other stuff. ry, Sum 41 and Fallout Boy. That, combined with a few personal preferences here and there. I know I AS: Tell me about the making of the “Crushing would credit bands like Funeral For A Friend for a Grief” video? Whose idea was it to get your fans lot of my early musical influence. to help out with that? FT: I can’t fully remember whose idea that was, but AS: What is the one place you can’t wait to tour? we were all really into it from the start. We truly LR: America is the next place we’re all really ex- believe that we have one of the best and most loyal cited for. We just got back from Australia, which fan bases in the scene right now, so any way that we was amazing. The few shows we played in Florida can involve them is cool with us. So many people in 2013 really wet our appetite for the US! There’s so wanted to get involved and that was amazing. The much to see over there. We really can’t wait. Our US video was just supposed to be a bit of fun, but heartour starts at the end of February, so we’re kind of ing how much it meant to the kids in the video, counting down the days now. made us all really happy.
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Grab a copy of Wishful Thinking at Hopelessrecords.com/Neckeep. Like Neck Deep at Facebook.com/NeckDeepUK JAN/FEB 2014 • Sound, Phrase, & Fury
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words of the w
photo by Eric Dickey words by Janet Adamana
There is immense pain imbedded within the words of Jake Mcelfresh, and so much heartache infused into each and every song he plays. The frontman of acoustic/punk outfit, Front Porch Step, fills his debut record, Awake, with every ounce of misery a heart can hold. The Newark, Ohio-based artist gives us a glimpse into his world of heartbreak and anxiety, and talks to us about his impressive tragedy-fuelled debut.
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JA: Tell me all about Front Porch Step and how you started making music? JM: I grew up listening to country music (Hank sr/jr, Merle Haggard etc) so there was always an acoustic around my house. I’ve been playing for about eight years but I just started playing under the name “Front Porch Step,” last year. I used to write poetry and I’ve always loved singing. I taught myself how to play a few chords, carry a tune and just put my poetry to the chords.
wounded JA: Congratulations on the debut full-length, Aware. It’s awesome! Can you go into the process of making it? JM: Thank you! A lot of shitty emotions went into these songs, but at the same time, a lot of love and great memories that I don’t regret. I had a blast recording. Nick Ingram, at Capital House Studio, made it the most fun experience and he became a good friend.
q&a
afraid to admit that. Writing music helps me cope with the cards I’ve been dealt. I’m not trying to win the game; I’m just trying not to lose all my chips, if that makes any sense (laughs).
JA: Is there anything in particular you hope people will take from listening to Aware? JM: I hope it makes kids not afraid to express themselves. God or no God. Life is a beautiful thing, but at the same time, crushing. Everyone has issues, JA: Let’s talk about your lyrical inspiration. they just don’t talk about them. I hope this record This isn’t your typical boy-cries-over-girl re- brings out emotions in people, because I laid mine cord. You touch on the deeper and damaging out on the table when I wrote it. sides to relationships, which I love, so can you tell me more about the experiences that fueled JA: Whenever I hear songs about vicious heartthe record? break, I always wonder the same thing… Do JM: Well first of all you have to admit that you’re these girls ever get to hear these songs and rehuman and you are not perfect. If you want to write ally find out the extent of their damage? And if about sex, do it. Don’t let the fear of people be- you were to say one thing to any one of the peoing offended stop you from letting it all out. Some ple you’ve written about, what would you say? people dislike my music because I believe in God JM: “Lullaby”, “If I Tremble”, “Run Away” and and write about it. I struggle with my beliefs every- “Drown” are all about the same girl. She knows it. day, especially since I don’t agree that being gay is She hurt me very badly but only because she was wrong. Love is love. Plain and simple. I don’t leave one of the best human beings I have ever met. At anything out of my music. I’m a person that bleeds the time, I wanted to watch her walk towards me the same blood as anyone. We are all bottles of down the aisle so I could spend the rest of my life emotion. I just figured out how to write it all down with her. She made mistakes with me, just like I and sing it. Brand New, Dashboard Confession- make mistakes everyday. When I called her cancer al, Bayside, and Saves The Day were huge lyrical in “Drown,” I was explaining how I felt at the time. influences for me. She is an amazing girl and an amazing writer. I wouldn’t be surprised if she writes an award-winJA: You struggle with severe depression, anxi- ning book someday. I have nothing but good things ety, and abandonment issues. How has creat- to say about her. We are on great terms. ing music affected that? Does it help or do you find it makes it harder as you dig up painful parts of the past? JM: It definitely helps. I’m a weird dude. I’ll punch Grab a copy of Awake at Purenoise.Merchnow.com. someone in the face if they make me mad enough Like Front Porch Step at Facebook.com/Frontbut I’ll cry like a baby if a girl hurts me. I’m not PorchStep.
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s i h t ode
our ode
is our
It’s a widely known fact that music makes a major impact on listeners’ lives. Music creates friendships, fuels relationships, picks up the down-and-out and celebrates those who are happy. It inspires the weak and weary and sparks ideas for the future. Cassie Werner, Founder of Aesthetic Heart Promotions, shares her story of how music has affected her life. This is her ode.
By Cassie Werner, Founder,
Aesthetic Heart Promotions
I don’t really have one specific reason of how music saved my life but, I will say this: Yes, I’m a very positive person. I’m an optimist but, the world isn’t always the most beautiful thing. Music keeps me grounded. Music keeps me from losing my sanity. It gets me through every single second of my life. It actually helps me stay the optimist that I am. I just know that music IS my reason for living and I’m going to be supporting the music scene, and industry forever. I’m always going to belong to the music scene, no matter what direction it goes in. Even with its ups and downs, it never stops supporting me, and I will never stop supporting it. Music has my back, and I have its.
Music keeps me from losing my sanity. It gets me through every single second of my life.
To submit your ode, e-mail info@sound-phrase-fury.com
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In Review
it’s All
Happening Make The Best, Make The Worst pop punk Review by Olivia Mayes
It’s All Happening’s new EP, Make The Best, Make
so there is sure to be something for everyone. The The Worst, is one of the best things to come out of fifth track, and my personal favourite, “Curl Up and the Indianapolis local scene in 2013. Full of power, Die Young,” is a perfect example.”[The song] is about passion and dedication, this band truly puts their swallowing your pride and mending the relationblood, sweat and tears into their music. This EP is ships that you’ve strained by your selfish actions.” no exception. Explains IAH vocalist, Mitch Vice. “It’s about leaning on friends and family to get a foothold on your Within the first few seconds of opener, “Faker”, you future, and trying to do right by your debts.” feel a blast of musical passion. You feel like they are right beside you, singing into your ear. While the Hear all seven tracks by picking up Make The Best, song itself is upbeat, making you want to dance, Make The Worst at ItsAllHappening.Bandcamp. the lyrics are somber, which together, is something com. Watch the full interview with IAH vocalist, you can relate to. Mitch Vice, at Youtube.com/LivMayesTV. Every song has a wide range of musical influences,
(ItsAllHappening.Bandcamp.com)
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In Review
Front
Porch Step is fronted by Jake Mcelfresh, riddled pop contraption. who, with his guitar and staggeringly rough, harmonious voice, captures you into standing still and As a solo artist, Mcelfresh has no problem bringing enough sound. What comes across in Mcelfresh’s watching him perform. music is that he doesn’t shy away from lyrics that Highly private conversations come to light; at least might cause a scene or make someone turn their that’s what you’ll be thinking once you listen to head in embarrassment. He lays it all out on the his debut album, Aware. The song “Private Fears table and then some. and Public Places,” has the intimate approach of a If you haven’t listened to Front Porch Step, I recomslightly teary-eyed, exposed moment. mend plugging in some headphones and listening Have you ever listened to a song, and you swore to Aware all the way through. This is a solid record you had just peeked behind the curtain of a scene that deserves a non-skip compliment. unraveling between a couple? This conveyed emotion, is simply one of the hardest to bridge in mu- (Purenoise.Merchnow.com/Catalogs/Frontsic today, without it coming across as some overly Porch-Step)
Review by Kristen Fisher
Front porch Step Awake Acoustic
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In Review
soul T Ife’s Daughter
R&B/Soul Review by Dinorah Prevost
At last,
Soul T is back. The Rwandan-born soul singer recently released his second effort, Ife’s Daughter and it, undoubtedly, has a little bit of everything. It goes through the genres of soul, R&B, jazz and funk, along with a bit of hip-hop and African influence in the form of vocal samples. Highlights include a featured appearance from singer Andreattah. “Lover’man” opens with what sounds like a cheering crowd and leads into an a cappella showcase. Even though its title is a rip-off of Michael Jackson’s “Pretty Little Thing (PLT),” Soul T’s second track, is original in all ways. A mellow neo soul tune, it features some slick vocals and seductive lyrics. “Kick It With Your Kinks” improves on the minimalism of the opening track but is still simple in its instrumentation.
I’ll Never Fall in Love Again/I Think I’m Fallin In Love Again.” With its contradictory title, it’s a vivid, nine-minute narrative about the loss of love. It’s by far the standout track of the album. “The Waking” continues that strong theme but from a female perspective for a twist. Soul T switches up the subject matter and vibe with “If You Knew,” a reggae jam with hints of influence from the hip-hop genre with T taking a try at rapping. The self-empowering jazz/funk standard, “I Am,” also breaks the normal and ends the album with some attitude. Here we have an impressive second release. Though some themes are recycled a bit too much, Soul T does a great job of making the listener think they’re hearing something very different. It’s a brilliant show of cleverness. We’re all just waiting to see what comes next from this guy.
The album graduates to deeper stuff with “I Think (SoulT.Bandcamp.com) JAN/FEB 2014 • Sound, Phrase, & Fury
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[YOUR TOUR AD HERE] SAVE THE TREES. SAVE YOUR MONEY. ADVERTISE WITH US.
JAN/FEB 2014 • Sound, Phrase, & Fury
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