JAN/FEB 2016 • SOUND, PHRASE, & FURY
1
2 SOUND, PHRASE, & FURY • JAN/FEB 2016
SPF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Janet Adamana
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ally Sigurdson PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR Steff Shields CONTRIBUTORS & PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS Ally Sigurdson DJ Cline
SPECIAL THANKS Jordan Voth Matthew Voth Franky Courcelles Pascal Courcelles Dylan Frederick Trevor Lee Alex Rodrigue Jaron Dufrene Aaron Hayes Ryley Grayson Jake Nuechterlein James Reinhardt Tay Robida Ryan St. John Hayley Gene Joey Ouellette Julian LaFace CJ Cadena Ryan Clini Junior Scarpa Robert Parks Brian Staples Stu McKillop Ben Gibbs Dana Edwards Stu Ross Loren Legare Drew Mitchell DJ Cline Jordan Mol Travis Hunnie Marc Murie 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.
Jan/Feb 2016
Hold Fast & Steady Note from the Editor
4
New Kids on the Block Halcyon is Winnipeg’s newest music sensation
6
Artists to Watch in 2016 We profile the artists making waves in 2016
10
Band of Brothers We chat about bandmates and brothers
16
&
SOUND-PHRASE-FURY.COM
info@sound-phrase-fury.com @soundphrasefury facebook.com/soundphrasefury
JAN/FEB 2016 • SOUND, PHRASE, & FURY
3
EDITOR’S NOTE
HOLD FAST & STEADY And so we begin year four! At the start of every volume I look back at the years past and try my damndest not to get too excited about the next 365 days! If I could show you the project mapping, the giant to-do lists, and our hopes and dreams for the future of SOUND, PHRASE & FURY, I think you too, would have trouble keeping your cool. As I can only reveal so much at this time, I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has been with us from the start. You’ve not only watched us grow, but you ultimately helped us get here. So as we go into our fourth year, I just want to say - this year is for you.
Beg to go further every mile Janet Adamana Editor-In-Chief
4 SOUND, PHRASE, & FURY • JAN/FEB 2016
Facebook.com/AestheticHeartPromotions JAN/FEB 2016 • SOUND, PHRASE, & FURY
5
photo by Dj CLine words by ally sigurdson AS: So, I want to know how this came to be, who started this band? DC: I had been looking for a new sound for a while now. I had been writing a lot and kind of playing around, trying out new things. I was jumping from genre to genre, unable to decide what I was really passionate about. I was constantly sharing my stuff with Jordan and getting him to help me out. Eventually we got super stoked on this one song we had been working on and it just seemed to click. We decided to roll with the sound and make a band with it. When the song was actually structured out, it was Jordan who came up with the name, Halcyon. Once we picked a name we realized that our band was in need of another member. I showed Travis the demo at work one day and he was super into it. So, without question, Travis hopped on board. Marc was actually a customer that came into my store pretty regularly. We would bond over music and the demo came up. He really liked it; and here we are.
AS: Tell me about your personal influences. TH: If we’re talking about electronic music, bands like MGMT and Radiohead are huge; and for this project specifically, I’ve been channeling a lot of Beach House and Grizzly Bear. I also love some pop and hip hop - a lot of hip hop actually, and I like to think that I’m bringing that to the table too. DC: I tend to find a lot of influence from drummers. I’ve been listening to a lot of rap recently, and I find myself focusing on the beats most of the time. So, a few of my influences are producers and not just other bands. I listen to a lot of pop music for their hooks and choruses. I get a lot of inspiration from bands like Years and Years and The 1975. Tycho is a huge one when it comes to electronic music. JM: I love Tycho for this project in particular; it’s such a different sound. All of my music influences depend on which band I’m playing in or what mood I’m in. I’m just going to come out and say that I think Justin Bieber is killing it right now, and I have no shame in saying that.
Like them at Facebook.com/HalcyonMB. Follow them on Instagram @halcyonmb. Watch out for their new music coming early 2016. 6 SOUND, PHRASE, & FURY • JAN/FEB 2016
new kids
PROFILE
on the block
After the champagne has been popped and your midnight kiss has been had, the New Year settles back into reality. In 2016 you may still have your same old job and same old routine, but for us at SPF, a New Year means new music – and we love the sound of that. In the early stages of production, Winnipeg’s Halcyon is already creating waves. With a fresh new sound and a highly-motivated team, DJ Cline (Vocals/Guitar/Bass/Programming), Jordan Mol (Guitar/Bass/Vocals), Travis Hunnie (Drums/Vocals) and Marc Murie (Synth/Programming) are quickly capturing the attention of music lovers everywhere. AS: About the recording process - are you working with someone or doing it yourself? DC: I live in a tiny one-bedroom apartment. It’s super squished. Before teaming up with these guys, I would stand in the corner of my living room and attempt to not get evicted for noise complaints. It just wasn’t working, so Jordan’s home has been a blessing. We’ve been able to do all our recording and practicing there. I’ve been dragging all my recording stuff to and from Jordan’s apartment about three times a week. It’s a great workout. AS: What do you hope people take away from your music? DC: I want Winnipeggers to see that it doesn’t always have to be the standard ‘two guitar players, a drummer and a singer.’ We’re something that’s pretty new to this city. It hasn’t really being done a whole lot. TH: I want people to feel like they’ve just been to
a pop show – that they have all these catchy songs in their head, even though it wasn’t a pop show. I want them to feel like they were apart of something new. JM: I want hipsters to brag about us. AS: Let’s talk about your plans for 2016. DC: The first goal is to move into a jam space so we can practice as a whole and fully prepare for upcoming shows. TH: We’re all just ready for real drums to be used in our work. DC: We’re also hoping to have a single pretty early in the new year. TH: Halcyon has a ton of material coming out this year. JM: My personal goal is to make sure we’re all there on time. You’re looking at the band mom right here. DC: We’re all just really ready to start playing shows, so that’s another goal for us.
&
JAN/FEB 2016 • SOUND, PHRASE, & FURY
7
8 SOUND, PHRASE, & FURY • JAN/FEB 2016
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 & WRITE FOR US! HIT UP SOUND-PHRASE-FURY.COM FOR MORE INFO. JAN/FEB 2016 • SOUND, PHRASE, & FURY
9
Artists to watch in
2016
We predict 2016 to be another huge year in music. Here are the artists that have our attention in the new year. compiled by Janet Adamana Compiled BY janet adamana
10 SOUND, PHRASE, & FURY • JAN/FEB 2016
JAN/FEB 2016 • SOUND, PHRASE, & FURY
11
league mvp facebook.com/LeagueMVP
Despite having no more than two singles, pop-punk’s League MVP have already claimed a spot on our Artists to Watch list. Original track “TwentyTwo” borrows sorrow from a life full of battered self-esteem mixed with bouts of hopefulness – a familiar theme in great pop-punk past and present. The second single is a fun rendition of One Direction’s, “Perfect” that even the most die-hard 1D fan can appreciate. The band from New Haven, Connecticut have pieced together two promising tracks that have left us begging and excitedly waiting for more.
Pulling influences from My Chemical Romance, Nirvana and the Goo Goo Dolls, Los Angeles-based duo Lost Sons brilliantly combines punk, emo and 90s grunge to stir up the altrock genre. In 2015, they treated fans to three new songs, and we’re keeping our eyes and ears out for more in 2016. In the meantime, you can quench your alt-rock thirst with their dark and pain-stained anthems “Still Standing,” “Light,” and “Lie to Me,” songs that will soothe even the most troubled souls.
lost sons LostSonsOfficial.com
12 SOUND, PHRASE, & FURY • JAN/FEB 2016
w.darling
Since the release of her debut EP, Lost Girls: Chapter One, Canadian songstress W.Darling has been climbing pop charts and appearing on countless “Top Lists” like Spotify’s Spotlight: Class of 2015 and Trendio’s 25 Best Songs of 2015. Now with the release of Lost Girls: Chapter Two, she’s building on that momentum gaining plenty more of that deserving attention. With one listen to Lost Girls: Chapters One and Two, it’s no question why the rising star is on everyone’s watch list. Her creative concoction of enthralling vocals and enchanting dance beats offers a refreshing take on female pop music. If 2015 is any indication, 2016 will be the year this new pop queen will reign. w-darling.com
valley girl
Sounding much like the great indie-rock you’d find in an underground UK club, Valley Girl channels that iconic pop sound right here in North America. The Michigan-based band melds familiar elements from today’s mainstream indie-pop with experimental dreamy tones, soothing vocals and ghostly synth touches. The recent release of their self-titled debut EP has already garnered rave reviews and has definitely captured our attention.
facebook.com/ valleygirlmusic
JAN/FEB 2016 • SOUND, PHRASE, & FURY
13
Making our Artist to Watch list two years in a row is Winnipeg’s Alone I Walk. Between touring across Canada, releasing his debut album, Lost At Sea, and writing/recording a 2016 follow-up all in one year, the singer/ songwriter proves he’s no stranger to forward momentum. His new record, Already Lost, drops on February 12th, after which he plans to hit the road later in the year. Already Lost builds upon his transition from solo acoustic to full-band folk/pop tunes and delivers the upbeat, hopeful sound fans have grown to love. He’ll kick off the new year snagging the hearts of listeners old and new, bringing his signature folk/pop pep with his profound, dark and honest lyrics.
Alone I Walk! facebook.com/AloneIWalk
hey thanks! There is nothing that a pop-punk lover needs more during these colddreary months than a sweet, upbeat record full of soon-to-be summer jams. Lafayette, Louisiana’s poppunk quintet, Hey Thanks! delivers just that. Their forthcoming debut album, One Step Forward, Two Steps Back boasts a heavy dose of addicting catchy tunes reminiscent of early Handguns and The Wonder Years. Vocalist Dylan Frederick reels listeners in with his angst-filled vocals as he screams his heart-broken hatred toward girls and growing pains. With just a few streamable singles under their belt, they’ve already solidified a spot on the SPF radar. One Step Forward, Two Steps Back comes out January 29, 2016. facebook.com/heythanksla
FURY •• JAN/FEB 2016 14 SOUND, PHRASE, & FURY
Warm your bones this winter with Winnipeg’s own pop-rock trio, Broadview. Starting the new year off with a brand new member, and their new album, Close Your Eyes, the boys are gearing up for a busy 2016. Close Your Eyes drops February 19 and is packed full of feel-good melodic anthems that beg to be blasted through road trip windows. Channelling the likes of Jimmy Eat World and The Ataris, among their own personal pop-rock touches, Broadview is sure to solidify a place on every music lover’s spring/summer playlist.
broadview broadviewofficial.bandcamp.com
youth decay It’s an exciting time to be Youth Decay. Soon after the release of their new album, The Party’s Over, the Canadian punk group announced a crazy tour schedule to kick off the new year. From February to April the quintet will tour back and forth from British Columbia to Quebec starting with a western Canadian tour with fellow Vancouverites, Living With Lions, and a string of dates opening for posthardcore heavyweights, Silverstein, Being As An Ocean and Emarosa. Although their music boasts a peppy, more upbeat sound than that of their tour buddies, Youth Decay will have no problem holding their own amongst such talent. The Party’s Over is riddled with the enthusiasm and spitfire fever that makes pop-punk so great. If they haven’t captured your frost-bitten heart already, they definitely will in 2016. & facebook.com/youthdecayband
JAN/FEB 2016 • SOUND, PHRASE, & FURY
15
band of brother words by Janet Adamana
Franky
pascal
19, Singer/songwriter alone I walk
24, drums broadview
SPF: Tell me about your family? PC: Our whole family is very musical. Everyone played music so we all grew up with it. SPF: What does your family think about your music career? PC: They’re the most supportive people around. My dad has played for a long time. He still plays in bands and he has always been like ‘just go for it.’ It’s the same with our mom. She has been gold for that so they’re really supportive. 16 SOUND, PHRASE, & FURY • JAN/FEB 2016
SPF: What’s it like working together? PC: It’s pretty sweet. You don’t have to worry about pissing anybody off, and if you do too bad, because it’s your brother (laughs). FC: It’s also pretty easy because we grew up together so we know how we work musically, so if we’re there to write something, it’s not that hard.
8 years
playing music together
rs
PROFILE Q&A
From My Chemical Romance’s Gerard and Mikey Way, the Gallaghers of Oasis to entire family bands like Eisley, Kings of Leon and the historic Jackson 5, musical siblings have graced the scene with meaningful, memorable tunes for as long as the human race can remember. But what’s it like working with a sibling? As anyone with a brother or sister knows, these blood-related beings offer just as much love and support as they do stress, grievance and outright annoyance. We spoke with Franky and Pascal Courcelles and Jordan and Matthew Voth about life and (mostly) good times working with their brother.
by Janet Adamana It's alwayswords constructive criticism so we'll always try to build onto something we've already done SPF: What’s the dynamic between you two? Is say one more organized and bossier than the other? FC: If there is something that comes up, it’s always constructive criticism so we’ll always just try to build onto something we’ve already done. SPF: Do you think that’s something that comes from being in other bands before, or something that comes separately with age? PC: We’ve always been doing our own music things so I think it does have a lot to do with it. [Franky] writes stuff that I haven’t and I do stuff that he hasn’t so it has always been constructive.
SPF: Let’s talk touring. Do you think it’s easier because you already know what its like to live with each other? PC: Oh yeah! It also makes it that much more fun. A year and a half ago before Broadview went on tour, [Franky and I] kept talking about how sick it would be to tour together. It would be the fucking best. Not six months later we went on tour together for two weeks and it was awesome. So we always tour together (laughs). Alone I Walk and Broadview both have new albums in 2016. Like them at Facebook.com/AloneIWalk and Facebook.com/BroadviewIsANiceBand
JAN/FEB 2016 • SOUND, PHRASE, & FURY
17
Q&A
matt
25, Bass, Broadview
& jordan
26, Guitar, Elder Abuse producer, Ones & Zeros Audio
13 years
playing music together
SPF: What’s it like working together – as a bandmate and as a producer/musician? JV: Recording is no different than working with anyone else. Matt’s a good musician and he plays well and he comes up with a lot of good stuff. MV: There’s a lot freedom involved in it too. It’s not like you’re worried about getting in the way of someone’s ego. When you’re working with family, for us anyway, it’s always been an easy and natural process. JV: As a bandmate it has always been really nice. Where one of us comes up empty handed, the other would be able to continue working with the song. One particular song that comes to mind is “Where’s The Fire?” off Bleed American’s Figure It Out. I wrote the choruses and I had nothing for the verses and Matt wrote them. We can both tap into what we’re trying to do really well and come up with something.
18 SOUND, PHRASE, & FURY • JAN/FEB 2016
SPF: Describe your dynamic. JV: I have no common sense. When it comes to stuff like going on tour, or releasing an album, I handle most of that work. When it comes time to do something practical that’s usually where Matt comes in. MV: Recording, booking tours, getting interviews, that’s always been more Jordan’s thing, whereas I’ve always been the one that tugs on his shirt and says ‘hey we need to do this.’
Q&A
We've always written and tried new things together. It's probably something that we'll do until we're dead. SPF: Do you think that comes from being the older brother? JV: Yeah. There are other things too. When I’m out on tour the one person in any band that’s bound to lose gear it’s me. I’ve left pedal boards, guitars, I’ve left entire drums in different provinces. Matt is always really good at making sure I don’t leave gear in other cities. SPF: What other bands have you been in together? JV: We were Cheap shot artists for a few years. We ran a record label and ran that into the ground. Then we were in Bleed American. Now we’re in separate bands for the first time ever. SPF: How’s that working out, is that weird? JV: It is weird.
SPF: You guys still kind of work together don’t you? JV: Yeah, I just produced the new Broadview record. Their old bassist actually played bass, so I didn’t actually record Matt’s bass part for it but I did a bunch of the vocals. I’ve also recorded Matt a million and one times. MV: We’ve done so many little projects - hardcore projects, punk rock projects. We’ve always written and tried new things together. It’s probably something that we’ll do until we’re dead.
&&
Check out Jordan’s work in Elder Abuse at Facebook.com/Elderabuse204 and Ones & Zeros Audio OnesandZerosAudio.com. Look out for Broadview’s new record, Close Your Eyes, and Like them at Facebook.com/BroadviewIsANiceBand
JAN/FEB 2016 • SOUND, PHRASE, & FURY
19
20 SOUND, PHRASE, & FURY • JAN/FEB 2016