Sound, Phrase & Fury 4.5

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SPF

Nov/Dec 2016

A Tiny Spark To Set It Off Note from the Editor

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SPF Throwback

We take a look at our favourite interviews over the years

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Janet Adamana

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ally Sigurdson PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR Steff Shields

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.

We’re All Ears 22 Our artist picks for July/August

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SOUND-PHRASE-FURY.COM info@sound-phrase-fury.com @soundphrasefury facebook.com/soundphrasefury

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EDITOR’S NOTE

A TINY SPARK TO SET IT OFF This is issue 4.5- the last issue of our fourth year and the last issue of SPF as you have grown to know it.

As we move into our fifth year we wanted to bring you, our lovely loyal readers, something fresh and new. We, as writers, dreamers and music lovers have grown so much in the past five years and it seemed only right for SPF to reflect that.

We have met so many amazing musicians in the pop punk and rock scene. As SPF grew, so did the opportunities to meet so many more amazing musicians in many other genres like hip-hop, jazz and pop. It was within these chance encounters that we found the inspiration we needed to improve SPF for our future years.

Starting January 2017, we will be launching the new Sound, Phrase & Fury website and magazine. We are so excited to be able to bring these new ideas to life and start this new adventure with our readers, the artists we have worked with and the ones we will work with going forward.

It is an exciting time at the SPF camp. These new changes include broadening our music coverage and building SPF TV – a new video section of our website to better showcase the music, the videos and ultimately the talent of independent artists.

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THE NEW SPF

Through the past five years and the countless people we have met along the way, we realized something very important. We realized the idea of getting ‘lost in sound,’ of finding everything you need in a simple song, of finding that helping hand to hold, was not a genre-specific feeling, but an overall human experience – and we couldn’t be happier to have shared that all with you. We couldn’t be happier to continue to share that experience with you starting in 2017.

Thank you for the past four amazing years, and here’s to the next thousand!

Ignite the dark, illuminate the unknown Janet Adamana Editor-In-Chief

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SPF THROWBACK compiled by Janet Adamana

As we go into our fifth and most exciting year so far, we wanted to take a moment to look back at the past four years.

We had the honour of meeting and working with some of the greatest musicians and industry professionals of the decade.

Although every interview and article is our downright favourite, we couldn’t possibly fit all of them into one flashback issue – at least not right now, there may be a time when we can *hint.

Here are just some of our favourite artists and interviews, along with updates on what they’ve been up to since.

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T H R o W B a c k 1.1

One of the first interviews we ever did for SPF. Giving up everything to chase his dream of connecting to the world thorugh his music, Bobby Meader emulated everything great about independent artists. - the passion, the drive and most importantly, the heart. These days you’ll find Meader as the frontman for punk band Stocksmile. The boys have been busy playing 317 shows over the last year and recording their debut LP I Think I Learned the Most From You. Snag a copy of their debut record in early 2017.

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THROWBACK

L I F E.

WHAT IS IT D N A , IS IT IT IS WHAT .

YOU MAKE OF IT

That’s the philosophy behind, We Are The Blues We Write, the debut album from Las Vegas folk singer/songwriter, Bobby Meader. “You’re basically in control of how shitty or how great your life is,” explains Meader. “You want a shitty life, you’ll make a shitty life. You want a great, productive and cheery life, then you’ll make a great, productive and cheery life.”

Since his start in music back in the 4th grade, learning the saxophone, and later picking up the bassoon and guitar in high school, he seemed to always have his eye on achieving greatness all by himself, studying and working hard to pave his way and find what it is he really wanted. “I learned all music theory, how to read music and improve my ear throughout high school,” says the 24-year-old. “I got a scholarship to University of Nevada, Las Vegas but declined it because I didn’t want to have a career in bassoon performance, so I paid for school myself.”

Although his vast musical background stretches as far back as his childhood, it wasn’t until his early twenties did he finally find the inspiration to pick up the guitar full-time and really start shaping his life the way he wanted it. “I had an incredibly good job as a food server at The Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. I was making about 70k a year, so as a reward I wanted to get a really nice guitar,” says Meader. “I bought my Martin and once I got that guitar I started writing songs for

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THROWBACK an experience he calls ridiculously fun and difficult.

“If you listen to We Are the Blues We Write, you can clearly tell it was a novice album. I had never recorded anything before, let alone having separate guitar tracks from the vocals and harmonica,” he explains.

Despite his relatively optimistic outlook on life, “I had to teach myself exactly what I wanted as time Meader’s debut album, We Are The Blues We Write, and money were wasted away in the studio. I had a packs a dark, depressing and lonesome sound. A blast, but the album is still not up to my par. I’m still learning.” lyrical amalgamation of his feelings about abanThe last few months of 2012 donment, hate, anger and saw Meader hitting the fear, all woven over top of soft strumming, music scene hard, releasing his debut in Septemharmonica and Meader’s ber, opening for pop punk raw and raspy whispers. band, Face to Face, ska With songs like “On Tritroupe, Authority Zero, al” and “I’ve Lost”, one can and Meader’s own pereasily hear the darkness sonal favourite, Old Man from which he pulled Markley. After embarkhis inspiration. “I hope ing on his own mini tour people take from it what I with good friend, singer/ put into it: my cold, hard, songwriter Jesse Owen, he truthful feelings about began writing material for his next release, experisociety, menting with his voice, the tuning of his beloved regret, disgust, death, being scared of being poor, being frightened of thinking you drink too much, Martin, and the possibility of expanding to a fullstage band. “I’m not sure what will come in the fuand ultimately, learning from all of these.” ture. I can tell you though, the next record is going The 12-song album was recorded with Brandon to be so fucking awesome. I can hardly wait.” & Fleisher at Fleisher Productions in Henderson, Nevada. This was Meader’s first shot at recording, and Be sure to check out BobbyMeaderMusic.com the first time. I realized I couldn’t give it up, no matter what. So I quit my job, recorded an album and went on tour. It was the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

“I quit my job, recorded an album and went on tour. It was the best thing that’s ever hap-

WE ARE THE BLUES WE WRITE IS AVAILABLE ON BANDCAMP, ITUNES, AMAZON & SPOTIFY.

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Facebook.com/AestheticHeartPromotions NOV/DEC 2016 • SOUND, PHRASE, & FURY

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THROWBACK

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.

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THROWBACK

T H R o W B a c k 2.1

Nic Dyson has been on the SPF radar since the beginning. The Winnipeg acoustic singer/songwriter continues to grow as a musician and all-around great human being. His current projects include an on-going cover EP, The Locals, paying tribute to the artists that have helped shape the songwriter he is. Keep your eyes and ears peeled, he has spent the last year hard at work bringing his fans new inspiring tunes.

photos and words by Ally Sigurdson NOV/DEC 2016 • SOUND, PHRASE, & FURY

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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.

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AT THROWBACK THE SHOW

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 NOV/DEC 2016 • SOUND, PHRASE, & FURY 15 NicDysonMusic.bandcamp.com

A History

in the making words by Janet adamana

Callaghan’s journey to become a full-time musician began with one simple e-mail and the decision to chase her dreams in a land across the sea. In just a mere five years, the British singer/songwriter has already lived a life every musician dreams about – from recording and touring with her biggest idol to setting up roots in America’s music capital.

Callaghan takes us through her crazy, beautiful life, and her highlyinspirational new album, A History of Now. JA: Tell me all about coming from the UK to Nashville. That sounds like such a crazy story.

GC: I am a huge Shawn Mullins fan. I’ve listened to his music religiously and his album, Soul’s Core changed my life. That album was so amazing and I thought, if I could have anyone produce my album it would be Shawn. So in 2009, Myspace was the place to be. I was Myspace ‘friends’ with Shawn, and I thought, I’m just going to send him a message. It’s probably not going to work but what’s the harm? A couple of weeks later I got a reply from him saying ‘hey, I listened to your songs and I just love what you’re doing. I’d really like for us to work together. Do you want to come to Atlanta and record a couple of songs?’ I couldn’t believe that had worked. When I came over [to Atlanta] I got talking to his sound engineer, Kip Conner.

Kip had been on Myspace and saw my message.

He had heard my name from somewhere else and said to Shawn, ‘you have to listen to this girl.’ I’m so grateful that Kip did that. It was crazy. I came over in 2009. We did three songs together and I went back to the UK and back to my job. Shawn said he really wanted to do the whole album, and 16 SOUND, PHRASE, & FURY • NOV/DEC 2016

have me go on tour with him. So at that point I thought I need to move to America and really give this a good shot. Initially, I thought I’d be here for a year. That was nearly five years ago! (laughs) It’s been a crazy time.

JA: Who knew a little e-mail could get you so far.

GC: Yeah, and you think the decisions you make could totally change the course that you’re on. You just never know what makes a connection with someone. I definitely have that whole outlook on life now -that you’ve just got to try it and see.

JA: A lot of your songs are about that. Do you think that’s something that will always be a big part of your music?

GC: I think so. I know a lot of my songs touch on that - living life to the fullest, trying to get as much out of it as you can and really experiencing it all. Obviously everyone goes through hard times as well but you’ve got to just embrace it all and think ‘this is what I want my life to be like. I’m going to try and get there.’

T H R o W B a c k 3.2

In 2015 we had the opportunity to head to Kansas City for the annual Folk Alliance International Conference. As independent music journalists, this was a mindblowing experience! We met hundreds of amazing performers, one of them being singer/ songwriter Callaghan. Everything - from her music to her heartwarming stories of life on the road - proved Callaghan is one of the most inspiring musicians of today. A true road warrior through and through, she’s been touring all across America and released her Acoustic Coffee House EP.

JA: Tell me a bit more about your new album, A History of Now. GC: It’s a really happy album. There’s a lot of up tempo, positive songs on it. It’s a little more towards the pop end of things than my previous album, but it’s still firmly in the singer/songwriter genre. Dennis [Matkosky] and I experimented with the new and the old. We had some really fantastic Nashville musicians come play on the record and also had Casey Brown from Owl City. He did some tracks for it to give it a more modern edge. We also recorded a lot of it to tape, so it has this kind of warm analog sound, with some modern stuff thrown in there.

JA: Any significance to the title?

GC: It came from the theme of the album, which is looking at your life, about the decisions that you make and the things that sometimes seem insignificant at the time but when you look back you think ‘wow that took me here.’ Now, people are looking back at their family tree and ancestry and are fascinated by the lives that people lived and their stories. It’s kind of about how you’re doing that right now, you’re writing your own history.

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Pre-orders of A History of Now are available on iTunes and include instant downloads of “Noah’s Song” & “Best Year 2015.” Like Callaghan at Facebook.com/Callaghanmusic

A lot of my songs touch on that - living life to the fullest, trying to get as much out of it as you can

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THROWBACK

our safe hav

T H R o W B a c k 3.6

We at SPF know how important music is. It has fuelled us from the start. It has picked us up when we were down. It breathed new life in things that we feared we had lost forever.

SPF Assistant Editor beautifully explained how the Winnipeg music scene captured her heart and healed the hearts of so many others. photos & words by ally sigurdson

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THROWBACK SPOTLIGHT

Ally Sigurdson fell in love with the local music scene at a very young age. From isolation to liberation, the music photographer and SPF writer takes us through the life and times of a music loving teenager, and how this scene ultimately freed her spirit and saved her soul.

I went to my first concert when I was ten. Granted, it was Hilary Duff and my mom came with me. We sat in the stands with popcorn and she let me sit in her seat to try and get a better view of the glowing stage that felt hundreds of miles away. It was two long hours of standing on tiptoe, craning my neck and eventually giving up and staring at the ceiling.

I left the venue feeling a little bitter and exhausted.

I could not understand how people could go to concerts. Long story short, at the age of ten, I had decided I was over it.

is a huge difference between a concert and a show something I clearly had missed out on.

To be honest, I had a feeling of dread before going to that show. I had flashbacks of being trampled and of achy necks and shoulders from trying to see. My friends had promised me great music and a good time, so away I went.

I can’t find the words to properly describe how it felt to take that first step into a local venue but I imagine it’s something akin to falling in love. The Music has always been a major part of my being, yet, atmosphere in the Park Theatre was unlike anyI was never crazy about going to concerts – a setting thing I had ever experienced and one show quickly where you were surrounded by cranky people who became five, then ten, and suddenly those shows had become a part of who I was. I became addicted loved to push and shove – so I often stayed home. to this way of life and no matter how much I got I fell in love with all kinds of bands and artists while involved, I always wanted more. hiding away in my room alone, wishing I could feel more connected to the world of music. That world Writing about music found me. It fell into my lap. found its way into my core. It became the reason I To this day I’m still not sure whether I would still got out of bed some mornings. It is the reason I am be here if it wasn’t for this musical outlet. Grateful still here today. I started to associate music with doesn’t even begin to cover it. I don’t know what loneliness and kept my treasures to myself. It wasn’t it is, but the Winnipeg scene is definitely a famsomething I shared with others. Looking back now, ily, and it’s something we are all well aware of and I realize was greedy. mutually respect. The more I think about it, every show I have ever been to feels more and more like a I went to my first show when I was 16. Anyone who family reunion. is involved with local music understands that there

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I had finally found a place where I fit in, where I was welcomed, & even encouraged to be different.

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perfect harmony or lyric. It’s about those moments when you’re down and ready to quit and realizing you have something to save you.

For me, shows became a safe place, a haven. It’s a place where I can laugh with my friends, where I can listen and appreciate music with every bone in Regardless of where you live, who you are, or any- my body. It’s a place where I feel wanted. I know I thing else along those lines, one thing is for certain; am not alone in this. Many of the people I know the bonds people share through the music they love feel very similar about their scene family, and have come to appreciate the bonds that are created just is a strong one. as much as I have.

At first, it was overwhelming. Now, it’s motivating.

I had finally found a place where I fit in, where I was Right now, countless people across the globe are welcomed, and even encouraged to be different. making memories together in bars, restaurants, Some of the people I’ve gotten to meet through mu- concert halls and even in their parents’ living rooms; sical opportunities have become lifelong friends. all because of music. This is mind-boggling to me.

Others have become business partners; but all have I owe everything to this, and if it were up to me, I would force every awkward sixteen-year-old to changed my life. head down to their local venue, stand at the very It’s hard to believe I went from feeling isolated, to front and try their best to remember the lyrics to all feeling apart of something so much bigger. Music the songs they had found on YouTube. had gotten me through the lowest points in my life and I was finally surrounded by people who I want that kind of happiness for everyone – and I’m felt that same way. They understand that it’s about so content with knowing the happiness that music staying up until 2 am searching for the perfect bed- has brought me is here to stay. time playlist. It’s about the chills you get hearing a I have fallen in love with so many beautiful people, and challenged myself to be on their level. I have spoken to countless Winnipeggers about music and the arts surrounding it, and I’ll never forget the fire in their eyes when we talk about their passion.

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we're All ears These artists have landed on our radar - and now we can’t stop listening.

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compiled by Janet Adamana

RECOMMENDS

LIFE LESSONS POP-PUNK Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

If you haven’t fallen in love with Life Lessons yet, you definitely will now.

Since the release of their latest record I Know What I’m Not, the band has been gaining ground in the pop punk scene and for good reason. Featuring the best elements of the genre - emotionally-charged vocals and fast-paced fervor – the Oklahoma City quintet offer a collection of angst-riddled anthems that can only be honoured by blasting them through the loudest of speakers. Although still relatively new, the band show no signs of slowing down as they continue to capture the hearts of every pop punk lover around.

facebook.com/lifelessonsok- lifelessonsband.com

With her soft, delicate vocals and intricate melodies, singer/songwriter Hope Sacree creates a perfectly soothing atmosphere to warm up those cozy winter nights.

HOPE SACREE

SINGER/SONGWRITER Bristol, UK

Her heartfelt lyrics are equally pained, as they are uplifting, giving a sincere glimpse into the life of a young girl growing up. The Bristolbased musician just released her new EP, Closer My Dear. The darling three song EP sweetly solidified Sacree’s spot on our radar for years to come.

facebook.com/hopesacreemusic hopesacreemusic.com

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Sophie Strauss indie-pop New York, NY

You might recognize her name off the new single from Wingtip – “Rewind”, but you’ll be seeing a lot more of the rising star Sophie Strauss. The indie-pop singer offers an alluring blend of Americana, pop, jazz and hip-hop on her latest album, Yeah No Fine. With her elegant & earnest lyrics Strauss bleeds every ounce of her heart into this album. Match that raw emotion with her warm and almost hypnotic vocals, and you have a singer that can excel and evolve in any form of music she pleases.

facebook.com/sophiestraussmusic - sophiestrauss.bandcamp.com

It’s a blessing to stumble upon a song that reaches into your sad soul and taps your heavy heart to let you know, “I know what you’re going through.”

The music of singer-songwriter Cory Wells does just that.

cory wells folk-punk

Redondo Beach, CA

With his throaty, forlorn vocals and a talent for poetically spewing painful truth, Wells offers a memorable take on the folk-punk genre. One listen to his EPs, Avoid the Blame and All You’ll Need to Know, Wells proves he’s a rising force sure to capture the hearts of those who love the likes of Dashboard Confessional and Frank Turner. &

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facebook.com/corywellsmusic corywells.bandcamp.com

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