NEWSOUND_VOL VIII_2013 by UA MEDIA

Vol. VIII 2013

ALBUM REVIEWS

FEATURING

SILVER ARROWS

NEWSBOYS

PSYCHIC TWIN

NONONO

DIANA

KIEV

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? STING

WWW.NEWSOUNDMAGAZINE.COM TERRAPLANE SUN • NATALIE GRANT • KIYA LACEY • TARA HACK • ARMY NAVY • BLEACHED

Pursue Your Passion ... L ocated in Dix Hills, only 35 miles from New York City is Five Towns College.

FTC’s small atmosphere offers students an intimate class setting, experienced faculty, state-of-the-art equipment and affordable tuition. If you’re looking to take your passion for music to the next level, then check out Five Towns College. For more information about our degree programs, attend our next Open House on June 8 or July 13 (Audio Recording only).

Undergraduate Programs Jazz/Commercial Music (Mus.B.)

Graduate Programs Master of Music (M.M.) Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.)

Five Towns College 305 N. Service Road Dix Hills, NY 11746

www.ftc.edu 631.656.2110

MUSIC BUSINESS • MUSIC PERFORMANCE • MUSICAL THEATRE • MUSIC TECHNOLOGY • MUSIC HISTORY AUDIO RECORDING TECHNOLOGY • COMPOSITION/SONGWRITING • MUSIC TEACHER EDUCATION

Letter From The PUBLISHER/CEO: PAUL CORACE EXECUTIVE EDITOR: JOE D’AMBROSI MANAGING EDITOR:

Ashley Goll

ASHLEY GOLL

ave you ever tried to sit down and define the word “normal”? I wouldn’t – it’s boring. The type of beats and voices different from the norm are the kind that naturally shines. When you open your ears up to new sounds it is easily likable. That feeling of unraveling a great new tune as your body sways into the lyrics while the verses change. Your feet will start to tap to the beat not realizing your heart is racing as if it were the melody. This magazine you decided to pick up and read is conveying the rush of a new experience, a new sound to all of you readers.

SENIOR ART DIRECTOR:

New Sound magazine is the start of something pure. We are portraying a type of strong, fresh, and contemporary vibe and will become a meaningful voice in the music industry. New Sound is scouring the music scene for a sense of infernality and crisp talent. A crisp talent with the potential to make it huge. No matter your personal preferences New Sound is bound to have something that will make your head and heart glide into it, something you’ll love. We cover everything from hip hop, to pop, to rock and all varieties in between. We like to go into depth and get into conversations with certain artists. We find it to be more personal to attend live performances, set up interviews, and continue album reviews. Viewing these artist live allows you to have a chance to get inside the loop for our next generation of music.

NICK HERMS

New Sound magazine is a type of “hold onto your seat” music publication. These new inspiring artists give the fans just what they need with a little help from us. Our goal is to help you open up to original sounds that will leave you wanting to explore the new sound of music we offer here in our magazine.

PHOTOGRAPHERS:

LOUIS H QUACH GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: WIN-KYE CHEONG MELISSA FEARON SENIOR VIDEO EDITOR: SCOTT GLICKMAN VIDEO EDITORS: MEDIA CORRESPONDENT: ASHLEY GOLL CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: KATARINA BARONE JESSICA BERNATT BRIGID DESMOND MOLLY DESMOND ASHLEY GOLL MICHAELA KREMER KEVIN SPERANDEO MORGAN HARRISON HANNAH SINGLETON COVER ARTWORK: WIN-KYE CHEONG CONTACT: 631-757-3187

Editor

mission statement “New Sound Magazine spotlights both young, talented artists that have the potential to become the next big name in the music industry, and the truly brilliant bands which already have. We’re finding the voice you’ll fall in love with, the song you’ll play over and over, the concert you won’t want to miss.”

Album Reviews

Features

Check It Out

Venue Review

6 10 14 16 18

22 26 30 32 34 38 42

46 48 50 52

56 Best Buy Theater

The Ambassadors Daughn Gibson Diana Kiya Lacey Psychic Twin

NONONO Terraplane Sun Jonny Pierce Natalie Grant Kiev Bombay Bicycle Club Newsboys

Tara Hack Bleached Army Navy City Harbor

Where are they now? 60 Sting

NEWSOUNDMAGAZINE.COM

ALBUM REVIEW

The Ambassador BY ASHLEY GOLL

he Ambassador’s debut album “New Roots” has been released for about a month now and can be depicted as a fresh breath of air, filled with enough freedom and rhythm to have you moving your soul across mother earths floor of truth and passion. The album stands strong with its roots reggae and ideas of love, pain, truth and happiness flow throughout the whole album. Bringing you upbeat melodies layered with soft sweet vocals that tell us stories of truth and honesty, a view between what we see and what we do, being two different sides of the life we choose to lead. With songs like “When the Party Starts” attacking you with it’s kick ass horn section and sick dance rhythm telling a story about a guy who likes to have a good time. The next tune on the album is “Fighting Song” don’t let the title fool you, but it’s what were fighting for, peace and love my friends. Another tune “Dreaming” that has you at first ready to head bang and quickly switches to a laid back, slower melodic tune that will have you feeling alright. Followed by “Reunion” a song that brings you just a little bit of love for a certain somebody deserving that everlasting love that you can give them. “Give Thanks” a sweet reggae melody with some more horn action, the song just makes you feel good, what else do I have to say.

“My World” starts out as feeling like your in a paradise and after losing the one who makes you feel like it, you can get a little down but realizing you will only grow from it. Tunes like “Change” give us a little hope that these wars can’t go on forever and this economy can’t be bad forever, we must unite and start to understand each other and step out of our boxes to make a little bit of change. “When the Tide Comes” adds on to the idea of change, things come and go but we must live and learn to grow to better figure out are way “That’s How Strong My Love Is” an acoustic driven, harmonica song layered

with a number of instruments, and a beautiful vocal to bring power to that love, catchy lyrics that will have you at first listen. The last tune on the album is “One” with a faster rhythm that just makes you feel good and makes you think about all the things you have and the sacrifices people in your life have made to make sure you have a great life. There are a lot of reggae bands out there that don’t bring in the roots aspect of the reggae and it’s nice to see new and upcoming bands like The Ambassador show that you can bring it in and it can still be in a very Designed by original way. Win-Kye Cheong

NEWSOUNDMAGAZINE.COM

MISSION STATEMENT “New Sound Magazine spotlights both young, talented artists that have the potential to become the next big name in the music industry, and the truly brilliant bands which already have. We’re finding the voice you’ll fall in love with, the song you’ll play over and over, the concert you won’t want to miss.”

Info@NewSoundMagazine.us (631) 757-3187

Daughn Gibson BY JESSIC A BERN ATT

et’s get a few facts straight right off the bat. The name is Daughn Gibson – rhymes with Jaughn, or Raughn. He was born in the village of Nazareth, PA, and currently resides in the sleepy college town of Carlisle, PA, where he frequents local watering holes like The Cave and Alibis. He’s 6’5”, hovers at 200 pounds, and has a head of jet-black hair thicker than a porcupine. He played drums in the group Pearls & Brass for a number of years, touring the US to small but enthusiastic crowds, and if you tag them as “stoner-metal” it will go to show that you’ve never actually listened to them. For a few years in-between, Daughn was a trucker, sure, but he’s also been packing boxes in an un-air conditioned warehouse, climbing up commercial broadcast towers with untested levels of radiation, working the register at an adult bookstore, doing sound at dive bars and collecting unemployment checks to earn a living. Daughn’s been around.

NEWSOUNDMAGAZINE.COM

Photos courtesy of Daugh Gibson

ALBUM REVIEW

aughn Gibson first entered the daydreams and fantasies of the general public in the spring of last year, care of his critically-acclaimed debut album All Hell. At once both foreign and familiar, Daughn’s music is immediately striking – through the use of dusty thriftstore records and cutting edge technology, Daughn shook the ghosts out of scratchy Christian folk records and baptized them as fierce Americana with his booming baritone voice. His songs are as frequently tender as they are prurient, as hopeful as they are brimming with despair. He treats the past with a respectful reverence while still being able to appreciate what some modern-day wunderkind is doing with electronic music across the pond. The only real starting point for the music of Daughn Gibson is Daughn Gibson.

and process, but that’s alright – one always finds the time for something like this. To name but a small selection, live drums, pedal steel, horns, house strings, bagpipes and organs appear on this record, but never does it feel over-stuffed – every instrument or melody is perfectly in place. It’s worth noting that guitarists John Baizley (of Baroness) and Jim Ellington (of Brokeback) provide stunning performances on the record. You’ll throw it all to the wind during “Kissin on the Blacktop” and nurse your hangover with “Into the Sea”. You’ll protect your loved ones against “The Pisgee Nest” and hold them close during “Franco”. You’ll send “Phantom Rider” after your enemies and feel remorse alongside “All My Days”. Me Moan isn’t just Daughn Gibson’s primal scream, it’s a skirmish through the full spectrum of emotion, unfiltered and impassioned.

It’s on Daughn’s second album and Sub Pop debut, Me Moan, that he truly reveals himself to the world. If All Hell was a gritty black-and-white movie, Me Moan is a widescreen IMAX 3D extravaganza. While the roots of sample-based music remain, these songs are performed live, lushly detailed and richly orchestrated. It’s going to take a few listens just to soak it in

Like Cormac McCarthy or Robert Altman, Daughn Gibson is a uniquely American artist who throws his soul into his work, free of compromise, possessed by unique vision and so damn intense that he constantly teeters on spontaneous combustion. It’s not out of line to consider Me Moan as his Blood Meridian; his Nashville. All that’s left is for you Designed by to let Daughn in. Win-Kye Cheong

NEWSOUNDMAGAZINE.COM

1. T h

2. Ro yal s

3. C

5. Ti

7. S 8. S

9. W rec k

6. Wa ke tor

10. D

s //

ing

! //

ife

ine

Per r

mF ea

s //

tur

eRe

ing

Rih

blic

tur

Av ic

ing

// O

Ke $

Dir ect

ion

Gr ea

ley

tar

ll F ea

g/ /A

gin

itbu

thin

ll //

Ima

// P

Ka ty

r //

ord

r //

s te

// L

ntin

4. Ro a

TOP 10 SONGS

rag

rus

ig W orl

rist

ina

uile

sig

db yM

elis

Fea

ron

DIANA BY BRIGID DESMOND

IANA a Toronto based synth pop band who in 2013 introduced their debut album, “Perpetual Surrender.” All 8 songs were lyrically written by founding members Joseph Shabason and Kieran Adams. Adams and Shabason collaborated while studying jazz at a music oriented college. Carmen Elle signed on full time as the breathy softspoken vocalist Producer Roger Leavens is credited for knowing when to hold them and when to fold them as far as mixing synths with saxophone; which is exemplified in title track “Perpetual Surrender”. However, the track “That Feeling” felt inheritably dated. I found myself losing interest as the song failed to evoke any emotional response. DIANA’s album is a world of cooing intimacy and not for those who have a low tolerance

for a cocktail of eighties retro pop and jazz. With the sax and synths along with cliché lyrics, it’s easy to feel absorbed in a 80’s movie. It the fragility and vulnerability of her voice wears thin as the album progresses. The albums tracks and vocals bleed into each other and will place your brain into a delta-like state where you will feel femininely zombielike. Perpetual Surrender has left the impression of defeat in a somber world of drawn out synths and soft anthems of needing to be healed. Slow and undulating Perpetual Surrender is not lacking in a somewhat restorative quality. In a the album is best played during work or a yoga class where you don’t have to get too invested but can appreciated the repetitive arrangements and Designed by pacifying tones. Win-Kye Cheong

NEWSOUNDMAGAZINE.COM

ALBUM REVIEW

PHOTOS BY LAURIE KANG

BY MOLLY DESMOND

ALBUM REVIEW

iya Lacey is an 18 year old triple threat; singer, song-writer, and co-owner of her own hair accessory line. She has opened for icons like Brandy and preformed for fans in venues both large and intimate. Kiya was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. One of the greatest things music-lover experiences is the discovery of a new artist so exciting; it makes the listener want to write about it. Sometimes, such jewels are found

“underground” rather than mainstream media, but then again, that’s just one of the reasons why the indie scene can be so fascinating; It is a stage designed for creative people, a platform to let their art be seen, and in this case, be heard. Kiya Lacey is one of these aforementioned discoveries with her self-titled debut album. The girl can do it all. Her soul full mature voice is unrecognizable as that of teenagers.

NEWSOUNDMAGAZINE.COM

Her tracks range from the blues-like “Dandy Rich Man” to “Putty” which is reminiscent of a country tune, most likely influenced by her childhood in Nashville. Then there’s “Dancer”, an emotional heart wrenching ballad that makes you feel like you’re experiencing your first heart break all over again. The songs Kiya has written cover a broad spectrum, including love, leaving, and social issues. If you enjoy Amy Winehouse, Billie Holiday, or Etta James, you will love this young upcoming artist. The self-titled album begins with the pianodriven and jazz-influenced “Little Bit of Nothing” and evolves greatly by presenting bluesy rhythms on “Dandy Rich Man.” Then, the album continues to change moods and shape with acoustic & introspective atmospheres on songs like “Dancer.” Throughout the album, one can hear Lacey showcasing a wide range of influences with sounds similar to Esperanza Spalding, Ella Fitzgerald, and Adele; a collection of names that, according to Lacey, represent some of her idols. Designed by Melissa Fearon

Photos by Jason Lester

NEWSOUNDMAGAZINE.COM

ALBUM REVIEW

PSYChiC TWiN BY MOLLY DESMOND

sychic Twin is a Chicago based electronic band, composed of Erin Fein and Brett Sanderson. Their newest album, Strangers, is composed of catchy dance tunes made of synthetic beats. Erin is the singer and song writer who pairs up beautifully with Brett, who provides a fluid backdrop of electronic and synth-rock beats. Psychic Twin fits in nicely with the new wave of electronic dance music that is taking over the music scene. I felt a little let down to learn that the musicians behind Psychic Twin were actually not psychic, or twins. The name came from when vocalist Erin Fein first started writing and recording. Doubling her vocals with counter-melodies felt to her as if she was working alongside a twin. The Chicago-based act (which also includes

Brett Sanderson and drummer Jonny Sommer) has been making gorgeous, dreamy pop music for a couple of years now, and have released a couple of 7â&#x20AC;&#x2122; double-sided singles to date. All their music is available on their Band camp page. While their tunes are upbeat and fun, the vocals are intensely personal and almost haunting. It is almost reminiscent of a 80s new wave band. The bands sound revolves around several voices composed of looped vocal tracks created by Erin Fein, while Brett creates a wave of harmonizing beats that includes keyboards, synths, and drumbeats. The band is growing not only in popularity, but in size as well. Drummer Jonny Sommer was introduced on their last tour. If you enjoy the hipster sounds of new age electronic music, Psychic Twin is most definitely a band to check Designed by out. Win-Kye Cheong

c s Mu eo V d m l F

c M u sd e o V F lm

Music Videos LIVE Performances Artist/Band Demos Professional Recording Services World-Class Platinum Music Productions Specializing In All Aspects of Production From Pre-Production to Post-Production Two Studio Locations in Deer Park, NY Please Contact:

Joe Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Ambrosi ( 6 31 ) 37 9 - 74 4 8

www.musicvideofilm.com NEWSOUNDMAGAZINE.COM

AND MUCH MORE! VIEW HUNDREDS OF PRODUCTS ON OUR WEBSITES!

NEWSOUNDMAGAZINE.COM

BY ASHLEY GOLL

Swedish trio based in Stockholm, consisting of production team Astma & Rocwell (whose credits include Bebe Black, Benny Banks Icona Pop) and singer/ songwriting talents of Stina Wäppling. Meeting through a mutual friend, the three formed NONONO during the spring of 2012; around the time Stina returned from the UK where she had spent three years studying to be a psychologist. Every once in a while a song hurtles through the stratosphere, fully-formed, that gladdens even the most cynical of ears. ‘Like The Wind’, the debut single by Stockholm trio NoNoNo, is one of those songs. A clank of a beat, a sliver of guitar and a neat line in vocal ululations surge towards a warm, yet distant, chorus. It’s elegance par excellence, a pop song for 2013. And ‘Like The Wind’ isn’t an outlier. The other available NoNoNo tracks prove to be equally as enthralling. ‘Human Being’ follows a similar narrative; scythes of guitar and laser-guided beats flecked with deft flicks of percussion allow singer Stina Wäppling’s rich tones to flood the track with a sensuous glow, while the Scandinavian release, ‘Pumpin Blood’, is an upbeat shuffler full of bleeps and sighs. A YouTube clip of the piano-led ‘Down Under’ is even better – Wäppling takes centre stage on a dark, grown-up ballad. NoNoNo are about to perform their sixth ever gig – at what Wäppling describes as a “gala” within Stockholm’s Globe complex – but there seems to be little sign of pre-gig nerves via our Skype video link. Stina and Michel do most of the talking, while Tobias sits in the background amid the general hubbub of the backstage space.

This all sounds lovely, but it becomes apparent that the fledgling collaboration was also a creative epiphany and potential career-saver for Wäppling herself. “I had done two years of just writing with different producers and there was pressure to always be writing something that could be a hit, or for an American audience, and there were a lot of strict ways of how songs should sound,” she tells me. “It took the fun out of it. It made me really sad and made me think I didn’t want to be a songwriter. But, these guys just encouraged creativity and for the songs not having to be a certain way - as long as you feel it and it feels good. I felt like they worked with me and not against me – they made me be more creative instead of knocking things down. That’s the way music should be.” The group’s sound didn’t happen by chance. Stina has been working with Jimson and Rocwell for over two years, flitting between Stockholm and Brighton, where she had been studying psychology. “We have been working together for quite a while but it has been sporadic,” Stina say, taking on the story. “I was in England but every time I would come home for a break we would meet. It was two years before NoNoNo was formed. During that time we were writing music for no purpose other than we liked it. When we decided to be a band, the songs started coming quite quickly.” While three people meeting through a mutual friend, hitting it off and making sweet music is a common enough, if fortuitous, occurrence, here the circumstances don’t quite account for the nigh-on flawless balance of the NoNoNo sound. Designed by Melissa Fearon

NEWSOUNDMAGAZINE.COM

The Spirit Of Competition

Competition Toyota Cares About Supporting The Community We Live And Work In

COMPETITION TOYOTA/SCION 910 Middle Country Rd., Middle Island, NY CompetitionToyota.com 1-855-202-9596

NEWSOUNDMAGAZINE.COM

BY MICHAEL A KREMER

his five piece band has something more to offer than your typical indie pop group. They have all the elements of a indie pop group; the catchy choruses, upbeat tempo, and energetic front man but they also throw a little something extra into the mix. These Venice California natives describe themselves as a “blues indie rock folk dance soul,” outfit. They embody that vintage, carefree, California sound, however, these guys are not too keen on being tied to a specific genre. This quintet has been creating quite a buzz for themselves by touring with a hot, up-and-coming artists like Imagine Dragons and Surfer Blood. Yet, what makes this band so unique is that every member; frontman Ben Rothbard, guitarist Johnny Zambetti, bassist Cecil Campanaro, keyboardist Gabe Feenberg and drummer Lyle Riddle, is a multi-instrumentalist. What is even more unique is that every instrument selection is important to the construction of a specific song, and not just a gimmick. They are modest about their instrumental abilities, choosing one song at a time to display their musical prowess. Integrating instruments like the trombone, mandolin, steel lap guitar, harmonica and the organ to their typical five piece set up. Terraplane Sun’s new single, “Get Me Golden” is the perfect choice to showcase this musical collage, and it’s just a taste of what’s to come. They incorporated an organ line with a soulful chorus and a dancier beat to create this first single off their latest EP, Ya Never Know, just released summer 2013 from Trauma 2 Records. The band teamed up with producer Dave Trumfio to record this EP. Trumfio, who has worked with prominent artists like My Morning Jacket and Wilco, was such a perfect fit to compliment their classic, but eclectic SoCal sound. The title track, Ya Never Know, sounds almost as perfect preformed live then it does on the EP. The band is extremely cohesive and tight, a fact that is evident in their live show. Rothbard’s voice still resonates an exceptionally iconic, bluesy tone without having to rely on postproduction. They’re live performance is described as both intense and intimate, which is a dichotomy rarely seen in todays music scene. Unfortunately, The band isn’t touring anywhere on the east coast anytime soon, but who can blame them. Not even us New Yorkers want to be here come February. I can predict that with their first full-length debut album, said to be released by the end of this year, and their “song of the summer” type singles already out, they will be in full touring swing by this summer. Make sure to keep an eye out for them at all the big summer festivals. Designed by Melissa Fearon

NEWSOUNDMAGAZINE.COM

Jonny Pierce BY BRIGID DESMOND

n November 12th founder/vocalist Jonny Peirce from the indie pop band The Drums announced via Facebook that despite the creation of his solo album “Queen Nails” and a label arranged for release. Jonnie’s solo project will no longer be pursued in favor of creating a new fourth album with his band The Drums. Prepping his devoted fan base to “Get ready for the next Drums album. We have never been so honest/crazy.” As far as singles go it’s worth mentioning upon visiting his home site, his darker-than-usual synth-pop single “ I didn’t realize” was not only rhythmically arresting but the music video itself was shot using his friend’s iPhone created within a mere 30 minutes. Florida native Jonny Pierce met fellow Drums member Jacob Grahm as a young boy with a mutual appreciation of synth pioneers such as Anything Box and Wendy Carlos. The Drums debuted in 2009 with Summertime a feel good album relatively upbeat pop songs including “Feels like summer” and “Make you Mine”. Momentum was quickly gained from the release of self-produced Summertime, within a mere 14 months the band swiftly released their sophomore album “The Drums”. Between 2010 and 2011 the self-titled album had sold globally over 200,000 copies. Their most recent album Portamento debuted in September of 2011. Portamento strayed from the prior two albums with darker songs like “Book of Revelation.” Influenced by the personal duress Jonny experienced as being raised as the only child under the supervision a of rigidly conservative environment. Perhaps with the hiatus of Jonny’s solo album it became a relief from his constant touring to promote Portamento which after three years exhausted the band and called for a break. Summertime being rather conceptual and lofty evolved into the more defined version of the bands second album. You can appreciate the synthetic pop tunes as something completely original and true to this band. Who is responsible for self-producing their first three albums . Without any heavy exterior influence The Drums was able to form a unique modern synthetic laden influence with cool undertones.

NEWSOUNDMAGAZINE.COM

As quoted by Jonnie Pierce in an BK interview “We never set out to be indie, we just made our music 100% independently from anyone else and with no money because we didn’t know what we were doing and had no one to fund us or hold our hands during the creative process we ended up with a sound that we are happy with. I know that would not have happened had anyone else been brought in to make this record with us” Upon his lifestyle since Portamento “It’s been three years since Portamento came out, so the first year you do all those really obvious places, then the next year it gets a bit more random. Now we’re doing Slovakia, Malaysia, some place in Mexico I never heard of” he goes on to express, “ Hopefully this will be the end of this Portamento stuff and were going to move on for the first time were going to work with a producer other than ourselves. We’re talking some heavy hitters and were going to make a decision and start recording soon, it’s a totally new thing for me, inviting someone in to be creative and have input with my music” With music inspirations ranging from The Wake to the Supremes and complete determination to have full creative control has made it quite intriguing that Jonnie considered bringing on an outside producer on board. This openness affords The Drums an avenue of creative exploration as they seem ready to endure. Upon being questioned on what motivated moves on his solo project Jonny responded “ Mainly because I don’t like sitting still. The rest of the band wanted to take a break and I didn’t.” Now with the hiatus being over and The Drums revitalized thirst for a transformative album there is much to be gained from Jonny’s second wind on his band. Designed by Melissa Fearon

BY K ATA R I N A BA RO N E

NEWSOUNDMAGAZINE.COM

here is something to be said about a strong fearless woman. She is a force of nature that inspires and resonates beauty. Women like that are meant to make a difference, to use their power and change the world. They overcome challenges with grace and truly have an impact on those around them. An absolutely exuberant lady that is majorly making an impact on other women everywhere is the singer/songwriter Natalie Grant. Her smile lights up an entire room upon entering and her voice shakes the souls of all who listen. Songs that she writes are heavy and dark, & yet some are sensational, positive, and moving. Regardless of the mood of the tune, her voice is immediately uplifting. She started out singing in churches in Seattle, Washington, where she was born and continued to go to college in the same state. While attending Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington to become a school teacher she sang in local gospel groups and was praised for her effortless talent in music. After believing in her musical talents and love from god she decided to embark on a unique journey towards a career in singing. Her record release in 2008 “Relentless” was dramatically successful propelling her into the spotlight as a new emerging Christian recording artist. She took a No. 2 spot on Billboard top Christian Album charts. In 2010 she released the album Love Revolution which followed suit and claimed the No. 2 spot on Billboards top Christian charts as well.

overwhelming title of mother and famed singer could not balance out. She felt inadequate and couldn’t feel the happiness she so longed for when having a family. Her demanding career left her feeling resentful and her focus soon leaned towards herself and her family. She found it hard to release her emotions in a positive way into music, but soon enough she found the light with her faith in god. She remembered how her happiness resonated with others and knew it wasn’t her enemy but her outlet. She stated, “I’ve never taken three and a half years between releases, but that lengthy process allowed it to be an honest reflection of what was going on in my life during this period. Because I am a mom to three girls now, I thought when I started the project I would be less involved than I usually am in the writing and production process because I wouldn’t have the time.” Immediately after beginning to write songs and record again she felt like a different person. “Once the creative dam broke, it was like therapy for me. I gave voice to the burdens I was carrying and feeling inside. Laying it all out

there helped me begin to deal with the struggles I was going through in my life. Hurricane is full of my stories and is a reminder that no matter how dark the struggle may seem, we’re not alone – and hope always wins. The last thing the world needs is just another singer and just another song. I want to be a voice that will burn bright with hope. People are desperate for something real, and that’s why I make music.” When listening to Natalie Grant you realize her pain creates beautiful masterpieces which relieve suffering and bring you back to life. When you enjoy her songs you can relate on such a humble level, and feel the emotion run deep in your veins, healing your own darkness. Natalie praises God for her effervescent inspiration and guidance. She strongly believes in God and in his path for her through music, through making an impact on millions of people across the world humming the tunes from her heart to theirs. She will continue to write incredible records, check out her latest album “Hurricane”. Designed by Melissa Fearon

Her accomplishments continued as she was recognized by Dove and awarded Female Vocalist of the Year. She received the incredible Dove award five years, four of those years consecutively spanning 2006-2009. In 2012 a nomination graced the vibrant lady for her song “Alive” that left her feeling exceptionally good. A Grammy nomination she had dreamed of since she began her career in music for “Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance”. While working outside of the music industry Natalie Grant follows her heart in helping others. Her strong passion for the justice and abolishment of human trafficking lead her to create an organization that combats the evils of human trafficking. Abolition International offers aftercare and help for those who have suffered through being trafficked and have been rescued and recovered. She also joined forces with best friend and Pastor Charlotte Bam bill creating another groundbreaking organization “Dare to be”. After the birth of her three children she experienced a dark period in which the

NEWSOUNDMAGAZINE.COM

BY MICHAEL A KREMER

hether or not intricate jazz parts and ethereal indie melodies spark you interest, there is one thing for certain, Kiev is seriously talented. Their newly released album Falling Bough Wisdom Teeth, is truly a fantasy adventure into another world. Waves of hypnotic melodies clash against a funky grooves, more consistent with jam type bands. Their heady style can be appreciated by on a multitude of musical levels because of the sheer perfection in their composition. Formed by singer/guitarist Robert Brinkerhoff in Orange, California, Kiev slowly collected members over many years until they were fully realized in 2009. This careful selection created a band with meticulous musicianship and flawless production contrasted by their rugged improv style and unusual studio space, a 1940’s avocado warehouse. This psychedelic post punk band is now officially consisted of; Andy Stavas on keyboards, saxophones and piano, Brandon Corn on drums/percussion, Derek Poulsen on bass, Alex wright on piano and keyboards. Kiev’s innovative approach has also led them to using “compuers”, french horns, bass clarinets, bassoon, trombone, oboe and ARP synthesizers to create brand new genre, while still incorporating an old school jazz flavor. Falling Bough Wisdom Teeth, produced/engineered with Chris Shaw

(Wilco, Super Furry Animals, Phish) and released by Suspended Sunrise Recordings following two successful independent EPs. Inspired by a watercolor painting, that became the album cover, this album became partly a homage to 60’s minimalist music pioneer Steve Reich. Multiple songs on the album, feature “pulsing” which refers to a technique based of a piece by Reich called “Music For 18 Musicians”. The sound is a rhythmic and almost meditative repetition, similar to those of short staccato voices. The group has been steadily picking up speed since their formation, named “Best Indie Band” at the 2011 and 2012 Orange County Music Awards, being featured as Kat’s song of the day on The World Famous KROQ in Los Angeles, as well as being featured on iTunes “new and Noteworthy” section. They have also been steadily touring, most recently on the west coast and Mexico. Their infectious spirit is catching on and building them a seriously solid fan base. It seems that their seer determination to work independently, in order to create a genuine sound, has gained them multitudes of recognition. People are starting to respond to the independent, do-it-yourself type of composition, that is so lacking in the music industry today, which is entirely what Kiev embodies. Designed by Melissa Fearon

NEWSOUNDMAGAZINE.COM

BY ASHLEY GOLL TOUR DATES: March 02, 2014

March 10, 2014

O2 Academy Leeds, Leeds, UK

Portsmouth Guildhall, Portsmouth, UK

March 03, 2014

March 12, 2014

O2 Academy Glasgow, Glasgow, UK

O2 Academy Bristol, Bristol, UK

March 04, 2014

March 13, 2014

Music Hall, Aberdeen, UK

O2 Academy Brixton, London, UK

March 05, 2014

March 16, 2014

O2 Academy Newcastle, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK

Great Hall, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK

March 07, 2014

March 17, 2014

Nottingham Rock City, Nottingham, UK

Great Hall, Devonshire House, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK

March 08, 2014

March 18, 2014

O2 Academy Birmingham, Birmingham, UK

Brighton Dome, Brighton, UK

March 09, 2014 Norwich UEA LCR, Norwich, UK

NEWSOUNDMAGAZINE.COM

ombay Bicycle Club is an English indie rock band from Crouch End, London. The band is composed of Jack Steadman, Jamie MacColl, Suren de Saram and Ed Nash. They started when they were 15. Ed Nash (bass, keyboard, mandolin) later joined the trio as they switched between various aliases before picking Bombay Bicycle Club. The band took their name from a chain of curry houses in the London Area, and has since admitted that they dislike their band name. The band has released three albums, “I Had the Blues But I Shook Them Loose”, “Flaws” and “A Different Kind Of Fix”

UK Singles Chart and #40 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart in the United States, the band’s first chart appearance in the country. The band currently tours with Amber Wilson as an additional keyboardist and background vocalist. Singer/songwriter Lucy Rose performed said backing vocals on several songs on the albums “Flaws” and “A Different Kind of Fix”.

After winning the opening slot at V Festival 2006 (‘Road to V’ competition) and also played Reading / Leeds Festival for the three years running, in February 2007 they released their début EP The Boy I Used to Be. This was followed up in October with the release of their second EP How We Are. In mid-July of 2009 they released their first album I Had the Blues but I Shook Them Loose consisting of 12 tracks.

Yes, they’ve been given more encouragement, nurturing and backing than most bands receive in a lifetime, but they’ve now released three albums of bravely different styles. Their debut was dynamic indie-pop, while top-10 follow-up Flaws lurched across to soft folk territory with a perversity that only seemed opportunistic with hindsight. Now, thankfully electing not to go the full Mumford, they return with something that’s beautifully hard to categorize. A bit Italian house, a bit Animal Collective (Ben Allen is among the producers, as is 21st century tyro Jim Abbiss), a bit Talking Heads and a lot flush with giddy enthusiasm and sunshine, it’s very indie and very fey – but in a good way.

The lead single from their third album, A Different Kind Of Fix was released on June 23, 2011 and peaked at #64 on the

The excitement, enthusiasm and enjoyment seem to have been squeezed out of the band to leave a rather sad, dejected and tired bunch.

Steve Lamacq recently remarked that he thought the acoustic numbers highlighted just what good songs they were. As if to reinforce that point the BBC have even covered one of their best songs off of their debut, namely Dust on the Ground. Like spelling out the plot to an American audience with sub-titles the band are either seeking some justification or maybe trying to say this is how we wanted it to begin with. After listening again I can’t agree. The quivering vocals are less obvious, and the song(s) is worse off for it. The first single from the new album was the double ‘A’ side of Ivy & Gold/Flaws, a mixture of near old with very new. Ivy & Gold is one of the more upbeat on the album; it bristles with a positive energy that is sadly lacking elsewhere. The banjo and skipping drum beat make for the toe tapping equivalent to chewing pastels. From the moment you put it on it’s hard to resist. Flaws meanwhile’s all knitted yarns, corduroy trousers and facial hair folk. Mellow and melancholic with a haunting over layered vocal it encapsulates much of the 11 tracks. Designed by Melissa Fearon

newsboys BY ASHLEY GOLL

hristian rock band of Aussie origin, formed in 1985, and originally called “The News”. Migrated to the US in 1987, changing their name to The Newsboys. Survived in obscurity until 1994, when a song called “Shine” suddenly caught on, catapulting them to the forefront of Christian popular music. Their music is pretty much everywhere on Christian radio, though songs with less of a “pop” sound don’t get much play. Their style can be anywhere from pop rock, to slow ballads, to dance, to disco (especially Love, Liberty, Disco, natch). Their lyrics are usually overtly religious themes mixed in with wordplay and weird imagery. A few songs have whistling. The Newsboys have changed their lineup quite a few times over the years: the only original member is front man Peter Furler, who decided in 2009 to stop touring with the band - though he’s still writing their songs and producing their CDs. Current members include Duncan Phillips (percussion), Jody Davis (lead guitar, backup vocals), Jeff Frankenstein (keyboards, backup vocals), and Michael Tait (formerly of dcTalk, lead vocals). They’ve been produced by Steve Taylor since their album Going Public, which is when the band’s fortunes really started to take off. Probably not a coincidence, considering that Taylor has been involved heavily in writing the band’s lyrics and mixing their songs.

NEWSOUNDMAGAZINE.COM

o date, newsboys sold over 6 million albums, minted five gold records, charted more than 25 No. 1 radio hits and earned four Grammy nominations. In the Hands of God, however, wipes the slate clean with vivid flashbacks to a freshfaced Australian band struggling to find its place. By retracing its early footsteps, the band captures an urgency and hunger that lights the songs ablaze with internal fire. The album then channels this energy into an unbreakable string of quick-hitting melodies that never seem to fade. It’s newsboys laid bare, as seen through the looking glass of God’s providence. “The Way We Roll” starts the journey with loud guitars, slapping’ beats and snarling punk vocals that offer a bird’s eye view to the indignities suffered as a young band. “No Grave” doesn’t let up, using hometown memories to ponder death’s defeat as anvil-heavy chords empty into a ferocious bridge. Songs like “Glorious” and “In the Hands of God” take a reflective turn with verses steeped in grateful memories and choruses exploding into worship. “My Friend Jesus” gives the album a humorous twist with images of a caller going mad from waiting on hold, while “This Is Your Life” drops audio ear candy with waves of guitars crashing over electro-pop pulses. And while In the Hands of God opens with a defiant anthem from a band that refused surrender, “RSL 1984” closes the disc with band visionary Peter Furler offering a touching look at his youth beautifully poured out like a diary over piano keys, strings and electric/acoustic guitars. As is the norm, In the Hands of God continues the lyrical partnership between Furler and music icon Steve Taylor, but the disc added some new names to the production front. Studio wizard Max Hsu (Superchick, tobyMac) – described as “a fantastic sounding board and someone who really understands what fans like best about the band” – made his debut as a newsboys producer, while bassist-keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein joined Furler for the first time as a co-producer. The band also welcomed back longtime guitarist Jody Davis, who left the group in 2003 to care for a daughter with cerebral palsy, rejoining a lineup that still features Duncan Phillips’ masterful backbeat. As already announced on their website, In the Hands of God marks Furler’s final album as the band’s lead vocalist. His passion is the songwriting and production, and as a band known for its enterprising ingenuity, Furler will now help drive the creative momentum as a new singer takes over the vocal reins for future tours and albums. Of course, the band ignited an immediate buzz when it announced the new vocalist was Grammy-winning dc Talk singer Michael Tait. “In the Hands of God is the perfect album to close this chapter of my life and start afresh with an exciting new role within the band,” says Fuller, who will still make guest appearances at select live shows. “Newsboys have always been an idea first and foremost, not a band or a singer. It’s about people pulling together their gifts and talents in a collaboration that makes a difference in people’s lives.” Newsboys are special in that they’ve always been about more than the people on stage. For example, Steve Taylor doesn’t perform with the band, but he’s certainly part of the

creative team, and to that extent, Tait is also a longtime member of the newsboys family. With both groups starting in America at the same time, newsboys and dc Talk played over 100 shows together, rode in each other’s buses on tour and joined each other on stage. Tait can even be seen singing with the newsboys on their 2002 DVD from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, and naturally he provided background vocals on In the Hands of God. “Alternative rock” is a category of music that thumbs its nose at the overproduced schlock that the big corporations put out.

NEWSOUNDMAGAZINE.COM

In theory, at least, it’s honest, bare-bones music that has been ignored by the mainstream. Well, in jazz you can’t get much more alternative than the Orphan Newsboys. The Newsboys, whose core members are guitarist Marty Grosz and cornetist Peter Ecklund, are so far out of the mainstream they’re paddling sand. Yet they persevere with a whimsical combination of musical archaeology, free-association comedy and brilliant playing Designed by that is unique to them. Win-Kye Cheong

NEWSOUNDMAGAZINE.COM

Tara Hack

ara Hack works playing her guitar in Penn Station for a living! She is one very unique Woman. “Saya Tidak Bersalah” (I’m Not Guilty) one of Tara Hack’s single has been receiving a great deal of attention and international airplay. The song is spreading awareness about Schapelle Corby, an Australian Woman who is wrongfully imprisoned in Indonesia. When asked about her involvement with the cause Hack said, as quoted by The Sydney Morning Herald, “I hope that in even the smallest way this song helps to bring awareness to Schapelle’s horrific situation, I hope it is a tiny step to give Schapelle back the voice that was so cruelly and unjustly stripped from her.”

BY ASHLEY GOLL

Tara has a true love for making music and is proving her belief that music has the power to change the world for the better. Back in the states Tara has been played on various college radio stations including the University of Rhode Island, and the University of Colorado at Boulder, where she was asked to play at the Conference Of World Affairs. Tara also has also appeared twice on WOR’s, The Joey Reynolds Show. When I spoke to Tara she stated: “My song “She Falls Down,” a song aimed to raise awareness at the severity of domestic violence, landed me as the background music in a public service announcement in Chicago. I spend the summers as a South Street Seaport performer in Manhattan. I also play year round in Penn Station, New York for thousands of commuters daily. From playing in Penn I have gained the attention and made contacts at Def Jam Records, Warner Brother Records, and Capitol Records. I’ve recently been featured in a book, “The Noise Beneath The Apple,” which highlights the career of musicians in New York. Through that project I was able to work with Keaton Simons, who was recently the musical guest on “The Ellen Degeneres Show.” Designed by Melissa Fearon

ble

NEWSOUNDMAGAZINE.COM

eached BY ASHLEY GOLL

Photo Courtesy of BLEACHED

punk/psychedelic pop band comprised of sisters Jennifer and Jessie Clavin, formerly of Los Angeles band Mika Miko. Their “Francis” 7” was released in 2011 by Ooga Booga records. Their surf-punk garage-pop girl-group grunge. It’s very, very primitive – a bit like the Primitives. These are reedy, tinny three-chord rumbles, and we’re guessing that’s how they’re meant to be. They’re not a band as such, just Jessica and Jennifer Calvin, two sisters and a mister on drums for gigs, which perhaps explains the thinness of the sound. Bleached may make a racket, but they’re hardly impolite. Amid the punk bashing and riffing, there is none of that medium’s politicking here. Punk was about politics as well as romance and the politics of romance if not the romance of politics. Designed by This lot pares it down to just the romance. Win-Kye Cheong

ARMY NAVY BY ASHLEY GOLL

here’s something about the freshfaced, upbeat kind of guitar pop that L.A.’s Army Navy traffics in that seems to attract weekend warriors. This music causes otherwise-mild, thirty something white men to abandon more practical pursuits in order to sing open-hearted songs of sexless yearning brimming with shala-las, handclaps, and chiming 12-string guitar. Robert Pollard-- schoolteacher turned indie rock star-- is the drunken patron saint of this set, and every year brings a new batch of hopefuls in the “perfect three-minute Mersey beat-era pop tune” sweepstakes, The Kinks, Hollies and Dave Clark Five records of their (or their father’s) youth ringing in their ears. Keeping with the trend, all members of Army Navy were otherwise engaged when lead singer and songwriter Justin Kennedy, then working as a wardrobe stylist, assembled them. With the assistance of one disproportionately famous member-- Pete Thomas, former drummer for the Attractions (Doug Randall and Josh Zetumer also play here, and Randall is the band’s current drummer)-- they have crafted a bubbly, effervescent valentine to obscure power pop bands of the late 1970s and early 80s. Their self-titled debut combines the perky bounce of the original bands with the beefedup Sonics of the 90s revivalists like the Posies and Teenage Fan club, and the results are infectious enough to inspire a whole new batch Designed by of misbegotten hopefuls. Win-Kye Cheong

NEWSOUNDMAGAZINE.COM

CITY HAR

NEWSOUNDMAGAZINE.COM

RBOR

By Ashley Goll

uos seem to be in fashion these days. From Capital Kings and The Sunflowers, to All Sons and Daughters, Love and the Outcome, Jenny and Tyler and Gungor; we have been given some great songs from all of these artists within the past few years, each of them unveiling melodies that speak to the heart of the individual about identity, hope and encouragement through Christ. Enter in another new duo, City Harbor. Since their signing to Sparrow Records in 2012 (and their hit single ‘Somebody Tell Them’), the departure of founding member Josh Varnadore and the addition of newest member Robby Earle; lead singer and surviving member Molly Reed (wife of Mike Grayson from Mikeschair) has been able to forge on and give us 4 songs in the band’s first EP release, titled ‘Come However You Are’. With the song being the first single from the album, as well as a bonus track bolter for WOW Hits 2014; both Molly and Robby have presented four tracks of an acoustic/ pop nature in a similar musical style to Rend Collective Experiment or The Sonflowerz. Come However You Are EP is a joy to listen to, and one of my favorite EP’s of the

year so far- and while I’m still not sure if they re-recorded the track ‘Somebody Tell Them’ to omit Josh’s vocals (or maybe they wanted to pay homage and respect to Josh, because both versions sound very similar), each of the songs still do their job in uplifting those who hear it. With this EP a pre-cursor into what to expect on their full-length album in February 2014; City Harbor is a band to explore and listen to if you’re a fan of duos in general, or if you like acoustic pop, and artists like The Sunflowers, Francesca Battistelli or Rend Collective Experiment. One of my favorite songs this year, ‘Come However You Are’ deservingly fits on WOW Hits 2014, even though at the time of the track list coming out, I hadn’t heard of the song before. Starting off the track with some acoustic guitar riffs and some ‘oohhh’ vocal moments that remind me of something artists like Francesca or Nichole Nordeman would do; Molly opens up and provides a vulnerable moment straight from the first verse, with Molly declaring ‘…to anyone walking down a hard road, worn out with blisters on their feet, to anyone with a heart that’s shattered, doing their best to hold it together, with no prayer to pray, and no song left to sing…’ Check them out! Designed by Win-Kye Cheong

Crossbay Honda-Suzuki

Crossbay Motor Sports

164-01 Crossbay Blvd. Howard Beach, NY 11414

1747 Sunrise Hwy Bay Shore, NY 11706

718-738-7618

631-206-6851

Watch for our Grand Re-‐Opening in Howard Beach

Open: M-‐W-‐F 10AM 6PM Tues-‐Thurs 10AM -‐7PM Saturday 9AM-‐ 6PM Sunday Closed

Crossbay Motorsports Toll Free: (866)-577-1557

Visit our showroom in Bay Shore and see our extensive inventory available TODAY!!!

Rentals Available call 877-789-9229

Long Island s Discount Tire Center

NY Media Productions A DVD Keepsake

Many Different Packages Available: Memorials Weddings Family Reunions Anniversaries Birthdays

631-Â790-Â4134 www.nymediaproductions.com

BEST BUY THEATER B

est Buy Theater is a unique and advanced space with turnkey planning capabilities. The state-ofthe-art, NYC venue features accommodating dressing room suites. The 85-foot long LED high definition screen marquee can broadcast events live from the stage directly to the marquee, via five media panels within the venue. The venue also features a stateof-the-art in-house lighting system, and an inhouse sound system by JBL. With a minimum capacity of 150 and a maximum capacity of 2,000, Best Buy Theater is perfect for large or small scale events; including meetings, sit down dinners, fashion shows, concerts, live television, and award shows. Best Buy Theater is a State-of-the-Art venue that comes with an Experienced and Professional Team to accommodate you on many levels.

EVENT TYPE Party, Photo Shoot, Dinner Party, Corporate Event, Launch Party, Social Event, Filming Location, Meeting

AMENITIES Full Bar, WiFi, Outside Catering

ADDRESS:

1515 Broadway, New York City, NY 10036

PHONE:

(212) 930-1950 Designed by Win-Kye Cheong

NEWSOUNDMAGAZINE.COM

VENUE REVIEW

BY KEVIN SPERANDEO

N I G AL M O C P U BU MS december 10th

Childish Gambino Because The Internet

Dam-Funk & Snoopzilla 7 Days of Funk

R. Kelly Black Panties

december 16th

Burial TBA [EP]

Casey Veggies & Rockie Fresh Fresh Veggies

Mac Miller Live From Space

Rick Ross MasterMind

Talib Kweli Gravitas

N O I S S I M R OU E N I Z A G A OUND M

+ NEW S

ENT M E T A T S + PHOTOGRA

PHY | ADRI

ANA KIJKO

ENT ? L A T E G U ITH H W D N UE ? A N B E V N T W C E O F E PER TLE KN H T T I L W A O MN ? U N U O L K Y O E U C R O A A Y + + DO A FOR E D I N A E + HAV

NEW SOUND MAGAZINE SPOTLIGHTS BOTH YOUNG, TALENTED ARTISTS THAT HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO BECOME THE NEXT BIG NAME IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY, AND THE TRULY BRILLIANT BANDS WHICH ALREADY HAVE. WE’RE FINDING THE VOICE YOU’LL FALL IN LOVE WITH, THE SONG YOU’LL PLAY OVER AND OVER, THE CONCERT YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS.

TELL US ABOUT IT. NEWSOUNDMAG@GMAIL.COM

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

NEWSOUNDMAGAZINE.COM

BY K ATA R I N A BA RO N E

ting is now 60! He’s learning to stop and smell the roses more. “When you reach a certain age, you realize that life is finite. You can be depressed by that, or you can say, ‘I’m going to appreciate every minute to its maximum potential.’” Sting has outlived his parents, who both succumbed to cancer in their 50s. And a keen sense of mortality comes naturally to him: “I’ve always been a bit saturnine, a serious person. An older person than I was in years. Perhaps that’s why I’m not feeling particularly strange about reaching 60.” Music journalist J.D. Considine says that trait could prove an asset, careerwise. “The greatest advantage Sting has is that he has never seemed juvenile. If maturity wears well on a younger man, it should wear even better on an older one.” There are risks for any star who has managed to maintain his sex-symbol stature. “That’s the only question, how he can play that aspect of his image,” Considine says. “You can be vital and charming at 60, but if you try to act studly, you can seem foolish or lecherous.” Skeptics could point to a recent photo spread in February’s Harper’s Bazaar that showed Sting cavorting naughtily with a scantily clad babe. But their case would be shaky, as the woman in question was actress/producer Trudie Styler, 57, Sting’s romantic partner of 30 years and his wife since 1992. Designed by Melissa Fearon

Upcoming ShowS @ Bowery Ballroom: December 7 Lucius / Kingsley Flood December 12 Cass Mccombs / Arbouretum December 13 Anthony Green / Dave Davidson December 21 The Ocean Blue

@ Terminal 5: December 5 Eli Young Band / Eric Paslay December 6 Flosstradamus / Ben Trill

The Right CAR The Right PRICE Right NOW!

ALL-NEW 2013 HONDA CIVIC EXL

704 W. Merrick Rd. Valley Stream

516-285-8036 www.SouthShoreHonda.com

DMV Fac ID# 7006896.

Mon-Thu 9-9 ; Fri 9-8; Sat 9-7; Sun 11-5