URBAN VINYL Issue VI
Paper Route • The Hush Sound • THE HUNNA • • VÉRITÉ • Mrs. Magician •
About
Founded and launched in February 2016 by Sophie Hsu, Urban Vinyl Magazine is an independently-run outlet that harmonizes a passion for music and food. Started in New York City and now currently based in the San Francisco Bay Area where both music and food are at their best, the artists and restaurants featured on the site and the upcoming issues are individually handpicked in order to reach a diverse spectrum of sound and taste. Created by a music lover and a foodie, the aim is to provide high quality content for fellow music lovers and foodies.
LISTEN. EAT. EXPLORE.
Sophie Hsu • Founder • Photographer • • Editor-In-Chief • Writer • Layout & Design • Content •
On• Paper theRoute Cover • • Hickory St b/t Franklin St and Van Ness Ave, San Francisco • • June 23, 2016 •
Stay Connected urbanvinylmag.com @urbanvinylmag @urbanvinylmag
For booking and inquiries: sophie@urbanvinylmag.com • All social media icons by Good Stuff No Nonsense •
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Thank You
• Anna • Violet • Chloe • • Turner • Aaron • • Nathalie • Jamie • Greta • • VÉRITÉ • Mrs. Magician • • Paper Route • • The Hush Sound • THE HUNNA • • And most importantly, my family and friends for always supporting my photography and my love for music. • • And of course, to my readers! You make this happen! • • This issue would not have been possible without all of you! •
Contents
Main Artist • Paper Route • 15-20
Featured Artist
Featured Artist
• The Hush Sound • 5-8
• THE HUNNA • 11-14
Live Shots
• VÉRITÉ • 3-4 • Mrs. Magician • 9-10
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• Rickshaw Stop, San Francisco • May 31, 2016 •
VÉRITÉ • Brooklyn, New York• • Kelsey Byrne •
@Verite @verite
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/veritemusic
• Michael Garofalo •
• Andrew Marshall •
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• Courtesy of The Hush Sound (Photo by Rob Holysz/@robholysz) • @thehushsound @thehushsound /thehushsound
Featured Artist • The Hush Sound •
thehushsound.org
It is never too late or too early to create or perform music, especially for The Hush Sound. Formed in late 2004/early 2005 in Chicago, Illinois, The Hush Sound exhibits the talents of Greta Salpeter (vocals, piano), Bob Morris (vocals, guitar), Darren Wilson (drums, percussion, vocals), and Chris Faller (bass). Shortly following their formation, the band released their debut record So Sudden in 2005 and Like Vines in 2006, both via Decaydance/Fueled by Ramen; in 2013, they released the EP Forty Five via Pipe & Hat after a brief hiatus. Since their formation, they have toured with notable artists such as Fall Out Boy, The All-American Rejects, Jack’s Mannequin, Boys Like Girls, The Academy Is..., and Copeland. Having recently toured the West Coast for the Like Vines 10-Year Anniversary, they will be traveling up and down the East Coast next month. Not only did they stop at The Regency Ballroom in San Francisco on June 2 to celebrate the record, Greta kindly shared some of her time and thought to discuss the formation of the band and a memorable moment in creating the 5 record, in addition to what “The Hush Sound” chocolate bar would feature.
What’s the story behind the formation of The Hush Sound? Bob and I became friends in our teenage years and started playing music together after school. He was the one who initiated the idea that we should find a rhythm section and have our songs come to life with a full band, so he reached out to Darren and Chris through the Chicago music scene.
What was the first instrument (musical or non-musical) you started making music with? Piano
This year marks the 10-Year Anniversary of Like Vines! What was the most memorable moment in making that record? One very memorable moment was that my friend Patrick who was producing the record forced me to sing in my “full voice.” I was such a little kid when we made that record (16-17), so I had very little experience singing. I sound like a tiny baby on that record, but one of the reasons I’ve grown as a singer is that a few people specifically have helped me test my ability.
You released your latest EP Forty Five a few years ago. What was the process of writing, recording, and producing the EP? We recorded with our friend, Sam Farrar, whom we all met when we toured with Phantom Planet in 2008 at a studio in The Valley. It was pretty natural and easygoing. I think we did a song a day.
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Out of all your songs, my favorite track is “That’s Okay.” Can you touch on the inspiration and creation of that particular track? Thanks! In my teenage years, I had intense empathy for close friends who saw themselves as being a bit damaged. A few in particular were struggling with their relationships to their parents, to themselves, to the world. I feel like the song is an ode to one person, in particular, who I was drawn to at the time.
Which song (released or unreleased) are you most proud of? If we’re talking about The Hush Sound songs, I’d say “ Hurricane.” Of all my songs, the Springtime Carnivore “Other Side of the Boundary” is probably my favorite song and video I’ve ever made.
What happens before you go onstage? Is there a The Hush Sound pre-show ritual? Usually a lot of shenanigans.
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What’s your favorite restaurant and/or food in SF? I have Asian food every time I go to San Francisco, and it’s always incredible.
If there were a chocolate bar with the name “The Hush Sound,” what type of chocolate would it be, and what would it have? Oh, organic dark chocolate with sea salt...and a little bit of chili pepper. I’m the salt, Bob is the chili pepper, Darren is the cacao, and Chris is the sugar.
What can listeners expect in terms of upcoming projects and/or shows? I am releasing a collaboration record with my friend Katy Goodman called Take It, It’s Yours in August, and then releasing a Springtime Carnivore record in October. Bob is working on his project, which is called Le Swish. Chris tours with an incredible artist named Genevieve. Darren is about to move to Nashville, and I bet he’ll find his way into some amazing work down there.
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• Hotel Utah Saloon, San Francisco• June 17, 2016 •
Mrs. Magician • San Diego, California • • Tommy Garcia • Cory Stier • Jacob Turnbloom • Jordan Clark •
Mrs. Magician’s sound in 3 words: @mrs_magician
@mrs_magician
Dismal Bummer Punk
Favorite song to perform live: TOMMY: “Sleep It Off” JACOB: “Phantoms” JORDAN: “Where’s Shelly?” CORY: “The Limbo (Party’s Over)”
Favorite food or drink: /mrsmagicianmusic 9
Taco Bell™ @livemas
Favorite spot in SF:
Tonga Room; Bottom Of The Hill
• Jacob Turnbloom •
• Tommy Garcia •
• Cory Stier •
• Jordan Clark •
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• Rickshaw Stop, San Francisco • June 23, 2016 • @thehunnaband /thehunnaband
Featured Artist
@THEHUNNABAND
• THE HUNNA •
With a handful of up and coming artists emerging, THE HUNNA is definitely one to take a close listen to. THE HUNNA, formed in 2015, hails from Hertfordshire, England. Putting forth an upbeat sound perfect for dancing at any hour, the band features Ryan Potter (vocals, guitar), Dan Dorney (guitar), Jermaine Angin (bass), and Jack Metcalfe (drums). Not only did they release their debut single, “Bonfire,” they have also performed alongside artists such as Mainland and Coasts. Additionally, their hit “You & Me,” has recently been featured on Sirius XM’s Alt Nation. The band will be releasing their debut full-length record, 100, next month, via 300 Entertainment. Earlier this summer, the band played a handful of shows across the United States, including Rickshaw Stop in San Francisco, marking their first North American tour. They will also be embarking on an extensive fall tour, set to perform at numerous venues all over the United Kingdom. Kindly contributing time and thought from his busy schedule, Jack shares a sneak peek on 100, the inspiration for “We Could Be,” and 11 even what “The Hunna” chocolate bar would have.
What’s the story behind the formation of The Hunna? Ryan and Dan went to college together and started a band eight years ago playing under different names with different membersJack joined the band four years ago after leaving a project, and asked Jermaine to join around the same time. Under the name Alaska Campus, we had a refresh and came up with the name The Hunna in Bath after saying 1hunna for awhile, which means keeping it 100 and giving 100% in everything we do.
What was the first instrument (musical or non-musical) you started making music with? Myself (IK) have always played the drums, and originally used programs such as Cubase, Reason and Logic to produce music. The guys have all been natural guitarists, and have all used similar music programmes since the beginning.
You’re getting ready to release your debut album, 100, which is super exciting! What was the process of writing, recording, and producing it? The band have been writing for several years before being released in many different formats. BD and Tino would write many ideas together and bring them to the table, and then myself and prince would put our spin on them as we all write and jam ideas around a song. The guys have worked with Tim Larcombe on writing in Brighton. Pre-production was with Duncan Mills before he produced the album, and we worked really hard to make sure every track was as catchy, rocky and 100 true to ourselves. We can’t wait to release the album and hope The Hunna squad dig our debut.
Which song (released or unreleased) are you most proud of? We are proud of the full project, but if I had to pick one, it would be “Bonfire” because it’s been one of our oldest songs that has always had potential to be a single with many different versions. It is now finished, and we are stoked! 12
• Dan Dorney •
• Jack Metcalfe •
• Ryan Potter •
• Jermaine Angin •
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What happens before you go onstage? Is there a The Hunna pre-show ritual? We always play some turnup hip hop to get pumped. Tino warms his voice; squad handshakes, stretch and get blessed by the prince.
Out of all your songs that have been released, my favorite is “We Could Be.” Can you touch on the inspiration and creation of that particular song? We love WCB too! Thanks for the love, the song is about us working hard before being signed and all the set backs that come with trying to make a name for yourself in the industry. Stay true to yourself and this can become a reality.
What’s your favorite restaurant and/or food in San Francisco? Any places back home in London? We didn’t get to venture to many places when we were in San Francisco. However, we went to a little cafe which was pretty chill, and ate some good Chinese lunch! Until next time San Francisco! There are tonnes of dope places to eat in LDN :)
If there were a chocolate bar with the name “The Hunna,” what type of chocolate would it be, and what would it have? Good question! It could have many names; for example, “Gnarly Bars:! With a wrapper, 100 calories with milk choc and dank.
What can listeners expect in terms of upcoming projects and/or shows? The album is full of surprises that will rock hard but also tap into your emotions and outlook on many different situations that we have all been in. Shows are always LIT and fun from start to finish! 14
• Rickshaw Stop, San Francisco • June 23, 2016 • @paperroute @paperroutemusic /paperroute
Main Artist
• Paper Route •
paperrouteonline.com
If there were a goal to score, it would be having your song as the exclusive trailer track for a popular video game. FIFA 17 features Paper Route’s newest single, “Chariots.” Paper Route, formed and based in Nashville, Tennessee, showcases JT Daly (vocals, guitar, and percussion), Chad Howat (bass, piano, programming), and Nick Aranda (guitars). Following the release of their debut self-titled EP in August 2006, the band has put out two full-length albums, with their, Real Emotion, set for release this upcoming fall. Aside from having released multiple records, the band has also toured with numerous well-known artists, including Paramore and Imagine Dragons. On their most recent tour this summer, the band performed at Rickshaw Stop in San Francisco on June 23. Prior to the show, the band generously contributed some time and thought to chat about the formation of the band, what they enjoy when they are in San Francisco, and even what happens before their set, while the band 15 additionally posed for a few portraits.
What’s the story behind the formation of Paper Route? Chad and I moved to Nashville in a different band and when that group dissolved, we naturally gravitated back towards each other to make music. He was making tracks, and I started singing on them. We had no other intention besides creating. Eventually, we shared these songs on the hit cyber social collective known as Myspace, and the reaction stirred up the need to tour. We met Nick when we asked him to tour with us and right before starting this album asked him to be an official “paper boy.”
What was the first instrument (musical or non-musical) you started making music with? I guess technically, it was my voice. My dad was in bands, and I would take my boombox and write and record songs that I felt they should play. These were of course, a capella and terrible. But, later on in my youth, I became a child of the woodwinds and embraced the alto saxophone. This soothing sound can be found (but quite hidden) on every Paper Route album.
You released your latest single,“Chariots,” on June 12. What was the process of writing, recording, and producing it? Chad had a track he started, and we all loved the chord progression and spirit. After trying about 20 different melodies with him and our dear friend Nate Campany, we finally landed on something we felt fit the emotion the music was already doing. Then I spent a week writing to see if anything would stick lyrically. I spent a really long time on this one because I wanted the chorus to be powerful visually. Like one of those songs that you sing and you can see the images in your head as you sing it. I sang the word “Chariots,” and it phonetically felt perfect. At the time I was reading a lot of pieces on sexuality and fidelity, and felt the need to write a song about it. This is a song about fighting, pleading, proving love. We then took the lyrics and chords to the North House, which was this place tucked away from everything in Tennessee, and that’s where everything came together. To me, the song became what it was when Nick tracked his guitar parts. They are so creative and so hypnotic. We changed the groove last, and the song was finished.
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• Chad Howat •
• Joel Plotnik •
• JT Daly •
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• Nick Aranda •
• Brian Hall •
• Rickshaw Stop, San Francisco •
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Which song (released or unreleased) are you most proud of? A song on our new album called “Real Emotion” is my favorite at the moment.
What happens before you go onstage? Is there a Paper Route pre-show ritual? I doubt there’s a band that has more rituals than Paper Route. I’ll make a quick (and random) list of all the things that might happen between soundcheck and a show. - Yoga - Boxing - Meditation/prayer - Pre-show speech - Green room vibe setup - Podcasts
Out of all your songs, my favorite track is “Glass Heart Hymn.” Can you touch on the inspiration and creation of that song? This was the last song we finished on our The Peace of Wild Things album, and it came from our desire on every album to tap into that southern gospel mystique. It’s our…. Flannery O’Connor hymn.
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What’s your favorite restaurant and/or food in SF? Any places back home in Nashville? SF has some of the best coffee in the world. I’m not drinking much of it these days due to health issues, but I’m sure the guys are going to devour much of this. Home in Nashville, the best restaurant in the entire world exists…Rolf and Daughters. Nothing touches it.
If there were a chocolate bar with the name “Paper Route,” what type of chocolate would it be, and what would it have? It would be dark chocolate mixed with Fernet.
What can listeners expect in terms of upcoming projects and/or releases? Our new album Real Emotion, out this fall. Lots of shows.
What’s a question you have wanted to get asked in an interview, and what’s the response to it? Do you want a free Andy Warhol original? Yes.
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LISTEN. EAT. EXPLORE.
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