Winter 2019 by Veracious Magazine

VERACIOUS MAGAZINE

Lera Lynn

Issue 9 // February 2019

Featuring: 6

Catch Prichard

Milk Theory

Staff Picks

Sean McConnell

New Releases

Forever Young

Lera Lynn

Kalani Peâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;a

46 R.LUM.R 52

Super Whatevr

Founder, Editor-in-Chief: Samantha Toy

About Us:

Senior Editor: Mya Hamilton Copy Editor: Mary Perez Playlist Editor & Designer: Tiffany Martinez Photographers: Angela Smith Guy Hurst Juan Badillo Rebekah Witt TJ Martinez Guy Hurst Samantha Toy

Gunnar Velten Jenna Whalen Kailey Sullivan Samantha Toy

Located in San Francisco, California of the United States of America, Veracious is an online and print magazine focusing on musicians globally. With over 30 staff members in numerous countries around the world, our photographers, writers, and interviewers have a strong passion for music. We not only promote the artists themselves, but we also cover behind the scenes crew like managers, tour photographers, publicists, and merchandise sellers just to name a few. It’s our goal to showcase those who work hard behind the stage to make the musicians shine. Contact us:

Interviewers:

contact@veraciousmagazine.com

TJ Martinez

www.veraciousmagazine.com Writers:

Fábio Julio Martins

Twitter / Instagram: @veraciousmag TJ Martinez

Facebook / YouTube: @veraciousmagazine

Many Thanks: 6LACK Ben Brinkley Candace Brown Chris Martignago Emily Cunningham Forever Young Humbert Luna Iya Terra Jessie Reyez Kalani Pe’a Kasbo Lera Lynn Luke Roberts Mike Bachta Milk Theory Natalie Schaffer Real Friends R.LUM.R Sean McConnell Sheri Sands Spencer Scanlon Super Whatevr Sure Sure Timothy Burk

Cover Photo: Lera Lynn by Guy Hurst

Catch Prichard Interview by | Samantha Toy Can you tell us about your first encounter with music? Did your parents play music growing up and then you got interested in becoming a musician, or did you want to become a singer after being influenced by your favorite artists? I remember nights when I was young, hearing my dad play harmonica while watching TV as I fell asleep in my room. My mom would dabble at the piano, but I wouldn’t say their endeavors were a direct influence on my musical upbringing. I do remember the exact moments, though, when I realized I wanted to play an instrument and another where I realized I had no choice in the matter whether or not to pursue music. I was in a music store with my dad when I picked up an electric guitar and asked for it to be mine. I was young, 11 maybe, and of course my dad had his parental reluctance in putting money into another juvenile hobby that could eventually fall off the table like karate or soccer. But I remember thinking, how can anyone pick something up such as this and just give it up? It wasn’t until many years later that I realized that was a pivotal moment in my life. As far as singing, finding my voice and making that crossroad decision whether I take the music route or the road to everything else was later. I was 17, or 18 years old, sitting on the living room couch, writing a song probably about my girlfriend at the time. I was struggling with how to actually sing without straining my vocal cords. I was really into The National, so I thought why don’t I try singing in a lower octave? Well, there it was. That’s when I knew I had something that was special. That was mine. The ease and comfort of finally finding my voice- literally and metaphorically. It’s evolved since then, and I’m continually trying to evolve it. Takes practice like any other instrument.

Who were your musical inspirations growing up and do you think your music taste has changed in a huge way? When you are a teenager beginning to figure out what life is and trying to find ways to differentiate yourself from everyone else, you are nothing but one big sponge. With my parents, and being the youngest of four, I had an influx of culture from all sides, from blues, to folk, to punk, to rock. I remember hearing Tom Waits’s voice blasting over my dad’s record player speakers and being terrified of his voice. “How could anyone ever like this?” I thought. But of course, I love Waits now. Same with the blues. I didn’t get it when I was a kid, but it wasn’t until I was broke and down and out in a foreign country when I realized what it truly meant. Sometimes you have to live it to feel it. The no money, longing for a home, broken hearted — it was all there. But if it wasn’t for my dad playing it in the car or on the radio, perhaps I would’ve never put on Robert Johnson or John Lee Hooker or Lightnin’ Hopkins or Son House. But you also have to find things on your own time, the right time. I am not as big [of] a sponge anymore. There are just things I know I’m not gonna get into and don’t have the capacity to absorb in a respectable way. I can appreciate everything because I know what it takes to create something, but it doesn’t mean I’m gonna hold it close. My biggest musical epiphany as of late is binging a ton of world music. From South America, to Africa, to the Caribbean, [but] I feel like I’m a little late on that one. But again, good things take time. The Cuban singer Ibrahim Ferrer from Buena Vista Social Club, to the famous Egyptian-Syrian singer and composer Farid al-Atrash, to the Bembeya Jazz National from Guinea, these have all been huge influences which I hope to incorporate in my own way on future recordings.

Did you take guitar lessons or were you selftaught? What was the first song you learned how to play on the guitar? I’m self-taught on guitar, and most recently, piano in the last two years or so. Just a lot of listening. There was a few guitar lessons here and there when I was first starting to play guitar, but that didn’t really lead anywhere creatively. I can totally give Blink-182 credit for finding music, asking myself what is music, and wanting to actively be engaged in it anyway possible. If you learn one Blink-182 song, you’ve learned them all. I think “Carousel” was the first song I learned on guitar, which is pretty close to “Dammit” as well. I remember playing three chords that sounded marvelous together thinking I had something new and unique until my dad said, “Hey that sounds like The Who!” It was totally the progression of “Teenage Wasteland.” Think that’s a pretty good finding for a kid thats never heard of The Who before though! A new world opened there as far as classic rock, which is fitting when you’re 12. What made you decide to go with the name “Catch Prichard” instead of your birth name? How did you come up with your stage name? Catch Prichard isn’t actually referring to myself. It’s everyone that becomes apart of it. When I am on stage and introduce the group, I say, “WE are Catch Prichard.” I think it’s important to feel that everyone that gets involved with Catch, whether it’s a musician, artist, photographer, videographer, or manager, to have their special place and give their own piece. I feel like if I was referring to myself, it would feel too exclusive like they are working for ME rather than everyone having their own say within the project. Catch Prichard just came to me. [It] popped up in my head like some kind of epiphany and I knew that was to be the name of my next project. Like the music I make, I like to draw the lines and have the listeners fill it in with whatever colors they want. I don’t like things to be too obvious. This can be a double-edged sword because a lot of people need to be told what something is to understand, rather than creating something of their own. So, Catch Prichard could be a person or it could also mean go and catch this person named Prichard? Up to you.

You moved from the Midwest of the United States to Sweden at 19 years old and eventually moved back to the United States. What made you decide to move back to the US instead of staying in Sweden? Yup, I moved from Madison, Wisconsin. I felt like what I had to do musically had to be done back here in the states. I had spent most of my early adult life abroad, which can be very impactful mentally and spiritually. You learn how to observe and read people well, their mannerisms, tone, space. But also, your individualism is tarnished. You’re either the foreigner or in my case, the American so you have to take a seat somehow. You lose your tongue, and that’s a hard place to be. Music was the only way I could speak in those smoked out bars or galleries in Berlin or pretty venues or churches in Copenhagen or Stockholm. They romanticize the American singer-songwriter but there is some cognitive dissonance that remains between actually understanding the words and liking the music. And I don’t mean “understanding the words” by actual translation, I mean relating to the feeling that is trying to be conveyed, like when I was talking earlier about finding the blues because I was going through those classic narratives. What were the major differences between the two countries and do you think that has affected you in any way as a musician? Now, tying this into the last question. Europe is a very functioning, clean, intelligent, and for the most part, morally correct place that’s doing a lot right. But it’s the old world and has worked out a lot of the basic human rights kinks that the states still have to hammer on; this land is pretty new after all. They are not without their dismayed similarities though. For example, America is more overtly racist such as the alt-right movement, while Europe is naively racist like the holiday practice in the Netherlands where Saint Nick’s assistant “Black Pete” is costumed in blackface. But these are world issues that need to be addressed in and of itself. When it comes to America, it is crazy, hard, chaotic, and beautiful. The hustle here is real. If you don’t try, you die. No one is going to help you. It’s not in their

interest to, especially your government. Europeans see the U.S. as a circus. They like to come and see the show, but only for a moment. Peer in behind the glass, turn to their families, friends, or lovers and say, “Did you see that? Remarkable! Can you believe it? Insane! Imagine if….” They buy the ticket and take the ride but have the option to actually get off and return. They are fascinated by the culture and everything that is created and bred here, and they’re welcome to take whatever it is when they go to recreate it idiosyncratically. This is good because the world needs that. Some stay and are immersed in the chaos ‘cause hell, the clean streets of a perfect Nordic city or quint German town can be quite dull, but they still have an exit plan, and that’s a nice thing to have. Not everyone gets that. It’s an awe show for us too, but it’s not always as entertaining. Now, before I anger people with that generalized analysis of US and EU dichotomy, I want to say these are remarks made only through my experiences and stories. What I say here may ring true to some while others see it as a pompous remark not fit to be printed. Maybe it is, but what I am trying to say is returning to the states, analogous to staying in Europe, had to be. I had to be in the beauty and chaos to make this music thrive and be as true as possible to myself and out of respect to the people who may listen. What attracted you to relocate to Oakland/Bay Area instead of moving back to the Midwest? When I returned to the states, I did the “travel around the states in a van” thing for about three months reaching all corners of the U.S. I stopped in Oakland to finish mixing the last album “Eskota” and my buddy suggested I give The Bay a try. I said alright, I’ll give it one month and see what a happens. Well, things began to happen so here I am today. On February 22nd, you will be releasing your second EP called Utter Disbelief. What can you tell us about it? Well, as I mentioned before, this new collection was mostly recorded at the edge of my bed. In the past when I was recording, it has been directly influenced

by what I was listening to at the time of the recording process. Now, it is a musical reflection of all that influenced and fed me for so many years, from Philip Glass to Springsteen. Call it a personal homage to the artists and music that have been so good to me. Would you say that “Utter Disbelief ” has changed a lot from your previous work? Absolutely. But I can say that for every album I’ve recorded, even going back to my Brittsommar days (EU project). I try not to press repeat too often. I was always thrown into the folk, singer-songwriter, americana genre. Now it’s more alt-pop? Before, the songs were very organic as far as instrumentation: violins, acoustic guitar, organs, piano. This time was different, which I love, because it shows that the music is evolving in a positive direction. These collection of songs have sweet and low-down sequencers, “out-ofthe-box” drum machines, moody pads and synths, as well as the organic element of guitars, strings, and piano. [It] reminds me if Pop Vuh and Leonard Cohen would have had a collaboration, very simple and mediative. When you are in the studio, do you collaborate with producers and other people to bounce ideas off of, or do you work just by yourself? In the past, I have usually worked with my good friend and producer from Oakland, Brad K. Dollar. We’ve recorded in ghost towns to high-end studios, bringing in guest musicians whenever we can. But these new collection of songs was a little different. Half of them are in the studio with Brad, and the other are just me in my room. You can hear the differences as far as style, but the songs still work really well together as a whole. I love working with people though. It’s one of the best parts of recording to bounce ideas and influences off each other to see what can be created. You need that other ear and voice. After listening to the same song for the 461st time, you just can’t hear it anymore. So when you have someone else by your side saying, “How about this?,” or “This could be stronger,” it really helps to keep you on the right path and mental state. Studios can be a very constructive place to really hold down

the fort for a couple days and completely dive into what you’re doing, but they can also be brutally stale and actually lack the atmosphere you need to create because they are so contrived in that way to do so. I like to be in more organic environments where you’re able work off the space that doesn’t actually need you there to exist. You exist because of it. Studios these days, as we all know, are becoming more and more unnecessary to have to invest in, especially with smaller artists. Not to say that they will become completely irrelevant, but it doesn’t carry the same weight and notoriety as it use to. Yeah, it’s nice to say you recorded at a famous or reputable studio, which I have, but really if you’re an independent artist like myself, it just means you spent way too much money for the name. I have had some of the most awing moments creatively just at the edge of my bed with a midi on my lap. You just wrapped up your California tour from these past three weeks! What was the most memorable experience from the tour? I love being on the road, especially with people you care about. It’s like that corny line, “It’s not about the destination; it’s about the journey.” As much as that may want to make you hurl, it’s kinda true in this sense. To create an experience with yourself is one thing but to do it with a few people that are all there for the same reason? Now that’s something special. Sometimes to hit the road for a tour is an excuse I have just to travel. Aside from new music releasing in the fall, what else can fans expect from you over the year? This is the year of going, going, going. Staying consistent, constant, and continually releasing music and playing shows. No complacency here! Hopefully somethings sparks and takes hold.

You can stream Catch Prichard’s upcoming EP, “Utter Disbelief ” when it releases on February 22nd! Make sure to also look out on his website and social media accounts for tour dates in your area. http://www.catchprichard.com

GUESS WHO IS BACK

“We’re still the same two best friends who dreamed of getting on stage together,” Tony says. “We’re both just so humbled and thankful to the people who have supported our music. It’s only that sort of support that allows us to get back out there. There’s an energy between us that we never found anywhere else. We’re so excited to be back.”

Jamie Follese, Ryan Follese, and Nash Overstreet are hitting up their social media accounts again to show off clips of new music to hype up fans about what’s next to come in the band’s lives. Even though this is just the beginning of their return, we cannot wait to see what they have to share with their global fanbase.

KTO - Malcolm Kelley and Tony Oller who is known for the far-famed hits, “Classic,” “Just Imagine It,” and “American Dream” that has surpassed over millions of streams worldwide - are officially back. After the duo took a two-year hiatus, they picked up right where they left off with a brand new single, “How Can I Forget,” released on September 7th via Crooked Paintings/BMG, showing off the band’s new phase of their careers.

t the end of November, Hot Chelle Rae posted: “Time will fly like Harajuku go-karts, but the way I feel won’t ever disappear” and “I think about my ex too much” on their Twitter account to hint to their fans new lyrics. Formed in 2005 in Nashville, Hot Chelle Rae has had a huge success from touring with Taylor Swift and Demi Lovato in addition to one of their singles, “Tonight Tonight,” reaching number 7 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

“The timing was just right,” says Malcolm. “This was the moment. We had the records ready. We wanted to deliver for the fans who had been waiting.” http://www.wearemkto.com/

http://www.hotchellerae.com/

MILK THEORY BY TJ MARTINEZ PHOTOGRAPHY | WORDS

oseph Peterson, Brisa Shaw, Caleb Smith, and Evan Hamilton make up dreamy, introspective, garage rock band The Milk Theory. Their music has a bit of an emo flair, drawing from influences like Paramore, Weezer, and Twenty One Pilots. The four piece band is based out of the San Antonio/Austin, Texas area. Their debut album, Interrobang, was released in June of 2018. The song titles all come together to form the message “Can we believe that all we see is just reflections?!” I’ve been to a handful of The Milk Theory’s concerts, and each one is somehow better than the last. My

favorite songs to hear live are “All” and “2 Hours Away.” Peterson and Shaw harmonize flawlessly on “All.” With subliminal lyrics like “All of this might come crashing down, all of this might fall to the ground” being sung softly to you, it’s easy to lose yourself during a Milk Theory show. The band radiates energy and gets even the most enervate of crowds to scream “Nothing is the same and I like it that way” with them during “2 Hours Away.” For the latest updates on the band, follow The Milk Theory on Instagram at @themilktheoryband and Twitter at @themilktheory!

15 ARTISTS THAT WILL V E R A C I O U S M A G A Z I N E ‘ S FAVO R ITE S O N G S O F 2 0 1 8 BE RELEASING ALBUMS Ariana Grande - Breathin THIS YEAR: “I don’t listen to a lot of pop music these 1. Foals | England

[2 albums in 2019]

www.foals.co.uk

days but I was lucky enough to go overseas last year and noticed this song was literally being played everywhere. From the Dubai Mall to some random cafe in Stockholm, everyone seemed to love this song. Apart from being a banging tune the song also has a powerful message.” Sethen Sheehan-Lee | Australia Forever Young - Rewrite

“With opening lyrics ‘Here’s to telling you how I feel in hopes that you don’t drown me out’, Rewrite is the perfect song about lost love.” TJ Martinez | United States Microwave - Keeping Up

2. The Maine | United States www.themaineband.com

“First of all, the instrumental is incredible. The song flows so nicely and makes me feel calm. The song in its entirety makes me feel at peace. It’s a pretty negative song, but I feel like because I relate to the lyrics, it calms me down in a sense. Cause it’s my thoughts in a song. Kinda shows me I’m not alone.” Ian Enger | United States Muse - Algorithm “It themes of human information being processed by machines and our lives ruled by them are extremely important to our current society. It also works as a great opener to a great album.”

Fábio Júlio Martins | Portugal

VE RA C I O U S MA GA Z I N E‘ S FAVO R ITE S O N G S O F 2 0 1 8

3. Zedd | Germany www.zedd.net

Joji - Slow Dancing in the Dark “When I first heard this song it was released through YouTube and a music video. It was filled with so many interpretations of what the lyrics could have actually meant. Anyways, the instrumental was very pleasing to the ears. My favorite lyric: ‘You should be with him, I can’t compete. You looked at me like I was someone else.’ One of his songs that made him a bit more noticed and continuing his loyal fan base!”

4. Nothing But Thieves | England www.nbthieves.com

Jetsper Cubos | United States Alice In Chains - Nutshell “Oldie but absolute goldie. From vocals to instrumental, its just across the board an absolute masterpiece.” Bryony Murch | England Against The Current - Voices

5. OneRepublic | United States www.onerepublic.com

“Besides having a catchy chorus and great instrumental the lyrics to this song present a honest and bold message. The song is about anxiety and insecurity, and I think it helps everyone that listens to it feel less alone.” Lexi Schnell | United States The 1975 - Love It If We Made It “The lyrics are all related to current events, and it’s a very interesting commentary on everything that’s been happening in the world.” Emma Silverstone | United States

6. Ellie Goulding | England www.elliegoulding.com

VE RA C I O U S MA GA Z I N E‘ S FAVO R ITE S O N G S O F 2 0 1 8 xBValentine - Patience “I first stumbled through the snippet of this song on twitter after it went viral and it caught my attention and fell in love with the song. I later found myself driving 3 hours to shoot for xBValentine and seeing her perform as she opened for Snow Tha Product. It was her biggest show yet. She loved my shots and told me a couple months after the show to join her on tour as her photographer and I’m definitely looking forward to that.” Juan Badillo | United States Brockhampton - Tonya

7. Busted | England www.busted.com

“I fell in love with this song when Brockhampton first performed it in June on the late night Fallon show. It was their first public appearance after they kicked out an important member of the group. This song detailed their hardships and dealing with their newly found fame and scandal that comes with everyone watching the group’s every move.” Zachary Sanders | United States Basement - Right Here “A slow one, but very powerful in my opinion. It almost makes me feel like the world is still and I have nothing to worry about.” Jenna Whalen | United States Martin Garrix - High On Life “This is my favorite song because it’s so catchy and its about being happy all the time which explains Martin’s personality.”

Samantha Toy | United States

8. Selena Gomez | United States www.selenagomez.com

VE RA C I O U S MA GA Z I N E‘ S FAVO R ITE S O N G S O F 2 0 1 8 Bradley Cooper - Maybe It’s Time “After seeing A Star Is Born, I really fell in love with the song because it hit home with some personal things going on in my life. I thought the story behind the song was relatable/could be relatable to many people. I found the song super powerful and made me feel very full and happy.” Cassidy O’Hara | Canada

9. AJR | United States

Chelsea Cutler - Evil

www.ajrbrothers.com

“Chelsea cutler is somebody I have been following for a long time and watch her go up brought me so much joy. I have always been able to personally relate to a lot of her songs and her story. Her drive as an artist motivates me every single day. She is also the first artist I ever shot for. I took a shot in the dark and DM’ed her directly on Instagram when she went on her first headline tour in the fall and she hooked me up with a photo pass. The reason i picked this song specifically is because it goes through hand in hand with some of the obstacles i have ran into while on the path of really trying to make it as an artist and have a platform big enough to inspire people and encourage people to do whatever it is their heart desires.”

10. Finish Ticket | United States www.finishticket.com

Jake Lemoine | United States The 1975 - Love It If We Made It “They address a lot of current problems with the world today, but turn it into a hopeful song with the chorus ‘I’d love it if we made it.’” Kristen Zarra | United States

VE RA C I O U S MA GA Z I N E‘ S FAVO R ITE S O N G S O F 2 0 1 8

11. MAX | United States www.maxhellskitchen.com

Billie Eilish - come out and play “I absolutely LOVE everything Billie puts out, but this song was so different from everything else she has released before! I was a little confused when it started with an acoustic guitar, but of course she put her own spin on the track and made it her own. The lyrics and melody are heartbreaking, yet innocent and sweet; it’s such a beautiful song.” Tori Rose Collene | United States State Champs - Our Time To Go

12.The Strumbellas | Canada www.ajrbrothers.com

“I love everything these guys put out to be fair but it’s one of my favorites to see them play live you can see all the emotion they put into it. I love the lyrics as they can also speak to anyone’s situation or anyone that may of lost someone. Also it’s catchy as hell!” Rebecca Marshall | England Neck Deep - Torn “Pop-punk was one of my first loves growing up, from the sound to the shows. As I got older I moved away from the sound but this song and the message behind the compilation album “Songs That Saved My Life” by Hopeless was a highlight of the year, this song in particular was one I gravitated towards as a fan of Natalie Imbruglia’s cover as a kid. Hearing this song and screaming along word for word was equally a highlight, a memory of the year I won’t forget.”

Martha Segovia | Canada

13. Low Life | Australia https://www.facebook.com/lowlife.sydney/

VE RA C I O U S MA GA Z I N E‘ S FAVO R ITE S O N G S O F 2 0 1 8 Yungblud - Medication “This was the first song I heard from Yungblud because the video caught my attention, and it led to him becoming one of my favorite artists. Medication is incredibly catchy and just fun to sing along to. To me, it feels like summer and brings back great memories.” Rebekah Witt | United States

14. BRUTUS | Belgium http://www.wearebrutus.com

Trash Boat - Crown Shyness “Hearing the song at first was a bit of a shock because it was something different from the bands previous work, but it really fitted into the album. The song overall holds a lot of meaning as it covers wanting to breakout of the norm, and be different.” Megan Arnold | England SZA - Go Gina

15. Sigrid | Norway https://www.thisissigrid.com

“In 2018 I got really obsessed with SZA’s Ctrl album. I really love all the songs, even after having it on repeat for months, but “Go Gina” is one song that I always come back to. I listened to it over and over during a road trip in August, so every time I hear it now, it just brings me back to that day driving in the heat. The song itself is super good though, it’s bright and upbeat, and catchy without sounding too radio-pop, and it always makes me happy to hear.” Lulu Dawson | United States

Sean McConnell BY GUY HURST PHOTOGRAPHY | INTERVIEW

Full gallery of Sean McConnell is on our website now!

So Sean, you've gained the incredible achievement of having 13 records under your belt and incredibly more still to come! How do you stay constantly inspired in creating new content?

Here We Go is your latest single off of your upcoming album. Could you tell us more about the creative process with songs such feel-good songs such as this one?

For me creating is a byproduct of growing, changing, and hopefully evolving as a person. My world view and beliefs are constantly changing as I walk through life, travel the world with this music, read different books, meet different people, and have different experiences. With all the joy and with all the pain there is always something new I need to emote with music. Life does a pretty good job of throwing you new things to sing about.

This specific song was one that I wrote with a friend of mineâ&#x20AC;Śan amazing producer/musician/writer name Ian Fitchuk. What started off as a song we were writing for a potential pitch became something I grew more and more attached to. The energy it was bringing was something the record didn't have yet and the searching lyric seemed to really fit in with the vibe of the record. I love the mystery that it brings to the collection.

If you could give any advice to any young, aspiring musicians, what would you tell them?

You get to perform on stage alongside other incredible artists such as having a few European dates with Ashley Monroe this January. How's it feel to perform for the first time in a new country or new venue, professionally?

The biggest gift you can give the world, and yourself, is to be exactly who you are. Write the songs that are inside of you. Don’t try to sound cool or create something that “has more commercial appeal”. Be you. Doors will open and you will find your people.

Out of your entire back catalogue, do you have a song which means the most to you and if so, why that particular one?

It’s impossible to pick just one but, of the few that come to mind, I would say that “Queen Of Saint Mary’s Choir” is up there in the top three. There’s a lot of me in that song. I love the literal nature of it. It’s pretty much a condensed no bullshit autobiography that touches on my family, my history with music, my spirituality, and so many other things. I love opening shows with that song, especially if I’m in front of an audience that doesn't know who I am. It’s a very quick way to introduce them to who I am and what’s important to me.

Opening for Ashley in Europe was such a blast. The audiences in Europe were there for the music. To hear the songs. To listen to the lyrics. That makes our job easy and fun. It allows you to just get up there and do what you do best. Performing in a new country is such a pleasure because you get to immerse yourself in a new culture and see that good honest music really does translate to all

What's next to come for Sean McConnell?

My new record Secondhand Smoke comes out February 8th. There’s a lot of road in my future. Touring touring touring. Mostly headline shows in the U.S. I’m also excited to be opening up for Need To Breath for a tour in April that will be bringing me out to the west coast. We are also looking to get back to Europe within the year if the stars align. Basically doing anything and everything to get this record out into the world. Thanks for being part of that.

New Releases

“Hurt U” - Eaxumar

“Exits” - Foals

“Want You Back” - Grey & LÉON

“BAD!” - R3HAB

“Numb Without You” - The Maine

“Loner” - YUNGBLUD

FOREVER YOUNG BY•TJ MARTINEZ PHOTOGRAPHY|WORDS

he artistic journeys of the members of Forever Young have been a long and wild ride. Lead singer and rhythm guitarist, Mac Withrow, has been surrounded by music his whole life. His dad often played gigs around Austin, Texas, the Live Music Capital of The World, so it’s no wonder that music has become such an important component in his life. Mac started playing when he was around 15 years old, and eventually started a band of his own, Forever Young. Forever Young started as a pop punk project of a few friends. The band was successful, playing

shows, and festivals around Texas. When lead guitarist, Tommy Salazar, enlisted in the military, he unfortunately had to put the band aside. Bassist Zach Dehoyos and the remaining members found a replacement and went on to play a few shows but soon decided that it just wasn’t the same without Tommy. They disbanded and found new projects of their own. Years later, the boys came back together with new drummer, Lando Lopez, to bring Forever Young back to life. The band is in the works of rewriting and recording. They’ve just released their newest single, “Rewrite,” which can be found on iTunes along with its music video on Youtube! They have a handful of shows lined up for the coming months. Keep up with the boys at @fybandtx on Instagram and Facebook!

Lera Lynn

Lera Lynn GUY HURST | PHOTOGRAPHY FÁBIO JULIO MARTINS | WORDS Born on December 5th, 1984 in Houston, Texas, a rising superstar was born, and her name was Lera Lynn. Raised in Athens, Georgia for a handful of years, she attended Young Harris College for a short time, then proceeding and obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Georgia. Shortly following her degree, Lynn released her first LP in 2011 labeled “Have You Met Lera Lynn.” It’s an indie rock album that consists of incredible tunes. In addition to her release, she also won the 2011 Chris Austin Songwriting Competition sharing the honor with alumni such as Gillian Welch & Tift Merrit. She also previously toured with K.D. Lang, Joan Osborne, Sarah Jarosz, Todd Snider, Sam Bush & more. A few years later, her follow up musical project came in 2014 with an album titled “The Avenues.” Also around this time, Lynn began to write songs for the massive HBO drama series, “True Detective” and they have an audience of over 11.9 million views across the globe. After performing the songs to the TV show’s producer and writer, they immediately invited her to be part of the cast. Lynn then became a recurrent character in a dive bar frequented by the main protagonists and performing her own songs. Her music was later released as part of the show’s official soundtrack album in 2015. While performing on True Detective’s set, Collin Farrell, one of the major characters on the

show, was inspired by the song that he began to cry at first. At first, Lynn thought he was only acting, but only to find out moments later that the song deeply touched Farrell. It was a moment that Lynn will never forget. As Lynn was continuously working with HBO’s hit show, she became a more well-known singer and songwriter. She’s so different in the music industry because she creates her indie rock style like no one else. Her third album - Resistor - was first to be reviewed by the honoring Rolling Stone Magazine. She also performed live at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival in Canada which is a four-day music event that draws spectators and performers from around the world. Since then, Lynn has been a pretty busy woman. Following two years later in 2018, Lera Lynn released a project completely different from her previous work: “Plays Well with Others,” an album composed only by duets of Lynn with other singers and songwriters such as Peter Bradley and John Paul White among others. Hesitant of co-writing songs, Lynn became influenced by Nashville’s trend of duets and co-writing, where she lives. She decided to open herself to the idea of sharing the intimate process of writing with others, resulting in all acoustic album of duets. As for 2019, Lynn is set to perform in April at the High Water Fest in Charleston, SC. No other dates are released yet, but Lynn said in an interview that a European tour is on the works for the last months of the year and they will be out soon. Make sure to follow her on social media for further music, shows, updates, and more! Lera Lynn is a talented and hard-working musician, and you would hate to miss out on her real talent.

https://www.leralynn.com

Kasbo

Photography by: Kailey Sullivan

Real Friends

Photography by: Jenna Whalen

KALANI PE‘A INTERVIEW|SAMANTHA TOY PHOTOGRAPHY|ANTONIO AGOSTO

You won the Grammy Award for Best Regional Roots Music Album back in 2017 for your album, “E Walea,” and now in 2019 you are nominated again in the same category for your latest album, “No ‘Ane’i.” What is it like to be Grammy nominated again within three years? All I did was cry. I cried all day for being nominated again. I know I get to live my life being a Grammy Award Winner, but to be nominated for my second album is a dream come true. My other half, fiancé, co-founder of Kalani Pe’a Music LLC, and manager, Allan Cool is my biggest supporter. He is, too, a Grammy Award winning co-producer, and now we’re nominated again. I am thrilled and overwhelmed with joy and appreciation. I am extremely grateful to have my second album, “No ‘Ane’i,” nominated for a Grammy award in the Best Regional Roots music at the 61st annual Grammy Awards. I have only completed two complete albums, and to be a winner and nominated in three years is a lot of blessings. I am blessed beyond measure. I believe hard work plays a role. We can’t sit around and allow accolades to fall in our laps. We need to strive for the best, work endless hours, work hard, and I presume it pays off.

What makes “No ‘Ane’i” different from your previous album, “E Walea?” When you write music, where do you usually begin: music or lyrics? I am still the same Hawaiian, contemporary, soul, and R&B artist. I will wear a purple bow tie—purple rules the world—with a sequin jacket, shorts, aloha shirt, purple leather shoes and rock it for a concert. It’s who I am. Both projects mean the world to me as both albums focus on Hawaiian identity: Hawaiian language, perpetuation of our language and heritage and much more. “No ‘Ane’i (We Belong Here)” talks about people I love, places I love, cherished Hawaiian royalty, Hawaiian natural and cultural resources, people that annoy me and much more. This second album defines and describes who I am as a modern Hawaiian, as a Hawaiian, Contemporary and Soul artist. I am all about pushing the envelope, pushing the vocals, the writing style, and arrangements. I actually start with lyrics. I write first and then music comes into play. My voice or vocals are my instrument. I don’t need to grab an instrument to chart anything down. I sing chord progressions and harmonic chord progressions, keys (key changes) all in my head while I’m writing music. I write a song in 5-10 minutes.

You attend Colorado Mesa University where you now have a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications with an emphasis in public relations/news editorial and a master’s degree on early childhood connection. Were you still able to make music while getting a degree?

At four years old, you were diagnosed with a speech impediment and your parents surrounded you with singing. If you didn’t have that strong music hook at a young age, do you think you would still be a musician today? I come from a musical family. My mother sang here and there. My dad and his siblings all performed professionally and at home. My dad is a professional electric bass player. My dad’s brother plays Hawaiian slack key, using guitar, steele guitar, or ukulele. I have an uncle that plays the harmonica. My aunties all sing in parted harmonies, play piano, etc. My grandmother sang in choir and my grandfather did opera. My family are musicians, but they didn’t hit the main stage. They always played for church or small parties. I grew up in it. The singing actually helped stop the stuttering and stammering and [allowed me to be] around musicians. Entering into karaoke/talent shows my entire life allowed me to sing and express my love for music. I didn’t know I would attend college and take more vocal training, ear training, music theory and then stop for a bit. I thought music was going to be a hobby of mine. I didn’t know I was going to win a Grammy award and be nominated again and then sing/entertain full-time around the world- selling out shows across Hawaii, Japan and the West Coast of the USA. The foundation of learning how to become a musician started at home. I love my parents and family for inspiring me. You have to start somewhere and just continue to work hard at it and build your business and brand.

The first objective was to major in music with an emphasis in vocal performance. I started my entire freshman year taking vocal lessons/training, participated in elite choirs, acting in musical plays, enrolling in ear training/music theory courses. I was encouraged by my vocal coach to enter the National Association of Teachers of Singing Competition- Colorado/Wyoming Chapter. I entered in the freshman classical and musical divisions and won both of them. The second year, I realized that this wasn’t for me. I never wanted to do this full-time. I chuckle about this because I’m a full-time musician now. I actually never wanted to teach music or become music teacher in elementary or high school and get paid $35,000 a year. I never wanted to move to New York and act in plays and be alone up there far from Hawaii. That was one goal, but not the ultimate goal. I didn’t know if music was going to be “for me.” So, I fell in love with Mass Communications and certainly graduated in PR/News Editorial in 2006 from Colorado Mesa University. Then I became a preschool teacher, then got promoted to creating curriculum and teaching from grades 6-12 for about 10 years. Now, I left the teaching position and back to music. The Grammy win gave me a full-time position in music. It changed my life. I am a full-time touring musician because of this one accolade. I get to use my PR/News Editorial skills being a music business owner, label and publishing company. What a turning point in my life. I am officially living my dreams.

“I am officially living my dreams.”

When you are going through a rough time, what motivates you to keep moving forward and inspiring others? Writing out the troubles on a piece of paper or venting out first to my loved ones about my issues helps a lot. I need to always surround myself with my friends and my family, who are part of my foundation of Hawaiian cultural values and practices. I surround myself with good and ethical people in the music industry. I am motivated to work and collaborate with like-minded people, people who bring value to my table. I cannot surround myself around unmotivated, timid people. I can’t. I am inspired to learn from people who bring VALUE. That’s what matters to me. I even compose songs for people who both motivate and don’t motivate me. It’s funny, but this is true. I can’t stand hanging around with just talkers; I need to be around people who do the work and get it done. I can’t surround myself with lazy people who think that accolades are going to fall on their laps and they did nothing for that. I need to see and hear about working musicians, people who are motivated, sweating, working hard and always motivating themselves and others to do what’s best. I work super long hours everyday except Sundays. On tours, I find time to breathe and love up on my fiancé, my man Allan. I seek balance. I do my best to separate church and state. My fiancé and I have a business to run. We have music to share.

While you have sold out shows in Hawaii, Japan, and along the West Coast of the US, what are your next goals as a performer? Where would you like to travel to next? My long-term goal is to create a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program scaffolding and creating curriculum from grades 6-12. The curriculum is based on Hawaiian music composition with a driving question (project based learning): How does Hawaiian music define who we are as Hawaiians? I want to create a two weeks program every year for children and teach them about Hawaiian music composition. For short term goals, I still want to tour because it’s part of my livelihood. I want to perform at the Carnegie Hall one day with my full band or maybe just the grand piano. I want to travel to Canada and Europe and plan a musical tour out there. I want to continue to attend Beyonce’s world tours. Allan and I love Beyonce. I am excited to be performing at Freight and Salvage for the first time in Berkeley during my Music for the Soul tour. My goal is to see San Francisco year after year, not only for concerts, but to relax and enjoy the city. It is truly my favorite city in the world. I love Haight & Ashbury, Castro, the four hearts at Union Square, the food near and around Union Square and The Ferry Building, gazing at the Golden Gate Bridge and more. I love SFO and I left my heart there…. My heart is in San Francisco.

Jessie Reyez

Photography by: Rebekah Witt

6LACK

Photography by: Juan Badillo

PHOTOGRAPHY|SAMANTHA TOY

R.LUM.R has stormed into the music

scene as one of the most promising artists since his hit single “Frustrated” in 2016. In an age where hits soon became a distant memory, the R&B singer promises to stay in everyone’s ears for a long time to come. Born Reginald Lamar Williams, Jr. on January 18 1990, in Bradenton, Florida, he went through a tough childhood when at five years old, his parents divorced. This lead, according to the singer, led to a “tenuous relationship” with his parents and sisters. His teen years would be mostly spent at a friend’s house but a social identity crisis would not make his formative years any easier. Reginald, an afro-American, didn’t fit in the social stereotypes; according to an interview he gave to the Rolling Stone magazine, his fellow afro-American friends and schoolmates expected him to play basketball, while he thought of himself as being fat and just wanted to listen to Linkin Park. But the white boys wouldn’t accept him for his color. Unable to fit in a racially split society, Reginald would feign interest in the same things his friends would, just so he could be part of something. His first steps to play music happened while studying at the Manatee School for the Arts, where he started to learn classical guitar. It was also here where he began to write songs, mostly influenced

WORDS|FÁBIO JULIO MARTINS

by girls that didn’t like him. He then pursued Music Studies at Florida State University, dropping out later after realizing he would have more opportunities in a city with a bigger music scene. In 2003, Reginald, now going by Reggie Williams, moved to Orlando, Florida where he started writing songs for Atlantic Records. “Show Me” and “Be Honest” were hits, with the first being picked by Spotify on their New Music Tuesday playlist. Reggie adopted his current artistic name R.LUM.R and moved to Nashville, Tennessee in 2015. Many of his collaborators were moving there and he felt Nashville had the space for a black musician to be able to produce his classical black music, in opposition to New York or Chicago, filled with many other talents. It would be Nashville that inspired R.LUM.R to create his biggest hit, “Frustrated,” hitting 20 million streams on Spotify alone. In August 2017, Reggie performed at Jimmy Kimmel Live. For 2019, no shows have been announced yet, but Reggie did promise on social media that much more music was coming. In January 11th, Hype Machine debuted a new song featuring R.LUM.R, “I’m Alright.” It’s not hard to imagine that, after a 2018 full of concerts, Reggie will be busy on the road and studio alike and that R&B is in good voices for many years to come.

https://www.werlumr.com 47

Iya Terra

Photography by: Gunnar Velten

Sure Sure

Photography by: Angela Smith

SUPER WHATEVR BY • TJ MARTINEZ LIVE PHOTOGRAPHS | INTERVIEW

Right now, y’all are out on tour with Waterparks across North America- how has that been so far? It has been AMAZING. We’ve seen so much progress with this tour and the fanbase is growing by the second. The other bands are incredibly kind, and at this point we’re only halfway through!

In just under two years, Super Whatevr has been signed to Hopeless Records, played shows with Movements, Waterparks, and Sum 41 and you have performed at a couple of music festivals including So What?! Music Fest and Riot Fest. Did it feel like your musical careers just took off all of a sudden? Not at all. I’ve been working on Super Whatevr for over 6 years, but the growth in the last year has definitely been exponential. It’s a little of both I guess… some things move slowly, some are flying by. What is your favorite song that Super Whatevr has written so far and why? “Everything is New, Everything Hurts.” It’s about therapy and how it hurts to grow, but it’s insanely worth it. Also it isn’t out yet so I’m pretty excited about that.

“I just want to help people through music”

Can you talk a bit about the creative process that goes into making the music videos? Who thinks up the concepts? Up until “Misquote,” it had been me (Skyler) and Benny Gagliardi making the videos. We mostly just had quick and easy ideas and ran with ‘em. Since then, Eat The Danger, Apple, and The Wild Productions have gotten involved and the videos have changed as a byproduct. I try to keep the video as close to the song concept as possible I guess.

When writing music, what kind of experiences or events do you all draw from? I can’t help but write about pain. Vulnerability has aided me in improving my mental health, so I’m fairly obsessed with getting all my thoughts on paper.

Who is your dream collaboration? Matty Healy and George Daniel. I respect The 1975 immensely, and I would love to write a song with them or have them produce a record. My absolute dream on Earth.

How does Super Whatevr strive to stand out in an industry with so many artists? I don’t. I just want to help people through music and that’s it. When it becomes anything other than that, I’ll probably quit.

Out of all the places you have been and shows you’ve played, what is the most memorable of those? Florida really enjoys our set. The Abbey in Orlando was the first audience that knew all the words to my songs. It blew my mind and made everything I’ve done up until this point worth it.

What do you think are some of the most inspiring things happening in the music industry currently? People are embracing beautiful wonderful melodies and trying to make art that connects with an audience because this world is going to crap and I think that’s amazing. I can hear a sonic cry for beauty, aka I really enjoy Daniel Caesar.

Without giving too much away, what kind of material is Super Whatevr working on now? Pop music.

veraciousmagazine.com