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JIMMY EAT WORLD + + +

THE SIGHTS + SOUNDS YOU LOVE

PORTUGAL. THE MAN ’S HITMAKER PROTÉGÉ ISN’T LOOKING DOWN DAVID ANDERS TV’S FAVORITE VILLAIN GETS ROUGH WITH JOHN STAMOS

+ SOARS IN U.S. J. COLE THE HAS COME FOR THE KING’S THRONE VS. EDM VOL. 4, ISSUE 3 | JULY_SUMMER 2013 good makes good times.

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COACHELLA 2013

SUMMER IS HERE, FOLKS! music maker Skylar Grey, Eminem’s pro- And it’s here to stay—for a couple more months any- tégé, who’s finally getting her moment in uwway. With summer festival season in full swing, more the spotlight. up-and-coming bands are being introduced to audi- Our cover artist, J. Cole, recently ences all over the world. It’s a wonderful time to be a stunned the music industry by moving the , and an even better time to be a music fan. release date of his sophomore record, Born With festivals like Firefly and Bonnaroo already Sinner, to the same day as ’s done and gone, acts like Cities and The Last buzzworthy new , . He dou- Royals are finally getting the recognition they de- bled on sales predictions and debuted at serve. They’re talking to us now about their journey. No. 2 right behind West. In a truly rare In this issue, we catch up with the timeless favorite scenario, Born Sinner this month climbed Jimmy Eat World, talking about the new record and its way up to No. 1, cementing his place why consistency works for them over the bells and as one of the year’s biggest stars. Writer whistles that many of their peers have fallen for. Weston Shepherd discusses the rapper’s Jack-of-all-trades actor David Anders, most notably role as a new leader within hip-hop and TV’s favorite villain on shows like Vampire Diaries why J. Cole is one of the best in . and Once Upon a Time, gives us the scoop on one It may be hard to believe that we’re of his crazier fan encounters; actress Katee Sackhoff more than halfway through 2013, but talks about working with and how she we feel there are still plenty of incredible maintains balance in her life; Derek Vincent Smith of Sights and Sounds on the way. Keep those Pretty Lights tells us what he really thinks of EDM; eyes and ears open; it only gets better and we slip into the mind of the hauntingly beautiful from here. 4 4 4 SUMMER.13 MIXTAPE

AVICII FT. FT. PHARRELL “Wake Me Up” “We Can’t Stop” “ to Dance” by @prettyraver by @AlexanderGold by @MoleCertins

MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS J. COLE FT. TLC JOHN NEWMAN “Same Love” “” “Love Me Again” by @Politicana by @ShowMe_Luv by @RyanHansonBoxer

JAY Z FT. ELLIE GOULDING THE NEIGHBOURHOOD “Holy Grail” “Burn” “$ting” by @CGGADD by @kaytlyn_rae by @tavukciyan

KANYE WEST JANELLE MONÁE “Black Skinhead” “Dance Apocalyptic” “Paper Doll” by @AaronNagler by @gocabajic by @JasonHydra YOU CREATE THE PLAYLIST zz VARIANCE Summer_2013, Vol. 4, Issue 4

Editorial Director Jonathan Robles

Managing Editors Rachel Faylene & Weston Shepherd

Editor-at-Large

CONTENTS Amanda Morad

Features Editors Merlyn & Emily Hulseberg

Editorial Assistant Laurie Tomlinson

Contributing Writers Noel Abas Chas Guy Katie Herald John Mouser Eli Provenzano Edwin Wilson

Photography Mike Windle

Contributing Photographers & Artists Chloe Aftel Bo Apitz Krystle Blackburn Jennifer Botello Dustin Cohen Robby Doland Michael Elins Rose Hardy Jim Herrington Benny Haddad Taylor Hatfield Thomas Hawk Eliot Lee Hazel Steve Laughlin Von Lohmann Frank Maddox Jeffrey Marini Dustin Meehan Jason Mongue Nan Palmero Felix Perez SUMMER MIXTAPE (PLAYLIST) 05 John Peets Chris Phelps THE 1975 08 Claire Reynolds EISLEY 10 Alexander Richter ARIEL ALEXIS 25 Cara Robbins KATEE SACKHOFF 30 David Roemer Mark Runyon CAPITAL CITIES 32 George Salisbury Joe Scarcini F. Scott Schafer John Shearer g Aaron Stern J. COLE 40 Steven Taylor Laura Wilson Kevin Winter SURFER BLOOD 50 Derek Wood MARSHALL YOUNG 58 Tony Wooliscroft THE LAST ROYALS 59 Hayley Young CAZZETTE 60 Web Production & Design LAST NOTE 61 Nicholas Clayton JP Jones Jonathan Robles Project Development Bryan Norris

THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS YOU LOVE. www.variancemagazine.com PHOTO DIARIES 16 SHOTS FROM COACHELLA, BOTTLEROCKET & SASQUATCH FUTURESOUNDS: 36 THE SOUNDS YOU NEED TO HEAR

THE LONELY ISLAND 12 The comedy trio returns with The Wack Album, and they’re proving they’re here to stay.

PORTUGAL. THE MAN 22 Having worked with , they’ve created their best record yet. JIMMY EAT WORLD 26 No need for shock value or left-field collaborations. They're just fine with consistency. LAURA MARLING 34 One of the brightest voices Britain has to offer is settling down in America. Fine by us! SKYLAR GREY 46 The hitmaking & protégé of Eminem is finally stepping into the stoplight on her own. DAVID ANDERS 48 He's TV's favorite villain. Now, he's getting rough with John Stamos. PRETTY LIGHTS 52 The electro hip-hop artist talks about his new record and his honest thoughts on “EDM.” Q + A

the1975 BY EMILY HULSEBERG

Manchester-based art-pop quartet The 1975 How did form? How has your sound evolved since are quickly climbing the charts across the Through a reaction to boredom to be you first started playing? and Britain. After a string of honest with you. Just me and my mates, It's manifested itself in lots of different sold-out performances, the foursome will we started playing in punk bands ways. We've gone from being a loud release their self-titled debut record this fall, when we were about 13 and we've kind of skate, punk band to almost followed by a North American headlining tour. never left each other's side since then like an ‘80s pop project. We wanted Vocalist-guitarist Matthew Healy took time really, so we've been together for about our records to feel like a John Hughes between tour stops to talk with Variance. 10 years. movie .

8 VARIANCEMAGAZINE.COM ut lyn msc s prut of pursuit a as music playing just any validation. We were very happy of kind for desperate that weren't feel really Wemusic. any out put to need the didn't we all, of First full-length? so manyEPsbeforedoingadebut Why didyoualldecidetorelease

PHOTO: ROSE HARDY of stuff. I hope people fall in love to our to love in fall people hope I stuff. of their lives. I hope that songs remind them in moments frames of kind it that hope I from yourmusic? What doyouhopepeopletake away music. your enjoy who people Youthe to it owe you tour.gotta sustain, you've think just I So, know? to going not you're then of cloaks and no kind kind of smoke and mirrors, no with room a in beings man hu- fellow 150 to that portray can't you if but vision, concrete a having or clever or cool stylistically being well very It'sall live. good really be to need you ‘Cause tant forup-and-comingbands? Why doyouthinktouringissoimpor- record. our in capture to wanted we something it's and have movies those that vibe tic roman- overly not life-affirming, of kind nostalgic, of kind It'sthat feel. you make records those way the it's but record, ing sound - 80’s an make to parallel. tried not We've to tried we've that something stylistically necessarily not It'smovies. of kinds those all and Club Breakfast ence, ob- be to with sessed used I watch. would I what really, on up brought was I what That’s favorite? films comeabout?Doyouhavea Where didyourloveofJohnHughes really know ourown identity. didn't we time, the at up us summed it realized what we wanted. We we just thought and us revitalized just it heartening, dis- really wasn't it and label major a to signed getting not up ended we and est inter- of lot a showed that labels major bit. Not tarnished, but we'd been around It was a time where we'd been tarnished a "The 1975"stickwithyouall? lot ofdifferentnamechanges.Whydid You mentionedhowyouguyshada thought aboutit. we way the that’s so you, of both for is it rewarding more the relationship, the in invest you more somebody,the about know you more The investment. tional - an make could people so were, we who about something said of kind that work of bodies all were that records out put to wanted We material. of amount certain a need you that acquire to order our band as much as we love it. I think in love really to people wanted we it, do to I going were we decided we when suppose individuals. four amongst excellence Pretty In Pink InPretty and WeirdSci- n hi frhoig eod g to go the1975.com record, forthcoming their on Tonews band’sfor the followand tour get tothatandit'ssunny, thenit'ssweet. we If music. really,about who care really people to play to want we and of proud we're that records make to want Wejust silly. be probably would happen to ing go- two what's predict to past trying So, months. the in us for bigger times gotten 10 have things So, 5,000. is which Academy, Brixton at show a announced later, months two now, just we and ity capac- 500 under just was that in venue a Weplayed success. own your project to order in ambitious, be to der or- in ear by it play gotta you've Yeah, you go? Or doyoujustkindofplayitbyearas What aresomeofyourgoalsasaband? a musician. being about thing best the that's world, arrogantly the across embraced is that job,and a for and up straight like myself, express to get I that fact the think I life. ing thing for me, like it takes up my entire know.don't I all-encompass- an It'ssuch musician? What's yourfavoritethingaboutbeinga inspiration asitis. enough that's suppose I so else, do to how know to able been never I've else. anything do to how know don't I it. don’t do I if won’t eat I that fact The and playmusic? write to artist an as you inspires What and checkthemusicchannels. in and sit at home and listen to the radio, take of kind to time much had really not pretty city foreign much since "Chocolate" came out. We've different a in been go- we'veand tour on went and left ing…we started everything as soon as cause with up catching we're that Something rewarding. professionally and personally very very, And humbling. very very, It's success? like foryourmusictohaveinternational constantly intheStates.What'sitbeen We've beenhearing"Chocolate" framing genuineemotionalsituations. it of idea the like just I else's. everybody It'sanymore. ours really not it's released, it's Once record. our love people hope I our record. I hope people hate our record,to love of out fall people hope I record. VARIANCEMAGAZINE.COM VARIANCEMAGAZINE.COM

9 m EISLEY

THEIR NEW WAVE

Eisley frontwoman Sherri Dupree-Bemis on the new record, babies and having it all. Words by Amanda Morad

s “mommy wars” rage on between and the resources to make those songs cause I actually had no involvement in it the stay-at-home and working come to life on their own terms. Currents and it turned out just how I wanted it to.” mothers of the world, the women reflects a more laid back, organic way of Amazing family, new at-home studio, Aof alt-pop band Eisley have demanded writing and producing that, compared great indie label who loves them, creative the best of both worlds. Their fourth full- with their previous offerings, leaves the autonomy and four little bundles of joy: length album Currents released May 28 by distinct impression of unretouched cre- DuPree-Bemis and her band seem to have Equal Vision Records, kicking off a new ativity. it all. tour supporting Say Anything—with “There’s no outside input from anyone “I just feel so blessed that we’ve gotten four new members in tow. but the band, creatively, so I think that to do everything that we’ve done and on They aren’t background vocalists, though gave us that sense of liberation,” DuPree- top of that we just have these amazing we’re sure vocal rehearsals are louder these Bemis explains. “I think you can actually children,” says the awestruck new mom. days, and they don’t play instruments, hear that in the record, that we did have “I know a lot of people look at starting though we’re also confident they make creative control and we weren’t trying to a family as a time to put the brakes on plenty of noise. They are the first children please anyone or write perfect pop songs and slow down. We’re totally focusing on of sisters Stacy (DuPree) King, Sherri for the radio or succumb to any of those being the best parents that we can, but at DuPree-Bemis, and Chantelle DuPree pressures that come with being on a ma- the same time, these kids are now in this D'Agostino, as well as drummer Weston jor label—that’s just how it is.” amazing, loving, musical environment, DuPree’s wife, Jessie, all infants born in The album expands Eisley’s borders with so it hasn’t stopped us or made us think the last nine months. haunting piano and ambient electric ar- twice about going ahead with our career “It’s unreal how much joy it has brought rangements, threading a certain ethereal because they’ll all be there along the way. to everyone,” DuPree-Bemis says. “It’s tone between 12 lyrically and themati- They’re part of the journey now and it just just fun! Pretty much the best thing that’s cally diverse tracks. It’s still pop-rock, just makes it more beautiful and special.” ever happened.” longer and moodier. But it’s not a melan- “I could die happy, easy, right now,” she While she claims there was no real preg- choly album by any means. While “Cur- asserts. “No question about it.” nancy pact, Dupree-Bemis admits that rents” and “Drink the Water” represent But lest we leave the impression it’s all reaching the same milestone of parent- the softer, bluer ballads, “Save My Soul” roses and rainbows for Eisley, the road hood so close together has had its advan- and “ Child” balance the album to the Currents tour with Say Anything tages for the band. with sunlight. (which recently wrapped up) was paved “As we planned the touring schedule “Honestly, I think it’s just pure, raw Eis- with disappointment and last resorts. Af- [last year], in the back of our minds we’re ley.” ter a failed Kickstarter attempt to cover all thinking, ‘if we all had kids right now, Perhaps the most defining characteristic their newly inflated travel costs (15 pas- we’d kind of be on the same schedule be- of a band of siblings who’ve been making senger vans aren’t exactly baby-friendly), ing pregnant and them being around the music together for the majority of their the DuPrees made a decision that it was same age and taking them out on the lives is the fact that time and growing up worth whatever sacrifices they had to road. And then it actually worked out,” hasn’t splintered them as life often does make to support Currents. she laughs.“These kids are gonna grow up to even the closest families. In fact, it’s a “We scrounged around and borrowed together so close, having best friends to little unreal how tight this crew is. Really, from people, from family members and hang out with on tour all the time, and four family pregnancies in succession the friends, and it sucks to do that,” DuPree- that was really important to us.” same year? That’s a whole new level of es- Bemis painfully recalls. “It’s not fun and I Of course, with family additions— prit de corps. don’t recommend it because you just don’t and this many all at once—come major DuPree-Bemis offered further evidence want to have to do that in business, but changes. Currents embodies some of the that the DuPrees might know something doing this tour was that important to us. transformation the DuPree crew has un- about togetherness that the rest of us We had the new record coming out and dergone this year: It’s their first LP writ- don’t. “The title track was the last song the opportunity to tour [with Say Any- ten, recorded and produced at their new that we wrote for the record, and it’s ac- thing as a family] and have it be this kind home studio, and the liberation is evi- tually one that I wrote but I envisioned of ideal tour. We were just too invested in dent. Stacy singing it,” she recalls. “I had to go the idea and turning it down was going to “It was the most relaxing experience on tour with my husband who’s in Say be too painful for everyone.” we’ve ever had writing or recording a Anything and [Eisley was] finishing up Artists are forced to make decisions like record,” DuPree-Bemis says. “Doing it that last song. So I left and I didn’t even this all the time, and for bands like Eisley, yourself comes with pressure because it’s get to hear that song recorded. it’s worth doing whatever it takes to keep hard to blame it on anyone but yourself “Stacy laid down the vocals with just a doing what they were made to do. if something isn’t right, but it was a good scratch track I gave her, and getting that “You want to do something enough, and pressure we put on ourselves to make song back without having any input and you love it and you’re passionate about it, an excellent record and put our best out having it sound just like I imagined, even you will find a way, come hell or high wa- there. It was just so natural because we better, was really cool because it just made ter,” DuPree-Bemis resolves. “That’s what were hanging out at home writing songs me feel like I really am that close with my we’ll always do to keep making music.” and that’s what we do normally.” band and we really are in tune with each Only this time, Eisley had the freedom other. That track is really special to me be- Check out Currents now on iTunes.

VARIANCEMAGAZINE.COM 11 THE LONELY ISLAND The Boys Are Back

ARTWORK BY F. SCOTT SCHAFER STORY BY LAUREN MORANOR kiva Schaffer, “The very notion of for comedy Emmy wins and Grammy nominations. and were born is a very fine line and we try and be re- As their third studio album, The Wack and raised in the Bay Area dur- ally careful about how we walk it because Album, was released in June, the trio have Aing the rise of the Hyphy music move- when it’s not done right, it’s like the thing never changed their process for turning ment. Brought up on a healthy diet of we hate the most in the world ... the jokes into a full-fledged hip-hop genre. , movies paired with E-40 joke is that we’re white nerds rapping,” It all starts with a joke. The guys are not and Too $hort , the three met says Samberg. interested in delivering something that in middle school, forming a bond over That white-nerds-rapping thing took off could be considered corny or insulting their similar interests. Years later, the trio after The Lonely Island released a video to their favorite style of music. Schaffer would form the comedy rap group, The for “Lazy Sunday” as an SNL digital short. is not willing to just throw something Lonely Island, something that was never Samberg was shocked by the response, not out in a song without a purpose behind intended to become what it is today. expecting the video to become an instant it. “There has to be a joke and then rap, The trio combined their love of com- hit as the rap racked up millions of views R&B, pop is the vessel in which we de- edy and hip-hop during their time on on YouTube. The comedians took the liver the joke.” Taccone notes that as pop the hit NBC show, . success and rode it to three full albums, music and rap music change, they try and

14 VARIANCEMAGAZINE.COM change with it, twisting their references alities, if someone doesn’t want to curse Taccone’s dismay, the group cannot to modern day. as much, or if someone doesn’t want to release a video for each song, but cer- The content of theThe Wack Album cer- play with their image too much.” tainly intend on getting as many out as tainly fits the bill for feeling more 2013 He recalls the collaboration with possible. in terms of the themes in each song. The Lamar. The rapper wanted to write his Despite no longer being on SNL, the trio Lonely Island has earned a reputation for own verse for “Yolo.” He took a few still follows the strict schedule they were daring lyrical content (“Motherlover” or minutes to jot down lyrics and the group once used to. Most videos are done in a “The Creep”), but on their third effort, just looked at each other and said, “Well, short 48-hour time frame. Some videos the songs feel slightly less bombastic. we hope it’s funny.” The song ended up will take up to a week to be put togeth- Referencing things like YOLO or Spring becoming one of the strongest on the er, depending on individual schedules. Break parties, the jokes are more devel- album. Samberg believes the video is just as im- oped and well-written. They push silli- “For rappers, we’ll leave open which portant as the song itself. ness to new extremes while also working bars of music they’re going to do, and “We are always writing very visually in a few socially-conscious topics like give them bullet points of the joke ideas so obviously it is another great way to gay marriage. that they can put into their own words. get the joke across. Some people have “I wouldn’t say we try and push the en- We want the rapper to feel like himself, trouble hearing jokes. With the videos, it velope in terms of shock value, but cer- and not like he’s doing someone else’s is just being like, ‘Here is what the joke tainly try and think of different jokes so lyric,” says Schaffer. is,’” says Samberg. it doesn’t feel stale and we try and think The trio remains highly involved in The videos have done their job, es- of different ways to construct a comedy the entire process of creating the album. sentially being responsible for the three song,” says Taccone. Working with a group of producers, records the comedians now have out. Stale is certainly something The Wack they sift through a stack of beats until Schaffer said the friends never truly Album is not. Despite already having they find one that matches. The yellow imagined that one video would create two albums under their belt, the group pads are pulled out and the troupe writes the culture phenomenon that is The finds a way to keep the jokes fresh and things that hopefully make one another Lonely Island. the listener on their toes. No longer hav- laugh. With this album, The Lonely Is- With great success comes the demand ing to adhere to the busy schedule that land appears much improved on mak- for touring. Fans have been begging the comes with SNL, The Lonely Island took ing an actual song. The production is comedy troupe to do a tour and pres- its time making sure it truly produced a more slick, the beats are less generic and ent the music in a live format. A tour record it was proud of and something the song structures feel more formal has always been a hope for the guys, the people wanted. and cohesive. but as emerging stars in , The trio thinks their longtime friend- The Wack Album works in a wide range their busy schedules have been tough to ship with one another is what makes of musical genres. There is the familiar coordinate. these albums truly come together. They auto-tuned R&B from Samberg and Jus- Samberg is setting up shop in Los An- remain each other’s checks and balances. tin Timberlake on “3-Way (The Golden geles as he begins the new television If two people laugh at a joke, it stays in Rule).” The current dubstep trend is comedy, Nine-Nine. The show the song. If two people do not laugh, the worked in with on “Go Kinder- was picked up by FOX for next season. joke is thrown out. garten.” The Lonely Island also maintains Taccone, who made his directorial debut “It’s harder in some ways because you the era of throwback rap that inspired with MacGruber, will begin writing the can’t get away with anything because you it in the first place on “Diaper Money” sequel with fellow SNL alum, . know everything about one another. We or “I Run NY.” They play with pop-rap He is also completely down for a return have all the same references. There is no while also venturing into trap with “The on HBO comedy, Girls, where he played learning period about what is going to Compliments.” Samberg wanted to pres- Marnie’s lover, Booth Johnathan. A work, we can just hit the ground run- ent as many different sounds as possible tour is certainly a dream for The Lonely ning,” explains Taccone. in order for things to not feel redundant. Island, but making it work is easier said As usual, the tracklist features a list of The album was promoted through a than done. marquee names ranging from Robyn to weekly video release labeled, “Wacky All three have said goodbye to SNL, the , , Kristen Wednesday.” No longer on the televi- show that catapulted the comedians into Wiig and . Some collabo- sion each week, The Lonely Island felt their careers and was a launching pad for rations were easier to come by than oth- the video releases were a good way of The Lonely Island.The Wack Albumdoes ers. Jackman was brought in for a collab- reminding America they still exist. “We not feel like a series of random comedy oration after meeting Samberg at a New took a page out of Kanye West’s book,” sketches formed into music, but full- York Knicks’ basketball game. Others laughs Samberg. fledged songs in the genre the group has passed on songs because the lyrical con- The reality is the music videos are what dubbed “joke-hop.” The Lonely Island is tent pushed their boundaries too much. put The Lonely Island on the map in the no longer a silly created after The comedians are very aware that first place. Taccone says that as a group discovered the three at some guests are more willing to get raun- they are very visual writers. He knows the 2005 MTV Movie Awards, but a real chy than others. Schaffer says, “We’re exactly what each video would look like music group, setting out to be taken seri- very conscious of the different person- for each song off the album. Much to ously in the least serious format. n

VARIANCEMAGAZINE.COM 15 UMMER*13 S PHOTO DIARIES

VARIANCE La Roux at Coachella 2013, by Jennifer Botello rq CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT (THIS PAGE): THE AVETT BROTHERS AT BOTTLEROCK FESTIVAL BY MIKE WINDLE; ’ WAYNE COYNE AT BOTTLEROCK BY MIKE WINDLE; ACTRESS ANNASOPHIA ROBB, MODEL ALESSANDRA AMBROSIO AND ACTOR CHRIS PINE AT LACOSTE’S COACHELLA POOL PARTY BY JOE SCARNICI; ’ DAN AUERBACH AT BOTTLEROCK BY MIKE WINDLE; ALABAMA SHAKES’ BRITTANY HOWARD AT BOTTLEROCK BY MIKE WINDLE // (NEXT PAGE): AT COACHELLA BY JOHN SHEARER; EDWARD SHARPE & THE MAGNETIC ZEROS AT BOT- TLEROCK BY MIKE WINDLE; SASQUATCH MAIN STAGE CROWD VIEW BY DUSTIN MEEHAN; THE SHINS’ JAMES MERCER AT BOTTLEROCK BY MIKE WINDLE; FATHER JOHN MISTY AT SASQUATCH BY DUSTIN MEEHAN; WILD BELLE’S ELLIOT BERGMAN AT SASQUATCH BY DUSTIN MEEHAN

18 VARIANCEMAGAZINE.COM PHOTO DIARIES rq VARIANCEMAGAZINE.COM 19 PHOTO DIARIES JANELLE MONÁE COACHELLA 2013

rq PORTUGAL. THE MAN BY EMILY HULSEBERG

22 VARIANCEMAGAZINE.COM . there. I mean, I really love sound and that’s why you day lives.” PORTUGAL. THE MAN IS NO STRANGER the music that he makes hear it that way. “ He also shares his hate to writing and recording music. The Port- and I really appreciate his Danger Mouse has a for fear, and the fact that land-based group first released music in drum sound.” reputation for being a people live with fear. 2005 and has consistently been releasing It seems like people can part of songs and albums “I think being afraid of new albums/EPs ever since. hear a track and immedi- that sell, but the band has things is the shittiest way Without catching a breath, the band just ately know that Danger to be able to write an al- to live. Let it help you, put out what has been called their best Mouse has produced it. bum as well. “It’s the best don’t let it scare the shit record to date, Evil Friends. Gourley says that people record we’ve put out. I out of you.” The band had already been at work on the are constantly tweeting don’t have any doubts in With some good advice, album when they got a call to come meet at him saying they knew that,” says Gourley. Gourley’s ultimate goal with Danger Mouse (aka Brian Burton) in their song was a Danger With many albums is simply to make the . The producer and five- Mouse track right when comes ample experience best record. “I have never time Grammy winner—who’s worked with they heard it. and time to mold and really put anything into Cee Lo Green, The Black Keys and , “He’s a classic, classic excel in your craft. The this stuff. I never expect- to name a few—decided to produce Evil producer. This is why band has been able to ed to go to Paris or on Friends after sitting down with Portugal’s artwork is so important, evolve and grow to make tour with The Black . Gourley says Burton was “the music videos are so im- this album what it is to- Keys and travel the world one producer [I] knew I couldn’t say no to.” portant to me, all this day. “We couldn’t have and all those things. I Without anything being set, he took off stuff is tied together in made this record four thought if I played in to New York and met with Danger Mouse. a sense. When you hear years ago,” he says. “We a band, we would play Right off the bat, Gourley says the former Danger Mouse working couldn’t have made it two clubs and travel around half of duo told him, “I don’t on a record, you can’t help years ago.” and that’s it.” really want to make a record with another but hear a cer- Some of the songs From someone with rock band.” It was a statement that made tain way.” on this album have no expectations for how him realize what a “stand up dude” Danger The band is still play- some religious tones to things might turn out, Mouse is. ing instruments, they are them, most notably the Portugal. The Man has Gourley expressed to his soon-to-be pro- still playing their own track “Modern Jesus.” certainly done pretty well ducer that he wanted to make “the best re- songs, but people hear it When asked about this, for itself. cord,” and the two joined together to make differently. Gourley says with a laugh, an album that’s full of surprises and unlike “There’s a certain in- “I don’t care what any- // anything the band has released thus far. fluence as a producer,” body wants to believe. If Evil Friends is out now Once in the studio, Gourley didn’t know explains Gourley, “and it helps them, then good, via . what to expect. “I actually didn’t expect being the f---ing pres- it should. That’s what re- They will tour in the him to work the way he does,” he recalls. ence that he is, you have ligion’s there for, to help U.S. and internationally “My expectations were—they weren’t really an idea of how he must people with their day-to- through the fall.

24 VARIANCEMAGAZINE.COM ARIEL ALEXIS

SPOTLIGHT

ith her debut album, A television, Alexis decided to come out passion for music has grown and she Flightless Bird, singer- with her debut album. The album is has taken that love and used it toward songwriter Ariel Alexis “playful and youthful,” she says. her education. She even wrote a pa- Whopes to inspire and connect with “I think that A Flightless Bird is a re- per on music and its effects on the her listeners. Growing up in Grape- ally good introduction to who I am as human brain. vine, Texas, Alexis was always ready to an artist,” says Alexis, “and I’m hop- “There are very few things that make put on a show for anyone that would ing it excites people enough to follow the brain fire or the body respond like watch and listen. Constantly trying me and see some of the changes that music does,” she explains. “This is a to get her friends to be in a band with result from me growing up and figur- universal experience, no matter what her or putting on performances for ing out who I am as an artist.” language you speak or what your cul- the family, Alexis’ aim was to enter- Her biggest inspiration is from her tural background is.” tain. late cousin Rory, whose life was cut Alexis wants to share her music with She started playing piano at the age short on his 21st birthday. people so that they can connect and of three and from there transitioned “His passing made me realize it help one another out. to guitar, and that is when her song- would really be a tragedy to have this “I also hope that through my music, writing really began to take off. Since talent and passion for music and not people get to know themselves while then she has auditioned for the hit make the most of it while I could.” I am getting to know myself.” television shows The Project and Although Alexis loves to perform The X Factor, making it through an and be on stage, she is also studying impressive number of rounds. neuroscience and behavior at Vassar Her album, A Flightless Bird, is After her experience with reality College. During her time there, her out now.

VARIANCEMAGAZINE.COM 25 " J I M M Y e a t w o r l d J I M M Y

e a t w o r l d Drummer Zach Lind on change (or lack thereof), success and showing some hometown love.

WRITTEN BY AMANDA MORAD

ome bands have all the luck. At least that’s how a quick review of Jimmy Eat World’s history makes it seem. They signed with CapitolS Records right out of high school in 1995 and have been with a major ever since. Jimmy Eat World released its seventh studio album, Damage, June 11 on their new label, RCA Records. The long-anticipated follow up to 2010’s critically-acclaimed Invented, Damage is a labor of love produced by Jimmy Eat World and Alain Johannes, recorded in the fall of 2012 at the producer’s home studio. “I think the biggest difference between Invented and Damage is really the method we used to make the record,” Lind says. While not much has changed with the band’s creative pro- cess over the years, getting the ideas down and distributed is a different beast altogether. “Invented was put together in a way where it took a longer period of time,” Lind continues. “We worked in our own studio so the writing process, the arranging process and the record- ing process all kind of blend into one thing. We PHOTO BY MICHAEL ELINS

VARIANCEMAGAZINE.COM 27 decided for this record it’d be good to inspiration throughout the record is not worry too much about what the try something different.” heartache. outcome is. You do what you feel like A change of scenery to Johannes’ “The thing I particularly like about is the best of yourself, you’re putting home studio was enough to change up this record is that it’s really relat- together music you feel confident the process and give the band a differ- able,” says Lind, empathizing with and strongly about, and then you put ent experience altogether. “This time the more adult break-up sentiments that out there and what happens be- around, each stage of the record kind conveyed in Damage’s lyrical context. yond that is out of your control. We of had its own defined space,” Lind “People can listen to it and connect to don’t spend a lot of time thinking, explains. “The writing, the demoing it because everyone has, at one point ‘let’s make this song a bigger hit.’ We and the recording all kind of hap- or another, experienced the kind of think, ‘let’s just make the song better.’ pened in a more structured form and things that Jim talks about in these If you’re chasing something, it’s prob- I think that altered our approach.” songs. He does a really good job of ably gonna be something that you re- Where the sound of Damage is con- giving people a launching-off point to gret down the road.” cerned, well, consistency has been relate to the music.” This is the attitude that’s kept Jimmy one of the traits that’s made the band It’s probably safe to venture that Eat World afloat through the quick- so successful for the last 20 years. Fans relatability has been a key factor in changing evolution of the music in- can expect Jimmy Eat World’s time- keeping Jimmy Eat World’s thriving dustry. Sure, there’s pressure to suc- less and iconic , while fa- fan base going for two decades. By ceed and continue to build on that natics will notice the more live show keeping the lyrics down-to-earth and success, but Jimmy Eat World deals feel of the arrangements. easy to connect to, they’ve managed with it on its own terms. “We used the tape machine a lot in several chart-topping singles over the “The only way we can really respond the recording of this record and that years. But how does one know what to pressure is just with willingness to kind of changes your methods, too,” they’re writing is going to connect work really hard to go on the road and Lind says. “It puts more emphasis on with people enough to be a “hit”? It’s play lots of shows and do whatever we the performance and it ended up be- a mystery even to those who’ve been can to give the record an opportunity ing a record based on more natural doing it as long as Lind and the rest of to succeed,” Lind says. performances and a little more raw, the band have. Back in May, the band did just that human sounding.” “When we’re making a record, we’re by touring their home state of Arizona But even with the label switch be- just so close to the project I think a before Damage was released. Hitting tween Invented and Damage, the lot of times we don’t even know when less concert spots like Yuma, boys of Jimmy Eat World don’t feel we’ve got something special,” Lind Flagstaff, Casa Grande, Wickenburg the least bit pressured to update their says. “Futures was kind of an inter- and Sierra Vista, the mini-tour gave signature sound. In fact, according to esting record because we didn’t think fans outside the big cities a chance to Lind, they’re largely unaware of what ‘Pain’ was a single. We weren’t even champion the Mesa boys they’ve been that signature sound is. considering that, so when we deliv- following for years. “With each song, we go into the ered the record to the record com- “It’s something we’ve always wanted recording of it thinking of ways to pany and they told us ‘Pain’ would to do, so going into this album cycle make that song the best it can pos- be the first single, we were like ‘that’s we decided to give it a shot, and it was sibly be and it’s just a song-by-song weird,’ but it ended up being one of exactly what we thought it’d be,” Lind progression,” he explains. “We’re not our biggest singles. We get so close to says. “That tour was a lot of fun for us necessarily trying to reach for any- the process that we’re not really the to do, to try different areas and go to thing in particular; we just try to best judges of what’s going to hit and places we haven’t been to before. make every song the best version of what’s not.” “Exploring on a personal level was itself and don’t really think about it Really, no one is. But that hasn’t cool but also, you’re playing in towns beyond that. stopped Jimmy Eat World’s success. that don’t hardly ever get any kind of “We don’t focus a lot of energy on With consistently high chart posi- rock shows coming through. It was steering the songwriting or the pro- tions and plenty of press, the band cool for the people in those settings, duction in a certain direction; it’s just has never been short on accolades. too, because they weren’t having to that we have a collection of songs, we “Those things matter in the sense drive to Tucson or Phoenix to see the feel like these songs are the best ones, that when we’re successful on the show there. Plus, a lot of people from and we go and record them and each commercial level, it enables us to keep Phoenix would go roadtripping out individual song dictates what we do doing what we’re doing and keep to these remote places. It was a great in that song.” making records and doing what we experience.” So if the focus is on the individual love to do,” Lind explains. “On one song and not the collection, we might hand it’s important and something surmise that during the writing pro- that provides us with more opportu- cess of Damage, there could have been nities, but on the other hand I think some major breaking up going on creatively you have to really check The band’s North American tour for songwriter and lead vocalist Jim yourself.” continues through the fall. Check Adkins. Either way, the consistent “We try to go into the studio and out dates at jimmyeatworld.com.

28 VARIANCEMAGAZINE.COM PHOTO BY TONY WOOLISCROFT // KATEE SACKHOFF

BY RACHEL FAYLENE

30 VARIANCEMAGAZINE.COM “It’s been said to me numerous times that people are shocked that I’m a girl, that I wear heels and wear dresses, and that I’m really girly.”

Carrying an extensive list of successes, plays is something she finds equally as prioritize the things that are most im- Katee Sackhoff sees no stopping point exciting. portant to her. Balancing opportunity in her career. She is perhaps originally “I try to change it up every once in and personal life is something that she known for her role as Captain Kara a while and try to do something that has begun to master. “Starbuck” Thrace on Battlestar Galac- nobody would expect just to challenge Sackhoff shares the secret to stay- tica, but has since associated her name myself.” ing sane with such a hectic work life with more varying works. Looking into the list of her many and how to feel normal while under Dabbling in both the film and televi- projects throughout the years makes it the spotlight: Have a healthy private sion industries has proved healthy for evident that Sackhoff is a concrete pro- life. She is currently engaged to her her career, but it comes with many dif- fessional in the entertainment business. longtime boyfriend and film producer, fering challenges from both fields. A From film to television to video games, Scott Niemeyer, making schedules even slight sense of stability can be found she maintains a blossoming career. Many more complicated. Making time for the in working with a television series, but of her roles have been for aggressive, people that really matter is her number with that hope comes a better under- more masculine characters, prompting one focus. standing of what it means to deliver fans to connect these less-than-feminine “When you spend too long away from a better show with each passing sea- attributes to her personal life. Fans are the people that you love, you start to— son. The show’s future is dependent taken aback when they find this assump- or at least I start to—retreat into my on its ability to keep and gain follow- tion untrue. own self and I start to get depressed at ers each season. That is certainly the “I think the thing that I’ve known from work because you work long hours and case with Sackhoff’s latest series, A&E’s very early on in my career is that what you get tired,” she states. “And when you Longmire, which is currently in its sec- you think someone’s going to be is the don’t connect with the people that mat- ond season. opposite and completely different,” she ter to you, everything seems to get mag- “It’s a bit scary because you’ve got some explains. “It’s interesting because I’m nified. You get a little bit more tired, a big shoes from the first season to fill and used to people having preconceived little bit more stressed, a little bit more you’re trying to up the bar, so you know notions about me and it’s always inter- everything.” it’s exciting, but I think that to make esting to see people’s reactions when Naturally, during her time away from a successful show you have to make a they meet me for the first time or talk the cameras, she likes to mellow out and phenomenal second season or you’ll lose to me because they think, and it’s been be with her family and loved ones. Sack- fans and you won’t have a third,” says said to me numerous times, that people hoff admits that the only thing on her Sackhoff. “I think it’s kind of like an art- are shocked that I’m a girl, that I wear mind after spending so much time away ist coming out with their second album.” heels and wear dresses, and that I’m from home is actually being home. Sackhoff understands that the pres- really girly.” “My sheets seem to be crisper and sure to do better is all across the board Being surprised by your favorite ce- colder and my room seems to be a little in the world of arts. She notes the im- lebrities’ real life stature may not always bit warmer than every place else I’ve ever portance of recognizing creativity from be a pleasant experience. Sackhoff is no been,” she says. “I love being home with those around her, even outside of her stranger to being rudely awakened to my dog and actually being able to have own practice. this reality and has since learned that time to take him to the park and not “Music has been a part of my life since personal interaction is the only way to have it be a babysitter taking him to the I was a little kid and I love music. I love judge, while also pointing to her new- park.” new artists, I love supporting new art- est co-star, Vin Diesel, with whom she Fans can rest assured knowing that ists, I love supporting local artists,” she shares the big screen in the new Riddick Sackhoff’s desire to be a homebody when explains. “I’m obsessed with music, so film, which is slated to arrive later this given the chance is in no way a perma- it’s something I really enjoy.” summer. nent plan for her anytime soon. Adding to her lists of favorites, she “I have these ideas of celebrities and “When I moved to I never dives into her childhood pleasures, giv- think they’re going to be the nicest peo- dreamed—I prayed that this would be ing insight to her career choice. ple in the world and you meet them and my life—but I never actually dreamed “My dad kind of raised me on science you’re like, “You’re an asshole!”,” she ad- that I’d have the opportunities that I fiction and action movies, so it’s just mits. But as for Diesel, she says that hav- have, and every job since that first job is been a part of my soul since I was really ing worked with the blockbuster actor- just the icing on the cake.” little,” she admits. “Nothing gets me go- producer has proven he’s definitely one Sackhoff will continue to live the life ing like a good action movie still to this of the good guys. “So you never know she always wanted, just with a healthy day.” what you’re going to get.” amount of dog and nap time at home. And while her personal preference in- Whether it’s the industry and lifestyle cludes watching, as well as acting in, the that’s to blame for these sometimes un- more lively films that rush the adrena- fortunate truths is hard to tell. Sackhoff The season finale of Longmire airs line, expanding the types of roles she has managed to keep true to herself and July 29 on A&E.

VARIANCEMAGAZINE.COM 31 PHOTO BY ELIOT LEE HAZEL CAPITAL CITIES SAFE, SOUND AND SWEEPING THE CHARTS LIKE A WAVE

Words by Eli Provenzano

CAPITAL CITIES ARE A TESTAMENT tory, such as break dancing vs. the to how influential the Internet can tango. The video’s eclectic combina- be in terms of connecting music to tion of music mirrors the pair’s own its audience. Ryan Merchant and various tastes. “I think the collaboration Sebu Simonian both caught the “I think we listen to all sorts of should be done for the sake music bug at an early age, and never things,” Merchant admits, “I love of the song as opposed to looked back. This indie-pop duo is , I love Phoenix, I just throwing someone on igniting a dance craze all over the love Air, Daft Punk, Michael Jack- world with their hit single “Safe son. I mean, it's kind of all over the track because you want and Sound,” which is featured on the place. , I love Joni to say, ‘featuring this person.' their new album, In a Tidal Wave Mitchell. She's one of my favorite Whatever the collaboration of Mystery. , so kind of a broad spec- is, it should really enhance If the for “Safe and trum.” Sound” is any indication, Capital After doing most of their own pro- the song. That’s kind of how Cities not only appreciate the his- motion in the beginning, Capital we approach it." tory of music, but they also infuse Cities was thrilled to partner with a their work with their obvious pas- major label such as Capitol Records. sion and drive. Their desire to make “I think we're definitely in a each song as perfect as it can be may situation because we did a lot of the be tedious, but it’s well worth it. leg work for a really long time, so opposed to just throwing someone on “When we wrote [‘Safe and we had some good legs going,” Si- the track because you want to say, ‘fea- Sound’], we felt like we wrote a good monian reveals. “It was great for us turing this person,’” Merchant shares. song,” says Simonian. “We were ex- because they came in wanting to “Whatever the collaboration is, it cited about it, so because of that, we partner with us as opposed to taking should really enhance the song. That's wanted to make sure that the pro- over like a traditional kind of how we approach it. The sing- duction of the song was just right. often does. It's a very collaborative ers that we work with, they don't have It actually took us almost two years experience with them and they're to be famous. If they have an amazing to get it right. We demoed it at first really focused on helping us do the voice, that's what we want for a track and then we fleshed it out and it was right thing with pushing the music because that's what important to us— a lot more rock, and the tempo was properly, creatively, artistically and does the song sound good? We don't even a little bit slower. We just kept in a dedicated way.” care about just having a name there, at it and then finally we ended up “It's been a very good experience— but that's it … Whatever is appropriate with the current production, which not the nightmare major label ex- for the song is a good collaboration.” is a lot more electronic than how we perience that you read about,” adds With a global tour stretching through first started and we added a . Merchant. at least November, Capital Cities will We just kind of experimented with Now that they have their wonder- be gracing the stage with their fun-lov- it until we felt like it was just right. fully unique sound just the way they ing, out-of-this-world music that will We had high hopes that it would want it, this dance-invoking duo have audiences all over the world on spread organically and it did. First has no problem sharing the wealth. their feet and ready to dance. on the internet and then radio sta- When it comes to collaborations, “It's been a gradual climb, so we're tions started picking it up, so yeah, Capital Cities are a lot more con- just hoping that it just gets better and we're excited about it!” cerned with the integrity of the song better,” says Simonian. The music video for “Safe and than the famous name attached to it. Sound” features a dance-off between “I think the collaboration should In a Tidal Wave of Mystery, is avail- genres from key points in music his- be done for the sake of the song as able now on Capitol Records. n

VARIANCEMAGAZINE.COM 33 LAURA MARLING X 35

VARIANCEMAGAZINE.COM BY MERLYN HAMILTON With With 16 new songs on this album, Where does her lyrical inspiration In addition to singing her original “Eddie’s an old friend of mine Does that mean we can expect to she collaborator,” a of much not “I’m is music Marling’s us, for Fortunately ers who I worked with for the last three three last the for with worked I who ers albums and very quickly west the in studio tiny a in quietly and “It Marling. says ,” of country was a very easy, very natural process. It was going to be a long record [so] we decided to do it very cut off from of three the just was it so else anybody us in the studio.” Marling says it was the “same writer, but it’s a different story.” Shenot deny does that her lyrical reserved. content Listeners is do not get experi- much or life personal her into insight ences but it will always be that way, she says, because that’s just the way that she writes. come from then? Marling from real says life. it’s “Lots of says. things,” “It’s the she combination of lots of inspiring all are that things the things, to everybody, I imagine. Like books and movies and printed albums and strange people and mad people and interesting people; all they’re very in- spiring.” music, Marling was recently - seen cov ering ’s “Dancing in the Dark” with fellow - singer-song Berman. Eddie writer, and he’s cian,” she says. a “He plays that song on phenomenal his set all happened musi- the to time and be I on it.” there just and I sang hear more collaborations with other not. artists? Probably people’s on singing like I mean, “I says. things, I like watching live music, but really.” collaborator a of much not I’m satisfying enough on its own. For more information Marling or on to listen Laura to her visit www.lauramarling.com music,

“WHATEVER YOUR YOUR “WHATEVER EVEN THOUGH IT’S DIFFI- EVEN INSTINCT IS, IT’S USUALLY IS, IT’S USUALLY INSTINCT ALWAYS HAVE TO DO WHAT DO WHAT TO HAVE ALWAYS PEOPLE WANT YOU TO DO.” TO YOU PEOPLE WANT But But Marling says even though While she could not compare physi- “They’re very, very different,” she most An , Eagle Marling’s Once Was I - produc my to it took and it wrote “I “It was “It nothing really to do with my So how does she fa- like California’s mean, “I says. she well,” very it like “I RIGHT. AND REMEMBER THAT THAT AND REMEMBER RIGHT. CULT, SOMETIMES YOU DON’T YOU DON’T SOMETIMES CULT, she misses where she lives Europe, now not and she compare she can- “They L.A. are loves two to completely lifestyles.” different the U.K. cal locations, she had comparing U.K. and L.A. audiences. no problem says. “American audiences are warm and very they have a lot of energy, go- show the keep you if nice is which they’re very, are audiences English ing. not cold by any means, more willing to very subdued. but They’re they’re be subdued than they are to be over excitable… It’s either high energy or relaxing flow energy so just it’s makes show.” a different - Feb in release to set was album, recent ruary but was pushed back company. record the till with issues to May due developing in process her was what So this album? career,” says Marling. “I have a couple career,” and out out there of friends who lived more east. of It’s a place to relax than for sure.” that’s it is to work, city? vorite nice cause of the - weath it’s obviously, er, but you know, last week I drove down from Portland all the way L.A. and it was beautiful.” to

n the average teenage girl’s high school years life, are spent think- ing about prom and SAT’s or

“My father “My was a musician and I left At 16, Marling left her nervous but “I was quite a sensible 16-year-old,” it luck or was it just the inevita- Was For example, in the past five years “Whatever your instinct is, it’s usu- it Perhaps was instinct that led - Mar “It was time to Thego.” decision to I ACT’s, ACT’s, college, and most of all, - boy friends. But for British-born Marling, Laura her life was average. anything but it,” was that and 16 was I when school says Marling. “That’s what I was do- studio. recording a runs dad My ing… so alien It wasn’t to my parents that I might go off and become a musician. not I’m guitar. me taught had dad My good at anything else so I was quite lucky.” supportive parents behind and set out for London to chase her dreams. Marling says. “I think don’t I was in danger of going off the rails. I joined a band. I was singing background - vo cals in a band that was touring and I loved it. I loved every minute of it. I was I lucky. fell in with a nice crowd. scary really.” or dark, wasn’t It ble rise of a talented young girl? With four albums under her belt (the most recent having released in May), - Mar ling, who is now in her 20s, with a speaks confidence and a wisdom that her years. is beyond and with the release of in- that learned her she’s that says Marling albums, stinct is best. ally right. And remember that even though it’s difficult, sometimes you always don’t have to do what people want you to she do,” says. have “You to find a balance between being diffi- instinct.” your cult and following ling out of the U.K. and brought her to L.A. less than a year ago. Marling says that she had since she was 16 and lived needed a change in London of scene. relocate was more personal than any- thing else, she says. X futuresounds w BY WESTON SHEPHERD

ailing from New Albany, including a variety of singers and in- haps just picking up on the wealth Ind., Houndmouth is a strument work. Many fans were first of talent shared between the mem- country/folk/alternative turned on to the group when they bers. Composed of Katie Toupin, Hrock group with a diverse sound gave an entertaining performance of Matt Myers, Zak Appleby and Shane and the ability to win over a broad their catchy single, “On the Road,” Cody, this group of performers is range of music fans. Currently pro- on TBS’s . With the lead vo- ready to make their mark and be- moting their June 4 release, From the cals switching between male and come a household name. Hills Below the City, the group seems female, culminating in seamless har- Be on the lookout, as they are cur- poised to earn their keep in today’s monies, listeners can’t help being eas- rently touring North America and music landscape. ily hooked. Europe. With a style that is rich in country Their entire album is more than tones, Houndmouth extends the pa- worth a listen, offering traces of The For more information on the band, rameters of the genre by seamlessly Lumineers throughout the set, per- go to houndmouth.com.

HOUNDMOUTH BY WESTON SHEPHERD THE SOUNDS YOU NEED TO HEAR

ACTION BRONSON

f you’re a fan of rap music, but teristics that fans don’t expect when drick Lamar, Mac Miller and many haven’t yet heard of Action Bron- hearing his voice for the first time. more. In the same sense, his last al- son, you are in for a big surprise. But this homegrown marketability, bum, Saab Stories, had features from IThis 29-year-old from Queens, N.Y., backed with unbelievable skill, has , and others. is poised to take the scene by storm proven to be a recipe for success for Pay close attention to Bronson with his atypical appearance and Bronson. moving forward, as he promises to more than formidable skills on the For those familiar with the late Big hit airwaves in the not-so-distant microphone. You will be impressed PUN, Bronson’s voice seems to fall future. Just don’t be surprised when from the very first listen. into a similar category, leaving lis- the face behind your next favorite Ever since he self-released his 2011 teners with the feeling that they’ve song doesn’t look like you imagined debut mixtape, Bon Appetit....B----, hit on something great. As it turns it would. his career has been on an upward tra- out, his peers tend to believe the jectory. Point blank, this guy is large same thing. Bronson has appeared For more on Action Bronson, go to and he is white—perhaps two charac- on tracks with A$AP Rocky, Ken- actionbronson.com.

VARIANCEMAGAZINE.COM 37 THE SOUNDS YOU NEED TO HEAR

ERICA JORDAN

rica Jordan is a singer/songwriter music are revealed. She cites a range of proving to be a complete top-to-bottom from Southern California that has influencers to her sound, including: Ani- listen; uncommon for such a young artist. her road to musical star- ta Baker, Cake, and more. Fans of hip-hop and R&B will imme- dom.E With a sound that touches on ev- Eclectic, sure, but her music shows traces diately love Jordan’s style, as producer erything from Lil’ Kim to vintage Ashan- of them all. Bryan Fischer put together an album that ti, she seems destined to find a home on Slower tracks like “Organic” evoke shines from beginning to finish. As she your playlists in the not-so-distant future. memories of Murder, Inc.-era Ashanti, matures, her music will do the same, of- With her self-titled debut album, Erica with her vocals falling perfectly atop fering an opportunity to watch her fully Jordan introduces herself as a lyricist on a hip-hop beat. Not a one trick pony, bloom as an artist. Be on the lookout. the opening track, “Introducing First.” Jordan’s music comes across as nothing At first listen, fans get the idea that she short of a pleasant surprise as she im- To listen to Erica Jordan’s album is a rapper through and through, but as presses time and time again. The album or follow her latest updates, go to the album continues, more layers of her grows more comfortable as it continues, EricaJordanCurry.com.

38 VARIANCEMAGAZINE.COM futuresounds w

ounded in 2010, the Wild Joel King, Taylor Burns and Preston has been on stage with Delta Spirit, Feathers is a group from Nash- Wimberly come from different musi- The Heavy and was even a part of ville, Tenn., that challenges the cal backgrounds and each experienced Paul Simon’s 2011 fall tour. If bands boundariesF of average . their own musical path, but blend to- are also judged by the company they Mixing a blend of vocals and instru- gether in complete cohesion to create keep, then this act is on track for ment work, the band creates a sound a unique experience for listeners. Us- great success in the future. that is anchored in of coun- ing elements of folk, rock, and It is promised that fans of country try, but provides a complete listen an all-over country vibe, each song music (and many others!) will fall that appeals to fans of all genres. proves to be its own experience and in love with the carefree sounds and Through coincidence and hap- promises to earn fans amongst a vari- musical stylings of this up-and- penstance, the four members of The ety of musical backgrounds. coming group. Wild Feathers came together in Aus- Although the band has yet to re- tin, Texas, and began their journey to lease an album, The Wild Feathers is For more on The Wild Feathers, visit where they are today. Ricky Young, signed to Warner Bros. Records and www.thewildfeathers.com.

THE WILD FEATHERS J. Cole From Idolizing Rap Icons to Becoming One He’s still the underdog in many ways, but the Born Sinner rapper has come for the king’s throne. And with two consecutive No. 1 albums, he’s surpassing expectations and stunning his peers. Here’s why J. Cole isn’t just a fluke; he’s a formidable player in the hip-hop game.

BY WESTON SHEPHERD x

PHOTO COURTESY OF / x was 11 years old when his album the same day as I got my first rap al- West, he told Billboard, “I bum, a cassette tape worked too hard to come a version of JAY Z’s Vol. week later after Kanye West 2... Hard Knock Life. drops an amazing album. MyI dad bought it at a local It’d be like, ‘Oh, and J. Cole record store and made sure dropped too, a week later.’ to grab the explicit version, Nah. I’m going to see him on too. My mom was to never that date.” find out about this, and she But to understand how didn’t. It stayed hidden in- Cole ended up battling for side my backpack, only to be rap’s heavyweight belt, you removed when I found time must first understand where alone in my room—with he came from. Before the over-the-ear headphones and fame, before a GRAMMY the lights turned off so my nomination and long be- parents would think I was fore Born Sinner, Jermaine sleeping. To this day, I can Lamarr Cole was a military still remember every lyric to child born in Germany, soon every song on the album. relocated to Fayetteville, I realized early in the JAY Z N.C., and aware from an album that there’s a feeling early age that rap was meant a good provides, a to be a large part of his life. feeling that can’t adequately While most 12-year-olds are be explained. As a fan of rap, busy with sixth grade, Cole you spend much time wait- began telling stories through ing for that next artist to his rhymes—citing Tupac come along and remind you Shakur as one of his greatest of why you love the genre influencers. so much in the first place. With nothing but his The entire hip-hop world is rhyme book, he embarked a complicated subculture, its on a journey that many be- own little community that gin but few ever finish. No- tries to find balance between torious for never running cliché club-bangers and art- out of lyrics, it wasn’t until ists still carrying the original his mother bought him an idea of the genre in their mu- 808 machine that he ad- sic. Those who love rap at its ditionally began producing core don’t compare real hip- his own beats. Rapping and hop to much of what is heard producing under the name on today’s radio stations. “Therapist,” he honed his There’s a difference. A differ- skills and cultivated his love ent feeling. Long story short: for the craft while obtaining If Biggie and Pac were still his degree from St. John’s alive, they wouldn’t be col- University in New York City. laborating with the majority No slouch, he graduated of today’s popular artists. magna cum laude while also So we’re clear: J. Cole isn’t balancing his music. supposed to be where he is Turning points exist in ev- right now. At least not at his ery plotline, however, and current level of success. Rap’s make-or-break moments of- underdog, he approached his ten determine whether the latest effort with an attitude story continues or abruptly that can only be described ends. Soon after graduation as “nothing to lose.” When in 2007, he found himself Kanye West announced he outside of JAY Z’s Roc the was releasing his album, Ye- Mic studio in , ezus, a week prior to Cole’s hopeful he could provide long-planned release date, beats for Jay’s upcoming al- he simply moved his date up bum, American Gangster. He to match. waited for three hours before On his decision to release getting his chance to speak,

42 VARIANCEMAGAZINE.COM Photo Courtesy of BET

VARIANCEMAGAZINE.COM 43 although the reception from Hov was far idly expanding entrepreneur. Newcom- from what he hoped it would be. ers Kendrick Lamar and A$AP Rocky are Cole still remembers the moment experiencing a rise to prominence, while JAY Z arrived. “The Phantom finally has quickly turned himself into comes around the corner,” he recalled in a one of the most relevant artists on earth. recent interview. “It's raining, by the way. ’ sports We've been in the rain … Someone gets a stable of talent, including the popular out the car in front of him just to open his , and there’s a gang of bandits on the door. That was their job, to get out their outside in the form of Tyler, The Creator’s car, come to his car and open his door. He Odd Future. is still Lil Wayne, hops out. I'm froze. I don’t really know has his fans and there are count- what to say. I'm like, 'Yo, Jay, I got this for less more I can’t even mention. Long story you.' He's like, 'What is that? What are short? The top is crowded these days. you doing?' I'm like, ‘American Gangster Among such talent, the intention for beat CD.' I can't really speak and he’s like, J. Cole wasn’t unlike that of many artists ‘Man, I don’t want that shit, man!’” with overwhelmingly successful debut Upset but undeterred, he accepted this albums: Avoid the sophomore slump. setback and continued forth with his He had an outstanding 2012, a year that dream. The bad taste in his mouth from included a GRAMMY nomination for the JAY Z experience would be short- Best New Artist and a collection of other lived, as his work ethic earned him further award nominations from the BET Mu- opportunities to impress the rap mogul. sic Awards, American Music Awards and Founded in 2008 by JAY Z himself, Roc more. But staying relevant has been the Nation is a full-service entertainment and biggest puzzle have faced for management company that now boasts years, and Cole was no different. He re- clientele like , Shakira and oth- leased two free EPs in 2013 prior to Born ers, but the very first client signed was J. Sinner’s debut, with Truly Yours dropping Cole in 2009. The forward momentum on Feb. 13 and Truly Yours II becoming he gained at that point in time changed available on April 30. With fans and crit- his career forever, as 2010 served as his of- ics alike giving the EPs positive reviews, ficial entrance into the limelight. the stage was set for the arrival of his sec- Cole was soon named to hip-hop maga- ond album. zine XXL’s 2010 Top 10 Freshman list, When the long-awaited day, June 18, an honor he shared with the likes of Wiz came for Cole’s Born Sinner and West’s Khalifa, Big Sean and others who are still Yeezus, Mac Miller rounded out the rap very much in the game today. He then release trifecta with his sophomore al- released the now cult-classic mixtape, bum, Watching Movies with the Sound Friday Night Lights, which featured fellow Off. The perceived reality of this event up-and-coming stars, Drake and Wale. was that West would easily secure the He parlayed this success into a U.K. No. 1 spot on the , with tour with Drake and set himself up per- Cole finishing a distant second and fectly for his first album, Cole World: The Miller at No. 3. That belief held true for Sideline Story. the most part, as all three releases sold more Released Sept. 27, 2011, Cole World was than 100,000 copies in the first week. The total records sold past West’s total sales. greatly anticipated among the rap com- difference between Cole and West was far As of this writing, Cole has sold 439,000 munity. Selling 218,000 copies in its less dramatic than originally projected, copies of Born Sinner, which is 8,000 first week, it was the No. 1 album on the however, with Cole selling 297,922 copies more units than Yeezus. Billboard 200 and was certified Gold by to West’s 328,800. It seemed West’s sales In all honesty, Cole is exactly what was December of the same year. The album projections lowered each day of the week, needed to dethrone Kanye West from his featured guest spots by JAY Z, Drake, Trey as Cole’s slowly inched higher and higher. recent streak of extremely successful de- Songz and Missy Elliott, and his place in A power struggle at rap’s mountaintop buts. As West continues to tamper with rap’s conversation was solidified with the became ever apparent. his sound, constantly trying new things success of the album. But as many mu- Rap has continued to dominate the in the name of “art,” he has also grown sicians can attest, doing something once Billboard 200 in the weeks since June a more angry brand of music that has is great. Duplicating success is ultimately 18, as Wale upped the ante with his been a turnoff to some of his most loyal the name of the game. June 25 release of The Gifted. He fans. An album with no true radio singles, When you fast forward to 2013, the would go on to secure the No. 1 spot Yeezus simply lacks the cohesion and lik- landscape of rap has changed, yet it’s very in his first week, with Cole following at ability of Born Sinner. It’s as if J. Cole much stayed the same. JAY Z remains the No. 2 and West sliding to No. 3. The fol- brewed the perfect storm at just the right unconquered—though sometimes self- lowing week, the first time rap has held time. proclaimed—king. Eminem is still lurk- down the top three positions on the And although J. Cole’s mentor, JAY Z, ing with the occasional album and Kanye Billboard 200 for three weeks in a row, will soon take over the No. 1 spot with West has experienced massive success in Cole saw his project rise to top slot on his Magna Carta Holy Grail album, even the role of JAY Z’s right-hand man/rap- the list, while simultaneously pushing his that comes as sort of a bitter to swal-

44 VARIANCEMAGAZINE.COM back to when I was a kid with a lyri- cally explicit cassette tape, hanging on every word while listening to the story unfold. I can play the tracks over and over, memorizing their every line because I feel like I’m hearing the thoughts of a that is OK with sharing. It’s the type of stuff you hope your friends haven’t heard yet, only so you can be the one to show it to them. There’s nothing better than giv- low. Always the trailblazer, most genuine approach sive success, he manages to ing someone their next favorite song, Jay used a partnership with to stardom that one could retain the underdog feel. and that’s the type of emotional con- the Galaxy to pro- muster. While the genre’s And everyone loves the un- nection Cole hopes his fans find in vide a free copy of the al- typical heavyweights begin derdog. his music. Luckily for him (and us), bum to the first one million to slip up, his music comes All of this brings me that is the exact type of connection downloaders of the “JAY Z across as a breath of fresh air back to my original point, he provides. Magna Carta” app. As awe- to rap fans that have been a realization that I came Because rap is rap and music is mu- some as it sounds, the entire waiting for an album that is to while listening to that sic, fans will soon focus on the next big thing has been chalked up good from top to bottom. JAY Z album back in 1998. album and the conversation will start to a data mining operation, More likely to rap about Before data mining schemes, all over again about who holds the and many feel as though his shortcomings than rub Beyoncé and owning NBA crown. Drake’s upcoming project is he sold out his fans in the his stardom in your face, teams, JAY Z captivated on the horizon, as the rap community name of more publicity and his music is likable because me because he was just still absorbs June’s huge releases. In sponsorship. Not to men- it’s honest and delivered in so...cool. It’s like College the alternate universe that is rap, how- tion the sentiment that a way that makes fans feel Dropout-era Kanye, or Dr. ever, one constant truth is that things JAY Z’s latest set is perhaps like he means what he’s say- Dre’s 2001—the type of may not always be exactly as they one of his weakest offerings ing. Even when you can’t stuff you can play 10 years seem. The summer of Kanye? It didn’t in recent memory. exactly relate to his words, later and still vibe to. That’s happen. And as J. Cole continues to All the while, J. Cole con- you feel like you can relate what good rap is supposed steal the momentum, a shift in power tinues to win over more fans just because he’s explaining to be like. that seemed entirely improbable has with what appears to be the it so well. Even among mas- J. Cole’s music takes me already begun right before our eyes. n

VARIANCEMAGAZINE.COM 45

name now being associated with in music backing her emphatically some of rap’s greatest MCs. as she launches her solo project. Not She’s played folk, , hip-hop and only has Eminem brought Grey in just about everything in between. to work on his own music, but he But with all that experience and such lent his vocals to her record, which a wide range of influences, defining is also executively produced by the Skylar Grey and wrapping it all into rapper. one perfect commercial record has “It’s still kind of hard to believe,” been no small task. “The hard part is says Grey about Eminem’s decision you’re putting out a debut album at to take such an active role behind- 27 years old,” the singer explains. “I the-scenes in Don’t Look Down. “I kind of knew what I wanted to do, have so much respect for him as an {}but I’m not just a fresh, young pop artist and a producer. It’s definitely SKYLAR star. I definitely didn’t want to be a boost to my confidence having his one of those artists who puts out an support and getting his feedback. It album of bubblegum pop at 27, and can be scary being the new artist try- then what do you do for the second ing to step out and do this, but it’s record? You’re 30 by then. It just very affirming to know he has my doesn’t work. I didn’t want that to back.” GREY be me. And it can be kind of over- While Eminem’s involvement is a whelming trying to figure out how sure sign of validation for any artist, THIS IS you’re going to present yourself.” Grey still remembers being in disbe- Although Grey was still working lief the first time he complimented HER TIME— out the details for the record earlier her music. “It completely caught me this year, some of the material has al- by surprise,” she recalls. “He told FINALLY ready been brewing for a long time. me my stuff was ‘fucking amazing.’ In fact, “Final Warning” was written I was just like, I cannot believe this. By Jonathan Robles at the same time as her mammoth He’s fucking Eminem. To hear him songwriting hit, “Love the Way You say that—to hear him say anything Lie.” Grey had secluded herself in a at all about my music—was just cabin in , escaping a battle weird and crazy.” he’s certainly no stranger to the music in- with her label and a bitter relation- On the surface, the combination dustry. She’s written hits for Eminem, ship. She began pouring a very raw of Eminem and Grey might seem Rihanna, , T.I., flux of emotions into wrathful lyrics “weird and crazy” to some, but at and others. She’s been featured on popular that eventually became two murder- their core, the two artists are more Stracks such as “” with Dr. Dre and ous tracks. The young songwriter alike than not. Their music reflects Eminem, “” with , would soon learn a very valuable les- their life in very raw, uncensored and “Coming Home” with Diddy-, a son that she took with her into this ways. Although different in style, song she co-wrote with the likes of Jermaine Cole new record. they both pull on heartbreaking ex- and Jay-Z. Yet Skylar Grey is only now receiving her “‘’ opened periences to create gut-wrenching proper introduction to the world, her debut album, my eyes in many ways,” she recalls. art that is impossible to ignore. Don’t Look Down, having released this month. “Suddenly I was getting calls from Of course, it remains to be seen It seems as if fans have been waiting forever for this every direction. These people are ex- the long-term effects of Grey’s latest record, which has been teased since about the time pecting you to create a hit for them. body of work, and after a series of of her 2011 GRAMMY performance with Dr. Dre Your name is linked to that song, delays, she admits “it’s impossible to and Eminem. But Grey, acknowledging the relief and everyone thinks you can dupli- predict when the ‘right moment’ is.” of finally releasing the project, believes the wait has cate that for them, like magic. It was But perhaps this stage of her career been worth it. frustrating at times. I walked out is less about getting the timing right “It does seem like it’s been a while,” she admits. of sessions because they didn’t get and more about showcasing her true “But it was important to get it right. I think I was it. That song came from a very real talent. Appropriately named Don’t nervous—that’s part of it. I’m a perfectionist, like a place for me. I had no idea it would Look Down, the album is the singer’s lot of artists, and you just overthink and overanalyze be the song that it is now.” opportunity to finally jump into the everything. Every song, every lyric, the title. But I’m On the other hand, the experi- spotlight unabashedly. ready just to have it out there, and out of my hands.” ence has likely prepared her for this “When you put so much of who Part of the challenge facing Grey, born Holly Brook moment, when she is not only the you are into an album, part of you Hafermann, rests in her identity. She has previously songwriter but the performer. “It worries about how people will re- released music—albeit mostly under the radar—as helps keep me balanced,” says Grey. spond,” she confesses. “Sometimes Holly Brook, and she and her mother performed as “Because I know that not every song it’s hard to let go. It’s scary and ex- a folk duo called Generations. Despite eventually is going to explode. I’m not expect- citing—but mostly exciting. I can signing to ’s , ing overnight success. I understand definitely say I’m ready.” her career stalled until 2006’s “Where’d You Go,” a that this is just a step in the right collaboration with , the side project of direction.” Linkin Park frontman . Since then, It certainly doesn’t hurt that she’s Don’t Look Down is out now via

PHOTO BY DAVID ROEMER Grey has eased her way into the hip-hop scene, her got one of the most powerful names KIDindaKORNER/Interscope.

VARIANCEMAGAZINE.COM 47 H PHOTO BY BENNY HADDAD DAVID ANDERS TV’S FAVORITE VILLIAN GETS ROUGH IN NEW ROLE q

BY MERLYN HAMILTON

merican born, thought to be says it’s great to work with him. “It seems like the tides are chang- British, actor David Anders has “He’s absolutely a delight, all we did ing,” Anders says. “The whole land- A been keeping himself quite busy was laugh,” Anders says in reference to scape has changed. has all this these days. Perhaps you saw him on Stamos. funny, original content, and does or Heroes or even Vampire Diaries. But with all the roles that Anders has and does. It is going in that Even though the list of Anders’ appear- been seen playing, he says that when direction but there are always going to ances is plentiful, he can currently be deciding to take a part, “you hear a be network shows … It’s a cool thing, seen on ABC’s Once Upon a Time or on lot of no’s and I’ll say a lot of no’s to I think, because you can just hang out USA’s Necessary Roughness. There is no roles that I just don’t think are right for and binge watch all these episodes at doubt that Anders is definitely doing me… There are a lot of factors that go once or in a couple of days and be done what he loves. into it.” with it.” Upon moving to L.A. several years As a former actor on 24, Anders ex- With such a busy schedule, Anders back, Anders admits that he originally presses enthusiasm for the show’s re- says that he balances the down time vs. came with the intention of doing com- turn next summer, as well as his love of the busy times. edy. But since that hasn’t happened yet, Arrested Development. “You clock in, you clock out--it’s a Anders can be found comfortably and “I think it’s great for shows like that, job, but it’s a fun job,” Anders says. “It’s professionally playing the role of the that had such a huge . nice to do something that you love. villain, the bad guy. [The return of] Arrested Development The schedule can be crazy, the traveling “I think playing the villain is more fun has been a dream for me because that can be crazy, and a lot of it, which than playing the good guy, the hero,” was my favorite show in the history of can be fun, but it can also take the life Anders says. Who can argue with fun? television. These 14-15 episodes that out of you sometimes...You find your But sometimes playing the villain will just came out have just been a wet avenues to ground yourself and keep result in invested fans thinking that he dream for me and for all the other fans you even.” is actually a villain. Anders recounts that love it. I think 24 is the same. Why With a satisfied and level head, An- one of these incidents saying, “Some- wouldn’t you? Why wouldn’t you bang ders addresses the future optimistically. one has actually said, ‘I don’t like you out some episodes to that fan base that “I’m completely content with my ca- and I don’t know why,’ looking at me you left behind when it ended?” reer right now, but I’ve got friends like critically. [I know it’s] because you Anders also mentioned hearing ru- Bradley Cooper and Zach Quinto who don’t like my character… that’s not mors of Heroes coming back as well. are movie stars now and of course, I me.” For instance, people often assume Like Arrested Development, perhaps this want to do that for sure,” he says. “But Anders in British because his villainous will be another Netflix hit. you know, it all comes in time.” roles thus far have called for an English It is undeniable that there is a shift accent. He just happens to put it on in how viewers are watching television quite well. shows. The trends have changed, mak- For more information on David Currently seen alongside John ing cable and Netflix more competitive Anders, follow him on : Stamos in Necessary Roughness, Anders than ever. twitter.com/questionanders

VARIANCEMAGAZINE.COM 49 YOU CAN’T KEEP Surfer A GOOD BAND DOWN. THE FLORIDA ROCKERS MOVE PAST BUMPS IN THE ROAD Blood AS THEY AIM FOR THE TOP

R PHOTO BY FRANK MADDOCKS 50 VARIANCEMAGAZINE.COM FROM THE SUNNY SHORES OF FLORIDA, WORDS BY RACHEL FAYLENE YOU CAN’T KEEP West Palm Beach’s very own Surfer Blood made its way into blogs, festivals and playlists when John Paul Pitts A GOOD BAND DOWN. (lead vocals/guitar), Thomas Fekete (guitar/backing vo- cals), Kevin Williams (bass guitar/backing vocals), and Tyler Schwarz (drums) banded together to begin the life THE FLORIDA ROCKERS they had envisioned for themselves. constantly is second guess their careers and their per- In 2009, the rock group was formed with clear objec- yourself.” sonal lives. MOVE PAST BUMPS IN THE ROAD tives that included writing, releasing music and touring “You have to have some “I think anyone who is AS THEY AIM FOR THE TOP within a short amount of time. The band managed to sort of a fluid aspect to it true to us would vouch accumulate attention from fans as well as media over the and sometimes you get self for the fact that we’re course of a few years with the release of their album and conscious, so anything you pretty nice guys most of EP, and Tarot Classics, respectively. Festivals can do to get yourself out the time,” Pitts claims. and tours splattered across their itineraries as their popu- of that headspace is impor- “We have our bad days but larity grew. Surfer Blood was later added to Warner Bros. tant.” we’ve been doing this for 3 Records, giving the group a chance to check off yet an- Pitts prefers to commu- or 4 years now and we’ve other list of accomplishments. nicate with fans in a more met a lot of people along Jumping into steadily growing careers leaves little room personable way as much the way. I think a lot of for preparation, but Surfer Blood seemed to handle the as possible. He expresses people who have written pressure with grace and expanded itself alongside its op- the importance of interac- us off or said things that portunities.The group spent 2011 on the road playing tion between the band and are less than nice – I might more than 300 shows, sporadically creating the material their show-goers and wants say the same thing too if I that would eventually be used for the new album. Over to be accessible. While fans didn’t know us.” the course of this time, Surfer Blood got tighter as a band might not be chatting with The group is more than and learned to work with one another’s stage presence. the group through social ready to move forward They took advantage of sound checks and free time to media, they do have the with their fans as well as prepare for the future by writing. chance to get to know the their careers. Even with “We would record a song every couple days and record group after a performance. their early experience an mp3 of it and that was it; we’d move on to something “I’m not really good with regarding the negative else,” admits Pitts. “Then we ended up with 25 songs the Internet much myself side of fame, the group walking into the studio and I think that’s what separates with my personal life,” he marches onward with their this [album] from anything else we’ve done. It was nice to admits openly. “That’s not heads held high. Learning have a lot of material to work from.” really something I’ve taken that maybe not all press is When it came time to record their most recent album, the reigns with.” good press hasn’t derailed Pythons, the band took advantage of the resources they After his run-in with the the band from wanting to had gained along the way and went into the studio rather law in 2012, the group’s be in the spotlight. They than recording at home as before. The group stretched frontman has every right are pushing forward with themselves out of their comfort zone musically while to be weary of the Internet. their plans to be the band keeping that Surfer Blood sound. Pitts’ arrest for domestic that they envisioned. Pitts “We didn’t want to be the band that does the same thing battery weighed heavily on makes it clear that his over and over again,” Pitts claims. “We wanted to make a the band and their pub- sights are set on living his bigger record and get the opportunity to do that, and sign lic image. Although the life in the public eye if it with a major label and work with a producer.” charges were later dropped, means chasing his dreams. The trademark sound of Surfer Blood is very much pres- it left plenty of room for “If we didn’t like a little ent in Pythons with their summertime vibes and feel-good the judgment and criticism bit of attention we prob- harmony. Pitts takes note of their recognizable sound but that fell hard on the band. ably wouldn’t be playing in claims that it isn’t intentional. The group and Pitts specif- a touring rock band,” Pitts “It just sort of seems to be what we do well, what we’re ically received both online exclaims. good at, and what people latch onto,” Pitts identifies. “It’s and real world hate after A new chapter is being definitely not something we do consciously.” the news was made pub- written for Surfer Blood Pitts makes it clear that searching the Internet for re- lic. While this might have as it continues to move views of their latest album is not on his to-do list. He caused their relationships forward and grow. The also warns against the dangers of doing so at any point in with a number of peers group’s goals for success a musician’s career, admitting that it can truly affect the and fans to dissolve, there are just as evident as they entire process in a negative way. is still a steady following were in 2009 when Pitts “Staying off Twitter is probably the healthiest thing you and dedicated group of says confidently, “We defi- can do,” he assures. “The worst thing you can do when friends that support the nitely want to take that you’re performing every night or when you’re writing band and its members in next step.” n

VARIANCEMAGAZINE.COM 51 PRETTY LIGHTS + T H E G R E AT E D M DEBATEV

BY AMANDA MORAD PRETTY LIGHTS’ DEREK VINCENT SMITH ON AUTHENTICITY, RETROFITTING MUSIC TECHNOLOGY AND PUSHING THE LIMITS OF EDM. true producer-performer, Derek Vincent Smith has his hand in just about every aspect of the projects of his EDM act, Pretty Lights. From writing copy for press " releases to designing the album artwork and editing the documentary footage taken throughoutA the making of the new LP, A Color Map of the Sun, Smith’s insistence on total involvement isn’t necessarily about control (though he admits that’s part of it), but about vision. “I just see how I want things,” he says. For this latest offering released July 2, Smith saw that he wanted to stretch the limits of and help redefine the misconceptions of what he and many fellow EDM artists who insist on making original music actually do. In order to do that, Smith set out on perhaps the most challenging musical endeavor in the genre to date.

VARIANCEMAGAZINE.COM 53 ally performing it, actually engaging with it onstage,” Smith says. “That’s where soul comes in. Even with computers and sam- plers and sets onstage, you can engage in your music and you can express soul by the way that you’re feeling it and the way that you’re manipulating it, in the way that it enters your body as a performer and artist.” “That’s the ultimate,” Smith claims. “That’s the artist that I want to watch and that’s what I want to do.” With that kind of attitude, it’s easy to see why Smith is nothing if not a pioneer in . He’s rejected the notion of computers running his live shows while he stands up on stage like a reverse Wizard of Oz—no curtain, same illusion of power. Instead, he and his lighting designer have developed their own system that keeps the visual fireworks in perfect sync with Smith “The whole concept of the project was to Tracks like “Yellow Bird” swing more to- as he directs the show, remixing his own go in and work with musicians and emu- ward ambient electronic while the opener songs with improvisation just as a live band late the recording processes from different “Color of My Soul” hints a little more at would do…and just as he’ll do in October time periods and then compose music in dubstep. But maybe labels aren’t the best when he sets off on tour in support ofColor those different styles,” Smith explains. And way to classify Color Map at all. It’s music Map with a full band. his commitment to period recording meth- you want to drive to, think to, write to, jive “I just don’t want to be limited, and it’s ods was staunch. to, play at a party or drum to at your desk. been limited and it’s getting more limited “I built a wall-sized modular analog syn- EDM has a reputation for relying on as far as what a DJ/producer can do on thesizer, like a telephone operating board,” modern technology to make music and has stage,” Smith asserts. “There’s all this tech- Smith says. “You build a patch and it takes taken a lot of heat as a genre because of it. nology out there that allows for freedom, you hours to build the sound. Then you But Smith says the term “EDM” has sim- but no one really uses it for what it’s worth have to unplug everything after you’re ply become a catch-all label for anything because you can’t try something completely done with it. You can’t save it, and then you electronic. new and then have your computer freeze in move . I wanted to ba- “The way that it’s used right now means front of 30,000 people.” sically create a 2013 album with gear that music that is coming out of a computer or That apprehension seems to barely be a existed 40 years ago. That was my goal.” out of a turntable,” Smith explains. “But consideration for Smith. He’s to Color Map certainly achieves that. But that’s just too broad. EDM is the easy label push the limits of what he, or any electronic for the buttery analog sound composition to put on a new culture.” artist, can do. Color Map proved that 100 and the retro fonts on the album art, you’d “It’s an emergence of a culture and of this times over. never know it wasn’t built with the “latest new kind of event where one individual can “This was just the ultimate dream fora and greatest” in music technology. stand on stage and perform other people’s sample artist to be able to compose and cre- But. . . why retrofit such a contemporary music, their own music or a combination ate my own vinyl sample,” Smith says. “I art form? of both. And they can either hit play or really just wanted to challenge myself. I’ve “It wasn’t about stepping away from us- they can completely deconstruct the song never worked with a 10-person band in the ing , it was about stepping and then perform them on the fly and do same room. Everything written on the fly away from the current state of technology,” all this complicated and sophisticated stuff and recorded on the fly. At first I had to act Smith clarifies. “People say about my work, on stage.” like I knew what I was doing, and by the ‘oh, you use real instruments.’ Well, I don’t “But either way, the crowd really doesn’t end I had acquired a new set of skills.” look at computer synthesizers as unreal in- know what’s going on or what’s going into This isn’t the first time Smith has chal- struments. But the boundary and param- it. At an EDM festival, if you have some lenged himself to do something new, differ- eter I set for this project was that I was us- superstar DJ on stage, 90% of the crowd ent and seemingly impossible. In a remark- ing all authentic and from-the-time-period doesn’t know if the song he’s playing was able sprint of recording and producing in instruments. I was trying to get as bizarre written by him or written by someone else, 2010, Pretty Lights released three EPs in and old-school with the sonic quality as I and 100% of the crowd doesn’t know if one year. could.” he’s actually doing anything. So EDM is “With every project I’ve done over the last Calling Color Map EDM is somewhat a the label that’s been created to encompass three or four years, I’ve tried to come up misnomer. While tracks like the first single, that whole lack of knowledge of what the with some conceptual approach to it that “Around the Block (feat. )” get hell is going on with these artists and these could be a challenge.” close, Smith admits that the “dance” part shows.” As Smith continues his conquests in elec- of EDM doesn’t really come across in his Smith, unsatisfied by all this, wants to see tronic music, there’s just no way to tell the music. electronic artists get back to the basics of butterfly effect his original production and “My music is hip-hop at the core and performance. insistence on creative freedom could have soul, though I suppose it has the power to “I want to watch an artist who is play- on the future of EDM…or whatever you PHOTOS BY KRYSTLE BLACKBURN make people dance,” Smith explains. ing his or her own music and also actu- want to call it. n

54 VARIANCEMAGAZINE.COM PHOTOS BY KRYSTLE BLACKBURN A I D E M G N I T E K R A M N O I T U B I R T S I D N O I T C U D O R P P U O R G C I S U M E T A T M O C . P U O R G C I S U M E T A T DREAM YOUR FOLLOW AHEAd, GO . AVAILBLE NOW AT SKULLCANDY.COM @SKULLCANDY / FEATURING KAI OTTON

Variancemagazine_Navigator_Kai.indd 1 12/14/12 3:10 PM WHEREVER YOUR STORY TAKES YOU, WE’LL BE THERE. TATE PUBLISHING TATEPUBLISHING.COM SPOTLIGHT MARSHALL YOUNG BAND

or Marshall Young, Young Band released their new much wiggle room to be as cre- music started out as album November, which sounds ative and being able to experi- F something his dad did. a little like what would hap- ment like we were able to do.” Growing up with a musician in pen if The Goo Goo Dolls had Young says his dad is his big- the house, Young was always originated in . The gest inspiration and the only around music and one day de- band consists of Young on vo- reason he plays guitar is because cided to pick up the guitar. cals and guitar, Caleb Anderson of his father’s influence and the Through the years, Young’s on lead guitar, Chuck Gasser abundance of guitars around sound has grown and devel- on drums, and Clark Nowlin the house growing up. oped. When he was 12, the on bass. Their album is some- Musically, Young draws in- bands and thing that Young describes as “a spiration from John Mayer Blink 182 were on repeat, then huge learning experience.” and Stevie Ray Vaughn, noting when he was 14 his dad played “That was my first extended Mayer’s Where the Light Is as a him a Delbert Clinton song time slot in a professional catalyst for chasing his dreams. and that is when his love for the recording studio,” explains “I just want to continue play- blues and sparked. Young. “I’ve been in the stu- ing, regardless of where, or for Last month, The Marshall dio before, but never with this what,” says Young. -V

58 VARIANCEMAGAZINE.COM SPOTLIGHT

THE LAST ROYALS BY JONATHAN ROBLES // PHOTO BY DUSTIN

heir album, Twisti- band. Listeners loved it. And That’s beautiful! From that lot of bands walk away from fication, kicked off in the age of the Internet, point on we sort of deter- [festivals] spending several T what has become this little-known Brooklyn- mined that we wanted to be thousand dollars, then going, quite the year in music so far. based outfit saw firsthand the a radio band.” ‘Crap, what did we gain?’ For Having spent the past couple perks of radio. Acknowledging perhaps the us, it’s like, you say you want of years building momen- “I didn’t realize how pow- complexity of the music in- to be in a band and work tum, The Last Royals (con- erful XM radio is,” admits dustry these days, the band hard? Then you work hard. sisting of singer-songwrit- James, speaking between tour has done its best to make Our agent actually signed er-producer-guitarist Eric stops. “The program director smart, strategic decisions us because of the Rachael James and drummer Mason contacted me on my per- when it comes to promo Ray show at SXSW. So, you Ingram) finally released their sonal page. I was methods and even tour op- never know who’s going to be debut record in January. like, ‘Who is this guy?’ and tions. Having been one of there. You play like it’s your And while the band’s mate- my manager was like, ‘Call thousands of acts to perform last show.” rial injects fresh energy into him!’ He just started play- this year at SXSW—in ad- The Last Royals, however, any playlist, with shamelessly ing it and other DJs picked it dition to festivals like Sum- aren’t anywhere near their danceable beats and shiny up, too … I felt like I was in merfest and Firefly, James last show. “We’re starting to indie-pop sounds, some of the ‘50s for a minute, where believes those appearances write again,” reveals James. their songs have actually DJs are choosing what they are merely a small part of the “We’re in that dangerous cy- been floating around for a like. What a concept! I guess equation. cle where songs are now kind while. that’s how it used to be. I felt “It’s more about having of old to us, but you can’t SiriusXM’s Alt Nation satel- like I had peered into this them be on your rap sheet,” treat them that way. It’s ac- lite radio channel added the little window of time—how he explains. “Like, ‘Yeah, tually a good thing, though, band’s song “Crystal Vases” [bands] could go from no- we played SXSW.’ A lot of because it means we’re play- to its rotation back in 2011, bodies to suddenly someone people are looking at where ing—touring. We hope to much to the surprise of the taking a chance on them. you’re playing. But I think a keep touring this fall.” -V

VARIANCEMAGAZINE.COM 59 SPOTLIGHT

CAZZETTE BY ELI PROVENZANO // PHOTO BY JASON MONGUE

hen it comes to mainstream people are disappointed,” says Furrer, a certain kind of music that’s big for music, EDM (electronic “But I think we did have to do what the moment, someone has to step up W dance music) has not exactly we did in a way that we just put it out the game and make everyone think, been at the front of the pack. But if there to actually make people be a part ‘Oh, wow! They stepped up and now I Spotify and Cazzette have anything to of Spotify, and just experience it. That’s have to step up mine.’ It makes every- say about it, that will soon change. what we wanted to do, get people to one want to evolve and improve their Cazzette, a Swedish DJ duo consist- love what we love, the streaming ser- sound and their music and their stage ing of Sebastian Furrer and Alexan- vice. We wanted people to be a part of productions. That’s how people get der Bjorklund, has found its way into that and see that new world of music. I better all the time. Daft Punk is a really the hearts of music lovers worldwide mean, everything you do when it comes big hit for everyone now and to follow thanks to a little experimentation, a to music and putting it out on differ- those steps is hard, but it’s exciting in music video featuring an alien inva- ent platforms is all a risk, and people the same way.” sion, and a pioneering attitude. are always going to be disappointed in Taking EDM to a new level may be Stepping into the unknown, Caz- some way, but you can’t make everyone in the cards for Cazzette, but for right zette teamed up with Spotify in order happy. We did our best and now [we now this dynamic duo is more con- to take its music to new heights. After put] it on iTunes, so hopefully people cerned with their own work and how their success with boosting the career think the wait was worth it.” to get their music out there. “It’s just of Kendrick Lamar, Spotify realized Getting EDM into the mainstream disturbing to think about the scene, the influence their site had and want- spotlight has not been an easy task, but how everything sounds the same,” Fur- ed to use that to launch the career of Cazzette is not alone. With Daft Punk’s rer admits, “I personally would rather new bands all over the world. Having recent return with Random Access not think about it. I just think, ‘I do always been a fan of streaming music, Memories, more people are looking at what I do. Other people do what they Furrer was proud to partner with the the music format in a whole new way. do. If they do it, good. If there are oth- streaming titan, saying, “It was re- “Obviously, people get more excited er people that like it, that’s cool. But I ally cool. It was something different, of and everyone has been waiting for new just want to do my stuff.’” course. Like, we were the first ones to tracks from them for forever,” says Fur- With Cazzette’s big single, “Beam Me ever put out an album exclusively on a rer about Daft Punk. “What they did, Up,” causing dance fever everywhere, streaming service.” they just went back to the ‘70s and the DJs are looking forward to tour The only hitch seemed to be when re-did a little bit of that, and that’s re- dates, an album release and getting fans voiced their disappointment at ally cool. I think it was necessary for new music on the scene. not being able to download Cazzette’s electronic music because it’s been too “We’re working on so many tracks music on iTunes. much the same for a while. It’s always right now,” he reveals. “It’s a hectic “Of course it’s pretty sad to hear that like that, you know. When there’s time for sure.” -V

60 VARIANCEMAGAZINE.COM BY ELI PROVENZANO // PHOTO BY JASON MONGUE

SPOTLIGHT LAST NOTE

fter moving to Roch- LeDuc began the search for as a way to improvise and ester, N.Y., seven years bandmates and found them manipulate a song differently A ago, Nick LeDuc de- when he perused some open than in the recording. He also cided to get some guys together mics in the city. likes to see the way the crowd and start what would later be- The band’s new album, responds. come Last Note. While in high Highways, brings a refreshing “I love to see and feel the school, he joined the school sound and catchy melodies. energy off of everyone at the band and was quickly ap- LeDuc’s voice is unique and show, enjoying the music the proached by some older class- adds a warmth to the album’s way it’s meant to be taken in,” mates about playing in their songs. he explains. “I also love sending band. “It’s a journey through the tri- a positive message to new faces, “It was then that I started to als and tribulations of life we enjoying seeing strangers meet- expand my mind musically and are all given daily with hope at ing under circumstances that really take in a lot of different the end of that road,” he says. may not be there had the music influences,” says LeDuc. “It’s something I truly believe not been.” LeDuc was able to decide everyone can enjoy time and LeDuc is excited for what the early on the type of artist he time again.” future holds for the band. “[I wanted to be and where he With touring being so impor- want] to continue to reach new wanted to take his music. Upon tant for up-and-coming musi- faces, [and] to grow to bigger his relocation to Rochester, cians, LeDuc sees live shows venues, even festivals.” -V

VARIANCEMAGAZINE.COM 61 THE SUN SETS ON SASQUATCH 2013 PHOTO BY LEIF MAXFIELD rq NOW PLAYING