STAFF: Executive Editor
Allison Lanza Layout Design & Issue Editor Addie Whelan Director of Content Gabi Talisman Photo Editor: Becca Mathias Contributors: Addie Whelan Allison Lanza Alyssa Buzzello Charlotte Freitag Delaney DeAngelis Gabi Talisman Lauren Klonowski Samuel Israel Taylor Cleek
Beyond The Stage is a digital music magazine based in the United States. We are on a 45 day cycle. You can read Beyond The Stage online for free or visit our website to buy a hard copy. Previous issues are always available to read online or order in print. www.beyondthestagemagazine.com
Photographers: Addie Whelan Allison Lanza Alyssa Buzzello Anna Xu Charlotte Freitag Gabi Talisman Hannah Jones Taylor Cleek
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BTSMag Want to be featured in BTS? Contact: gtalisman@beyondthestagemagazine.com 2 | Beyond The stage magazine
Contents:
Beyond The STage ISSue 6
06 Bean 09
Warped Tour
12 STarkey Hearing FoundaTion gala 20 MaX 26 alBuM revieWS 29 kevin garreTT 34 Travi$ ScoTT concerT revieW 36 like THiS? Try THaT. 39 playliST - up & coMing arTiSTS Beyond The stage magazine | 3
Nate ruess Los angeles, ca | June 2015 Photo By: Alyssa buzzello
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BEAN
Photos & Words By Alyssa Buzzello Bean: The whole music thing started for me when I was a kid. I grew up with my parents being evangelists and traveling around to different churches and what not. Of course, naturally I ended up in a church choir. From there, I did everything from singing in choirs to finally picking up my first guitar and writing my own songs. Now, here I am! I grew up in Nashville and lived there for 14 years, then I moved to Texas. I was there for 8 years. And now I’m here in LA!
Bean: First and foremost, the most important thing to me is the lyrical content. I know the reason why I’ve been put on this earth: my parents prayed for a songwriter. So, that part of art is the most important thing for me. As far as the writing process goes, it’s different every single time. I just sit down and it’s not formulated, it just happens. It’s whatever I’m feeling. Sometimes it’s the lyrics after I go through a real life situation. Or a different type of chord progression that strikes the lyrics out for me. It’s kind of unique and amazing at the same time. I love it.
BTS: Can you describe your sound to readers who may have never heard it?
BTS: What are some of your influences for your music, aside from what you went through growing up?
Bean: I would say my music is indie-pop with a little splash of me, just this random girl from Tennessee/Texas.
Bean: Growing up I wasn’t allowed to listen to, like, Spice Girls or Backstreet Boys or anything. I grew up listening to Sonny and Cher, Jackson Five, all of the old music. One group that, ever since I heard “The Scientist,” that has super shaped my love and passion for music has been Coldplay. So they’ve been one of my most favorite bands.
BTS: Where did your music career start for you?
BTS: Your music tends to range in sound. What’s the writing process like and how does that manifest into all of these different vibes?
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BTS: “Wildfire” was just recently released. What was the inspiration behind the lyrics? Bean: It kind of explains itself with a chorus of “You can knock me down to my knees, I’m a wildfire, I’m gonna rise from the ashes”. All of the things that have happened for the past 4 years in the music business have been good, bad, and ugly all in one. It’s just me taking other peoples’ opinions that I’ve collected over the last 4 years and trying to mold myself into what other people want me to be, and finally just pushing the mute button on that and listening to myself. It sounds lame, but it’s about listening to my heart.
BTS: What was it like hearing your song on the radio at first?
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Bean: It was absolutely insane. I was sitting right next to Jojo in his Jeep and Alex was in the back snap chatting the whole thing. I was like “I don’t even know words. What are these things on my face called lips” I didn’t even know what was going on the entire time because it was just so surreal. BTS: You’ve played on a couple big tours, and been featured in a couple big spots. How do you feel knowing that you’ve already gotten this far, and how does it feel to know that there are still a lot of big things ahead for you? Bean: I’ve come a long way in 4 years but it’s just the cusp of it. I’m excited but I’m so much more excited for what is to come rather than what’s here right now. I’m just ready to push to the next level.
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MAX
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PG 21
Photo By Charlotte Freitag
Set It Off
Warped Tour Pittsburgh, PA
Photos By Allison Lanza
Riff Raff
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PVRIS
Take A Breath
Pierce The Veil
Metro Station
As It Is
Set It Off
Riff Raff
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So The World May Hear Gala 2015 Photos & Interviews By Gabi Talisman Each year, the Starkey Hearing Foundation gifts more than 100,000 hearing aids to people around the world who cannot afford them. They travel to countries around the world (China, Mexico and Ghana to name a few) and help both children and adults to hear. The So The World May Hear Gala in Minneapolis, Minnesota raises more than $9 million every year to support the foundation. This year, the foundation honored George Bush, Bill Clinton, Delta Zeta, and No Limits. Performers included Katy Perry (pictured right), Matt Nathanson, Jessica Sanchez, Gene Simmons and 2Cellos. For more photos and coverage of the event, check out #StarkeyGala on Twitter.
Laura Marano BTS: This is your first Starkey Hearing Foundation Gala, what do you think so far? LM: I love it! It’s amazing. I went to Bill and Tani [Austin]’s house for their party last night, such lovely people and I’m so excited to be here today. BTS: There are a lot of charities out there that you could potentially support, why Starkey? L: Well I found out through the foundation through my sister who works on Switched At Birth so obviously deaf culture is a huge part of that show. Marlee Matlin and her interpreter Jack actually have been really involved with the foundation and Vanessa found out about that and I found out from Vanessa. And on the other side, my music manager was involved in the foundation for so long. She has actually been on a mission, which is something that I really would love to 12 | Beyond The stage magazine
We had the chance to attend the Gala and speak to some of the stars attending to find out more.
do. Just the idea of seeing you know, people’s reaction for when they can hear for the first time, that blows my mind. I want to do that so badly. BTS: You mentioned your music a little bit, can you tell us what’s up with that? L: I’ve been writing for my record for a couple of years now, I actually signed with Big Machine [Records] in March which was amazing. They are an incredible record label and they have Tim McGraw and Reba, they have Steven Tyler and of course, Taylor Swift, who I’m obsessed with. I’m actually a pop artist so it’s like very exciting to go on this adventure with them. So I am currently writing you know, hopefully releasing my single soon, we’re still picking it. And it’s just been an amazing journey and I’m so excited for this journey. I can’t wait to have everyone join it with me.
Jessica Sanchez BTS: You have done some amazing work with Starkey and I have to ask, why Starkey? J: Yeah I’d like to do a lot of charities ever since I was a little girl, I was like: the one thing that I want to do when I grow up is just keep myself involved with charity work and it kind of keeps me humble so I love doing it. But when I first came to Starkey for the first time, they invited me to sing and do performances and watching the footage you know I was asking them like “can I go on one of these missions?” so they invited me to the Philippians one and it was really life changing. It was a huge eye opener to me, because without hearing I wouldn’t be where I am now. So it’s a big part of my life and I guess Starkey is just a really big part of my life too, so I am always happy to come and support Bill and Tani [Austin]. BTS: What’s next for your music? J: I’m definitely working on new music, I just signed with Ednemol Beyond USA so I’m doing a lot more YouTube videos for my fans and getting to know me personally. I just did a video of me playing video games and I got pushed in the pool and so it’s just like fun stuff like that. But I’m also working on my music and it’s just kind of like me in the studio writing and getting really down and finding myself and finding my sound.
Follow us on Twitter (@btspress) for a chance to win this signed Jessica Sanchez polaroid! Beyond The stage magazine | 13
How We Survived Festival Season Words By Gabi Talisman, Photos By Charlotte Freitag Eno Photo By Abby Gorden
A good pair of socks: Stance While Stance has been on the streetwear scene for a while, they now have a firm foothold with musicians and fans alike. Boasting colorful designs from puppies to sports teams and funky prints (to name a few), Stance makes socks that make your feet feel like you haven’t been walking, standing and jumping for hours on end. Starting your day with a pair of these socks could mean the difference between staying longer to see that act that’s just breaking (Tove Lo or Bleachers anyone?) and going back to your hotel room/hammock/ tent and missing out on a big part of the festival experience. Festival-goers are commonly told to be sure to “wear good shoes!” but we would argue that socks are just as important. While more expensive than your average pair of socks, we have totally converted to team Stance: why wear thin socks that are regrettable by the end of the day when you can wear socks that will keep you comfortable and are designed by the likes of Roc Nation artists Santigold and Rihanna? Exactly.
Ear protection: Dubs We had our first run-in with Dubs at Bonnaroo earlier this year, and we have yet to look back. Sonically, Dubs can change your entire experience as a concert goer. The acoustic filters lower the volume of the sound around you, but unlike the average foam earplug commonly seen in the ears of security guards and moms alike, it is possible to hear those around you as well as hear the music! The Beyond The Stage team began to wear these just a short while ago and we are already able to tell the difference it has made to us. While not every attendee is in the photo pit or the first few rows, Dubs really do improve your concert experience no matter where in a venue you are. As a team of young concert-goers and music lovers, we know that if our hearing isn’t protected, both will be compromised. Dubs allow us to keep doing everything we did before with very little interference, and leave us worry-free about our ears ringing after the show. Another festival perk of Dubs Acoustic Filters? While trying to get to sleep during a DeadMau5 or Twenty One Pilots set that can still be heard loud and clear from your sleeping quarters, your choice was previously either a set of foam ear plugs or losing sleep. Festival attendees no longer have to make such a difficult choice – falling asleep to whoever’s playing, with less screaming and volume overall, is now a feasible choice. 14 | Beyond The stage magazine
How We Survived Festival Season (Continued)
A place to take a great nap: Eno Hammocks Eagles Nest Outfitters, a company that makes hammocks for many incredible adventurers in a variety of colors, at first glance may seem like an odd choice to include in a list of our favorite products for this festival season. However strange it may seem to include a wilderness-focused lifestyle product, we firmly believe that a hammock can make your festival experience even better. Coming in both one and two person options in a variety of colors, Eno Hammocks have the beauty of being able to be strung up almost anywhere. We saw them hanging between trees, tent poles, across misting tents, and pretty much anywhere else that shade could be found. The hammocks even do just fine in rain and water, drying quickly and on their own. With a five minute combined up and down with a set up so easy we actually felt comfortable getting rid of the instructions, this instant place to take a nap was definitely one of the best items to buy for a festival at its price point (ranging around $100, including suspension system). Instead of trekking back to a hotel room or campsite to take a midday nap we commonly saw people throw their Eno up between a pair of trees or sides of a tent and sleep right in the middle of the festival. Genius? Close enough for us.
Skin protection: Badger Sunscreen and Lip Balm The true festival season runs from May to September, and thus as long as festivals continue to take place during the hottest and sunniest part of the year, people will keep getting sunburned. Many festivals are more than one day, and getting burned on that first or second day can make for a miserable experience for the rest of the festival. For that reason alone, we had to include sunscreen and lip balm. And what brand better to include than Badger, the company who has really brought organic sunscreen to the general market in a way that doesn’t empty your wallet? As a mineral based sunscreen, Badger is better for your skin, better for the environment (no damaging chemicals running in to the water after taking that glorious, long-awaited shower), and is never tested on animals. Our favorite part about Badger products is the fact that their lotion acts the same as any other sunscreen while using better ingredients. For Badger’s, organic certainly does not mean weak, and that is why it rounds out our list of products that helped us survive this festival season.
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Mat Kearney
OAR
Basilica Block Party Minneapolis, MN - July 10 - 11 Photos By Addie Whelan & Gabi Talisman
Echosmith
Weezer
Nate Ruess
Wilco
Nate Ruess
Echosmith
Rachel Platten
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Wilco
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Rachel Platten
Mat Kearney
Motion City Soundtrack
Fitz & The Tantrums
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MAX Beyond The stage magazine | 21
M
ax Schneider performs as if he is one hundred feet tall. The moment he steps onto a stage, his larger-than-life personality transcends the limitations of his body and electrifies the entire room. With his arresting vocals and nimble footwork, he creates an explosive spectacle that captures and sustains the attention of his audience. Max’s passion for music radiates through in his sharp, emotive delivery and vibrant choreography, establishing an ambience of pure energy and excitement. His performances, while incredibly slick and well-rehearsed, feel the furthest thing from robotic. Never failing to inject one hundred percent of his effort into a single performance, Max is dedicated to creating unforgettable concert experiences for his fans. “Every time I go on a new tour or start a new project, I love to figure out each audience,” Max says of his love for live shows. “My favorite thing to do is make a connection; it’s an amazing science that I think is so important to a band’s or artist’s career. It’s crucial to figure out how people respond to your work and make them feel like they’re a part of it.” The 23-year-old New York native began performing at the tender age of three, always eager to put on a show for his family and friends. As he matured, he upgraded from a makeshift livingroom table stage to a brightly-lit Broadway one, scoring a role in the classic musical 13. While music has always played an important role in Max’s life, he spent his teenage years focused on acting rather than singing. It wasn’t until the release of his first official single, “Nothing Without Love,” in 2013 that he decided to make music his number one priority. “I grew up doing a lot of live performances, and one of my favorite things in the world is to feed off the energy of every audience I have,” Max explains. “The stage is definitely a place that feels like home to me.” Although a sizeable portion of Max’s rabid fanbase has been amassed through his work on the stage such as his ongoing contribution to Fall Out Boy and Wiz Khalifa’s Boys of Zummer Tour, which rakes in a crowd of an impressive 20,000 people a night, a striking amount of listeners were first introduced to him via social media. Taking full advantage of the opportunities extended to him by Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and most fruitfully YouTube, Max has been able to reach new listeners across multiple demographics. “Social media has been an awesome part of my career. Being able to connect with every single one of my fans every day is a blessing. We’re able to be like ‘we’re going to do a pop up show in this city, you guys should come out to it,’ and people will hear about it instantly and show up. That’s something previous generations never had, and it’s something I love being a part of.” While on the road with Khalifa, Fall Out Boy and frequent collaborator Hoodie Allen, Max has taken special care to make room in his hectic schedule for recording cover songs and vlog-style updates to post on his thriving YouTube account. Providing a constant stream of new content to his fanbase is always a priority. Through his thoughtfully crafted YouTube videos, Max has been able to impress everyday music fans and prominent 22 | Beyond The stage magazine
industry figures alike with his powerful vocals. The young crooner’s irresistibly rich and compelling voice sounds far too robust to fit neatly within his modest 5’8” frame. Between his lilting lower register and sensual, goosebump-inducing falsetto, his voice is remarkably versatile. He puts his vocal prowess to excellent use, crafting his own infectious blend of R&B, pop, and classic soul. He infuses his genre-defying sound into each of the songs he covers on his channel, breathing new life into them and providing fresh interpretations. His videos have sparked the interest of MTV and Pharrell, both of who have offered thrilling new opportunities to Max. In June, Max was named one of MTV’s three artists to watch of 2015. This sought-after honor helped him garner the massive amount of media attention he deserves and allowed him to perform at MTV’s annual Artist To Watch showcase alongside Raury and Jacob Whitesides at the Highline Ballroom in New York City. As astonishing as the perks of his MTV accomplishment have been, his work with legendary producer Pharrell is what truly has the potential to launch him into household name status. “Working with Pharrell was pretty incredible; that was a dream come true. He’s always been an idol of mine and getting to be there in the studio with who he was working with, Stevie Wonder and Snoop Dogg, was one of those
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moments where I thought ‘this is my life right now! This is what I’ve always dreamed about!’” he says, smiling. Pharrell is one of the high-profile producers Max has collaborated with while piecing together his next solo album, due later in 2015. He describes the album’s aesthetic as “very soul driven. It’s definitely rock and roll soul pop. It’s something you can dance to, but something that hopefully connects to you on a deeper level as well.” His extensive work with Pharrell has pushed his sound in new directions, steering his sound away from the bubblegum sounds of his past and into newer, more complex sonic territories. Max is incredibly excited about his career trajectory; his eyes light up the second he begins to talk about his future plans and goals. “I want to keep doing what i’m doing now,” he explains. “Honestly, it would be amazing to be on SNL or do other exciting things like that, but honestly, the thing that matters the most to me is the music itself and the people around me. Continuing to put out music to the people who respond to and care about my music is what I truly care about.” Considering all that he’s accomplished at the ripe age of twenty three, there’s no denying that Max is in for a long, successful career. His raw, organic talent and boundless charisma will serve him well as he continues to cultivate his sound and expand his fanbase. “I’m always working towards the next thing,” Max says of his work ethic. “Hopefully the buzz never stops; capitalizing on it is always the plan. I’m never waiting for something to happen; I’m always moving forward.”
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Christina perri pittsburgh, pa | July 2015 Photo By: hannah jones
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Album Reviews Found In Far Away Places August Burns Red Fearless Records Metalcore is a genre whose time in the spotlight has arguably ended. Despite its raging success through the midto-late 2000’s, many of the scene’s former big names and faces can be found either anxiously adjusting their sound to something a little more presently popular or hopelessly fading into social media obscurity. There are a few exceptions to those categories, but one is clearing thriving above them all: August Burns Red. The band’s newest release, Found in Far Away Places, is an uncompromising and yet incredibly innovative metalcore record. Make no mistake; all of the elements that have made up August Burns Red over the past twelve years are still present: skull-crushing breakdowns, sweeping guitar solos, relentless drums and “JB” Brubaker’s signature harsh vocals. While Found in Far Away Places delivers all of the delicious flavor that fans expect, it also decides to take the risk of spicing things up. Listeners will find themselves transported to places entirely unexpected: a whimsical string section, a cool surf rock jam session, even a galloping tune that would fit very comfortably in a “Spaghetti Western” film. These unusual additions don’t come off as gimmick-y or forced at all. Instead, they transition almost seamlessly from the band’s break-neck brutality in a way that’s surprisingly natural and not at all disruptive. This record only further proves what August Burns Red fans have known all along: this is a group of remarkably talented musicians. Perhaps you tapped out on the metalcore scene a long time ago. In many ways, I can’t personally say that I’d blame you. But for those who feel the genre has grown stagnant and unoriginal, or if you’ve simply never felt it to be quite your thing; this is the record that will change your mind. August Burns Red refuses to become a dusty relic or a sad imitation of the past. Found in Far Away Places is a massive leap forward that continues to cement the band’s legacy as masters of their craft. 5/5 - Taylor Cleek Download: “The Wake,” “Identity,” “Ghosts (featuring Jeremy McKinnon),” “Majoring in the Minors” 26 | Beyond The stage magazine
Not An Apology Bea Miller Hollywood Records For such a young artist, Bea Miller has crafted a sound that will set her above the rest of the pop scene. With witty lyrics and fun pop sounds, she has a made a great record that all music lovers can enjoy. Not An Apology opens with Miller’s debut single, “Young Blood” which is an anthem that should either be blasted on a road trip or featured in a John Green movie soundtrack (or both). “I Dare You” is easily one of the best songs on the record. From the very first guitar riff, it will have the listener hooked. “Enemy Fire” is a catchy track that has a soulful vibe mixed with harmonies that help keep the album interesting. Following is “Force of Nature” which stands out on the record being that it is the only ballad. This song really showcases how much Bea is capable of vocally. “We’re Taking Over” is the best song lyrically on the album and features the best message. The album closes with a track written by the Madden Brothers, “Rich Kids.” This song definitely has pop-punk roots and Miller pulls it off effortlessly. “Not an Apology” overall is a great album that features messages that will make anyone feel young again. 4.5/5 - Lauren Klonowski Download: “Young Blood,” “I Dare You,” “Rich Kids”
Album Reviews (continued)
Heydays Total Babes Wichita Recordings
Currents Tame Impala Modular Recordings
Driven by rollicking guitars and simplistic harmonies, Total Babes’ latest release, Heydays, is thirty minutes of absent-minded fun. Heydays is characterized by bright, shimmering vocals and a relentlessly joyous uptempo groove provided by Jayson Gerycz’s bouncy percussion. Devoid of any true lyrical complexity, the album is firmly centered around sonic appeal and the creation of ambience rather than the portrayal of any particular theme or message.
Today, psyche-pop artists like Ruban Nielsen of Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Chaz Bundwick of Toro Y Moi are becoming renowned for their production work, but one may argue that Kevin Parker leads the pack. Already having had a great deal of experience in the production room with Pond, Melody’s Echo Chamber and Tame Impala’s previous LPs, Currents makes it crystal clear that Parker is a veteran producer. Every song has some of the tightest production work and bass lines in recent memory. Songs like “Reality In Motion” and “The Moment” groove along seamlessly and could easily be pop singles in their own right.
The opening track, “Blurred Time,” sets the album’s tone immediately, chugging along breezily at a snappy pace. The tracks that follow melt into one another, each one characterized by an aesthetic nearly identical to that of the previous song. The lone outlier is a snarling, experimental romp entitled “Circling,” which is home to glitchy electro sounds that are absent throughout the rest of the album. The album’s greatest flaw lies within the mixing, as the vocals are consistently washed out beyond coherence by the roaring guitars and ferocious percussion. Heydays sounds rather tinny and hollow throughout, as the natural warmth of each instrument was evidently stripped away during post-production. The four-piece Ohio rock ensemble sounds strikingly like a high school garage band, albeit a well-rehearsed one with strong natural chemistry. Perhaps Heydays is the culmination of a school year’s worth of basement recording sessions. 3/5 - Charlotte Freitag Download: “Circling” and “Bone Dry Eyes”
But fans may dislike that Tame Impala no longer has the strong Beatles revivalist tone heard back in 2010 and 2012. The guitar riffs and Lennonesque vocals listeners got used to in Innerspeaker and Lonerism are now replaced with falsetto vocals and synthesizer, and that falsetto and synthesizer is continuous throughout the album. There is some guitar work in the songs “Gossip” and “Disciples” but those two songs run in that less than two minute mark, and feel more like interludes than full tunes. As a standalone album, Currents should be commended for providing excellent psych-pop production that does more than create nostalgia for the flower power era of the 60s. But as the third installment of a band beloved by many, Currents will leave fans torn. Many of the songs repeat certain elements like synths and falsetto vocals. But in addition, the development of Currents raises the question on whether or not Tame Impala will continue changing. As Kevin Parker did most of the production work and instrumentations to this album, and two of the members Nick Allbrook and Jay Watson continue to work on their own band Pond. All of this can only make one wonder if Tame Impala should still be called a band or if it is becoming something else. 3.5/5 Sam Israel Download: “Cause I’m A Man,” “The Moment,” “Let It Happen”
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As it is pittsburgh, pa | July 2015 Photo By: Allison lanza
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Kevin Garrett Photos & Words By Gabi Talisman
Fresh out of New York University’s Steinhardt School of Music, Kevin Garrett is taking the music industry by storm. Tweets from Katy Perry and Sam Smith, thousands of Soundcloud plays, and an announcement that he will be opening one of the most highly anticipated tours of the fall (X Ambassadors and Skylar Gray) have happened in just the last few months. A well-received debut EP out earlier this year generated enough buzz (and love from our staff) to prove that he is definitely something special. When speaking to Kevin at Bonnaroo earlier this summer, we recognized immediately just how his incredible music was made: the man behind it. “Never Knock, it’s the last song on the EP I just put out.” He said quickly, almost as fast as we finished asking which song really shows who he is as a person. “I wrote it in 2013 and it was the first time where I was writing music for this project and it was very personal. It was the first time I was self-reflecting. That’s one of the songs I’m most proud of, because I think it’s the most personal.” Fairly quiet, and somewhat withdrawn at first, Kevin Garrett doesn’t exude a rockstar-like persona, or even seem remotely self-important. Humbly accepting
compliments about his performance and debut EP, Mellow Drama, he seemed almost shocked at how strongly we felt about his set the previous day. This humility seems to stem not only from his general demeanor, but also how he worked to get where he currently is, with a steady but not yet meteoric ascent. “We worked on the songs and the demos for like two or three years.” Garrett told us when we asked about his process behind Mellow Drama. “I had all the songs written before I linked up with the producer I was working with, and the band I’m with now. I actually play with them live, too. I had the EP written; I wrote ‘Control’ when I was 17, and the rest more recently. The way I used to write music was on a guitar, with kind of folk-y singer songwriter vibes, and it was a very defined switched to this, more of an electro soul thing. We kind of dialed in this vibe and we had this slow grind.” In a time where many musicians are putting out albums on yearly or even shorter cycles, two or three years seems exceedingly long. However, the rule of quality over quantity clearly applies to Mellow Drama. With just five songs, Kevin Garrett’s raw vocals and lyrics that have to be Beyond The Stage Magazine | 29
thought over many, many times before even a shallow understanding can be gleamed pack a punch that many full-length albums cannot even fathom. It’s incredibly easy to tell that he’s been involved in music for a very long time. “I started playing music when I was really young. I started playing the violin when I was four, and I started writing songs in high school. But up to that point, I never thought about being a musician, it was really an obligation to my family at that point.” Garrett started. “I started, going into high 30 | Beyond The Stage Magazine
school and then college, playing more shows in Pittsburgh, and I started to kind of be like ‘I want to do this, but I’m not sure.’ When I started playing in New York it really kicked in and I realized like, “hey, yes…’.” When talking to Kevin it also becomes glaringly apparent that he really understands and loves music down to its basic components. When speaking to those who have influenced his music he was quick to tell us that it has been “A lot of old people.” Stopping to laugh for a second, he continued,
virally, it’s easy to see why Kevin finished his statement about his friends with “it’s not like it’s a competition, but it kind of is.” If it’s at all a race, Kevin’s in the pack at the front. “Coloring,” the first song on Kevin’s debut, blew up via SoundCloud, garnering hundreds of thousands of hits. The song bears all about an experience of a deep level of uncertainty with another person. Most people wouldn’t even talk about an experience like this to their friends, much less anonymous people through a pair of headphones. Maybe that’s what makes it so special, the level of reality that the song emits. When asked about the song and the story behind it, Garrett appeared almost withdrawn, but quietly did explain the song, saying, “The byline of the song is ‘You either know or you don’t’ and I think that kind of speaks for itself.” It’s refreshing to have someone write a powerful song about a deep and profound experience that still makes them feel inside enough to not really want to talk about it, and in turn makes the listener feel too. Watching Kevin Garrett perform is almost like seeing a different person. Sitting at a piano and giving simple introductions to each song is very like the Kevin we spoke to, but once he starts singing, it’s another story. With a well-practiced band, powerful vocals that sound the same or better than his recorded work, Kevin Garrett becomes twice his size at his piano. A small crowd was gathered for his set before he took the stage, but by the end of his set a much larger group was watching, many of whom uttered exclamations about how he was going to be huge and how they wanted more. And more is coming.
still jovial, but suddenly focused. “Willie Nelson, pre 1970’s. The year changes every time but really like 1967 and before that; that’s my favorite Willie. All those old soul guys really. I love jazz, I never actually learned to play piano the right way so I steal all the things I like about different players. I have some friends that are really blowing up right now and they inspire me.” One of those friends Kevin speaks humbly of is Phoebe Ryan, a recent sign of Columbia Records. Traveling much of the festival circuit and simultaneously blowing up
“I just keep writing,” Kevin said about his full album release. “I keep telling people that the album’s done being written, but you know, when I have like more than three days at home alone to myself, I’ll start making up some new shit. So I think I’m going to set an endpoint on writing and finish the songs that need to be finished, and just kind of go from there. I’m excited, and I don’t know when you can expect to hear anything, but hopefully by the end of the year I’ll have something out.” Not only is more music coming, but Kevin will be out on the road more, as well. Opening up a handful of dates this month and next for his previous tour-mate James Vincent McMorrow, followed by the X Ambassadors and Skylar Gray tour this fall, Kevin Garrett is a busy man. We, for one, cannot wait to catch a show. Wrapping up our time with Kevin we had one last question: What did he want to do before the end of 2015? “This is a tough one. I don’t even know what I’m doing tomorrow. Like we didn’t know we were playing Beyond The Stage Magazine | 31
Bonnaroo. It wasn’t too long ago until it was actually confirmed, and then when it happened I was like ‘oh cool, let’s do it!’ By the end of 2015, it would be cool to headline my own small tour. I’ve been doing a lot of opening and that’s great because I can ‘steal’ people’s fans, but it would be cool to get back to the cities I’ve been to already. Everybody on my team, we’re all about this sort of organic buzz that’s been happening for me, it’s been awesome.” Kevin finished thoughtfully, but finding a few more words a moment later. “Oh, and at the end of 2015, I hope I keep getting to gigs on time, playing the right notes, and to hopefully have some more music out.”
KevinOGarrett @KevinOGarrett
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Rachel Platten minneapolis, mn | July 2015 Photo By: addie whelan
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‘Til The Cops Shut Us Down: Travi$ Scott at “The Greatest Day Ever Festival”
Brooklyn, ny Photo and Words By Charlotte Freitag
“I don’t want no fucking bystanders tonight!” Travi$ Scott declares as the opening chords of his brooding track “Quintana” swell behind him. As soon as the bass drops, he launches into an hour-long musical tirade fueled by trap snares and unadulterated pandemonium. He is an unstoppable force of nature as he vaults the open-air Williamsburg stage, rapping in a frantic, autotune-soaked haze. A day’s worth of music festival detritus is strewn throughout the crowd, creating a carpet of grime that matches Travi$’s impenitent aesthetic flawlessly. The pulsating mass throbs in violent unity, bodies being tossed carelessly around and heated altercations swirling. A mere five minutes into the show, security has already begun plucking injured and rambunctious concertgoers alike from the crowd. Travi$, notorious for inciting literal riots at his shows, commands the audience to turn “all the way up, and then some.” His barked orders prove to be unnecessary, as the gothic, grungy soundscapes of his setlist alone are enough to inspire even the most reserved attendees to bounce up and down at whiplash-inducing speeds. The sharp scents of danger, excitement and marijuana permeate the air, creating an atmosphere that brings the unapologetic chaos of his music to life. Even while slower tracks such as “Drugs You Should Try” ring through the speakers, the crowd remains ablaze. The flame is not extinguished until the ominous synth melody of “Antidote” comes to a stark halt as event security summons Travi$’s set to an untimely end at the unmerciful hands of noise regulations. 34 | Beyond The STage magazine
The vamps minneapolis, mn | august 2015 Photo By: gabi talisman
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THIS? Words By Delaney DeAngelis
Like Alex & Sierra?
Like Haim?
Check out Dresses!
Check out Poema!
Dresses is a super-indie duo similar to Alex & Sierra. Like Alex & Sierra, Dresses is a real-life couple, Jared Maldonado and Timothy Heller. Their music filled with cute love songs and their instrumentals can only be described as positive and cheerful. Timothy and Jared’s voices harmonize really well together. Their music is acoustic yet upbeat, and with the occasional folksy or random electronic sound, indie lovers and Alex & Sierra fans
Poema is like a chilled-out version of Haim. Like Haim, Poema is a band of sisters, Shealeen and Elle Puckett. The sisters have been making music for quite a few years, and were signed to Tooth & Nail for five years. Their most recent release, Pretty Speeches, is a brilliantly composed five song EP. Each song is a little bit different, and a great introduction to the band. While Poema’s genre is fairly common, their sound is unique compared to
alike will love Dresses’s upbeat, happy music.
what’s heard on the radio. The combination of their voices and beautiful melodies create a distinct sound for the sister act. Their chill, mostly acoustic music is perfect for road trips with friends or driving alongside the lake.
Check out: “Sun Shy” and “Back to Life”
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Check out: “Forget You in LA” and “Enough Messing Around”
✓THAT OUT! Like Bastille?
Like Mayday Parade?
Check out Grizfolk!
Check out The Press War!
The band Grizfolk is a lot like Bastille, with a little more rock influence. In fact, the band opened for Bastille in 2014 for their European and U.S. tour. Two Swedish producers in Los Angeles formed the band in 2013. The combination of rock, pop, folk, and electronic make a unique sound all their own. Grizfolk doesn’t leave out the little things in their songs—whether it be a trumpet, a unique electronic sound or a few piano keys, it’s clear Grizfolk takes a lot of time to compose their songs. They even had their song “Way Back When” featured on the soundtrack from the animated film Mr. Peabody and Sherman. Grizfolk is definitely a band to watch out for. Check out: “The Stuggle” and “Way Back When”
Mayday Parade still has that 2009 era of alternative rock sound that many bands, like All Time Low and We The Kings, have evolved from. It’ll be nostalgic for many who grew up listening to that music to hear The Press War’s fresh take on that type of sound. Their guitar driven and almost angry sounding vocals are reminiscent of today’s pop-punk scene. Similar to Mayday Parade, the instrumentals will often get quiet, then all of sudden start back louder. The band is relatively new, and has only released an EP and a few singles, but is no doubt on a way to success. Any fan of Mayday Parade will love The Press War’s music. Check out: “Only You” and “Up to Me”
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Neon trees houston, tx | June 2015 Photo By: anna xu
38 | Beyond The STage magazine
Playlist: Up & Coming Artists Ever have one of those days when you’re sick of the same ten songs showing up on shuffle? That’s when you know you need new music. This issue’s playlist is designed exactly for that. Want to listen on Spotify? Head to http://bit.ly/BTSissue6
1. Hold Me Down - Halsey 2. High - Young Rising Sons 3. Forces - Japanese Wallpaper (feat. Airling) 4. Nervous (Live) - Gavin James 5. Luxury - Jon Bellion (feat. Audra Mae) 6. Let It Go - James Bay 7. Lost It To Trying - Son Lux 8. Loud Places - Jamie xx (feat. Romy) 9. Wake Up Call - Nothing But Thieves 10. Long Time Coming - Saints of Valory 11. Nicotine - Heffron Drive 12. Afterglow - Speakrs Matthew Sweet - Photo By Addie Whelan
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Photo By Addie Whelan