Up and Coming: An interview with HRVRD
Naming yourself after the most recognizable university in the world is a ballsy move. It sets the bar awfully high for a band with only 7,500 Facebook fans. HRVRD is caught in the middle of a miserably competitive music scene where bands with good amounts of success aren’t guaranteed a bright future, but the North Carolina post-hardcore turned indie-experimental (or something) quintet are acing all their classes. I caught up… continue reading
An Interview with James Morrison
For someone who has been in the business for six years, James Morrison appears to have finally found solace in the truth threaded in his newly released album The Awakening. The English singer-songwriter and guitarist elaborates on what fueled this album that deals with personal battles and joys, as well as what his genuine feelings are about the fame he’s collected throughout his career. With a background that includes sold out… continue reading
Maps and Atlases: A Q&A
If you aren’t already listening to Maps and Atlases then you clearly haven’t been reading Tastemakers long enough. Maps is a unique bands that combines a folk aesthetic with math rock experimentations. Their new album, Beware and Be Grateful, was released last month on Barsuk and they are playing this Friday (5/18) at the Middle East Downstairs. Some critics of the album have bemoaned its cleaner production, but talking with… continue reading
A Q&A With Delta Spirit
San Diego’s Delta Spirit have been winning fans over with their unique instrumentation ever since they started banging on trash can lids for their 2008 full-length Ode to Sunshine. And on their newest, self-titled effort, the five-piece is still trying new things, like recording in a converted church and working with renowned producer Chris Coady (Grizzly Bear, Yeah Yeah Yeahs). Tastemakers got a chance to catch up with the band… continue reading
Zammuto: a Q & A Preview
In the eternal wisdom of Del Paxton, “Ain’t no way to keep a band together. Bands come and go. You got to keep on playin’, no matter with who….” Yes, I just quoted That Thing You Do. Nick Zammuto’s sound-collage collaboration, The Books, broke up last year. He considered quitting music all together but friends and family convinced him to get back in to it right away. We’re all glad he… continue reading
Q&A With: Brad Oberhofer
With both a new album and a Coachella debut in view, Brad Oberhofer was able to have a quick phone chat with us and based on the conversation he seems both relaxed and excited about the wild year ahead of him. The 21-year old frontman of the four-man band, Oberhofer, has mastered the art of new wave rock combined with dreamy pop and his music makes it nearly impossible to… continue reading
Q&A with Lazerbeak: Music, Munchies and LAVA BANGERS
Behind five furiously bouncing emcees that make up Minneapolis hip-hop collective Doomtree, stands Lazerbeak – rocking with equal fervor. The super producer creates in-your-face beats for the Doomtree, for P.O.S. and Sims, solo material and a project with Mike Mictlan called Hand Over Fist. Only months after the release of Doomtree’s critically acclaimed No Kings, Lazerbeak released his second solo record, LAVA BANGERS. Tastemakers sat down with Lazerbeak before Doomtree’s… continue reading
A Q&A with Joe Nice
On paper, Joe Nice and dubstep are a bit of an odd couple. While dubstep has found success in understatement – bare percussion, minimalist sub-bass, and a squinty, red-eyed gaze – Joe Nice thrives on a bold personality, off-beat catchphrases, and a contagious enthusiasm for music. Sporting an easy demeanor, a bald head glistening with sweat, and a steady stream of conversation, he helps fill in the blanks left… continue reading
A Q&A with Brian Fallon (The Gaslight Anthem/ The Horrible Crowes)
As the bearer of good news, Brian Fallon shared the night with some fans in AfterHours for a solo acoustic performance. If this year’s release of his project, The Horrible Crowes’ album Elsie was not enough to keep fans satisfied, he announced that night that The Gaslight Anthem’s new album will be released sometime this summer (2012). As such a busy writing year for Fallon, he only showed the upmost… continue reading
A Q&A with: White Arrows
White Arrows were kind enough to sit down with me after their gig opening for The Naked And Famous. The L.A based band easily claimed their territory as a band to watch with their beach infused electronic rock. Between the Hawaiian shirts, raw energy, and their down to earth nature, White Arrows won the Paradise over that night. The White Arrows is Mickey Schiff (frontman), Henry Schiff (drums), J.P. Caballero… continue reading
A Q&A With Will Dailey
Heard one singer-songwriter, heard ‘em all, right? Not so fast. While Will Dailey is often labeled with the singer-songwriter title, the Boston-based artist identifies more strongly with rockers like John Lennon or Tom Petty. That rock and roll vibe peeks out from behind every folksy tune on Dailey’s new album Will Dailey and the Rivals, making him much more than your average singer-songwriter. Tastemakers caught up with Dailey to talk… continue reading