Shakefire.com - Quickie 10

Empires

Kara Johnson — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 15:05:26 +0000

Chicago's Empires have unveiled a new track entitled "Honeyblood" from their new album Orphan, out now via Chop Shop/Island Records. The band is gearing up for a slew of tour dates to kick off the fall - the first of which will be with fellow indie rockers Augustines, starting on September 17th at the world famous Troubadour in Los Angeles. Empires will also make appearances at Midpoint Music Festival along with Austin City Limits, in addition to landing a spot on the upcoming EA Sports NHL 2015 game with their single "How Good Does it Feel."

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Are you a tech person?

Yes. Only with iMessage and instagram tho

Light or sound sleeper?

Sound deep sleeper

Do you ever look up your symptoms online?

100% of the time.

Are you good at math

Ehh. When it comes to my debit card.

It would be great if:

We had wifi in the van

Can you change a tire?

Never have..but if I had my iPhone to YouTube how, I think I could.

Dream band to open for or have open for you?

Hmmm. Prince

What was the last job interview you went on?

I don't think I've had one

Was is difficult to separate your fascination with the late 80s post-punk scene with developing your own sound?

No. Orphan I feel Is a melodically driven record. Sean's melodies are the focus of each song. Finding the right instrumentation was tedious. But process was still fun and rewarding in the end.

It seems you found a lot of inspiration when creating your new album. Was there a lot of leftover music that didn't make the cut?

Yes. We probably had around 25+ Songs demoed out full band. I definitely hope most of them see the light of day!

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Empires

John & Brittany

Kara Johnson — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 13:23:02 +0000

John & Brittany

Stories To Be Told is a title suggested by Little Steven Van Zandt (E-Street Band), who featured the EP's first single "St. Valentine" on Sirius XM's Little Steven's Underground Garage as the "Coolest Song in the World"!

John & Brittany's boy/girl dynamic captures the sweetness and tension of predecessors like Lindsey Buckingham/Stevie Nicks combined with the punk ferocity of The Kills. They have shared a stage with the likes of The Smithereens, Everclear, Gin Blossoms, and Matthew Sweet!

They're set to release their new EP Stories To Be Told on October 7th!

Exclusive?:

Food you would never eat?

John: Probably chocolate covered insects of any kind.

Brittany: Or spiders.

One thing you have never done?

Brittany: I don't cry. I have no tear ducts.

John: Sky diving.. or dumpster diving. I'd be into trying both.

Animal feature you would like to have?

John: Easy. Kangaroo pouch.

Brittany: Elephant ears. All the better to hear you with, Darling!

Best excuse for being late?

John: "I had to pick up Brittany."

Brittany: I have amnesia.

Have you ever slept in a car?

Brittany: Yes!

John: Who am I? Jewel?

I really want:

John: "I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got" on vinyl.

Brittany: Mick Jagger

Do you wish on shooting stars?

Brittany: Every night.

John: No, but I make 11:11 wishes on the daily.

Best money I ever spent was on:

Brittany: Alejandro Escovedo albums.

John: I Stub-Hubbed pit tickets to see Neil Young with Patti Smith opening for Brittany's birthday two years ago, and it was a pretty religious experience.

Little Steven has given you a lot of airplay. How did that opportunity come about?

John: Some friends of ours, The Jellybricks, were also getting played on his Sirius XM station, Little Steven's Underground Garage. Their label head, Mark Hershberger, helped us get our last album heard by Little Steven initially, and for this EP, Steven actually heard the advance mixes and came up with the title "Stories To Be Told" for us.

Brittany: Thank God for Mark, Little Steven, and Dennis Mortensen, who is the producer at The Underground Garage.

You have performed with a lot of 90s alternative bands. Is that where you feel most comfortable with your music?

Brittany: Ehh, not necessarily.

John: I don't think our music is particularly 90s sounding.. If anything I think our influences go way further back to 70s punk and new wave. That said, 90s music is something I love a lot, and it just so happens that a lot of times when bands from that era are out on the road these days they tend to tour alone and need opening acts. We have certainly played with a lot of them.. Everclear, Gin Blossoms, Stroke 9, and Matthew Sweet, to name a few.

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John & Brittany

Radio Black

Kara Johnson — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 14:04:46 +0000

Radio Black

Radio Black finished recording their EP (produced by the legendary John "Lou" Lousteau) but want to get back to Dave Grohl's famed Studio 606 studio to finish the upcoming full-length, which features guest collabs from Rudy Sarzo (Ozzy Osbourne), Chris Chaney (Jane's Addiction) and Mick Murphy (Chevy Metal, My Ruin), and are currently running a Kickstarter campaign to raise the funds to finish the magic they started in the studio. Fireball Ministry frontman and "Sound City" documentary producer, Jim Rota, and Brad Smith of Blind Melon have joined Lousteau on the production team after being blown away by Radio Black.

Exclusive?:

Are you keeping a secret right now?

Several...

First celebrity you met?

Davey Havok!

I think:

No one talks enough about the magnitude of the Hershey's empire. I mean they nearly have a monopoly on chocolate. Something's gotta be up there.

Favorite form of potato to eat?

Fries, closely followed by baked and mashed.

Do people often think you are older or younger than you actually are?

Everyone always thinks I'm younger - sometimes like 6 years younger.

Last rule you broke?

I went swimming at an apartment after 11. The pool closed at 11. Don't turn me in!

Something round?

a fudge round. Best part of my lunch everyday in 3rd grade.

Paintball or airsoft?

Uh, Paintball, I guess. Can I choose squirt-guns?

Where did the idea to raise money via Kickstarter to record at 606 Studios come from?

We thought it would be a cool way to introduce the project to the world and hopefully raise enough to keep recording there! Any day spent at 606 is a great day.

You have worked with a number of legendary artists, what is the most important thing you learned from those experiences?

The most talented, and most well-known guys I've worked with have also been the most humble and down to earth. Egos get you nowhere!

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Radio Black

Stormy Strong

Kara Johnson — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 12:35:53 +0000

Stormy Strong

Stormy's "saltwater rock" is an awesome rock sound, reminiscent of 90's Weezer, Jimmy Eat World and The Pixies. His latest EP, Take Her Down, actually features a kickass cover of "Where Is My Mind," as well as some really great original music.

The "saltwater rock" tag is Stormy's term, combining his love of the ocean with his passion for music, and his music definitely has a grungy, saltwater feel to it. This personal combo of his two passions helps define his sound and is definitely unique to him.

Exclusive?:

Last time you went for a walk?

Last week I went for a walk on the Santa Cruz Wharf. Check it out if you haven't!

Did you have a clubhouse/treehouse as a child?

Yes, multiple self built "shanty shacks" and one epic redwood treehouse my Dad built in a big oak tree.

Perfect breakfast:

Eggs over easy, Bacon, sausage, hash browns, sourdough toast...french toast or pancakes on the side..bottomless coffee!

Can you read sheet music?

No, I keep a retinue of folks around me that can.

What are you using to answer this "interview"?

I am using myself, MacBook Pro, the internet, electricity and a few other things that would give away my position.

Last thing you talked about?

Guitar parts for recording today!

Must have app?

For me, Gmail

Have you ever seen a ghost?

Yes, but don't tell him I saw him or he will be pissed!

Working with some icons like Lyle Workman and Sean Beavan, was there added pressure to make something legendary yourself?

No, I put the same pressure on myself as always during the recording process and had some great people involved all around. My producers tend to push me the furthest and I like to be pushed sometimes because that's how you level up. Lyle and Sean rock, just professional musical wizards all around and really cool to work with.

With the songwriting accolades you have garnered, have you considered writing music for other artists?

Yes I have, and I have been told that again and again by people inside and outside of the music industry.. I should consider that again! I think that will happen, but Im still honing my craft collaborating on my own material...time moves quick...everything has its time, if meant to be, it will.

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Stormy Strong

KiWi TIME

Kara Johnson — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 14:02:43 +0000

KiWi TIME

San Francisco-based, Belarusian-born alt rock group, KiWi TIME, have just released their much anticipated new EP, “It’s...KiWi TIME.” The EP features five standout tracks of dance-infused alt rock that showcase the band’s knack for melody, and above all, their closely knit bond with one another. “The band is like my family,” says KiWi TIME vocalist Anna Makovchik, “the band actually is my family.” Anna describes the new EP “It’s KiWi TIME” as being “about love, freedom, fighting and hope. We are happy to finally finish this EP and hope all our fans will feel the energy we put into this creation.”

Exclusive?:

Something that scared you as a child?

Anna: I had a dream as a child that I saw a goblin. Definitely scared me!
Yoga: Getting bad grades in school.

Last time you mailed something?

Anna: A month ago I mailed a box of presents to Belarus.
Vlad: I have a small shipping business, so I use the Postal Service more often than a restroom.

Have you ever used the term YOLO?

Vlad: I like this one: "I'm gonna go smoke poison ivy and see if my lungs get a rash. yolo!”

______ is a fashion icon

Yoga: My love, Kate Moss!
Anna: Michael Jackson

Someone you would like to switch places with for a day?

Mikalai: I wanna be Anthony Kiedis for one night and play with RHCP at Rock in Rio.
Yoga: John Lennon & jam with the Beatles.

Have you ever tried to get on a reality show?

All: No, not yet. We have an idea to make our own since we have drama almost every night.

Do you have a bucket list?

No not really. Just to play as many shows as possible and spread our music!

Strangest place you have slept?

Anna: I hang out a lot at this artist living collective called The Convent. Nuns lived there some time ago and the energy from them is still there.
Yoga: I've slept on a railway under a bridge.
Vlad: I used to live at the store where I worked. it was kinda strange.

Where does the "KiWi" in your name come from?

When Yoga came to SF, we started practicing like crazy, and at the same time we were thinking about a band name. One night we were eating kiwis and came up with "kiwi time". For us it means more than just eating fruit. It is a lifestyle of being fresh, positive and cool.

Has relocating from Eastern Europe made getting your music heard easier or more difficult?

In some ways it's both. It's difficult because we need to learn how to express ourselves in a different language and learn a new culture. But at the same time our souls speak their own language. No matter where we all came from; if the music and the message are there, people will feel it.

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KiWi TIME

The Futures League

Kara Johnson — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 13:11:20 +0000

The Futures League

Since the bands formation in late 2012, The Futures League, who were coined by The Deli Magazine as one of the "Top 5 Emerging Bands in Los Angeles," has played many popular LA venues such as The Troubadour, The Echoplex, The Satellite, Bootleg Theater and The Observatory, including playing direct support for major label acts like The Kooks. After playing an endless string of shows in their local circuit, as well as the famous SXSW festival in Austin, TX, they were snatched up by KCRW to headline their "School Night" event at Bardot, Hollywood. Shortly after, the band was invited out by lifestyle clothing brand, O'Neill, to headline an event in Hossegor, France for the Quicksilver Pro 2013 Surf Contest.

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Exclusive?:

Go to insult name:

Collectively as a band when insulting each other is Wet Brain.

Have you ever head banged?

Doing it right now

How many hours do you normally sleep?

Not enough

Ever been a member of a club?

The first rule is to not talk about it.

Favorite meme of all time?

That’s such a hard question cause theres so many. First to mind is the Seal head on a seals actual body.

Dumbest thing you have ever done?

Start this band

Are you cold, hot, or comfortable?

Its summer, always hot.

You have kind of a DIY thing going on, even with your logo. How important is that to your sound?

Well its definitely all actually DIY from an art perspective. For everything we've released its either homies that do the art. Jack does the majority of our shows fliers on his iPhone. In terms of music we don’t think our sound is necessarily DIY. We just want it to sound the way we feel it should sound, so if that’s DIY than we’re gonna stick with it.

Now that your EP is out, how has the response been from fans?

Response has been great, they hate it.

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The Futures League

Taylor & the Wild Now

Kara Johnson — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 14:30:49 +0000

Taylor & the Wild Now

Taylor & the Wild Now was formed by Taylor Baker (guitar, vocals, banjo), who originally played as a solo act, occasionally collaborating with various musicians. She came together with Drew Walker (guitar, trumpet) in the summer of 2013 and they began writing together, sharing ideas, and turning the venture into a more solidified sound. Now with a full backing band, they've created a unique sound drawn from influences like Dawes, The Head & the Heart, and Ben Howard.

Exclusive?:

How are you today?

Feeling good, loving this season of life.

Favorite urban legend?

Loch Ness Monster.

Are you high or low maintenance?

I'm low maintenance when it comes to nearly everything except food.

Last kind of potato chip you ate?

Honey dijon.

Have you ever rowed a boat?

Does stand-up paddle boarding count?

Something that embarrasses you?

Calling someone the wrong name.

How many exes do you have?

When would that tally officially start? My first boyfriend was in 1st grade, so this question could get tricky.

Somewhere you would love to perform?

Red Rocks Amphitheater.

Did winning the "Durango Sole Performer Contest" open a lot of doors for you?

Yes, definitely. We made tons of contacts within the music industry and were able to record a really amazing EP. You can pre-order it now on iTunes!

Are you surprised at how much has happened in your career in such a short amount of time?

Yea, but it still feels like we're at the beginning of it all. I'm just trying to stay focused on the music rather than getting caught up in the industry, although I know that both are important. Balance is everything.

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Taylor & the Wild Now

Tamar Haviv

Kara Johnson — Wed, 09 Jul 2014 14:24:08 +0000

Tamar Haviv

Tamar is a quirky singer-songwriter who is set to release her debut album You and Me Without Pajamas on July 29th. While the record hasn't officially dropped yet, it has already been praised as a "Terrific debut" by Sir Paul McCartney and "Excellent" by Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls!

With a refreshing range of heartfelt ballads, fun pop tunes and tales of love and longing, the album features various notable musicians such as Jerry Marotta (Paul McCartney, Peter Gabriel, Indigo Girls), Sara Lee (The B-52's, Ani DiFranco) and Kevin Salem (Rachael Yamagata, Mandy Moore). For more information, please visit: http://tamarhaviv.com/.

Exclusive?:

Greatest soundtrack?

This is too big of a question for me to handle on a Monday afternoon. Seriously, I don't want to have a panic attack right now.

What kind of shampoo do you use?

Herbal nice ones

Do you own flip flops?

Yes

How many places have you lived?

I'm really bad at math but....13 maybe

Ever use RedBox?

Yes

Something crunchy?

The Naked burrito at Blossom - they overcook their rice, shouldn't be crunchy, sad day...but I know they are working on this :)

Have you ever been to a red carpet event?

Yes, well, hmmmm, now I'm second guessing- is their an 'official' person that makes an event 'officially' red carpet? There should be a muppet for this. The red carpet muppet referee. I vote for the muppet.

Can you open your eyes underwater?

Yes

How did you manage to get your music into Paul McCartney's hands?

I'm a massage therapist and during the summers work in a small beach town - We were on line at the same veggie food place and I offered my cd to him. He kindly accepted & was lovely. A couple weeks later I ran into him again at the same place and he sang me back one of my own songs - I was stunned that he had accepted my cd to begin with let alone actually listened to it- and was truly humbled & blown away that he remembered one of my songs and offered me such kind words followed by introducing me to his family!!!!- it was beyond, just BEYOND.

What is the driving message behind your music?

Well, the driving message behind my daily intention is being kind...being open....even if it can break my heart at times, which I assure you it does. I try to believe in the best in people and things even when fear and demons are breathing down my neck ...anything positive you can take from these songs - even if its just resonating with the pain & longing and feeling some comfort in that ...the heaviness of feeling alone can be so huge sometimes but i find that remembering we are not alone in that particular feeling is important. Ahhhhhh, dan bern has this great line in his song Wasteland, 'and in a city of three million two hundred and sixty nine thousand nine hundred eighty four everyone was lonely', it's so heartbreakingly sad and yet beautiful somehow, how together we really all are.

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Tamar Haviv

Homemade Crazy

Kara Johnson — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 13:52:25 +0000

Homemade Crazy

Exclusive?:

Describe your concerts in 4 words?

sweaty, sexy, tight, and sweaty

Ever taken lessons for something? If so what?

We all took drivers ed I'm pretty sure Max and Paiz had to do it a couple of times.

Do you own any action figures?

Breezy has a pretty sweet unboxed Edward Scissorhands. Paiz just has a stupid buzz lightyear. Max was a lego guy and Koby dont Play that.

Are you messy eaters?

Not messy but Ravenous

First thing you learned to cook?

Cereal

Have you ever worn corduroy?

you can use corduroy as our fourth word

Favorite word with double letters in it?

LETTER but not like we say it in america more like british cogney Lehher. So Lehher.

Something you would never touch?

Koby's feet. (seriously though) max says Coke products

What was your biggest obstacle in recording your new album?

Budget or the lack of

Any tour plans outside of the U.S. any time soon?

That would be pretty amazing. We have a lot of ground to break in our own back yard first. We work really hard so we hope to hit europe next year.

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Homemade Crazy

Pilot for a Day

Kara Johnson — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 14:47:53 +0000

Pilot For A Day

Exclusive?:

Pilot For A Day is composed of Nolan Smith (vocals, guitar), Craig Harper (drums, vocals), Brandon Rimmey (guitar), and Harry Datkowitz (bass). Formed in November 2010, the band came together in their hometown of Kansas City, KS to make hard-hitting and uplifting music. Their inspiration comes from a wide range of ideas, including living life to the fullest extent and knowing that anything you can imagine is possible.

Something brand new you recently got?

So much music gear! But the most recent was the Stargazer reverb pedal by Hungry Robot Pedals. I absolutely love it!

Have you ever seen a crime happen?

Yes… I have…. I once saw a man, while making a cheeseburger, put his ketchup, mustard, and pickles on before the cheese! It was horrifying and traumatic…

How much money did the Tooth Fairy leave you for your teeth?

Usually just $1. My friends told me my fairy was cheap, but my mom told me she was frugal.

Body wash or bar soap?

Bar soap, no question! Just hold and scrub away! Plus I never really mastered the luffa.

Are any of you afraid to fly?

I don’t think so. Flying is like visiting a fairy tale land to me. I love it. Plus, Craig (drums) is a real pilot!

Do you own a watch?

No, it’s 2014. I have a phone… and a sundial should my phone ever die.

In high school I:

Was the Senior Class President and set the school record for pole vault in track and field. Always knew I’d get a chance to brag about that.

Band names your almost used?

Steers the Sky, Pilot Drive, The False Harbor.

What is the driving message behind your music?

Every person has a path. We believe in finding your true path and following it no matter what. You have something to offer the world that no one else ever could, so go do it!

You wrote a number of songs for your album that didn't make the final cut. Will fans see those in the future?

B-sides are a possibility in the future. We have one in particular that’s already recorded, so maybe we’ll throw it out there! Much love!