Features

Mozart’s a Feminist – Meet The Pop Prodigy Making Waves

November 28, 2018November 28, 2018 by meganalouise, posted in Features, Review, Uncategorized

Mozart is known to be many things: prolific, revolutionary, ahead of his time, categorically talented – how about not alone? A teen has taken over the name, loaning the prowess but offering a femininity that’s entirely her own.

Mozart Dee has walked the world, and she’s hit her eighteenth birthday empowered by her journey. Releasing a stripped down, intimate rendition of her girl power anthem ‘Push You Harder’, the young but experienced girl unveils her rich, soulful vocals and underscores a reminder of her sheer level of skill – not that anybody had any doubts about it anyway.

So, who exactly is the face behind this second coming of Mozart?

In our words – a pop prodigy. In hers:

“Ideally, the first American trilingual pop star and singer/songwriter, so I can be a bridge and cultural ambassador through my creativity and music.

“Music has always been an integral part of my life. I knew very early that this was my path and I started writing songs when I was four. I started violin before two, piano at three and I was obsessed with opera and Shakespeare as a toddler.

“I wasn’t even 2 years old when I did my first violin concert, I danced in The Nutcracker Ballet at 3 and I was five when I did a violin concert in the Sahara desert in Morocco for Berber kids who had never seen a violin.

“By ten years old, when I was living in Asia and doing solos in a large choir at my local Chinese school and seriously writing pop songs almost every day. I knew without a doubt, that this was what I wanted to do with my future.”

Now growing up, and growing in reputation, she’s been compared to the likes of Lorde, Rihanna, Halsey, and Billie Eilish – she’s keeping good company.

“When I’m writing, I like to make art that makes me feel powerful, that makes me feel like a queen, and that’s what I really hope other people hear in my music.

“I want to evoke a sense of freedom and self-empowerment so that people walk away completely confident in their own self, and their own power.”

Now coming to the end of the year after a 10-day European tour and working with Grammy-winning producer Mikal Blue, on her debut EP, Mozart is reflective of the people she’s met and the steps they’ve helped her up.

“I am passionate about doing important work and I have been blessed to work with others that have the same goal,” she says. “So far, I’ve gotten to work with people who want to heal this patriarchal industry and world and value what I contribute as a young female artist.

“I have great hope for the future and learn from those who have started this before I came along. It is a very difficult business, but grinding hard every day and believing in yourself is the key.”

The globe-trotter is making waves across the oceans she’s been in, and is redefining what it means to be Mozart. A collison of her modernism with her classic vocals, she offers a virtuosic perspective of the time we live in.

“It’s exciting to see this new political power women are claiming and how many women are now running for office, and winning, and using their power more boldly than ever before.

“Don’t ever put limits on yourself. You can always be the first. Be bold.”

Photography: Soul Travelers Blog

Words: Megan Matthews

Jade Marie Patek is Ready to Soar With Flybird

November 20, 2018November 20, 2018 by douglasaleach, posted in Features, Uncategorized

Jade Marie Patek is through wondering “What if?” Ten years of navigating the Texas Country music scene has taught the singer-songwriter there will always be a reason to quit. Heartache, loss and self-doubt have all been factors that have previously held her back. But, after a decade’s-worth of reasons to give up, Patek has finally gained the courage to spread her wings and lift her feet off the ground.

On Nov. 30th, Patek will release her long-time-coming debut project, Flybird. The chronological seven-song EP represents the past decade of the singer’s life and is about her journey to self-discovery. It’s about losing love, finding love and most of all – self-love.

“For the past 10 years, I have been searching for answers to it all,” admits Patek. “I’ve found what is most important to me, and that’s loving myself and believing in my dreams of playing music.”

The songs of Flybird are specifically arranged to tell Patek’s story, from past to present, as she’s grown over the last ten years. She’s made mistakes, experienced heartaches and even lost her way. But, through it all she never stopped writing, singing and performing her music and eventually rediscovered herself along the way.

“Flybird is more than just my first music release,” she claims. “It’s a release from self-guilt, self-judgement and self-sabotage. It’s freedom. Free to believe in one’s self, and free to determine one’s own happiness.”

At 28, the Shiner product has come a long way from the “Dead Flowers” at Flybird’s beginning. She’s found a welcoming home in Austin and met a real “Good One” to share her life with. She’s a radiant young lady with an inviting southern charm who’s just as comfortable reeling in a trophy off the Gulf Coast as rocking a dancehall with her “Marble Rye Bread” Country tunes.

Her soulful blend of Country, Blues and Americana is distinctly Texan. She’s a vintage throwback to Lone Star legends of the past with a modern and youthful twist that garners appeal across the spectrums of age and genre.

It’s no wonder that Patek was nominated for 2018’s New Female Vocalist of the Year after her debut single, “Drive”, hit The Texas Regional Radio Report. Her second single, “Dead Flowers”, has been a Top 20 hit on the Texas Country radio charts and her latest single, “Love’s to Blame”, released on Friday, has already hit the New Music Nashville playlist on Spotify.

Patek was destined to be an incredible musician, it was choosing between Country and Rock that proved the difficult decision. The granddaughter of Polka legend, Joe Patek, young Jade grew up in a home not only filled with George Strait and Willie Nelson, but also KISS, REO Speedwagon and Bob Dylan. However, Patek attributes her greatest musical inspirations to Janis Joplin, Sheryl Crow and Bonnie Raitt…and of course her Grandfather.

She’s played all over the great state of Texas in venues large and small, rowdy and romantic. From half-filled bars with even less filled tip jars to giant festivals with thousands tuned-in. Several times she’s had to question if it’s all worth it. But, most importantly she’s realized that, yes, ‘she’s’ absolutely worth it, every bit of it, and she’ll never again have to question “what if”. Ten years is damn-long time to make an official debut. But, lucky for us, this Flybird is just launching on what promises to be a long and illustrious journey.

Jade Marie Patek will host two Flybird CD Release Parties. The first will be on Nov. 30^th at Brewster Street Ice House in Corpus Christi and the second will be back home in Shiner at TKO’s Bar and Grill on Dec. 1^st. You can keep up with all the latest Jade Marie Patek news and info at her website and follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.

Katrina Cain Prevails With Slow Tragedy

November 17, 2018 by douglasaleach, posted in Features, Review, Uncategorized, Video

Katrina Cain‘s musical journey is not unique. Like so many artists, she’s loaded with talent and determination. But, everyday is a battle. Self-doubt is unfortunately a burden most musicians know all too well. And it’s certainly an issue that even Cain, the world’s most happiest girl, must endure on her personal road to success and stardom. But, she’s a fighter and won’t be defined by the misfortunes and setbacks encountered along the way.

Millions of viewers were introduced to Cain last month when Blake Shelton and Jennifer Hudson simultaneously spun their chairs to find the Denton gem belting a jaw-dropping rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Rhiannon” on Season 15 of The Voice. Cain was unfortunately eliminated in the third round of the competition. But, she promises that’s not the last we’ll hear from her.

On Friday, Cain released her latest video, “Slow Tragedy”, as sheer proof that she’s determined to remain focused and keep pushing forward. Of the single, she penned the personal testament below.

This song, I wrote it after returning home from falling flat on my face in front of a live audience, in front of musicians I deeply respect, and eventually in front of an audience of 10 million. And after getting stranded at the airport for 10 hours on 2 days without sleep (it’s a looooong story) I was pretty ready to give it all up. After all, I’m 29 living paycheck to paycheck. What’s the point?

But this song isn’t about giving up, it’s about trying again. I thought about all the bills I couldn’t pay, and all of the opportunities that were given to someone else. I thought about all the times my mom calls to ask me about a show, and I can’t bear to tell her that not a single person came. I always lie and tell her it was magical. I thought about all the times I’ve begged someone to review a song, all the times I would have given anything for a share or being added to a playlist. It’s a hard road and it’s lonely to feel like you’re just not good enough.

But I am not unique, this is all of us. And after talking to friends and reading the stories you sent me, I know that now more than ever. This song is not about me and a tv show. This song is about you and it’s about all the times you did NOT GIVE UP when someone told you you weren’t good enough, when you failed a class, when you ended a relationship, when you moved away. You started over and it was hard but it was POSSIBLE.

The last thing I remember from my performances on NBC’s The Voice was Adam Levine coming over to me and saying “promise me you’ll keep doing this, promise me you won’t give up.” So I’m going to keep going and I’m going to try just one more time….and one more time after that.

– Katrina Cain

Who Are Linen Closet – The Band To Watch Out For

October 29, 2018October 28, 2018 by meganalouise, posted in Features, Review, Uncategorized

Linen Closet, a band born and raised in Austin, are making waves. They’re over the ‘norm’ and are offering an alternative – reaching brave new worlds in the Austin music scene. Theatrical, gut-wrenching – almost operatic, yet modern and relatable. Deep and meaningful, but warm, and catchy – these guys are more than coloring outside the lines, they’re on another page.

The band began as a project in the bedroom of vocalist Adam Hilton, but quickly grew – chopping and changing from a 3-piece to a 14-piece orchestra until they reached their optimal sound and began working on a record.

“Along the way, I recruited the help of every talented friend I had come in contact with from playing in bands and working in theatre, and eventually found great live players and arrangements,” said Hilton.

“We’re an assortment of folks from disparate parts of my musical life that I have forced on each other to make music together.

“We love each other, we support each other, we disappoint each other, we get excited for each other, and we like chasing down very strange musical rabbit holes together.”

A unique sound, theirs is one that can only be found through a combination of different personalities and lives clashed together. Their debut album – ‘Linen Closet’ – is only proof of this, a reflection of the differing tastes of this band. Every musical influence offers a new point of view, a new territory that this LP attempts to engage – colonizing the wilderness. But still, the lyrical structure is not lost – the songs trace the emotional mountains that Adam climbed and complement the unrestrained passion borrowed from each influencer.

“It’s not a very conceptual album, but I either wrote or shaped the lyrics of these songs in my 20s when I was in pretty rough emotional shape. I was struggling with anxiety, depression, codependency, and lots of existential dread, and that’s all over the lyrics,” he said.

“Every song on the record touches on feelings of inadquacy, shame or desperation, and illustrates some of the awkward, painful, often failed attempts to cope or grow beyod that as seen from different perspectives. Every character in these songs is in close proximity to this very confusing, very fraught emotional content.”

This EP goes beyond offering an insight into the band, beyond even paying tribute to their influencers – it embodies a lesson that Adam learned the hard way.

“It’s okay to put self-care above ambition. I’m incredibly humbled by the amazing humans I see putting out music at a relentless pace while also managing to be happy and healthy. That was not the path I was on when we started making this record, but I’m glad it is now and I hope to start keeping pace. As much as art provides a forum to express anxiety, sadness, depression, and angst, artists living and embodying those things is totally counterproductive.

You can’t make amazing work without a good relationship with yourself.”

Band:

Adam Hilton – vocals, misc instruments, melody
Henna Chou – cello, guitar, synth, misc instruments, tenacity
John Vinyard – guitar, pretty textures, thoughtfulness
Aaron Castillo – drums, percussion, joy
Matthew Grusha – bass, humor
Andrew Stevens – drums, percussion, grump
Dustin Withers – sax, dance

We’ll Always be Loyal to Nina Nesbitt

October 26, 2018October 26, 2018 by douglasaleach, posted in Events, Features, Review, Uncategorized

Nina Nesbitt doesn’t need to worry. We’d never stray from her. Hell, we can’t get enough of the Scottish singer-songwriter and her latest single, “Loyal To Me”. The track is Nesbitt’s second single this year leading into the release of her debut album at the top of 2019.

Inspired by Nineties R&B ballads, “Loyal To Me” was written in response to some real life dating problems. “It’s a list of symptoms you need to look out for when dating a fuckboy ha!,” she says. “I wrote this as a bit of advice for one of my best friends about a situation she found herself in.”

Nesbitt’s words of advice? “If I have to question ‘Is he loyal to me?’ Well then he’s probably not/And you should probably leave.”

But, don’t worry. Nesbitt ain’t leaving anytime soon. She is currently one of the industries brightest stars clocking in more than a million streams per week across all digital formats. Even industry giants, Spotify and Apple had to fight over Times Square billboard space to claim their stakes in “Loyal To Me” promo. Nesbitt continues to climb the pop charts with “Loyal To Me” reaching the top 10 most added track to Top 40 radio here in the US. She is also one of the rare artists to be getting airplay in the UK on both BBC R1 and R2.

So, getting the opportunity to see her live in Austin at the Historic Scoot Inn this week was an absolute must. Nesbitt is currently supporting MAX on the first leg of his US Tour with help from Afraid of the Dark singer and Nickelodeon actress, EZI. The pop sensation has her own headlining tour in the makes following her debut album and seeing her at such an intimate venue like Scoot Inn may not be possible for much longer. Check out a few highlights from the show below.

Nina Nesbitt at Historic Scoot Inn

Photos by: Melodi Ramirez @melraephotos

Talking See You Later Simulator With Ghostland Observatory

October 23, 2018 by douglasaleach, posted in Features, Uncategorized

Yes, it’s true. Ghostland Observatory has returned from bathing and relaxing in the cosmos with the most sophisticated album in their intergalactic repertoire. After four previous records and years of headlining shows across the country, Ghostland took an extended hiatus to reset and get the creativity flowing like never before. Thomas and Aaron now invite you for a wild ride with a full tour and a fresh new album, See You Later Simulator.

“We worked hard on this record, and it’s just the tip of the iceberg of what’s to come,” Aaron says. “This is our rebirth, the phoenix rising from the ashes, and we have no plans to slow down. We’re stepping out of the weird simulation we’ve been in, and coming back into the world for the beginning of round two.”

We had the privilege to speak with GLO during their current North American tour. Check out what they had to say below about the new album and what’s next for GLO.

First and foremost, how has it been being back on the road as GLO?

Thank you! It feels great. We spent a lot of time putting together our new stage design so it’s so nice to see people’s reactions. We are mixing the new songs in with our back catalogue so the set has a lot of energy!

See You Later Simulator feels more like a methodical journey when compared to GLO’s bombastic early work. What was the idea behind the album and what sort of themes were you hoping to capture?

When we decided to make a new record we just went in to the studio and got straight to work. Everything that came out was really natural and raw. We would have some conversation at the beginning of each session just to catch up on what we were up to that day then we would fire up the equipment and communicate musically. Sometimes not really talking to each other until we completed a song. It’s very interesting how the process works. We know what each other is thinking and where we should go with out too much chatting.

What were you each able to learn during your time apart and what new ideas were you able to incorporate into the new album?

We just felt as though we were ready to write together again. We had tried before and it just felt wrong but this writing process was different. It felt like these songs needed to be created. It was kind of like when we first started working on the delete record. Plus we weren’t juggling a hectic tour schedule so we were able to focus completely on the music.

Was there any adjustment period when you guys got back into the studio or was it just like old times?

It was really like old times but better!

How have the die hard GLOheads taken to the new album and the band’s seemingly new direction?

I think they are enjoying the new record . I think after taking such a long break it would have been very disappointing to re do what we’ve already done in the past.
The fans at shows are really excited about the new songs.

You’ve compared the new album to the metaphor of the Phoenix. Do you feel like See You Later Simulator is an accurate representation of where GLO is at right now?

I believe it! We are so thankful to be out on tour again and we are very proud of the new record!

Can GLO fans look forward to more new music?

I think so! We are really enjoying the whole process of creating and touring so we are in a very positive and exciting place now. We feel great about how 2018 has been and we are looking forward to the rest of this tour and things to come!

Ghostland Observatory will be at Stubb’s on Oct. 25th. Tickets here.

Stripping Down With Chief Perch

October 19, 2018 by douglasaleach, posted in Features, Uncategorized

“No More Excuses!” has become the mindset behind Chief Perch’s current rebranding. The genre-defying octet that debuted in 2017 has slimmed down to a focused five-piece with a deliberate purpose heading into their sophomore album. The remaining four dudes and their queen have matured from Shoulda Coulda Woulda to a sleek new sound and a more cohesive approach to creating music with intent.

“We did a lot of things on our debut record that we weren’t necessarily able to replicate live,” admits Chief Perch drummer Nick Hamner. “Our mission with the new stuff is to capture the energy of our live performance. What you hear on the record is exactly what you’re going to get live.”

Stripping down the songwriting was necessary for the band to refocus. “We had this idea in our heads that we had to be a big band because that’s what we set out to be,” states Hamner. “But, when we sat down and started writing as five we found that the change was needed in order for us to progress as a band.”

All five members of Chief Perch share a north Austin duplex that doubles as a make shift recording studio. Scheduling is no longer an issue and the band can now dedicate the necessary time and energy into growing beyond their Shoulda Coulda Woulda debut.

“We’re really lucky to be in our current situation all living under one roof and we’re all writing songs together. There’s no longer an excuse to not practice.”

We were fortunate enough to catch Chief Perch during one of their practice sessions earlier this week. Frontlady and Chief Queen, Ariel Herrera still holds the spotlight with her jazzy, jaw-dropping vocals. However, the entire band has developed an organic fluidity that somehow leads to an ever more intimate and enticing performance.

Chief Perch is gearing up to reintroduce themselves with the next album. Their stripped-down live set has become a whole new experience consisting of five new tracks. The band is looking to get back into the recording studio next month beginning with a couple of singles leading up to a major album release in 2019.

Fans will have several opportunities to experience the new and improved Chief Perch before the release of their sophomore album. The band will be headlining the Mohawk on Monday Oct. 22 with special guests Indoor Creature and Hipmodus. You can also catch them at Cosmic Shores in Kyle, TX on Nov. 2nd and at Euphoria ATX’s Rock-A-Thon on Nov. 7th. For more band info and dates visit https://www.chiefperch.com/.

In the meantime, you can enjoy a few shots from our visit with Chief Perch along with a video from their recent Pecan Street Festival performance below.

Photos by: Melodi Ramirez @melodi.jpg

Sedona Skies Leads The Band Merch Sustainability Revolution in Austin

October 19, 2018October 21, 2018 by meganalouise, posted in Features, Uncategorized

This shouldn’t be the first time that you’re hearing of Sedona Skies, the Austin-based indie rock band. A band that made their start as a humble acoustic duo, under the name of January & June, has blossomed and become unstoppable.

Now a five-piece band, they have a lot of ambitions – some which go beyond their music.

“Recently, I’ve been trying to make a conscious effort to reduce waste and doing things like only shopping secondhand,” said Adara Ostdiek, lead singer of Sedona Skies.

This effort was universal across the band, and when it came time to produce merch for their latest EP – self-titled and released early September – they knew they wanted to offer a more sustainable option.

“It felt strange for me to purchase brand new shirts and 100’s of CDs that I knew only a handful of people would hold onto and play.

“So we came up with ways that would limit our carbon footprint as a band by upcycling and using recycled products for our Sedona Skies merchandise line.”

Using thrifted t-shirts, they found transfers that they could use to design the shirts – recycling the shirts and keeping costs low.

“We were astonished by how many of the shirts sitting on thrift store racks were in perfectly good condition and just needed a design and some creativity.

Because each shirt is one of a kind and unique we wanted to make whoever purchases it a part of the process. At certain shows, we bring our heat press with us and you get to pick out the shirt you want and watch us press the design on right then and there.”

Personalized and sustainable, Sedona Skies are helping lead the band merch revolution – a revolution we didn’t know we needed, but is welcomed. Grab yourself a secondhand shirt at one of their gigs, and be proud to be part of the fight for sustainability.

Author: Megan Matthews

St. Vincent, the Patron Saint of Stubbs – Photo Recap of 10/05

October 9, 2018October 9, 2018 by meganalouise, posted in Features, Uncategorized

Slicked back hair and sharp red lips cut through the bustle of a crowded night at Stubbs last Friday (10/05) – everybody took notice when St. Vincent took to the stage.

A multi-instrumentalist singer, she left little time before releasing her energy into the crowd. Screaming into her microphone and throwing her hand into the air, pick in hand. A passion filled set led to a, frankly, sweaty crowd and an intense night – check out the photo recap below!

Photography: Anie Walsh

Charlie Faye & The Fayettes Launch Their Time Machine – Photo Recap

September 19, 2018September 19, 2018 by meganalouise, posted in Features, Review, Uncategorized

Calling out the inner-sixties vibes that, at the very least, our photographer over at Track Rambler felt, Charlie Faye & The Fayettes took the crowd back in time at the beginning of this month. Premiering their new single ‘I Don’t Need No Baby’, they all but turned Antone’s into a time machine.

Check out the photo recap below – but make sure you don’t miss the next one.

Photography: Demetrius Judkins