Kendra: Texas roots played a big role in your style, but what initially kickstarted your interest in making music?

Sarah Chirita: Texas definitely played a big part, but I always knew I wanted to make music. I grew up singing in a Romanian church; Romanian was actually my first language! So even the folk influences I have in my music stem from that, for sure. As for what really, truly, got me into my music, it’s more of a “who” than a “what.” It was my sister. She used to sing country music to me and with me. I always say that she’s really the one who discovered I could sing and helped push me to share my singing, and from then on, I went to singing in church, then writing music, and then releasing it! 

Kendra: I want to talk about your latest, but I couldn’t ignore “The One Who Knows Me” because it took me back to being around nine years old and falling in love with Sheryl Crow via Vh1. Did you ever look up to those Lilith Fair-esque artists from the ‘90s who helped push female songwriters of that time to the mainstream?

Sarah Chirita: Haha, oh my goodness! “The One Who Knows Me” was my first release that broke me out of my previous genre, which was more pop-influenced. I definitely have a special love for the ‘90s. I love Sheryl Crow, too. I looked up to those ladies for sure!  

I’m a 2000s baby and am the youngest of my family, all of whom were ‘90s babies, so I always joke around and say I’m more of a millennial than I am a Gen Z, haha. 

As for music influences, I definitely grew up listening to a TON of Shania Twain, Martina McBride, and a deep love for Tracy Chapman and Fiona Apple! I would like to bring some of those ‘90s influences back in, especially into country/indie music! Kind of like fashion; the same goes for music; everything goes full circle. So that ‘90s sound will come back soon, and I cannot WAIT! 

Kendra: But yes, “Alphabet Soup” pulled at every heartstring I have and then some because I’ve spent most of my existence on the struggle bus from being raised by a single parent who never made enough to being an adult with a college degree and zero no sense of direction. Of course, my mom always said it’s those struggles that make you stronger, but at the same time, it is exhausting. All of that said, do you think that the struggles you’ve experienced have helped you build a suit of armor to take on life?

Sarah Chirita: Awe, I’m sad that you can relate, but also glad that my music could be a place where you felt like someone understood you and your feelings! It is definitely exhausting, but as Randy Pausch said, “It’s not about the cards you’re dealt, but how you play the hand.” And your momma sounds like a wise woman! 

You know, I really love this question. A lot of times, we ask ourselves, “If I could go back and change my past, would I?” And I used to think the answer was an immediate “yes!” But truth be told, now, after having gone through even more and growing, I realize that I wouldn’t change a single thing. Pain controlled me for so long it became my identity. Then I said, “Hold on, pain isn’t me. I am not my pain and my struggles. I am how I overcame them.” And without the struggles, I wouldn’t be able to write the music that I do and relate to people the way that I do. 

So yes, to sum it up, these things definitely built a suit of armor for me that prepared me for the real world.  

Kendra: If you were to look down at a bowl of alphabet soup right now, what three words would you hope to see in regards to what you’re hoping the rest of 2023 looks like for you musically?

Sarah Chirita: I am LOVING these questions!

Three words I would hope to see would have to be: Consistency, vulnerability, and, honestly, just fun! I’m so hyper-critical, too much for my own good, and never allow myself to just enjoy my own music. 

Kendra: Time for a side note – this month, we’re asking everyone to pick a song for our ‘ZO Summer 2023’ playlist. So what summer anthem would you add, and why? 

Sarah Chirita: Again, with a great question! So I’ve been on a binge of listening to all of my favorite songs from 2016, haha I just feel like the summer of 2016 was a good one. 

I’ve been listening to “Dive” by Salvatore Gannaci. I absolutely love this song, especially on hot summer nights (yes, that was a Lana Del Rey reference, haha), with the windows rolled down and just blasting this after a day out in the sun. I especially love that Gannaci sampled Enya’s “Boadicea.” This is also one of my favorite songs, and it’s sampled in so many songs! My brothers would always listen to that while playing video games, haha, so anytime it’s sampled in a song, or I listen to it, it just brings me back to my childhood, hanging out with my brothers and playing ‘Halo’ haha. 

Kendra: As of right now, the songs we’ve talked about are what you’ve released so far, but I feel they highlight a lot of what you’re about in regards to songwriting and perspective. However, you’ve made me want even more. So with those out now, what else is on the horizon for you at the moment? 

Sarah Chirita: So I actually do have another single coming out pretty soon. It’s called “Prodigal Daughter.” This one is going to be my most personal and vulnerable song to date. It’s heavy on the country influence, and I sing a lot about what we talked about earlier, about going through these struggles that everyone goes through at some point in their life and also how heavy life and loss can feel. It’s mainly about the loss of myself, my innocence, my youth. Wow, that turned dark fast, haha. 

On a brighter note, I am also going to be playing some more shows and festivals! Hopefully, touring soon. I’m looking to start putting together a mini album, so we’ll see! 

The post The ABCs of Sarah Chirita appeared first on ZO Magazine.

Kendra: Had you grown up with music constantly on your mind, or was this something you connected to as you got older? 

St.George: I always wanted to get into music somehow. When I was growing up I picked up a few instruments, but never really took them very seriously until I got to college. I remember starting my first band without really even being able to play guitar very well, and I had no idea what I was doing. But taking that step really is what kicked off my love of playing/writing. A band really forces to learn fast and get into the scene a lot more quickly

Kendra: You noted that “Honey” is the first song you wrote on your own. Did you ever find it intimidating navigating those waters alone? 

St.George: Yes absolutely, as I said getting into bands teaches you a lot, but you also get used to having people around to sort of validate what you’re doing and also tell you when something is crap. It took me a lot longer than it should have to get some solo stuff started, but it’s hard not to get imposter syndrome.

Kendra: Sticking with “Honey,” in it, you sing, “…reconcile what I can’t change.” I think that’s one of the hardest pills to swallow about reality, that whole idea of not really being in control of most things. Do you think that accepting that fact is just something that comes with age and experience? 

St.George: I feel like it’s easier said than done, it really depends on what we’re going through. Time teaches you can’t control anything but yourself really, but I don’t think that pill ever gets easier to swallow for things that matter. I’d love to say I know enough to not make the same mistake twice, but that’s just not true.

Kendra: However, if there was one thing you could change about the past year, what would it be and why? 

St.George: That’s a question I really try not to ask myself, all the decisions I made got me to where I am today and that’s the best way to look at it.

Kendra: Now you were born and raised over in Ireland, a place I’d die to go to, but you recently packed a bag and moved to Austin. A well-known place for musicians, but was that your first choice on the map? 

St.George: Austin happened sort of randomly, I really didn’t think about it too much. I knew I wanted to get a change in scenery after being locked down in my village for so long, and Austin just seemed like a cool place to try and live.

Kendra: Was there any notable culture shock once you settled in? 

St.George: There are definitely a lot of things that surprised me when I got here. The fact that I’m Irish was a bit of a novelty to most people I’ve met, which I found funny. A few times my phrases have been lost in translation and vice versa. All in all, it was less of a culture shock than I was expecting.

Kendra: Time for a side note – this month we’re asking everyone to pick a song for our ‘ZO Summer 2023’ playlist. So what summer anthem would you add, and why? 

St.George: My summer anthem right now is “Telescope” by Cage the Elephant!

Kendra: Lastly, with “Honey” out now, what else is on the horizon for you at the moment?

St.George: Yes! My second single (which features an Irish artist I really love) has already been submitted to Spotify, so that will be out next month and I will be announcing it pretty soon.

The post St.George: Sweet as Honey  appeared first on ZO Magazine.

From Shakespearean namesakes to exploring the basic social needs of human beings, Balmorhea dug deep for their 2023 release, ‘Pendant World.’ We talked about the record that drops on June 16th with their own Rob Lowe and even got some insight on a film venture, live music appreciation, and much more in this back-and-forth exchange. 

Kendra: A lot of things went into the new album, ‘Pendant World,’ including a very humanistic need, and that’s friends. You all wanted to just be back with your friends making music. Was that because of the pandemic that you’d been apart from them for some time?

Rob Lowe: The last few years were a time of considerable change for all of us. Michael and I also experienced some major life changes in addition to the wild state of the world. I became a father in 202, and Michael moved from Austin to Los Angeles. We both emerged from that era with totally new lives. After making music together for so long, it was challenging to go through those changes and not be able to turn to a foundational part of what makes us click: creating music — something that for us is best done in direct collaboration. 

Kendra: You also borrowed a line from Shakespeare for the album title. Are there any other literary elements on the new record? 

Rob Lowe: There were a few books that informed the thinking and writing for this album. First was ‘Heaven’s Breath: A Natural History of the Wind’ by Lyall Watson. That book is where I discovered the Shakespeare quote included in the artwork and sparked further thinking about the metaphor of “the wind” — which we started exploring with our previous album. 

We were also both reading a number of terrific books by Eliot Weinberger (‘An Elemental Thing’ and ‘Karmic Traces’). His books are an incredible crossover between poetry and non-fiction that we both find incredibly moving and that in some transverse way relates to the music we have been producing these past few years.

Kendra: With that, what literary character do you think would pick up a copy of ‘Pendant World?’ 

Rob Lowe: Port Moresby from ‘The Sheltering Sky’ by Paul Bowles.

Kendra: It’s been noted that you find it difficult to visually portray your music because there are no lyrics, but then I thought of how the score of shows like ‘Westworld’ nailed it on the head. I felt like the music was often a character on the show. Do you think scoring film and TV is a path Balmorhea will ever travel down?

Rob Lowe: We just finished our first feature film score in a few years, it’s a really great project, but can’t share any details just yet. We do hope to collaborate with more filmmakers making interesting work in the near future.

Kendra: Fans are going to hear “Step Step Step” and more this summer because you’re doing a string of shows in the UK, and then you’ll be in NYC in October for a show at Le Poisson Rouge. We’ve talked about missing friends, but it’s safe to say those of us who love music – be it artists or just fans – we missed that a lot because live events were some of the first things taken off the table a few years ago. Do you think that made people appreciate live music a lot more? 

Rob Lowe: It’s difficult to say. In some ways, people seem to have really yearned to reconnect with live music since the pandemic has ended but in others, people seem less inclined to leave the comfort of their own homes. I think larger pop acts are reaping the benefit of this while some artists who tend to perform to more niche audiences are having a more difficult time putting together proper tours. All I do know is that we are really excited to be back out in the world performing again this summer and fall. We hope to do much more of it moving forward.

Kendra: Time for a side note: This month I’m asking everyone for a song they listen to when they’re feeling a little lost creativity and are in need of some musical inspiration…

Rob Lowe: This changes for me from time to time. Right now, listening to the album ‘Mary Lou Williams’ by Mary Lou Williams is helping me stretch my brain and heart in new directions every time I listen to it. Also, Mahler’s 5th Symphony and the White Album!

Kendra: Lastly, with Pendant World out on June 16th and some shows already on the books, what else can fans be on the lookout for as we roll into summer?

Rob Lowe: We have been working closely with a filmmaker collective called Odd.One on some films for the album. So far, we have released two in the series and we think they are well worth time to sit down and watch. They are truly unlike any visuals we’ve ever seen and exist in an interesting space between 1940s Disney and something completely contemporary. They are painterly and graphic and stylish and mysterious and fun. We are hoping that some of these visuals find their way into our live shows. 

The post Balmorhea: All the Pendant World is a Stage appeared first on ZO Magazine.

There is a lot of creativity flowing throughout Austin, Texas and much of it is coming from the direction of Wild Child. Each piece of the ensemble has proven within this group, as well as elsewhere and solo, that they are stacked with talent. However, it’s together as Wild Child that they’ll be spoiling music fans across the US with when they hit the road this April in support of their new LP, ‘End of the World,’ out on March 31st via Reba’s Ranch Records. We talked about the album, the touring, and other things like how the instantaneous nature of photos has made them well, you’ll have to keep on reading on to find out. 

Kendra: It’s been quite sometime between your debut and 2023’s ‘End of the World.’ Having worked on this record during the wildest of times in modern history, were there any lessons you learned early on with your previous albums that helped you during the writing and recording process this time around?

Wild Child: Honestly the best way for us to create together has always been without agenda…no plan for a record or any kind of music in particular, we just get together and see what happens. It’s way easier to not go in limiting yourself and just let the songs tell you what they want to be. It had been so long since we tried writing and we had both been so busy with our solo projects Sir Woman and Coco Zandi that we weren’t even discussing a fifth Wild Child record. When the pandemic hit, we started doing these virtual meet and greet/shows just to bring people some peace in times of chaos, and by reconnecting with fans that made wild child what it was we decided we absolutely needed to try and make another album…and it fell together as seamlessly as the first four! Felt just as good as it did in the beginning, the songs just got bigger.

Kendra: The title track for this album feels very much like an anthem for everyone who grew up in the ‘00s. Some call them millennials. I call them, my people, Gen Anxious. Every single time “It’s freaking me out” was sung, I thought – same. Other than our government not caring about us, why do you think adults are more anxious than ever today?

Wild Child: I think there is and has always been plenty to freak out about. What makes these times different is the fact that all the information is out in the open it’s just also drowned out by pointless other social media garbage. I have a really hard time with social media myself working in the music industry because it’s literally a part of my job to sell myself to the public and look/act a certain way. 

We constantly compare how we are doing to the fake depictions of our peers and even strangers… It becomes really hard for people to be honest about their mental health and ask for help, at a time when everything is openly falling apart. I think that’s definitely a big part of anxiety these days, constant comparison and fear of rejection or being shut down by others. We are more separated than ever even though we can only get through this together and with compassion for one another!

Kendra: The song ultimately spawned from the insane ice storm y’all had some years ago down in Texas. Did you immediately pen “End of the World” after that, or did you wait for it to pass before you really dove into this song?

Wild Child: “End of the World” happened in the middle of the storm, day three of water but the power had come back on. We were supposed to be in the studio the whole week working on the record but the day we were supposed to leave the storm hit. I spend every day trying to get water to all the folks in the retirement center next to my home. We were all so exhausted mentally/physically/emotionally. 

Our friend and bandmate John Calvin Abney was staying at my house along with other friends who needed heat, and one day we were sitting in the living room, and he pulled out his guitar and we just started singing about everything that was scaring us at that moment. It turned into a beautiful cathartic sing-along and was healing for all of us. Once we finally made it through the storm to the studio, that was the first song we recorded, and it felt like a massive energetic release for all of us! We all definitely cried making it out of Austin. It was emotional and important for all of us and it’s really special that we were able to get out and channel that energy into making music together and celebrating life and love.

Kendra: Another song on the record, “Photographs,” made me think of society’s obsession with taking photos. It’s like no one can eat without there being a grandiose photoshoot when in reality it’s like, you’re in a Denny’s. Do you think the instantaneous nature of photos today makes them less…not so much valuable, but meaningful over time?

Wild Child: I definitely agree. I’m a huge fan of polaroids and disposable cameras for that very reason. Having a camera phone is great on the road because you see and experience so much you want to remember, but I do think it has a negative impact on your memory when you rely too much on your phone to capture things. Not to mention the fact that capturing the moment actually takes you out of it. It’s scary that people act like if it’s not posted about it didn’t happen. I like to keep experiences to myself for that very reason.

Kendra: On top of the record, you’ve got your first post-COVID tour planned for April and May where you’ll be hitting home on May 5th at Emo’s. When live music was essentially one of the first things taken off the table in 2020 did you think, well…that’s it. Time to become an accountant?

Wild Child: Absolutely not. I couldn’t do anything but music and would be the absolute worst desk job employee of all time. I would be a fantastic homeless musician before an accountant.

Kendra: Time for a side note – We’d love to know when you perform, do you have any sort of lucky charms you take with you on stage, or do you have any sort of pre-show traditions you do to ensure you have a great show?

Wild Child: Zandi and I have gone through many pre-show dances/handshakes/singalongs. I feel like they change every record… I can’t wait to find out what the pre-show ritual for ‘End of The World’ is.

Kendra: Lastly, with ‘End of the World’ out on March 31st and a tour planned for this spring, what else can the world expect from Wild Child this year?

Wild Child: As of now just trying to get to as many cities as possible to share this music! There will also be new records coming out from myself (Sir Woman) and Coco Zandi this year!

The post At the End of the World with Wild Child appeared first on ZO Magazine.

Kendra: An aspect of your story I really loved was your admiration for Texas Radio. This thing dates back to the ‘30s, you made it a band name with your buddy, Scott Mathews, some years ago and even though it seemed to take a break due to distance and life – Texas Radio is back, and the name of your March 2023 release. What about the foundations of Texas Radio’s history do you feel best represents your outlook on making music?

C M Talkington: The history of Texas Radio covers pretty much everything I dig; music, magic, radio, Texas, Mexico, outlaws, borders, singin’ cowboys, Snake Oil Salesmen, alcoholic evangelists, mysterious mystic, The Temple of the Golden Dawn, rock & roll, Country, Gospel, Soul, Tejano, and Rockabilly.

You could hear it all on the Texas Radio, as it lit up the airwaves with purple glowin’ desert magic. The story of Outlaw Radio is the story of my life, metaphorically speaking, so I’d say “everything” about Texas Radio’s history best represents my outlook on music.

Texas Radio is Spirit Radio for me. It’s magical. I’m a transmitter and receiver. You are. We all are. I’m a transformer too. Radio can travel anywhere and transform anything. Invisible signals travelin’ through the aether, delivering messages to the world. Radio is magic. That’s why it’s the perfect name for our ‘thang.”

Kendra: Let’s talk about that album. You spent a lot of time deep in music while you were going through cancer treatments. My partner had cancer back in 2017 so I know that mentally, it can be a whirlwind. How much of ‘Texas Radio’ came about during your treatment, and how did you manage to mentally focus on art during that time?

C M Talkington: “Mental whirlwind” is very accurate. It was a crucible. A cancer crucible. A dream within a dream — in the aether between this world and the spirit world. It marked me. I learned that I’m nothing and connected to everything. “Mitakuye oyasin,” that’s Lakota for “we’re all related.” I’m closer to the spirit world now, which is exactly where I need to be.

I started chemo a few months after completing my debut record ‘Not Exactly Nashville.’ Making that record was tough. I was very anemic and had a mass the size of a watermelon in my stomach. I credit being a devoted practitioner of the Five Tibetan Rites for getting me through.

I hardly picked up my guitar during chemo because my hands were so numb. I couldn’t play a chord. It was truly terrifying. When I asked my doctor if I’d ever be able to feel my hands again — she told me that some patients never do — only time would tell. It wasn’t a reassuring answer. No one had mentioned that I risked being able to play the guitar by undergoing chemo. I might have refused had I known that. I can’t imagine not being able to play my guitar. That would be hell. It’s the most important thing in my life. My nourishment and salvation. It gets me through. So I banished that thought from my head and bought some Chinese Baoding Balls and started training with them religiously. I could barely hold them at first, but I trained hard and have finally restored most of the sensation in my hands. I still train with them every day. Very good for playing my Martin HD-28. My feet are still numb from chemo, but I can deal with that.

I started “stalking” Paul Leary while I was recovering from being cut in half. I literally used every means at my disposal to get to him. Culminating with David Mabry and me playing the whole record for him on his kitchen table in Austin. Mabry was playing percussion with his hands on a piece of magical cardboard. I was almost levitating. It was like a scene out of “The Buddy Holly Story” on acid, just texcellent beyond words.

But here’s the real kicker.

The whole time I was “stalking” Paul, on a divine mission to convince him to produce our record. I always just assumed he was enduring me cuz he knew I made “Love & A . 45.” But when I mentioned to him that my pal Renée Zellweger might be singin’ with me on “Two Steps,” he said, “Cool”.

Then he did a double-take.

“Wait. How do you know Renée Zellweger?”

I couldn’t believe it. This whole time I thought he was putting up with me cuz the Butthole Surfers are featured in my film — but he didn’t even know I was associated with it.

I think that sealed the deal.

Actually, now that I think about it, the final seal was when Paul’s rock & roll kitty Milo jumped into my lap and started purring. Paul just looked at me with this amazed expression on his face. I asked him why he was looking at me like that.

He told me Milo never does that with strangers. He usually runs away. He was grinnin’. I gave Milo many texcellent pets. Thank you, Milo! You were the icin’ on the cake. That’s when I really knew we were in. Paul agreed to produce the whole thing!!!

Kendra: So when it came to “Two Steps” I couldn’t help but smile because it reminded me a lot of one of my favorite scenes from ‘The Office.’ For those who don’t know, it’s when Dwight and his family are on the front porch singing together and there’s this romantic feeling in the air between him and a potential love interest. I’d love to know if you had anyone in mind when penning this one?

C M Talkington: My Angel. 

Kendra: You also worked with Renée Zellweger on this one. Being a Texan herself, did she immediately fall in line with the overall vibe of the track?

C M Talkington: She definitely didn’t have to “fall in line” with the vibe, because she was born with it. Renee IS THAT VIBE. Renée is “texcellence unleashed”.

Kendra: You met Renée when you worked together on a film you wrote and directed back in the ‘90s. What aspects of filmmaking would you say mirror the album-making process?

C M Talkington: They’re similar yet different. I prefer the immediacy and simplicity of music, but recording is the most intense thing I’ve ever done. Bar none. There’s just nothing like it. Total crucible. Deeply intense. Spiritual. I love them both.

Kendra: As a fan though, what do you find more cathartic to take in – movies or music?

C M Talkington: Music.

Kendra: Time for a side note – We’d love to know when you perform, do you have any sort of lucky charms you take with you on stage, or do you have any sort of pre-show traditions you do to ensure you have a great show?

C M Talkington: So funny you asked that. I used to have a “good luck charm” that I was obsessed with, three beautiful black and gold Flicker feathers. One of them was given to me by my friend Chief Philip Whiteman JR. The other two magically showed up at my doorstep. So they had a very powerful mystical meaning for me. I kept them under my seat when I recorded both Nashville and Texas Radio. I would’ve fought someone to the death to protect them. They were that important to me.

I gave them to my Cherokee Witch Aunt in the hospital to protect and comfort her as she was dying. The nurses accidentally threw them away. I knew I was taking that risk when I gave them to her, but it was still a difficult beautiful lesson to learn.

Kendra: Lastly, with ‘Texas Radio’ out on March 17th, what else can the world expect as we focus on spring and soon enough, summer?

C M Talkington: Bee Magic!

The post The Texcellent C M Talkington appeared first on ZO Magazine.

From looking back on what you once thought was lost to the idea of a society that craves negativity. We’re covering a lot with Secret Machines, including the new album, ‘The Moth, The Lizard, and The Secret Machine,’ which drops on March 24th! 

Kendra: What I connected to right off the bat was how ‘The Moth, The Lizard, and The Secret Machine’ felt very much like myself, this middle child. You note it as the missing link of your discography, having come back to it years later, but in the grand scheme of things – what do you think this album does to help round everything out for the band up until this point?

Secret Machines: Thanks for asking such thoughtful questions. The timeline of the making of this record is so different from any other project we have done. Primarily, because of the amount of time from inception to completion, but also because of the number of life-changing events that have happened while this record was “in progress.” 

This record began with us at a sort of ‘ending point’ of one aspect of our journey – I think that is something that we can say now in hindsight, but at the time we had more of an “onto the next thing” type of approach. What we didn’t know was that within the year, Josh and I would be living on opposite ends of the country. I think the other events in our lives have been previously mentioned, so I won’t get into that here. But the effects of all that change is something that informed the record for sure. 

To a lesser extent, the ‘Awake In The Brain Chamber’ songs were written with the songs from ’The Moth’ record in mind. Not as much as a response, but as if they had already been completed and presented, which obviously was not the case.

Kendra: For me, if I write something and store it away for even a week and go back to it I’m like…hmm, am I the same person today that I was when I wrote this? Did you have any of those moments when you found this “lost” record and decided it was time to share it with the world?

Secret Machines: Absolutely. I don’t really connect with the state of mind I was in when these songs were written. We as a band were in the process of degeneration. I don’t know if we could have articulated it at the time, but it for sure seems like it now. Over the last couple of years, I think we have come to the place of recognizing the cyclical nature of things and how that appears in our lives both personally and creatively. One thing for sure is that working on these tracks has allowed me to access some compassion for who I was at the time. When I hear the music on this record it really sounds like someone in the midst of a struggle and I have a lot of sympathy for that person.

Kendra: Let’s talk about “There’s No Starting Over.” This feels like one of those evergreen tracks that could’ve been penned anywhere from 1967 to today. Does that idea of a song being everlasting ever play a part when writing and recording? 

Secret Machines: Thank you for such a wonderful comment. I don’t think I have ever had the self-awareness to know how a song may or may not be received. Of course, I hope that things click for the listener, and the intention of the songwriting is clear. However, when I listen back to older material, I am as confused as ever as to what the heck is going on in the mind of the writer. 

Kendra: While listening to “You Want It Worse” I couldn’t help but think of the people in my life that seem to crave the negative aspects of reality. It’s like at some point in time so many became contrarians. Do you think that’s the case, especially with the rise of complaining on social media? 

Secret Machines: That is an interesting thought – I agree that the track has a lot of connection to a negative outlook and perhaps even relishing in the contrarian viewpoint. I don’t really have much engagement with social media. So, for me, it is probably more of an existential contrarianism. I suppose whether one craves those negative elements or not, it’s a difficult task to identify and eliminate that negativity. Especially when it feels like you’re bathing in it.

Kendra: So time for a side note – with love in the air, I’d love to know what is the #1 song you’d put on a mixtape as part of a Valentine’s Day gift? 

Secret Machines: Tim Buckley’s “Song of the Siren” is probably the one I would go for. I am going to venture a guess that “A Love Supreme” by John Coltrane would be Josh’s choice. 

Kendra: Lastly, with ‘The Moth, The Lizard, and The Secret Machine’ out on March 24th, a reissue and a double EP – what else is in the works as we head towards the spring? Are you switching gears and focusing on getting out on the road, or are the wheels already turning with new music?

Secret Machines: Well, we have been looking into doing some more shows this spring, but the economics of touring have really been a sort of unsolvable puzzle. So, for now, we are in the beginning stages of some new music. We will have to see what happens this spring!

The post All is Found with Secret Machines appeared first on ZO Magazine.

Kendra: Your interest in music runs deep, but as a kid what did you find the most appealing about it? Was it the lyrics, the beats, the joy it brought to people? 

Ty Grant: As a kid, I loved everything about music. I just found it so intriguing that a beat alone can make you move in a way you couldn’t imagine. I was always in love with how artists created their words or how words can get you to understand people in this world. It became a powerful tool to get to know others but also relate while telling stories. 

Kendra: Now let’s talk about your December release, “Social Anxiety.” As someone who understands all too well what it’s like to have that, I immediately felt every word of this track in my bones. For me though, I didn’t always know what those feelings swirling about in me were. I just knew that things like meeting the friends of a friend could leave me internally freaking out. When did you realize that this was a part of your reality? 

Ty Grant: “Social Anxiety” is very common, but a lot of people are aware of it. I used to be the “life of the party” but as I got older I realized I had social anxiety when I stopped going out as much. I later began avoiding conversations and people in public. I started to see major differences in my personality. I was becoming more to myself. I also knew I had the disorder when I was in class and the professor told me to present my project. My hands began to shake, I was sweaty, my heart was racing to the point I just walked out of the class. Having too much attention on me almost caused me to have a panic attack. 

Kendra: Being a Black woman as well, I was taught growing up that therapy and whatnot were “for white people.” The absolute wrong message to send a teen who is battling mental health issues. Thankfully though, the stigma of talking about what we’re going through and seeking help has continued to fade away over the years, and that’s in part to Black creatives speaking up. With that, do you think you could’ve dropped this song as a hip-hop artist say 10 years ago? 

Ty Grant: Yes I believed I could’ve dropped this song 10 years ago. I like to create music with substance that can go through different generations. I want to make music that lasts, not just songs that become a trend. 

Kendra: For me, whenever I am feeling anxious late at night, I tend to write and it helps ease my mind a bit. Would you say getting “Social Anxiety” out was therapeutic for you? 

Ty Grant: Writing, lately, has become an outlet for me, releasing things out in the air is my way or letting go. Writing and creating “Social Anxiety” let me face my disorder and open the eyes of others who may have it. Just knowing many people contacted me about the song and shared their stories was the best gift itself. This was therapeutic knowing my music was. 

Kendra: I also want to note that you created this track using a $20 mic and your phone, but that feels like the norm for so many as the past 10-15 years have seen an uptick in DIY artists. Do you feel creating with the bare bones is a skill not every artist has within them? 

Ty Grant: I do believe it’s a skill that you can learn. It’s one of those things if you want to, you’ll learn about it more to improve your music. 

Kendra: In 2022 you started dropping singles pretty consistently, one a month starting in October. Will you be following that schedule in 2023? 

Ty Grant: Yes, I will be following this schedule. I enjoy dropping every month. This helps me create a fan base and show’s that I’m consistent in my craft. It also helps me improve musically. 

Kendra: Also, being that it’s a new year, have you set any sort of music resolutions for yourself?

Ty Grant: I have set some goals for this upcoming year. My goals are to create more music for people to relate to, connect to, and love. I have more goals planned for myself but this is the main one right now. 

Kendra: Lastly, with a few singles out now, what else lies ahead for you in 2023?

Ty Grant: 2023 is looking like a year full of more songs and a bigger fan base than where I started. I just recently started music so my goals are just growing and learning the business and how to create. 

The post The Initial Intrigue with Ty Grant appeared first on ZO Magazine.

Kendra: What inspired your initial drive toward making music? 

Carl Scogland: I started playing music at a very young age after being inspired by my best friend’s father playing guitar. I’d go over to my friend’s house to play video games and I would always hear his dad in the other room practicing. One day I just told my friend, “Hey, let’s start a band like your dad.” Then over the next few months, his dad helped us secure our very first guitars. It wasn’t too long after that we started playing talent shows etc. in the Shreveport area. I was also in and out of rock bands in my early teenage years.

Kendra: With ‘Identity’ being your third album, how do you feel it compares thematically to what’s come before it? Like, did you notice you were allowing yourself more freedom to go down more personal roads? 

Carl Scogland: Great Question, ‘Identity’ is a very personal album for me. It deals with so many issues I’ve experienced over the past five years (some of the most difficult in my life). The reason I called it ‘Identity’ is basically because there are a lot of self-discovery aspects on the album. You’ll find themes of self-reflection, personal loss, relationship difficulties, love, and personal growth.

So I would say it’s a massive departure from the older material. I used to always write in a way of how I thought people might want to hear a song. However, with identity it’s just an open letter to myself. I feel I definitely allowed creative freedom to exist during this process.

Kendra: In the title track, you sing about something that I wish was inescapable and that’s getting older. While it’s daunting, I have liked the independence that comes with age. For you, what’s been one of the more positive notes of celebrating your birthday with each passing year? 

Carl Scogland: Again such a thoughtful question and I want to thank you for that! As a musician, I think one of the most daunting tasks when it comes to age is trying to internalize that your younger dreams may not truly come to fruition – but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on your creative outlets. I always struggled with this concept when I was in my early 20s, I would make promises to myself where I’d like to be musically by say 25, etc. 

However, I soon came to realize that thinking like this only leaves you feeling empty inside when those dreams are not fulfilled by the timelines you set. The moral of the story is that there is never an age limit on when to stop dreaming- you just have to keep your drive up and do the things that mean the most to YOU, not some unfulfilled expectation you set for yourself.

Kendra: However, one thing I appreciate is nostalgia and my childhood loves are things I cannot shake like old music videos and boy bands. For you, video games are a way of life. So much so that you penned “Video Games.” With that, what video game character do you think would vibe most with ‘Identity,’ and why? 

Carl Scogland: I thoroughly enjoy the ‘Diablo’ series and I’m super excited about ‘Diablo IV’ coming out next year – So much so that I just purchased an entirely new gaming computer in anticipation of it. 

As far as characters from the game that may vibe with the album the most, I would have to choose the necromancer – mostly because he’s darker, mysterious, and I’m sure full of self-reflection/understanding. I do think there are quite a few songs on the album that have that darker rock theme such as “waiting on you” and “ebb and flow.”

Kendra: The album as a whole, as we’ve seen, covers a lot – this includes love and loss. These are two themes we’ve heard in music since the start, but which do you think allows for more creativity when musicians sit down to write?

Carl Scogland: Ohh I think it’s definitely love…if you listen to my song “You & Me” I literally say in one of the verses …” I Said I wasn’t going to write another love song but here I go again.” It’s just something I always use to gravitate towards. It was so hard for me to not want to put more love songs on this album like I have in my previous albums. I dunno why but in the past, I always gravitated toward writing songs about relationships or the lack thereof.

Kendra: Time for a side note: With Thanksgiving being right around the corner I’d love to know what artist’s discography are you most thankful for?

Carl Scogland: Linkin Park – I’ve always been a huge fan and their music helped me massively in my teenage years.

Kendra: Lastly, with ‘Identity’ out on October 14th, what’s on the horizon as we head closer to 2023?
Carl Scogland: I have a lot of video content coming soon and I will be gearing up for a tour of some sort for the album in 2023. So the remainder of 2022 will be focused on locking in some dates and promoting the album as much as possible!

The post Identifying with Carl Scogland appeared first on ZO Magazine.

Kendra: Was singing and performing something you all had a passion for growing up?

The Isaac Sisters: Yes, It is a normal thing from both sides of our family. Music runs strong in our blood which makes it much more exciting to be a part of. Listening and watching legendary artists such as The Jackson Five, New Edition, and TLC including a lot more amazing artists made our passion come to life.

Kendra: You’ve been performing together for a very long time now. Do you think that not only being family but also that history of working with one another has helped you build a solid foundation that maybe other groups haven’t had the privilege to have? 

The Isaac Sisters: We believe that being a family/sister group gives us that advantage because we know each other’s personalities, ups and downs, and most of all we can practice at any given time. The icing on the cake is that we’re all on the same page regarding what our goals are, which is to become worldwide! Be the most amazing talented /longest girl group of all time. No shade, haha!

Kendra: This year you dropped ‘Got It Like That’ and as someone who grew up during the ‘90s, it made my heart smile because I miss girl groups. From Spice Girls to TLC to Destiny’s Child, they all have a place in the history books of music. What are you hoping is The Isaac Sisters’ contribution to said book when it’s all said and done? 

The Isaac Sisters: That’s a blessing, it made your heart smile! We’re hoping to achieve the status of the artists you named. It would be a blessing and mean the world to us. When it’s all said and done we’re hoping that books says The Isaac Sisters were “The Best self-made, humble, worldwide talented three sisters R&B/Pop girl group that blessed us with their style, funk, happiness, and dance the world needed in the 2020s.” 

Kendra: Again, your style harkens back to the days of girl group excellence but not only that, but you also deliver a level of R&B many feel has been MIA for a while with songs like “Ways In Between.” This song packs a lot of emotion, was this one any of you had a personal connection to? 

The Isaac Sisters: Yes, Asia, which is the older sister of the group, had a connection and creative thought with the song “Ways In Between.” Asia loves to love and wants to be loved back in return. It’s hard to juggle a relationship when starting a career. At the end of the day, the best way to let your emotions out is to write it down as a song which Asia did with the help of us and the amazing team at OC Hits! Shout out to CEO Thomas Barstow, Robbie, and Nick.

Kendra: Another track on the EP is “Big Boss Game” which is this vibrant hip-hop meets pop track, and the video features A’SHYN. Which, was there a ‘Powerpuff Girl’ inspo behind the wardrobe because not only are you all in pink, green, and blue but A’SHYN is serving Him in red? 

The Isaac Sisters: That’s so funny because it wasn’t an inspo for the Powerpuff Girls. This was a way of us showing a different side of ourselves by wearing something different outside our normal look. We’re more of the natural laid-back type of girls so with the “Big Boss Game” video we wanted a different twist. Making a statement it doesn’t matter what we wear you will know who we are cause we got it like that—hint-hint, our new EP ‘Got It Like That.’ 

As for the artist, A’SHYN that was featured was another great twist because it’s the remix version and he made a statement “look at me now” as he represented us and himself coming out to the world.

Kendra: It’s time for a side note: With it being spooky season, I’d love for you to share your favorite movie to watch around Halloween – could be scary, funny, or a little of both!

The Isaac Sisters: ‘Hocus Pocus,’ ‘Halloweentown,’ and ‘Jeepers Creepers.’ Aliyah, the second oldest of the group, her birthday is on Halloween so we celebrate and do whatever she wants to do. Most of the time we’re hanging with family and friends. So it’s always fun that day with a good party and great food. We love to eat!!! 

Kendra: Lastly, with ‘Got It Like That’ out now, do you have plans in the works for 2023 as far as touring is concerned? 

The Isaac Sisters: Yes! We’re truly hoping in 2023 to go around touring. Our love is the stage and audience which give us that drive and desire to keep moving forward. We started out performing on stage first which led us to create our own music. This time no cover songs and all about us as we hit the stage again!

The post The Isaac Sisters Prove They Got It  appeared first on ZO Magazine.

There was a fleeting moment in my life when I thought making music was going to be my thing. One wrong instrument choice later and well, that goal was far from reached. Luckily though, not every aspiring musician is as quick to quit. They’re driven by a passion that people like me get to be embraced by the wonders they create. So thank you to those passionate folks like Zachary Knowles who didn’t give up and kept moving forward because now he’s ready for the world to hear his brand new EP, ‘Goalie,’ out on October 14th. 

We talked about his passionate roots, being a once-upon-a-time hater, the balancing act of music, and more in this back-and-forth exchange. 

Kendra: I used to run home after school and watch MTV religiously because then they still played videos, but you – you ran home to make music. What about the process did you fall in love with first?

Zachary Knowles: That’s an awesome question. I’ve always thought it’s so cool how melodies can pop out at any moment and be turned into a song that’s out there forever. That is very exciting to me. Like knowing that at any moment inspiration could strike and become a song has always kept me so interested. Singing has always been so fun, so experimenting with melodies became something I really loved. 

Kendra: You’ve noted a few artists that have inspired you in life, one being Justin Bieber. He gets a lot of hate hurled at him and I don’t fully understand why people act like he’s not talented. What about his career thus far has been the most impactful in helping you sort of map out your journey in the industry?

Zachary Knowles: Yeah I think people that hate on him are lame haha. I can say that though because I used to be a hater until I realized I was actually just jealous. But for real, I think he’s one of the most incredible vocalists. His vocal control is crazy and that’s what inspired me to get better at singing honestly. I think as he’s grown he’s become a lot more vulnerable about his life and who he is which has been really cool to see because vulnerability and being real are something that I really value in my life and career.

Kendra: Whatever it may be, you’re doing wonderful because, with a handful of records and EPs under your belt, you’ve got another one coming this October with ‘Goalie.’ With this being your most personal yet, did you ever walk away from the writing and recording process more mentally drained than you had before?

Zachary Knowles: I actually think it was the opposite during the process of making this project. I think because I was getting a lot off my chest I left feeling really refreshed. I did make a bunch of songs surrounding this project though that I chose from and narrowed down to the final seven it ended up as. 

That was probably the most draining part because there are songs I liked but didn’t feel like they fit the message, so putting them on hold until later was a little bittersweet. But I wanted to make sure that the project had meaning, and that it wasn’t just a collection of songs I thought were cool, you know.

Kendra: Your latest from the EP is “Just Stay For Once,” a song that’s sort of an internal reflection based on your reality with self-doubt and needing to take it easy. I’ve had a few creative people come through my interview realm lately who’ve said the pressures of social media have hit them hard. Do you feel that the constant need for posting content can often hinder an artist and stress them out more than if they were just able to focus on their actual craft like music, movies, or writing?

Zachary Knowles: Oh 1000%. That’s something I’ve been thinking a lot about lately honestly so it’s crazy you bring that up. My number one goal is to focus on the art and to make stuff that’s real and timeless. I think the pressure from social media can be a real thing, and it’s tempting to get sucked into it if you aren’t careful. I think art at its core is supposed to be a reflection of oneself, and because self-reflection is intentional and takes time, usually art takes time to create. 

The pressure that social media seems to put on artists is that they need to create this art as soon and as fast as possible so they can constantly be promoting, being in people’s faces, and catching people’s attention. It’s honestly a delicate balance because I obviously value social media a lot and it’s helped me in a crazy amount of ways. I just think it’s where the primary focus is that matters. 

For me, my art will always come first, but social media is the tool I use to promote that art once I’ve put the time into making it. That might just be me though. But there’s definitely a pressure that doesn’t necessarily need to exist. It’s important to focus on the art. If you’re focusing on that, the pressures of social media become a lot less stressful and heavy, which is where I feel like I’m at right now. 

Kendra: Some time ago I was talking to Cloud Cuckoo, an artist who said she created music that could be described as “danceable depression.” While I feel like “Just Stay For Once” is far from depression, it does have this mental health, self-care notion to it. With that, do you often like to balance heavier topics with more uplifting musical arrangements?

Zachary Knowles: Oh yeah, I think it’s such a cool balance when a song that’s diving into more sad stuff has an uplifting feel to it. It makes it more hopeful to me. 

Kendra: Then because I have a podcast all about crushes, I can’t let you go without talking about your previous single, “Crush.” Usually, songs of that nature are about the newness of a crush but this is about still feeling those sentiments years down the road. Was this about a relationship you had or possibly one you’d admired? 

Zachary Knowles: It’s about my wife and I. We met in junior high and once we started dating we never stopped and now we’re married and she’s still my best friend. I wanted to capture and talk about how it feels to know someone for so long, and still have these crush-like feelings when you’re with them. That’s how I feel with my wife. She’s my best friend. 

Kendra: It’s time for a side note: With it being spooky season, I’d love for you to share your favorite movie to watch around Halloween – could be scary, funny, or a little of both!

Zachary Knowles: Hmmmmm. I’m a huge thriller/horror movie fan. Last year I got really into Korean thrillers and recently I’ve kind of revisited that so I’ll probably rewatch some of my favorites. There’s one called ‘Forgotten’ that’s definitely one of my favorite movies, and one called ‘The Call’ that’s crazy good. I’ll watch those soon for sure and probably try to find some other Korean ones. 

Kendra: Lastly, with ‘Goalie’ out on October 14th, do you have plans in the works for 2023 as far as touring is concerned?

Zachary Knowles: At the moment I don’t have anything set in stone, but I’m in the process of making plans for it, yeah. I’ll leave it at that! I’ve got a lot of plans for this year and next. 

The post Crushing Goals with Zachary Knowles appeared first on ZO Magazine.