Kendra: It wasn’t too long ago that y’all dropped ‘Leave the Party Early.’ A title that speaks to me – if I were ever invited out, but my lack of a social life aside…because this album got you recognition and attention across the board. Did that add a layer of stress when it came time to record the next record?

Sleeping Jesus: I think that we were more excited than anything else. We recorded this new record in a vastly different way than we did for ‘Leave The Party Early.’ We had just come off a tour in November 2022 and we went into the Magic Barn down in Iowa City in December. We wanted to make something in a new way. And in a way that felt exciting for us too. So, more excitement than stress. Leave The Party Early was definitely a stretching exercise for us. We made a weird electro-pop album and we are really proud of that, but, we were able to record all together in a room and get that feeling from playing live that was thrilling. 

Kendra: Fans are going to get to hear ‘Hollywood Smile’ in November, but without giving too much away – if you had to compare this record to an actor’s smile, whose do you think would best represent the aesthetic of your sophomore release?

Sleeping Jesus: We all agreed on Jack Nicholson’s smile. There is something about his smile that can be comforting and simultaneously sinister too. A Hollywood man, but with a touch of depravity. Definitely Steve Buscemi’s eyes and Gilbert Gottfried’s voice too.

Kendra: We are getting a bit of a taste with the lead single, “Ferdy,” which features such a fun video. I do want to thank you for putting your heart and humor into the music video. This can often feel like a lost artform so I always appreciate a good video in these modern times. Did any of you channel any old favorite videos when it came time to shoot “Ferdy?”

Sleeping Jesus: We looked at The Shins’ “Australia” video and we wanted to bring some of that humor into the video. Our videographer, Harrison Mccormick, watched a bunch of Westerns like the Fistful of Dollars trilogy and we definitely found some inspiration in Reservoir Dogs as well. Harrison did a beautiful job of using some of the classic Western film tropes in our video. His direction and vision that he brought in really brought that video to the next level and we are super fortunate to have him in our camp. 

Kendra: This video features so much, including some not-so-happy goths (which, I guess is on brand?). Were any of you in the clique growing up? If not, what cliques would you say you belonged to back in the day?

Sleeping Jesus: None of us were in a goth clique, unfortunately! I felt like more of a chameleon moving through my school years. Music, a little sports, skateboarding, whatever the flavor of the week was! All of us had a love for music from a somewhat young age though, none of us have strayed from it since.

Kendra: “Ferdy” also has y’all playing at a birthday bash. Have you ever played anywhere as unique as that in real life?

Sleeping Jesus: Oh, one hundred percent. We have played at a gas station in Denton, Texas. Super quirky DIY spot. We did a house show in the middle of the day with Vansire that turned out to be a high school graduation party. A rock and roll wedding chapel. 

Kendra: Now it’s time for a side note – with it being September AKA Self Improvement Month, I’m asking everyone to give us a song they like to put on when they are in self-care mode…

Sleeping Jesus: Here’s the list:

Nick’s is “Move On Up” by Curtis Mayfield
Andy’s is “Wait For The Moment” by Vulfpeck
Tyler’s is “Me, Myself and I” by De La Soul
Seamus’ is “Chicken Man” by Evelyn Evelyn
Dante’s is “Gorilla” by Little Simz

Kendra: And lastly, with “Ferdy” out now and ‘Hollywood Smile’ out this November, what else do y’all have planned as we head into fall?

Sleeping Jesus: We are going to tour more coming up. We are looking to get to the coasts. We’ve done both coasts and we are excited to go back and see the country again. We will have some release shows in Minneapolis and our hometown of Winona, Minnesota. In December, we are gonna have a weekend at our home base of No Name Bar and we are super excited about that weekend.

The post Video Premiere: Everybody Get “Ferdy” with Sleeping Jesus appeared first on ZO Magazine.

If I had to assume, I’d say that roughly 75% of creative people are introverts and that most of us choose an outlet not only because we have a gift when it comes to writing, sculpting, music, etc. but because it’s our way of expressing ourselves without getting tongue-tied. At least that is the commonality between myself and the Angee AKA ⅓ of the Indonesian trio out of Yogyakarta known as Grrrl Gang. We spoke not only of utilizing the arts to be heard, but also favorite karaoke songs, how they’ve grown as a unit, and more like their 2023 release, ‘Spunky!’ which drops on September 22nd. 

Kendra: You came together a handful of years ago and have since made a name for yourself in the Yogyakarta scene. Would you say it’s a music scene that is as eclectic as a place like Brooklyn here in the U.S.? 

Akbar: I would say yes! So lots of people come to Yogyakarta for different kinds of business, from different kinds of cultural backgrounds, while Yogyakarta itself holds a strong and rooted culture on its own. For me and Angee, we actually moved to Yogyakarta for college, and quoting from one of our friends that been in the scene for a long time (Woktherock) we always recognize Yogyakarta as a sandbox where you can explore and be anything that you want until you finally go out and share what you have learned during your “Study.” That is what makes Yogyakarta “eclectic,” it’s the differences, the people, and the attitude that I would say you can’t find anywhere else.

Kendra: This September you’ll be dropping ‘Spunky!’ and it comes a few years after ‘Here to Stay!’ Looking at both albums, how would you say you’ve changed as an artist in that time? 

Angee: I think we’ve grown a lot over the years since ‘Here to Stay’ as individuals and as a band. We’ve gotten a lot braver at conceptualizing our materials, in terms of story-telling and sound. I’d like to think that ‘Spunky!’ is a mature debut album.

Kendra: Y’all also connected with Lafa Pratomo for ‘Spunky!’ and noted that it was different working with someone outside of your tight-knit band. How long before you were fully okay and comfortable with giving Pratomo the reins? 

Angee: It didn’t take too long for us to feel comfortable with Lafa because he really wanted to get to know us quite deeply at an individual level. I think that aspect made it easier for us to work with him and shine in our own respective ways during the recording of the album.

Akbar: …and technically, he IS GOODss

Kendra: ‘Spunky!’ wound up with 10 stellar tracks including “Rude Awakening.” This song is a journey, but it starts with the notion of not feeling like anyone is listening. This is something I deal with too often as I’m naturally quiet and people do tend to speak over me – a lot. This is why I like to write and podcast; they help me be heard. Have you always treated music as your way of getting your voice out there?

Angee: Yes, always. I have a hard time verbally expressing how I feel and what I think, and I’ve found that songwriting is a great outlet for me to just convey everything that’s going on in my head without any fear of rejection. It’s one of the ways I can be honest with myself.

Kendra: Another song on the new record is “A Fight Breaks Out At A Karaoke Bar.” With that, what is everyone’s go-to karaoke song? 

Angee: My go-to karaoke song is Madonna’s “Like a Virgin!”

Akbar: “Like a G-6” by Far East Movement straight up!

Edo: Mine, “Believe” by Cher

Kendra: I did want to ask who some of your influences were because listening, I felt like I was back in the ‘90s listening to some alt-rock stations; very ‘Reality Bites’ soundtrack – which I enjoy! 

Angee: Hole and Sleater-Kinney!

Edo: The Cardigans

Kendra: Now it’s time for a side note – with it being September AKA Self Improvement Month, I’m asking everyone to give us a song they like to put on when they are in self-care mode…

Angee: It has to be “All I Want” by Joni Mitchell because listening to that song feels like a good long rejuvenating shower after a hard day at work.

Kendra: And lastly, with ‘Spunky!’ out on September 22nd, what else do y’all have planned as we head into fall? 

Angee: More show dates! We’re looking forward to traveling a lot.

Akbar: Yeppp tour, tour, tour, and start to prep for the second album, maybe?

Edo: I’m really excited about the tour!

The post Grrrl Gang Gets Spunky appeared first on ZO Magazine.

Dominique Fils-Aimé has long since planted herself in the music realm with JUNO Awards and praise from critics and fans alike, and she’s continuing her journey in 2023 with the release of ‘Our Roots Run Deep’ on September 22nd. We talked about the album as a garden, the flourishing nature of her minimalistic approach to song, the beauty of Black culture in music, and more in this back-and-forth exchange. 

Kendra: You’re not new to the game with best-selling albums and JUNO Awards to your name, but thinking back to way back when – what do you think your eight-year-old self would think of where you are today? What would she be surprised by most? 

Dominique Fils-Aimé: The eight-year-old (who is still very much alive in me haha) already loved singing and creating back then, she also firmly believes there is nothing out of reach, so I think she is simply happy, grateful, and excited that life keeps proving us right! 

Kendra: So ‘Our Roots Run Deep’ will be the latest in a long line of impressive releases from you, but is there anything you do as part of your creative process that you feel helps you elevate yourself artistically with each release? 

Dominique Fils-Aimé: First of all, thank you; my art is clearly a reflection of me, therefore my creative process is intricately linked to my personal self-growth journey. I wish to remain connected to joy and excitement. My mission will always remain to create paths between us and the illusion of what we consider “other.” Meditation and explorations of new instruments help me keep my curiosity muscle active.

Kendra: With roots being mentioned in the album title, and your second single being “Feeling Like a Plant” I have to ask, if you were to build a nursery of plants and whatnot based on the overall vibe of the new album – what sort of foliage and flowers would we see displayed? 

Dominique Fils-Aimé: It would be a warm and humid garden with a body of water where every plant and tree is welcome to thrive! Filled with exotic and rare plants like Albo monsteras half moon, birds of paradise, Callisia Repens Pink Lady, string of hearts because they are so cute, mother of millions, etc. It would be a garden full of beautiful odd-looking plants, and I would cherish their uniqueness. 

Kendra: For “Feeling Like a Plant” you went with a minimalist approach, something I feel helps push the vocals to the forefront. Do you feel artists tend to shy away from creating songs like this because there is no room to hide behind elaborate musical arrangements? 

Dominique Fils-Aimé: My Soul naked in public. This is what putting my vocals in the forefront feels like to me. I cannot speak to the reasons why other artists do not go there but one thing I can say is that it was definitely a deliberate choice of mine to be more open and candid in this album, so reading this question made me smile. 

Kendra: Now, throughout your career, you’ve always pulled from music that has roots in Black culture from tribal to blues to jazz – and as I was writing this I stumbled across something about Luther Vandross and how often his music is sampled. All of that said, do you think Black artists tend to pull from the past more often than not and pay homage to what came before them because if they didn’t, the mainstream would let those styles and sounds go by the wayside? 

Dominique Fils-Aimé: I believe the black musical legacy is indelible. Honouring the ones who paved the way before us is one of the values I have integrated as part of my creative process. I believe their impact echoes through time and communities in a way no other artistic movement has. Sampling from legends like Luther Vandross is definitely a way to keep the music alive and actual, but I also think it’s because it is just soooo good, we never get tired of it! 

Kendra: Now it’s time for a side note – with it being September AKA Self Improvement Month, I’m asking everyone to give us a song they like to put on when they are in self-care mode… 

Dominique Fils-Aimé: I have two types of self-care modes, one that is anchored in explosive joy and the other in peaceful resting. For joy I go with Aiza’s “Cocoa Butter,” for relaxation it has been the same for years, Sampa the Great’s “Energy” or 432Hz music. 

Kendra: And lastly, with ‘Our Roots Run Deep’ out on September 22nd, what else do y’all have planned as we head into fall?

Dominique Fils-Aimé: I am so excited to be touring Europe this fall and discovering what the live version of this album will sound like! Since creating is my favorite activity, I will definitely be painting and writing more music, getting ready for the next albums. 

The post The Audible Roots of Dominique Fils-Aimé  appeared first on ZO Magazine.

Something felt – free to me as I listened to what Sarah Mary Chadwick had done in the past and placed it side-by-side with the latest offerings from ‘Messages To God,’ her new album that drops on September 15th. This is where the back-and-forth between a girl constantly behind a laptop and the Melbourne-based singer-songwriter began, but as we dug in deeper, we discussed the beauty that surrounds us, the constant state of fear, and more like whether or not there was any punk in her past. 

Kendra: When listening to ‘Eating for Two’ and then hearing what you’ve got in store on ‘Messages to God,’ it feels as though over the past decade you’ve become more raw in your delivery and overall sound; freer if you will. Would you say that’s just something that comes with evolving as an artist and growing more comfortable with each new release?

Sarah Mary Chadwick: That’s really good to hear, I’m glad it hasn’t gotten more pedestrian with time. I guess the way in which someone’s creativity responds to time is as unique as each person…for myself I wouldn’t say that growing more comfortable has ever been an issue or a desire. 

As a person, I am someone who puts a lot of energy into working on my mental health and trying to attain a greater understanding of myself and the people around me. I think this has helped me keep my work from being stagnant or stuck emotionally. I think that I have always trusted my motivations and creative concerns since I was really young and that with time I have been able to utilise that fluency, in regard to artistic choices and productivity. I still feel like the same person I was when I wrote Eating For Two. Those feelings feel only a beat away. But I’m not so overwhelmed anymore, I don’t feel quite so much like I’m drowning all the time.

Kendra: Sticking with ‘Messages to God,’ you noted that this record is about finding the beauty in everyday occurrences. I love that because, over the past few years, the world has felt overtly negative. Again, the past few years were rough, so how did you manage to land in this positive headspace? 

Sarah Mary Chadwick: Hmmmm, I think I’ve always been like that really. If we’re talking about ‘Eating For Two’ – what are the lyrics to that “Knots Unwind” song? “I am a holiday to take/ I am that sparkle on that lake”… “Walk on water in my dream / a heart that’s bursting at the seams.” Haha, quoting your own lyrics alert! 

Those seem like very positive lyrics to me.  I think with me the thing is that I have a lot of childhood trauma and sadness that clouded everything. Then people started dying and the wheels really fell off. BUT even though my parents ostensibly did a terrible job, from somewhere I got this weird tenacity about figuring all my shit out. I’ve nearly failed and died more than once. This isn’t possible for some people, and for them, I’m really really sad – but for me, I’ve been able to keep going. And for that I’m really, really grateful. I think this might be common for a few people too, but realising that I was the biggest threat to myself was very confronting and at the same time made me kind of fearless of Real things. So in answer to your question, it’s not so much that it’s a more positive headspace, but that it’s different. And that’s more important, I think.

Kendra: I also love that “Shitty Town,” lyrically, could’ve been on a pop-punk record from my youth. I adore it so. Did you grow up with any punk influences, because this record does feel like it has a sort of punk foundation? 

Sarah Mary Chadwick: Hahah that’s so nice, thank you. I think I’ve always admired straightforward, clear, potent vivid, and distilled things, things that focus on emotion and communication, things that are tender and move you, things that work in opposition, and things that are DIFFERENT, which I guess are a lot of ‘punk’ adjectives. I love songwriting so much, when it’s done well it’s so satisfying.

Kendra: As relatable as “Shitty Town” was to me, I felt as though “Looked Just Like Jesus” was sincerely universal while also being so personal to you due to the haunting line, “I’m always scared.” Other than pouring your emotions into music, is there anything else you do that helps you when you start to feel fearful of this and that? 

Sarah Mary Chadwick: This is a hard one just because it’s very personal. I am working my way (albeit very slowly, and with varied results) through a myriad of unhealthy things I do to cope with fear and anxiety, I guess most notably being alcohol. I think I will probably always have that side to myself, I don’t expect it ever to go away. 

I’m always, always trying to figure everything out – so I guess right now, I’m trying to not do that – Some days will not be the day I crack the code, make good decisions, or even feel good. But some days will. I’m trying to let myself have both. I try to quiet my mother’s voice in my head. I try to talk to people who I love and who love me. I try to listen to people. I try to base my feelings on facts, and not my facts on feelings. 

And I listen to ‘Bring A Plate’ and ‘My Dad Wrote A Porno’ on repeat and watch reruns of shows that I like and remember to enjoy being in love and loved and I walk my dog Sylvia for two hours a day. Oh, and I love cooking. And spending all the time I can with my husband Simon.

Kendra: Now it’s time for a side note – with it being September AKA Self Improvement Month, I’m asking everyone to give us a song they like to put on when they are in self-care mode…

Sarah Mary Chadwick: Ooooh, um…Kesha and Pitbull’s “Timber,” Tove Lo’s “Talking Body,” OR Britney Spears’ “Toy Soldier.”

Kendra: And lastly, with ‘Messaged to God’ out on September 15th, what else do y’all have planned as we head into fall? 

Sarah Mary Chadwick: Exciting! Uhh, well, we are headed into summer here soooo….hopefully some cigarettes outside on late nights with friends….taking my dog swimming…I have an art exhibition in November so I’m doing lots of painting for that. I just recorded a brand new record last week so putting that together. And I want to tour in early 2024, it’s been so long since I have played shows outside of Australia. I am really looking forward to that.

The post Messages from Sarah Mary Chadwick  appeared first on ZO Magazine.

Representing New Jersey and making the entire Garden State proud is Reg Mason. A hip-hop artist with a bit of an alternative twist, Reg Mason has carved out his own lane and isn’t slowing down anytime soon with his new album, ‘TESTDRIVE’’ which is out now. We talked about the games and music found on the record, personally evolving, and more like the difference between Chess and Checkers. All of that and then some in this new back-and-forth exchange. 

Kendra: You mention in your music you’ve been at this for a minute, but when exactly did you start to focus on making music? 

Reg Mason: I released my first song called “Pearls” in early 2015, I wanna say. I was 16 then but I’ve written songs as early as ‘09. I didn’t become an active musician until 2015. 

Kendra: Usually, the idea of coming-of-age stories is reserved for teen movies and whatnot in Hollywood, but in the grand scheme of things we’re always growing into the next phase of our lives. What transpired in your life that motivated this album to be the overall representation of this chapter in your own story?

Reg Mason: Once I moved out of my childhood home, my wheels started turning on the idea of immortalizing a moment in time. Music is an easy way to do that because it’s an audible Time Capsule. So I wanted to have a time stamp of this trying time, to appreciate my growth later. 

Kendra: Now, this month I also talked to an alternative country artist. I found that interesting as you also have an alternative vibe to your music. Why do you think so many genres are adopting alternative aspects right now? 

Reg Mason: Genre is basically nonexistent haha. The days of sticking to one thing are kinda over. Historically, so many cultures overlap and adopt from one another (even down to the food) so why should music be any different? 

Kendra: So with songs like “CHECKERBOARD!” you’ve noted that it’s digging into this idea you have about yourself, and that’s to continuously evolve. Does that mean overall like from mentally to creatively? 

Reg Mason: Throughout everything! Careerwise, physically, mentally, and spiritually. When we’re cut, we bleed and heal. Our bodies are meant to take some blows and then they reconfigure and learn how to move through it. “CHECKERBOARD!” is a checklist of all I hope to see.

Kendra: Listening to the record, I found it interesting that “CHECKERBOARD!” was this very energetic track that felt mainstream, while “CHESSBOARD’” reminded me more of the neo-soul, philosophical hip hop. Is that because checkers is the more commonly played game, while chess is the thinking man’s game? 

Reg Mason: Absolutely correct! When I tell you, you’re the only person to catch that so far lol. You actually structured that really well, but yes that’s the exact concept. I also love the contrast in general.

Kendra: In “handshakes’” you note your Jersey Boy grit. What exactly does that mean to someone now from the Garden State? 

Reg Mason: It just means having that hunger for greater things. Knowing that you gotta get your hands dirty for what you want and more likely than not, things won’t be given to you. There’s a certain kind of security in knowing that whatever I receive, will be earned properly in due time.

Kendra: Now it’s time for a side note – with it being September AKA Self Improvement Month, I’m asking everyone to give us a song they like to put on when they are in self-care mode…

Reg Mason: “Make It Better” by Quelle Chris. That song has gotten me through some times, the instrumental feels like I’m having my hair washed by someone I care for.

Kendra: And lastly, with ‘Testdrive’ out now, what else do y’all have planned as we head into fall? 

Reg Mason: Shows, videos, merch, vinyl, and even more music. 

The post Reg Mason and The Game of Life  appeared first on ZO Magazine.

In a family of doctors, no one is shocked when it’s announced that yet another person is heading off to med school. Well, that’s similar to Veronica Swift and the path she’s currently on. Only it wasn’t white coat ceremonies, but rather life on the road and an innate love of all things music. We began this conversation diving into what she calls a “coming of age experience” growing up amid music. From there we get into why her 13-year-old self internally screamed with excitement, scoring film, and so much more, including her self-titled album, ‘Veronica, Swift,’ that drops on September 15th. 

Kendra: Being that both of your parents shined musically, was there ever a doubt in anyone’s mind that you wouldn’t walk down that path as well?

Veronica Swift: You know how children learn language from an early age? Like if your family’s first language is Spanish, French, etc…you become a fluent speaker by mere exposure at an early age? Well, bebop was this for me, and having grown up on the road in jazz culture (at nightclubs, festivals, and theaters around the country) it never was really a choice of mine, but rather a coming-of-age experience. 

At 9, I just joined my parents on stage and sang age-appropriate songs that I had known through my experiences growing up around that music and repertoire. Then, more and more opportunities were placed before me, that I felt I owed it to my lineage to uphold the traditions of this music. But no, singing Jazz was not ever what I wanted to do or “dreamt myself doing.” In my family, it just made sense! Music was my first language.

Kendra: Because by 9 you’d already dropped a record. At that age I was…Hmm, I was probably stressing over the TGIF lineup or something. Obviously, a lot of growth has happened since then, but what would you say has continued to push you the most towards leveling up with each passing year regarding your artistry? 

Veronica Swift: The journey and mission of an artist is (in my view) to keep pushing yourself towards perfection (whatever that may be to you), and to reach beyond your capabilities to achieve certain goals. Before I was ever singing, before my record at age nine, I had a very sophisticated understanding of harmony, song structure, and melodicism not only from having grown up in a bebop family but because my favorite music was not that of my peers. 

It wasn’t Britney Spears, NSYNC…what got me going was Bach, Stravinsky, Mozart, Rachmaninoff… All the Classical Composers I could get my ears on! At age five I was singing along to harpsichord concertos and studying symphonic scores. It wasn’t until I heard Queen, The Beatles, and Todd Rundgren that I began to see where my “passions” would lie in the world of songwriting too. I followed this continuing outward expansion of the music particularly when diving into the deep-cut glam rock of the ‘70s (I.e. Sweet, Nazareth, etc…) I absorbed every possible note and word. So you can say that I have a high standard that I am with each passing year building towards when finding my place in all these genres.

Truly, I’m following my own musical whims and where my taste leads me, and I listen to that instinct. I know it’ll tell me where I need to go rather than feeling I have to “push” myself. It’s as if I’m being led along a path, and as long as I listen to that instinct, I’ll never be led astray!

Kendra: With your 2023 self-titled, you decided to pay homage to so many artists that span the genre spectrum, and you also worked alongside The Dresden Dolls’ Brian Viglione. I did get a chance to see them once back in the day, phenomenal. How was working with him, and did you take anything away from that experience that you’ll continue to utilize moving forward? 

Veronica Swift: Well, it is a beautiful story! Of course, The Dresden Dolls were one of the only bands that as an artistic outcast weirdo kid, I felt spoke directly to me! Here is a band that didn’t fit in anywhere, and yet paved the way for so many artists like me to not give in to conformity and people-pleasing! That it IS possible to find success in truly being yourself. 

So with my 2021 release, ‘This Bitter Earth,’ I simply had to cover one of their songs; “Sing.” Brian had found me through my cover, and reached out exclaiming that he now was a mega V. Swift fan, which then of course, 13-year-old me began screaming at the top of my lungs! 

I was out in LA and got the chance to meet him, and the connection couldn’t have been more natural and instantaneous. Within four months not only was he joining my band as my drummer, but we were to embark on a lifelong journey as life partners too. The way he’s able to take my music and focus it in and produce it- it’s magic what he does! He knows how my brain works, what I hear for my music, and we have the same taste in songwriting/production styles, so it really couldn’t be more perfect! So what did I take away from this experience? It’s to trust that what you manifest (even as a 13-year-old dreamer) will come to you!

Kendra: Again, this album has you tackling songs from musicals like ‘La Cage aux Folles’ to Nine Inch Nails’ “Closer.” With the latter, Trent Reznor has really made a name for himself in film. Is there a recent movie you would’ve loved to score? 

Veronica Swift: Scoring a film is definitely a bucket list dream of mine! And I’m not just talking about writing songs for a film’s soundtrack, but since I have arranging and orchestration experience (always more to learn), it is a life goal of mine to give this a try as well, particularly after having seen ‘LaLa Land’ which to me, didn’t have to cater to mainstream culture’s taste. 

As a fan of old MGM musicals (and tap) I had high hopes for this one! That “finally, a mainstream body of work that I can connect with.” Once we cater to the mainstream, we erase any possibility of ingenuity and style. Like, I couldn’t remember a single song or melody from that movie, but when you walk away from ‘American in Paris’ or ‘West Side Story,’ now THERE’S a score for you! 

To me, it all comes down to melody first! A strong lyric with a weak melody has much less of an effect compared to a strong melody with a simpler lyric. There’s a way to pay homage to the past while still making something new and fresh. I’d like to think my new record does just that- that it isn’t pastiche because you can connect the through lines from track to track.

Kendra: In regards to the musical aspect, “I Am What I Am” is this fun, energetic song that you can’t help but want to move to. When you were recording this one, did you have your parents in mind? 

Veronica Swift: When conceptualizing a new project, I think “What is the narrative?” Every album has a story arc, and for this one, the only way to make all these genres work was to have some cohesive element which for me is the simple fact that these are all genres that have been important to me at different times in my life. Because it all starts with you and your family, that’s why I chose to have the bebop number right up front, but with a lyric that, along with the lyric of the final track “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” bookends the thematic message of the entire album. 

“No matter what happens to me, I will be living my life knowing I am acting 100% in accordance to my values, and that nobody can tell me how to live or enjoy myself being myself.” 

My mother was a broker on Wall Street before she was a singer. It wasn’t until she happened upon a jazz club one night, saw my father playing piano, fell in love, and began making music with him, that she’d found her calling in life. Just like for me in my relationship; Brian had saved me from pursuing a path that I was not happy or creative on, just singing Jazz was not truly me.

So this parallel with my mother’s past is what I am singing about in “I Am What I Am.” I also couldn’t help but include my early years of singing Bach fugues and preludes, so I wrote a fugue part right in the middle.

Kendra: You’ll be hitting the road in September and October, with some dates in Denmark. How do international crowds compare to the ones stateside? 

Veronica Swift: Crowds are different everywhere you go. There are so many factors, not just geographical, that play into how a crowd reacts. What types of venues you play, your music/performance style, which day of the week, what time of day, etc.? 

While Scandinavian or US midwest crowds have a reputation for being more polite, a jazz club in NYC is a more quiet audience than a rock club in Stockholm or Minnesota! I’ve found that the audience wants permission to let go, no matter where you are, and they will give you (the performer) what you give to them! So in a way, since I started performing rock n’ roll, funk, and soul, I don’t see a difference in audiences from state to state/country to country. I give 1000% up there, and that’s what I get back by the end of my show, every time!

Kendra: Now it’s time for a side note – with it being September AKA Self Improvement Month, I’m asking everyone to give us a song they like to put on when they are in self-care mode…

Veronica Swift: As obvious as it may seem, honestly I keep coming back to “Man in the Mirror.” As a performer, it’s a fine line between people-pleasing and pleasing yourself. Some days you get a little too caught up in “what will other people think of me if I do this or that,” but when I listen to this MJ song, I remember: the only way we can serve others, is by first serving ourselves. I don’t mean selfishly, but If we are not in line with our morals and our mission, then we are feeding the people a lie. For years I was resenting what I did on stage… I sang Jazz and was secretly denying myself music I truly loved. So while Jazz is a piece of who I am, it’s just that: a piece of a larger puzzle, and I could no longer keep the rest of myself hidden away.

Kendra: And lastly, with ‘Veronica Swift’ out on September 15th and some dates already on the calendar, what can fans expect as we head into fall? 

Veronica Swift: Now that the new music and message are out there for all to hear, no one will be confused with where my heart lies! I hope this album makes it plain to see that I am more than just a genre; that we all are more than these labels imposed upon us… and so with that in mind, I want to announce to everyone reading/listening, that you’ll hear a lot more of “ME.” My originals will now finally get to see the light of day and make their way into our show. But don’t worry, we’ll give the jazz fans what they want! Think of my show as a celebration of the “past,” “present,” and “future.”

The post I Am Veronica Swift appeared first on ZO Magazine.

All of that said, KIER is approaching the next chapter of life with the release of her debut, ‘Welcome to the Strange Life,’ out on all major music and streaming platforms on September 8th. We talked about the record, main characters, and more but started it all off with a little landslide…

Kendra: A few years ago you dropped a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide,” which, very well done. It’s one of those songs that is highly popular to cover, but not everyone can do it justice. You definitely did though. With that, were there any other songs of theirs you thought of putting your touch on before you landed on “Landslide?” 

KIER: Thank you, I always forget about that one! We recorded our cover of “Landslide” at home during lockdown, utilizing all the limited resources we had then. We made the video for a men’s mental health awareness page. We aimed to draw attention to their page and inspire men to open up about their mental well-being.

However, given the numerous requests we received for that song, we finally decided to upload it for everyone. People consistently liken me to Stevie Nicks. I take that as a MEGA compliment every time since I genuinely adore her voice. “Landslide” had been asked for a number of times, and it inevitably turned out to be our first choice. That’s not to say we don’t love playing almost all of Fleetwood Mac’s songs!

Kendra: Now you’ve got an album of originals coming in September via ‘Welcome to the Strange Life.” If Hollywood were to create a TV show based on this album, other than strange – what sort of life do you feel the main character would have in it?

KIER: What a great question! This album is a reflection of my life and experiences over the past 4-5 years. It draws heavily from the joys and sorrows of life, and everything else that falls in between. The show’s theme, I reckon, would revolve around these real-life experiences making it super easy to connect with. It would highlight how joy can often be found in the simplest things, and that intense pain can eventually lead to immense happiness. Their life, much like a rollercoaster, would be fun, emotional, and thoroughly captivating to watch!

Kendra: Again, we’re going to get a bunch of new songs, including “Gypsies Castles.” This song feels like one that many can relate to with the idea of overthinking and never really being in the moment. I feel like that definitely has to do with the rise of the internet and how much it’s caused us to not really be present. Do you think that if the internet suddenly went down tomorrow, that people would lose it?

KIER: The internet can be an intimidating place and at times, it could be challenging to break free from it. Nowadays, the distinction between reality and the virtual world is blurred. As much as I would prefer to stay away from the internet if I didn’t need it, it proves to be quite effective for networking and advertising. However, I’ve also been caught in its harmful side, which I’m sure everyone has at some point.

We often seem to be more active online than in our actual lives, which can make us feel detached from the real world. That’s one reason why I’m a big fan of performing and watching live music. It lets you be in the moment and appreciate genuine experiences. While the internet has deeply infiltrated our lives, helping many stay employed, it’s crucial to strike a balance. 

Surely, without it, a lot of us would feel aimless, maybe even jobless. So the answer is MORE LIVE MUSIC!

Kendra: That song feels like one that’s going to make you sit and think, while “Never Be Me” has this bar anthem vibe. Was this one inspired by a real-life relationship gone sour or are you just that imaginative?

KIER: For sure, I’m glad my intention showed! “Never Be Me” was written with a clear goal, to offer a heartbreak anthem for those who’ve suffered. Many of my tracks draw upon my personal life, sometimes entirely, other times only to an extent.

Being on the receiving end of heartbreak and feelings of worthlessness is something I can relate to. I wanted to write a song that reassures people they’re more than just a complicated relationship. Self-love isn’t easy, especially if you’ve felt unloved. I believe many of us struggle with it at intervals.

So, yeah, parts of the song stem from my own experiences, while other parts are written to help listeners feel a little more appreciated and loved.

Kendra: Now it’s time for a side note – with it being September AKA Self Improvement Month, I’m asking everyone to give us a song they like to put on when they are in self-care mode…

KIER: This is the first time I’m hearing about this, and I absolutely love it! It’s so fitting, being on the topic of “self-love.” I’ve been focusing on self-improvement, self-love, and self-care; because in order to give the best of yourself to others, you first need to be the best version of yourself. The list of songs that I love would be too long to write down!

Even though it’s not exactly on theme, a song I adore is “The Millionaire” by Dr. Hook. The lyrics might be far away from self-love, but it always transports me to some of the happiest moments of my life. There’s no way I can feel down when this song is playing, it’s so much fun to blast out loud and sing along to. In fact, that’s true for most songs by Dr. Hook.

Kendra: And lastly, with ‘Welcome to the Strange Life’ out on September 8th, what else do y’all have planned as we head into fall?

KIER: Once the album’s released, my goal is to keep connecting with as many people as possible. I’ll be performing solo and with the band. If anyone reading wants to hear the album live, visit my website for my upcoming gigs.

In the meantime, I’m already deep in the planning phase for the second album. I can’t seem to stay away from it, really. Writing is what keeps me sane so I’ve got a bunch to sift through and get started on.

I’m super eager for everyone to finally have the album and to attend the shows already familiar with the songs. I’ve had the album all to myself for a while and I just can’t wait to share it!

The post KIER Delivers a Yallternative Perspective appeared first on ZO Magazine.

Kendra: With the album being called ‘Hypnagogia,’ I have to assume that one of you has experienced something quite interesting while falling asleep. If not, what about the period between being awake and the first wave of sleep that inspired this album?

Marius: A few years ago I experienced hypnagogia of some sort. I was taking a nap on my couch when I suddenly woke up, or at least I thought I did. I could not move my head, and my eyes were pinned at one specific location on the wall. I remember telling myself, “What the heck is going on, and why can’t I move my head”?

I was slowly panicking, and I was trying to figure out what was going on. Suddenly I started to hear bird sounds and wings flapping like crazy in my children’s bedroom, and it sounded very chaotic. I remember thinking about why the window wasn’t closed, and that must have been the reason for the sudden bird invasion. I could still not move my head.

Suddenly my phone started ringing loudly. I could not reach it, nor could I see who it was calling. 

I thought to myself, “Guess it’s work calling me to tell me I’m late for work.” The doorbell suddenly started ringing as well, and now there was complete chaos surrounding me. The birds in the bedroom, the phone ringing constantly, and the doorbell ringing. I started to scream and was about to go completely nuts. Then all of a sudden, I could move my head, and all the sounds were suddenly gone. I remember feeling like I didn’t wake up from a dream, it felt like I was awake all this time. It was a mind-blowing experience, but not something I would like to experience again. 

Kendra: Sleep paralysis is also very common during this state and as someone who has dealt with that – you and I know, 10/10 would not recommend. It’s quite terrifying. With that, what song off ‘Hypnagogia’ do you think the average sleep paralysis demon would enjoy most and why?

Marius: I would have to say “Pandæmonium.” That track is based on my experience with hypnagogia and strongly related to my experience with it. The build-up on that track is how I personally felt at that time and the reason why that track sounds completely nuts. Every time I listen to it I feel almost obnoxious, and it’s almost as if I’m about to hold my breath. 

Kendra: Now, ‘Hypnagogia’ is your third record to date with the last dropping back in the year that shall not be named. Was there anything you left on the cutting room floor while recording ‘Colours out of Space’ that made its way onto the new album?

Jostein: We actually had a couple of songs that did not make it onto the album and from the album before that we considered using a couple of them on the new album and maybe developing them a bit more so they would fit the sound and style on the new record, but in the end, we prefer to start with a fresh mindset when we’re going to record a new album. We also felt really creative and really enjoyed making this album so there was no need to dig up old stuff either. But there definitely are some similarities here and there from the previous albums as well. 

Kendra: So I’m not sure if you’re familiar with the TV series ‘Unsolved Mysteries’ but “Thantosis” really gave me those vibes, but then I was surprised with the jazzy elements that were layered in. Overall that song, to me, felt like it was plucked right from the wondrous era of the ‘80s. Is that a decade you often find yourself admiring? 

Jostein: Hehe, I think it’s becoming our thing to sprinkle some jazzy elements here and there and that really enhances this track with Jørgens Munkeby’s amazing saxophone on the track as well. It was planned from the start to hopefully get him to lay down those jazzy elements and with him being a former member of Jaga Jazzist as well, naturally, it turned out great. When it comes to the eighties, what’s not to like? 

All of us are really big fans of ‘80s music especially and a lot of the arpeggios and synths we incorporate into the music are inspired from that decade. Actually, we have discussed making a purely ’80s-inspired album, a kind of a dark pop thing maybe. We’ll see!

Kendra: On the flip side, “Dance Macabre” felt like it was part of a Broadway show of some kind. Have you ever thought of pairing Pixie Ninja’s sound with the world of theater?

Jostein: Haha, that’s interesting! Well, we’re often told that our music would be a perfect fit for different kinds of movies as they often got a soundtrack feel to them and we would definitely be up for that job, as well as theater. We are big fans of Motorpsycho, and they have done a couple of soundtracks to some Norwegian plays, which is just amazing. So yeah, that would be a great challenge and a lot of fun.

Kendra: Now it’s time for a side note – with it being September AKA Self Improvement Month, I’m asking everyone to give us a song they like to put on when they are in self-care mode…

Jostein: I would probably listen to Meshuggah – “In Death/Is Death” as I am a metalhead as well. That song just makes me feel like I’m on top of the world and the composition and technicality just drives me nuts, In a good way!

Marius: I listen to a really wide variety of music genres. So for the time being I have been playing a game on my Nintendo Switch called ‘Metroid Prime’ (remastered). I am totally hooked on the soundtrack for the time being, and would like to point out one specific track called: “Tallon Overworld.” It’s very metal and I like it! 

Kendra: And lastly, with ‘Hypnagogia’ out on September 8th, what else do y’all have planned as we head into fall? 

Jostein: We would love to get out and play this album live for everyone, so I guess we are probably going to start rehearsing and putting a tour together. Probably won’t be until 2024, but who knows! Maybe we’ll start working on some new stuff in the studio as well.

The post Rocky Nights with Pixie Ninja appeared first on ZO Magazine.

Kendra: In your latest single, “Nightmare” you say you’re “too old/not old enough,” but how old were you when you realized music was something more to you than just something you wanted to listen to?

Dolly Dagger: I was around 14 when I first started writing songs, but it was around 21 that I decided to actually take music seriously as a business which is when I started to learn about the industry, really focus on my songwriting and releasing music properly instead of just as a hobby. 

Kendra: Sticking with “Nightmare,” this song feels like one of the most relatable right now because the world, it’s a mess. Of course, we all have our struggles but do you think that the world and society also being in turmoil makes the weight of our troubles feel heavier? 

Dolly Dagger: Absolutely! I think there’s some comfort in the shared trauma, it comes with a certain understanding towards each other, but I don’t think that necessarily makes it any easier to deal with. We’re all going through something and the world is facing a lot of division among belief systems and values and that’s really hard to navigate as a collective.

Kendra: On the flip side, the video for this song is so fun, and very timely given the US government was like, yeah – aliens, they’re real. But your love of space and its inhabitants came from watching ‘The X-Files’ growing up. If you could travel back in time and pen a song for the show, what do you think it’d be about? Would it be about Mulder and Scully, the government, or simply an alien lifeform?

Dolly Dagger: Ha! I used to watch reruns with my dad in Australia, he was obsessed! I think a campy synth-heavy song to go along with a scene including the Lone Gunmen, there’s something about those three with all their technology and backdoor shenanigans that I always loved watching!

Kendra: ‘The X-Files’ was a wild ride, but life in LA can be just as crazy. When did you make the move there from Australia? 

Dolly Dagger: I think it was officially in 2015, and I’ve been back and forth since then. I’m predominantly here but I’m really looking forward to being in Australia a little more in the future, perhaps playing some shows and taking my American friends on a few road trips. 

Kendra: With that, if you had to compare your upcoming debut EP to a spot in LA that inspired you most, what would it be and why?

Dolly Dagger: That one is easy, Mount Wilson Observatory! It’s my go-to spot when I’m looking to get grounded, I love all the antennas and space vibes and it’s really gorgeous on a summer night. It’s a nice drive up and a couple of years ago, I had my birthday there where we got to view space through the 60-inch telescope! 

Maybe it hasn’t quite inspired the lyrical content, that’s always very emotion-based and usually about people or life events, but it definitely is a place of calm that helped me through all that emotion and obviously inspired some visuals! 

Kendra: Growing up the women in music that were popular were like Britney and Christina, badasses but also very much controlled by the industry. Today, it feels like women are taking the reins completely from what they release to how they move about their careers, including yourself. You are releasing music that doesn’t feel curated by a boardroom of executives. It’s real and expressive. While artists like this have always existed, why do you think that’s more ever-present now with artists like Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish?

Dolly Dagger: I think audiences got sick of the way labels would package those artists and we got sick of their tricks and perfections. When the industry shifted to streaming and social media, it became so much easier for other artists to have a voice and reach their audience which may have previously been ignored by labels. 

With that came a level of depth and authenticity we hadn’t been exposed to through the perfect, shiny pop world of the 2000’s so the labels recognized the changes and realized people connect more deeply with an artist’s true personality, not something manufactured. But we love our Britney /X-tina era and it’s nice to see that even they have a bit more freedom to be who they really want to be these days!

Kendra: Time for a side note – August was just a huge month for me, with so many loved ones’ birthdays being celebrated, so I’d love to know what song you’d dedicate to your loved ones, be it friends, family, or both…

Dolly Dagger: That’s so cool, my mum and brother have August birthdays! I’d like to dedicate the classic, soulful hit “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers and hope everyone has a lovely, lovely day!

Kendra: Lastly, with your debut EP on the way, what else can the people out there expect from you as 2023 rolls along?
Dolly Dagger: They can expect another music video as well as unhinged videos on social media, maybe some behind-the-scenes leading up to the release, and a chance to get to know my alien friend a little better! But I’m most excited about the live shows and set we’re working on as well as the merch. I can’t wait for everyone to see it because it’s truly a masterpiece that encapsulates the whole EP!

The post Getting Extra(terrestrial) with Dolly Dagger appeared first on ZO Magazine.

Kendra: It’s been a handful of years since ‘Panther City’ dropped. With that, what growth have you noticed in the band as a whole when you listen to that EP, and your 2023 LP, ‘Call Susie?’

Kia Warren: Panther City felt more like a raw experience as it was recorded live with a band of hired guns where ‘Call Susie’ was the culmination of songs we as a band had cultivated on the road. 

Liza Colby: The big difference that you’ll notice in growth is the sound. The EP leaned more toward classic rock while this full-length record is more pop oriented.

Kendra: Is there anything other bands might consider out of the ordinary that you all do together to stay on the same page musically?

SUSU: We don’t know what other bands are doing but we certainly focus heavily on our personal wellness and prioritize each other’s needs and wants. We utilize a modality called 30/10/0 to really make sure we stay on the same page and communicate as often as necessary.

Kendra: Perhaps it’s being a “one and only” type of band. I love that because that’s how I signed everything throughout high school since no one had my name then. However, in today’s musical realm where you don’t just have to be on top of music, but also social media and whatnot – do you think it’s getting harder for new artists to stand out?

SUSU: Absolutely. It’s extremely difficult to cut through the noise – period. That being said, the thing that we stay true to is focusing our energy where we are most excited to express it. Everyone has a finite amount of energy which is a precious resource for us, so the joy that we find in SUSU and working together is channeling that energy into spaces and places that we find generative. Basically focusing on creativity as opposed to worrying about producing “Content for social media”

Kendra: That doesn’t seem to be a problem for SUSU because this year alone you’ve released a cascade of singles that really do all feel like individuals who met at a party and wound up having a blast together despite their differences. “Rubber Hits the Road” gave rock and roll, “Mine” had that ‘70s soul,” and your latest, “Die Inside,” a retro vibe. When you write, do you go in with a sort of style in mind, or does that come as the song progresses?

SUSU: Firstly, a great way of describing our singles being individuals at a killer party together – we love that! When writing, each song is on a case-by-case basis. A lot of the songs are birthed with a hint of the style within it. Once we start refining them, we collaborate on what’s best for the song this sometimes retains said style or offers us ideas on how it can sonically evolve. 

Kendra: Back to “Die Inside” because this is definitely one of my favorites of the year. It reminded me of those infomercials that showcase the 50s/60s CD collections. Those, on top of watching ‘Grease’ and ‘Dirty Dancing’ made me love that style of music, but where did your love and appreciation for that classic ‘50s girl group sound come from?

SUSU: We grew up being exposed to all of the musical genres and the harmony that you hear in a Shirelles or Ronettes song is something that we are naturally attracted to. You can’t be a musician and not be completely bowled over by Phil Spector’s “Wall of Sound” and that is something that really resonated with us from our pre-SUSU supergroup Revel Sound.

Kendra: You played some shows in July and have a few more dates in the States between now and November but in December the band’s heading to Guatemala. Will this be your first time playing there?

SUSU: This is our second time playing in Guatemala. We have had an ongoing partnership with Ilegal Mezcal and got to play there in 2021 for the 1st time. This round we’ll be playing at Ilegal’s flagship bar Cafe NoSe which we have been wanting to do forever! Ending our 2023 playing Antigua is a great way to tie this year up in a nice bow. 

Kendra: Time for a side note – August is a huge month for me, with so many loved ones’ birthdays being celebrated, so I’d love to know what song you’d dedicate to your loved ones, be it friends, family, or both…

Kia: I’ve always always loved “Dedicated to the One I Love” by The Mamas & The Papas. On the nose? Maybe. heart melting and appropriate? Absolutely.

Liza: “(You Don’t Know)How Glad I Am” by Nancy Wilson

Kendra: Lastly, with ‘Call Susie’ dropping this fall and some dates already on the books, what else can the people out there expect from you as 2023 rolls along?

SUSU: The rest of 2023? Mo singles, mo singles, mo singles! We have a few collaborations dropping with Oxygn (a production duo from Poland) and Brass Against.

We also have bi-coastal Record release shows for ‘Call Susie’ in LA (November 9th at the Peppermint Club) and NYC (November 15th at the Bowery Ballroom) And ALL the found objects costuming and bits that we can squeeze in from here till the new year!

The post Going Inside with SUSU appeared first on ZO Magazine.