The Noras
Devin Harbel (with added comment from bassist Dylan Hinds)
I got to sit down the other day with one of my best friends Devin Harbel from The Noras whom just got signed to Driftwood records. I was able to ask him quick questions and here is what was said :
Q. How would you explain The Noras' genre/sound?
A.(Devin) "The band is indie/ experimental screaming with psychedelic undertones mixed with mathy rock. Really, were everything."
Q. What is The Noras' goal as a band?
A. (Devin) "Our goal is to make music that we like and that we would want to listen to. And, hopefully other people will like it. If they don't then that's okay our music is not really for listeners as much as it is for us."
Q. What is some upcoming news for The Noras?
A.(Devin) "Well we just released an album with toasted plastic; that was cool, then were playing with dialed up in Frederick on June 29th, and we just got signed to driftwood records."
-------- at this point in the interview Devin was flipping through an AP magazine and wanted to add, " Fuck Lemuria is really good"--------------------------
Q. Why do you think the band is getting so popular?
A. (Devin) "I think were getting popular from our unique sounds. Were going off in a direction where we talk about mental illness and how the U.S. does a shitty job of helping with them. Also, we talk about how society is all medicated, and how its scary personally to see close ones getting more fucked up in the head from the medicine."
Q. What is the band's biggest influences?
A. (Devin) "POT, pot is a huge influence. Allot of pot, hanging out, and inside jokes are our biggest influences."
Q. Is there anything you'd like to say to your listeners/ Maryland Music readers?
A. (Devin) "Don't listen to The Noras because we aren't that great but, I want people to come to shows. So come to shows, but don't listen to our music outside of shows. haha."
(Dylan) "Im gay and I only let my bros wack me of in the Batimore Tunnel only."
(Devin) "What is all this buzz about City and Colour. Okay bye."
------------- listen to The Noras/ contact The Noras at thenoras.bandcamp.com------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. How would you explain The Noras' genre/sound?
A.(Devin) "The band is indie/ experimental screaming with psychedelic undertones mixed with mathy rock. Really, were everything."
Q. What is The Noras' goal as a band?
A. (Devin) "Our goal is to make music that we like and that we would want to listen to. And, hopefully other people will like it. If they don't then that's okay our music is not really for listeners as much as it is for us."
Q. What is some upcoming news for The Noras?
A.(Devin) "Well we just released an album with toasted plastic; that was cool, then were playing with dialed up in Frederick on June 29th, and we just got signed to driftwood records."
-------- at this point in the interview Devin was flipping through an AP magazine and wanted to add, " Fuck Lemuria is really good"--------------------------
Q. Why do you think the band is getting so popular?
A. (Devin) "I think were getting popular from our unique sounds. Were going off in a direction where we talk about mental illness and how the U.S. does a shitty job of helping with them. Also, we talk about how society is all medicated, and how its scary personally to see close ones getting more fucked up in the head from the medicine."
Q. What is the band's biggest influences?
A. (Devin) "POT, pot is a huge influence. Allot of pot, hanging out, and inside jokes are our biggest influences."
Q. Is there anything you'd like to say to your listeners/ Maryland Music readers?
A. (Devin) "Don't listen to The Noras because we aren't that great but, I want people to come to shows. So come to shows, but don't listen to our music outside of shows. haha."
(Dylan) "Im gay and I only let my bros wack me of in the Batimore Tunnel only."
(Devin) "What is all this buzz about City and Colour. Okay bye."
------------- listen to The Noras/ contact The Noras at thenoras.bandcamp.com------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LakeVIEW
Griffin, Eric, Taylin, and NoAH
Q. How did today go? (fans 4 bands show)
Today went amazing, there was a really good crowd. Although Eric added it wasn't too awesome being yelled at by the crowd saying, "fuck you to Eric" (Per Griffin's request). Taylin was upset because when he asked the crowd to raise their hands if they wanted to fuck him, no one raised their hands (well except for Griffin, but he apparently doesn't count). Overall they said it was really fun, the crowd was diverse, and it was nice catching up with Mario and playing with/ for some of the people they grew up with.
They had stated that that's why they like Mario and Fans 4 Bands because all the people t the shows are your friends.
Q. So how is the new music going, and whats coming up for LKVW?
We just released "For What It's Worth" on bandcamp. We really wanted to do something for our fans because they had been listening to the same songs for a while. So, we put together "For What It's Worth" and released it as an option to give us a donation, or to download it for free. As far as what's in the future for LKVW we are Recording our Full-length. It's been a long road, and so much stupid stuff has happened. The new music we released has nothing to do with what we're recording. As far as what's going on now with recording we've been sucking stuff, fucking stuff, stuffs been going on we cant talk about. "It's Redonkeycockuous" (yes that was actually said by Griffin). All we can really say is we recorded with a big producer the same one whom worked with For All Those Sleeping. The Studio was really nice, and had a formal atmosphere to it. Overall we're right on the cusp of making it.
Q. Where do you all see LKVW in a year?
We see ourselves touring full-time, And we're also trying to play at warped tour.
Q.How are your all's fans?
Well first off it's Noah's fault for the young fans. Most of which are girls the percentage of our fans are 60% female and 40% male. We also have amazing street teams. Two really amazing fan bases are the street teams in South America, and Lakeviewmexico. The thing, especially with their young fans, is that they all think Noah writes everything and sings for the band. Even the vocalist Griffin is asked about LKVW's "Vocalist" Noah.
Q. If you could tour with one band who would it be and why?
Taylin: The Devil Wears Prada. Mike was a huge inspiration to me, and hanging out with those dudes would be awesome.
Griffin: The Devil Wears Prada they were an inspiration to me as well, and they seem really cool.
In the middle of the conversation they started making weird voices, I couldn't really understand what they were saying. (Although through most of the interview Taylin was speaking in a Chinese accent talking about doing my nails.)
back to the question....
Eric 1.Because of my childhood, and because i love them blink 182
Griffin says fuck yeah in agreement. Then Eric continues to name more bands and everyone complains because they could only choose one and Eric got to choose three.
2. All time low, because they carry on blink 182 for this generation.
3. Bayside because we're bffls
Noah: 1. motionless in white (they got a bit off track in conversation before Noah could explain why)
Q. Lastly, what would you like to say to your fans?
Thank you for always being the ones. Always be yourself, keep your chin up, keep being positive, and be content with yourself. We'd like to thank them for being such great fans and for listening to our music.
Check out Lakeview online at:
http://www.youtube.com/user/Lakeviewva
http://www.twitter.com/lakeviewva
http://instagram.com/lakeviewva
https://www.facebook.com/Lakeviewva
Check out the members on twitter:
Taylin Large - Vocals - @TAYLINisLKVW
Eric St. Clair - Drums/Vocals - @ERICisLKVW
Noah Davis - Guitar - @NOAHisLKVW
Griffin Kentner - Bass/Vocals - @GRIFFINisLKVW
Never Shout Never
Christofer Drew, Taylor MacFee, and Hayden Kaiser
First off let me say it was an honor to interview these guys. I get to meet amazing musicians everyday, but i grew up with Christofer Drew's music so it was an even more dear to my heart interview. Mostly the guys spoke about the Indigo Tour (preformed with my friends Man Overboard, and MOD SUN; as well as Me Like Bees and Basic Vacation.) and how he loves traveling around with such a diverse group of musicians. We spoke about how NSN's music has changed over the years. Chris likes to refer to it as "The music is evolving as our lives are evolving, I'm glad the fans respect/ grow with our music"
Indigo is the newest album from NSN. They Speak how they've been making these new albums to prove that they can publish their own music. And, it makes them happy to have something out and selling, that they completely made themselves.
A new album from NSN is in the works. They are thinking of naming it sunflower, look for it in the near future!
Check out Never Shout Never online at: Nevershoutnever.com
Indigo is the newest album from NSN. They Speak how they've been making these new albums to prove that they can publish their own music. And, it makes them happy to have something out and selling, that they completely made themselves.
A new album from NSN is in the works. They are thinking of naming it sunflower, look for it in the near future!
Check out Never Shout Never online at: Nevershoutnever.com
Holly Would...
Justyn, David, Kevin, Cory
Quick questions/statements.
1. How did you all meet?
Well we ended up beaten each other off and our bassist was drunk on the street and we found him.
No, I'm just kidding we met in college.
2. How did you all come up with the name Holly Would...?
There was a dirty whore in school named Holly who tried to have sex with everyone. And one night one of our friends was trying to get it in and asked if we knew anyone who would be down. And, jokingly we said yo Holly would, and it became a joke and the name for our band.
3. How was Park Rock?
The turnout was low but the people were awesome. We like it sometimes when there is a smaller crowd because we are able to be personal with our fans. At Park Rock its always a blast.
4. How do you feel about all the 14yr old "fangirls"?
We wanna know where their parents are. No, like I was telling you at the show you can't really do anything because they're their fans and we don't want to offend anyone. We just embrace it and have to have class, and act appropriate. But with most of our previous young fans they have been with us for a long time and are getting older and becoming friends.
Fun question:
Say 4 things to describe the bandmate.
Cory
Huge
Passionate
Gangster
Raw
Kevin
Barbaric
Organized
Passionate
Honest
David
Caring
Selfless
Stubborn
Genuine
Justyn
Selfless
Grounded
Caring
Strong
Of Tides & Currents
Tim, Frank, Chris, Jake
Check out OTAC online
Facebook:
facebook.com/oftidesandcurrents
Miguel, Aziz, and Tyler
from The Baby Grand
First, I must appologize for this interview being so short. These guys were local Marylanders and were so fun I got off track half of the time, but, enjoy.
Before The Baby Grand was together their founder Miguel was a solo artist. After six years of being a solo artist he met Aziz and Tyler and formed The Baby Grand. They all were talking about how they love warped because of the mass amounts of diverse people and the marketing opportunities. And, even though the heat is brutal its all worth it. I asked them if they get recognized alot, and although they said they do, They stated how their craziest fan experience was when they went to a local fair and a fan ran up to them and started crying. "It was strange", they said "but still awesome and flattering". The Baby Grand has released an EP titled "With The Wind". Their Album "Renaissance" is out, and they are on the road supporting it. Check them out on their site iamthebabygrand.com
When talking to Tyler he told me where they practice at. After listening to their music, I might just show up to their practice to listen to some more, because it was amazing. Check out their music and check out their site, you definitely wont regret it.
Before The Baby Grand was together their founder Miguel was a solo artist. After six years of being a solo artist he met Aziz and Tyler and formed The Baby Grand. They all were talking about how they love warped because of the mass amounts of diverse people and the marketing opportunities. And, even though the heat is brutal its all worth it. I asked them if they get recognized alot, and although they said they do, They stated how their craziest fan experience was when they went to a local fair and a fan ran up to them and started crying. "It was strange", they said "but still awesome and flattering". The Baby Grand has released an EP titled "With The Wind". Their Album "Renaissance" is out, and they are on the road supporting it. Check them out on their site iamthebabygrand.com
When talking to Tyler he told me where they practice at. After listening to their music, I might just show up to their practice to listen to some more, because it was amazing. Check out their music and check out their site, you definitely wont regret it.
MATT TOKA
Matt grew up in a house with amazing music such as Aerosmith, Led Zeplin, etc. He was raised around this music due to his parents influence. When Green Day came out his parents didn't like it, but he loved it. He made Green Day the band of his choice to rebel against his parents. He'd blast their music and piss of his family, just like everyone else has done. He told me how he grew up in a dysfunctional family and how music such as Everclear was an escape for him. He then knew he wanted to make music to be the escape for other people. Matt writes his own lyrics and mixes the lyrics between his own personal experience as well as adding humour to his music as well. He states he uses backtracks on stage to make sure his music is amazing when preforming live for his audience. He loves being at warped to meet all the new people, and for the catering. Although he says catering sucks in the morning when he has to walk a mile for a cup of coffee. Matt stated his worse experience ever on stage was when he was 19. He had gone commando and ripped his pants on stage. Like a true musician he kept going and preformed two more songs while still being exposed. This is where his phrase
"Balls Out" comes from. Check his music out on tour and online.
"Balls Out" comes from. Check his music out on tour and online.
Beau Bedford and Larry Gee
from LARRY g(EE)
Larry Gee is the most amazing come one come all family band that I've ever heard. Both Larry and Beau grew up in a very religious church setting. They both grew up with church music. Beau broke out of the mold by listening to his Dad's old records that he found. Larry likes Blues music, and they have cultivated their music by Blues and Gospel. They came together as a band after Larry came back from working in NY and went to Beau's log cabin in texas. There Larry shared the music he had written in NY. Their friends came together to create an EP in the cabin. In one day and one take they recorded their EP WEEKENDS which has now been released. Their music is truly unique, personal, and special. Everyone check out their EP WEEKENDS on itunes and check out their website
www.larry-gee.com they are going on tour after warped and will be back on the East Coast.
www.larry-gee.com they are going on tour after warped and will be back on the East Coast.
James Carroll
from Make Do And Mend
James always knew that he wanted to make music as his career. When he was five his parents bought him a drum set, he was never able to play and instead picked up guitar at the age of ten. James and two other members of MDAM were formerly in a band and broke up. When they broke up James went to college and hated it. He stated it he that was the most miserable he has been in his entire life. So he tried to do another band with the members and they formed MDAM. James stated he loves playing at warped. It'h hard work he states, but it pays off to meet people and have people genuinely care for them and their music. He states he feels lucky to get up and do what he loves everyday, and even though it's hard for the band members to leave their family and girlfriends behind, its all worth it. Check out Make Do and Mend online.
Scott (BLAZE) and Howi
from BALLYHOO!
Scott and Howi both knew they wanted to play music at a young age. Howi had grown up with his dad being in a band. He got to watch his dad play music and always loved it. He later on got to see Rat Poison live and that's when he realized he wanted to make his music his career. Now Scott was the opposite, He grew up playing the Cello. It wasn't until Scott saw Metallic that he started to like heavier music. Scott started to do Dj-ing and went to school with the other members from BALLYHOO! so when BALLYHOO! lost their bassist they decided to ask Scott to join. They love playing warped, seeing other bands, and catering. And even though they have to travel so many miles they love playing and it's good to get the exposure for their band. They want to thank all their fans for the support. Spread the word about BALLYHOO! and listen to their music.
Justin
from Man Overboard
Justin was extremely interesting we got a bit off track at times so enjoy the interview. First Justin taught me the word prerogative, which means the right to do what you want. MO completely lives by this word. Justin explained how his mom influenced his love for music. He then got his friends together and started the band. He says he loves warped because its like summer camp. He said its hard being away from family and friends but its worth it. He used his favourite saying, "nature of the beast" to describe warped. He wants everyone to know if you go to their website (
http://www.defendpoppunk.com) you can download their songs for free.
PJ Jefferson
from Transit
PJ started music a little different than most commonly do. It wasn't his parents, or other bands whom influenced his desire to play music, It was his friend. When he was thirteen his friend started playing the guitar, so PJ decided to pick it up too. They started playing covers of other songs, formed a band, then started playing shows. Tim and PJ (the same two whom formed the band) wrote their EPs. Their band took off when they did the split EP with Man Overboard. PJ states he likes warped because; there's so many good friends, the bonding, the parties, and enjoying the bands. He says the heat is horrible, but it's worth it. Check out Transit's online and on itunes.
Julien and Chuck
from Skip The Foreplay
These two hilarious french gentleman shared me their story and kept me laughing the entire time. First, the way they started their band was not a common way to start a band. They enlisted people online to come and join the band. When people responded they all got together and started recording. While recording they would get exposure by going around playing shows. They recently got signed by Epitaph Records and released Nightlife. They say they love doing warped even though they; don't have a bus, the weather is shit, and the weirdest fan they've had was around 35 and on drugs and it was weird. They love warped for the parties and to just preform and get their music out there. They told me they chose their name for two reasons. One was that Chuck wanted to skip the foreplay (litterally) because he is bad at licking pussies (states Julien). Chuck states the actual reason was because there's a line in Jason Derulo's In my head that says "get down to business and skip foreplay", and after he heard it he knew he wanted to use that. This band is hilarious and their music is an awesome mix of metal-core and dance music, they call it party-core. Check them and their music out at
http://www.epitaph.com/artists/artist/289/Skip_The_Foreplay
Rick Shaw
from iwrestledabearonce
Rick Shaw is by far one of the most relaxed easy going guy I've ever met in my life. Rick explained how the band came together because two were dating and all of them were roommates. They liked their sound, but lacked a drummer, so they recorded their EP its All Happening using a drum machine program. Rick said that he likes warped for the parties, and because he knows the people there. He said the heat sucks, and sometimes the busses are parked a mile away from the stage so that sucks too, but he said its all worth it. He appreciates normal people whom dont fan girl it out. He has a message to his fans which is,
"Hey fans, how are you? We will always be a band if you listen." So on that note check out their music online and on itunes.
"Hey fans, how are you? We will always be a band if you listen." So on that note check out their music online and on itunes.
Justina
Justina got into music a little different than most people in her genre of music. She grew up in a music influenced family, but she was a theater head. She started to fall in love with the sounds of Rock n Roll and hip hop and decided music was what she wanted to do. She said the best part of warped is not knowing what is going to happen. She explained how at a show the date before she had to open up before bigger named bands. She was nervous of course, but it ended up being the best performance she has ever had. She loves warped and shes had two big fan experiences. One was when she was in the mall a girl walked up to her and started crying and shaking. Justina told her theres no reason to cry, hugged her, and talked to her. She thinks fans like that are cool and she feels flattered. Now, in NY on tour there was a creepy older guy who wouldn't let go of her arm and kept kissing her cheek and hugging her. "It was flattering at first, but when he wouldn't stop it got creepy." she stated. Go online to listen to her music. She wanted to say this to her fans,
"Always be yourself, and go with your heart, because you cant please all these other mother fuckers. So, please yourself."
"Always be yourself, and go with your heart, because you cant please all these other mother fuckers. So, please yourself."
Troy Harley and Sasha
Troy has an amazing story of aiming for what he wants. Six years ago Troy won the Russian version of American Idol. When you win, you have to go on tour with the people they set you up with. Troy wanted to play rock and roll instead, he was set up with pop bands. So, he took the brave decision of leaving millions of fans to move to america and play for only a dozen people at a time. When he moved it was hard for him due to him speaking mostly Russian and having a thick Russian accent. But, his music and goals were enough because a year later he signed with Randy Jackson's record company. He released End of Summer on July 3rd and is hoped to premier on MTV. Go online and on itunes to check him out. His voice is amazing.
Jenna and Whakaio
from Tonight Alive
During this interview i was completely freaking out and fan-girling so sorry if I was extremely awkward Jenna and Whakaio. Also, this interview is short because I running out of time, so I hope you guys enjoy what I have.
Jenna was talking to me about how awesome it is to play at warped. She likes how everyday at warped is similar but different, and how Warped is a massive opportunity to be able to get your music out there to a diverse crowd. Jenna stated when she is on stage, she makes it her own. That's her time to preform, do whatever she wants to do, and just be herself. She likes that there is no judgment. Sure people can not like the music, but then they just don't have to listen to it. Jenna is able to be herself and do what she loves with no limitations. Even though it was a short time I loved talking with Jenna and Whakaio. They are both really sweet, and gave an awesome performance at warped. Look for Tonight Alive on tour, online, or on itunes. Trust me, you'll love the music if you don't already.
Jenna was talking to me about how awesome it is to play at warped. She likes how everyday at warped is similar but different, and how Warped is a massive opportunity to be able to get your music out there to a diverse crowd. Jenna stated when she is on stage, she makes it her own. That's her time to preform, do whatever she wants to do, and just be herself. She likes that there is no judgment. Sure people can not like the music, but then they just don't have to listen to it. Jenna is able to be herself and do what she loves with no limitations. Even though it was a short time I loved talking with Jenna and Whakaio. They are both really sweet, and gave an awesome performance at warped. Look for Tonight Alive on tour, online, or on itunes. Trust me, you'll love the music if you don't already.
Blacklist Royals:
Jamie and Rob
Q. How did the band get big?
A brother and I moved to Nashville. Here we got to be on an album with Less Than Jake and then got signed.
Q. What is the best part about warped?
Chicks man
playing and reaching out to a younger crowd
Q. What is the worst thing about warped?
The cost to drive around and travel.
The driving because were ridding around in a van instead of a tour bus.
Q. What was your best fan experience?
What was her name?
Just when fans are really passionate.
Q.What is your worst fan experience?
When people come to the tent, want nothing, and just stare at as and wont leave.
Q. Craziest thing you all have ever done on tour?
Pass
Pass
Q. Are there any non-profit organizations this year that you all support?
No, there isn't any we are really involved, nor passionate about.
Q. Favorite band(s) to watch preform at warped?
Less Than Jake, Relient K, Plander-Z
Q. What is one things you would say to your fans?
Since most fans are friends I'd say thanks for hanging out and having fun.
The Wonder Years
Kasey
Q. How did the band start?
The six of us were bored the summer after graduation so we started writing silly songs and then started to get serious.
Q.What's your favorite part about warped tour?
Seeing sights, meeting people, the culture, and the food (sometimes).
Q. Worst part about warped?
Not seeing family, and food (sometimes).
Q. Do you like traveling.
Yes and no.
Q. If you weren't in the band where would you be?
I'd Still be trying to find myself and connect with music.
Q.Whats the best fan experience?
Anything with baked goods. Also there is a girl who comes to our shows and makes pillows for us with lines from the movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
Q. What is the worst fan experience?
Fights, and seeing people
Kasey
Q. How did the band start?
The six of us were bored the summer after graduation so we started writing silly songs and then started to get serious.
Q.What's your favorite part about warped tour?
Seeing sights, meeting people, the culture, and the food (sometimes).
Q. Worst part about warped?
Not seeing family, and food (sometimes).
Q. Do you like traveling.
Yes and no.
Q. If you weren't in the band where would you be?
I'd Still be trying to find myself and connect with music.
Q.Whats the best fan experience?
Anything with baked goods. Also there is a girl who comes to our shows and makes pillows for us with lines from the movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
Q. What is the worst fan experience?
Fights, and seeing people
Less Than Jake
Buddy and Vinnie
Q.How did you all come about?
Met in Gainsville in High School, and the name idea came from a dog named Jake.
Q.Worst part about touring?
Finding a place to go to the bathroom.
Q. What kind of music influences you?
Power, Pop-punk.
Q. What's your favorite city to preform?
Chicago and California.
Q.What's your favorite album?
Losing Streak
Q. What is your favorite color?
Blue
Q. What is the craziest fan experience?
Duct Tape outfit.
Q. What is the worst fan experience?
When parents show up.
Buddy and Vinnie
Q.How did you all come about?
Met in Gainsville in High School, and the name idea came from a dog named Jake.
Q.Worst part about touring?
Finding a place to go to the bathroom.
Q. What kind of music influences you?
Power, Pop-punk.
Q. What's your favorite city to preform?
Chicago and California.
Q.What's your favorite album?
Losing Streak
Q. What is your favorite color?
Blue
Q. What is the craziest fan experience?
Duct Tape outfit.
Q. What is the worst fan experience?
When parents show up.
Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows
Aaron
Q.What inspired the bands name?
We wanted a quote that no one would forget and we came up with DRUGS than turned it into a quote.
Q. Are your songs person to you all or about your surroundings?
The songs Craig writes are based on his personal experiences.
Q. What is your favorite song to preform?
Mr. Owl ate my metal worm.
Q.Whats your favorite fan experience?
Just seeing fans with tattoos.
Q. If you weren't in the band what would you be doing?
Music elsewhere, school, or online music management.
Q.What's your favorite part of warped?
Chilling, and just the feeling of it all.
Aaron
Q.What inspired the bands name?
We wanted a quote that no one would forget and we came up with DRUGS than turned it into a quote.
Q. Are your songs person to you all or about your surroundings?
The songs Craig writes are based on his personal experiences.
Q. What is your favorite song to preform?
Mr. Owl ate my metal worm.
Q.Whats your favorite fan experience?
Just seeing fans with tattoos.
Q. If you weren't in the band what would you be doing?
Music elsewhere, school, or online music management.
Q.What's your favorite part of warped?
Chilling, and just the feeling of it all.