If the last episode of Game of Thrones left an ominous taste in your mouth, maybe this GoT actor and musician will help to lift your spirits again. Enter Iwan Rheon, the cold and calculating Ramsay Snow on-screen, but the gentle acoustic crooner off.
This isn’t Iwan’s first foray into music, as he’s been songwriting since the age of sixteen. He even has a resume that includes lead singer of a band, before he stepped away from music to pursue acting in 2010. Now he’s back in the game, and while he’s not the best, he does offer a uniquely humble and delicate approach to acoustic music.
His latest EP Release, Bang! Bang!, was strategically highlighted during the premiere of the last season of Game of
Iwan Rheon as Ramsay Snow for HBO’s Game of Thrones
Thrones; however, his ethereal music may have been overshadowed by the brutality of his character on GoT. (Or just by the entire series in general, since that whole show can be pretty brutal.)
Bang! Bang! features whimsical pieces and abstract storytelling that paints a scene rather than creates a hook. His
accent is thick, making the lyrics a little indeterminable to us “Yanks” at times, but I find this characteristic endearing rather than unflattering.
In the hectic music jungle, Iwan is a dainty gazelle; his tunes are graceful and spirited, and they can pack an upbeat punch when necessary, but he does risk getting taken out by the other kings of the entertainment jungle. Still, he gets many points from me for keeping his music about the art, rather than trying to fit himself in a mainstream mold.
Check out the title track from Bang! Bang!, and let me know what you think in the comments below!
The Material’s lead singer Colleen gives it her all each time she’s on stage.
In a sea of rock bands that are constantly pushing the line closer to pop, The Material prove that they’re here to stay in the alternative game. Being an independent band hasn’t stopped these San Diego locals from performing with the likes of Jimmy Eat World and My American Heart, and as I can tell from the interview we had at their CD release show earlier this month, it’s obvious that there’s even more rocking moments in store for them. They discussed everything about their new album, the interesting process of going into the studio and almost rewriting all of their songs, and what we can expect from them later on this year.
The entire band sat down with me at Soda Bar in San Diego and after comfortably taking up a whole booth, it was easy to see that this group of musicians has little to no problems working together. Colleen D’Agostino, the searing female vocals behind the Material’s music, had just the same edge as her male band mates, holding her own next to the guys as they discussed some of their experiences in the studio.
Guitarist John started off first, being very open and bright-eyed when he discussed some of the song writing and production processes of their latest album, Everything I Want to Say.
Guitarist Roy performing at Soda BarThe Material bassist Jordan performing at Soda Bar
“Our previous producer, [Brian Grider], was San Diego based, … and we did our first few records with him.” John was referring to the Material’s freshman and sophomore  releases, Tomorrow and full-length What We Are, respectively. “He’s super meticulous, super talented, and it was very production heavy, … adding strings, adding synths, adding electric drums.” But anyone who compares the album What We Are with the latest release can probably pick up on a braver approach to their rock sound. John continues to say, “This record [Everything I Want to Say] we did with our friend Kyle Black, … and he came in to do pre-production with us which was the first time we’d ever done that. We had all these songs we thought were done and he came in and started switching everything up.”
It was a process that attempted to throw the five musicians for a loop, but paid off in the end with what could easily be described as a well-rounded, energetic, and rock-heavy album that offers versatility in each song. The Material succeeded in avoiding the dreaded “rock riff” curse of creating a handful of songs that all sound like one another — instead, they were able to do re-writes that gave each song a unique and palatable sound to the ear.
Lead singer Colleen explains that it wasn’t necessarily an easy task. “We just spent six months perfecting this song, we’re not changing it. But ultimately we realized [producer Kyle Black] wants the song to be just as good as we do. Thinking back we’re definitely really happy we listened to him.”
The group was in good hands, since Kyle Black has previously worked with Paramore, All Time Low, and Neon Trees, with most of those groups coming back for more. I asked the band if they planned to continue on the Road to Rock, or veer into the pop sound that many artists have defaulted to in this age, and John notes once again that their powerful rock sound is here to stay.
“With Dave Grohl putting out the Sound City documentary, it’s super inspiring to be like, ‘let’s just go and sound like five people playing in a room together.'” John says, after the group saw the lead singer of the Foo Fighters speak at his conference at South by Southwest.
Colleen adds that even though she came from a pop background, it’s inspiring to have a concrete sound and direction for the group. “Every album that we’ve done until now has been kind of straddling the rock and the pop thing.” She adds that her electronic side project, With Beating Hearts, gives her the opportunity to taste the best of both musical worlds. “I’m kind of channeling the pop/electronic stuff in that direction so I can allow myself to just focus on rock in [the Material].”
The Material is more focused than ever, and they rounded up a rambunctious group of fans and followers at their Soda Bar CD release show earlier this month. The crowd eagerly head-banged along with Colleen and the band as they played songs from their new album. The energetic force of a band this size is just a heavy reminder not to underestimate the power of the indie band. As Colleen told me that night, “We’re all on board to do something big and different and amazing.” And amazing it shall be!
Keep checking the Material’s main site and Facebook page for an upcoming music video for their latest release, Everything I Want to Say! The album is available now on CD and iTunes.
Video by Roman Arriola for SnowGlobe Studios. Follow Snowglobe Studios on Instagram, Vimeo, and Twitter.
If you were looking forward to seeing up and coming indie darlings Atlas Genius and platinum-selling Imagine Dragons perform live this year, you might have to wait until next season — seeing as how the bands have currently sold out 19 dates on their tour. But there may be one more chance for Southern California to enjoy these two acts live…
Imagine Dragons performing live in Orlando. Photo courtesy Facebook
I don’t think I could have predicted the amount of sold out dates on the Atlas Genius and Imagine Dragons tour this year, but it’s quite shocking. Hearing that the House of Blues San Diego was sold out made since: the venue really isn’t that big and these two bands are quickly outgrowing the smaller digs that they’ve selected for their tour. But upon further inspection, one will find that the bands have also sold out at least 19 dates, including shows in Boston, Portland, Anaheim, Canada and two dates in Chicago. Yowsa!
Tickets are still floating about on ticket resellers such as StubHub, which is great if you have anywhere between $114 to $350 to spare on one ticket alone. For most of us, that’s a little too steep for one night of fun, regardless of how much buzz these bands have generated. These resellers bring up the question of ticket scalping, making me wonder if this is some sort of inside job to monopolize the indie market on these bands. Ticket scalping is infamous for targeting big acts and major sporting events, but for two indie bands? It seems a little improbable. Or maybe that is my conspiracy theory side getting the best of me.
Regardless of all of this, there are still at least two chances for the Southern California crowd to see Imagine Dragons and Atlas Genius sometime before 2014. Tickets are still currently available for Santa Barbara and Bakersfield tour dates — and at the regular, face value price. That is, if you want to drive the approximate three hours to see them perform. (Honestly…I would and just might!)
But if those dates will turn out anything like the beginning of their tour, the tickets are sure to be gone very quickly.
In the meantime, there’s always the internet to quench your indie thirst for these two great acts. And with today’s release of Atlas Genius’ well anticipated full length album When It Was Now, you have all new goodies from this band, just waiting to be devoured.
Let us know in the comments below if you plan on attending one of the tour dates for Atlas Genius and Imagine Dragons!
I got the chance to sit down with Chad Wolf of Carolina Liar, and I don’t think it’s possible for this guy to have a boring tour story. Chad, along with band mates Rickard and Johan, have seen it all: from hoopties to out of control Midwest parties, the famous Hollywood Bowl, and of course, an amazing city called San Diego.
You know an interview is getting off on the right foot when someone starts quoting Anchorman, and that’s exactly what happened when I asked Chad the very first question. He had nothing but glowing reviews for San Diego and the Griffin (Oh Mr. Wolf, flattery will get you everywhere and SD loves her compliments), and he reminisced about some of the most exciting moments that the band has had in other cities. Another notable tour stop on his list? Apparently, the Midwest. Chad noted that despite seeming like it should be a calm atmosphere, going to Kansas City is like “going to Vegas in the middle of the Midwest.” The lead singer told a hilarious story about one bar in particular:
“People just get crazy! The first time we played in Kansas City, we ended up in a bar … and it just turned into this full on free for all of just people and just madness. I remember reaching down to tap the waitress who was helping us out that night and she just grabs my face and starts making out with me. People were spraying water all over, it was turning into a wet t-shirt contest … and we were all just kind of looking at each other like ‘What is going on in this place?’ And Kansas from that point on has always been absolutely just crazy. One of our favorite places to play of course.”
The guys of Carolina Liar have even more miles on their agenda this year, including opening for Kelly Clarkson and the Fray. The band had just played at the Hollywood Bowl the previous night, and lead singer Chad was still glowing from the iconic experience. “The energy when you walk out [on stage], you just get the goosebumps,” he said about the famous landmark, which has welcomed artists like the Beatles and Aretha Franklin. “As you’re walking closer and closer to the front of the stage, you just feel the chills from the whole thing. It was amazing.”
The band is having a lot of fun playing songs from their latest album, Wild Blessed Freedom, (and of course sprinkling in tunes from their first album), and talking with Chad made me realize how much of an uphill battle it’s been for the group. Knowing the hard work and dedication that goes behind music can really add an appreciation to it, and that’s no exception for Carolina Liar. The group split amicably with Atlantic Records and decided to release their second album on their own label, and Chad mentioned it’s been a learning experience. “The difference between working for a major [label] and then working for yourself is the amount of time…things take.” But the group is pulling through it, and Chad stated that almost a year later, “now, this record is starting to get it’s own little motor behind it. It’s a wild ride.”
The album, which definitely touches on everything from power pop ballads to punchy, lyrical rhythms, has a mainstream sound that temporarily painted a very One Tree Hill-ish atmosphere inside the Griffin, which is actually a lot cooler than it sounds on paper. And each song, as the lead singer stated, has “it’s own little story.” Most of the songs seem to be a product of pure inspiration, teamwork, and….Thin Lizzy. “[Rick] and I were listening to Thin Lizzy like crazy at the time. No matter when or where we were at, it was all Thin Lizzy, all day long.” Take all of that into consideration, and you get this well-oiled ready to rock machine with songs that are both honest and ready for the radio.
Have you ever been to a show by your favorite band in the perfect, intimate setting that made it possible to not only enjoy the show, but also feel like that band is singing right to you? Well, if you haven’t, get out to the Griffin while the summer’s hot (or, while the summer’s as sticky as a roll of duct tape). The Griffin is getting a shiny new summer series, including a stop by pop rockers Carolina Liar on July 31st. And this is quite possibly the perfect setting for them.
Carolina Liar has been making serious waves while they (successfully) battle the sophomore slump with their second album Wild Blessed Freedom, and when you’re touring with heavy hitters like One Republic, Kelly Clarkson, and fellow up-and-comers We the Kings, you’re bound to make some important friends along the way. They’ve been compared to about a million and one solid acts, from the Killers to U2, but this group isn’t trying to fit into anyone else’s shoes.
They’re holding their own, delicately navigating the atmosphere of pop, while not being afraid to throw an out-of-the-box lyric your way. Lead singer Chad Wolf is brave enough to test the limits of his vocal prowess, and in songs like “Beautiful People”, he dares to sing the lyrics “‘Cause it’s beautiful people like you/Who get whatever they want/And it’s beautiful people like you/Who suck the life right outta my heart.”
Add in the catchy melodrama of tracks like “I Don’t Think So”, and the album starts to sound like a fresh approach on pop.
Check out the brand new video for their single “Drown” and let me know what you think.
Sure, there are a couple cookie cutter pop medleys that fall into a familiar pattern (namely, “King of Broken Hearts” and “Daddy’s Little Girl”), but overall, Carolina Liar isn’t just content with the ordinary. And a band that is willing to push its songwriting limits is pretty much guaranteed to impress you live.
Not to mention, venues like the Griffin make shows by bands like Carolina Liar an experience. There’s just something missing from the large arenas; a personal touch that really gives you the chance to enjoy the music, no matter what you listen to. So if you’re interested in being a part of that kind of experience, check out Carolina Liar at the Griffin on July 31st.
Green room full of feather boas, stage lights and sombreros? Check. Oddly placed hanging decorations on the walls? Check. Contraband liquor smuggled in backstage? Check. When you’re hanging with local San Diego band Social Club, it’s never a dull moment.
Watch the Social Club Interview video. Click the HD button to watch in High-Definition.
I honestly never thought I’d see the green room of PB bar Typhoon Saloon (nor did I actually think that they had a green room), but I have to admit I’m impressed. The props that are stored back there make it an interesting place already, and after adding a few lights, me and my camera-savvy friend Thierry corralled all of the members of Social Club together for what proved to be a very interesting interview.
It’s so easy to relax and have fun around Thea and the three J’s (John, James, and Jeff — and yes I mixed up their names at some point that night.) And dubbed one of the “prettiest” bands on their label, they’re not too bad to look at, either. On stage or off, all of the band members have a unique energy: John with his searing emotions in each lyric and each point he makes about the band; Thea with her gentle mysteriousness; James and the famous faces he flashes on stage – when he’s not smiling brightly from ear to ear behind the scenes; and lastly Jeff, the energetic adventurer of the group who probably doesn’t need that double shot of espresso in the morning: he’s just naturally that energetic.
Yes, you’ll see the typical questions but one thing is evident; this band is full of unique and diverse personalities that show in their music as much as it shows in their personal experiences. Their sound is a huge catchall of everything good that just somehow makes so much sense. So basically, if Dr. Frankenstein had created musical life by adding a bit of punk rock, a bit of mellow singer-songwriter, some modern age hip hop influences here and there and sprinkled it all with a pinch of classical background, the creation would have been Social Club — only way more interesting and much more beautiful. Maybe they haven’t been compared to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein before. I swear that comparison made sense in my mind.
Don’t leave it up to me to describe their sound. Listen for yourself!
That was only one of the many things that were yelled out at pop-rockers Social Club, as we filmed for the very first installment of Streetside Sessions. If you don’t know what a Streetside Session is (or you can’t guess from the extremely obvious title), then hang tight, because a video will be around here soon. And when it does get here, you’re welcome to swoon and ahh at the brilliance that is performing on the streets of San Diego. To say this shoot was fun would be an understatement. The day was spent in Bankers Hill and included balcony-spectators, rolling compliments, and even a five dollar bill from the window of one woman’s car. Drive-by donations, anyone? The video isn’t here quite yet, but in the meantime, enjoy some behind the scenes shots of the shoot.
I know, I know, we are such a tease.
Click photos to launch full-screen.
Behind the Scenes, filming with San Diego based band Social Club
Behind the Scenes, filming with San Diego based band Social Club
Behind the Scenes, filming with San Diego based band Social Club
Behind the Scenes, filming with San Diego based band Social Club
Behind the Scenes, filming with San Diego based band Social Club
Behind the Scenes, filming with San Diego based band Social Club
Behind the Scenes, filming with San Diego based band Social Club
Behind the Scenes, filming with San Diego based band Social Club
Behind the Scenes, filming with San Diego based band Social Club
Behind the Scenes, filming with San Diego based band Social Club
Behind the Scenes, filming with San Diego based band Social Club
Behind the Scenes, filming with San Diego based band Social Club
Behind the Scenes, filming with San Diego based band Social Club
Behind the Scenes, filming with San Diego based band Social Club
Behind the Scenes, filming with San Diego based band Social Club
Behind the Scenes, filming with San Diego based band Social Club
Behind the Scenes, filming with San Diego based band Social Club
Behind the Scenes, filming with San Diego based band Social Club
Behind the Scenes, filming with San Diego based band Social Club
Behind the Scenes, filming with San Diego based band Social Club
Behind the Scenes, filming with San Diego based band Social Club
Have you ever been to a show by your favorite band in the perfect, intimate setting that made it possible to not only enjoy the show, but also feel like that band is singing right to you? Well, if you haven’t, get out to the Griffin while the summer’s hot (or, while the summer’s as sticky as a roll of duct tape). The Griffin is getting a shiny new summer series, including a stop by pop rockers Carolina Liar on July 31st. And this is quite possibly the perfect setting for them.
The Indie 