VENTS Magazine 144th Issue

Jamie's Elsewhere

Hi guys, welcome back to VENTS in what seems like forever? How has life been treating you so far?

Thank you for taking the time to write about the new EP.

So you guys been releasing music here and there, I believe I saw a single released back on the modern dark age aka COVID-19 days –what made you guys eventually reunite and wake this giant that is Jamie’s Elsewhere?

We’d been working on the music since around the time the pandemic started, just for the fun of it, and finished it in August of 2022.

Was it an easy endeavor or did you have to face some challenges?

It’s been easy. I’d say scheduling has been the hardest part, since we’re all adults with adult lives. Music in a way continuously change, especially in the rock scene, and what was hot back in 2014, is more or less not so much in 2023 – so when starting to write the new music, did you try to update your sound, or did you guys try to pick up where you left around a decade ago? Personally, I can hear some of the old JE on the new single “Escapist”. That’s hard to say. Maybe a bit of both.

Speaking of “Escapist,” can you tell us more about the song? What’s the message and meaning behind the single?

Escapist is about daydreaming, and sets up the rest of the story that unfolds throughout the tracks of the EP.

You guys also released a cool video for the single – how was the filming process behind the video?

Cameron Burns, who goes by the pseudonym Captvart, created the video. The single comes off your new EP Paradise, which can be seen on the aforementioned video – what’s the story behind the title? What does that paradise stand for?

Paradise is the virtual world that exists in the storyline of the EP.

How was the recording and writing process behind the record?

The guys would work on music up north and stockpile riffs and ideas, and I wrote lyrics and vocals at the end once all the music was solidified.

Where did you find the inspiration for the songs and lyrics?

All sorts of places. Film, television, videogames. You name it, really.

Any plans to hit the road soon?

None as of yet, but it would be awesome. We initially started making music after discussing reuniting for a 10 year anniversary show, so it’d be nice to eventually play that show.

What else is happening in Jamie’s Elsewhere’s world?

The EP is out now, and we released a new music video and merch range.

Gigi Dia

We’re very happy to have some time today with acclaimed actress Gigi Dia; greetings and salutations, Gigi! Before we meander down the celluloid Q&A pathway, how has your summer of 2023 been treating you?

Summer 2023 has been great so far! I travelled to Europe early July and had the premiere of my short film Our Boat at the 2023 LA Shorts International Film Festival July 20th. And my birthday is coming up at the end of august, so I’m excited!

Congratulations on your new project, the short film Our Boat which you wrote, directed, produced and starred in! Starting from the top, can you tell our ever-inquisitive readers what Our Boat is about and how your character of Rose figures into the proceedings?

So Our Boat is a period mystery drama set in 1968 Southern California. It tells the story of Rose, a French model living in the us with her photographer fiancé. French model Roseʼs life is forever changed by the disappearance of her fiancé John. On the search for her missing lover, each of his lifelong childhood friends quickly becomes a suspect.

Amidst a maelstrom of misdirection and deception, we question ourself if Rose solve the mystery and be reunited with her lover.

What inspired you to write, direct, produce and star in Our Boat?

I started writing our Boat in 2018 when I was working at a museum in Los Angeles, during my studies at UCLA. I was very inspired about the art works there, specially the ones from Victor Hugo, they’re very beautiful and you can tell there’s a story behind them.

Then in 2022 I was ready to produce it but I needed money to fund the film so I created a crowdfunding on kickstarted and I raised more than 30K! And we went into production summer 2022.

I’m a big fan of period films, but in these kind of productions, we quite often see the same type of characters, and People of Color are very placed in the roles of slaves, nurses, or prostitutes. Fueled with a hunger for change, I decided to write a historical movie through my own lens.

The concept for me was to create ethnically diverse characters to portray a more accurate view of the world than films of that era. In Our Boat, there is a balanced number of male and female characters as well, something that I found crucial to incorporate.

Our Boat is also a symbolic expression of what it is like to be an immigrant in America. I set the story in 1968 because it was a year of transformation, full of massive change and upheaval, perfectly aligned with our mysterious narrative.

In this film, I take inspiration from the Vogue UK magazine published in 1966. On the cover, the model has her hand covering her face, and after deep researches, it meant to hide her face to the world because she’s black. The supermodel on the cover is Donayle Luna, known as the first black supermodel.

You work alongside such a brilliant ensemble in Our Boat, including the likes of Chris Cimperman and Susan Elle among others. What was it like exercising your own talents alongside this talented cast?

It was such a pleasure to work with a talented cast and crew! I’m very lucky and grateful to have that opportunity for my first ever short film. I’d love to work with them again on a feature project.

Was it especially challenging to direct the other actors in Our Boat while acting alongside them in a scene?

Yes, very challenging as you can not predict what can’t go wrong on a movie set. But we did lots of prep with my cinematographer so we were ready to overcome all the challenges that we faced.

Who inspires you, directing-wise?

In interpreting the emotional structure of the protagonist’s pursuit to understand what the truth is, we are led to thoughts inspired by Proust and Neitszche and hence a form that feels more real to the experience. The way this lends to the camera is a design that anticipates entering and departing sequences without context, while yet making complete sense in cumulation. Antonioni’s Lavventura and Godard’s Breathless are great examples.

We shot on film to stay true to the time being represented in the filmthe 1960s and we wanted to introduce elements that feel contemporary in terms of movement and lensing to flip the traditional heteronormative structures associated with the time. An example being The Long Goodbye by Altman.

OurBoatrecentlypremieredattheLAShortsInternationalFilmFestivalMajor kudos! What was it like to receive that type of industry support and show Our Boat at such a prestigious film festival?

Oh it’s amazing! I’m so glad that all this worked paid off! We had a great screening and Our Boat was really well received by the audience.

With the success of Our Boat, do you have plans afoot to return to directing in the near future?

While my main field is Acting, I loved producing Our Boat. I wish to keep producing my own films. It’s a big challenge to direct and act at the same time. But I’m open to do it again.

You recently shot the upcoming campaign for Haus Labs. What was that experience like for you?

It was a beautiful experience. I’m so happy to have those kind of opportunities right now. Few years ago it was impossible to think that I could do a make up campaign with my skin tone, but thanks to Rihanna for opening this big door. Now, so many brands are being inclusive by proposing different shades for all. Haus Labs stands out in a way with their 51 shades at an affordable price accessible for all.

They use a very clean formula that makes you look naturally beautiful. Plus Lady Gaga is the nicest person I ever met!

Your first credited on-screen performance came in the form of 2018’s Rolling to You. Any special memories of that freshman production?

It was very fun and impressive to be surrounded by those famous actors that I grew up seeing on TV. I remember that it was a very festive set. All the cast was warm and welcoming.

Lyn Moncrief

We’re very excited to have some time today with acclaimed cinematographer Lyn Moncrief; greetings and salutations, Lyn! Before we dive down the proverbial celluloid Q&A rabbit hole, how has your summer of ‘23 been treating you?

It’s been great! I had a chance to visit London and Paris this summer. I geeked out on so many museums. Highlights for me were walking around the Tate Modern and the Centre Pompidou and seeing the Elliott Erwitt photography retrospective at the the Musée Maillol in Paris.

Major accolades and kudos on your stellar turn behind the lens on the upcoming suspense/horror film The Passenger which is set for release this August 4 courtesy of MGM+! For anyone late to the party, can you tell us what The Passenger is about?

It’s about a young man (Randy) working in a dead end job at a soon-to-be-closed fast food joint whose life is interrupted by a co-worker (Benson) who kills everyone at the restaurant, except Randy, in a mass shooting. Through the course of the day we follow the two as they deal with the aftermath of this horrific event.

Did you know as soon as The Passenger entered into your professional orbit that this was a production that you wanted to be a part of?

Absolutely! I had worked with Carter before on a movie for Hulu entitled “Midnight Kiss.” I had such a wonderful time working with Carter that when he asked if I’d be available for this project there was never a second thought. On top of that it was such a compelling script along with an amazing cast that I’ve been beyond happy to a part of it.

What was your collaboration process like with the director of The Passenger, Carter Smith whom you have worked with before?

Working with Carter again creatively just felt even more elevated than before. I think when you have the chance to work with directors multiple times each experience builds on the last. It feels like the creative trust is there right from the beginning which just frees you up to explore ideas easier. He is very encouraging to push the envelope within the tone and aesthetic that we were establishing. It was pure joy for me to have that trust.

You opted to shoot The Passenger in 4K. What are the advantages to shooting in 4K versus 6K?

For me it was less about the resolution between 4k and 6k and more about the sensor size. With 6k providing a larger sensor just didn’t feel right for how we wanted to tell this story. With the larger sensor you have shallower depth of field and we wanted the opposite and stay in the more classic 35mm framing. Also the amount of lenses available for 4k are abundant and through camera tests we found vintage lenses that fit the 4k sensor that we loved. But its really a testament to the Sony Venice to have the flexibility to customize how we wanted to shoot and the modularity of the system as a whole.

As a cinematographer, is lensing a suspense-horror film drastically different than that of a drama or comedy?

It can be but it all depends on the story and the tone you want from that movie. Genres are interesting in general because the audience has an expectation of an aesthetic and approach and messing with that expectation can be a lot of fun. I’ve always admired cinematographers who approached comedies in a stylized or dramatic way like Gordon Willis with his work with Woody Allen on something like “Broadway Danny Rose” or the opposite is true where something is so counter point of the look where our expectations of horror film is dark and shadowy like Pawel Pogorzelsk’s work on “Midsommar” where the horror takes place in the soft daytime light and pastel tones.

Going into The Passenger, were there any films in the suspense and horror genre which you screened prior to production starting to give your own work inspiration?

Carter and I didn’t screen many films but we did watch “Snowtown,” directed by Justin Kurzel. A very dark and powerful crime drama that takes place in Australia. Early on we discussed tone primarily in lighting and that movie offered a lot in terms of how we wanted to approach the lighting in this movie. Much of that tone was about having a dramatic naturalism which they do so well in that movie. For me personally, I did look to other movies for inspiration such “Paris, Texas”, “Fat City”, and “Two Lane Blacktop”. Though they’re not horror genres but they were inspiration in lighting and approach to cinematography especially for elements in this film that were the “road movie” aspect.

Such famed cinematographers as Barry Sonnenfeld and Jan de Bont have also found acclaim as directors of their own feature films. Is this a road which you would one day be interested in traveling down yourself?

I’m not sure. I would never say never. But I have so much to explore working as a cinematographer that I’ve yet been able to do. The mountain is so tall and vast to climb up - a near endless journey. I think it’s safe to say I’ll always be a cinematographer. Also I love my collaborations with directors and finding the vision for the movie. I don’t think I can ever give that up.

Your first credit as a cinematographer came in the form of the 2003 short film Natural Selection. Happy 20th anniversary! Any special memories of that freshman production?

Now I feel old! “Natural selection” was my thesis film at the American Film Institute where I went to study for cinematography. The short film was all night shoots in a parking garage in downtown Los Angeles. It was a crazy scifi movie about genetic birds that were used as weapons and there were these killer robots on roller blades. It was all quite wild. But one of the coolest experiences was the director, Scott Leberecht, did the sound mix at George Lucas’s ILM Ranch up in San Francisco area. I was able to attend and tour the facilities which was a childhood dream come true.

What fascinates you the most about the art of capturing that perfect image on camera?

I’m not sure I look at trying to ever get the perfect image. The best movies always feel right in script, direction, performance and cinematography. It feels effortless and if it works well you don’t think about it while watching because you’re so engrossed in it. You hope when making a movie that everyone’s ideas coalesce into something that feels truthful and entertaining. But I will say I’ve been more obsessed with the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi which is more about finding beauty in imperfection. Often I’m trying to see how can we create texture in the image with lenses and lighting. I’m always searching for the light that struggles and not the lighting that is perfect or too easy to land on our actors or scene.

What do you have coming up after The Passenger?

I have a movie coming out in theaters on Halloween weekend - “Five Nights Freddy’s” based on the video games of the same title, directed by Emma Tammi. There’s been a lot of anticipation for the movie so I’m excited for it to come out.

Final - SILLY! - Question: Favorite movie about the making of movies - Living In Oblivion, The Big Picture, The Player or Ed Wood?

“Sunset Boulevard” all the way! “Mr. DeMille I’m ready for my close up”

Guji

We’re excited to be speaking today with acclaimed synth pop band GUJI; greetings and salutations, gang! Before we dive into the Q&A mosh-pit, could you each say ‘hi’ and introduce yourselves to our ever-inquisitive readers?

Klaire: Hi! This is Klaire, I am vocal and keyboard of GUJI. I am from Guizhou Province in China where is famous for spicy food, nature views and short people. I have been playing a Chinese traditional instrument called Erhu for over 10 years, and grow up envying the ‘cool kids’ playing guitar or drums or bass and being able to play in a band easily. Being in a band, especially one like GUJI is dream come true to me! Yayyy! Btw, ‘GUJI’ is just some noise I like to make in life. That is where the name come from. GUJIGUJIGUJI!!!

Chachy: My name is Chachy, I live in Shanghai for 13 years, I am a music teacher and guitar player and vocalist for GUJI.

Alex: Hi I am Alex, I am the bass player for GUJI, I am from Sichuan Province.

Stacy: 我是Stacy，我的日常就是一个鼓手，可能服务于一些乐队， 工作也是教架子鼓的老师，主要在培训机构教小学生。在认识 guji 之 前，我就听说过 chachy 以及他的另一个乐队 roundeye ，机缘巧合， 我的朋友有一天告诉我，guji在找鼓手，她先是给我放了一个guji最早 的一个mv“i like hang in the China”我看完觉得“这个乐队也太酷了， 并表示很希望能认识。而后，我居然发现 guji 的吉他手是 chachy ， 这简直让我兴奋觉得不可思议。我认为 guji 的音乐是一种意识形态为 主，音乐为意识载体的，音乐中有幽默的成分并且我们的音乐我个人 是觉得非常好听的，特别是旋律部分。在 guji 我使用的是鼓机演奏， 这跟我以往表演使用真鼓有很大的不同，加入 guji 之后，我也在学 习如何使用鼓机，并且在将来，我也想在鼓机方面做更多的尝试， 非常期待之后与 guji 共同创作出更多作品。至于 guji 的伙伴们，虽然 chachy 有时候凶凶的， klaire 总是会紧张， alex 永远傻傻的，但是我 爱他们！

Major congratulations on the upcoming August 25 release of your freshly-minted new EP! Klaire, can you tell our readers a little about the new EP and how it came into being?

At the beginning it literally was just me and Chachy harmonizing different songs together, we wrote our first song Judgement Day during the COVID lockdown in 2019, when we were trapped indoors and had nothing to do. The first version was just recorded by phone, the quality was pretty bad and we did not edit it at all. But it turned out a lot of our musician friends like it a lot! We started to make more songs every time a lockdown happened. And during the biggest lockdown in 2022, we made the video of Build Me a Friend at home, which got a lot of attention in our circle. More and more people are looking to see us actually playing live and wanting to be able to access to our music. In the following year, we formed a band, started to play shows, and got support from our producer friend Li Weiyu to help produced the EP, got Chachy’s amazing sister Veronica to design the cover with handicraft. It all just happened slowly but naturally. The EP is born from the womb of Chinese lockdown.

Chancy, we’re tremendous admirers of the Sorry Day track off of the upcoming EP! What’s the story behind this captivating tune?

Klaire hates that fucking track, because I put guitar in it, and I love that track, because it is my love letter to her. But she hates it, so now it’s funny.

Alex, who was the producer on the new EP and what did the collaboration between GUJI and producer look like in the studio?

The producer is Li Weiyu who frequently works for Modern Sky Lab. Li Weiyu works from home, he has his own work station at home, it was

designed by his architect friend and especially made for recording and mixing. We first sent our recordings to him and let him just do the magic on his own, then we all gathered at his place and discussed with him about how we want it to sound like, then he would fix every detail right there. The whole process took 1 month and we worked it all out during 2 meetings.

Stacy, how is the debut EP similar to such past GUJI releases as Build a Friend for Me? How is the new EP different?

We have no past releases so we have no standard, this is our first release. But I Like to Hang Out in China is our second video, and the only difference is in the first video, we were in quarantine, we filmed at home, in the second video, we weren’t, we filmed it outside.

Klaire, what made I Like To Hang Out In China the best and only choice to be the premiere single off of the upcoming EP?

It is a good balance of our sweet side, our dance side, and our cynical side.

Chancy, Godless America is releasing the debut EP from GUJI. What makes Godless America the perfect home for the band and its music?

They have a great roster of artists, and is similar to GUJI style.

A question for all of you: Who inspires you musically?

DEVO, The B-52’s, Can, Everly Brothers

Alex, on the heels of the release of the debut EP, can fans look forward to seeing GUJI on the touring/performing circuit?

Give us another year, we need to learn more songs.

Stacy, is it too early to ask whether GUJI has plans to release an LP before the end of 2023?

We will never release an LP, because our attention spam is as small as a dumpling.

Klaire, at the end of the day what do you hope listeners take away from all of the amazing new music which GUJI is releasing?

I hope they take away nothing! We are very selfish!! We want to keep it all, we just want them to shake their ass and think at the same time.

Bailey Spinn

We’re happy to be speaking today with acclaimed pop-rock music artist Bailey Spinn; greetings and salutations, Bailey! Before we dive into the Q&A mosh-pit, how has your summer of ‘23 been treating you?

My summer has been great! I’m a homebody at heart so I’ve had a lot of relaxing days doing what I love and enjoying the heat!

Major congratulations on your newest single, Runner Up! What made Runner Up the perfect and only choice to release as a follow-up to your premiere single Romance Is Dead?

Runner Up was originally going to be the first single, because it was the first song I fell in love with fully. However, once we recorded Romance Is DeadI knew that it needed to go out as soon as possible. Romance Is Dead talks about the ideation of relationships, and how nothing has met my standards. Runner Up reflects the feelings that have come from my poor relationships in life. Feeling like I’m not enough, or like there is always a better option that is not me. Runner Up explains the outcome of failed relationships!

Who was your producer on Runner Up and what did the collaboration between artist and producer look like in the studio?

My producer is the wonderful kodeblooded! He creates incredible projects and is always a joy to work with! In my sessions I like to bring in other writers, because my brain works better with some help. For Runner Up, I had to opportunity to work with LØLØ and Kanner who have the best creativity. I explained how I was feeling and what my ideas were, then they helped me to bring it to life! Usually we start by writing a verse or chorus, following off of what the producer creates!

In your humble opinion, what differentiates Runner Up from the Distinguished Competition on the 2023 music scene?

Runner Up brings back the old pop-punk scene of the 2000s, the song brings a sense of nostalgia to me. I found myself stuck listening to older songs, loving the storytelling aspects of them. I hadn’t been finding much new stuff in the genre, and I wanted to bring some of the punk back! Runner Up is relatable to so many different life scenarios and can be fit to almost anything! I like to keep my songs generic, so I don’t exclude anyone from relating to it.

Word ‘round industry campfire has it that your debut EP will be dropping later this summer - Congratulations! Can you give our ever-inquisitive readers a hint or three as to what they can expect from the upcoming EP?

My EP is actually out now! It gives a lot of insight as to what goes on in my mind, and what kind of music I enjoy. People are surprised by my more aggressive rock tracks. Including some harder songs was important to me because my music taste is pretty expansive. I love pop, but I also love listening to hard rock music. The EP hints to each genre that I take inspiration from!

Who inspires you musically?

I am truly inspired my Avril Lavigne, Hayley Williams, and LØLØ! I love their style of music and the way you are captivated by the lyrics. The upbeat, punk sound brings joy to me everytimeI hear it. Their music is also relatable, and often gives me ideas!

You made your live music debut on the critically lauded and fan-favorite daytime talk show The Tamron Hall Show! What was that experience like for you?

It was definitely a once in a lifetime kind of experience, but I was horrified. I’m glad that I worked up the courage to actually do it, it was very nerve wracking and anxiety inducing for me. I struggle a lot with singing in front of others out of fear, so doing this was a huge step in the right direction for me. I was shaking the entire time I was singing, I basically blacked out and just sang as well as I could! It was my first time ever performing my original music for an audience, and I had no experience. I’m glad that I had the chance to do it, and there can only be improvements from here!

With all of this amazing new music which you’re releasing, can fans look forward to catching you on the performing/touring circuit in the coming weeks and months?

Yes! I will be going on tour to 3 cities coming in September. I will be putting out even more music, and I hope that they’ll be seeing me at festivals because that’s a huge dream of mine!

You grew up in the beautiful state of Virginia. How do those roots inform you and your music?

I take a lot of inspiration from things that happened to me during my time in Virginia. My songs are written based off of personal experience from adolescence and beyond!

How instrumental has YouTube and other social media services been in getting your music out to the public early on in your career?

Youtube has been the most instrumental in getting mymusic out into the world. I first started posting my covers on Youtube, and they were very supportive of me, which I cannot say about some other platforms. That support is what has kept me going, knowing that people out there are wishing me success! Youtube is very receptive to my original songs!

Final - SILLY! - Question: Favorite movie about the music scene - This Is Spinal Tap, Almost Famous, That Thing You Do or Walk the Line?

Almost Famous!

We’re excited to be speaking today with entrepreneur, actress, and globally acclaimed model Arielle Raycene; greetings and salutations, Arielle! Before we meander down the Q&A pathway, how has your summer of ‘23 been treating you?

My summer of 23 has been treating me well! I started my summer early at the Cannes film festival then I just got back from a trip to Italy with my dad. It was my first time to Italy and the first trip with my dad actually. We started in Rome and drove down the coast to Sicily, stopping in all the small towns. We then flew to Edinburgh to see my sister and cousin. Although the rest of my summer will be dedicated to work, the memories I’ve made have left me feeling inspired and invigorated.”

Major congratulations on your new tech venture, RealAF! For anyone not in the know, can you tell us what RealAF is all about and how you became involved in this cutting-edge social media platform?

Thank you for your congratulations on RealAF! I’m thrilled to shedlight on this innovative platform. RealAF is all about revolutionizing the way we connect, and it’s anchored in 3D social profiling that offers a completely customizable experience. Imagine being able to recreate your appearance and presence so accurately that others can see what it would be like if you were standing right there with them. RealAF makes this possible through AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), and even through Apple’s upcoming goggles set to release next year. But it’s not just about recreating a physical presence. RealAF provides an artistic and immersive platform for creators, enabling them to build deeper and more authentic connections with their fans. Whether it’s an intimate serenade with a never-released song or a personalized stand-up comedy show, the possibilities are truly endless. We at RealAF are dedicated to making this technology accessible to artists and creators from all walks of life. It’s more than just a platform; it’s a community that fosters creativity, connection, and the next big step in interactive social experiences. I became involved with RealAF because I saw the transformative potential in this technology and wanted to be a part of this pioneering journey.

What differentiates RealAF from the Distinguished Competition on the 2023 social media landscape?

RealAF stands out from its Distinguished Competition in the 2023 social media landscape through its unique focus on authenticity and genuine human connection. While other platforms may emphasize polished visuals and edited content, RealAF takes a revolutionary approach by offering users the ability to turn themselves into holograms. This cutting-edge technology not only distinguishes RealAF but also serves as a symbol of the platform’s commitment to realness. More importantly, RealAF fosters a community where

Arielle

Raycene

authenticity is paramount, prohibiting any edits or face filters of any kind. By promoting unfiltered self-expression, RealAF creates a space where users can truly be themselves, setting a new standard in the ever-evolving world of social media.

What specifically excites you about RealAF? What drives your passion for everything that this platform stands for?

What truly excites me about RealAF is its unique focus on authenticity and genuineness. In a world where so many platforms encourage or even demand a polished, edited version of ourselves, RealAF stands outas a space that celebrates realness. The messaging behind this platform resonates deeply with me because it addresses a glaring gap in the market. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with wanting to present oneself in the best possible light, this tendency has led to a culture where hiding behind a facade has become the norm. This can lead to a sense of disconnect and even falsehood in how we portray ourselves to others. RealAF courageously challenges this trend by encouraging individuals to be themselves, imperfections and all. This isn’t just about rejecting artificiality; it’s about embracing and celebrating who we are, without filters or edits. This radical shift towards authentic self-expression drives my passion for everything that the platform stands for. It’s not just a platform; it’s a movement towards a more honest and real connection in the digital age.

If you were to do a bit of prognosticating, where do you see RealAF in three-five years? Do you feel that the sky’s the limit for RealAF?

RealAF appears to be at the forefront of technological innovation, and I genuinely believe that its potential is nearly boundless. When reflecting on the rapid evolution of technology, it’s easy to draw parallels with other platforms that have transformed over time, such as Instagram, which evolved from a simple photo-sharing app to an essential hub for social networking. With RealAF, we’re not just looking at a standard social profile; we’re envisioning the future of social interaction, possibly in three dimensions. The initial concept of RealAF, which allows users to lock assets, is just the tip of the iceberg. As technology continues to improve, I foresee RealAF expanding into a full-fledged 3D social media outlet with advanced chatting capabilities, subscription platforms, and innovative ways to connect and engage with others. In the next three to five years, I anticipate RealAF becoming a standard part of our online presence, alongside other major social profiles. It could very well redefine how we interact online, just as other platforms have done in the past. I’m also excited about the possibility of RealAF profiles becoming integral to our digital identities, appearing on our link trees or similar tools that may exist in the future. So yes, when it comes to RealAF, I truly think

the sky’s the limit. Its ability to continuously adapt and innovate places it in a unique position to revolutionize the way we socialize and interact in the digital world.

Speaking of passions, you’re a passionate and leading advocate for body positivity and self-love, and have been so for many years. Can you speak on the very personal reasons why this is a very important issue for you?

The importance of body positivity and self-love in my life stems from my own childhood experiences and observations. In our youth, we often enjoy a brief period of carefree innocence before being bombarded by images and expectations that can erode our self-esteem. I remember watching seemingly perfect people on television and magazines, and later on social media, feeling my joy replaced with self-consciousness. I now realize that the images we see are often distorted representations of reality. Those young characters on TV are frequently played by actors in their 20s, and magazine covers are meticulously edited to achieve a flawless appearance. Growing up, I was not aware of these manipulations, and the lack of knowledge and understanding led to unnecessary self-doubt and dissatisfaction. This personal journey has fueled my passion for encouraging self- love and body positivity. I firmly believe that embracing ourselves as we are is essential for a fulfilling life. By nurturing self-love, we unlock the ability to both give and receive love more freely. It leads to a more compassionate and beautiful world, where we appreciate the unique qualities that make each of us extraordinary. In advocating for body positivity, I hope to be the voice I needed in my youth. I want to ensure that young people today are equipped with the awareness and confidence to navigate a world that often promotes unrealistic and unattainable ideals. By fostering a culture of acceptance and love, we can all contribute to a more understanding and empathetic society.

You were born in Texas and raised in Kansas. How do those roots inform you as a person and as an artist?

Growing up on a farm in a small town in Kansas, after being born in Texas, instilled in me a profound connection to both nature and family. These environments fostered a unique blend of imagination and groundedness, allowing me to see the world with wonder while remaining tethered to my roots. The vast open spaces of the farm weremore than just a physical landscape; they were a mental canvas where my creativity was allowed to flourish without boundaries. I was blessed with the freedom to explore, to experiment, and to express myself without judgment. That unbridled creativity, coupled with the support of my large family, especially my grandmothers, created a nurturing environment that encouraged my artistic inclinations. In contrast, my short time in LA, visiting my father, introduced me to a world of urban creativity and artistic culture. This juxtaposition between rural tranquility and urban vibrancy shaped my artistic palette, enabling me to draw inspiration from diverse sources. My grandmothers, in particular, played a pivotal role in my development as an artist. Together, we sang, danced, acted, and even made home movies. They recognized my passion

and guided me with wisdom and love, allowing me to try everything without fear or restriction. In summary, myupbringing in both Texas and Kansas served as the fertile soil from which my artistic talents grew. The lessons learned, experiences shared, and connections made in these two states shaped not only my art but the person I’ve become. My roots in both a small town and a bustling city have provided a rich tapestry that continues to inspire and guide me in my artistic journey.

You’re also an acclaimed actress. What fascinates you the most about the craft of acting?

What truly fascinates me about the craft of acting is the opportunity to explore the complexities of human nature. Acting allows me to delve into the minds of characters, unraveling their unique thoughts, emotions, and motivations. It’s not merely about mimicking gestures or repeating lines; it’s an intricate process of understanding what distinguishes each character from myself and others. From their thinking patterns to their physical movements, I have the chance to embrace and portray someone entirely different. This journey of discovery is not only intellectually stimulating but also deeply fulfilling, making acting an endlessly fascinating and rewarding experience.

You wrote and directed for the 2019 television series Stated. Is directing and writing something you would like to do more of in the future?

Absolutely! Directing and writing are passions of mine that I want to pursue further. Working in the studio for RealAF has been a wonderful experience, but it’s distinct from the intricacies of directing a scripted show. I aspire to one day create my own film, where I can fully immerse myself in both writing and directing. Collaborating closely with seasoned directors and learning from them is something I eagerly look forward to. I also want to explore other avenues and expand my skill set in different ventures. Regarding writing, I recognize that it requires consistent practice and dedication, which I have to be better in. Though I’m still honing my craft in new things, I view every day as a new opportunity to grow and develop in these exciting fields.

Are there any final thoughts you might like to share with our everinquisitive readers about RealAF?

The underpinning tech is sophisticated — 3D volumetric video capturing every detail of the creator, ensuring the digital representation mirrors reality. The underlying message, however, is uncomplicated: Authenticity above all.This venture is more than just business, it’s personal. I recognize the heavy toll exacted by the digital age’s skewed beauty norms. Beauty apps and AI body manipulations might offer momentary allure, but they pave the way for distorted self-perception. With RealAF, we offer a counternarrative.RealAF emerges as an antidote to the pervasive AI-enhanced imagery, providing creators a space to embrace their ‘RealAF’ selves without the incessant need to mold themselves into the beauty industry’s narrow confines.

Michael Devine

We’re super-excited to have some time today with recently retired NYPD Detective Sergeant and acclaimed musician and actor Michael Devine; greetings and salutations, Michael! Before we meander down the Q&A musical pathway, how is your summer of ‘23 treating you?

I’m super-excited as well and so happy to be here. Thanks so much! Summer of ’23 has been fairly fast-paced, but I’ve found some time to relax and recoup, thank you.

Congratulations on the upcoming August 18 release of your new album Sentinels! For someone coming upon your music for the first time, can you give those prospective fans a hint or three as to what they can expect from this beautiful album?

Thank you! It’s crazy to think it’s almost here; Sentinels took over ten years to complete, and I couldn’t be more proud or excited. I think my music might connect with those who appreciate big, bold emotive ballads in the style of Josh Groban—particularly in his theatre stages. I was a theatre nerd growing up and I know my people are out there! I’ve described my music recently as a style that one probably won’t dance to, and no one will be putting on their gym mix, but I hope it moves listeners in other ways.

If we can touch upon something of a personal nature very briefly - You were recently diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus due to the tragedy of September 11, 2001. Did this prognosis serve as creative fuel for you in bringing Sentinels to life?

Like many 9/11 first responders, in the years that followed the attacks, I started to experience symptoms with my throat and nose, from mild irritation to spitting up pure blood. I felt—and still feel— that I’m lucky that this is, for now, the extent of my burden when compared to so many who have lost their lives or are battling severe illness. Nonetheless, as a singer, the condition presented a unique set of challenges. There was a time when I truly believed I’d lose my ability to sing and as such, I looked at Sentinels as a possible swan song. In turn, that fueled my resolve to make it the best I possibly could.

Who was your producer on Sentinels and what did the collaboration between artist and producer look like in the studio?

I produced, engineered and orchestrated it myself—which is partly why it took so long! I hired independent musicians remotely and integrated each instrument into the mix. When serving as one’s own producer, I found it important to walk away periodically and return to the project with fresh ears. It’s so easy to lose perspective when you’re too close, like looking at a painting from an inch away. I’d often

put a song down for months at a time and when I’d return to it, it was almost as if I was listening to someone else’s music— and that was extremely helpful. It was much easier to identify problems or creatively steer.

In your humble opinion, what differentiates Sentinels from the Distinguished Competition on the 2023 music scene?

I think today’s new music, in many cases, puts style over substance and singing styles today have become—well, interesting. So many singers are copying brilliant artists like Adele, but they’ve taken her nuances to the extreme; this extreme is then copied by other singers and so on. It’s resulted in some really strange and twisted sounds! Vowels are so distorted in some cases it’s almost comical. Some singers sound like they’re doing an Adele impersonation on SNL. I’m so grateful for having found my first voice coach, Ed Dixon, who taught me how to sing correctly, purely and with proper support. With the physical challenges affecting my voice, I’ve had to rely on my training. While I’ve added my

own style throughout the years, I think my music has a throwback feel, a return to form. Moreover, today’s music is often so frenetic. Sentinels slows things down and allows listeners to find respite from the in-your-face-ness of today’s trends.

How is Sentinels similar to some of your past music releases such as Songs of Valor and Hope? How is it different?

I was one of the ceremonial soloists for the NYPD and Songs of Valor and Hope was largely a compilation of songs I performed at ceremonies, vigils, even funerals. Needless to say, it was very emotional, sometimes melancholic. Perhaps it’s the Irishman in me, but I love sad music! I was surprised it sold so well—I was happy to learn there are others out there who like a good tearjerker! With Sentinels, I made a conscious effort to cultivate a track list that retained the emotional gravity, but without as much melancholy!

On the heels of the August 18 release of Sentinels, can fans look forward to catching you on the touring/performing circuit?

It looks like I’ll be acting in an indie feature which starts filming next month. As SAG-AFTRA is now on strike, we are waiting on a special approval as part of the union’s interim agreement which allows independent projects to move forward. All of that is by way of saying, I don’t currently have plans to tour or perform from the new album, but who knows!

Who inspires you musically?

I think my style, even today, can be traced back to 1987—sitting in the front row for the original Broadway production of Les Miserables. I was bowled over! It remains the most thrilling experience I’ve ever had in a theatre. Not long after, I went back to the theatre and waited outside the stage door asking every actor if they gave singing lessons. They all directed me to the aforementioned Ed Dixon who played the “Master of the House.” Almost every voice coach I’ve had has been in Les Miserables. That’s the style—Broadway with an operatic understructure—that I love and has greatly informed my style today. I’m also inspired by Josh Groban, Linda Eder, David Phelps, Ronan Tynan and of course Luciano Pavarotti.

Touching upon another facet of your extraordinary professional life: As an actor, you were directed by one of the very best directors in the form of Martin Scorsese for The Wolf of Wall Street. What was that experience like for you?

Unfortunately, due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, we must omit this question.

Congratulations on your recent retirement from the NYPD! Has retirement allowed you more time to focus on your music and acting careers?

Thank you! Yes, looking back to when I was in the NYPD, days off were a luxury. Now I can focus more on my health, first off, as well as projects for which I previously didn’t have the bandwith, such as theatre. While I was able to take acting jobs while simultaneously maintaining a career in law enforcement, my roles were mainly in TV and film. I wasn’t able to leave the New York area or take a role with a long-term commitment. Now I’m free to take on new challenges, and I feel so grateful and blessed.

Any final thoughts which you might like to share with our everinquisitive readers about the new LP Sentinels?

Sentinels was a labor of love and I feel like the ten-year journey was necessary, as the result is exactly how I envisioned. While it may swim against the tide of today’s trends, I hope there are those out there who connect with it—those who turn to music for catharsis, those who embrace their inner theatre-nerd, those who live in the moment. Music heals—that much I know!

Cassie Stephens

We’re very excited to be speaking today with acclaimed educator, host and the winner of the hit Netflix series “Nailed It!”, Cassie Stephens; greetings and salutations, Cassie! Before we barrel on down the proverbial Q&A rabbit hole, how has your summer of ‘23 been treating you?

I’ve had a great summer, thank you so much! I kicked it off with a visit to Brooklyn and my friends behind the show Pack It! The Packaging Recycling Design Challenge. Not only did I get a chance to hang out with them and film the show but I did have a chance to take in the sights - and by ‘sights’ I mean second hand shops, as that’s my guilt free hobby. I’ve also been trying my hand at growing an herb garden and jumping rope. Not at the same time, of course!

Congratulations on returning as the host of “Pack It! The Packaging Recycling Design Challenge” … For anyone unfamiliar, can you tell us what the premise of “Pack It!” is?

Of course! It’s a competition style show where two designers create packaging from paper-based and recyclable products - meaning, there should be no plastic packing tape nor plastic fill to secure the item. In 10 hours, the contestants have to create and build a design and, seriously, I’m sweating the whole time. As an art teacher, I just wanna throw on my apron and help but as someone who failed her cardboard challenge in sculpture class, I don’t think they would want my help. I had to create a cardboard chair for my professor that could support her for 90 seconds. Needless to say, she was on the floor in less than three. So I keep my distance and cheer them on from the sidelines. Once their designs are complete, they are to present them to the judges who each run successful shipping-based businesses of their own. They look at the design and durability which really come into play during the drop challenge.

“Pack It!” can be seen on both YouTube and HowLifeUnfolds.com. What makes these two platforms the best way to showcase this fun and educational series?

HowLifeUnfolds.com is a great place to view the show, not only check out past episodes but to find so much information on how you can help create a more sustainable world! Currently, you can learn all about becoming a papertarian (which doesn’t mean you eat paper, FYI) and how to include more paper-based products into your daily life. Paper and paper-based materials come from a renewable resource and are easy materials to recycle, so it’s best to use when you can. YouTube is always a fun place to watch videos since it’s an interactive experience through the comments and likes. I know everyone from the judges, to the contestants, love to hear from folks near and far.

Did you know as soon as you were approached about hosting “Pack It!” that this would be a show that you wanted to be a part of?

Let me just tell you, I was just thrilled they asked me to HOST the show and not COMPETE in the show. I mean, did you see me on Nailed It?! I don’t do well under pressure. So I am amazed at not only what these contestants come up with but how they create it under a time crunch and pressure. I also am a big advocate for recycling and “working with what you got” in my art room, and it’s a lesson I strive to teach my students. So it really did seem like a perfect fit. I was honored to have been asked!

You’re ostensibly the host of “Pack It!”, but does that preclude you from getting involved behind the scenes with your own ideas?

Oh, these contestants don’t need any of my ideas! I mean, I’m really good at unboxing the packages that just keep showing up on my doorstep and acting surprised when my husband notices them

(“huh, where did that come from?!”). As far as the creative process goes, these contestants come up with creative ideas that I could never imagine. The only time I want to step in, is when it comes to the drop challenge and then I begin to think, “shouldn’t more cushion be added?!” - to prevent whatever fragile item is packed inside from hitting that concrete.

If you weren’t the host of “Pack It!”, could you see yourself involved in the show as an actual contestant?

No. Please. No! I would totally but I can guarantee it would be a disaster; Well, I would be a disaster, along with whatever mess I create. I always get my best ideas about 10 years later at about 3:00 am with a EUREKA! moment. So there’s that!

Speaking of being a contestant, belated congratulations on your major win as a contestant on the hit Netflix series “Nailed It!” How has your appearance on the show changed your life?

Thank you! Well, according to my students (who still talk about that show, with one telling me she watches it on repeat (for which I apologize to her parents), I was all set to buy a ‘lambo’ and drive off into the sunset. Aside from getting new tires for my 2007 Honda, I’d say not too much has changed and I’m more than happy with that.

What goes into evaluating the contestants and their efforts on “Pack It!”?

Thankfully, I don’t have to do the judging. I could never! I get too attached to the contestants and their designs but the judges look at the overall design, innovation, product safety, and, of course, the recyclability.

How has your background (as an art teacher) shaped the way you approach your hosting duties on “Pack It!”?

As an elementary school art teacher, you have to constantly fight off the urge to “do it for them”. When I see them reach for an adhesive I wouldn’t recommend or make a change that I don’t see working, I really have to bite my tongue! As an art teacher, I teach the kids that messes and mistakes are part of the process. It’s how we learn and grow! So I stand back and cross my fingers when I watch these contestants at work.

Is it too soon to ask whether viewers can look forward to more of “Pack It!” after this season?

I do hope there is more to come! It truly is such a wonderful experience. I have an absolute blast and I feel like I make new buddies each time we all get together and create fun episodes of Pack It! So, I say, stay tuned!

Bailey Chase Host of the Month

We’re super-excited to be speaking today with acclaimed actor Bailey Chase; greetings and salutations, Bailey! Before we meander down the proverbial Q&A celluloid pathway, how has your 2023 been treating you?

2023 has been great. Thanks for asking. We moved our family to the mountains of North Carolina two years ago and haven’t looked back. Our kids are doing great, we’re surrounded by family and work is busy.

Congratulations on your upcoming film Far Haven which is set to premiere this September 3 on the Cowboy Way Channel! Starting at the top, can you tell our ever-inquisitive readers what Far Haven is about and how your character of Hunter Braddock figures into the proceedings?

“Far Haven” is a story of redemption with Hunter Braddock as a throwback hero. My make-up artist started calling me

“The Duke” a few days into shooting and the name stuck.

Did you know as soon as the script for Far Haven entered into your professional orbit that this was a production you wanted to be a part of?

Yes. I don’t always get to be the hero, but the director took a chance on me and made a straight offer.

Going into Far Haven, were you already a confirmed fan of the Western genre of film?

Coming off Longmire and Saving Grace I knew the hat and boots fit. Playing Branch got into my DNA and never left. I love playing cowboys and always ask the director to add more scenes riding horses.

What was your collaboration with Far Haven director Gary Wheeler like? Is he what some actors might call “an actor’s director”?

Gary’s awesome. I wouldn’t just call him an actor’s director but a great human being as well. He’s very collaborative and positive and looks out for his people. I can’t wait to work with him again.

You work alongside such a brilliant ensemble of thespians in Far Haven, including the likes of Amanda Righetti, Bruce Boxleitner and Martin Kove, among many others. What was it like exercising your own considerable acting chops next to these talented actors?

I love Amanda. Her work in this film is so good. Bruce and Marty are old school cowboys and had stories for days. I’m lucky to have been surrounded by such incredible talent and A Martinez steals every scene.

You have a couple of more intriguing-sounding productions in the pipeline. What can you tell us about Sod and Stubble, which you also produce?

Yes, we just wrapped and were lucky to get a waiver. It’s a pioneer story about the American Dream. Based on the book, the film starts with Henry and Rosie’s journey to the frontier of Kansas in the 1870’s and follows their lives to the early 1900’s. It was the first time I’ve played a character where I age a few decades over the shoot. We had a bunch of kids as well! As for producing, this has been in the making and seems a natural progression

to my career. I really enjoyed the responsibility and was able to share my experience to help those around me.

After producing Sod and Stubble can you envision taking a more active hand in the producing aspect of film and television? What about writing and directing in television or film one fine day?

I believe everything happens for a reason and I just finished writing a TV pilot. I would love to direct a few episodes once it goes to series (knock on wood). A good producer not only looks out for their cast and crew, but accepts a responsibility to deliver for the viewers as well.

Acting-wise who inspires you?

Tom Hardy is killing it.

Your first credited on-screen work came in the form of an episode of the 1996 television series Hot Line. Any special memories of that freshman production?

My first production was actually “Married with Children,” but I’m only credited as a co-star so it’s hard to find. I was Lifeguard #2 in a Spring Break episode. Please don’t look it up.

Final - SILLY! - Question: Favorite movie about the making of movies - Living In Oblivion, The Player, Swimming With Sharks, Barton Fink or Ed Wood?

“Swimming with Sharks” gets a slight nod over “The Player.”

Isabella Esler

We’re extremely happy to be speaking today with acclaimed singer and actress Isabella Esler; greetings and salutations, Isabella! Before we meander down the Q&A pathway, how has your summer of ‘23 been thus far?

It has been great! It’s nice that we’ll be in California for a little while during the summer so it’s been great weather.

Congratulations on your star-turn as Lydia Deetz in the national tour of Beetlejuice! Starting from the top, were you a fan of Tim Burton’s film iteration of Beetlejuice before landing your spot on the stage version?

Yes, I’ve always been a fan of the movie because it’s such a great classic. I grew up on a lot of those movies.

How much inspiration did you derive from Winona Ryder’s take on Lydia Deetz in the film version of Beetlejuice? Did you try to pay homage to her work in the original film while still interjecting your own thing?

It’s kind of a mix of both. I like to see all kinds of interpretations of characters to kind of decide what I like and what works for me. So I think I derive a little bit of Lydia from Winona Ryder’s version. Her take on the character will always be iconic.

How is the stage version of Beetlejuice similar to the film? How is it different?

If you’re a fan of the movie I think you will love the musical. It’s the same basic storyline with the same loveable characters with some cool twists. I think the main difference from the movie is how the musical expands the background of these characters. In the movie, it focuses more on the Maitland’s, the recently deceased couple as they try to haunt their house. In the musical, it shifts a little bit more to Lydia and Beetlejuice and their story and their development. I think it’s a really fun take as you get to see these characters in a new way!

Beetlejuice will be in LA from July 11-30 at the iconic Hollywood Pantages. What does it mean to you and the rest of the cast and crew of Beetlejuice to perform your show at the legendary Pantages?

It’s so exciting! I’ve always known the Pantages Theater to be such an iconic place that it’s really surreal to be performing there. I know a couple of people in the cast that are from LA so its really nice for them to be back at home for a little while. I am from California as well but in the Bay Area so it’s been nice to sit down a little longer in a pretty familiar place. Plus the audiences are so awesome and energetic. Every performance feels like some kind of rock concert because the audiences are so vocal and so invested in what we are doing.

Speaking of the cast, you work with an amazing one in Beetlejuice! What has it been like exercising your own considerable acting chops alongside such thespians as Justin Collette, Britney Coleman and Will Burton among others?

I’m so thankful to be performing alongside an amazing group of people. Especially this being my first tour, it’s been really amazing to have people who are supportive and have kind of guided me as I figure everything out. I feel like we are all such a close cast that it really works well on stage. All of these people are also so incredibly talented. It’s really unreal. It inspires me a lot to do my best because of what amazing work everyone does.

What has your collaboration process been like with Beetlejuice director Alex Timbers? Is he what some actors might refer to as “an actor’s director”?

He is amazing! I really love working with him. I admire his efforts to work with the actors and to allow them to explore their own choices. This allows a lot of different people to really grow comfortable in their own roles. It’s nice because I feel like everyone’s interpretation of their characters are unique to them.

Can you give readers a few upcoming highlights location-wise where Beetlejuice will be performing in the coming weeks and months?

We will be on the west coast for a little while. After LA we go to San Jose which is exciting because that is where I grew up! We also go to Salt Lake City and San Diego which will be super fun places to perform at.

Is Beetlejuice your first big show?

Yes! I’ve grown up doing a lot of community theater and also at my high school but this is my first professional job.

Did you know as soon as Beetlejuice entered into your professional orbit that this was a production you wanted to be a part of?

Definitely. I’ve been a fan of the musical since 2020 when it kind of blew up online. I thought the musical had such fun songs and Lydia was honestly such a cool character to me. So when I started to callbacks for this show I was so excited because this had definitely been a dream role of mine.

Looking ahead, what sort of things would you like to do as an actress once Beetlejuice wraps up?

I’m open to whatever is thrown at me in theater or film/ tv! I’m hoping to work on my art for a while.

We’re very happy to be spending some time today with celebrated American indie rock band Mike Mains & The Branches; welcome to Vents, gang!

Before we get the proverbial show on the road, can you introduce yourself and say ‘hi’ to our music-lovin’ readers?

Hello friends! My name is Mike Mains. I am the principle songwriter & singer for the band. Happy to be here:)

Congratulations on the freshly-minted release of the double single WE'RE ALIVE + ALWAYS MY FOREVER! Mike, how did this incredible new music come about? Is there a VH1-Behind the Music origin story you could share with us on the creation of these two gems?

Always my forever was born during tour rehearsal for our last album tour “When We Were In Love” I was spending 8-10 hours a day prepping the songs and the live show and as a way to reward myself during the day I’d take a couple breaks and write for a little while. Writing is my favorite part of the musical process for me so doing that on a daily basis is a creative form of therapy. I started with just the first verse and chorus and then forgot about if after I went on tour. Then finished it with my friend Randall Kent who’s a brilliant producer in Nashville. The song was featured in the TV Show Handmaids Tale on Hulu which made think it might have some legs & could be a nice addition to the album.

We’re Alive was born during a week long writing trip with my producer Nathan Horst. We’d had a few great tunes under our belts and I felt like we hadn’t come up with anything Anthemic enough yet. I wanted something that felt late 90’s alternative. I grew up in front of the TV in the 90’s and remember my life completely changing during that era. It’s probably my favorite period of music. Semisonic, Third Eye Blind, Chili Peppers, Nirvana as well although they were earlier. The anger & urgency inside of those songs felt both youthful and timeless to me. Songs from that era are a Time Machine back to my teenage bedroom. I wanted to write a song like that with a modern pop twist.

Mike Mains

Who was the producer on We’re Alive and Always My Forever and what did the collaboration between band and producer look like in the studio?

Nathan Horst & I Co-Produced the songs together. With Randall Kent carrying a lot of the initial workload of Always My Forever. Shannon Briggs & I are the heart of the band and we hire our friends to record & tour and at the time we had some killer musicians from Charlotte we Brought in to track Always My Forever guitars, base and drums live in Nashville. We’re Alive was more remote. We had the demo and then sent it to our friend Jesse Proctor who cut drums from Seattle during Covid, we then sent that session to my friend Josh in Hawaii who’d just gotten married and he cut bass, then our friend Zach Super cut guitars remote from Charlotte North Carolina and then Shannon & I finished acoustic, keys & vocals at a little bedroom studio set up I had at the time. We then sent it all to Nathan & he taped it all together and mixed it into something listenable. Hahah.

Was there ever any discussion as to which of these two amazing songs between We’re Alive and Always My Forever would wind up as the undercard (i.e. the “B-side”) to the other? They both can easily qualify as “A-side” tunes in our opinion!

I think they both serve different moods. We’re Alive is more of a anthemic summer songs which our fans have come to expect from us while Always My Forever is more mid-tempo acoustic driven like our song Briggs which was a deluxe edition bonus track that became our biggest song which we never saw coming. Always My Forever feels like a sequel to Briggs. I like recordings that sound like it’s a band in a room playing together and that’s what were aiming at with Always My Forever.

How is the new double single similar to such past releases from Mike Mains & The Branches such as Slow Down? How are they different?

I think always my forever channels my love for simple folks songs. That’s the main similarity I see between Slow Down & Always My Forever. Bob Dylan has always been a north star to me in those kind of songs. A simple melody, lyric set to simple chords. His songs feel like they’ve been here since time began. I have no delusional expectations of writing a song that’s on his level I just want to do what he does. Write simple songs that evoke emotion and leave enough room for the listener to interpret it in their own way and have a connection.

Mike, would Memory Unfixed even be possible without the tumult of the last several years? Would we be talking about an entirely different album altogether without the presence of a worldwide pandemic and public unrest?

I think there would still be a record but you’re right a very different one. Being forced to come off the road and write and record for TV/ Film which has been my “day/Job” along side writing/producing for other artists. Producing other artist’s was non-existent during that time so I doubled down on writing for Sync licensing and the new Branches record. Combined with that we bought our dream house in Nashville which felt like a “promise land” moment for us. The first song I wrote in this house is Lost Boys which is the opening track on the record. The yearning on the album for me that in spite of what I have accomplished I spend a lot of days feeling like a fraud or a failure. That inferiority complex is brutal and one of the only way’s I know how to dance with that devil is by writing. I’m grateful I was able to process the pain in the world and inside myself through music.

Mike Mains & The Branches features a great regional crosspollination of Mike’s home state of Michigan and the band’s current day stomping grounds of Nashville. How do those distinct roots inform the sound of the group?

Word ‘round industry campfire has it that Mike Mains & The Branches will be busy touring through the fall! Can you talk with us a little about some of the places fans can look forward to seeing you all perform?

New York City, Pennsylvania, Charlotte North Carolina, Florida and many more! We will finish the tour in Michigan which feels like a sweet way to tie a bow around the tour.

The really big news which has everyone-a buzzin’ is that Mike Mains & The Branches have a brand-spankin’ new album entitled Memory Unfixed set to debut on September 15! Can you give readers a hint or three as to what they can look forward to on this eagerly awaited new LP?

I know everyone says this but I do believe it is our best album to date. I can neither confirm or deny that Shannon may or may not have a song that she sings on the album……

Who inspires you musically?

As of lately I’ve enjoyed Mac Miller’s last album Circle’s. RIP. The National are a continued inspiration for me. Death Cab For Cutie is a band I’m always going back to at least a few times a year. I’m enjoying Saintseneca, Slaughter Beach Dog, Always going back to Wilco as well.

Michigan has such a blue collar mindset. You get up, go to work, come home and take care of your family, do errands on Saturday, relax on Sunday.

I’ve carried that with me to Nashville and try to be in the studio 9-5 most days. Some days earlier and somedays I work til midnight although I’m really trying to develop a healthier work/life balance. I just build a studio in our garage so having all my toys within 100 steps of my bedroom is a blessing and curse haha.

What’s the story behind the mesmerizing tune Lonely off of the upcoming Memory Unfixed album? It’s a real standout among standouts!

Shannon & I dwrote that with my dear friend Jason Singer of Michigander. He used to come to Branches shows when he was 16, we took him on tour when he was just starting out and it’s been such a joy to see him soar. He works harder than anyone I know and deserves every ounce of success he has.

SOEN

We’re happy to be speaking today with acclaimed guitarist from the phenomenal band Soen, Cody Ford; greetings and salutations, Cody! Before we dive into the Q&A mosh-pit, could you introduce our everinquisitive readers to all of the members of Soen and tell them a little about the style of music which the band is rightly well known for?

Soen is Joel Ekelof on vocals, Martin Lopez on drums, Lars Ahlund on guitar/keyboards, Oleksii “Zlatoyar” Kobel on bass and myself on guitar. The style we’re known for is a bit of a mixed bag. Genres we associate with are Metal, Prog Metal, Prog Rock.

Major congratulations on the upcoming September 1 release of the new Soen album which is entitled Memorial! Starting from the top, what series of events inspired this amazing new LP? Is there a VH1-Behind the Music story you could share on the creation of this new gem?

Thank you! In all honesty the events that usually lead to us writing and recording an album are seeing our tour schedules laid out for the next year. The band has been busy with touring post-Covid and we show no signs of slowing down, so it’s important to make the most of the down time, because it is very limited. We prioritize writing sessions and recording time between tours and find our inspiration from whatever the world offers us at that time.

Who was the producer on Memorial and what did the collaboration between band and producer look like in the studio?

We worked with Alex Backlund from Fascination Street Studios. I personally was in Canada recording all of my guitar parts so I haven’t actually met Alex yet! But Joel and Martin did the drums and the vocals there and had nothing but great things to say about Alex and the studio. I imagine this won’t be the last time we work with him.

Memorial is being released on September 1 courtesy of Silver Lining Music. What makes Silver Lining the perfect label and home for Soen and their music?

What we like about Silver Lining is that they don’t interfere with our creative vision. We’re free to write what we want to write and that’s very important to us. They’ve supported our ideas and have a roster of great bands that we’re happy to be a part of.

In your humble opinion, what differentiates Memorial from the Distinguished Competition on the 2023 music scene?

I never like to think of music as a competition. It’s so great that there are so many bands out there doing their own unique thing. But what I can say is that the type of fans that like our music probably like bands that have the ability to make you feel a very wide spectrum of emotions. I think our strength is that we can play an extremely heavy song that feels powerful and triumphant and then take it down 10 notches and play something drenched in feel. Dynamics are really important to our music, and I think no matter what mood you’re in there’s probably a Soen song that will cater to that.

What made the tune Unbreakable off of the Memorial album the perfect choice to release as a single? Do you feel that it gives listeners the flavor of the LP?

I think overall this is our most “metal” record, so we wanted to use a song that showcased a bit of that. It has some heavy riffing, a ripping solo and big, catchy chorus. The album has a lot of different flavors on it, but this seemed like an obvious choice.

How involved behind the scenes was Soen in the creation of the Unbreakable music video?

We shot the video in Santiago before playing at a festival that same day. With the “army of the unbreakable” being the theme, we wanted to have some of the Soen army involved - and Chile is one of the best places we could have done that. They’re some of our most passionate fans and it’s fantastic to have them in the music video.

Who inspires you musically?

There’s not much that doesn’t inspire me in some regard nowadays. There’s some genres of music I don’t really touch, but as I get older I find I’m more open-minded and aware that there’s something interesting in most music. I could be melodies, chord progressions, the mix, the production, guitar tones, vocal styles - it’s all good!

Can you talk about how Soen came together as the tight band which we hear on the new Memorial album? Is there a Secret Origin story for the band you could share?

I think Soen demands a certain caliber of musician. These guys are all so talented and when you’re in a band like this you just feel like there aren’t many limitations. Martin has always been the spearhead of this band and he’s done a great job over the years finding the right musicians to be a part of this project. It’s not easy to find musicians who can do the heavy thing with precision and groove, but then also do the softer side with feel and grace. Overall we’ve grown a lot as a family over the years and it definitely plays into our chemistry.

Word ‘round industry campfire has it that Soen has a European tour on the horizon! Can you give readers a hint or three as to what they can look forward to with this epic-sized tour?

An epic show! We’ve always been passionate about putting on the best show we can ensuring they keep getting better over time. We like to get the crowd involved, but get super intimate as well. They’re going to be a blast.

At the end of the day, what do you hope listeners walk away with after giving Memorial many-a spin on their respective hi-fi systems?

Whatever they need, really. Whether it’s strength to get on with your day, hope, introspection, or a big sonic hug - we hope the music is there for you.

Of Virtue

We’re excited to be speaking today with acclaimed metal band extraordinaire, Of Virtue; greetings and salutations, gang! Before we dive into the proverbial Q&A mosh-pit, could you each say ‘hi’ and introduce yourselves to our ever-inquisitive readers?

Hi! I’m Tyler and I am the vocalist for Of Virtue and I like cats. Hello everyone! My name is Damon and I sing and play guitar in the band. Hey all! My name is Mike and play guitar! Hey everyone, I’m Ryan and I’m the drummer / resident Canadian.

Major congratulations on all of the amazing new music, Damon! Starting from the top, what’s the story behind your latest riveting single Sober? How did this haunting and thoughtful tune enter into your atmosphere?

“Sober” was the last song we made for the album and it really truly feels like a one-of-a-kind track. In some ways, it bears some resemblance to Sinner where it touches on overcoming addiction and behaviors that are ruining everything around you. Where “Sober” differs though, this song describes the fallout of your actions and how they affect the people around you. It can be hard to accept that you unknowingly hurt the ones that care about you and often times, that can drive us back into the grip of the thing that is destroying us. That being said, I have dealt with substance abuse issues in the past and for a long time, felt shame about opening up about my past. For me, this song is me finally accepting the part of my life that

I thought was in control - no longer has the same impact on my future because I made a choice to eliminate the things that we’re doing the most harm.

Tyler, the music video for Sober is a perfect bookend to the single; visually it truly captures the cautionary tone of the single. Can you talk a little about what went into the making of the video? Was Of Virtue very involved in the behind-the-scenes process of making the music video?

When we booked the music videos for “Cut Me Open” and “Sober” with Matt Cole, we talked about ideas for the music videos but weren’t quite sure where we wanted to go with it. Fast forward a couple weeks and Matt wanted to hop on a phone call to discuss his ideas and from there he asked us what the song was about, the idea behind writing it and what the lyrics and song means to us personally. It was the first time that we’ve been asked that by the director and personally it was the first time that I feel we actually had a real connection with the music video. I had just gone through a break up at the time and shooting a music video with a lot more emotion behind it really helped me sell the pain within the song. Matt Cole & Chris Echols did an amazing job capturing the emotions within the song. Paris Smith did a great job acting in the video as well. I think overall this was a very simple “idea” but it was made larger than life by everyone involved in the video.

Mike, who was the producer on Sober and what did the collaboration between band and producer look like in the studio?

For the making of “Sober” we worked with Lee Albrecht and Evan McKeever. We have worked with both of them in past so being in either one of their studios is always a blast. Writing music with other people can always stressful or challenging but working with these guys is never like that. We all have ideas we bounce off of one another and at the end we always accomplish something we are proud of!

Ryan, what differentiates Sober from the Distinguished Competition on the 2023 music landscape?

“Sober” is a very special song to us. I don’t necessarily think this song is a completely new sound that listeners have never heard before; however, I do believe we are taking a rock song, adding our own personal twists, making it a more unique sound to us and one that listeners may want to hear on repeat.

Damon, on the heels of the release of the powerful single Sober, it’s been announced that Of Virtue has a new album entitled Omen which is set to hit record store shelves on September 29! Can you give readers a hint or three as to what they can expect from the new LP?

Those who are new or familiar with us can expect to hear a group of Midwest souls who have put every ounce of blood, sweat and tears in song form. These songs represent the truest reflection of us as individuals and a collective to date. We dug deeper than we ever have into our personal lives - tales of trauma, addiction, selfloathing/doubt and loss all documented in the form of memoirs. ‘Omen’, in a sense, is the cautionary tale we wish we could to our younger selves to not repeat the same mistakes that were made. You’ll hear all about that on wax, our souls to bare.

Ryan, with all of this amazing new music being released by Of Virtue, can fans look forward to catching the band on the touring/ performing circuit in the coming weeks and months?

Yes! We are headed to Europe to play Summer Breeze on Thursday, August 17th with a ton of bands we are stoked to play with, then we head off to Nuremberg, Germany to start a tour with Being As An Ocean & Senna from August 25th until September 16th. After that we come home and we will be doing our album release shows in Detroit & Lansing, Michigan on October 6th and 7th, respectively. If you’re nearby, come out and say hi!

Tyler, we’re particularly blown away by the tune True Colors off of the upcoming Omen LP! Is there a special story behind this song?

True Colors is exactly what the title means, someone showing you who they really are. It wasn’t written about anyone specifically per

se but we have all had someone who we loved and or cared about who showed us they aren’t exactly who we thought they were. It’s a tough pill to swallow. Maybe it was your partner, maybe a friend, but whoever it is, it’s hurtful realizing you had invested your time and energy into someone who didn’t love you, didn’t care for you, etc. I’d like to think of this song as a sequel to Thanks For Nothing (unintentionally of course) as it basically is a continuation of how you feel about someone, but this one is more detailed in the ways that it tells you how much pain they caused you and how you’re not willing to let this person walk away without telling them how you feel. If you’ve ever been hurt by someone, this song is for you.

Damon, how is the upcoming Omen LP similar to 2019’s What Defines You? How is it different?

‘What Defines You’ marked a transition in the band stylistically that I feel we have fully fleshed out on ‘Omen’. Our goal on ‘What Defines You’ was to craft songs which mixed the heavy background that we all came from and a more stripped down, hook laden approach. Those songs were taken on the road in between studio sessions to see what worked and what didn’t - something we kept in mind when making ‘Omen’. The key difference between the records is how far we were willing to become uncomfortable to achieve the results we wanted. A lot of the songs on ‘Omen’ were the result of us getting in a room, no preconceived ideas or motives and just laying out everything that was on our minds into music.

Mike, for newcomers to the Of Virtue fold, how would you describe the band’s style of music?

I think our band has a lot to offer to people who are hearing us for the first time. I never want to put us in a box of what “sound” we have or don’t have so the best thing I can tell people is to just take a listen and judge for yourself! You may find something in there that you like.

Tyler, the beautiful state of Michigan is the home base for Of Virtue. How do those roots inform the sound of the band?

Although Michigan is home, it doesn’t define who we are. We all have lived here most of our lives (except for Ryan) and being from the same state as some legendary bands, we were able to be influenced by them and inspired by them which ultimately has helped shape who we are as musicians today. The environment definitely plays a part in your sound I think but the fact that we’ve been able to travel the world, meet a lot of people, experience different cultures and different ways of life, that has allowed us to be more open and view things differently than if we wouldn’t have done all those things and in turn inspires our sound more than anything!

Misery Lane

based on the album cover. “One Red Balloon” is a song on the album and the driving force behind the album. The idea for the song started from a poem I wrote for my wife with the same name. She is a horror nerd and loves Pennywise the clown so I thought since Pennywise can absorb the knowledge of the people he “eats” then he would know what love is and maybe want to experience it so I wrote her the poem from the view of Pennywise falling in love with a girl and instead of flowers he wants to give her “One Red Balloon.”

How was the recording and writing process?

Well as the main songwriter I generally write what I call the “skeleton” of the song and send it to the guys to see what they think. If it’s something they like then we build on it, if not I’ll scrap it and throw it back in the riff pile LOL. All the music is recorded at my home, and I mix and master it from there. The initial cost of setting that up was a bit expensive but it was far cheaper than paying someone to record it and master it, plus we have total control of the sound this way.

Where did you guys find the inspiration for the song and lyrics?

The inspiration for the lyrics just comes from lived experience. The song “Liar” is basically about a friend who is a liar. Something everyone can identify with. “Where Did You Go” I wrote after my fiancé died back in 2018. “Please stay” I wrote about my mother leaving when I was a small boy. “Goodnight” is about someone on the verge of giving up. So, anything that has affected me or one of the other members could potentially be a song.

Will you be hitting the road this year?

Hi guys, welcome to VENTS! How have you been?

We are well. We have been doing some shows in support of the new album and writing music for the next. Everyday we brainstorm new ideas and new sounds and are constantly trying to stay fresh. We don’t want to fall into the cookie cutter mode some bands get into when they have multiple albums.

What can you tell us about the title and meaning behind your most recent release?

Our newest album “Red Balloon” isn’t named but everyone calls it Red Balloon because of the album cover which was the way I was hoping it would go when I did the album art. Much like Metallica’s “Black” album people gave it a name

We started doing shows to support the new album back in March and at present we are booked with shows through September. Luckily, and with a lot of hard work, we really don’t have to go looking for just any show as opposed to when we first started. We get offers to do shows quite regularly now but at this point we are choosing quality over quantity. Doing things that we think will benefit the band and the music more in the long run.

What else is happening next in your world?

Well, we have already started material for our next album to hopefully be released next March/April. We are in talks with a few people about getting some music videos together which is the only thing we have really been lacking since this whole thing started but in the new age of social media a big chunk of time is spent online promoting and driving interest in the music that some things get brushed to the wayside. I believe that once the weather gets worse and driving becomes a bit more complicated we will have more time to dedicate to the video side of things.

Everyone give a warm Vents welcome to acclaimed Metal band extraordinaire, ART OF SHOCK; greetings and salutations, gang! Before we dive down the hard rockin’ Q&A rabbit hole, could you all introduce yourselves and say ‘hola’ to our ever-inquisitive readers?

Art: Wassapenin’

Major congratulations on the forthcoming sophomore Art of Shock album Shine Black Light which is set to debut this September 8! Art, is there a VH1-Behind the Music secret origin story you could share with us on how this brilliant and rousing gem of an LP came into being?

Art: Absolutely! During the lockdowns, we had to figure out what to do with our lives. I took to writing to deal with feelings of defeat and frustration. I wrote a lot of songs, I was being really prolific somehow. one night while watching a true crime show, the idea of a special UV light occurred to me. This was not your usual UV light, though. This special black light could uncover the dark secrets hidden in our minds and souls, much like how a UV light at a crime scene reveals the carnage and horror that criminals attempt to hide. Eventually, I realized that all the songs I had been working on were connected in a very specific way; they were all about the human condition, the evil we conceal, the evil we choose ignore.

ART OF

Nicholas, how is Shine Black Light similar to Art of Shock’s 2020 album Dark Angeles? How is it different?

Nick: AOS is an eclectic band, it always has and it always will. We make the music that we like and that feels right for us at the moment. We don’t follow trends or put on any labels when it comes down to genres etc. We feel that’d be detrimental to our musicianship.

Both albums are coherent, sound and production wise. You know it is the same band and it makes sense, but they’re very different albums as well. Debut albums tend to be more raw with an “in your face” attitude. That’s what “Dark Angeles” is, fast, raw and unapologetic.

“Shine Black Light” is a way more refined album, more mature if you wish. We escalated everything exponentially. We’re very proud of what we came up with.

Brice, what differentiates Shine Black Light from the Distinguished Competition on the 2023 music landscape?

Brice: Art cares a lot about songwriting, he’s at the studio everyday Frank Zappa style. Writing, playing, tweaking and always thinking on how to improve a song. He’s like a mad scientist when it comes to that aspect.

Plus the fact that he’s a phenomenal singer, I think those two factors make AOS stand out. We’re not afraid to try “out of the box” ideas as long as we like it.

Adrian, who served as the producer on Shine Black Light and what did the collaboration between band and producer look like in the studio?

Adrian: Taylor Young produced the album and we couldn’t be happier with the results. Taylor was the drummer for the band NAILS, they were as kick-ass as it gets and Taylor had a lot to do with their signature sound.

We were on tour with Sepultura when our A&R Mike Gitter suggested him. We

SHOCK

loved the idea from the beginning because it was out of the box. When we met Taylor we clicked immediately, he’s a very educated musician and he understood what we were trying to do.

His input was great and respectful, he helped us develop the idea that we had for the album. It was a smooth process, little trivia fact, his Mom plays the piano section in “Drag Me To Hell”.

Art, Century Media are the mensch’s behind the September 8 release of the new album! What makes Century Media the perfect home for Art of Shock and their music?

Art: The amazing people that we have the privilege to work with their support and guidance have been a blessing for us!

Nicholas, with the upcoming September 8 release of Shine Black Light, can fans look forward to checking out Art of Shock on the touring/ performing circuit?

Nick: Our team is focusing on 2024 when it comes down to touring, we’ll keep you posted.

A question for all of you: Who inspires you musically?

Art: Too many to mention but on a daily basis I get inspired by people that love and enjoy the act of creation regardless of the genre they play, I like to join in their joy, nobody likes a party pooper!

Brice, was the music video Drag Me To Hell as much fun to make as it’s been for all of us to watch?

Brice: The director, Carlos Toro is based in Chile. The video was actually shot in Chile, we were in close contact with him long distance. The video is very cinematic and it perfectly portraits the message. It’s alway fun to collaborate with talented and passionate people.

Adrian, what’s the story behind the tune Death Stay Silent off of the upcoming Shine Black Light album? It’s one of the best songs by any artist or band that we’ve heard in some time!

Adrian: Thanks man, I really appreciate hearing that. Art wrote a statement when we released it, I think explains it very well.

“Death Stays Silent addresses the agony and hopelessness of battling mental illness. It’s about isolation and confinement, the yearning for support and empathy, and the exasperation of being neglected and dismissed, sometimes even by death itself. It aims to raise awareness of the severe consequences of disregarding those who suffer from mental health issues. We need to communicate and empathize with one another and, hopefully, by doing so, keep death silent for another day”

Art, at the end of the day what do you hope listeners walk away with after giving the upcoming album Shine Black Light many-a spin on their respective hi-fi systems?

Art: I really enjoy this album, and I’d hope that others will too, and when they’re done and walk away it will resonate with them enough that it might compel them to come back to it and experience it again. In the end, it’s only rock n roll!

Monkey Intrusion

Hi guys, welcome to VENTS! How have you been?

Hi folks, everything is fine here! We’ve been pretty busy promoting the release of our four singles and preparing the campaign for the full album. We also took a few days off, enjoying at least a little this wonderful summer.

What can you tell us about the title and meaning behind your most recent release?

Well, Police of the Soul is about a sort of dystopian society where some emotions are banned and the police are able to read the souls of citizens and go after them when they scan something suspicious. Needless to say our hero is on the run!

How was the recording and writing process?

The song was written originally by the bass player several years ago. We then rearranged it in our usual way.. everybody adding their ideas so that in the end the song is somehow transformed getting to new levels not even guessed at the beginning. The recording took place at the Jork Studios in Slovenia and amazingly this particular song didn’t present major challenges. Like all the other songs of the album we recorded many takes playing all together in the room dedicated to live recordings. When we had the one with the right groove we moved on to the overdubs and voices. As we said, Police of the Soul went pretty smoothly in every step.

Where did you guys find the inspiration for the song and lyrics?

We all write so there isn’t a straightforward process that leads to a song. For Police of the Soul the inspiration comes mainly from the work of Philip

K. Dick, the science fiction writer. He often depicted dystopian societies, as in Minority Report for instance, where individuals had very little room for privacy and freedom. And of course there’s much more than a tinge of George Orwell’s 1984!

Will you be hitting the road this year?

That’s the area we’re mainly focused on. Being an independent band it’s a grinding work to find gigs all across Europe in order to promote the full album. Nonetheless there are some promising contacts so we’ll hit the road for sure.. let’s hope it’s gonna be for many months!

What else is happening next in your world?

As we said in the coming Fall we’ll release the full album and we sincerely hope to be busy gigging across Europe. Meanwhile, the songs for the second album are taking shape.. so in the next future we’re going to be really, really busy!

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Lenax

Hi guys, welcome to VENTS! How have you been?

Very good thank you! This year has been one of creativity and growth. It’s been amazing playing music with each other, and getting some of that on recordings to share.

What can you tell us about the title and meaning behind your most recent release?

The latest song is called “Shrouded Sight”. The title of the song is a reference to the fact that our senses as humans are imperfect, and often clouded by cultural bias. The lyrics explore the idea of shedding human limitations, while exploring the idea that other universes, gods, and forces may exist beyond our mortal comprehension.

How was the recording and writing process?

Definitely comes in waves as the inspiration hits. There have been days and weeks where new material comes up every day, followed by longer stretches of minor improvements and adjustments. Art isn’t always concrete, and oftentimes the songs undergo an evolution of sorts. I am exceedingly proud of our work, but also feel that the live versions reach a higher level.

Where did you guys find the inspiration for the song and lyrics?

As mentioned earlier the biggest inspiration behind Shrouded SIght comes from Lovecraft. So much so in fact,

that the lyrics are more like a stream of consciousness rather than telling a linear story. This lines up well with the idea that interacting with these great gods in his fictional world often leads to a descent into madness.

Will you be hitting the road this year?

We will be playing our first shows as early as November, but no plans to go off on tour just yet. We are keeping the option open of course!

What else is happening next in your world?

There are two more songs coming, which will come out as part of a five song EP called “Purity”. The biggest thing after that is going to be the live show, and we are already excited to be working on the new full length. We will take our time on that project, and may fill the gap with a short tour, a music video, or a few live bonus tracks. The future is wide open at this point!

Hey Radio

Hi guys, welcome to VENTS! How have you been?

Hey dudes, thanks for having us! We’ve been good, just writing tunes, playing shows, and chilling!

What can you tell us about the title and meaning behind your most recent release?

Our most recent release is a song called “Punk Rock Show”, that we put out back in November of 2022. The meaning is pretty self-explanatory, because the song is about getting together with the homies, piling into a car, driving to a venue, pregaming in the parking lot with a few cold ones, then heading inside to enjoy a punk show with your friends. It has a real old-school vibe to it, and we really had a lot of fun with this one.

How was the recording and writing process?

We knew we wanted to write a real party-punk banger, so we looked at some style influences, and what better place to look for that than the Tony Hawk Pro Skater soundtrack? A lot of our songs have been compared to that style, so we figured we’d do our best to really emulate something like that, so we started with a general idea and built on it.

Where did you guys find the inspiration for the song and lyrics?

We started by deciding we really wanted to write a straightforward party-punk song, one that really got people up and having a good time. The song was actually an idea that Ian had in his head for a while, and he went with a more NOFX meets Pennywise meets The Vandals meets Bowling For Soup style. Just a real upbeat and driving, you know? The lyrics were done by Adam and Dustin, and they really help shape the party vibe and flesh the whole thing out by making it all about having a good time. It’s a really fun one to play, and it’s a real crowd pleaser!

Will you be hitting the road this year?

Mostly locally, hopefully getting a regional show here and there, but we’re definitely looking at doing more regional shows in 2024.

What else is happening next in your world?

We’re in the process of finishing up an EP of originals that we hope to have out this fall, then we’ll start working on another one that we’re keeping under wraps for now, but trust us when we say it’s gonna be SUPER fun! Keep an eye on our socials, because we’ll have all the info posted!

DiipSilence

Hi guys, welcome to VENTS! How have you been?

Hey VENTS! This is DiipSilence, thanks so much for having me here. I’m doing great and hope you guys are doing well too!

What can you tell us about the title and meaning behind your most recent release?

Absolutely! My recent release is titled “Big Hand”. “Big Hand” is the metaphor to illustrate the sense of restraint that various obstacles in life impose on individuals. There are moments when I feel tightly held by an invisible force, the song articulates a profound yearning for freedom and ease in everyday life. At the end of the song, the idea of turning into wild animals is not seen as bad. Instead, it represents a kind of freedom that goes beyond normal limits, freeing people from the restrictions of real life.

How was the recording and writing process?

Sound design is a big part of my creation process, I use organic sounds like field recordings and electronic sounds from modular synthesizers. The synthesizer’s resonating tones symbolize challenges or obstacles in life, while the field recordings capture the feel of nature or human surroundings. I want a wide variety of sounds so I’ll go outside and record different sounds like the sounds of nature, the city, animals, or a flowing

river. When I come back to my studio, I work on my computer or hardware synthesizer to change these recordings into unique and new sounds that nobody would recognize. These new sounds become the main building blocks for my music, giving me the freedom to create and explore. Starting with the most prominent “instrument” I’ve created, I gradually construct melodies and build upon them, letting the music take shape naturally.

Where did you guys find the inspiration for the song and lyrics?

My composition idea always follows the sound palette, I got inspired from the nature a lot. And the song’s lyrics are inspired by old Chinese poetry, Buddhism, and Taoism, adding deep ancient wisdom to the music. I love the rhythm and beautiful words used in ancient Chinese poetry, as it can express many feelings and images with just a few words. In the lyrics of “Big Hand”, the lines in each paragraph rhyme and have the same amount of words. I found inspiration in the structure of ancient Chinese poetry and applied it to this song. By doing this, I hoped to connect with the deep artistry of those ancient poets, and to infuse my music with a sense of timelessness.

Will you be hitting the road this year?

Just played live at LA in a gallery but I’ll have more coming up performances around the LA area!

What else is happening next in your world?

More music releases for sure! This year I’ll release some original soundtracks that I did for different motion picture projects. And of course songs! I’m planning to release one song per month for my audience and stay tuned!

Links:

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/diipsilence

Recent Release “Big Hand”: https://tr.ee/8xvykALgfu

All social platforms: @diipsilence