mamalenz

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Continental Wednesdays 🎸✨ @williamharriesgraham ⚡ #continentalclub #wednesday #livemusic #new #music #austin #texas (at The Continental Club)

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FOXYGEN - DALLAS, TX - 4.13.2017

FOXYGEN - DALLAS, TX - 4.13.2017

By: Sloane Lenz

This past Thursday night I was lucky enough to be able to catch Foxygen’s show in Dallas as they make their way through Texas on tour supporting their new record Hang. I’ve been a fan of their’s for years, and was never able to catch them live, so this gig was extra special for me. Gabriella Cohen opened the night and really caught the attention of the room. She and her band are solid, and she provides a lovely mix of sweet vocals and salty guitar riffs. They got the room ready, and definitely left the audience wanting more. When she announced they had three songs left, the crowd erupted in a chorus of objection. The red velvet curtain closed on her set and after a moment for the stage to be reset, they opened again and the lights went down. The band made their way on stage, horn section and all, and after a few measures of intro frontman Sam France entered like a superstar. He rocked three outfits within their hour and a half (give or take) set, and he and backup vocalist Jackie Cohen would make theatrical exits and entrances with each new look. Sam’s energy was unparalleled. Evoking the spirit of Iggy Pop at points, and a washed up Hollywood producer (in all the best ways) at others, you sort of felt this story unfold before you. Jonathan Rado killed it on the keys, and rocked a few major guitar solos as well throughout the night. There was dancing, glitter, and everything I possibly could have hopped for out of a Foxygen show. The horns and full band made for a really rich sound, and added to the live theatre feel of it all. They made you feel a part of the action, Sam standing as close to the edge of the stage as possible, brushing you with his mic cord and occasionally shaking sweat onto those who could be so lucky. They made it feel like you were watching something really special. I’m in love with the new album, and highly recommend checking them out live too while they make their way around on tour. They’re really somthin’ else.

Check out my photos from the show here below…

[mamalenz]

THE LEMON TWIGS: AUSTIN + HOUSTON, TEXAS- 2.14.2017 + 2.15.2017-

THE LEMON TWIGS: AUSTIN + HOUSTON, TEXAS- 2.14.2017 + 2.15.2017-

By: Sloane Lenz

This past week I had the total pleasure of experiencing a few of The Lemon Twigs’ gigs as they made their way through Texas on tour supporting their debut album Do Hollywood, which dropped late last year. By far one of my favorite bands out there, it’s been so exciting to see all the universe has thrown their way over the last couple years. Having toured all over the globe, and recently hitting up a slew of the major late night shows, they’re exploding in all the best ways. Their first Austin performance was an intimate in-store set at the legendary Waterloo Records. They played a few songs from the album, as well as some fun covers, including a perfectly executed Bee Gees tune. The next night they played to a sold out crowd downstairs at Stubb’s, and I’m not sure the audience could have been more excited. It was an absolutely killer set, and by the last song people were just begging for more. With brothers Brian and Michael D’Addario switching out on drums and lead vocals/guitar, Megan Zeankowski on bass, and Danny Ayala on keyboard, they’re solid as a rock. They played a selection of tracks from Do Hollywood, as well as some unreleased tracks that will come out as in EP in June. People were buzzing with excitement, and you really felt like you were experiencing something special. Michael was rocking some stellar, vintage lightning bolt boots, which only made it all the more amazing. 

Wednesday they hit Houston as their last Texas gig, and played at the recently constructed White Oak Music Hall. An equally stellar show, full of energy and lots of high kicks. As the perfect intro into their track These Words, they brought a woman on stage from the audience to “sing along”, then her boyfriend surprised her and proposed on stage. People were hyped and really were entranced by the music. Their onstage energy is something you don’t come across everyday, and their blend of theatrics and witty banter just adds to the overall experience. 

They’re truly something special, and I can’t even imagine all that the world holds for them in the near future. If you haven’t caught them live, I highly recommend doing so. They’ll be making their way back through Austin for SXSW, as well as touring all over before and after, so check out their website for tour dates and ticket info. 

Check out some of my shots from Tuesday and Wednesday night below…

[mamalenz]

My coverage from @thelemontwigs ’ Austin and Houston gigs just went up on ALLUMER 📸✨🎶 Check it out here: http://pour-allumer.tumblr.com/post/157489252738/the-lemon-twigs-austin-houston-texas ✨ . . . . . #TheLemonTwigs #livemusic #coverage #blog #rockandroll #photography #austin #houston #texas #musicnews #ALLUMER

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INTERVIEW: FLETCHER SHEARS

INTERVIEW: FLETCHER SHEARS 

by: Felix Lenz

     Fletcher Shears hails from Orange County and is one half of the amazing duo The Garden in addition to the being the wizard behind Puzzle. When listening to Puzzle you’ll find yourself transported to many worlds, some made of light and sensitivity while others, at times feel a bit darker. One thing that flows through all the tracks from Puzzle, with their dreamy soundscapes and strong beats, is an endless open-mindedness and acceptance. We recently got a chance to catch up with Fletcher and discuss the new album ‘Laying In The Sand’ and a bit about his process and inspiration. Check out the full interview below:

-Interview-

Felix: “Tell us a little bit about Puzzle… What’s the message or feeling you’re hoping to convey when people listen to your music?”

Fletcher: “I’ve always been honest in the music I make and it’s always about something. Whether it’s about my personal life, relationships, the world or whatever - it’s always about something. But i feel like I code things too much sometimes, and it becomes less relatable and people who listen rarely ever figure out what I’m saying or the “message” behind it. So, I’ve been working on making the honesty more visible.” Felix: “When did you first start making music? Has it always been something that’s interested you?”

Fletcher: “I started toying with music around the age of 13 or 14. Music was a big thing for me for the first 3 years of playing it when I was young - then it was kind of “nothing” for a couple of years, then when I got into high school, I think the fire lit up for good. It was hard to stay interested at first, when there wasn’t much support as a young kid. I think after awhile though that just didn’t matter anymore.” Felix: “Your latest album 'Laying In The Sand’ Was just released on Bandcamp as well as SoundCloud and will be on iTunes and Spotify soon. Where did the inspiration come from for this new album?”

Fletcher: “Mmm, it doesn’t really come from one thing, and I didn’t sit down and write the album during one period of time with a specific goal in mind. It was written a little over a year’s time span, and when a full year goes by, a lot happens, and you see a lot, and feel a lot.I sort of just let that come out in the writing.”

Felix: “Musically, who (or what) would you say are some of your biggest influences?”

Fletcher: “For Puzzle, I really just try to not think about anything. I just sit down and play stuff, and when I start thinking, that’s when I start not liking it.” Felix: “If you could collaborate with anyone, dead or alive, who would they be?”

Fletcher: “I don’t know, I don’t really think about that sorta thing to be honest. It just depends.. I’m open to trying things with anyone. It just has to be the right song / scenario.”

Felix: “Is there a song or band that you’re listening to on repeat right now?”

Fletcher: “Not really, i just listen to an array of different music on a playlist.”

Felix: “For Puzzle, you record everything yourself right? What’s the process like?”

Fletcher: “Yeah, I do everything on my own. Mm, it’s a pretty boring process to be honest. 

1. Get keyboard

2. Get computer 

3. Plug chords in

4. Make something”

Felix: “If you had to describe your sound in three words, what would they be?”

Fletcher: “Sounds - I - Like”

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Get the new album Here

↓Keep up with Fletcher, Puzzle, and The Garden↓

Twitter: 

Instagram: 

https://thegardentwins.com 

[mamalenz]

INTERVIEW: GIANNI AIELLO - NAKED GIANTS

INTERVIEW: GIANNI AIELLO - NAKED GIANTS

By: Sloane Lenz

Hailing from Seattle comes three piece psych-punk trio Naked Giants. Comprised of bassist and vocalist Gianni Aiello, guitarist and vocalist Grant Mullen, and drummer Henry LaVallee, they come together to create a sound very much their own. Pulling influence between them from the Talking Heads to Frank Zappa, their sound reflects each of their angles, while coming together into what is Naked Giants. The guys released their six track EP titled R.I.P last month, and have been on the road supporting Car Seat Headrest on their fall tour. I caught their set in Dallas last week and was totally blown away by their unique brand of blistering performance. They rocked so hard they literally broke a string in the first song. The crowd ate it up. Tracks like Pyramids and TV are infectious, really they all are and I can’t wait to hear more from these guys. I had the chance to catch up with Gianni and get the scoop on how to band came together, what their process is like, and what we can expect next. Check out the full interview below…

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-INTERVIEW-

Sloane: “How was Naked Giants born? Have you guys known each other a long time?”

Gianni: “Grant was born first, and then Henry and then myself. Grant and Henry went to preschool together but had a falling out and didn’t start making music together until late teenage years. I was in a different band at the time, and we played a show together and met there. The rest is history and mystery.” 

Sloane: “Have you always been interested in music? Or do you remember when you decided that was something you wanted to pursue?”

Gianni: “We all really picked up on music in our early teens. I guess from there we each realized that there that there was no going back to a non-music life - it’s like a weird whirlpool in that way.” 

Sloane: “What’s the story behind the name?”

Gianni: “Henry thought of the name - his big brother has a habit of walking around the house in nothing but his unders, and Henry decided he looked like a naked giant. It’s also rumored to mean something about being comfortable in your own skin, confident in your vulnerabilities, but I believe it’s mostly the underwear thing.”  

Sloane: “You guys have been described as ‘psychedelic punk’, what would you say some of you biggest influences are sound wise?”

Gianni: “We all have kind of different influences which bring us all together. Some common ones are late 60’s/early 70’s bands like Velvet Underground, the Jimi Hendrix Experience, the Who and the like. But our personal tastes go from Talking Heads to Creedence to Zappa to Diablo sauce from Taco Bell.”

Sloane: “You’ve done a bit of touring recently, including currently supporting Car Seat Headrest on their fall tour. How do you like life on the road? Is that something you guys hope to do more of?”

Gianni: “Touring is really awesome - we’re trying to do as much as possible and play everywhere. We meet tons of interesting people wherever we go. So many people have been very generous in letting us sleep at their houses. We’re probably eating way too much fast food but we try to work it off on stage as much as possible.” 

Sloane: “What is your writing and recording process like?” 

Gianni: “Our writing process is a team effort. One of us will come up with some kind of musical idea or a concept for a song or something, and we’ll all just get together and play whatever comes out naturally, then keep playing it over and over again until it sticks in our heads. We really thrive on playing live shows but we’re working on recording some big concept albums as we putter along. Right when we get back home we’re going to go into the studio and try to bust out some demos…”

Sloane: “Do you have a favorite show or standout memory from being on the road that you can tell us about?”

Gianni: “Our first show of the tour was on Halloween in Boulder. Playing in costume was a pretty fun experience, but i suppose we’re all in costume a lot of the time. After the show we got to stay over at a friend’s house and watch the Rutles and play Super Smash Bros, so that was a really nice way to start the tour.” 

Sloane: “If you weren’t a musician, what would your dream job be?”

Gianni: “We would probably all move out to one of the San Juan islands in Washington and open a handcrafted soap and candle store. 9. Each of us has a different one - Henry has had the dream of playing the Yeti stage at Sasquatch for years. Grant wants to play Iceland Airwaves festival. I would be really into playing a show in virtual reality.” 

Sloane: “What’s the number one venue or festival that you guys hope to play one day?”

Gianni: “Each of us has a different one - Henry has had the dream of playing the Yeti stage at Sasquatch for years. Grant wants to play Iceland Airwaves festival. I would be really into playing a show in virtual reality.” 

Sloane: “What can we expect to hear coming from you guys in the near future? Any new music or shows you can tell us about?”

Gianni: “We have a music video that’s gonna come out pretty soon after we get back from tour - we made this one ourselves and are pretty excited about it. We’re also working on a big concept album and an associated tour and a short film to go along with it. We still have lots to do but we’ve got some good ideas floating around.”

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Check out this live performance of Ya Ya from October here:

And keep up with the guys on their FaceBook here:

https://www.facebook.com/NKDGNTS/

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Photo Credit: Anissa Amalia

[mamalenz]

First new song in over two years from Vancouver Sleep Clinic and it was totally worth the wait. Check out ‘Lung’ here…

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The Lemon Twigs - Irving Plaza - NYC - 9.28.16

The Lemon Twigs - Irving Plaza - NYC - 9.28.16

By: Sloane Lenz

This past week while on the East Coast I was able to catch The Lemon Twigs’ set during the 4AD label showcase at Irving Plaza. I interviewed the guys back in 2014 after watching a live video from when they played Webster Hall supporting Foxygen in NYC. I was in love with their sound a couldn’t wait to hear what was coming next. Since then, they’ve recorded their forthcoming album titled ‘Do Hollywood’, which is set for release on Oct. 14th. I was in the city for a few days and was so excited to hear of the gig and was able to attend. Having just been away in Europe for a stint of gigs, as well as making their television debut this past Monday on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the band was on it to say the least. The set was stellar from beginning to end, and there wasn’t a dull moment throughout. It was like seeing a legend like The New York Dolls or The Stooges when they were just starting out and brimming with energy. Like time traveling backwards and forwards all at once. All four members are so in sync, and the audience was eating it up. So wonderfully authentic and full of raw energy. Encompassing all the wonderful theatrics of early 70′s glam rock, and blending it with something completely their own, The Lemon Twigs are a force to recon with, kicking, jumping, and climbing their way around the stage. Definitely one of my favorite shows of the year. I’ve had ‘Do Hollywood’ spinning on repeat all day, and definitely recommend checking it out as soon as it releases. They’ll be touring around a bunch in the coming months, including a date in L.A. and several in Europe this November. Can’t wait to see what’s next. Check out some of my shots from the show here…

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Keep up with The Lemon Twigs on their FaceBook here: https://www.facebook.com/TheLemonTwigs

And pre-order ‘Do Hollywood’ here: http://smarturl.it/DoHollywood

[mamalenz]

NOW PLAYING: THE GARDEN - CALIFORNIA HERE WE GO

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Jake Bugg - Terminal 5 - NYC - 9.27.16

Jake Bugg - Terminal 5 - NYC - 9.27.16

By: Sloane Lenz

After the release of his third studio album, On My One, Jake Bugg has been touring all over in support. I’ve been a fan of Jake’s since I first heard him on Jools Holland back in 2012, and watching him grow and evolve his sound over the last 4 years has been amazing. His self titled first album is such a wonderful collection of raw, more acoustic tracks, each one telling a story and taking you into his world a bit of where he grew up and came into his own. Shangri La, his second release, which was produced by the legendary Rick Rubin, boasts a slightly different sound, drifting into a bit of electricity and a fuller feel overall. On My One is sort of a blend of them both. Each track is distinctly different, and vary from solo acoustic, to electro pop, to rap. Produced heavily by Jake himself, you can feel a sense of freedom and experimentation into different sounds. I personally love the album, and really enjoy seeing how he chooses to express himself. I was in New York last week and happened to catch his set at Terminal 5 while I was there. The line before the show stretched all the way down the block, and excitement was high to hear some of the new material live and in person. The lights went down and Jake walked out alone with his guitar. “I’m just going to play a few acoustic songs first if that’s ok…”, the crowd went wild. He played through the title track from the new record, as well as some older favorites like Song About Love and Broken. The rest of the band eventually joined him, and on went the show. His presence on stage was huge, and he made a comment about how someone recently told him he needed to talk to the audience more. The whole set was flawless, and his voice was as stellar as ever. Ending on Lightning Bolt, the vibe was high as the show wrapped up. He seemed to really have fun on stage, and the audience definitely was all in. I’m so glad I was able to catch his set, and I’m always looking forward to what’s coming next from him. Check out a few of my shots from the night below…

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[mamalenz]

The Lemon Twigs’ debut album, ‘Do Hollywood’, is out today! We’ve been spinning this record on repeat for the last couple weeks and still can’t get enough. Definitely one of our favorite albums of the year.

Get it here:

http://smarturl.it/DoHollywood

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The Last Shadow Puppets covering Leonard Cohen’s ‘Is This What You Wanted’, from their upcoming ’ The Dream Synopsis EP’, which you can pre-order on vinyl here: http://tlsp.dominomart.com/the-dream-synopsis-12-ep

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Rockin’ new video for The Growlers’ ‘I’ll Be Around’…

[mamalenz]

New video from Foxygen out today! Their upcoming record ‘Hang’ drops January 20th, so pre-order it now here: https://www.secretlystore.com//hang-foxygen?lf=cfde54d82b0bfd707aeb41fa97ba4049

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THE GARDEN - SAN ANTONIO + AUSTIN, TEXAS - 10.28.16 + 10.29.16-

THE GARDEN - SAN ANTONIO + AUSTIN, TEXAS - 10.28.16 + 10.29.16-

By: Sloane Lenz

Last week I was lucky enough to catch wonder twin duo The Garden on two of their stops in Texas while on their Big Shot Jackpot USA tour. Friday night was actually their birthday, so the crowd at Paper Tiger in San Antonio was prepped and ready, equipped with party hats and noise makers. They went on around 10:30, and immediately took control of the room, both evoking joker/mime vibes in their face paint and Wyatt in a bright red beret. After a short sound check, they wasted no time diving straight into their set, complete with barking dog sound effects and all. Like snake charmers they entranced the room with their sounds, looping everyone into their world. The floor quickly grew into a mosh pit, and lasted until their very last song. So playful yet so serious, the guys jumped around and stage dove into the crowd. Saturday in Austin was just as high energy, and both sets were flawless. Their unique blend of punk energy creating their world of Vada Vada is hypnotic to experience, and makes you wish they played every night in your city. They work the space, and infuse the air with their energy. I highly recommend checking them out if they’re stopping in a town near you, it’s definitely a live show like no other… 

Here’s a list of their upcoming tour dates:

http://www.thegardenvadavada.com/tour-dates

Check out some of my shots from both nights below.

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[mamalenz]

@thelemontwigs you guys are everything ✨🎸⭐️🎶 Beyond dreamy 💛 Thanks for absolutely killing it tonight 💥 @michaelhdaddario @brianpauldaddario #TheLemonTwigs #rockandroll #magic #perfection #NYC #NewYork @4ad @irvingplaza (at Irving Plaza)

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Happy October 🎃🌙✨ @sir_felix_ and I were asked to style some fun Halloween costume ideas for @austingoodwill ’s blog last month, and we had a blast piecing together the looks 👻🖥 Thanks @thetruefilmaddict for documenting the process, and writing up the piece to accompany our picks 📸 We always love any excuse to go treasure hunting ⚡️ Check out the piece on their blog here: https://www.goodwillcentraltexas.org/blog/post/easy-diy-costumes ✨ #Goodwill #Austin #Texas #GWFinds #treasure #hunt #Halloween #costume #ideas #fun #popculture #thrifting #thebest