Feb 27, 2012 1:26PM
Music video for Double Trouble by Jack & White, from their first EP, Gemini.
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“Want a bite?” Brooke White asks me, holding out a spoon for me take.
She is eating a banana cream pie shake from Sammy’s, a burger joint here in town that has become a haunt of mine since I last posted about it. The shake has a real piece of pie blended into it, and I happily take the spoon from her.
Five hours ago, I didn’t know either Brooke or her bandmate Jack Matranga. Before earlier in the week, I had never heard their duo Jack & White. But now I feel like I’d be comfortable in their company for eons, and have many favorite songs from both of their EP’s.
Five minutes ago, I finally got them all to myself for the second time in the night, the venue clearing out and quieting down around us. We sit on the stage together and I can’t help but marvel at the way a room’s energy changes when the buzzing audience is gone — suddenly we are all just people. She is not Brooke White, the famous former American Idol contestant who gets recognized on the street and whose Google searches bring up everything you could ever want to know. She is just Brooke White, who is 27 weeks pregnant with a currently insatiable appetite and dead tired after her long day. He is not Jack Matranga, Brooke’s talented counterpart who has girls fawning over him and big fame in his future. He is Jack Matranga, who is currently searching in a slight panic for his lost cell phone and packing up gear in the process. And I am not Ashley-Jayne Osborn, independent music journalist who has famous people for friends and connections to Rolling Stone Magazine. Instead, I am Ashley-Jayne Osborn, hard-working and broke college student doing her best to make it in the world with happiness in her hands and some new friends by her side.
We are exactly who we should be.
It is nearly midnight, and Brooke and Jack have had some setbacks today. Their flight was delayed three hours, and as soon as they arrived here in Rexburg, they hit the ground running. They had three events to attend.
They are tired but don’t complain about it once. Rather, they are down-to-earth and radiant. They meet every fan who wants to meet them, taking photo after photo and cracking jokes in the process. Brooke is dazzling, her blonde hair framing her face in a curly mane, and her smile lighting up her whole face. Jack is silly and kind, enthusiastic when meeting each person who comes up to the table and laughing often. They absolutely adore their fans, and it’s completely obvious.
White describes her unexpected musical connection with Matranga to be so instantaneous that they clicked “just like a seatbelt”. The two formed Jack & White a year ago this month, originally getting together to collaborate on a solo album of Brooke’s, and instead discovering how well they play music as a pair. They wrote the song Feathers together (from their first EP Gemini), and fell in love with it. The rest is history.
As for their actual music? White’s smooth soprano harmonizes so richly with Matranga’s sweet tenor that they would be pleasing to listen to if they were just acappella. But couple their voices with both of their wonderful guitar parts as well as the purity of their percussion (as provided by drummer Adam), and you’ve got something truly beautiful on your hands.
They describe themselves as “Self-Everything”, because they are self-recorded, self-mixed, and self-produced. There is no middleman, no bigwig record label. It is just them, in all of their individual glory. It makes sense; especially when you factor in the fact that Matranga is a simple man, preferring to live his life with minimal belongings and maximum amounts of love.
They spent a great deal of their time tonight discussing their newest EP, Winter, whenever they could. It was just released about a month ago and I believe they’re quite right to be proud of it — it’s beautiful, catchy, and robes real-life issues within the magic of their upbeat music. Their first EP, Gemini, was released in August of 2011. It got its name because White and Matranga are both Gemini’s, and although it’s different from Winter, as one would expect… it still has the same qualities. It’s all just lovely.
They are lovely. Really, they are. I could write whole books full of the positive things that I could say about Jack & White. They have not a malicious bone in their body. They do what they do merely because they love it, and can only hope that other people love it too.
I part ways with the pair so honored and happy to have met them.
As I leave Sammy’s, I am showered in hugs and love. Jack hugs me goodbye and speaks to me as though I am now his friend for life — something he seems to naturally do with everyone, but it never wears out. Brooke hugs me tightly goodbye also, letting me know that I’ve now got friends in Los Angeles when I make it out that way. I even get a hug from percussionist Adam, who kept me company earlier in the evening and is just as kind as Jack and Brooke.
I head out into the cold night air with a warm heart, and it is this part of my profession that will never get old. To experience the generosity and genuine intent of others is refreshing every time it happens, and tonight has been no exception.
I hope that one day you, too, will have the opportunity to meet them if you haven’t already, and in the meantime, I hope you’ll listen to their music. You’re in for a treat.
For Jack & White will do nothing but add warmth to your winter and show you the good side of a Gemini.
I promise.
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Jack & White on the web.
Jack & White on Facebook.
Jack & White on iTunes.
Jan 07, 2012 2:34PM
Scott Vance is leading me through a maze.
We are weaving through small rooms and doorways to find somewhere to sit so a mini-interview can begin. Scott and I met officially five minutes before this moment, after I had just seen he and his band — The New Electric Sound— carry out an excellent show at a venue called Sammy’s. Sammy’s is a burger joint and music venue hybrid, famous for their pie and cupcake shakes. It’s the only true music venue in my new tiny college town, and I was more than pleased to discover that the bands that play it are truly on-point. My thirst for good live music is going to be quenched while I’m here, I realized, and it was Scott’s band that made me have that realization.
Scott finally takes me into a very cold room that is storage for food and also an office. It’s bare and unkempt with a desk in one corner, but it’s away from the roar of people and has a couch. It will do just fine.
As we sit down, Scott — who is lead vocals and guitar — admits to me with a smile that this is the only time he’s truly gotten to relax all day. They traveled four hours or so from Provo, Utah to be here tonight… and I think everyone was grateful they came. His comment makes him sound like a seasoned musician to me, but all things considered, he isn’t really. He and his band have only been playing shows together since September.
This is surprising because the band truly is polished. With a groovy surfer-rock sound that is at times almost borderline Buddy Holly, they are quite unique. They still have the grit of rock and roll, with a beat that successfully made me dance, but somewhere underneath it all is swirl of 50’s influence that is sure to put them on the map. They even surprised the audience when one of their songs reached the breakdown and Scott began a fluid rap — this comes from his background in making hip-hop music. All of this together proved to me that they certainly have the potential to shake up the music world.
Not only do they sound fifties-influenced, but they look it too. Most of the members were raised first on a base of jazz, but grew to appreciate the 50’s and 60’s eras. As a result, they’re a mixture of pompadour hairdo’s and thick-rimmed glasses, cardigans over button-up shirts and sharp looking shoes. Their appearance adds to their charming personalities, and overall helps put their music into focus. It’s a good mix.
They’re a charismatic group who shine on stage, with a sound that is greater than they give themselves credit for. They’ve got humor and wit, smiles and shaking hips, and the ability to transport you to another time and place while still keeping you grounded in the present. I’m already a huge fan and absolutely look forward to them progressing. I know they are going to do just that.
Keep an eye out for them, ladies and gentlemen… and in the meantime, lend an ear. (Link below). I can guarantee they’ll get your toes tapping and make the rest of the world melt away. And with our days often full of stress and complications, could you ask for much more than that?
I don’t think so either. Dig in, friends!
The New Electric Sound is:
Scott — Lead vocals and guitar
Tom —Bass
Ben — Lead Guitar
Logan — Keys
Tony the Drummer — Drums, of course!
Eric — Trumpet
They can be found on Facebook here!
May 19, 2011 2:18PM
Y O U R S.
(Photo courtesy of Rodrigo Melgarejo).
It is eight p.m. on a Saturday night, and the sweet smiling faces of the members of the Portland, Oregon band YOURS are filling my vision. Their names are Adam Trachsel and Matthan Minster, and they’re a pair of people anyone could enjoy spending time with. I’m happy to have a piece of their time, and our greetings are warm and casual. Everything you would expect to occur between friends indeed occurs. Except, there is a catch.
Not only is this the first time we’ve spoken on a personal level, but technically, we aren’t really face-to-face. Through the wonders of the internet, I am sitting in a bedroom in Oklahoma and Adam and Matthan are sitting outdoors in Portland, Oregon. And yet, we move on in conversation like it’s the hundredth time we’ve done this. Adam and I have basically been far-away friends for several months now, briefly exchanging emails and sharing joy over our friends in Morning Teleportation. For about that same length of time, I have encouraged everyone I know to listen to YOURS, and it still stuns me that this band hasn’t vastly taken off in the music world. With such quality songwriting and sound, I have found it’s something that surprises a lot of people.
But all good things take time, and the music world has never been easy. These two outta know, too… because they’re braving it all on their own.
“We’re trying to keep things moving. Start touring, continue writing, and making more recordings when we’re ready. It’s hard, because it’s just the two of us trying to figure it all out. But at the same time, it’s interesting to have to do those things and make those decisions. It’s gratifying to have the responsibility,” Adam told me.
May 02, 2011 2:44PM
M I S I O N S.
(From L to R: Josh Arnold, Joel Chan, Jeremy Smith, and Scott Jordan. Photo by www.jcgraphicarts.com).
Imagine sitting in a crowd in which the sounds that come out of the speakers are both hypnotizing and energizing, calming but competent, and simplistic but sincere. It’s music that reaches into your soul, shakes its hand, and warmly says that it’s beyond pleased to meet you.
You would experience this tenfold if you were sitting in the crowd for a Misions show. And this music is a direct copy of the souls of people who make it, too.
So, who are those people, you might be wondering?
They are a band sewn together by four gentlemen: Jeremy Smith, Scott Jordan, Joel Chan, and Josh Arnold. They’re from my neck of the woods (Tulsa), and have some of the purest hearts that I’ve ever encountered. And not just that, but they have some of the purest talent I’ve ever encountered as well. Their true passion for their gorgeous music is evident and strong in all that they do… and it’s infectious! I could feel it while at their show this Saturday night, and even more so during our interview the day before. It was all a blast.
Click “Read More” to below hear all about it!!
Apr 12, 2011 3:45PM
4/10/11 Cain’s Ballroom — Part 2 — CTE + Biffy Clyro; Extra Content
(Part I of this series — which details an exclusive interview with SLEEPER/AGENT — can be read here).
“Hey, did y’all know that everybody poops?”
This is the question of Cage the Elephant’s rhythm guitarist Brad Shultz, who has just come through the open door into the small room where we are sitting, and loudly asked this question. He is holding back his mischievous grin well.
“Girls don’t!” Shouts SLEEPER/AGENT’s Tony Smith, smiling big. “They import it from China.” The rest of the room’s replies are sarcastic to Brad’s question, including my own. I pretend he’s just told me a magnificent secret.
“No really, everybody,” responds Brad confidently. “Animals poop, fish poop.. even worms poop! And do you know what their poop is? DIRT.”
Laughing, I say, “Gross.” (I swear I only said it twice). Brad turns his head in my direction, points at me with raised eyebrows, and says in all seriousness: “Gross is right. That’s a great answer to that question.”
This is a perfect example of the heaps of banter that occur on tour. It’s also a pretty perfect example of the sense of humor that Brad contains. Either way, it was all in great fun. In fact, as expected, Brad was an absolute gentleman to me about a half hour before this. He stepped forth without hesitation to acknowledge my presence by shaking my hand and saying hello upon his first arrival into the room. We talked back and forth about the members of Morning Teleportation, whom we both know (and who are affectionately just called Morning by everyone who knows them) and all the love we each had for them. We exchanged pleasant conversation, and he was just as enjoyable to me as he always has been in the past.
CLICK TO READ MUCH MORE!:
Apr 11, 2011 5:23PM
4/10/11 Cain’s Ballroom — Part 1 — SLEEPER/AGENT
“Why is this wet?” I asked the five fresh faces of Bowling Green, Kentucky band SLEEPER/AGENT. I had just leaned back into a red suede couch that sat in a back room of the venue with the rest of them, only to be met by a huge spot of dampness.
“Oh, that’s sweat, from the members of Biffy Clyro,” says band member Lee “Grizzlee” Williams. A smile plays on his lips.
“Oh. Gross,” is my simple reply. Then all we can do is laugh.
CLICK TO READ MUCH MORE!:
Aug 08, 2010 4:41AM
‘The Return’ of Gooding
“Regrets are tiny heart attacks,” sings the voice of a man coming from my speakers on my drive home. It is just a few minutes shy of 3AM in this moment, but I’m far from complaining. In fact, I am more at ease than I have been for the past three months.
Why? Because I have just left the three gentlemen that never cease to leave my soul silent and satisfied. This is a stretch, since my soul is usually screaming and a bit hectic. They remind me to take a minute to slow down and breathe. They are the same men singing and playing out of my speakers, and I am more than honored to know them well.
They are GOODING, a widescreen rock band from Los Angeles that’s been singing and playing and loving as a group with every fiber of their being for the past ten years. With accomplishments such as over 700 shows in 70 cities and 15 LPs under their belt, as well as over 100 film and TV placements (shows like Nip/Tuck and movies like Walk the Line and Ice Age 2), and even a new film by Wade Hampton that focuses solely on them… you may be just as surprised as I am to not know of them. And not know of them well. Composing and creating music as both a band and just Gooding himself (the lead vox and guitar of this outfit) under their own label, S3 Records, they are doing things the old fashioned way: Work hard, give a little, and then you get a little. It’s an approach I applaud, the way music is supposed to be. While most mainstream music of today takes plenty of hard work, there are still many bands these days that have their world handed to them on a silver platter… and as such, they lose the true heart, soul, and grit it takes to get to a successful point. I imagine the satisfaction and pride that comes from knowing you’ve done it all yourself to get to that point is a much more rewarding experience.
And I can say, as a fan who has known them since I was just eleven years old, it’s been truly rewarding to watch. They play music that is just illuminating. It glows in all that they are and goes right into you. It’s infectious. It’s inspiring. It’s incredible. They have all the things that true rock ‘n roll musicians should, but they’ve got some big hearts to go right along with it. They are the kind of people you just can’t help but want to always be around.
They played this illuminating music for a crowd tonight, in fact… and of course, it was both gritty and gorgeous. It was raw talent, raw music, raw soul. It had what the world has been lacking. Everyone in the room saw it, experienced it, and loved it. After hitting the lower 48 states on their 50 States Tour, they decided to swing back down into the South and say hello. (Playing songs from their newest LP titled The Return.) Even though we waited until midnight to hear them play, it was well worth it. Everyone could agree on that. Gooding sang his heart out and played his guitar like Don Juan played ladies: Skillfully and passionately. Billy played bass like nobody’s business, and even though he was sweaty (thanks to Oklahoma heat) he stayed ever handsome. Jesse played drums with gusto and fervor. It’s a sight and sound that can really only be captured with your ears and eyes… words just don’t do it justice. But please, please, please believe me when I tell you… there’s never been anything like them and there never will be. Their music is every positive and colorful adjective to ever exist. Their personalities are golden, sweet, swooning, and real. They possess qualities that I hope I will possess even a fraction of when I reach full adulthood. They don’t judge, they don’t whine, and they make no bones about what they do. They’re happy here in this never-ending lifestyle, and it shows. It shows in every way it possibly can. And that is the reason I’m showing it to you.
You can follow the links below and get a small fragment of the big things they’re constantly doing. It’ll be worth every click, and every note that comes through your speakers. I wouldn’t put it up here if I didn’t support it and know for a fact that heaps of other people in all of the other states support it too. Prepare to be wowed out, ladies and gentlemen. They’ll leave you feeling and reeling like a starry eyed fool.
http://www.myspace.com/gooding
Jun 26, 2010 8:30PM
[Mild Mild Midwest Tour - June 25th, 2010 - 8:00pm to 12:03am]
Last night while submerged in endless good sounds, a thought came to my mind: “Tyler, Texas has been tucking away all the talent!”
This talent I speak of includes three groups of musicians: Eisley, Christie DuPree, and The Lion & The Sail. I had the opportunity to see and meet with all of them yesterday, and I was blown away. (But then again, I expected nothing less.)
As I’ve mentioned before on my blog, I got to see Eisley back in ‘08. It was a wonderful show, and I remember then when a very nervous and much younger looking Christie DuPree (who is the younger sister of four of Eisley’s members, cousin to the fifth) came out and sang a portion of one of their songs. After that experience, I knew it wouldn’t be long before she emerged from that enchanted forest of Eisley’s and made a name for herself. Two years later, she’s doing this very thing. Just after 8:30 last night, she came out on the stage casually dressed with an acoustic guitar and brother Colin DuPree accompanying her. By 8:33, she had opened her mouth to sing and was wow-ing us all. This was no longer the girl I had witnessed two years ago. This new Christie had come so far, and obviously settled so comfortably into her talent. Her voice was soothing, full, and mature. Her lyrics and instrumentals were warm and refreshingly simple. She was so much like her sisters, but in the same respect, so much her own as well. She engaged the audience in conversation, and sweetly thanked her siblings for taking her out on the tour with them. As she put it, “They certainly didn’t have to.” She even gave me an EP for free after the show, since I’m as broke as a joke. She was just a lovely little thing, with a performance that was truly an enjoyable one, and I just can’t wait to see more of her.
Next came The Lion & The Sail, a seven member band from Tyler, Texas too. The set they played was a bit longer than Christie’s, but it was just as beautiful. With so many members, the layers of sound they produced meshed perfectly, with depth as deep as the ocean and originality as prominent as their personalities. Sister’s Kirsten and Kelsey Belmont are the two stronger vocalists (as well as players of the keys and bells), with guitarist Timothy Baskin singing occasionally as well. Members Austin Cunningham and Jared McFerron (who is dating Kelsey) also play guitar, while members Justin Juno (who simply goes by Juno) and Daniel Lara (who seemed to go by Dan or more affectionately by Dan the Man) play bass and drums.
“Some people tell us we have too many members,” Kirsten told me during our interview. I disagreed. After all, the more the merrier… and as we stood outside in the heat and humidity of the summer night, merry is exactly what they all were and made me feel. Not only were they hilarious and charming, but they were passionate about their music and the tour too. It didn’t take me long to see why Eisley had chosen them to go along for the ride.
They answered my questions in ways that caused us to instantly bond. For instance, when I asked them what inspired them, Kirsten casually answered: “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” To which I enthusiastically replied, “Yes!” My response caused an eruption of laughter and excitement from the whole circle of wonderful people, and we all rather quickly launched into loudly singing The Ballad of Night Man / Day Man, from the musical episode of the series. We bonded in other ways too, such as having some of the same celebrity crushes (a question asked by either Austin or Timothy to the whole group, including myself) like Zooey Deschanel, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Jake Gyllenhaal. They told me stories about how they had built a fort out of mattresses in their hotel room earlier in the day, expressed their love for the restaurant SmashBurger, and had daily pleasures that ranged anywhere from receiving specially made love letters from girlfriends, to comic books, to Circa Survive, to piano, to Jersey Mike’s, to AriZona Green Tea, to Winnie the Pooh, to Gossip Girl, and even just simply (and sweetly) being with each other. We talked about favorite colors, which ranged anywhere from purple and green to the more outrageous like Dirty Fish Tank and the color of the Blue Man Group’s skin. We talked about iPhone’s and movies and everything under the sun. They are wonderful people who make some of the most wonderful music that I’ve heard… and I hope every single one of you has the opportunity to hear them and meet them sometime in your life.
Last but not least to perform was Eisley, who were just as lovely this time as they were in ‘08. Despite the fact that they had driven all night and had problems with lighting and instruments while on stage, the band pressed forward, never ceasing to deliver their whimsical and winsome music. Each song was perfectly performed, including a new one which had never been played before. A really romantic happening was even included in the evening. Just before Eisley played Lost At Sea they dedicated it to a girl named Ally Matthews, and then asked her to turn around before they began playing. When she did, there was her beau on bended knee, to whom she promptly said “Yes!” to and had the ring slipped on her finger. Eisley tweeted later that they were all fighting back tears during the song, since it’s her favorite and the lyrics went just perfectly with the proposal. I think the whole crowd was doing the same. They ended the show with their heartfelt and heavy song Ambulance, which brought everything to a lovely close. I met everyone but Stacy during the interview later, and though tired, everyone was very friendly.
Not much was missing from last night, ladies and gentlemen. I hope that you won’t ever have to miss hearing all of these people for yourselves…. I can’t praise them enough. So if they ever come dazzling through your town, grab a ticket and a friend and get going. And if, most unfortunately, they never do… then don’t hesitate to click on over to their MySpace and give ‘em a listen. Maybe even go to their online stores and buy a CD. I can promise that they’ll leave you feeling some pretty marvelous things. ;)
xxoo
May 31, 2010 11:59PM
Interview with Jeremy Michael Smith of the band Misions.
I have met some pretty remarkable people in my lifetime so far. Remarkable as in, when you first meet them, they radiate the ability to make a difference. They are the kind of people who have true hearts, genuine intentions, and make good impressions simply by being themselves. I hope we have all encountered at least one of these people in our lives. Because finding them now, it seems, has become a rarity. I search for them high and low, and unfortunately, am often disappointed. As our world melts away, it seems that these rare breed of human beings are going right along with it.
But Jeremy Michael Smith, who is the lead vocalist and pianist for a heartfelt and good-vibe filled Alternative band called Misions, proved me wrong today. For this kind of a person was alive and well in everything he was.
Stepping through my front door and walking with me into the living room, he settled himself on a chair, ready to listen and tell. He was happy and smiling, despite the fact that he had to drive an hour and a half to get to where I was. And he answered my questions like a champ, even though he had never seen or heard them before. I don’t think I could have asked for a better musician to interview.
“You make life easy,” I told him with a laugh as he launched into answering my first question. Hesitation wasn’t a trait that was apparent in him.
I had asked, “How did you get your start in music?”
Making eye contact, he answered: “Well, I played a song on guitar in a talent show during my younger days of school. It went terribly. That was when I realized guitar wasn’t for me and started on piano —- keyboard, to be exact. I got the keyboard from my brother during my Freshman year of high school. I’ve played ever since.”
Next I asked, “Who or what inspires you?”
He thought for a moment before telling me, “People who don’t believe in me are my inspiration. They push me that much more to persue what I’m doing and to prove them wrong.” That answer impressed me. After taking it in, I asked him to tell me a little about himself. “I’m twenty, twenty-one in October. I push myself a lot and have a tendency to pick myself apart at times.. but only because I think that you lose who you truly are when you allow yourself to become boastful, rather than try to improve. I’m easy to get along with but hard to understand. And I dislike people who say they are something or someone but don’t live up to that,” he replied with sureness.
Again, impressive.
The answer he gave me when I asked about his hopes for the future was both lighthearted and honestly romantic. “Hmm… my hopes for the future,” he began. “I want to be able to live out music to its fullest ability, and I want a significant other to share that with. I want to play in Japan and win a Grammy. I want to start a family, whether that is with my own child or an adopted one. And I want to find and be with the woman I love, whether that happens in three months or in three years.” Impressive, yet again. I told you he was a champ at answering my questions, didn’t I? :)
We came to a close with questions that required answers that were less heavy. But I know they still weren’t easy for him to answer.
“Favorite bands?” I asked.
“Oh, man. Well… I guess I’ll just name who I’ve been listening to a lot lately. Bloc Party, Copeland, Coldplay, Daphne Loves Derby, Incubus, Circa Survive, Paper Route, mewithoutyou, Deas Vail, and Lakes.”
“Good choices,” I said. “And if you had to pick one song that described your life, what would it be?”
After some major thinking, and help from his friend Phil, he finally answered: “Moses by Coldplay.”
And last but not least I asked, “If you knew the whole world was listening, what would you say?”
Half-playfully and half-serious, he answered with a smile, “Check out Misions. We’re the best average band in the world. And I mean that in the most tame and selfless way it can be said.”
Selfless or not, you heard the man. :) Check out Misions —- whose new album titled Soft Explosions comes out June 25th —- for yourself. They will provide you with a sound that is easily related to and warm. Jeremy’s music is a perfect reflection of the honest and pure soul he contains; It is an expression of the emotions that are within each of us. Prepare to be presented with music that may as well be the story to some portion of your life, because I have no doubt that this is what you will find. Listen, thoroughly enjoy, and let it release your inner nostalgia.
Misions: http://www.myspace.com/misions
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