YMN Interview- Junkyard Poets

This is an interview we did with Junkyard Poets back in the summer. We just found it now, so enjoy!

How did you guys meet and how did the idea of forming a band come about?

We all went to the same school growing up and just played in different combinations of groups and bands. Peter and I had been in a band together and there was about a year break when I didn’t do anything music related, so I was just getting sick of not playing and wanted to put together a really energetic band.

 

How did you settle on a band name?

The first 2 years of playing we had trash cans on Stage with a second drummer that would just play junkyard percussion. The name was inspired by Tom Waits nickname the Junkyard Poets.

 

What is your favourite thing about performing live?

Just connecting with the fans and having those cool “not apart of the plan” moments. Some of our mistakes have been our most entertaining shows.

 

Do you have a specific process that you go about when writing new songs?

I just sit in front of the computer at my studio and start playing on the keyboard till I have something. Mixing together loops and keyboard patches until I have something I like.

 

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Definitely other bands. We’re all big music enthusiasts of 1930s and up so we really just draw from the classics.

 

What is your favourite song that you have written thus far and why?

Favourite song would have to be You Gotta Love Somebody. We had it on the first album and 2 years later I realized how dissatisfied I was with the lyrics and rewrote the whole thing. Lyrically I’m definitely the most pleased with that song. 

Seeking Empire's New Music Video For "Fairytale"

Check out Seeking Empire's new video for "Fairytale" here:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-V_tBjC9qA&feature=youtu.be

 

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Interview with New Cathedral (Updated)

HOW DID THE BAND MEMBERS MEET?

Chris: The year was 1990 and I was fresh out of the womb. The rest is kind of fuzzy but I know Scott was there. 'Cause, well, he's sort of my brother. As for Ricky and Kersey, at a show I guess.

Kersey: Fate

Scott: We met through various shows and different bands we've been in. My mom introduced me to Chris and since then we've formed this sort of brotherly bond.

Ricky: Wait, you two are brothers? That explains why you look so much alike...


HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON A BAND NAME?

Chris: Ricky actually came up with the idea and we all really liked it.

Scott: Yea, Ricky suggested it and it really fit for what we're doing.

Kersey: Plagiarism

Ricky: You know what? Kersey actually isn't that far off. New Cathedral is the name of a cemetery holding more hall of fame baseball players than any other grave site and, on a more musically relevant note, New Cathedrals (plural) is the name of Anthony Raneri's solo EP. We hope he doesn't mind the reference.


WHERE DO YOU DRAW INSPIRATION FROM?

New Cathedral.

Chris: Basically anything I'm listening to inspires me, and I try my best to incorporate things I come up with while we write new songs.

Kersey: Satin

Scott: I get inspiration from everything. What I'm reading, listening to, or whats goin' on around me.

Ricky: I think Kersey meant Satan, but that's still wrong...Personally I watch a lot of Kung Fu- which inspires me to karate chop my family and speak words that don't match up with the movement of my lips.

Musically I don't think anything has been as inspiring as the freedom we've experienced with this project. When we began we just thought "okay, let's make music the way we want it" and set ourselves free from genres and formulas. The result is a sound that's totally us without our forcing anything- and the positive feedback we've been getting is inspiring all on its own.


WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT PLAYING A LIVE SHOW?

Chris: I would say letting people finally hear what we've been working on and getting their feedback.. hopefully positive feedback.

Scott: Definitely being able to scream and yell for a while and being able to run around like a mad man and ot have everyone think I'm a total nut.

Kersey: Girls

Ricky: I thought a lot about what I should say to answer this question but there really isn't any feeling quite like being on stage. It's pure adrenaline and nerves. You write music you like and put yourself on the line and when people respond positively to your art... I don't know man, it's awesome.


WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR MAJOR INFLUENCES?

Chris: Ever since I was little I've liked watching people play the drums. I grew up watching drummers like Larry Mullen Jr. (U2), Peter Furler (Newsboys), and Ringo Starr and I fell in love with drums. And of course the music I listen to now, which is mainly a lot of Thrice among others.

Scott: Most certainly U2, The Misfits, Danzig, AFI, Interpol, Depeche Mode, and The Cure.

Kersey: Rock-and-Roll

Ricky: MeWithoutYou, As Cities Burn, Beloved, Bayside, Far-Less, Further Seems Forever, AFI. I try not to listen to much when I'm writing though.

WHERE FIND YOUR MUSI? (Typo: Original question: 'Where can people find your music?')

Chris: I'm honestly not sure, but if anyone does find it they can contact me on Facebook and let me know where it is..

Ricky: Musi? Oh man, that's the one Pokemon I never caught...

Kersey: Internet

Ricky: Sorry for taking advantage of the typo, man. Our music is, like Kersey said, on the web. If you go to www.NewCathedralBand.com you can get access to our Twitter, Facebook (www.facebook.com/newcathedralfl), Bandcamp, Instagram, Myspace, Neopets, Xanga, Hot Or Not, you know... All that. Haha


FINALLY IS THERE ANYONE YOU'D LIKE TO GIVE A SHOUT OUT TO?

Kersey: Dave Grohl

Scott: All my people in the barrio.

Ricky: Not that I can think of but we should plug our new EP, Haunted, which will be out soon. Download the first demo from the record, a song called "Three", for free from our Facebook page!


Connect with New Cathedral:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NewCathedralFL

Website: http://www.newcathedralband.com/


Photo Credit: PaperSound Photography

Lily Brooke- A Review

Lily Brooke

 Lily Brooke is a 14 year old singer/pianist from Newcastle, Britain. At such a young age, she has already proved herself in the music industry. She has already developed and recorded several songs that demonstrate both her talent on the piano and vocals that are quite strong and empowering for someone her age. Lily Brooke uses the piano to create the perfect compliment to go with her voice. She has already developed quite the fan base (close to 5,000 Twitter followers) and is gaining new fans every day.

 The first song I heard by Lily Brooke was “Eclipse”, a song that demonstrates her maturity through both the lyrics and mellow melody. Both of these tend to be her strong points and are echoed throughout most of her music. My two personal favourites by Lily Brooke are “As Days Go By” and “Until We Meet Again”. These two songs showcase her true talents vocally and lyrically. It is hard to pinpoint any one thing that she should work on as Lily Brooke is already quite well rounded, something that is generally not seen for someone so young.

 However, there is some room for growth and being such a young artist, this should come naturally with time. As mentioned previously, Lily Brooke has some stunning, powerful vocals that will only continue to be more empowering as her musical career goes on. I look forward to seeing how Lily Brooke’s music continues to evolve. I can easily see her making it big in this business and truly believe she has what it takes to succeed.

Connect With Lily Brooke

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/LilyBrooke13

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/lilybrooke13

Listen to her music: http://soundcloud.com/lilybrooke

Some Bands To Check Out

Just a list of some bands to check out on Twitter, Youtube, iTunes etc.:

Otenki- @otenki

The Maddigans- @TheMaddigans

The Holding- @The_Holding

One Word Away- @OneWordAwayband

Divided By Design- @dividedbydesign

To Paint The Sky- @ToPaintTheSky

Brookline Drive- @BrooklineDrive

The Life I Lead- @TheLifeILead

I recommend these bands, there is a great variety of musical genres here. I encourage you to give them a listen!