BAND OF THE MONTH: WOODLOCK ♡

PLEASE EXCUSE MY LACK OF PROFESSIONALISM IN THIS POST BUT I SERIOUSLY CANNOT CONTAIN MY EXCITEMENT! Woodlock was the first band I saw busking in Pitt St. and they're also my favorite. Their sound is a mix between Jack Johnson, Bon Iver, Native Roses (Synergy's band of the month for July), and Ed Sheeran - aka four of my favorite musicians. Put them together and you get Woodlock. I'm pretty convinced these boys were sent from Heaven; their harps replaced by guitars and whatnot. I'm also sure they can play anything. I mean, they're the only band I know that uses an ocarina.

Zech Walters

I remember the fight or flight feeling I got as I approached Eze to ask if we could feature them here. I was beyond nervous when I asked for their contact number (purely professional, mind you), but I'm thankful my awkwardness did not get in the way of things.

Like Everything After and JackManFriday, I had purchased Woodlock's EP and had them sign it. I was itching to listen to their songs as soon as they handed it to me. I can tell you one thing - they did not disappoint. Every single song was fantastic. My personal favorites are Heartbreak Kid, Lemons, and Stow Away (although it's not in their EP, I heard them play it live). You can listen to them below.

  I also did a bit of snooping around YouTube and found more of their original songs and covers. You have to listen to them. I know it's a lot, but it's worth it! You can read their answers while listening. :)

1. Tell us about your band.

We are just a group of friends who enjoy playing music, We wanted to travel and see whats out there and this is how we support ourselves. 

2. How did you start?

We started busking to raise for an orphanage that our church funds. We then went to Africa and played together there as part of a missions trip. About half a year after that we were all talking about a roadtrip, wondering how we were going to make our money we thought "Busk!" and thats how we started.

3. How did you come up with the name?

We were called "Woodlock Winds" after a song we wrote long before we were a band, but we couldn't help but relate the name to "flatulence in a forest" so we just shortened it to Woodlock.

4. How would you describe your sound?

Somewhere between indie, pop and acoustic alternative.

5. Who is/are your musical inspiration/s?

We all bring in our own inspirations, but major ones are Coldplay, Georgia Fair, John Mayer, The Beatles & The Paper Kites, just to name a few.

6. Why did you choose to go into the music industry?

We didn't really choose, we started off doing this just to support us having fun, and we enjoy it so much its hard not to give it a go, I guess you could say its our dream job.

7. What makes you different from all the other musicians?
Zech and Eze Are brothers they've been singing together their Whole lives and it shows when they sing together, I don't think its different but it does create something special.

8. Tips for aspiring musicians?

Give it everything.



9. Name at least one musician you'd like to work with in the future. 

Chris Martin, Bon Iver or Kanye West.

And that's it! :) If you liked Woodlock, please support them by liking their page, subscribing to them on YouTube, following them on Twitter, and sharing them to your friends. Thanks!

FEATURED: JackManFriday ♡

Another one of the musicians I had a pleasure of meeting at Pitt Street is JackManFriday - a solo act. I remember thinking he looked like the Harries twins from afar (but it could also be because of my awful eyesight), and that up close, he was reminiscent of John O'Callaghan. Like I said in the post about Everything After, I was slightly nervous to approach Jack and ask if I could feature him on here, but all my fears washed away when he smiled and agreed.

with my sister

If you're into acoustics, then JackManFriday is the one for you. I've never heard anything quite like his music; it's unique and I mean it in the best way possible. It's, for a lack of a better word, funky. Some of his songs don't have vocals, such as Senses, but it's honestly so wonderful. Lyrics aren't needed to express the emotions he was willing to convey through his music. Isn't that exactly what a good musician is?

I also had him sign the CD I had purchased from him, because I'm cool like that. There is a short clip of him at the end of this post saying something, but I don't intend to spoil it so check it out once you're done reading his answers!

Check out his awesome cover of Little Lion Man! I love his side comments. The drummer (I'm afraid I don't know his name) is equally as talented too. I love how amazing their version sounds despite using unconventional (if you could call it that) instruments. They have music in their veins, man...


"Look, ma, no hands!"

1. Tell us about yourself/your band/group.
It's basically a solo act, plus other musicians on occasion. A very talented drummer is joining me in March to create something really special.

2. How did you start?
I started playing around the age of 12 and when I left school busking seemed a natural progression. Now I'm trying to branch into being an artist who busks rather than a busker who tries to be an artist.

3. How did you come up with the name?
The name is a bit of a boring story, but in a nutshell, Dad used to call me Jack Man, and in Robinson Crusoe, the character "Man Friday" a native/slave (bad vibes) is sort of a butler. Since I play a lot of John Butler's music, that stuck.

4. How would you describe your sound?
The sound I'm aiming to polish off is a bit like if you mixed John Butler, Dub FX, Jarle Bernhoft and some trippy guitar a la Australian Indie.

5. Who is/are your musical inspiration/s?
Musical? Butler, Muse, those artists I listed above, bit of english rock/alternative like say the Kooks, all the obligatory Pixies, ramones, Stones, the Who, etc. A lot of that music that sort of started underground/indie, and moved to mainstream, like Newton Faulkner, that kind of stuff. Him and Muse have kind of gone a bit off course if you ask me, but anyway! Massive tangent there.

6. What makes you different from all the other musicians?
Nothing really differentiates me other than that I don't think I'm going to stick to one genre, I like too many to do that. I'll probably blend some together but I think I'll end up putting my foot in quite a few over the years.

7. Tips for aspiring musicians?
Aspiring musicians.. Do something you enjoy, don't do something because other people will like it, and especially don't stop because people don't like the genre, you'll have people on both sides of the fence, but if you bend to everyone else, you won't enjoy it, your audience will see through you and they won't enjoy it. Respect your audience by respecting yourself.

8. Name at least one musician you'd like to work with in the future.
I'd love to work with Dub FX to be honest, he's a recent obsession and I had the priviledge of sharing a stage (made of crates, but anyway) with him. I think it'd be cool to play guitar on something of his or have him rhyme/loop into something I'm doing. I have a lot of ideas for that but it might be just a bit further down the track!

Check out that crowd! There were so much more people when I met him. It was absolutely brilliant! I loved how so many people in Australia were supporting local artists. It's something I think we Filipinos should learn.

My favorite song of his has got to be Senses. I've already explained why earlier on this post, but just in case you missed it - the reason I love the song so much is because it did not need lyrics to convey emotions. The melody was enough to make you feel the emotion and raw talent that JackManFriday has.

If you liked Jack, please do support him by buying his EP ($5 AUD which is approx. 200php), liking his Facebook page, and subscribing to him on YouTube. Cheers!

FEATURED: Everything After ♡

While I was in Sydney, I happened to pass by a couple of musicians busking in Pitt Street (if I'm not mistaken). One of them being Everything After, an Indie/Folk/Pop duo comprised of Jordan and James, two 18 year old boys from the Central Coast of New South Wales. 

with my (obviously excited) sister

The first thing I thought of when I saw them was to ask if I could feature them on here, despite my fear of them laughing in my face and walking away. Jordan and James turned out to be really lovely (thank God!) and I was able to film a short video of them for Synergy. The interview, however, was conducted through Facebook as I had to leave shortly after.

Everything After with JackMan Friday

Their music reminds me a lot of Mumford & Sons'; it's the kind you'd expect to hear in music festivals such as Coachella. Their songs are fun (All The Dreaming is the best) and perfect for those summer montage videos I personally love making. They're worth a listen, so I highly suggest you give them a chance.  I'm very picky when it comes to the music I listen to, so trust me when I say Everything After is amazing. They're a breath of fresh air from all the mainstream pop music. 

They're actually too cute for my life...

Before I show you guys their answers, check out their cover of Mr. Brightside by the Killers. :)

1. Tell us about yourself/your band/group.
We're a band called Everything After and we've been together for about a year. We play Indie/Folk/Pop music and do a lot of busking in Sydney's Pitt St Mall. We're 18 years old.

2. How did you start?
We started playing guitar together at school and then 5 years later started being a band:)

3. How did you come up with the name?
Stole it from a Counting Crows album:)

4. How would you describe your sound?
IndieFolkPop

5. Who is/are your musical inspiration/s?We haven been heavily influenced by bands like Mumford and Sons and Boy and Bear as well as others like Ben Howard, Counting Crows and many many more that I can't think of.

6. Why did you choose to go into the music industry?We both love playing music and we kind of just found ourselves there because of that

7. What makes you different from all the other musicians?I don't think we are that different from other musicians, we have our own unique sound and we will do absolutely anything to be the best we can be but I think all musicians do the same.

performing with Woodlock

8. Tips for aspiring musicians?
If you love making and playing music then there should be nothing to stop you from doing it the way you want to:)

9. Name at least one musician you'd like to work with in the future. 
Mumford & Sons

10. Anything else?
Thanks for having us:)

Aren't they just the cutest? I also had them sign their EP which I had bought from them because I'm sorta kinda a fangirl like that... If you would like to hear more of Everything After, I highly suggest you like their Facebook page and subscribe to their Youtube channel. They also have twitter! Please do support them. They deserve all the attention they get and more. :) And to Jordan and James, if you're reading this - keep making brilliant music and we'll always be here supporting you. :) 

PLAYLISTS: Australia ♡

Last September 24, my family and I (excluding my brother, who was prohibited from travelling by his doctor) went on a trip to Australia for 2 weeks. We spent about four days in each state (is that what they call it there?) we visited; namely Gold Coast, Sydney, and Melbourne (which I loved the most). My iPhone was rendered useless since I couldn't call or text anyone, so I used it as an iPod for the whole trip. The songs included in this playlist (although I did not include some of them in the zip file so that you guys will have to buy the songs yourselves to support the artist. I did, however, include a link to where you can listen to the songs online) were the songs I listened to on repeat during the entire trip.

While we were in Sydney, I came across three bands performing in the streets and I just about fell in love with their music. I bought their EPs and had it signed by them, and later asked if I could feature them on here (I have legitimately asked one of the band members for their number so I could contact them using my mom's phone later that day... Guts). I'm currently working on it so sit tight! :) Anyway, without further ado, here are the songs!

1. Wild Ones - Flo Rida ft. Sia
2. Stuck On You - Meiko
3. Anything Could Happen - Ellie Goulding
4. You're Mine - Maybe Next Summer
5. Forever & Always - Parachute
6. Stow Away - Woodlock
7. Smile Like I Used To - Everything After
8. Lemons - Woodlock
9. Heartbreak Kid - Woodlock (download it here!)
10. U.R.A. Fever - The Kills
11. Hell Is Round The Corner - Tricky
12. Never Gonna Give You Up - The Black Keys
13. E-Pro - Beck
14. Strange Times - The Black Keys
15. Cheap and Cheerful - The Kills

DOWNLOAD

Also, please like the pages of the bands I've met and support them! :)

WOODLOCK | EVERYTHING AFTER | JACKMAN FRIDAY

MONTHLY PLAYLIST: August

Download 

Time for the monthly playlist! This month's theme is house music, or party music as we know it generally. Whether you're at a club/party with a bunch of friends, or feeling like taking your mind off of stress by blasting on some music that you can dance to, I feel like this is the perfect playlist for you. Just some of my favorite party songs that will make you feel alive even at the break of dawn. Don't forget to support the singers by buying or downloading their music. Get ready to dance the night away!

(Warning: some tracks may include explicit language)

MUSIC: Overexposed by Maroon 5 ☮

Overexposed by Maroon 5 has been "overplayed" in my house ever since I could get my hands on it. I've always been an avid fan of Maroon 5 since Songs About Jane first came out, and She Will Be Loved is still (in my opinion) a household anthem up to this day.

I love this band not only because of their frontman - ultimate eye-candy and fit rocker Adam Levine, but because this band never fails to deliver music that speaks to your soul. Although the band decided to wander down a different route this time around - with the playful pop-centric genre blasting in your ear - they still managed to put out a solid album that deserves to be listened to.

Admittedly, not all of the songs made it to my favorites list, but here are the songs I feel are at the top of their game:

One More Night

• The album started with this catchy song, and pretty soon it wouldn't leave my head! All of the "oohs" at the start already had me going.
• FAVORITE LINE: Baby there you go again, there you go again, making me love you
• BONUS FEATURE: The video is incredibly captivating, with Adam Levine portraying a hot father who plays boxing. His skills may not be up to par, but can you resist his charm? 

Payphone (featuring Wiz Khalifa)

• This song may be way too mainstream by now, as it is being played in the radio over and over again. Being the band's lead single, this song is catchy, filled with heartbroken lyrics to echo everyone's pain. Wiz Khalifa raps up the bridge, bringing a whole pop twist to the usual gritty edge of the band. Still a good song for me!
• BONUS FEATURE: The music video has car chases, explosions, a beautiful blonde and a handsome man, complete with pyrotechnics at the background. The story's bland, but then again, it's the song that counts. 
• FAVORITE LINE: Even the sun sets in paradise

Daylight

• One of my favorites, and the chorus is just breathtaking. The drums bring out a some sort of Ryan Tedder feel, and the "oohs" in the chorus mimic the great Chris Martin, someone I absolutely love. This is a sweet, mid-tempo track that keeps me longing for more.
• FAVORITE LINE: The sky is getting back, the stars are burning out, somebody slow it down

The Man Who Never Lied

• Adam portrays himself as "the good guy" in the song, stating that, to put it bluntly, he was the man who never lied. The energy in this song is undeniable, with a memorable hook to have it stuck in my head. This track is one of the most memorable for me, since I usually go after the catchiest ones, and this goes to the top in my book. 
• FAVORITE LINE: I just couldn't break your heart like you did mine yesterday

Love Somebody

• This track screams POP all over, and is probably Maroon 5's most pop influenced song today. It's a song that would most likely be heard in clubs all around the world, giving you the feeling of just dancing your emotions away. It starts off slow, building up to an anthemic chorus. Although Maroon 5 is known for it's rough edge, this pop song is still a great one. 
• FAVORITE LINE: But if I fall for you, I'll never recover/ If I fall for you, I'll never be the same and I know we're only halfway there but you'll take me all the way, you'll take me all the way

Sad

• As stated in the title, this song defines the word "sad". It's simple, with just the piano keys accompanying the song, as well as sincere.  Even though this ballad doesn't surpass the ultimate success of Sunday Morning or Just A Feeling, this is still a note-worthy track with lyrics that showcases the band's vulnerability.
• FAVORITE LINE: Oh but I'm scared to death that there may not be another one like this/And I confess that I'm only holding on by a thin, thin thread

Beautiful Goodbye

• Easily one of my favorites on the album. Such a feel good song, with the guitar strings giving it such a happy mood. The chorus gets me singing the song over, and over, and over again. The bittersweet message and the happy-go-lucky melody could have been on any previous record they let out, and it proves to be a classic one by now.
• FAVORITE LINE: And I remember your eyes were so bright/When I first met you, so in love that night

Wipe Your Eyes

• A track on the deluxe edition, I believe this song should've been part of the original album tracklist. The eerie melody at the start got me confused, but as it kept going on, it harmoniously brings the song together. It's a wonderful addition to the song, and the lyrics are just perfect. The heavy chorus does it for me, as I feel like Adam's pouring his heart and soul onto the song, which is what a true musician should convey.
• FAVORITE LINE: Tonight before you fall asleep, I'll run my thumb across your cheek/Cry 'cause I'm here to wipe your eyes

It's a complete shame that I won't be able to see this legendary band live here in Manila, but to all those who are going, have fun and send my love! 

Support Maroon 5 and buy OVEREXPOSED on iTunes!

Overexposed (Deluxe) and Overexposed (Regular)

PLAYLIST: Happy Days ♡

DOWNLOAD Just a quick playlist I threw together for you guys. There are only 5 songs, but it's enough to fight those days when the doom and gloom are close to taking over. I hope you enjoy these songs as much as I do, and remember - support the artists you find below by buying their EPs/albums/whatnot if you like them!

1. A Little Thing Called Love - Misty Miller
2. Be OK - Ingrid Michaelson
3. I Do Adore - Mindy Gledhill
4. Perfect - LIGHTS
5. Uncharted - Sara Bareilles

FASHION: MUSIC FESTIVAL INSPIRED ☮

Music Fests are usually the hottest events during the summer. This gives people a chance to socialize with others who have the same interests as them, particularly on the topic of music. Also, it unleashes a season wherein fashion is taken to a whole new level. From tribal chic, to an innocent indie, even rock n' roll, fashion becomes a platform for free expression during music festivals. Here are some trends that embodies the true meaning of this event! 

Tribal chic never goes out of style. It has such a laid back feel, exuding a sense of being carefree and natural. The colors all compliment each other, and it's perfect for showing your sense of style in the most natural way possible! 

 If you want to channel the innocent vibe, pastels and dainty skirts do the trick. Casual sneakers balance out the whole look, and the hints of gold seen in the accessories makes your girly aura come to life. Don't overdo it though; make sure that the outfit is well-pieced together, yet simple at the same time. Comfort over style!

And last but not the least, the most perfect outfit for any music festival! A band t-shirt is a great key staple, but don't practice hypocrisy and wear a band on the shirt you don't know. More often than not, you will be criticized as well, so wear it loud and proud! Denim shorts and black high tops tie it whole together, while the oversized cardigan mutes out the whole rock ensemble. 

What's a good outfit without good hair? Here are some examples on how to complete your look: 

The waterfall braid is an effortless way to style your hair. It's fun, it's easy, and it makes your hair stand out! It looks better on long hair with natural waves, so if it fits your hairstyle, this one is for you. 

The messy bun is the oldest trick in the book. It's classic, sophisticated, yet practical. This style is a great way to highlight your facial features, as well as keeping you looking fresh throughout the day. To hold it in place, you can use bobby pins for a neater look. 

Another quirky braid frenzy, the fishtail braid is being used by girls all over the world. A different take on the typical braid, the fishtail uses two separate sides of the hair, with strands weaving towards the inside of the part. It's a flirty look than can give your outfit a feminine twist. 

If you want to let your hair loose, you can accessorize with a headpiece. Be creative with this one! Whether it be flowers, a tribal headband, or an antique hand-me-down, a head piece can tie your outfit together. 

One of the craziest - yet hip - hairstyles, dip-dye! This is the latest trend in season; a lot of Hollywood celebrities walk out with this trend. Here's a simple tutorial from The Beauty Department to show you how you could create this simple style at home! 

Last but not the least, we can't leave a music festival post hanging without some great tunes. Here's a simple playlist to amp up your mood and to help you feel the festival vibes anywhere! 

Music Festival - Synergy Online Playlist

MUSIC: WMYB Dance Rock Extended Remix ♡

(Copy-pasting from my blog because I'm original like that) So I came across this remix on Tumblr today and it's probably one of the best remixes ever. I rarely get excited over these things so me posting this song everywhere means something. This is for our readers who are fans of One Direction like us aka pretty much everyone. You can download this song here.

FEATURED: Katie Sky ♡

Meet Katie Sky (that is, if you haven't already) - a fantastic artist I discovered through this video. Her cover of Better Together by Jack Johnson was the soundtrack to it, and I never really bothered to google her at first, but after watching the video again a couple of days later, I got curious. I'm pretty glad I did too, because Katie has proved to be one of my favorite top artists ever. The fact that she doesn't have to force her voice to sound really pretty makes all the more special. Her high-pitched voice is so effortlessly beautiful, much like the person she is. She makes sure to respond to all her fans on twitter and though that may seem like a small thing, it means a lot to her fans. I'd know. I freaked out when she followed me.

Anyway, not that it matters, but Katie is soooooooooo cute. I can't even handle it! Haha. If you watch her videos on Youtube, it's apparent how much she enjoys what she does. She's not just singing words off a paper, she's truly performing. There's a difference between just singing and actually performing a song. I'm looking forward to being able to see her live in the near future. Katie Sky live in the Philippines doesn't sound too far away. At the rate of how much attention she's already gaining, Katie's going to sell out arenas and stadiums pretty soon.

Think I'm exaggerating? Listen to her single and if it doesn't make you want to dance/squee with joy, then I owe you a cookie and a sad puppy award.

We were lucky enough to be able to interview her before she got too famous and hard to contact so without further ado, here it is! :)

1. Tell us about yourself.

Hi :) My name's Katie, I'm very loud and i talk all the time. I drink about 15 cups of tea a day and i wear ridiculously colourful jumpers from charity shops. Music is my life and i intend for that to NEVER change!

2. How did you start?

Well me and my 2 sisters used to do 3-part harmonies whilst we were washing up to make the time pass quickly lol! I guess i was about 9 years old then. I wrote my 1st song when i was 14 and recorded it on a tape! My, How technology has changed haha!

3. How would you describe your sound? 

I would describe my sound as catchy pop with a soul :) I don't want my songs to be plastic pop with lyrics that don't really mean anything. I always want each one of my songs to mean something different to me, i want them to be real, genuine and HONEST.

4. Who is/are your musical inspiration/s? 

I get my inspiration from so many artists, it would be hard to name all of them but here are a few - Robyn, Marina and the Diamonds, Eliza Dolittle, Corrine bailey Rae, Natasha Bedingfield and Regina Spektor.

5. Why did you choose to go into the music industry?

I didn't really choose it as such. I've always wanted to do music, and to have a team of people around you, believing in your music and helping you achieve all your dreams, you wouldn't wanna be anywhere else but in the music industry!

6. What makes you different from all the other musicians? 

I guess im different in that i will never act like a big pop star, no matter what, i never want to become a diva! Some of my followers on twitter tweet me things like "You're my idol!" and i tell them all the time that i'm just human, I'm just the same as them, we are all equal :)

7. Tips for aspiring musicians?

Keep song writing! And doing loads of gigs, even if its open mic nights (I've done SO many of them!). The more you perform, the better you'll get and the more you'll grow as a musician :)

If you like Katie, please support her by doing at least one of the following:

• Download her EP on iTunes.
• Like her on Facebook.
• Follow her on Twitter.
• Subscribe to her on Youtube.

She also has a couple of free covers up on her official site so just check it out! To Katie, if you're reading this - on behalf of Synergy Online, I want to let you know that we will always be here to support you in whatever you do and we'll always be fans. We love you and can't thank you enough for allowing us to interview you. Kisses!

MONTHLY PLAYLIST: July

DOWNLOAD: BEA | NINA 

The theme for July's playlist is basically about songs that could work as a soundtrack to someone's life if it were a movie. Inspired by the countless films we've seen, we hope you enjoy the songs just as much as we do. Whether you feel like singing your lungs out being the rockstar that you are, or feeling like you're in the middle of an emotional break-up scene on the streets of New York, listen to this playlist. You won't regret it.

FEATURED: Great Elk ☮

Paul Basile - guitar, vocals

Patrick Hay - guitar, backing vocals, temp

Bryan Trenis - keys

Tommy Harron - bass, backing vocals

Adam Christgau - drums

I discovered this band this year, since Nina referred them to me, and I got hooked on ever since. I'm the type of person who listens to anything - as long as it made me feel good - and this band did just that. They're the whole package, and their album is on my sleep playlist. Don't get me wrong, this is the biggest compliment ever, since I only allow the best of the best to serenade me to sleep before I head on to dreamland. That's how amazing they are.

Started by Paul Basile with constant collaborator Patrick Hay in 2009, they soon became a five-piece band that continued to make bittersweet symphonies so delicate and pure, they can be classified as the sweetest of ear candy. Their self-titled EP garnered praise from The Wall Street Journal, and their second EP entitled February followed soon after. 

Their full length album, entitled Autogeography, consists of 11 songs that encapsulates the true essence of this band. It kicks off with the anthemic The Weight Of The Sea, and the steady beat of the drums creates a good start for this infectious album. My personal favorites are Oh, my Home, my Ohio, and Liquid. With lyrics such as "Well, love is a liquid/So fix yourself a drink/I hope you sip it slow/and never come down" and "I knew each rock and tree limb/knew each smell and sound/land and body sewn together/silent and profound", how could you resist delving in to the wonderful world of Great Elk? 

Read this interview we conducted with one of the members of the band, and find out the reasons why they're on the top of my favorite list right now.

1. Tell us about yourself/your band/group.

Great Elk is a five piece band of charming young men who live in New York City. Between them they like folk music, country, jazz, hip-hop, pop and most things in between. Above all they like rock music and strive to make some of a sort that meets their own high standards of what makes a good song.

2. How did you start?

For a chunk of my twenties I lived in rural Alaska. During that time I started getting serious about writing and performing songs. Once people started to say nice things it became apparent that rural Alaska was not the best place to pursue this interest. In 2006 I decided to move back to New York. I spent some time figuring out how this whole mess works and in 2009 started Great Elk with Patrick Hay, our guitar player. Soon after we linked up with the rest of the guys who have all been part of the band for the last couple of years - Tommy, Bryan and Adam. Thus began Great Elk.

3. How would you describe your sound?

We like to think our music sounds like a hurricane petting a kitten.

4. Who is/are your musical inspiration/s?

I swear this my favorite question. Hmm. Lately we've mostly been telling folks we sound something like if Wilco, Death Cab for Cutie, Band of Horses and Neil Young had a sensitive little rock baby, but that's weird. I don't think there's any question that everything we listen to influences us. That means that everything from Mozart to Benny Goodman to The Beatles to Phil Collins to U2 to Nirvana to Arcade Fire to Bon Iver influences what we do; it all sinks in and comes out in the music we create. I love that.

5. Why did you choose to go into the music industry?

I don't think anyone really "chooses" to go into the music "industry". For most of us that make music, the industry part isn't much fun. We make music because it is the thing we love most. We continue to do it (and work miserable day jobs to support it) because we truly love it that much. Really, we don't have a choice; we have to make music. Unfortunately, there's this whole business that goes along with it.

6. What makes you different from all the other musicians?

I don't think there's any question that we're better looking. Wait, which other musicians did you mean?

8. How did you come up with the name?

In college, for a time, I was pretty obsessed with the irish poet Seamus Heaney. He wrote a poem called "Bogland" that caught my attention and imagination in particular. In it he refers to "the Great Irish Elk... an astounding crate full of air". For years that image stuck with me and for better or worse, when it came time to name the band I remembered that poem. We figured it would be best to omit "Irish" from "Great Irish Elk" so as to avoid confusing anyone. It seems we've failed.

7. Tips for aspiring musicians?

Make the music you want to make, not the music you think the world wants to hear. And record it well. 

9. Anything else?

That about covers it for me! Thanks for the questions!

Great, great artists, as well as people. They deserve all the success in the world, and I wish them the best. With the music they make and the stories they tell, they will surely inspire people from all over the world. Please do check them out and send them your love!

• Visit their site: Great Elk
• Like them on facebook: Great Elk Facebook
• Follow them on twitter: Great Elk Twitter
• BUY THEIR ALBUM: Autogeography and iTunes

ENJOY!!!! 

BAND OF THE MONTH: Native Roses ♡

L-R: James, Jessica, Moses, Jacob

Rising from the ashes that was Modern Fighting Vehicles, Native Roses has been one of my very few favorite bands since I first discovered them late last year, if I'm not mistaken. One of the very few ensembles equipped with not only raw and amazing talent, the band is also graced by four of the nicest musicians to walk this planet. They're quite witty too, judging by their answers in the short interview we conducted through e-mail, but more on that later.

Whenever my friends ask me for new songs/artists/bands they could have a listen to, the first thing that almost always escapes my lips are the following words: "Listen to Native Roses. You won't regret it." Regardless of whether these people listen to Mumford & Sons or Nicki Minaj, my answer is always the same.

Quoting their website, "Native Roses has swelled its ranks with such darlings as Jessica and Jasmine (aka Birdy), who has subsequently landed a great solo recording contract with Atlantic." Which is funny, really, because I discovered them through Birdy (Moses' younger sister who is also one of my favorite artists). I'll admit I was having second thoughts about giving them a listen at first, but they proved to be worth a listen.

Their sound could be described as a mixture of folk, pop, and rock, so it's hard not to want to sing along in your bedroom with a hairbrush for a microphone as their music plays at the highest volume. Don't deny it, because I know I would.  Here, have a sample of their EP and tell me - HOW CAN YOU NOT RESIST SINGING ALONG TO THAT?



The members, aka James (who I've likened to know as the fuzzy teddy bear with an unsurprisingly relaxing voice), Jessica, Moses, and Jacob plus the rabbit are definitely ones to watch. I'm excited to see how big they become this year and I'm definitely willing do whatever it takes to help get their name out there. They deserve all the attention they're getting and more. With all the combined talent they have, I'm convinced they're set to become something big. Native Roses is unique, and not a single one of their songs have been a let down so far. I can't wait to hear more of their future songs, but anyway, here's the short interview I was talking about earlier. My love for this band multiplied after I read their answers. They keep things short and sweet... and not to mention funny.

1.   Tell us about yourself/your band/group.

Native Roses are Jacob, James, Jessica and Moses and we are a blend of Brighton flavoured Folk, Pop and Rock.

2.   How did you start?

With some instruments, a Bird, a Pigeon and bucket load of noise that sounded like it could one day be an album.

3.   How would you describe your sound?

We spend so much time making it we find it very difficult to say. It's big, rhythmic and stuffed full of harmonies. If you tweet @NativeRosesUK on or after July 2nd we'll send you our latest single for free and you can decide for yourself.

4.   Who is/are your musical inspiration/s?

David Bowie, Dr Dre, JJ Cale, The Police and the top ten R&B songs from the 90's.

5.   Why did you choose to go into the music industry?

When we were kids it seemed like the best way to get chicks. Now we're older it's the only thing we're good at.

6.   What makes you different from all the other musicians?

There's a rabbit in our band.

7.   Tips for aspiring musicians?

Don't have a rabbit in your band.

8.  How did you come up with the name?

It's the name of a painting by Brett Whiteley. His paintings are completely wild, indescribable. It was like there was a hurricane in his imagination. We have a book in our house that's got some crazy stuff in it and it's called Native Rose.

9.   Anything else?

Thanks for having us! X X X X 

They were also nice enough to send us a photo that apparently no one else has (and it has the rabbit in it too). It's a really adorable photo. Have a look yourself!

And that's about it! If you liked them, please do at least one of the following to show your support for them! Thanks!

• Purchase their EP on iTunes
• Like them on Facebook
• Follow them on Twitter
• Add them on MySpace
• Subscribe to them on YouTube

Oh and before I go, here's a quick video of 'Colours' which is my favorite song of theirs. Birdy sings in this song as well. It was before she got signed to her label. :) Enjoy!