Some seven years or so ago, The Summer Set found huge - bucket-list worthy success. They sold out world tours, got considering airplay and TV spots, and even performed at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. But all the awesomeness took its toll on the band, and they almost broke up. Lucky for us, the Arizona natives didn't. Instead, they - singer Brian Dales, guitarists Josh Montgomery and John Gomez, bass guitarist Stephen Gomez, and percussionist Jess Bowen - took some time off, regrouped, and recorded arguably their best - definitely most personal - album Stories For Monday. The album, which drops tomorrow, reinvigorated the band, and singles like "Missin' You'" and "Jean Jacket" have already resonated with fans and disc jockeys (do they still call them that?) Catch them on the road throughout the year including stops along the Vans Warped Tour.
Earlier this month, The Summer Set filmed an A-Sides at the Music Conservatory of Westchester, performing the
aforementioned pair of songs (their first time playing "Jean Jacket" anywhere live by the way), and sitting down for an informal yet informative chat. How about we all watch it together right now?
"Jean Jacket"
To watch "Missin' You" and the interview, click here.
Like The Summer Set, The Dead Ships will play festivals this spring into summer. They just hit up SXSW in Austin, and um, were hand selected by GoldenVoice organizers to play Coachella next month without a label or booking agent. By the way, they just signed with a label yesterday. Listen to their stuff, and none of what I just mentioned will come as a surprise. Authentic rock still exists - you just have to look for it. The trio (Devlin McCluskey, Alex Moore, and Chris Spindelilus) prove that last statement wasn't bogus - and I just said that like "Bill & Ted." Currently touring off their latest release EP 1 , which was produced by Broken Social Scene's Brendan Canning, the band will release its full-length record later this year. Earlier this month, the trio stopped by the Conservatory to film a session, and chat about Coachella, the record, and everything in-between.
To see the band's exclusive performance of "Seance" and "Big Quiet" click here!
Filmed by Alye Carlevaro
About A-Sides with Jon Chattman:
Jon Chattman's music/entertainment series typically features celebrities and artists (established or not) from all genres performing a track, and discussing what it means to them. This informal series focuses on the artist making art in a low-threatening, extremely informal (sometime humorous) way. No bells, no whistles -- just the music performed in a random, low-key setting followed by an unrehearsed chat. In an industry where everything often gets overblown and over manufactured, Jon strives for a refreshing change. Artists featured on the series include Imagine Dragons, Melissa Etheridge, Yoko Ono, Joe Perry, Alice Cooper, fun, Bleachers, Charli XCX, Marina and the Diamonds, and Bastille.