So much music out there is empty calories. Sometimes that's quite alright. I mean who doesn't like a nice hook you can dance to and blast out your car window, right? But, more times than not, I want some substance to go along with it. Winterpills are one of those bands, who, for the last ten years, have been releasing one deeply-felt song after another. The indie rockers, who have some clear Americana, folk and pop undertones, just released their seventh full-length album Love Songs, to mark their first decade together. The album may be the New Englanders' best work to date, which is saying quite a lot. Earlier this month, singer/songwriter Phillip Price, the driving force behind the quintet, along with his wife and bandmate Flora Reed performed two tracks off the album and sat down for a chat for A-Sides. Filmed at the Music Conservatory of Westchester in White Plains, NY by Alye Bea Carlevaro , watch and listen as words and music resonate. Get inspired and lay off those empty calories.
"Freeze Your Light"
For more Winterpills - an exclusive performance of "Celia Johnson" and our chat - click here.
Victory Dance formed just over six months ago, but if you listen to any of their songs or watch them interact, you'll realize there's much more history at play here. Like so many rock stories, the band grew out of other bands and people in other bands. If I didn't word that right and you're like "what did that mean?" I'll break it down: Fancy Reagan were a pop band that were signed to a major label and shared stages with such acts as The Roots and Bleachers. They got TV placements, and other accolades. But, things went south shortly thereafter, and members Jason Krebs, Bobby Kay, and Chris Tsaganeas refocused toward starting up a new band. Kenny Collette, who had been in the bands Franchise and Lady Radiator, and Are Jay Helton of The Day Of and Stereo Radio - the latter of which toured Europe- were enlisted and here we are. They dropped their The Spectrum EP last month, and have a series of shows lined up. Earlier this month, they performed some tracks and talked about being here after being there. Watch on.
"Octuplet"
To watch an exclusive performance of "Memphis" and the Victory Dance interview, click here.
A-Sides' "Delve Into Twelve" Countdown
Each week A-Sides unleashes its top 12 tracks of the week AKA the "Delve Into Twelve" based on the following contributing factors: songs I'm playing out that particular week (no matter when they were released -- think overlooked songs, unreleased tracks and old favorites), songs various publicists are trying to get me to listen to that I did and dug a bunch, song posts and trends I've noticed on my friends' Facebook walls and, most importantly: what my toddler is currently enjoying thoroughly with an assist from my infant.
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.