Big Picture Media just had their CMJ showcase and Modern Frequency was invited. From the soulful-bluesy sounds of Jocelyn and Chris Arndt and Malia Grace to the rockabilly southern roots of The Gills to the indie rock style of Slow Down, Molasses, all bases were covered last night at BPM’s CMJ music showcase, which spotlights the best in new music once every year.
Modern Frequency interviewed many, if not all of the acts, at this year’s festivities. We start with the founding member of Canada’s Slow Down, Molasses, Tyson McShane. Unfortunately due to camera issues, some of the interviews had to be written out, but enjoy the ones that were taped as well.
How did Slow Down, Molasses come to fruition?
It’s been a lot of years. It actually started just myself solo. I started adding members to aide in the touring and recording process.
You’ve been compared to Broken Social Scene. Were they an influence on you guys?
Yes, definitely. In some ways, when I see them do interviews they would reference the same bands we like.
The new album, Burnt Black Cars sounds more aggressive compared to your first album.
Our first album, Walk Into the Sea, we played a lot of acoustic guitars and it was more of a laid back album. Walk Into the Sea brought us to Europe and just from playing it live, we got more aggressive with it. So that helped fuel the aggressiveness of Burnt Black Cars.
What is the inspiration behind the single, “Home”?
We actually were approached to do a song for a movie that didn’t make the cut to it. A friend of mine asked us to write about it. I hammered it out in a day’s time. We just got done with a European tour. It’s a song about finding your place.
What do you think it will take to break into the States as a Canadian band?
I have no idea. We had luck being invited to CMJ and South By Southwest. I think we just have to continue touring as a band, find our niche, and go from there.
Malia Grace Interview
Blues pop singer Malia Grace has a touch of country as she hails from Texas. From playing CMJ to Jimmy Fallon, Grace took the stage with confidence and her sexy sense of humor.
Your single “Mama Didn’t Raise No Fool” was written in a parking lot of a church.
Yes, that is correct. I wrote the song in a parking lot of a church where I was employed at the time.
What is the writing process like for you?
My writing process is very inspirational based. The best songs are when the lyrics come naturally when you are washing the dishes or driving the car. That’s when it comes natural for me.
Your sound is a mix between country and pop. Is that the sound you are striving for?
No not really. It’s more soul pop. Country is somewhat unexpected. I think that came from my roots being from Texas, but I do love country music.
Your EP is currently out. What was the studio experience like?
The studio experience was so much fun. I got to work in two different studios. The first was when I worked in a church house. The second was a new studio in Austin as well. The experiences were amazing. I’d do it everyday.
You played Jimmy Fallon recently.
Well, when they shared my single, my hands shook and my heart raced. It was exciting—very humbling and validating as an artist. You are scared if the public might not like your music, but when Jimmy Fallon gives it the seal of approval, you feel pretty good.
Is this your first CMJ?
I like it so far. Being from Austin and all, it feels like South By Southwest before it got big.
Los Angelics Interview
A band that pays homage to their hometown is one thing, but to hail from the city of Los Angeles is whole other thing. Competition is fierce just like here in NYC, but how do you stand out from the crowd? Simple, with an energetic live show and hope that your music connects to listeners in some way. That is the foundation of Los Angelics.
We talked to the band about this and more at the continuation of CMJ.
I hear a lot of No Doubt in you guys. Were they an influence on you?
Not directly, but I think we liked Tragic Kingdom. We were definitely fans of them. I think it’s a Los Angeles thing.
What advice do you give newcomers and do you find it difficult yourselves finding a niche in the music industry?
Our advice is to keep going. It’s not as difficult as making the EP. It finally got a bit easier and we are settled in. Making the EP though was a lot of work.
What makes Los Angelics stand out in the L.A. scene right now?
Nobody sounds like us in L.A. right now. There are no guitars, but yet we are considered a rock band. The whole live show is live and energetic as well.
EP is out, what’s next for you guys?
We are writing for our full length right now and after the tour we go into production.
For more on Jocelyn & Chris Arndt, the Gills, HIGHS, and A Love Like Pi, please check out the video below.
