Ready, aim, fire. Attempting to accomplish anything in this life requires focus, determination, and persistence, but when it comes to the really big stuff? Hopes and dreams kind of stuff? Well, that’s when it pays to know what you want out of your time here on the planet. And there’s no better way to figure it out than to sit down and make yourself a little list entitled BEFORE I DIE.
We gave six featured artists from a little upcoming west coast party called youbloomLA 2016 (you might have heard of it) three blank spaces and asked them to fill them in with the three most important accomplishments they hope to one day claim as their own as musicians in this crazy business – before they croak, of course.
Chris Meck, Chris Meck and The Guilty Birds:
1 | I want to get back to Europe.
2 | A better van and a decent hotel at the end of the night.
3 | Make better records, and more people to hear them.
With a distinctive growl and guitar blues driven by swelling organs and sweet backup vocals, Chris Meck and the Guilty Birds is a group doing serious justice to the soulful road-worn blues rock that so many people love. Every detail on 2016’s It’s 4am Somewhere album has been meticulously seen to, and the result is uplifting, nostalgic, and note perfect. For fans of: The Black Keys, Tom Waits, Jeff Healey
The Magnettes:
We want to…
1 | Top the Billboard chart.
2 | Play stadiums.
3 | and, you know, end patriarchy.
The very sultry Magnettes serve up slick, smart electro pop shot through with dark and alluring images, raw and beautiful feats of vocal acrobatics, and a confident hold on the music. It makes for extremely pleasurable listening – for daydreamers and nightcrawlers alike. For fans of: Purity Ring, Active Child, MNDR
Jon Goodhue, vox, 3 By Design:
1 | Travel the world playing music.
2 | Share the stage with some of my musical influences.
3 | Be successful enough to sustain myself with a comfortable life financially.
Big soulful vocals meet crunching guitars, punchy drums, and an arena-ready energy in a band that seem – even at first listen – to be larger than life. Production on tracks from this year’s release Enemy build on the band’s evolution as serious musicians. Think cranking rock radio on an epic road trip. For fans of: HIM, Alter Bridge, Finger Eleven
Alex Ayala-Guzman, Lezayr:
1 | Be produced and collaborate with Dave Grohl. That’s a big one. I respect him as a musician and I feel like he would be great to work with.
2 | Play a big music festival. It could be any of them, however the Mexican Vive Latino would be a really big stepping stone personally. I want to be able to hear people singing along to my songs.
3 | I’d like to win a Grammy. I know it may sound like a big goal but I am working hard to get there.
An incredible and unexpected mix of Spanish language anthems and ballads and punk-infused indie rock tracks that will have you up on your feet and rocking out before you know what’s hit you. A true crossover act, they serve up catchy hooks and impressive vocals, all while appealing to fans across language, culture, and genre lines. Fantastic. For fans of: Une, 5 Seconds of Summer, My Chemical Romance
Dirty, Dirty and Nasty:
1 | Create a Broadway production style show for an album (like The Yeezus tour).
2 | Have at least one or two sold-out performances in both Europe and Japan.
3 | Create band merch collaborations with some of my favorite streetwear groups.
Eclectic, exploratory hip-hop that pulls no punches. The chemistry between Dirty and Nasty is colossal; together they capably tackle a range of different compositions, from sexy grooves to party anthems and rhymes to make you stop and think. This is an act that’s going places, and you really want to be there to see their live show before they blow up. For fans of: Black Milk, J Dilla, Digable Planets
Simone Simon, Turning Violet:
1 | To be a locally well-known and respected band that draws a consistent crowd would be a lot of fun.
2 | To be signed by a well-respected indie label would be cool.
3 | To occasionally go on short tours with other bands that are our friends would also be great.
Unmistakable indie pop perfection, with sizzling beats, jangling guitars and impeccable harmonies, Turning Violet bring a lot to the table. Songs are carefully arranged, smartly crafted, and perfectly produced; they’re a DIY wonder you simply have to see live. For fans of: Marina and the Diamonds, Gabrielle Aplin, Lisa Hannigan
So what’s on your BEFORE I DIE list? Let us know in the comments below.
