You are here: Home / Archives for stage presence

MY FIRST TIME: youbloom | HEADROOM #7 with Featured Artists from the youbloomLA 2016 Music Summit and Festival.

By

Being a beginner is never easy, but every great artist started somewhere. Whether it’s making beats on Garage Band alone in your basement, busking on the streets of your town, or churning out your first rock tunes, learning your instrument as you go, your first time playing music leaves its mark on you forever. Often, these experiences become relegated to teenage photo albums – the stuff your parents break out to embarrass you in front of new girlfriends and boyfriends. But for a handful of people the memory they might call MY FIRST TIME plants a seed that blooms into a full-blown passion. Every time we at youbloom organize a new festival, we get the privilege of hearing all about these first band experiences. From the good to the horrible, they always make for a good story.

Read on for MY FIRST TIME stories from five featured artists who will be playing at the upcoming youbloomLA 2016 Music Summit and Festival.

 

MY FIRST TIME

Defacto Thezpian: ‘As a hip-hop artist, I haven’t necessarily been in a band, but I have been in a two-man duo named Cully Base (KUH – lee Base). The group, and how we affected other people, truly inspired me to be involved in music. Cully Base, and all of its experiences, taught me core values I still use to this day.’

Jazzy and creative, Defacto Thezpian’s smart brand of cross-genre hip-hop is mellow and thoughtful; smooth atmospheric instrumental samples ripple beneath incredibly spat rhymes, with a delivery that is sincere and energetic. It makes you listen and it makes you think. Absolutely one to watch. For fans of: Quasimoto, Danger Doom, Edan

MY FIRST TIME

Gray Tolhurst, bass, Coo Coo Birds: ‘I was in a band called Teardrop Raygun in high school. We had kind of an indie-pop sound. Our greatest moment was winning a Catholic middle school Battle of The Bands in Los Angeles. The guitarist from Extreme was the judge and for some reason he liked us. I think it was when I swung my guitar into an audience of frightened middle-schoolers that did it.’

Welcome to your new favorite garage band. Coo Coo Birds bring the fuzz and crunch with all the references to sex, drugs and rock’n’roll essential to doing justice to this timelessly rebellious musical style. They’re groovy, they’ve got swagger, and they write really great rock’n’roll tunes. You’ll love ‘em live. For fans of: The Stooges, The Black Keys, Jay Reatard

MY FIRST TIME

Madi Rindge, singer/songwriter: ‘The first band I was ever in was one called It’s All Relative with my cousin Allie. We literally named our band after the fact that we are relatives! We were about 14 and we wrote songs about our love for the Jonas Brothers. We also put covers up on our YouTube channel of Demi Lovato songs, Jonas Brothers songs, and anything Disney. Talk about obsessed. Sad to say that duo does not exist anymore but we both pursued music careers as artists AND write about things other than the Jonas Brothers.’

One of the most soulful voices we’ve heard in a long time, Madi Rindge serves up the perfect blend of style, substance, and vocal prowess with her sweet, soaring tones and tendency to ake things just a little bit funky. Her tracks take just the right amount of hooks and melodies from indie, dance and pop genres, making her perfect for both dancefloor and the pop charts. For fans of: Selena Gomez, Bridgit Mendler, Gabrielle Aplin

 

B-Rad, drums, Ambiguous Culture: ‘The first band I was ever in was called the Blenders and it was a bunch of homies I knew growing up. The guitarist’s dad was a heavy musician and guitarist and he would coach us through rehearsal. We played all the songs the dad knew and liked to play so mainly Creedence, Cheap Trick, and blues jams. We fucking killed it for being 8-10 yrs old.’
MY FIRST TIME
Andre Sinatra, MC, Ambiguous Culture: ‘To be honest, this is probably my first band I’ve been in with this many people. But it is definitely not my first musical venture. Prior to teaming up with Ambiguous Culture this year, I had actually been performing as a solo rapper under my alias, Andre Sinatra, along with my good friend Josh (aka DJ M-O) for 2 years. I’d rap/sing and he’d spin the beats. Our relationship was very band-like. And for the most part, it was a lot of great and fun times I will never forget.’

If you’re sleeping on Ambiguous Culture, you’re missing some of the most impressive independent hip-hop out there right now. It’s melodious and syncopated, with sick flow and understated, yet tight-as-a-drum beats. Observant and pensive, this is hip-hop for the dreamers. For fans of: Asher Roth, The Cool Kids, Kid Cudi

 

BEFORE I DIE: youbloom | HEADROOM #2 with Featured Artists from the youbloomLA 2016 Music Summit and Festival.

By

You don’t have to have a bucket to have a list: BEFORE I DIE is youbloom | HEADROOM‘s ultimate question: When all is said and done and they’re carving your name into granite, what are the Top 3 things you want to have done with your time in the world of music?

 

Five featured artists from our upcoming youbloomLA 2016 Music Summit and Festival narrow it down for us in this week’s edition of HEADROOM.

 

 

BEFORE I DIE

Dame Neema, F.Y.I.: 

1 | Put out an album on a major label that will be at major retail chains for sale.

2 | Tour the world performing songs from albums I’ve released.

3 | Be considered one of Top 50 MCs of all time

This is smart and seriously well-produced hip-hop that leaves no stone unturned in terms of composition. Every opportunity for a great riff is taken. Every hummable melody and razor-sharp hook is put to use, making for an instantly danceable, ridable, head-noddable record. Do not miss this one. For fans of: Consequence, Rhymefest, The Alchemist

 

BEFORE I DIE

Danny Cieplinski, lead vox, The Vigils:

1 |  I already achieved one of them when we recently recorded She’s Gone. I don’t imagine I’ll ever write another song that’s as important to me personally as that one.

2 | I would love the opportunity to perform our music around the world, in Australia in particular.

3 | Lastly, striving audaciously high here, I would ultimately like to be viewed, at least by some, as the Joe Strummer equivalent of my generation! Gene Vincent, Lou Reed, Phil Lynott, Stiv Bators, Michael Hutchence, Lux Interior, Peter Steele, the Ramones…It’s rather sad and pathetic to think that there’s no one under the age of 50 that comes remotely close to their level, representing and defining Rock ‘N’ Roll the way they did. I like to think it’s never too late. And there can only be one Bowie.

The best thing about rock ‘n roll in the late 50s and early 60s was undoubtedly its IDGAF sentiment, a vibe that’s been echoed through the decades by some of the very best artists and bands to coif their hair and pick up a guitar. The rebels behind the Vigils serve up exactly this calibre of quality rock, keeping the torch lit for generations to come.

For fans of: anything Phil Spector ever touched, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, The Cramps

 

BEFORE I DIE

James Cottriall:

1 | My number one goal has always been my dream from the moment I first strummed a guitar: to play at Madison Square Garden. I don’t care if it’s a sold-out headline show or in the foyer at a convention…I won’t rest until I have played in that building.

2 | The second goal is to play on every continent in the world, including the Antarctic. I’ve already played North America, Europe, Asia and Africa so I am well on my way to achieving this, but there’re still a few to go!

3 | Finally, number three would be to write a song for another artist that became a global smash, so that everyone sang it and loved it but no one really knew it was me responsible for that awesomeness: the unsung hero.

Confessional and heartfelt, with carefully placed synthy elements and a born-for-the-radio pop groove, James Cottriall’s music is as satisfying as a summertime road trip with best friends or the glint in the eye of a new crush. The production is perfection and Cottriall holds his own as a talent to watch. For fans of: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Noah and the Whale, Peter Bjorn and John

 

BEFORE I DIE

Paige Byrd, guitar & vox, The Captain’s Son:

1 | Tour the world.

2 | Get a parody about me/us on South Park.

3 | Build a recording studio in which I record my stuff and help other artists develop.

For fabulously loose-hinged min pop masterpieces, with jangly guitars and a fuzzed-out vibe that resists having the finger put squarely on it, The Captain’s Son sound like they time-traveled to every era of rock n’ roll, taking the very best elements from each and returning with a freakish, beautiful creation that’s impossible to turn off. Brilliant stuff.

For fans of: The Black Keys, early Nirvana, The Lovin’ Spoonful, The Who

 

BEFORE I DIE

Mackenzie Robert, vox & songwriting, HERØINE:

1 | To have never given up.

2 | To have created dialogue around God’s word.

3 | To have created a powerful community for my fans.

Want powerful electro-pop anthems with white hot vocals and made for the dancefloor grooves? Look no further than HERØINE, whose epic, beat-driven tunes are the glorious dance-pop gems you’ve been waiting for. Sure to put on a superb performance at youbloomLA; fans of slick, sexy electro won’t want to miss this. For fans of: Sia, Clean Bandit, Zara Larsson

 

So what’s on your list? If you had to write a BEFORE I DIE, what three things would be most important to you? Let us know below:

BEFORE I DIE: youbloom | HEADROOM #7 with Featured Artists from the Dublin 2016 Music Festival

By

Life is short, so it’s good to have a list of the most important things to accomplish while doing the thing you love most. In BEFORE I DIE, we want to know what youbloomDublin 2016 Music Festival featured artists think should make the cut.

 

before i die

Daryl, Fresh Ré: 

1 | I’d like to do a track with Ty Dolla $ign.

2 |  I’d love to meet up with Zara Larsson.

3 |  Win awards for production.

Some of the youngest artists ever to play at youbloom – and we’re guessing most any other place they’ve played as well – five-piece pop musicians Fresh Ré play modern cover tunes with so much fun and energy they blow musicians twice their age off the stage. They’re sincere, they’re dedicated, and most of all, they’re good. For fans of: Vazquez Sounds, AJ Silva, Leeloo Love.

 

before i die

Siobhan, singer, songwriter, occasional keys & synths, Great White Lies: 

1 | To tour the world playing my music and getting paid!!

2 |  Write a stunning score for a feature film.

3 | Play a belting headline gig at Glastonbury.

Great White Lies blend jazz, 60s soul, and singer-songwriter styles so seamlessly it’s hard to tell what genre you’re helplessly bobbing your head to. Addictively groovy, captivating and skillful tunes. A true surprise. See them live at The Wiley Fox on Wed, June 1 at 11.30pm. For fans of: Natalie Merchant, Stevie Wonder, Minnie Riperton

 

before i die

Nicole Curry, Mo Kenny: 

1 | I’ve always wanted to play Massey Hall.

2 | A Polaris Prize nomination would be neat.

3 | Have one of my songs in a movie.

Canada’s own Mo Kenny is the answer to our singer-songwriter prayers, delivering sweetly sung yet deadly lyrics in a confident, dark style that evokes the take-no-prisoners best in all of us. By turns built on driving rhythms and skulking guitars, Mo’s gives it to us straight with a crisp, clear voice and an instrumental deftness that’s hard to beat. She plays The Grand Social acoustic stage on Wed, Jun 1 at 10.40pm. For fans of: Sky Ferreira, Florence and the Machine, Oh, Land

 

before i die

Dolly Daggerz, vox, Tokyo Taboo:

1 | One of our goals was to be played on BBC Radio 1 and that happened this year! So TICK! Now our goal is to be playlisted and endorsed by a Radio 1 DJ.

2 | Another would be to do an arena tour supporting a well-known band. Don’t care which one! Even if we think they are boring!

3 | Write a blacklist for new musicians and name and shame pay-to-play venues and promoters along with other scamsters!

Catchy, edgy garage pop outfit Tokyo Taboo have outrageous on speed-dial. Crafting ballsy tunes with a grungy edge, the duo demand attention – whether it’s through their relentlessly hard-to-forget hooks or their videos, sun-soaked odes to avant glam fun. You won’t forget these guys. Check them out on The Workman’s Club main stage on Thu, June 2 at 10.10pm. For fans of: Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Louis XIV, The Breeders.

 

before i die

Tom Lucey, singer-songwriter: 

1 | I would love to play the main stage at Electric Picnic. I’ll be going this year again and the vibe is unreal. To be on the receiving end of that would be a dream come true.

2 | Record with Rick Rubin. The list of hits he has and the sounds he comes out with are mind-blowing at times.

3 | Sell out the INEC in my hometown. It’s been host to some of Ireland’s biggest acts and fits 3,000 people. There would be huge pride in doing that.

A true homegrown talent, both vocally and instrumentally, singer-songwriter Tom Lucey marries gentle trad and folk elements into a contemporary sound, crafting an easygoing story-telling style that will please the most avid fans of the genre. It’s soundtrack of your life type stuff. Brilliant. He plays KC Peaches on Thu, June 2 at 8pm. For fans of Tom Rosenthal, Daughter, Villagers

 

before i die

Jay, lead vox, The Smoking Giants: ‘When you are independent like us in this cutthroat business, it’s very hard to answer this question because you set goals to jam as much as you can, you set plans to record,  to book gigs, plan release dates for singles,EPs and videos and so on. So yeah we all want to get a record deal, have the number one album, go on a world tour. That would all be amazing; what band wouldn’t want it?? The Rock N Roll Bible may say ‘Sex, Drugs & Rock’n’Roll, but in our case it’s Sex, Drugs & On The Dole!
The mains thing is to do it for the right reasons. The buzz of playing live is who cares if one person claps? We’re doing it for the love and passion of music and to be playing with lads who feel the same way. I have no goals set beyond continuing to do what I do. Music will always be a part of my life.’

Superbly crafted pop songs to accompany your next big adventure – think road trip into the great wide open – with all the elements in their right place: skillful guitar hooks, driving drums, and anthemic vocals to belt with friends at the top of your lungs. They play The Wiley Fox on Wed, Jun 1 at 10.40pm. For fans of: The Last Shadow Puppets, The Las, Muse

 

What’s on your list? Share your Top 3 in the comments below:

 

MY FIRST TIME: youbloom | HEADROOM #6 with Featured Artists from the Dublin 2016 Music Festival

By

For some, it’s the golden memory to last a lifetime. For others, it’s a horror showreel that haunts those delicate pre-sleep moments and is best left…in the past.

MY FIRST TIME is youbloom | HEADROOM‘s look into the variously-coloured pasts of featured youbloom Music Festival artists and asks them to spill the beans on what they can remember about their very first band experiences. After all, you had to start somewhere. We just hope all the evidence hasn’t been totally destroyed.

 

my first time

Sarah Buckley, singer-songwriter: ‘This is my first band! When I was growing up I didn’t know anyone – family or friends – who played music so I only started playing music as an adult in the last few years!’

Cork native singer-songwriter Sarah Buckley has a talent that is almost colossal in its potential. Her style blends intuitive songwriting with a raw, honest, soulful vocal twang that recalls some of the best acousto-folk and country singers of all time. It’s a pleasure getting lost in that voice. Come see for yourself at The Grand Social acoustic stage on Thurs June 2 at 7.40pm. For fans of: First Aid Kit, Laura Marling, Bon Iver

 

my first time

Damien McFly, singer-songwriter: ‘My first band was named The Shoulder To Cry. I was the only one who could actually play some tunes on the guitar. I had to teach the bass player how to play bass and the keyboard player how to play keys. We played one gig at a birthday party and then it was over. Everything was so funny at that time; one gig and I felt like a rockstar.’

With a voice that recalls the late, great Jeff Buckley and a fervent style that bridges the gap between traditional and contemporary styles, the Italian-born Damien McFly is an exciting find in the world of acoustic singer/songwriters. With stripped back instrumentation and daring melodic choices, he’s one to watch. See him do his thing live on The Grand Social acoustic stage on Thursday, June 2 at 9.10pm. For fans of: Jeff Buckley, Antony and the Johnsons, Ben Harper

 

my first time

Ahren-B: ‘Gateway City was the first, last and only band I’ll be in. It was fun while it lasted; consistency lacked towards the end and we all wanted different things out of music and decided to go separate ways.’

Ahren-B has come a long way since we last saw him, with a sound and style that progresses relentlessly from strength to strength. His latest release, this year’s Friends With The Devil, finds Ahren-B blending blues and gospel inspirations into the mix; a heady brew when you add in his signature social commentary and sharp-as-knives delivery. We love this artist, and know you will, too. Come see him play The Workman’s Club main stage on Wed June 1 at 8.10pm. For fans of: Immortal Technique, Saul Williams, Talib Kweli

 

my first time

Nicola Karen Creighton/Byrne AKA Karmony, backup vox, Stone & Jezreel: ‘At the age of 8 I first sang in the Rathfarnham Inn with my uncle Eddie Creighton and the Pearse Butler Band every Sunday.‘

my first time

Dorothy Momodu AKA JEZREEL, lead vocalist, Stone & Jezreel: ‘Living Waters. (We were) a singing group in secondary school and we sang on Sundays in church. We were actually really good, LOL.’

With fresh lyrics, mixed vocals, laid-back beats, and unusual, addicting instrumental choices, Stone& Jezreel have tapped into the hinterlands of great hip-hop, and are busy blazing new trails to the frontiers of what’s possible in the genre. Infectious and satisfying, they play The Workman’s Club main stage on Wed June 1 at 10.10pm. For fans of: Childish Gambino, Asher Roth, Angel Haze

 

my first time

Dan, bass guitar, Toya Delazy: ‘My first band was a punk/metal band called Dutch Courage. We weren’t too bad for a bunch of angsty teenagers, although we probably spent more time getting silly than actually rehearsing.  But isn’t that the point of being in a band with your best mates?’

Zulu royal (yes, you read that right), jazz pianist, producer and singer-songwriter Latoya Buthelezi spends her days crafting jazz-electro-hip-hop dancefloor fillers that have received critical acclaim in her native South Africa as well as abroad. It’s crisp, smart music with depth and groove from a backing band that have it on lockdown. Don’t miss their show at The Workman’s Club main stage on Wed June 1 at 9.30pm. For fans of: Nicki Minaj, 2 Chainz, Young Money

 

my first time

 Jay, Color Palette: ‘We were called Tension Mounting. And we were horrible! LOL. We did Rage Against The Machine covers, mostly.’

With the epic feel of some of the best to come from the 80s Manchester scene mixed with unexpected elements of hard rock and electronica, this band is a total surprise. We can’t wait to see how this translates live at The Wiley Fox on Friday, June 3 at 11pm. For fans of: The Stone Roses, Bruce Springsteen, Nirvana

 

We’re willing to bet some of you readers have been in bands with questionable material and even more questionable fashion sense — or have seen a band perform for the very first time. What lurks beneath the murky surface of that brain of yours? Share the memories in the comments below: 

WOKE UP THIS MORNIN’: youbloom | HEADROOM #5 with Featured Artists from the Dublin 2016 Music Festival

By

 

Well I woke up this mornin’ | Didn’t feel like myself | Took a look in the mirror | I was somebody else. 

What musical idol would you be if you woke up tomorrow as someone totally different? 

Five featured artists from the upcoming youbloomDublin 2016 Music Summit & Festival share their body-swapping fantasies for another round of HEADROOM.

woke up this mornin'

Dolly Daggerz, vox, Tokyo Taboo: ‘I would like to be Janis Joplin with feathers in my hair singing Cry Baby with all those talky ad libs she does live. She is to me the most amazing artist that ever lived. I would never go back to drugs so she would still be alive today!’

Catchy, edgy garage pop outfit Tokyo Taboo have outrageous on speed-dial. Crafting ballsy tunes with a grungy edge, the duo demand attention – whether it’s through their relentlessly hard-to-forget hooks or their videos, sun-soaked odes to avant glam fun. You won’t forget these guys. For fans of: Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Louis XIV, The Breeders

 

woke up this mornin'

NINA: ‘I’d be Freddie Mercury and perform at Wembley. He was the best showman in the world. I really admire his musicianship and his energy on stage.’

Stunningly talented electro pop queen NINA serves up synth-drenched, sultry tunes that are as dark and reflective as they are smooth and urbane. With top notch production it’s clear this artist is on top of her game, and only just getting started. For fans of: Kavinsky, Salt Ashes, The Motels

 

woke up this mornin'

Tom Lucey, singer-songwriter: ‘I could give so many answers to this but to pick one I’ll have to say Ed Sheeran. He has written music with people whose music I love. Also, his writing is incredible; there isn’t a song of his I don’t like. (He) sold out Wembley and Croke Park and every venue he went to in the past two years. He’s had a pretty amazing few years and it’s only the start. I know people would say you have to pick one of the greats but he will be one of  those in years to come.’

A true homegrown talent, both vocally and instrumentally, pianist Tom Lucey marries gentle trad and folk elements into a contemporary sound, crafting an easygoing story-telling style that will please the most avid fans of singer-songwriters. It’s soundtrack of your life type stuff. Brilliant. For fans of: Tom Rosenthal, Daughter, Villagers

 

woke up this mornin'

Garrett Wall, guitar & lead vox, Track Dogs: ‘Wow, a hard one. I think I’d probably have to say someone who does something I can’t really do, which is solo well on guitar, so I’d probably choose the great gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt or Paco de Lucia, the flamenco legend. To be able to play like those guys would be a trip, no doubt.’

Tongue-in-cheek, fun, Americana from four expats living in Spain. Their influences are broad and spot-on, and the music they make is tight, generous and well-turned-out. We can’t wait for their live show. For fans of: Hayseed Dixie, Old Crow Medicine Show, The Devil Makes Three

 

woke up this mornin'

AERYNN, singer/songwriter (vocals, guitar, sometimes piano): ‘Lady Gaga comes to mind, because she brilliantly did precisely what she needed to do for success in the music industry, catering to media and the pop market, and now she can produce and perform whatever art or music she likes. I really admire her brain. Alternately, Carole King. She was writing songs at such an interesting time in history, when the solo singer-songwriter really flourished, and when we all had longer attention spans!’

Impeccable, confident folk from an artist with alternative rock roots, Aerynn writes songs with grace and intrigue. Her formula strays from too much structure, enjoying refreshing, attention-grabbing rhythmic choices and stream-of-consciousness delivery. A bright take on a classic. For fans of: Judee Sill, Laura Nyro, Bert Jansch

 

What about you? Got an inner Phil Collins you’d want to see looking back at you? Let us know in the comments below. 

Live events your way.

Step into the fan-owned future of music.