The Weather Report: Imani Givertz

Back in October, our team collectively decided to share our voices in honor of World Mental Health Day. While some people struggle silently, we wanted to open a conversation on mental health in a way that was comfortable and free of judgement. Months later, I asked why couldn’t we continue that conversation? What was once seen as something to be fearful of discussing has turned into a relatable topic that has no boundaries. Our journeys may all be different, but they’re also similar in ways that we wouldn’t imagine.

While attending Launch Music Conference and Festival in Lancaster, PA roughly a month ago, I was surrounded by panels and discussions with industry professionals, musicians, and friends on their journeys with mental health. It sparked something in me that wanted to find a way that would allow having these types of conversations comfortably. During a chat with a talented friend of mine, Imani Givertz, a question came up: if you were the sky, what kind of day would you be? It’s a question that seems simple at first glance, but actually allows for a dialogue that may be difficult to openly talk about. There are plenty of questions to be asked in an interview, but very rarely is someone asked how they are truly feeling. Using this question that Imani brought up, we decided to launch a new column called The Weather Report that will allow those struggling with mental health to talk about how they’re feeling in a genuine and authentic way.

I thought the best person to kick off The Weather Report would be the inspiration behind the column, Imani, a photographer, social media manager, friend, and avid tea-drinker. Working in the music industry for about 8 years, Imani has had the opportunity to tell artists’ stories through photos and writing for publications including Cliche’ Magazine. She has a drive for being an advocate for those that struggle with mental health and to be a friend that walks with people through their mental health journey as she continues to walk through hers. You can read Imani’s Weather Report below.

Vans Warped Tour Announces Final Lineup

Just a few days ago, the final lineup for the 2018 Vans Warped Tour presented by Journeys was revealed in a video from the festival, which can be found below. The final cross-country run will feature acts who have frequently played Warped Tour over the last 24 years as well as up-and-coming acts. Set to play are bands including Simple Plan, 3OH!3, Mayday Parade, The Maine, We The Kings, Reel Big Fish, Underoath, Grayscale, Tonight Alive, and Real Friends, among others.

THE FINAL VANS WARPED TOUR LINEUP
ℹ️ https://t.co/0SrLVv7yyq
🎫 collector ticket on sale now
🎟️ regular tickets on sale March 8th
🎙️ additional special guests TBA#vanswarpedtour #warpedtour #foreverwarped pic.twitter.com/tGhKvbkwiD

— Vans Warped Tour (@VansWarpedTour) March 1, 2018

Kicking off on June 21st in Pomona, CA and wrapping on August 5th in West Palm Beach, FL, the tour will feature newly named stages such as Mutant Red Dawn and Mutant White Lightning which will showcase the best in heavy and hardcore music. Attendees will also be introduced to the FEND Movement (Full Energy, No Drugs), launched in partnership with the Preventum Initiative, which aims to empower young people to make a stand against opiods. Other non-profits and educational workshops at the festival will include A Voice For The Innocent, American Red Cross, Hope For The Day, and To Write Love on Her Arms, to name a few.

“With more non-profits coming out there will be more options for our audience to hopefully get involved before, during, and after the tour. I am hoping that this last year encourages non-profits to partner with bands and for bands to partner with non-profits on their own events and tours once this summer is over.” – Sierra Lyman.

General admission tickets will be on sale March 8th. Early bird tickets and super fan bundles are on sale now. The first 500 tickets sold for each show will be the lowest price and include a digital download of the Official Vans Warped Tour 50-song compilation.

More information can be found at www.vanswarpedtour.com.

Flashback February: STACEY

Back in September, I caught up with STACEY for one of the most stunning sessions I’ve done yet. With the sun setting in New York City, we were treated to a live version of “It’ll Be Alright,” which you can see below. The session also included performances of “Daydreaming” and “First Move.”

Flashback February: Ben Talmi

With quite the impressive resume, Ben Talmi has not only worked on creating music for himself, but has also composed scores and string arrangements for television, film, and artists including Manchester Orchestra. Last year, we caught up with Talmi for an acoustic version of his track “Someday”  and a cover of “Kathy’s Song,” originally by Paul Simon, which you can listen to below!

 

 

Flashback February: Seth Glier

As continue our Flashback February posts this week, we’ve realized that…well…it’s no longer February. This last month flew by and we easily lost track of time. That being said, we’re just going to pretend that it’s February through the end of this week and share with you the remaining sessions we’ve got lined up for you! Let’s jump in, shall we?

We caught up with Grammy-nominated Seth Glier, right before the release of his album, Birds. A personal project for Glier which was written after the passing of his brother, we were treated with a captivating acoustic version of “I’m Still Looking.” Give it a spin below!

Flashback February: The Delta Saints

Following the release of their album Monte Vista last April, we caught up with the band for an incredible stripped down performance of “California” and, my personal favorite, “Sun God” which can be seen below!

The band will be heading out on their Farewell For Now Tour, details can be found over on www.thedeltasaints.com.

Flashback February: Kylie Hughes

Last year, we sat down with Kylie Hughes in New York City for a short acoustic session. Hughes did a stripped down performance of her hit single “Heat,” which can be seen in the player below, as well as “Hungover” which can be seen here!

For more on Kylie Hughes, head on over to www.KylieHughesMusic.com.

Review :: Senses Fail – If There Is Light, It Will Find You

Having passed the midway point of their second decade, it sounds foolish to say Senses Fail may have found out who they want to be, or better yet, who they are.

Going from being pioneers* of the screamo scene during the mid and late-2000’s, then shifting to more of a hardcore act for 2013 and 2015’s Renancer and Pull the Thorns From Your Heart, they’ve never been an act afraid of approaching new territories. With that, a decent chunk, if not most or all, of the credit goes to Buddy Nielsen, the only remaining member from the initial lineup.

To fully appreciate the glow of If There is Light…, I had to revisit the grit of Pull the Thorns From Your Heart. Where the intensity of “The Three Marks of Existence”  from Pull the Thorns… punches your skull in, the opener here, “Double Cross,” grabs you by the collar and pulls you in close; less of a circle pit, more of a crowd surf. It makes good use of one of the handful of instances of screamed vocals on the album, showcasing the album’s range early on – hooks, heaviness, and plenty of heart.

Flashback February: Tribe Society

We previously caught up with Tribe Society in New York City for a stripped down live session where the band performed a few of their tracks including “Problems” and “Secrets,” which can be found below!

Flashback February: Fiona Silver

Last summer, we caught up with Fiona Silver in New York City prior to the release of her debut album, Little Thunder, for a stunning live session. Silver and guitarist Guy Fiumarelli performed four tracks including “Smoking Gun,” which can be found in the player below.