*CREDIT THE PHOTOGRAPHER IF IMAGES USED, PLEASE! NO EDITING AND/OR REMOVAL OF WATERMARK(S)*
cover art was designed and donated by artist David Foarde (Instagram: @DavidFoarde)
Music has always been a space for expression and creative thought. Music for Everyone, a compilation album created by many incredible artists, is set to do just that by creating an album that counteracts the discrimination of today. All proceeds from this compilation will go to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in hopes to shed light on unconstitutional acts still going on today. John Nolan (Taking Back Sunday) has organized this wonderful compilation and is here to talk to us more about it and their summer tour!
DANIELLE: Hey John! Can you tell us a little about the compilation as a whole?
JOHN NOLAN: I had the idea to do a benefit comp for the ACLU shortly after the election. Originally I was just going to contact some friends in bands and put it together myself. As I talked to people about it more of them wanted to help out. My friend Mike, from Collective Confusion got involved, then Taking Back Sunday's manager Jillian and then Sub City records. They all helped make this into something much bigger and better than I imagined.
D: ACLU has such a huge impact on our society today; how is it working towards such an incredible cause?
JN: It's been really exciting to do something to contribute to what the ACLU is doing. And to be able to do it by getting people together to put out new music has been a lot of fun.
D: A lot of artists have come together for this, how has that been? Everyone seems so involved.
JN: When you look at the list of bands on the comp it's amazing. There are so many great artists and it's really diverse musically as well. It's been unbelievable to see everyone coming together for a common cause.
D: What can you tell us about your involvement and passion for ACLU and what they stand for?
JN: I've been following the ACLU and contributing to them for years. I really appreciated what they were doing during the Obama administration. They were fighting them on issues that a lot of people on the left wouldn't acknowledge. It was that commitment to a cause rather than a political party that drew me to them. When Trump won the election I knew their fight was going to become even more important and more difficult.
D: How have the reactions been from fans so far?
JN: It's been really positive. I actually haven't gotten any negative feedback from anyone yet.
D: How do you feel that the compilation as a whole is different than let’s say, voicing your opinions over social media?
JN: There's the saying that actions speak louder than words. It's kind of a cliche but it's true. Everyone involved in this compilation is taking action. That's going to have more of a positive and lasting effect than all of us just giving our opinions on social media.
D: I think a lot of people today are scared to voice their opinions because of a lot of backlash; what advice would you have for people who want to be more involved?
JN: I'd say find a way to take action. Find organizations that work for causes you believe in and get involved. Look into what's happening in politics at a local level and go support and vote for the candidates you believe in.
D: If you could pick one or two songs off the compilation for people to really pay attention to, what would they be and why?
JN: Man, it's really hard to single out one or two songs. There are so many great ones. If I have to pick though, I'd say Seasons Greetings From Ferguson by Dave Haus and Both Ways by Kevin Devine. There's a lot to unpack in the lyrics to both of those songs. The statements they make are really powerful and profound.
D: Being a band for so many years, I’m sure you have found your favorite spots to tour. What would those be and why?
JN: New York City has always been on of my favorite places to play. We started out on Long Island and some of our first big shows were in Manhattan. There are a lot of good memories for us there and it still feels like coming home. The city also just has such a unique and amazing energy to it so being out and about before and after the show is always great.
D: You have fans from all over screaming your lyrics; is it still surreal to you to hear them all? How does that feel to see everyone singing along?
JN: It's not as surreal as it used to be but it's always amazing. To be able to experience that every night on a tour makes me feel so incredibly lucky.
D: Finally, how can people get the compilation?! I know plenty of us will be running out to grab it!
JN: The best way to support the ACLU is to buy the comp! You can also check it out on Spotify. Thanks!
Music for Everyone has so many different feelings and emotions towards it; everyone will be able to connect and attach to one song. One of my personal favorites while listening has definitely been “Birdless Cage” by The Republic of Wolves. Go buy it and check it out! Also, don’t forget to check out Taking Back Sunday on tour this summer!
D: What does this compilation mean to you?
JONO: With the division and uncertainty of our country, it's urgent that artists use our voices to bring people back together. This compilation lets us use our art and reach to raise awareness of music fans who normally wouldn't be involved in politics or charity. I hope it has a snowball effect and more and more people start getting involved to make us treat people like people again.
D: How excited are you to be apart of it?
J: I'm very excited not only to be affiliated with so many great musicians, but the cause itself. I'm a firm believer of the ACLU and they've shown several times even in the last few months that they can win against injustice and inequality. This is important and I love that Baggage gets to be involved.
1. Anti-Flag - Buried The Shame (DEMO) 01:47
2. Chris Farren - Always 01:58
3. Taking Back Sunday - Just A Man 03:36
4. Potty Mouth - Twisted 02:56
5. Travis Hayes - Honest Man (Live At Nu-Tone) 03:44
6. Gift Of Gab (ft. Taking Back Sunday) - When Justice Comes 02:37
7. Kevin Devine - Both Ways (Acoustic) 02:58
8. Dave Hause - Season's Greetings From Ferguson 03:14
9. Allison Weiss - Break My Heart 02:41
10. Brett Newski - I'm Paranoid 02:43
11. Brendan Kelly And The Wandering Birds - Boardin' USA 02:10
12. Anthony Green - Spanish Moss 03:30
13. James Dewees & John Nolan - Believe In Me 03:28
14. Frank Iero - Getting Into Heaven Can Be Hell 02:04
15. Modern Chemistry - The OverThinker 03:24
16. Baggage - Half Full 04:05
17. Secret Space - Point Of Change 02:57
18. Jared Hart - Heads Or Tails 04:02
19. Cameron Boucher - sinn 02:09
20. Dead Heavens - Straight Outta Blindness 03:36
21. The Republic Of Wolves - Birdless Cage 05:32
22. Answering Machine - City Of Glass 02:38
23. Cassino - Corvette 05:14
24. Rationale - Space Angela 02:58
25. Gravel Kings - American Skies 03:50
26. Sleep On It - Memorial Day 04:32
27. Lolo - The Day After Tomorrow 05:27
Image courtesy of ACLU website.
THE BREVET (Gallery) September 22nd, 2016
The Hotel Cafe, Los Angeles, CA
Photos by Nicolette Cunningham, twitter, facebook!
More photos here!
*CREDIT THE PHOTOGRAPHER IF IMAGES USED, PLEASE! NO EDITING/REMOVAL OF WATERMARK(S)*
Image courtesy of Reybee, Inc.
The No Name Bar in Los Angeles was packed to the brim with people of all ages buzzing about in delightful conversation on a casual, summer night. Some drank, some ate, everyone admired the intriguing artwork hanging from the walls of this bar that was certainly a hidden gem.
Upon checking in we were informed that “no photos of any kind” would be allowed, including cellphones. I wish we could have documented how amazing our new favorite band, The Brevet, was. But I guess, you’ll just have to check them out for yourself (list of upcoming tour dates at the bottom!)
The crowded room quickly dulled to soft hum as the charming group of men consisting of Aric Chase Damm (vocals/guitar), Michael Jones (piano), David Aguiar (drums/percussion) and Ben Ross (bass) squeezed together on the small stage. The word “Brevet” read in brilliant red and white neon letters above Jones’ piano.
Without a word, Aguiar started the echoing kick drum. They were presenting their latest EP, EMBERS: CH. 2. Man, can this band perform; the music resonating with you on an entirely different level. Their sound has been compared to that of The Lumineers and Mumford & Sons, both of which are spot on. The band performed two of my new favorite songs; “Be Your Man,” which they just released a new music video for and it includes incredible band and fan footage; and “Hold On;” an upbeat yet soulful song purely about holding onto yourself and not letting life cut you down.
The energy within the No Name Bar swelled with pride as family and friends watched these men do what they do best; perform their music and put their entire soul into their craft. Even people like myself, someone who hadn’t heard much of these artists beforehand, knew that they were a band to watch from the second the set foot on stage.
The band has opened for the likes of NEEDTOBREATHE and Young The Giant but I can definitely tell that they’ll be on their own headliner soon enough, helping pave the way for alternative pop-rock bands everywhere.
As they finished their set the four piece jumped off the stage and embraced their family, friends, and fans with open arms, eager to talk about the music they just performed and humbly accept the praise they definitely deserved.
Now, what are you waiting for? Go look up The Brevet; their music is on iTunes, Spotify, and everywhere else music is sold. Fall in love with the band that combines the feel good beats of pop to the freeing vibes of alternative rock.
Event poster courtesy of Reybee, Inc.
• Sept. 9th, Jasper Folk Festival
in Jasper, Canada
• Sept. 10th, Kaledio Fest
in Edmonton, Canada
• Sept. 22nd, Hotel Cafe
in Hollywood, CA
• Sept. 30th, The Fifth
in Anaheim, CA
• Oct. 21st, Rockwood Music Hall
in New York, NY
Reporting by Nicolette Cunningham
